Page 221 of From Rivals to I Do

I chuckle, remembering the disastrous outcome. "Oh, how could I forget? We ended up with something that looked more like frisbees than pancakes."

Maya giggles, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "But seems you've come a long way since then. Your culinary skills have definitely improved."

I nod, a proud smile gracing my lips. "Indeed, they have. No wonder we make quite the team in the kitchen now." I wink at her, and she laughs.

As the bacon continues to sizzle, the crackling sound fills the room, harmonizing with the sizzling symphony. Maya takes a moment to admire the beautifully set table, adorned with vibrant flowers and a soft, woven tablecloth.

"It's amazing how the simplest things can bring so much joy," she muses, her gaze filled with appreciation.

I step closer, wrapping my arms around her waist, and resting my chin on her shoulder. "You're right, Maya. It's moments like these, shared breakfasts and a cozy home, that make life truly special. Thank you for choosing to do this for Henry and me."

She turns to face me, her eyes reflecting love and gratitude. "And thank you for having me, Jackson. I'm grateful for every moment we spend together."

I kiss her forehead, whispering, "The feeling is mutual, my love."

We turn back to our culinary adventure, and as we whisk the pancake batter, Maya steals a dollop and playfully smears it on my cheek. Laughter fills the kitchen as we engage in a lighthearted food fight.

The pancakes sizzle on the griddle, browning and rising, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. We flip them with a graceful flick of the wrist, their golden-brown perfection captivating our senses. The sound of sizzling butter echoes through the room as we melt it over the pancakes.

Suddenly, Henry stumbles into the kitchen, his tousled hair and half-lidded eyes evidence of his sleepy state. He makes his way toward me, rubbing his eyes before his gaze lands on Maya. Confusion flickers across his face as he speaks, his words tumbling out in a groggy rush. "Maya, what are you doing here so early? Did you sleep here last night?"

Maya's cheeks flush with a hint of embarrassment, her eyes momentarily meeting mine before she responds. "Well, Henry, I'm going to be living here now," she explains, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

Recognition dawns on Henry's face, his eyes widening in delight. "Oh, yes! We picked you up from your house yesterday!" he exclaims, a burst of enthusiasm replacing his previous confusion. "So what did you prepare, Maya? Oh my God! Pancakes—my favorite! Just the way Mom used to make them."

His words fill the room with a bittersweet longing, a reminder of the absence that hangs heavy in our hearts. Maya smiles, touched by Henry's comment, and offers him a plate piled high with pancakes. "I'm glad you like them, Henry," she says softly.

Without hesitation, Henry grabs a pancake and takes a bite, his eyes closing in bliss as he savors the familiar flavors. "Yummy!" he exclaims, his voice muffled by the mouthful. "I love it!"

As we settle around the table, the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes mingling with our laughter, the conversations flow effortlessly. Maya and Henry trade playful banter, their voices filled with a mix of affection and lighthearted teasing.

"You won't believe what happened the other day," Maya says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I was engrossed in the creative whirlwind, lost in the world of my abstract masterpiece. And then, in a moment of artistic chaos, my brush collided with a jar of paint. It toppled over, its contents exploding onto the floor in a riot of colors. It was as if a kaleidoscope had shattered, splattering hues and pigments in every direction."

She giggles, relishing the memory of the unexpected mishap. "I found myself caught in a dance of improvisation, a whimsical ballet of avoiding the vivid puddles that had now become my accidental canvas." Maya gesticulates as she speaks.

Henry bursts into giggles, his eyes wide with amusement. "That sounds like a crazy painting adventure, Maya! Did you manage to save the painting?"

Maya nods, a playful smirk on her face. "Oh, I turned the mishap into a masterpiece, Henry. I incorporated the paint splatters into the design, and it turned out even better than I expected!"

I lean back in my chair, thoroughly entertained by Maya's storytelling prowess. "You never cease to amaze me, Maya," I say, admiration lacing my voice. "Your creativity knows no bounds."

Maya blushes, a hint of pride shining in her eyes. "Well, I have my moments. But what about you, Jackson? Any funny stories from the fire station?"

I chuckle, recalling a recent incident that brought both laughter and a touch of embarrassment. "You won't believe it," I begin, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips. "One day, we received a call about a cat stuck up a tree. We rushed to the scene, only to find the cat perched on the thinnest branch possible."

Henry's eyes widen, his curiosity piqued. "What did you do, Dad? Did you climb up the tree?"

I shake my head, my laughter bubbling up. "I tried, Henry, but let's just say my firefighting gear didn't quite cooperate with tree climbing. I ended up getting stuck halfway, and the cat had the audacity to meow as if mocking me!"

Maya and Henry erupt into laughter, the sound filling the kitchen and weaving through the air. The joy in their laughter resonates deep within me, a reminder of the warmth and happiness our makeshift family brings.

With breakfast finished and the dishes cleared, Maya and I find ourselves standing side by side at the sink, our hands immersed in soapy water. The sound of running water and the clinking of plates provide a soothing soundtrack to our shared moment of domesticity.

As we dry our hands, our fingers brushing against each other, Maya's eyes meet mine, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Ready for whatever the day has in store for us?" Maya asks, her voice filled with anticipation.

I nod, a surge of confidence and love welling up within me. "Absolutely, Maya. As long as we face it together, we can handle anything that comes our way."

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