Page 16 of Yours To Hold
“Like this?” She smashes the fork into the banana, watching it squish out on all sides.
“Yes. Do that to the whole thing and then we’ll mix it in with the batter.”
Willow is giddy as she finishes the simple job I gave her.
It’s something I never got to do growing up. I taught myself to cook in college. It was either that or live off takeout.
“That’s great, Willow. Now, mix it into the batter and then I’ll show you how to cook them.”
Willow does exactly as I ask, her face a mask of concentration. It’s quite possibly the cutest thing ever.
“That looks good. Now, when it starts to bubble,”—I pour a scoop of the batter onto the now sizzling pan—“we’ll flip it.”
“I don’t think Daddy knows how to do that.”
“Maybe he just forgot. He’s really busy.”
“I can show him how to do it.”
Willow isn’t looking at me though. She’s studying the pan. As soon as the first few bubbles break the surface, her eyes are wide.
“Look, Ivy!”
“Let’s let a few more bubble up and then we’ll flip it.”
“This is so fun.”
It shouldn’t take the excitement of a seven-year-old to make me happy, but it does. Her excitement is contagious.
“Is it ready to flip now?”
“Yes.” Grabbing the spatula, I steady it and then give it a quick flip. It’s the perfect golden color.
“That looks a lot better than Daddy’s.”
“You can be his sous chef.”
“What’s that?”
“Assistant chef.”
Willow nods, watching the rest of the pancake cook.
“It’s ready.” Scooping it off the pan, I drop it onto the plate that was already sitting on the counter.
“Give it a minute. It’s still hot.”
“Can I blow on it?”
“Sure.”
I smile at her. This girl is so full of life. She loves asking questions and wants to do things. Even if it’s as simple as making her breakfast.
I cut it up into smaller bites for her and push it in her direction. “Okay. Now you can try. Tell me what you think.”
“Delicious!” Her cheeks are stuffed full.
“Thanks for your help.”
