More Than a Soldier

Chapter 35 - Baking and Olsen Twins

Y/n's POV:

"Ok bug. We need the cocoa powder." I instruct, reading off the recipe for the cake we're baking. Ava is in a cute little baking apron and is stood on the stool so she can easily reach the countertop. After doing some work this morning, I decided that we'd do home economics. Or as us Brits called it in school. Just cooking.

Ava has really got the baking bug recently. Sophie has baked with her a few times since she's been here, and she's loved it. But today, Sophie has some work to do with some messed up orders from the café, so she's locked away in the office whilst I keep Ava entertained. Well, educated. This is obviously for educational purposes...

"What's next mummy?" Ava asks after weighing out the cocoa and adding it to the bowl. "Let's see. Um. Eggs. 4 of them." I reply and she nods, reaching for the egg box. I pass her a bowl and watch as she cracks the eggs effortlessly. "Perfect. Now get a fork and beat them together." I tell her and she does as I say. "Do I add it to the mix now?" She asks and I nod. I allow her to pour the eggs into the mix and take the used bowl out the way to allow her to start mixing.

We've already made a classic Victoria sponge this morning and it's in the oven baking already. Now we're onto chocolate brownies. "Can we take these to mama when they're done?" Ava asks me, giving her best puppy dog eyes. "That's actually a good idea. We've got far too much cake for just us." I respond, knowing that it will easily be eaten by the cast. "Maybe we could make a lemon cake too?" Ava requests. I mean we already have a lot of cake, but if we're taking it to set, it certainly won't go to waste.

I check the cupboard and see that we have some lemons and make sure we have enough of the other ingredients too. "Ok, but that is the last cake. I'll be all baked out." I joke and Ava laughs. "Thank you mummy! This one is ready for the tray now." She responds excitedly, pushing the fully mixed cake mixture towards me. I hand her the spatula and hold the bowl so she can empty the contents into the tray and she smooths it out so it's flat. "Perfect. Now we need to put it in the oven." I say, opening the door and handing Ava oven gloves.

She picks up the tray and carefully carries it over towards the oven. I keep my hands by the tray so I can put it in the final bit, so she doesn't catch her hand and burn herself. "Great job bug!" I praise holding my hand up for a high five, which she happily returns. "Let's clean up and wash the bowls we'll need again, then we'll start on the last cake." I instruct and Ava listens, helping me to wash.

After another twenty minutes, the final cake is in the oven, and I make us some sandwiches for lunch. I also make one for Sophie and make my way upstairs with the plate and a juice. I knock on the door and hear a mumbled "come in." When I open the door, I see Sophie with her head in her hands. "Everything ok?" I ask her, placing the plate and glass down in front of her and then wrapping my arms around her to offer some comfort.

She leans into my touch and lets out a long sigh. "It will be. The supplier screwed up so now we have no coffee. What café doesn't have any coffee?! I've been trying to call around to get some so we can stay open but it's no use. We've only got enough to run today then from tomorrow we'll be closed until either the supplier sorts their shit out or I'm able to get another delivery." She explains in a ramble, worry evident in her voice.

I tighten my hold around her and place a kiss on her head. "I'm sorry Soph. Is there anything I can do to help?" I offer but she shakes her head. "Lunch is enough, thank you. I just need to get this sorted and it'll all be ok." She replies. "Well, Ava has been baking her socks off so we can also offer you a slice of Victoria sponge, lemon cake and brownies." I inform her and I see a smile form on her face. "Hmm, I'll take one of each." She laughs. "I will put your order in with the little chef." I joke.