Page 88 of Forever with the CEO

They shook their heads in unison. No matter. The kitchen wasn’t huge, so I wouldn’t have an issue.

I opened all the drawers and cupboards in quick succession and easily found what I needed. Allison had premade batter mix, and she also had a waffle maker.

“How about waffles instead of pancakes?” I suggested.

“Yess, waffles! Waffles are the best!” That came from Jack.

I was stunned. Apparently, so was Annie, because she was staring at her brother with her mouth open. Then she hurried to Jack and took him in her arms.

Jesus, these two.Why didn’t I video this? I was certain that Allison would have loved to see them right now.

“Okay, then! I’m starting on the waffles.”

“I can help,” Annie said, then immediately went to one of the two learning towers that were propped against the kitchen island.

She carefully slid onto hers and Jack on his. Those were a very cool invention because they were at the height of the kitchen island and the twins couldn’t fall off. They were both looking at me expectantly.

Shit, I’m supposed to give them tasks?

“I’ll give you some batter to mix.”

They both nodded in unison, hanging on to my every word. As far as winging it went, I was doing a spectacular job. I found two bowls for them and put some batter mix in, along with eggs and milk, and gave them plastic spoons.

I observed them for a few seconds to make sure there was no way for them to hurt themselves. But they were great. I made a mental note to ask Allison what other things they could do in the kitchen. Clearly they loved to be involved.

The waffles were ready in no time. I found a selection of spreads and syrups in the fridge and took all of them out just as footsteps sounded from the hall.

“Good morning,” Allison said as she entered the kitchen.

Her eyes were still heavy with sleep. She rubbed at one of them with a little yawn. Her hair was in complete disarray, and she was wearing the same pajamas as last night.

“It smells delicious. Oh, everyone’s awake.” She looked from me to the twins and then back at me. “What’s going on? Why didn’t anyone wake me up?”

“I was already up when I heard these two, so I decided we could start by making breakfast. We made—”

“Waffles,” she finished.

“Yes,” Annie exclaimed.

“They told me you always have pancakes, and then we made waffles.”

Allison opened her mouth, then closed it again. She looked at me with a conspiratorial smile. I winked, silently letting her know that obviously I wasn’t buying the tale of pancakes every morning.

“You want something else?” I asked her.

“No! I love waffles.” She came closer, looking at the twins’ workstations. “Okay. Where do you guys want to eat, outside or inside?”

“Outside!” they shouted.

“Auntie Allison, Jack talked,” Annie said seriously. “Jack?”

Jack shook his head. I guess he was shy.

“He spoke a bit,” I praised him.

Allison smiled from ear to ear. To my astonishment, her eyes became teary. She’d told me before the wedding that he’d been more vocal, but now it seemed that Jack was back to his old self.

“That’s great, Jack. You know we love you to the moon and back, and whenever you feel comfortable talking, you do it, okay? I’m very proud of you, and I’m sure that Mommy and Daddy are too.”

---