Page 24 of Big Bad Single Wolf Dad

“One cheeseburger, no pickles,” he states proudly. He carefully places the plate in front of Mia like a seasoned waiter.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper when he sits back down. “I hate to waste food.”

“Don’t worry. It wasn’t wasted,” he says with a wink.

“I hate pickles!” Ollie shouts. “I hate pickles and onions!”

“Ollie, you asked for extra pickles on your burger,” Greg says.

Ollie smiles a wide, toothy grin. “I hate pickles!”

Greg looks astonished at Ollie’s strange insistence, but I recognize this behavior quite well. I put a hand on Greg’s knee and explain what I know.

“He saw Mia get another burger and thinks it’ll get him a second one, too.”

Greg sighs and rolls his eyes. “Buddy, if you’re still hungry, just say so. But remember you need to save room for dessert.”

“Dessert!” Ethan cries in delight.

“I hate pickles! I want dessert!” Ollie yells, hands in the air. He’s an adorable little boy, and his mannerisms take me back to when Ethan and Mia were that small. Sometimes I miss that part of their development. Ollie’s genuine innocence is so heartwarming.

“You have to wait until everyone is finished,” Noah states in his mature eldest voice as the lone nine-year-old. I can tell Greg has done well to raise him to be responsible and kind, even if his youthful nature brings out a little sass now and then.

“Eat slower!” Lily whispers to Mia. They both giggle at the prospect of making the other kids squirm with impatience. They are exactly alike, and I can see both incredible ups and downs with having two Mias in my life.

I’m completely smitten with Greg’s kids. Each of them has their little quirks and traits that make them so lovable. And my heart swells with pride seeing how easily they get along with Ethan and Mia.

I want things to stay this way so much.

“Come on, Mia!” Ethan whines.

She responds by taking a very slow bite and chewing for almost an entire minute. I’m genuinely curious how long she expects to draw this out.

Greg looks at me, winks, and turns back to the kids. “I would hate for the sundae bar to sit for too much longer. I wouldn't want the ice cream to melt.”

Mia’s eyes go wide, and I audibly yelp as she shoves half of a burger into her mouth.

Lily screeches in delight. “Mia, don’t choke!” she yells.

She takes a large gulp of water and a deep breath. “I’m ready for ice cream,” Mia announces.

Greg rounds up all five kids and leads them into the kitchen. There, the chef has transformed a table into an all-out ice cream sundae bar with multiple flavors, syrups, sprinkles, and toppings I’d never even considered before!

Greg helps each child choose the perfect bowl, giving them samples and suggesting pairings like a wine steward in a five-star restaurant.

“I don’t know what I want,” Ethan whines. He is rather notorious for having difficulty picking from a menu. At six years old, I can understand the trouble, but Mia was never as indecisive as he is. I usually have to choose and order something on his behalf and hope his tastes haven't changed overnight.

“That’s alright, you like chocolate?” Greg asks. Ethan nods his head vigorously. “I’ve got this.” Greg makes a show of putting together a bowl of absolute chocolate decadence. The ice cream, sprinkles, syrup, candy topping, and chips are all chocolate. He tops it with a single, bright red cherry. “And now it’s healthy.”

Ethan takes his treat while hopping up and down on his toes. He looks so delighted as he digs into one giant spoonful of chocolate.

“And for the lady?” Greg asks after each child has their own.

“Dealer’s choice,” I reply. I’m curious about what he thinks I’ll like. Greg smirks and gets to work, crafting a traditional banana split with whipped cream and chopped nuts.

“I haven’t had one of these since I was Mia’s age,” I admit.

“I hope it takes you back, then.” Greg makes his own and joins me, our free hands grazing against each other’s on the table.

---