Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Coleen cuddled her grandson, instantly seeing through her daughter's little act. "There you go again, Jade. Let me guess you're about to bug Chad about flying planes."

Sure enough, Jade zipped right over. "Chad, can you fly a plane or not?"

Meanwhile, Mia was off chasing after her son. "Henry! If you keep running wild, I'll make you eat durian for dinner!"

Madison, watching her grandson, smiled. "Wayne and Ash are such angels-so quiet and well-behaved."

Down by the water, Mia crouched to brush the sand off Henry's arms, then took his hand. The two of them-matching faces, her larger hand gently holding his tiny one-made a picture that could melt anyone's heart. Henry toddled along, swinging his other arm, impossibly cute.

Mia walked barefoot through the sand, always keeping an eye on Henry's little feet to make sure he didn't step on any sharp shells.

Andre often thought his young wife was full of surprises-playful when she wanted, sweet when she felt like it, gentle and poised, always knowing just what to do. As a daughter she was lighthearted and pure, as a mom, attentive and careful, as a wife, sweet and obedient. She might look soft and harmless, but she had both him and their son wrapped around her finger.

Before long, Henry spotted his dad hooking up the power supply. He let go of Mia's hand, dashing over to wrap himself around Andre's leg.

Once everything was set up and the moon was shining bright, the sea breeze felt cool and refreshing. The waves crashed against the shore, their sound echoing through the night.

They got the grill going-Bruce was in charge of seafood, Mr. Calder kept adding charcoal, Kendrick flipped the barbecue, and Aaron took care of seasonings.

The men were having way too much fun around the fire, leaving the women no chance to get close.

But the little ones had no problem finding their way in.

Henry wandered over to his uncle. "Uncle, I'm hungry~"

Bruce's grin was so big it practically shut his eyes. "My little guy's hungry? Go grab a snack for now-Uncle will bring you something tasty in a bit.”

Then Henry went to Aaron, wrapping his arms around his grandpa's neck and begging, "Grandpa, come play!"

Aaron, totally smitten, scooped Henry up and handed him the sauce brush. He helped guide Henry's tiny hand as they slathered barbecue sauce on the ribs. Eventually, the smoke got too strong and Henry had to run off, coughing.noveldrama

Wayne and Ash, just a month apart, were being raised like brothers.

Molly was never one for parenting manuals—she just followed her heart.

When the four elegant ladies decided to head to the bathroom together, Molly was left in charge of the kids.

Mia couldn't help but smile. Female friendship: at fourteen, girls go to the

bathroom holding hands; at forty, they still link arms on the way.

As soon as the women left, Molly grabbed a coconut and let the two babies have

a sip. "Isn't that delicious?"

Anya, ever the innocent, asked, "Aunt Molly, can babies drink coconut milk?"

Molly shrugged. "It's all natural, no additives-why not?"

Mia sat nearby, Henry in her lap. She scooped up some mango and fed it to him, then offered a spoonful to each of the babies. "Molly, go easy on the coconut milk. If the kids get sick, we'll need a boat to get off the island and find a doctor tonight."

Molly quickly pulled the coconut away. Henry snuggled comfortably in Mia's arms, eating his mango. Andre came over, checking on everyone. "Is anyone cold? The sea breeze is picking up-make sure you're bundled up."

He draped a blanket from a lounge chair over Mia's shoulders. Every chair had a shawl, and Andre made sure everyone was cozy.

Mia handed her husband the rest of the mango. "Honey, your son couldn't finish this. Want to eat the rest?"

Andre took it without a second thought, happily polishing off whatever was left.