Page 15 of Valentine's Day Treasure

Sorry,he said inruhi.Couldn’t resist. Whatcha making?

She smiled at him and said, “Something new. I call it Ten Meat Stew.”

Troy sat like a dog who’d been offered a treat and licked his chops.

It sounds amazing.

She grinned. Troy loved everything she cooked, as long as it had meat in it. He was her favorite taste-tester.

Trevor came back in with the packages of meats she’d asked him for and dropped them on the counter in a pile.

“Need anything else?” he asked.

“Not right now. Thanks.”

Some males moved around on the front porch, making a ton of noise, and Trevor headed that way.

Ella put the meat in the microwave to defrost and went back to prepping, with Troy still sitting in the middle of the kitchen, watching her.

I wish I could help,Troy said.

“I know.” It wasn’t the first time he’d wanted to help her in the kitchen.

It already smells great. Ten meats. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything with ten meats in it.

Ella switched toruhi. It doesn’t really have ten meats in it, just six, and some are variations—like there’s bacon, ham, and pork roll,she said.There’s also ground beef and ribeye, and just a bit of ground chicken.

Troy didn’t say anything. Ella turned to look at him and couldn’t read his wolfy expression, but he didn’t look happy. Maybe he was alarmed? Or offended?

She gave him a‘what’look, then went on with her cutting.

I was really excited to eat the Ten Meat Stew,he whispered inruhi.You should call it Six Meat Stew if it only has six meats in it.

Ella stopped chopping and turned to look at him.I have ten different meats, but I didn’t know if it would be a good idea to put them all in a stew.

Troy cocked his head, looking pretty sure of himself.It would be a very good idea,he said.

She considered, then said, “Alright, ten meats it is.”

Just then, Trevor walked by. “Trevor, could you get me more meat from the freezer?” she called to him.

“Sure, which?” he said, changing direction.

“Get me a #3 and a #7.”

He stopped walking and stuck his head in the kitchen. “You told me never to touch #7.”

“It’s a special occasion.”

“Okay… be right back.”

Troy was grinning at her.

#3 is turkey and #7 is a mixture of wild elk, moose, and deer,she told him.

His eyes got big and he licked his chops.10 meats—you’re like a cooking wizard.

She blushed. He was easy to please. “I just learned quickly,” she said. “I pay attention to what you all like most.”

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