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── .✦ THE KITCHEN was alive with the comforting sounds of cooking: the gentle sizzle of something frying in a pan, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, and the occasional clink of metal against wood. theodore stood by the stove, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his concentration fully on the dish he was preparing. his chestnut hair was slightly tousled, and a faint smile tugged at his lips as he tasted the sauce simmering on the stove.
"daddy!" celeste's little voice called out from the other side of the kitchen. she was perched on a small stool that theodore had brought in for her so she could watch while he cooked. she wore a little apron, just like his - except hers was pink with tiny blue stars scattered across it. her wavy hair was pulled back with a band, and her blue eyes sparkled with interest as she watched her father move around the kitchen.
"yes, little star?" theodore replied, turning slightly to look at her, his eyes softening at the sight of her tiny form sitting so eagerly.
"can i help?" celeste asked, her little fingers playing with the fabric of her apron. she looked up at him, her gaze full of hope and excitement.
theodore chuckled, a warm sound that filled the room. "of course, you can." he said, wiping his hands on a dish towel. he walked over and gently picked her up, setting her down on the kitchen counter beside a bowl of freshly washed vegetables. "how about you help me wash the tomatoes, mh?"
celeste clapped her hands together, her smile brightening. "okay!" she chirped, immediately reaching for the small red tomatoes, her little fingers dipping them into the bowl of water. she washed each one with care, her expression serious as she concentrated on her task.
you stood in the doorway, watching the two of them with a soft smile. there was something about seeing theodore in the kitchen, his natural grace and confidence mixed with the tender way he interacted with celeste, that always warmed your heart. he was an excellent cook - each dish prepared with care, and each meal was an act of love for his family.
theodore noticed you standing there, and his lips curved into a gentle smile. "there you are, amore," (love) he said, nodding toward the pot on the stove. "dinner is almost ready. we're making your favorite tonight."
you walked over, wrapping your arms around him from behind and resting your chin on his shoulder. "i can tell," you said, inhaling the delicious aroma that filled the kitchen. "it smells amazing, theo." he turned his head slightly, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "thank you, love. i always like making dinner for my two favorite people."
celeste, hearing this, looked up from her tomato washing, her little face lighting up. "i'm one of the favorite people!" she declared, her voice full of joy. theodore chuckled, reaching over to ruffle her hair. "of course, you are," he said, his voice gentle. "you and mummy are my absolute favorites."
