pter 221
+25 BONUS
Chapter 221
Soon, the delicious aroma of baking lasagna, garlic bread, and a fresh Caesar salad filled the air, making my mouth water as much as the girls‘.
Thea inhaled deeply. “Aunt Sarah, that smells amazing!”
“Why don’t you taste it and see if it’s as good as it smells?” I suggested, placing a plate in front of her.
She nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation as she clumsily managed her fork, taking her first bite of the lasagna.
For a moment, she froze, her expression blank. Then she took another bite. And another.
The rich flavors of tomato, herbs, and cheese seemed to have cast a spell on her. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she continued eating with remarkable enthusiasm.
“Is it good?” I asked, though her answer was obvious as she devoured her meal, completely lost in culinary bliss.
Her exaggerated enjoyment made me laugh. I reached out to stroke her soft hair affectionately. “Slow down, sweetie. You don’t want to choke.”
I hadn’t expected my cooking to be such a hit with her. Aria beamed proudly as if my culinary success was her own personal achievement.
“Aunt Sarah’s cooking is super, super delicious,” Thea declared between bites, nodding her head vigorously.
“I’ve never eaten anything this good before. Thank you, Aunt Sarah!” she added with such sincerity that it warmed my heart.
Though Thea was complimenting me, Aria looked more pleased than anyone. “I told you my mom is the best cook ever! She makes food better than any restaurant chef.”
“This is just lasagna,” I said modestly. “I know how to make lots of other dishes too. If you like it, you can come over for meals whenever you want.”
Thea turned her hopeful gaze to me, her eyes wide and pleading. “Really, Aunt Sarah? Can I?”
I smiled warmly. “Of course you can.”
“What if Uncle won’t let me come over?” Thea asked, her expression suddenly concerned as she looked at me expectantly. “Could you come to our house instead?”
How could anyone resist those eyes?
Besides, this was exactly what I wanted–a legitimate reason to see Alexander again.
“That wouldn’t be a problem either,” I assured her.
“Yay!” Thea nearly jumped out of her seat with excitement. “I knew you were the best, Aunt Sarah!”
I changed the subject tactfully. “Now, since I’ve agreed to do something for Thea, Thea needs to agree to do something for me too. That’s fair, right?”
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Chapter 221
+25 BONUS
“What is it?” she asked curiously.
“I need you and Aria to be good friends and get along while I go out for a bit this afternoon. I need to return something important.”
Both little girls looked disappointed. “Can’t we come with you?” Aria pleaded, with Thea quickly joining in.
Their eager faces melted my heart. “Alright,” I relented. “But you both need to be on your best behavior.”
After lunch, we headed to the bridal boutique. I had finally finished the alterations on Elena’s wedding dress and was genuinely satisfied with the result.
As we stepped outside, Aria’s eyes lit up–she had spotted an ice cream truck parked across the street.
“Mom, look! Ice cream!” Aria pointed excitedly at a vintage ice cream truck parked across the street. The cheerful jingle playing from its speakers had attracted a small crowd of children.
I remembered promising Thea ice cream earlier. “Would you girls like some?” I asked, smiling as both nodded enthusiastically.
We crossed the street to the ice cream truck. Both girls pressed their faces against the display case, eyes wide at the colorful array of flavors.
“I want chocolate with sprinkles!” Aria declared immediately.
“And what about you, Thea?” I asked.
“Strawberry, please,” she said, bouncing on her toes with excitement.
I ordered their choices, plus a small vanilla for myself. The vendor handed over the ice cream cones, and the girls immediately dug in with expressions of pure bliss.
We walked leisurely down the sidewalk, enjoying our treats in the warm afternoon sun.
But then I noticed something was off with Thea.
“Thea, sweetie, are you okay?” I asked, concern flooding through me.
But before Thea could answer, her face suddenly paled, and she began gasping for breath.
What had I done? I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to her. And how would I explain this to Alexander?
