Page 23 of As the Years Pass

I grab the box of mix, a bowl, measuring cup, and the chocolate chips. I hand the bag of chocolate chips to Ian.

“Here, can you open this for me?”

He takes it and puts all his attention into it, which allows me to get the rest of the stuff I need. He’s still trying to figure it out when I start mixing the batter, but that gets his attention and he wants to mix it, so I hand it over and open the bag of chocolate.

“Okay, we have to be really careful, right?”

“Right.”

“The stove is hot, and we do not play with it. Not unless you’re an adult. It’s dangerous.”

“Yes, Dada.”

I pour a scoop of batter into the heated pan, making three small pancakes for Ian.

“Do you want to put the chocolate chips in yours?”

He does his surprised face again and nods. I lift him up under the arms.

“Grab some,” I tell him. He shoves his hand into the bag and takes a handful. Then, I bring him near the stove. “Don’t get too close. Little closer. Okay, let go.”

He opens his little fist and the chocolate chips fall all over one pancake and onto the pan. I laugh as I put him back in his spot, then finish the rest myself. When it’s all done, I plate them and cut them, get him some milk, then set him up at the table so I can make some for Judy and me.

“Deedee!” Ian says after only a moment, and I know she’s woken up.

“Morning, sweetheart!” I call out as I flip a large pancake.

She shuffles over, looking half asleep, and gives me a hug, then heads into the bathroom. She comes back and sits at the table, her dark hair a wild mess. It’ll take me forever to get all those knots out. Every night before bed, I put a braid in her hair, but every morning, it’s somehow out, the band missing, and her hair looking like an animal’s nest.

“I’m tired,” she says.

“You can go back to bed if you want.”

“I want pancakes.”

“You can go back to sleep after that.”

“You said we could go to the park today.”

“We have all day for that. If you’re tired, you can sleep.”

She nods, putting her head down on the table. I make her pancakes, get her some milk, and set it on the table for her. Ian is already covered in chocolate and syrup. I should have waited to get him dressed because I may have to change him now.

I make three pancakes for myself, grab my half-empty mug of coffee, and leave the mess for later.

“Judy, can you hang out with Ian while I take a shower?” I ask when everyone is done eating. Ian somehow managed to keep his clothes clean, so all I have to do is scrub his face and hands.

“Can we stay in his room?” she asks.

“Of course. I’ll put on Bluey.”

“Bluey! Yay!” he shouts, running into his room.

Judy shakes her head, following after him. “Boys,” she mutters.

I grab my clothes and take a quick shower, then occupy Ian while Judy gets dressed so we can head to the park. There’s one not far from here, but it’s not great. The one across town has better things for them to play on, and safer things for Ian since it’s newer, so we get in the car and head that way. As we pass the bar, I can’t help but look at it, wondering if Emmet is there. I haven’t heard from him this morning, which is surprising.

We’ve talked every day since I got his number, and each morning, we’ve started talking by now. I guess he’s probably just busy.