Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia found the car and spotted her husband and son waiting for her at the door. She walked over and scooped up her little bundle of grievances who was ready to spill his woes. "Hey there, champ, how many times did Dad scold you today?" she teased with a smile. Henry, with his pouty face, was already on the verge of tears just thinking about it. Before he could even start complaining, he wrapped his chubby little arms around his mom's neck and let out the cutest little whimpers, sounding like a sweet melody. Andre chimed in on behalf of his son, "Three times."

Mia chuckled, clearly amused. Sitting in the car with her precious little one, she looked at him with adoration and mused, "Honey, do you think kids know they're a handful from the get-go, so they make themselves irresistibly cute just to ensure we love them unconditionally?"

Henry gazed at his mom with innocent eyes, still soaking up the attention. Andre glanced at his son with a knowing look, "I don't know about other kids, but Henry here, he's definitely onto something."

Henry, realizing he'd been caught, snuggled deeper into his mom's embrace, transforming from the rambunctious, dad-testing little tiger of the day into a docile kitten.

When they got home, the rest of the family had already left. "Mia, Andre, how are we going to celebrate Henry's first birthday? Naomi and I ran into a bunch of relatives at the hospital, all curious about the little guy," someone asked.

Throwing a big bash for Andre's eldest son's first birthday was as much about social networking as it was about celebrating, given the Cedillo family's reputation for hosting the crème de la crème.

Andre knew people had expectations, but Mia wasn't fussed. "Dad, let the relatives know we're keeping it simple. Henry's first birthday isn't going to be a grand event. Last time, the media made a big deal about the baby shower. That was for show. This time, we'll just have a family dinner, some good conversation, and celebrate in our own way."

Andre nodded in agreement, "No need to go overboard on Henry's birthday."

Henry turned to look at his dad, feeling a bit miffed. Wasn't he the cherished family darling? Surely a few mischiefs didn't warrant cutting back on the birthday fun.

Andre had his reasons, though. "Mia's studying for her exams. A big party would just mean more work for her, from choosing outfits to planning the event. It'd be a huge drain on her time and energy."

Henry looked up at his mom with big, adorable eyes and let out a small whimper, like he was trying to plead his case.

Hansen, understanding, didn't push. "Alright, I'll inform the relatives so they don't keep wondering."

That evening, after giving Henry a bath, Mia washed his tiny clothes. In bed, Andre, tired from the day's antics, cradled his son. "Mia, should I drop him off now?"

"Our boy's got no takers at night; Dad even locks his door now when he sleeps." Mia said as she hung Henry's clothes out on the balcony.

Andre looked fondly at his son, "Back to his nursery it is."

Henry found himself back in his little bed, gazing at his dad beside him, feeling content.

Mia, meanwhile, was busy reviewing for her exams, her dressing table now stacked with textbooks instead of beauty products.

When it came time for Henry's

bedtime story, Andre picked up "The Wealth of Nations." Looking at his son sipping milk, he started reading in a deep, soothing voice, "... invested in the object of labor which can increase its value..."

Henry, entranced, forgot about his milk, eyes wide with interest, and climbed onto his dad's lap to peer at the hefty book.

Andre continued reading, thinking this might lull Henry to sleep. At ten, Mia came to check on them, only to find father and son engrossed in the book. "Really, honey? This is how you put him to sleep? Look at them, they're more awake than I am!" Mia exclaimed, pointing to her wide-eyed son. Andre turned to his son, both a bit sheepish.

Mia shook her head, picked up

Henry, and said, "I'll handle this." She took away his milk bottle, cradled him, and gently patted his back while humming a lullaby. The

soothing rhythm and her soel

voice soon had Henry yawning and drifting off to sleep.

Andre, feeling a bit guilty, admitted, "I thought he'd get bored and nod off."

After tucking Henry in, they each gave him a gentle kiss before quietly leaving the room.

The next morning, Henry was back in the crib in the living room, thanks to whoever woke up first and carried him out.

Bruce, grateful for his brother's support, kissed his slumbering nephew before heading to work. Mia handed her husband a fresh set of sheets. "Change these in the resting room, will you?"

Anya, rushing off to her early class with a mouthful of breakfast, managed to ruffle Henry's hair, "Mmm-mmm, I'm off!" she said after swallowing.

Hansen, puzzled, asked, "What did she say?"

Naomi, sipping her tea, clarified, "Anya was saying, 'Grandpa, great-aunt, I'm heading out."

Hansen finally caught on and, looking at his chubby grandson, couldn't help but smile.

Naomi busied herself with sorting through the Cedillo family's mail and invitations.

Everyone had their own tasks keeping them occupied. Molly, who was quick to learn, got bored once she mastered a department's routine and began to slack off. Her mom, aware of her tricks,

transferred her to the finance

department to keep her on her toes.

"Ms. Villanova." Molly grinned, trying to charm her mom's trusted aide.

Ryan, with a polite smile, replied, "Your mom asked me to keep a close eye on you. Have you passed your accounting certification yet?"

Molly shook her head, knowing she'd have to step up her game.