Page 54 of Pretty Baby

Caleb nodded. “I play more.”

“Okay.” Grant handed the plate back to Caleb. “I’m going to start our real breakfast. What does Daddy’s boy want?”

Caleb shrugged. “I don’t know what we have.”

“Is there anything you won’t eat?”

“If it’s in my kitchen I’ll eat it. The food gets delivered and a cook comes in to make meals or drop off premade stuff.”

Grant stood then leaned down and kissed the top of Caleb’s head. “I’ll find us something but we might want to make a menu and schedule. I enjoy cooking and I’d like you to help me sometimes.”

“I’d like that.”

“Then how about after breakfast we sit down and do that? You can have the food delivered off the menu we decide on.”

“Thanks, Daddy. Maybe we can look at some recipes I printed out? That I wanted to try.”

“Wonderful,” Grant praised.

For once Caleb didn’t feel stupid over something that he’d kept hidden. He couldn’t cook but that didn’t mean that he didn’t want to. He found recipes online and put them in a binder. He’d thought about asking the cook if he’d make some of the recipes but the onetime Caleb had approached him; the man had barked and yelled. Caleb had backed out of the kitchen and never entered it again when the chef was in the house.

Caleb crawled back over to his play oven. The food set had come with a beautiful cake and he wanted to pretend he’d made it. Maybe one day he could really make something that pretty. How cool would that be?

He heard Grant leave the room but knew that he wouldn’t be far. Caleb wouldn’t be left alone. Daisy walked over and sniffed at his play food.

“Silly puppy, it’s not real.”

Daisy sniffed again then trotted off in the direction Grant went. Caleb shrugged before he went back to playing with his mixing bowls.

The house started to fill with the most enticing aromas and he smiled. It was easy enough to act like he was making the wonderful smells.

Before he was ready Grant was calling him into the kitchen.

“Coming!” he yelled. Caleb scrambled to his feet then dashed into the kitchen.

“No running,” Grant called.

He slowed down. Grant always knew. Caleb watched Grant from the doorway. His Daddy was plating what looked like scrambled eggs on plates.

“Caleb!”

“Here Daddy!” he skipped over to the island and climbed onto the stool. There was a purple plate and a sippy cup. With princesses on them. They were so cool! He loved them. Caleb picked up his sippy cup and shoved it into Grant’s face. “Look!”

“I know boy,” Grant said. “I picked them up yesterday.”

Caleb grinned. “You are the best Daddy ever.”

Grant laughed. “You are the best boy ever.”

“I am,” Caleb said teasing; but he felt like he was a good boy for once. “What are we going to do for the rest of the day? Can I play after breakfast?”

“You sure can,” Grant said. “I told you it was a full princess day. That means you get to decide.”

Caleb bounced in his seat. “This is so awesome.”

“You deserve it.” Grant sat next to him before leaning over and giving Caleb a kiss.

Caleb was more than happy to return the kiss even though he was super hungry. His stomach growled and Grant pulled back while chuckling.

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