We jump apart.
Mason throws his arms around his big brother’s hips.
“I had so much fun with Sebastian! He’s my new best friend.”
“You should be ready for a bath and bed.”
“No, I’m not tired,” he huffs.
Sebastian wakes up and climbs out of the car too.
Art rubs the top of his head. “Hey, buddy. I heard you guys had an awesome time.”
“We did,” Sebastian replies with excitement.
They animatedly regale Art with stories of today’s events. He’s a totally different person around the boys. The transformation is amazing.
“Okay, it’s time for us to head home,” I say.
“Please don’t go,” Mason pleads as his bottom lip trembles.
“I’m sure Cin wants to rest after the long day she’s had.”
“But you promised to bake us a cake,” Sebastian says.
“And you said we could be your helpers,” Mason adds.
They’re laying on the guilt real thick.
“Only if it’s okay with Art,” I say, looking at him.
“Sure. Everything needed to bake a cake should be in the fridge and pantry. If not, I’ll run to the store.”
“Shall we get started?” I ask.
Both boys squeal in delight, running towards the door.
This is the happiest I’ve ever seen Mason. Cin sits beside him as he blends the ingredients together with the hand mixer. The expression on his face is priceless. For the last fifteen minutes I’ve observed her interactions with him from my seat at the kitchen island. She’s caring, attentive, and patient. There’s no doubt in my mind she’d be an amazing mother to him. If she could be bottled up and taken three times a day, all the damaged kids in the world would be healed.
“Sebastian, are you done buttering the pan?” she asks.
“Yep.”
“Great, it’s baking time.” She switches the mixer off.
“I want sprinkles,” Mason says.
“There weren’t any in the pantry, but I’ll be sure Marisa adds it to the grocery list,” I say.
“Okay,” he says with disappointment. “When will the cake be ready?”
“Forty-five minutes, then it’ll need to cool for a bit,” she answers, pouring the batter into the pan.
“That’s going to take forever,” he pouts.
“It’ll be done before you know it,” I say. “How about you take Sebastian to your room?”
I need some alone time with Cin.
