Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

That night, Andre and Chad came home.

As soon as they walked in, they were greeted by a sight that made them both stop in their tracks: Wayne's little face was almost entirely smeared with berry juice, so dark and messy that Officer Chad was genuinely stunned-had his son turned into a little shadow? Andre paused at the door, arms crossed. "Henry, get over here. What did you feed your brother this time?”noveldrama

Henry appeared, looking just as guilty-his own cheeks and hands covered in sticky purple stains, clutching a half-squished mulberry in his tiny fist. "Daddy, pick me up~"

Andre and Officer Chad each grabbed their little troublemaker and hauled them off to the bathroom. The two dads, now seasoned in the art of cleaning up their kids' messes, got to work scrubbing berry stains from small faces and hands.

After dinner, Jamie started to gather her things. She'd come to Havenbrook for her interviews alone and was staying at a hotel. Mia had tried to talk her into staying at their place, but Jamie always politely turned her down. It finally clicked for Mia: Jamie was a little nervous around her husband. “Really, my husband's not scary. He just looks serious and doesn't talk much, that's all."

Molly, never one to miss a chance to tease, piped up, "Mia, aren't you scared when you get yourself in trouble with your husband?"

Mia just gave her a look.

Later that night, as Molly was about to leave, she said, "Jamie, want to ride with us? You're staying at the hotel, right? We can drop you off on the way. And Chad's a cop-you couldn't be in safer hands."

Officer Chad, the so-called "police uncle," let out a quiet laugh. "Come on, I'll give you a lift."

After they'd dropped Jamie off, Andre turned to Mia, half-joking, half-curious. "Am I really that scary in your Facebook photos?"

Mia smiled, her eyes warm. "Of course you are. You're the hero in everyone's minds—they're all a little bit in awe of you. But me? I'm not scared at all." The confidence in her voice was unmistakable.

Andre leaned closer. "And why's that?"

Mia answered without hesitation, "Because you love me."

Andre gazed at her, a deep, soft smile spreading across his face. "If I don't love you, who else would I love?"

Mia grinned mischievously. "Maybe Henry's mom?"

Andre burst out laughing, happiness lighting up his eyes. The two of them strolled

across their front lawn together, like it was their own private world.

"I love Mia," Andre said, his voice gentle but sure.

Mia playfully asked, "And how long will you love her?"

"For as long as I live. For forever," he said, not missing a beat.

Mia beamed at him, eyes sparkling. "I love Andre too."

He nudged her, "And how long will you love him?"

"As long as there's a Mia in this world, she'll always belong to Andre. No matter what life, what world, what time..."

Mia looked up at him, her eyes full of affection. She stood on tiptoes to give him a soft kiss. Andre bent down, returning her kiss right there in the yard under the stars, holding the woman he loved most.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Henry waited and waited for his parents to come tuck him in, but they were taking forever. He finally ran barefoot to the front porch, peeking out just in time to see his parents sharing another hug and kiss. He cupped his hands and called out, "Mommy! Daddy!"

The couple broke apart, glancing at each other and laughing.

Mia called back, "What is it, honey?"

Henry stretched both arms up. "Carry me to bed!"

"You haven't had your bath, little guy," Mia teased, taking his hand. "Let's get you

clean, then off to bed. Come on, my little stinker."

Henry pouted, "I'm not stinky."

Mia grinned, ruffling his hair. "Sorry, sorry. Mommy was wrong. You're my little cutie-just a little messy."

"Not messy!" Henry protested, but his pout only made Mia laugh harder.

Hand in hand, they walked back into the house, Mia's laughter filling the night. Andre trailed behind, watching his wife and son-the two people who made his world feel whole.

Two days later, the results from the interviews were posted. Mia got in with the third highest score in the department, while Jamie made the cut just at the bottom of the list.

When the list went up, Jamie finally let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.

Meanwhile, Denny-always in the know-had already found out that two other students who passed chose to go to State University instead, opening up spots for Mia and Jamie.