章節 12: Chapter 12: Luke
Luke Ashton tidied up the last of the kids' coloring books, his mind preoccupied with the looming deadline at work. His three tiny tornados had shifted their attention to building blocks, and after a week of close monitoring, Cory was finally regaining his strength. The energetic youngster was back to his mischievous ways, bringing a smile to Luke's face.
"I miss Miss Elly," Cory said, not looking up from his block tower. His siblings, Rory and Nora, nodded in agreement. They had refused to return to school until Cory was well enough to join them.
Luke had also spent the past week working from home, keeping a watchful eye on the children. "I miss her cookies," Nora added, her shoulders sagging dramatically.
Luke pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts, stopping at Eleanor's name. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he was overstepping, but his kids' longing faces convinced him to make the call.
"Hey, Eleanor! How are you?" Luke asked, trying to sound casual.
"I'm doing well, thanks! How about you and the kids? How's Cory? I miss them" Eleanor replied, her warm voice putting him at ease.
"They're doing better, thanks for asking. Actually, that's why I called. Cory's finally recovering, and the kids are missing you. I was wondering if you'd like to come over and visit them? Maybe even bake some cookies to lift their spirits?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Eleanor responded, "That sounds lovely! I'd love to see them and bake some cookies. How about today? I'm free this afternoon."
"Today would be perfect! We'd love to have you over. How about 2 pm?"
"Sounds great! I'll be there at 2 pm. Can't wait to see the kids and give them a big hug."
"Awesome, we're looking forward to it! See you soon, Eleanor," Luke said, giving her the address to his second home, the cozy one close to the kids' school. "Here, just in case you need it. We're really looking forward to seeing you today."
He turned to the kids, who were now arguing over whose turn it was to play with the tablet. "Hey, guys! Miss Elly will be here soon. Let's get the place tidy and make sure we're ready for some fun!"
The kids cheered, and Luke smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation building in his chest. He couldn't wait to see the smile on his kids' faces when Eleanor walked through the door. He quickly got the kids involved in cleaning up the living room, eager to make a good impression.
As the clock struck 2 pm, Cory, Rory, and Nora, gathered at the window, eagerly waiting for Eleanor's arrival. Luke tried to distract them with snacks and drinks, but they were too excited to focus.
Finally, Eleanor's car pulled up outside, and the kids cheered in unison. Luke smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude toward this kind and caring woman who had captured his kids' hearts.
Eleanor stepped out of the car, carrying a big bag of baking supplies and wearing a warm smile. The kids rushed to greet her, flinging their arms around her legs and showering her with hugs.
"Miss Elly! Miss Elly!" they chorused, tugging her toward the house.
Luke watched, feeling a sense of joy he hadn't experienced in a long time. He helped Eleanor with her bags and welcomed her into their chaotic home.
As they settled into the kitchen, Eleanor began pulling out mixing bowls, utensils, and ingredients. The kids gathered around her, mesmerized by the promise of cookies and fun.
"Today, we're making chocolate chip cookies with a special twist," Eleanor announced, her eyes sparkling with creativity. The kids cheered, and Luke smiled, happy to see his children so excited.
"I'm in need of helpers, is anyone willing to help me?" Eleanor asked, scanning the room with a warm smile.
Nora's hand shot up first, "Me! Me! Pick me!" she exclaimed, bouncing up and down in her seat. Her blonde pigtails bobbed with each movement, and her bright blue eyes shone with enthusiasm.
Eleanor laughed, "Nora, you're first in line! Come help me measure out the ingredients."
Rory and Cory followed close behind, eager to join in on the fun. "Me too! Me too!" they chimed in, their faces lighting up with excitement.
Eleanor handed out aprons to the kids, and they eagerly tied them around their necks, ready to get started. Luke watched as Eleanor expertly guided them through the process, teaching them how to measure ingredients, mix batter, and scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
The kids were fully engaged, their faces lighting up with excitement as they worked alongside Eleanor. Cory, the most enthusiastic, kept adding extra chocolate chips to the dough, earning giggles from his siblings.
As they worked, the kitchen began to transform into a flour-covered wonderland. Clouds of white powder puffed into the air, coating every surface. The kids squealed with delight, covering each other in flour and making "snow angels" on the counter.
Eleanor laughed, trying to maintain order amidst the chaos. "Okay, okay! Let's get the cookies in the oven before we make a flour storm!"
But it was too late. A massive flour explosion erupted, covering everyone in a thick layer of white powder. The kids shrieked with laughter, and Luke couldn't help but join in.
Eleanor stood in the midst of the mess, flour covering her hair and clothes, a huge grin on her face. "Well, I guess this is what they mean by 'flour power'!"
As they slid the tray of cookies into the oven, Eleanor declared, "Time for the flour-covered crew to get cleaned up!" The kids groaned, but Luke helped herd them toward the bathroom for a flour-removal operation.
Eleanor joined in, laughing as she tried to brush off the flour covering her hair and clothes. "I think I need a wash-up too!" she exclaimed, joining the kids in the bathroom.
As they washed up, Luke couldn't help but smile at the sight of Eleanor, her hair tied back, scrubbing flour off her face and arms. She caught his eye and grinned, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Once they were all flour-free, Eleanor tackled the kitchen, effortlessly restoring order to the chaotic space. Luke joined her, and together they worked in comfortable silence, the warmth of the oven and the sound of the kids' laughter filling the air.
After cleaning up, Eleanor announced, "Cookie-tasting time!" The kids cheered, and Luke helped them gather around the table. Eleanor presented a tray of golden-brown cookies, and the kids dug in, their faces lighting up with delight.
"Mmmmm! Best cookies ever, Miss Elly!" Cory exclaimed.
Eleanor beamed, and Luke smiled, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. This was what he wanted for his kids – happy memories, love, and warmth.
As they savored the cookies, Luke realized he didn't want the afternoon to end. "Hey, Eleanor, would you like to stay for dinner? We can order pizza or something."
Eleanor's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to."
And with that, the afternoon stretched into a cozy evening, filled with laughter, and stories.
As the evening unfolded, Luke found himself feeling more and more at ease around Eleanor. They talked about everything from their jobs to their favorite books and movies, and he was struck by how much they had in common.
The kids, now sugared up from the cookies, were bouncing off the walls, but Eleanor was a natural with them, playing games and laughing together like they'd known her forever.
As they sat down to a dinner of pizza and salad, Luke's eyes twinkled with delight as he watched Eleanor tenderly wipe sauce from the corners of Rory's lips. Her warm smile and gentle touch made his heart skip a beat. She chatted with his kids, actively listening to their stories and making them feel seen and heard. Even when Cory began coughing, she swiftly moved to his side, concern etched on her face, before Luke could even react.
The way she cared for his children, with kindness, patience, and devotion, drew him to her like a magnet. As the night drew to a close, Eleanor helped the kids with their bedtime routine, reading them a story and tucking them in with a gentle kiss on the forehead. Luke watched, feeling a sense of wonder at how effortlessly she had become a part of their lives.
As the kids drifted off to sleep, Eleanor turned to Luke, her eyes sparkling with a warm glow. "They're such a joy," she whispered, smiling. Luke's heart swelled with emotion, and he knew in that moment, he wanted her to be a part of their lives forever.
Eleanor turned to Luke and smiled. "Thank you for today. I had an amazing time."
Luke smiled back, feeling a spark of connection. "We had an amazing time too. You're welcome to come back anytime."
Eleanor's eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Luke felt his heart skip a beat.
"Maybe I will," she said softly, before turning and heading out into the night.
Luke watched her go, feeling a sense of hope he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.
每周推薦票狀態
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榜單 
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