Chapter 42.

Eddie's POV

What if Chloe didn't like my cooking? What if I burned the food again? The questions swirled in my head.

But as we pulled into the driveway, Chloe bounded out of the car, her face radiant with excitement as she practically skipped to the front door.

"Daddy, hurry up! I can't wait to start cooking!" she called out, her voice echoing with unrestrained joy.

I dropped our belongings on the couch and went straight to the kitchen without even taking off my clothes. I put on the Apron and then rummaged through the fridge, finding solace in the familiar hum of the appliance because I was already getting used to it. I brought out some carrots and celery sticks but they were too boring. Yogurt, Chloe might deem it "slimy." I eyed the cheese drawer, then paused. Grilled cheese! Simple, filling, customizable. A flicker of hope ignited.

With Chloe’s help and while watching some videos on how to go about the cooking, I was able to transform the mundane task into a mini-adventure. We cut