CHAPTER SIXTY TWO
The house is buzzing today.
The kitchen is loud, alive, full of movement and smell and warmth.
Nina has completely taken over like a professional, hair tied up, apron on, commanding the space with confidence. My mom stays right beside her, chopping, tasting, correcting, laughing when Nina playfully waves her off.
“Careful with that,” my mom says for the third time.
“Trust me,” Nina replies, grinning. “This is how chefs do it.”
The main dish is seafood, rich and aromatic, filling the entire house. My stomach growls as I help set the table—plates lined neatly, glasses polished, napkins folded just right. Blake will be here soon, and for some reason, that thought makes me smile more than I expect.
In the sitting room, Zaiden lies comfortably in his baby trolley, comp
