Chapter 168
Merida thought carefully while glancing between Theodore and Finnegan. She looked truly conflicted. “Hmm… I tell you tomorrow morning, Mommy!”
On the way home, Theodore lulled Merida to sleep. He took but an earbud and gently placed it in her ear. Then, he played a recording of some text he had written using his phone.
“Today, little Merida took Mommy and Mr. Theodore to the parent–child event. Their family won the ‘Most Beautiful, Perfectly Matched Family‘ award!‘
Merida’s lips curled into a smile in her sleep.
“But if Merida took Mommy and Uncle Finn, the towering Uncle Finn would scare a bunch of kids, and their family would win the “Worst Family‘ award instead.”
Merida’s smile immediately dropped.
“With Mr.Theodore, Merida won competition after competition, while Merida’s bad daddy kneeled and begged
for mercy.
“But if Merida took Uncle Finn, Uncle Finn wouldn’t understand the game rules and would lose the chance to compete. Meanwhile, the bad daddy would hold Beau in his arms, laughing hysterically at Merida.”
The images played vividly in her dreams. Merida curled into herself, shifting uncomfortably. Feeling insecure in her sleep, she instinctively tried to bite her fingers.
Soon, the Range Rover rolled to a stop in front of the Snapp residence. As Theodore got out of the car, he casually said to Elara, “I’m free this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Finnegan’s face turned completely dark from the driver’s seat.
Merida woke up early, rubbing her chubby little fingers against her ears. Last night, it felt like she had a prophetic dream. If she chose Theodore for the parent–child event, everything would be beautiful and perfect.
However, when she picked Finnegan, she dreamed that all the kids burst into tears the moment they saw him. Sitting up in bed, she thought about it seriously for a few seconds.
Then, she dressed herself, neatly folded her blanket, and pushed open the door to the children’s room–only to be immediately enveloped by the delicious aroma of food.
Was Elara cooking breakfast? Excited, Merida dashed toward the kitchen.
But instead of her mother, she saw Finnegan who was nearly 6’3“, broad–shouldered, and muscular standing by the stove. His strong, hands were dusted with flour.
“Uncle Finn, what are you making?”
Finnegan turned to look at Merida. “I made some fluffy pancakes. The first batch is almost ready.”
Merida caught the warm, buttery aroma and immediately started drooling. “What else? Something smells really good!”
She walked over to the stove, and Finnegan lifted the lid of a pot, revealing a thick, golden soup bubbling inside. He said, “Seafood chowder with corn and cream.”
“Wow!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Chapter 160
Finnegan then tossed in a handful of fresh spinach. “Have you washed up yet?”
Merida rubbed her sleepy eyes. “Not yet.”
“Wash up first. Then you can eat.”
She dashed out of the kitchen in her slippers. “I’ll be back per fast!”
Just as Merida disappeared down the hallway, Elara opened her bedroom door, still groggy from sleep.
She saw Merida racing toward the bathroom and then made her way to the kitchen. At the doorway, she spotted Finnegan in a black short–sleeved T–shirt with his muscular arms exposed.
He wasn’t wearing an apron as the ones she usually used were probably too small for him. Seeing him cook didn’t surprise her since Finnegan was an excellent chef. Whenever he had the chance, he would prepare a feast for her.
Elara stepped forward, lifted the lid of the pot, and took a peek inside. She clicked her tongue in amazement. What time did you get here to be able to cook this?”
To make a chowder this rich, the seafood had to be simmered first to extract all the flavor. It was a process that took time and patience.
Finnegan simply replied, “Thought I’d make sure you guys eat something good.”
Elara grinned. “I love it when you cook. You should come over more often, Finn!”
The sharp, chiseled lines of Finnegan’s face softened.
The three of them sat down at the table to eat. Merida dug in eagerly, alternating between fluffy pancakes and spoonfuls of chowder, stuffing her mouth so full she nearly swallowed the spoon.
“Uncle Finn’s food is the best! Mommy, can I bring some of his pancakes to school?”
Elara nodded. “I’ll pack some for you. Will six be enough?”
“I can eat ten!”
Finnegan chuckled. “I’ve been working on some new dishes If we ever go on an outing, I’ll prepare lunch boxes for you guys.”
