Hansen, leaning on his cane, shuffled over to the trash can and frowned at the sight of the discarded takeout boxes. "Why don't you eat at home more often? All this takeout isn't good for you. You'll stunt your growth."
"Grandpa, I'm taller than you," Leo shot back.
Hansen's mouth fell open, but no words came out.
Leo, not missing a beat, added, "In our family, only Henry is shorter than you. The rest of us have you beat."
For a moment, the room went silent.
Then, Hansen raised his cane threateningly. "I'll show you what happens when you talk back to me!"
When Leo wasn't around, Hansen worried himself sick. But the moment he saw Leo, his temper flared, and he wanted to smack some sense into him.
Anya sighed and shook her head, holding Henry's chubby little hand. She was all too used to Chad’s antics.
Molly and Mia, ignoring the grandfather-grandson spat, made their own plans. "Mia, let's go shopping tomorrow. Summer's almost here, and we need some cute dresses."
"Sure, but I'll have to sneak a mini skirt past my uncle. He'd probably throw it out if he saw it," Mia replied.
Meanwhile, little Henry was the only one fully engrossed in the showdown, his wide eyes following every move.
Even when Leo dashed to the bathroom, Henry craned his neck, excitedly watching. His tiny fists clenched in anticipation, and his mouth formed an "O" of delight.
After the ruckus, Hansen pointed a warning finger at Leo. "Watch your mouth. You're starting a business now; I can make things tough for you."
Leo retorted, "Go ahead. I'll report you for market disruption and have you locked up."
Their relationship was anything but smooth!
"Try me. My son's the mayor, my son-in-law's a cop, and I have another son who's even more influential. Let's see who dares arrest me," Hansen challenged.
"I'll report you for abusing your power and bullying people. We'll see who ends up in trouble," Leo shot back.
Hansen was exasperated. "I've had enough. I really want to throttle you now!"
Ten minutes later, Mia looked at the grandfather and grandson resting on the couch. "Who won the first round?"
Leo, wiping his face, said, "Grandpa had his cane. It was an unfair fight."
"You, a young man, fighting an old man who’s not as nimble, and you think I shouldn't use my cane? How shameless can you be?" Hansen countered.
Molly added, "You two should let Mia show you what a real fight looks like."
Hansen pointed at his daughter-in-law, who was holding their baby. "If she dares to lift a finger, I'll complain to her husband."
Leo, stirring the pot, said, "I've never seen a father-in-law like you. Instead of wanting the best for your children and grandchildren, you're stirring trouble between your son and daughter-in-law."
Hansen, fuming, replied, "You haven't seen Mia fight. If she did, where would that leave us?"
"That's true," Leo conceded.
Mia, modestly, said, "I'm keeping a low profile lately. I need to set a good example for my son. No roughhousing, just being a gentle mom."
Their encounters were always filled with lively clashes and banter.
Anya remained silent, scrolling through her phone.
Comments
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...