Page 46 of Amaris Rejected

With that in mind, I’m preparing Amaris’s breakfast this morning. I’ve made enough for everyone, but I hope Zoe and I can take it to her in bed. She does so much for so many with little recognition. She’s an incredible female and community leader.

I know she loves pancakes. I’ve learned all her favorites from her friends. So, I’ve loaded a tray with bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and orange juice for three. I even made a mouse’s head-shaped pancake for Zoe.

I set the tray on the counter and tiptoe into Zoe's room. "Zoe! Here comes the tickle monster to get you!" I jump onto her bed, wiggling my fingers above her to make her laugh.

She shrieks! "Daddy, no! No tickle monster!" Cackling, she squirms, trying to get away. "Daddy! Daddy!"

I pause to let her catch her breath. "Yes, Zoe?"

"Tickle monster, get you!" She screams and leaps on my back, jabbing me with her pointy little fingers. Much to her delight, I flip her over and blow raspberries on her stomach.

"Zoe, Daddy made breakfast." I brush her hair out of her face. “Would you like to help me bring it to Mama in bed and eat with her there?"

"Yes!" she says enthusiastically. I help her out of bed, and we head to the kitchen to grab the tray. Balancing it carefully, we sneak up to Amaris's room, where I knock softly.

I hear a drowsy Amaris say, "Come in." As we enter, Zoe leaps onto the bed and shouts, "Suprise, Mama!"

Amaris swipes her hair out of her eyes and smiles sleepily at Zoe. "Oh, my goddess, Zoe. Did you cook breakfast for me?"

"Uh-huh," Zoe replies. "Me and Daddy!"

Sitting up, Amaris reaches for the tray. "No," I say. "Sit back, and I’ll put it in your lap."

"Thank you, guys," she says, rubbing noses with Zoe. "I’m so hungry. Ooh, orange juice!" She takes a sip from her glass. "Looks like Zoe has some breakfast here, too." I sit on the edge of the bed and help Zoe get settled so she can eat with her mama.

“There’s actually a plate here for me as well,” I exclaim, grabbing a piece of bacon and munching it happily.

As Amaris enjoys her breakfast, I pull Zoe between us to help her. I hold her juice cup or assist her in spearing a bite of pancake. "Mouse, Daddy," she points at her pancake, beaming.

"Oh, that's so cute, Devon," Amaris says, admiring my simple pancake skills.

"Mom used to make these for me," I shrug. "It's a breakfast tradition," Both my girls smile happily.

It doesn't take us long to fill our bellies. Once we’re done, I grab the empty tray. “Come on, Zoe, let's get Grandma some breakfast while Mama gets ready.” Amaris hasn’t smiled this much around me since the day we met. A warmth settles in my soul, and Rue is doing somersaults.

Zoe and I carry the tray back to the kitchen. She chatters the whole way about mouse pancakes, Mama, and Daddy. I listen and reply with genuine contentment.

I plate some breakfast for Minette and pop it in the microwave. While it warms, I load the dirty dishes into the dishwasher and wipe the tray. After pouring a fresh glass of orange juice, I set the reheated meal beside it. Zoe, who hasn’t stopped talking, follows me to Minette's suite.

I knock softly on the door and hear a muffled "Come in."

As I open the door, Zoe jumps onto the bed just like before. "Grandma! We made breakfast."

Minette smiles brightly at the sight of Zoe. "Good morning, my little one!" She rubs her eyes as she sits up and looks at me. “Morning, Devon.”

I carefully set the tray on her lap. "We just wanted to treat you to breakfast in bed."

She gently pats my cheek as I lean over. "You're a good male, Devon. I hope you’ll be even better for our girls."

"That's the plan, ma'am. Do you need anything else?"

"No, Devon, this is wonderful. Thank you," she says, pointing at Zoe. "Has she eaten yet?"

"Yes, ma'am. I fed her and Amaris first."

She smiles. "Can she keep me company while I eat?"

"Sure. I'll go finish cleaning the kitchen."

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