Chapter 205

Stacey and Hayden emerged from the kitchen, laden with dishes. Lillian and Kevin's eyes widened. Even Loretta gasped. "Uncle Hayden cooked this? It's amazing! Better than Dad's!" she whispered, a flicker of jealousy passing before she shook her head. "But Dad makes cakes, builds castles, and takes us on trips!"

Debra was equally stunned. She'd expected simple fare, not this culinary masterpiece. "Hay, these dishes… thank you," she said, noticing Hayden's obvious attempt to impress Becky.

Hayden smiled. "Becky helped."

Debra laughed. "Okay!" "Let's eat!" Hayden announced.

Marissa and Joey stared, equally impressed. Kevin pointed. "Daddy, I want the bird!"

"Okay," Hayden chuckled. Lillian squealed, "Daddy, the red flower!" Loretta claimed the deer.

Just as Hayden reached for his spoon, Debra jumped up. "Wait! Photo first!"

Everyone laughed. Stacey, already snapping pictures of the stunning dishes, joined in. She marvelled at how Hayden transformed simple ingredients into edible art. This would be perfect for Jeremy, she thought, secretly wishing her own son had the same carefree appetite as his cousins.

After the photo frenzy, Hayden served the children. Stacey hesitated, overwhelmed by the beauty of the food.

"Don't you like it?" Hayden asked, concerned.

Stacey, startled, shook her head.

"Then why aren't you eating?" he pressed.

Blushing, she admitted, "They're too beautiful to eat!"

Hayden smiled, placing a favorite dish in her bowl. Marissa watched, envious. Joey, feeling a pang of sadness, urged Marissa to eat.

Stacey, relieved by their interaction, mumbled, "I can serve myself."

But Hayden continued to serve her, dish after dish. Marissa followed suit with Joey, while Lillian and Kevin, already used to sharing, passed food to each other and Loretta. Loretta, inspired, joined in.

Debra, initially left out, was soon included in the children's loving food exchanges, her heart swelling with affection.