Chapter 17

"Faith, stay with Callie for a while. Dinner will be ready soon," Ethan chirped. This scene, which he had dreamed of countless times, had finally come true. Callie was happily unwrapping her gifts, which included everything from dolls and busy boards to Lego sets and virtual pets. Faith watched, her heart aching. Why did people only realize the value of what they had after losing it? "Dinner's ready." Ethan brought out the last dish, took off his apron, and personally called Callie to join dinner. Callie was sweating, and her hands were covered in colorful marks. He first took her to wash her hands, dried them himself, and led her back to the dining table. "I'm really an inadequate husband and father. I don't know what you like to eat, so I just made a few things," Ethan said regretfully as he cautiously glanced at Faith. He had prepared ribs, chicken chops, a salad, and clam chowder. Faith didn't know he could cook. Nicole had taught him well. "Try it. I just learned it.