Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance novel Chapter 1791

Every weekend, like clockwork, the Byrne family would pile into the car and head over to the Cedillos’. Wayne flopped on the couch, looking like he’d lost his best friend. Grandpa tried to rally him—“Come watch the game!”—but Wayne just rolled over, pointedly ignoring him.

They offered him toy cars, a skateboard—no interest. Snacks? Not even a nibble. Hansen, undeterred, tried to feed Henry instead, and Wayne just climbed higher up the couch, escaping further from everyone.

“What’s up with my little dragon?” Hansen asked, scooping Wayne into his arms. “When your Tiger cousin was your age, he’d snatch my phone the second I started a game. His toys were everywhere, he’d run for snacks faster than me, and he was so wild, the backyard couldn’t hold him. Sweetie, is Molly picking on you at home or what?”

“Dad, do you ever think about your daughter’s feelings when you talk like that?” Jade called over, giving him a look.

Hansen grumbled, “Move aside. Did you bully the kid or not?”

Before Jade could answer, the sound of a car pulling up cut through the room. Henry burst in, shouting, “Tiger!”

Wayne’s whole mood flipped. He scrambled upright on Grandpa’s lap and shouted, “Big brother!” all bright-eyed.

Mystery solved. Wayne had just been missing his cousin. No Tiger, no fun.

Jade plopped down next to her dad and demanded, “You owe me an apology.”

Hansen stared at her, mustache twitching. “I brought you into this world, and now I have to apologize for it?”

Jade jabbed a finger at him. “You accused me for no reason. You should be blushing with shame. I’m being generous even asking for an apology, you know!”

Hansen, at his wit’s end, called over to his daughter-in-law. “Mia, come settle this. Be the judge.”

Mia’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, I get to be the judge? I’m in!” She plopped herself between them and got ready to preside.

No one ever figured out who was right or wrong, but Naomi’s call—“Dinner’s ready!”—ended all arguments. Suddenly, everyone, from oldest to youngest, drifted to the table. One big meal later, the bickering was forgotten, replaced by the usual afternoon buzz and laughter.

After lunch, the adults retreated for their naps. Henry grabbed Wayne and knocked on his dad’s door. “Daddy, come out!”

Andre opened the door, shirtless, and squatted down to their level. “Henry, why aren’t you sleeping? Did you bring your brother to wake me up?”

Wayne piped up, his voice sweet as ever. “Uncle Andre, will you teach us, please?”

Andre ruffled their hair. “Let me put a shirt on first. Henry, take your brother to my study and wait for me, okay? And remember—no shoes on my chair.”

Henry nodded solemnly, took Wayne’s hand, and off they went—except, of course, they kicked off their shoes and climbed right up into Dad’s chair anyway.