Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Henry, his face tilted skyward, scrambled to his feet and launched himself into his parents' arms. The last thing he wanted to hold onto were his parents.

Mia handed him a shiny chocolate coin, but he tossed it aside, insisting on being cuddled by his mom and dad. This little rascal!

Mia scooped Henry up, gently chiding, "Henry, you're way too young to be such a clingy mama's boy or daddy's boy."

Despite her words, the little guy kept clinging to his mom. When Mia stepped away, Henry turned his attention to his dad, hugging him as the next best option. He couldn't care less about the flashy toys, the red envelopes, or the shiny props on the table-his dad was all he wanted. Andre placed Henry on the carpet, and with a look of pure determination, Henry flipped over, crawled past all the props, little red footprints trailing behind him, and once again cozied up to Andre.

People tried to catch his interest with a toy gun, a drum, a paintbrush, books, and even coins, but Henry didn't spare them a glance.

Molly, always the commentator, chimed in from the sidelines, "Look at my nephew picking his dad during the grab test-proof that wisdom doesn't depend on age."

Everyone gave Molly a skeptical look, wondering if she was just making things up.

Pointing at the assortment of items on the table, Molly said, "Which of these could possibly outshine my Andre's status and worth?"

The room seemed to catch on.

Molly continued, "Why bother with these trinkets? Just holding onto his dad guarantees Henry a future as bright as can be. His dad's the big boss of Cedillo Group, a true leader in business. And as Andre's eldest son, Henry's the heir apparent. That's a much better catch than any of these toys."

The guests nodded in agreement. Made sense!

As Mia reappeared, her son immediately switched gears, snuggling into her arms like the perfect little angel.

"But wait, he reached for me first," Mia pointed out.

Molly replied, "Of course he'd reach for you first, who doesn't know you're Andre's number one? Think about it, by reaching for his dad, my nephew can skip thirty years of struggle. Grabbing you, he's already at the finish line. Whether he chooses you or Andre, his life is destined for greatness."

Henry made little agreeable noises, wrapped around his mom.

Mia looked down at her little crybaby. "Is he really that sharp?"

Cooper chimed in, "Of course, my nephew's got brains."

Mia lifted her chubby little one, peering at his plump, rosy cheeks. "Let's see how clever my boy truly is."

Andre seemed to agree with his sister's theory, giving his son's back a comforting pat. "Henry, say you love Daddy again."

"Pfft, pfft, pfft." Henry giggled, and the room erupted in laughter.

The feast kicked off without much delay, conversations buzzing around family matters, kids, and spouses.

The four single guys, including Hansen, were all nudged to find a partner, Cooper included.

Henry's birthday bash was a perfect opportunity for family, friends, and relatives to come together and catch up.

In a spacious private room, the adults were deep in conversation.

They checked in on Leo, who assured them everything was going well. They discussed Mia's studies, and she shared that she was working hard. They asked about Conner's wedding plans, still in the works, and Cooper's education too. Annie sat across from Chad, who flashed his charming smile her way as he playfully teased his wife, "Molly, you guessed right this time. I'll get you a pork knuckle tonight."

Molly, scrutinizing her husband's hands, cheekily pulled one of Chad's fingers apart, breaking the rules. Chad just laughed, indulging her.

Conner noticed Annie's lingering gaze on Chad and, with a cool expression, reached over to block her view, placing a piece of meat on her plate. "Annie, focus on who you should be looking at. Don't test me."

Annie turned back, meeting Conner's

gaze filled with a hint of annoyance. She picked up the meat he had placed, and Conner's expression softened as he clinked glasses with his brothers. "I think my godson's got Andre's looks, but does Andre cry as adorably as my boy haha."

After Henry was fed, Mia let him crawl around and play on the floor.

Cooper quickly joined him, abandoning his chopsticks.

Madison sighed, "Cooper's still such a kid at heart."

Anya wanted to join in the fun too, but Leo pulled her back down with a gentle tug.

"Chad?" Anya asked, her voice playful.

Leo, his eyes a bit red from the drink, nodded towards Cooper. "Cooper's got it covered. No need to compete."

Cooper, embracing his inner child, sat on the floor, making Henry laugh so hard he almost choked on his giggles.

"Henry, come with your uncle on a

trip abroad for a couple of days. Uncle misses you the most when he's away. Cooper, a little tipsy, held his nephew close, resting against the sofa. "Before you were born, your mom was the one I missed most. Now that you're here, you're my favorite."

Mia stood behind the sofa, watching her brother pour out his heart, a soft smile on her face, eyes glistening.

As the celebration wound down, everyone except Chad, who was on duty, and the women had indulged a bit too much.

By the end of the night, Molly still couldn't guess which hand Chad was hiding something in, playfully insisting, "If you don't get me milk tea and pork knuckles, I'm heading back to my dad's!"

Annie got a call and had to head back to the station for a case. "A tech company's CEO is in trouble, and the team needs more hands. I've got to go."

Anya glanced at her boyfriend but stayed quiet.

Before leaving, Annie gave the sleeping little one a hug. Conner felt a pang of jealousy knowing he didn't rank as high as the snoozing baby.

The four brothers bunked down in rooms near Crescent Park.

Kendrick, along with Grandma Aubree, Grandpa Elmer, and his wife, also took their leave. Fueled by the courage of a few drinks, Leo approached Andre. "Uncle, thank you."

Andre, ever the cool customer, said nothing. He knew his nephew could handle the small stuff, but his presence was meant to offer a route home Leo's stubbornness was expected, but it still got under Andre's skin.

Mia, always curious, asked, "What's going on with you two?"

Andre pulled his wife closer, turning to see the guests out.

Behind him, Leo, arm around Anya, called out, "Uncle, I'll make you proud. I'll come home when I do."

Mia tried to sneak a look, but Andre held her close, preventing her from turning back.

Having had a bit too much, Hansen cradled his grandson, a warm bond between them. "Grandson, when are you coming home? No one's there to keep your old granddad company." Leo replied, "Granddad, let's keep some family love for later. I'm too sloshed to handle this."