"Fried shrimp tails, coming right up! Seasoned just right," the server announced, balancing a large platter as they passed by.
Henry's eyes lit up, tracking the plate like a hawk with his crystal-clear gaze.
"And here's the slightly spicy batch."
Henry, not missing a beat, leaned over as far as he could, his little rear sticking up in the air, trying to get a look at the new dish, drool escaping onto his dad's arm.
Feeling the drool, Andre glanced down at his son, who was practically drooling over the Kittemia, knowing that was the extent of his longing for now.
Mia, sensing the situation might spiral, quickly scooped up Henry. "Babe, you guys dig in. I'll take Henry for a little walk."
Henry's eyes stayed glued to the tempting food until it vanished from view, which only made him cry in frustration.
Hansen called out, "Hey, server, could you grab us an extra bowl? Save some nice, clean portions for Mia."
Outside, kids from the nearby vendor stalls were playing in the street, spinning glow-in-the-dark yo-yos and running around with laughter.
Mia, holding Henry, let him take in the fun scene.
The glowing yo-yos, known for calming babies, drew a crowd of children around Mia and Henry, eager to show off their skills.
Henry was instantly captivated, "Ah, mama!"
Mia asked one of the kids, "Mind if I try that for a sec?"
The child handed it to her, "Here you go, Auntie."
Mia, refusing to accept the "Auntie" title, corrected, "Call me sister, okay?" The last stand of a modern college girl!
"Sister, is that baby your brother?" a little girl asked, pointing at Henry. "He's so cute!"
Mia laughed, "I wish he was my brother, but no, he calls me mama. Henry, say 'mama.'"
The adorable little guy, eyes fixed on the yo-yo in Mia's hand, would say anything she wanted, "Ma-ma."
Andre was busy on one side, but his heart was on the other.
He had peeled numerous shrimp tails but hadn't touched them. "Dad, Uncle, Aunt, you go ahead and eat. I’ll check on Mia."
Heading outside, he didn't see her at first but quickly spotted Mia, the center of a small crowd of kids, with their son in the middle.
"Mia, dinner’s ready," Andre called out.
Realizing it was time, Mia returned the toy, "Henry's daddy is calling us to eat. You should all head home too. It's getting late, and watch out for any troublemakers."
"Sister, we want to play with your son more."
Seeing her son, who seemed to have fans of all ages, Mia replied, "He needs to eat too. Maybe next time, if you meet again."
She made sure all the kids found their parents before she left with Andre, feeling reassured.
Being a mom had softened her heart; she couldn't bear hearing about lost children without feeling a pang of worry. She needed to ensure every child was safe before she felt at ease.
Andre affectionately tapped Mia’s nose, "My Mia, always so kind-hearted."
Back inside, Mia found that both her dad and husband had set aside some food for her. She often felt like she was the luckiest woman, with the best husband, the cutest kid, and the happiest family.
She pondered how she could ever repay the universe for all this goodness.
Sensing her thoughts, Andre gently rubbed the back of her head. "You deserve all the happiness, my wonderful Mia."
"I'll cover Henry's eyes. You eat quickly before he tries to grab anything."
Andre playfully blocked Henry's view, occasionally letting him peek just enough to make him giggle, thinking it was a game.
By the time they returned home, it was close to eleven.
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...