Page 40 of Soldier's Chrismas Hope
“Apancake tree?”John-John panted, melting into more laughter. “Apancake tree?”
“Somebody’s in a good mood,” Nora said fondly.
“What kind of farm is it?” Pixie asked.
“I’ll be growing corn and soybeans,” River told her.
“Farm on the Cob,” Nora offered suddenly, then giggled.
River watched her cheeks turn pink, wondering if he had ever seen anything so endearing. Nora had been so serious ever since he got home. It was good to see her laughing and being silly.
“We’ll think of something good,” Pixie told River seriously. “Don’t worry.”
“When you do, I’m going to paint it on a nice wooden sign,” he told her.
That earned him a dimpled grin from the little pancake maker.
“I think it’s ready to flip,” Nora said, her eyes on the pan, where the golden circle of batter was now covered in tiny bubbles.
“Do you want to try?” she asked Pixie.
But Pixie shook her head.
“Okay then,” Nora said. “Hang onto your hats.”
“Hang onto your hats,” John-John echoed, putting his hands atop his hatless head and chuckling.
Nora flipped the pancake perfectly, and the kids burst into spontaneous cheers.
As Nora took a pretend bow, the back door swung open, and a small, trim figure carrying a big bag appeared in the doorway.
Mom…
River’s heart fell to his stomach.
“Oh,” she said, looking around in surprise.
I’m an adult,he reminded himself as his stomach twisted at the idea of making her unhappy.I’m in my own home.
Nora turned, and her mouth dropped open a bit before she plastered on a friendly smile. River saw the exact moment when his mother realized who it was making pancakes in his kitchen.
“Nora,” Mom said, sounding about as surprised as she looked. “Hello. Hi, kids. River.”
She nodded to everyone, and Nora’s shoulders lowered a little, as if in relief. But River could tell by his mother’s too-bright smile that she wasveryunhappy.
“Is that for me?” he asked, jumping up to take the big bag from his mom.
“It’s just some eggs,” Mom said. “You know your father can’t resist a bargain.”
She set the bag on the table and River lifted out three flats of eighteen eggs each.
“Whoa,” Pixie murmured.
“It’s exactly how many we need,” River announced. “We’ll have omelets for dinner.”
Nora smiled.
“What’s omelets?” John-John asked.
