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Bella turned, looking at the oven. "And do you think we could bake another pie after?"
"Sure," I replied. "I've got ingredients for another pecan pie and even for an apple one."
I had spotted some gorgeous apples in Chad's pantry when I looked in it this morning.
"Which one is easier?" Bella asked.
That was an interesting question.
"Honestly, that’s not easy to answer. The answer will always be whichever one is easiest for you."
"That's a bit confusing."
"Bella?" Chad asked. "What's going on?" He came on my other side but remained standing.
"Remember we have that baking competition at school?" she asked.
"Yes, of course," he replied.
"I don't want to make a fool of myself!" She put both her feet together, looking down at the floor.
I had to come up with a good plan, because some pies truly were easier than others in the sense that they required fewer steps.
"When is it? What are the requirements?" I asked.
"It's coming up in three weeks," she whispered, "and I'm afraid I'll mess it all up."
"You won't." I glanced at Chad, then back at her. "We'll find a way for the two of us to bake every morning, okay?"
She looked up with a smile. "Really?"
"Yes. Don't you worry. I promise that you’ll be the best baker in the competition."
She looked at me suspiciously. "How can you promise that?"
"Because," I said slowly, "baking is easy. You simply have to follow the instructions and it’ll work out. And if we meet every morning at seven and bake a pie, then you’ll have practiced a lot by the time the competition comes around, and I'm sure you'll do great."
"Will you come watch me?" she asked with hope in her eyes.
Oh, I wanted to say yes, I really did, but I didn't want to overstep. I didn't know if it was appropriate or if Sarah would even want me there. I looked at Chad, deferring to him.
"I’d love to have you there too," he said.
Oh, be still my beating heart. How is this happening?
"Then I'll come watch you, of course."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Bella exclaimed, then threw her little arms around my neck.
She almost strangled me with the force of her hug, but I didn't protest at all because I loved it.
"Do you want us to start baking right away?" Chad asked, and I couldn't help but laugh because by the hopeful tone in his voice, I knew where he was going with this.
Bella pulled back, frowning at him. "No, Daddy. First we’re watchingHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. NotSorcerer's Stone. They only said that for the American market, like we're stupid or something."
I opened my mouth and closed it again. Holy shit, Bella had some strong views. And I totally agreed with them.
"Bella," Chad said, "we don't use those words."
