Page 43 of Her Dream Mafia Daddy

“I know this is your kitchen, but I was wondering if I could make something for Christmas morning?” She looked sheepishly from her Daddy to Auntie Freya.

Auntie Freya came up to her and pinned her with a stern glare.

“You listen to me, Daphne Erin. This is your home. Yes, this is my domain, but it does not mean that you cannot cook in here. While you are in Little space, no one will allow you to cook unsupervised, but when you are in your adult headspace, you are 100% allowed to cook in here. If you need something or need some help, you just let me know and I will make sure you have what you need and help where I can. Now, tell me what you want to make on Christmas morning and I will see that we have everything you need.”

“I don’t know what y’all typically do, but hopefully we can add this to the menu. Growing up, we had a breakfast casserole thing, and it was so good. It had sausage and cheese and milk and some other things. But the secret ingredient is dried mustard. Oh, and croissants as the base.”

“That sounds delicious. We will definitely have to add a serving or two of that. I think these boys will eat it up.”

“I think so too.” Daddy smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “Good job telling us what you want. That makes me very proud of you.”

“Thank you, Daddy. I think you will like it. It’s one of Damian’s favorites. I wonder if he still makes it. I’ll have to call and ask him later.” She finished her chili and sat back, patting her very full belly. “That was delicious chili, thank you, Auntie Freya.”

“You’re very welcome. Did you get enough or would you like some more? Or another piece of cornbread?”

“No, thank you. My belly is so super full. But save me some cornbread for a snack later.” She wiggled her eyebrows, making everyone chuckle.

“I will. Ok. Let’s make a list for the grocery run. Do you remember the recipe, or do you have it saved somewhere?” She put a piece of paper and a pen in front of her and tapped it. “Write what you remember and then we can look up a similar recipe if we need to.”

“I remember it, Auntie Freya.” She got to work writing, and her Daddy watched her closely. She could feel his eyes studying her every movement, and she felt so seen and supported. This family may have its darker issues but they loved fiercely, and she was grateful for each one of them.

“Alright, Little Panda, you stay here with your Auntie Freya for a bit and make a list of food and your Christmas list for Santa. Daddy and your Uncles have some things to take care of, and then I’ll be back later. Be good.”

“Yes, Daddy, I will be a good girl.” She smiled and kissed his nose and then his lips. “Please be safe. I need you. I know he can’t hurt you, but I need you safe,” she whispered in his ear as they embraced.

“I will always be safe, Little Panda. Always.” He smiled at her and watched as they left the room, leaving her, Kiera, and Auntie Freya alone in the kitchen.

“Can we go to the craft room, Auntie Freya?” she asked as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. The cushion might be helpful, but her bottom was still sore, and she wanted to sit on the comfortable bean bag chairs. Plus, it was where all the glitter and fun stuff was for making lists for Santa.

“Take your bowls to the sink and then we can go. But I want you girls to behave with the glitter.” She eyed them both as they nodded and took their bowls to the sink. The craft room was her second favorite room in the house behind the library. There was everything you could think of and then some. She plopped down on the pink fluffy bean bag chair and kept writing her list.

“How is your list coming, sweetheart?” Auntie Freya sat next to her, looking at her list.

“It’s coming. Turns out I can’t remember everything, but I think I got most of it.”

“And did you put some snacks and other things you like?”

“Oh yes. I got some Goldfish and some Oreos and some applesauce.”

“Good girl. When you are done with that, we will start on those lists to Santa.”

“Kiera, do you want to add anything?”

“Well… I don’t know how long I’ll be here. Daddy has some other people running the motel for us while we’re here cause it’s Christmas. People need a place to stay while they go skiing. But I don’t know how long we are staying up here.” She sounded so sad.

“I happen to know you will at least be here through Christmas. Beyond that, I’m not sure what the plan is, but regardless, you need snacks while you’re here.”

“Otay. I would like candy and cookies and ice cream, please.” Kiera tapped the paper for her to write those down.

“Sassy girl.” Auntie Freya laughed. “Those are fine, but we need a balance of things, so add some other stuff too. Like applesauce or carrots and ranch or other fruit, maybe?”

“Okayyyyyy. Carrots and ranch sound yummy, and I will eat pretty much alla the fruit. Oh, and bell peppers with ranch, too. That’s another yummy combination.”

“Oh! What about bananas with peanut butter?” Daphne chimed in.

“Yes! That’s the best combination. It’s so yummy. I love that, let’s get some of that, too.”

“Perfect. I think you have a great list for the store.” Auntie Freya took the list from them and tucked it away safely. “Now, onto the next part. Let’s get those Christmas lists done.”