Page 84 of Wed to You

Chelsea didn’t have an answer. “Let me get cleaned up and we’ll see what happens.”

After changing her clothes, Chelsea met Kaden in the kitchen. Miss Z was nowhere to be seen. Chelsea checked her watch. It wasn’t quite four, so surely they had time before Miss Z needed to start dinner.

“You take a seat at the island and I’ll see if we have everything for snickerdoodles.”

“Snickerdoodles.” Kaden laughed like it was the funniest word he’d ever heard.

“You’ve never had a snickerdoodle?”

“I don’t know. What is it?”

“It’s a cookie. We’ll make my mother’s recipe. You’ll love it.” Chelsea rummaged through the pantry, looking for flour, sugar, and other ingredients. “We’re going to need a mixing bowl and measuring cups.”

“I know where they are.” Kaden jumped down from the stool. “Sometimes Miss Z lets me watch her bake cookies.”

“Well, this time you can help make them.” Chelsea carried the ingredients to the island counter. She worked with Kaden to find the needed bowls and measuring spoons and cups.

“Miss Z usually uses that machine.” Kaden pointed to an electric mixer.

“This time we’re going to use old-fashioned manpower. How strong are you?”

Kaden held up his arm, showing off his bicep. Chelsea gave it a squeeze. “You’re strong enough to stir.”

Chelsea combined the ingredients to make half a batch and stirred enough so the flour wouldn’t go flying if Kaden’s spoon slipped out of the bowl. Then she handed him the spoon. “It’s your go.”

He maneuvered onto his knees and, holding the bowl in one arm, began to stir.

“It’s thick.” His brows furrowed and his little pink tongue stuck out as he concentrated on mixing the dough.

“You’re doing great.” As he stirred, Chelsea gathered the cooking tools and set them in the sink. She’d wash them once the cookies were in the oven. She then went to stand with Kaden. “I used to make these with my mom.”

“My mom is sick.”

Chelsea was surprised by his comment. She’d never asked Jagger what Kaden believed about his mom. She only knew that Jagger didn’t think Kaden remembered her. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“You’re like my mom now. And Jagger is like my dad.” There was a wistfulness in his tone. As if he wished she and Jagger were his parents.

“Families are made in all sorts of ways.”

“Is this good?” Kaden showed her the bowl.

“That’s pretty good. You’ve got a few clumps right there.”

Kaden resumed stirring. “Where’s your mom?”

“My mom died.” Chelsea purposefully avoided saying she died after an illness so Kaden wouldn’t equate his mom with hers.

“Like your brother?”

“Yes.”

“What about your dad?”

“He’s gone too.”

“At least you’re not alone. You have us now.”

Chelsea smiled, even as her heart sank. She didn’t have them. Not really. Soon, she’d be back at her house, and if all went well, Jagger would continue to raise Kaden.

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