Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

school families, it might stir up some drama.

In recent years, we've seen a rise in only children. Even in families with more than one kid, parents strive to treat their sons and daughters equally. So, when a daughter wants to spend the holidays with her folks, it's no biggie for progressive parents. But for more old- Mia casually suggested, "Hey babe, how about we spend the holidays at my parents' this year? Cooper's school isn't taking a break, so it'll just be my mom and dad."

Andre seized the moment at dinner to announce, "Mia and I have decided to take turns spending holidays with both families. If we can't settle on this, I'll just head back with Mia and our son to our place."

Hansen picked up on the subtle challenge in his son's voice, "Andre, we've always celebrated here."

Andre shot back, "The first year, Mia was the new bride, so we made the rounds with relatives. The second year was Henry's first, so we stayed at the Cedillo house as tradition. This year isn't special, so we should be free to choose."

Molly quickly added, "Well, that's perfect, Dad. So I can head back to my folks' for the holidays too, right? If you're going all traditional on us, thinking daughters-in-law should only celebrate with in-laws, then... Chad, let's skip dinner and head back to the Byrne family, my parents' place for the holidays." With that, she stood up.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you joining the ruckus for?" Hansen pointed at his daughter, "Sit down."

Molly plopped back into her seat, "I thought you were all about daughters-in-law sticking with the in-laws."

Hansen was exasperated with his brood. He missed them when they weren't home, but they sure knew how to rile him up when they were. Yet, he adored them, "When did I ever say that? I... I mean... I never said that! You wanna spend the holidays with the Irvin family, go for it. We're all in the same city, just a half-hour drive away. No biggie."

Mia swiftly chimed in, "Exactly, Dad's the smartest. We don't even need to make a fuss over such small stuff, right?"

With that compliment, Hansen's mood lightened instantly, "Ah, yes! Mia knows me best."

After dinner, watching the trio with a mix of pride and annoyance, Hansen turned to his eldest, Bruce Cedillo, "They think I'm clueless. They just want all with Leo for the holidays. Andre and Leo are too proud to

admit it, so they're holing up at the

inlaws."

With Hansen's subtle hint, Naomi caught on too.

A few days later, the family trio swung by Maplewood Estates to hang up some festive couplets, then headed off to the Irvin family's place.

Little Henry, spoiled by his grandparents, managed to pack on a few extra pounds.

As the holidays approached without any snow, Mia started checking the weather forecast on her phone, hoping to catch a snow day.

She spent her days at home,

lounging in pajamas, plopping down on the sofa, snacking on her son's treats, and sipping holiday drinks Occasionally, Henry would craw over to her, and she'd give him a quick kiss, saying, "Mommy's love time is over, go play."

Madison Irvin, with a steaming bowl of fish soup, happily fed her grandson, "Mia, where's Andre?"novelbin

"Not sure, he left early and said he'd be back tonight for dumplings. Probably catching up with friends." Meanwhile, over in Newtown...

At an underground boxing gym, Conner was sprawled on the floor, his face pressed against the cold ground, tasting blood.

Andre, shirtless and glistening with

sweat, his muscles taut and defined,

leaned against the railing,

exhausted, watching his brother on the floor, his own body drenched in sweat.