Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

They said he was leaving, but as soon as they reached the door, he reached out with those long arms and pulled Anya close. "Let me walk your girl downstairs," he teased.

So Anya was basically drafted into escort duty.

When she came back, she pressed her lips together, looking guilty-like she was worried someone might notice she'd just been making out downstairs.

Aimee piped up, not naming names, but everyone knew who she meant. "She's a little too innocent, isn't she?"

Mia grinned. "That's why we sneak the word 'silly' into her nickname."

Annie just smiled. "I think it's adorable. She's got a good heart, and she keeps things simple."

Molly laughed. "Well, it's a match made in heaven then. My family's leftover 'Big Pickle' and your sweet little cabbage."

Aimee leaned in. "Or maybe it's just that she hasn't seen much of the world yet. Not enough drama, so she blushes at everything."

Mia and Molly chimed in together, "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure! She moved out ages ago to live with her boyfriend. Pretty sure she's weathered a few storms by now."

Anya sat down cross-legged, glancing around at her aunts and cousin. "Aunties, Cousin Mu, what are you even talking about? I didn't catch a thing."

Aimee handed her a pair of chopsticks. "We're just talking about a girl who's a little cute, a little clueless."

"Who? Do I know her?"

All four women turned to look at Anya. She blinked, eyes wide and innocent. Why are they all staring at me? Then she remembered that steamy kiss with her boyfriend-was it that obvious? Was her mouth still red? Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

The three elegant women and their tough cop friend all pretended nothing happened and started digging in.

Annie spotted the beers they'd brought. "I'll pass-I have to report if I drink, and I can't miss work tomorrow."

So Annie stuck to soda with the kids. Henry, who had a history of pouring drinks all over himself, had his juice poured into his sippy cup by his mom. Each mom then scooped their sons up, sitting them on their crossed ankles.

The women popped open their beers. "Cheers! To the Five Beauties and Three Little Rascals getting together!"

Henry, not to be left behind, grabbed a chicken wing in one hand and raised his little water bottle in the other. "Cheers!"

Wayne and Jeffree's moms helped their boys clink their bottles too, while Mia whipped out her phone to snap some photos. "If you're posting these on Facebook, make sure you block my husband!"

"And Chad, too," someone added.noveldrama

Anya laughed, "Chad won't let me drink either. He says my aunties are lightweights, so I better block him too!"

Her aunties exchanged glances. "Tell Leo there's trouble waiting for him tomorrow!"

Molly chimed in, "Double trouble."

Annie asked, "Does Leo's definition of 'auntie' include me?"

Anya shook her head.

Annie grinned. "Then yep, double trouble."

After the photos, it was a full-on feast. The little round table was loaded. After the pictures, Henry shuffled over, stuck out his tiny behind and plopped himself right into his favorite lap, happily O munching on his chicken wing.

Molly, gnawing on a skewer, finally asked the question she'd been dying to ask. Hey, heiress, spill-how do you win in marriage? How do you

get your husband to actually be a little scared of you?"

Aimee raised an eyebrow. "Do you throw a fit?"

Molly nodded. "Of course I do."

Aimee asked, "And then what?"

"He puts me right in my place. Chad always gets the last word."

Aimee rolled her eyes. "Girl, forget it. You're not running that marriage.”