Page 82 of Wed to You-
“They’ll flatten when they cook.”
She supervised as Kaden worked to ball the dough and roll it in the cinnamon sugar.
“I never did this before.”
“Cookie making is an important life skill.”
Kaden had filled half the cookie sheet when Miss Z returned with Jagger in tow.
“Great day! You tattled?”
“I told you she doesn’t like it.” Kaden dropped his spoon, looking reprimanded.
Chelsea fisted her hands, hating that Miss Z could make a little boy feel he was in trouble simply because they were making cookies. Why would Jagger have hired someone so mean and insensitive?
“How am I going to make dinner in this mess?”
Chelsea took a deep breath to rein in her temper for Kaden. If he hadn’t been there, Chelsea was sure she would have let a few colorful words fly. “Kaden and I will clean up as soon as the cookies go in the oven.”
“Jagger, we’re making snickerdoodles. Miss Chelsea used to make them with her mom.”
Jagger’s expression was a mixture of annoyance and anger.
“Her mom and brother and father died. We’re her family now, right, Jagger?”
Jagger jerked back, surprised by Kaden’s statement. He nodded. “I don’t see what the problem is here, Miss Z.”
“I can’t cook in a crowded, messy kitchen.”
“We’re almost done.” Chelsea then remembered the court letter. “I’m sure Jagger has more important things on his mind than worrying about this.”
Miss Z’s nostrils flared and Chelsea was sure she saw steam coming from them. “Dinner will be late.”
“Then it will be late.” Jagger turned his back to Kaden and Chelsea to give his attention to Miss Z. “Chelsea is my wife. She is the mistressof the house, so you’ll accommodate her.”
Chelsea felt vindicated.
“She’s making cookies with Kaden, for God’s sake. It’s not the end of the world.”
Without a look back, he strode out of the kitchen. Miss Z shook with anger, and Chelsea was sure a litany of vile words was on the tip of her tongue. Fortunately, she turned and left the kitchen as well.
“Now what?” Kaden rolled the last cookie ball in cinnamon sugar.
“Now we put them in the oven to cook.”
“I’m not allowed to use the oven.”
“It can be dangerous.” Chelsea put the cookie sheet in the pre-heated oven. “Now, move your stool to the sink, and we’ll start cleaning our mess.” She and Kaden developed a system: she washed and he dried. Nine minutes later, they pulled the cookie sheet out and set it to cool while they finished the dishes.
“Mrs. Talbot.”
Chelsea turned to the voice of Grayson, who always managed to say her name with an air of disdain. What did these people have against her?
“Mr. Talbot asks that you join in his meeting with Mrs. Monroe.”
He does, huh?“I’ll be right there.” She turned back, handing Kaden the last bowl.
“I got the impression it was urgent.” Grayson barely hid is irritation.
