Mia wasn’t one to shy away from a bit of chaos. "Anya, bring the fish over so my son can see it."
Anya, still barefoot, walked over to Andre, while little Henry, curious about the unfamiliar creature, reached out to touch it. But before he could even get close, the fish flicked its tail, turning Henry’s giggles into a near-breathless cry.
Next to Chad, Molly chuckled, "See, Chad? It's been half an hour, and here comes the second round of tears."
A bunch of kids crowded around Anya, all eager to see the fish.
Later, Anya, still without her shoes, dashed to the supermarket to grab a plastic bag for the fish, keeping the kids captivated.
Leo trailed behind, holding Anya's canvas shoes. "Anya, put your shoes on before you hurt your feet."
But Anya was too engrossed to hear him.
In the afternoon, while the men were off delivering some items, Mia and Molly tidied up the campsite, with the kids doted on by their beloved Aunt Anya.
If she had the time, Molly would’ve loved to stay and camp out too.
While cleaning, Molly said, "Dad, Mia, I’m not heading back home tonight. I’m going with Chad to the Byrne place. I promised Mom I’d go to the office tomorrow."
Hansen chimed in, "Remember, Anya picked a bunch of cherries this morning. Take some back for your folks and grandparents."
"Will do, Dad."
On the way back, Mia took the bag of fish, and Henry, now lying in his baby seat, wasn’t scared of the fish anymore. His little hands even reached out to play with it.
Every now and then, he glanced up through the sunroof, enjoying the ride so much that he fell asleep on his own, no soothing from Mom needed.
Mia, feeling drowsy herself, hung the fish in the car and dozed off next to her son.
Hansen, riding shotgun, reclined his seat and drifted off too.
Andre glanced back at his sleeping family, both young and old, and slowed the car down with a smile.
Anya, exhausted from her day of tree climbing and swimming, fell asleep as soon as she got in the car. Leo, looking back at her, couldn’t resist gently touching her head.
This rare moment of tenderness was lost on the sleeping Anya. With no one else around, Leo didn’t need to hide it.
They got home by five.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, Naomi scooped up her little nephew. Bruce Cedillo tried to do the same but couldn't compete with his wife. He settled for gently pinching Henry’s hand. "Henry, did you have fun in the water today? Uncle heard your laughter outside and replayed the video a dozen times."
Henry stuck out his little tongue, adorable as ever, making Bruce want to show him off to the whole world.
Anya woke up, stretched, and quickly went to release the fish.
"Grandpa, where should I put the fish?" Anya asked.
Hansen thought for a moment. "Come on, let’s take it to the pond in the backyard."
Leo called a few servants to repack the leftover fruits and drinks into the car, handing over two bags of cherries. "Mia, I saved a bag for you to take to your aunt and uncle."
Mia replied, "No need to save so much. It’s just them and the housekeeper. I’ll grab a few on my way out. Let Anya use the rest."
Just then, Anya came over. "Aunt, wait for me to make the jam, and then you can take some to your parents."
Naomi was pleasantly surprised. "Our Anya can make jam! I have no idea how to do that."
Naomi increasingly felt her son wasn’t good enough for little Anya.
Finally managing to hold Henry, Bruce’s profile picture was now of Henry, much to Mrs. Cedillo’s occasional annoyance.
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The readers' comments on the novel: Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Please edit seems like a nice novel but not readable...
the novel status is showing as completed but it is not and what About the left over chapters...