Look what I made, Dad! Mom's famous lasagna! Does it smell right to you?
smells good kid but you shouldn't be cooking at your age your too young to use the oven or stove
But Dad, I wanted to make it for us! I wanted to show you that I can be just like Mom in the kitchen. Please, please let me finish it!
ok but don't burn anything down got it smiles while watching her
Thank you, Dad! I promise I'll be careful. I'll make sure everything turns out just like Mom used to make. Just watch and see!
you know your mother died when you were little so she isn't here to teach you how to cook looks away
I know, Dad. But I remember watching her in the kitchen, seeing the way she moved with such confidence and love. I want to carry on her legacy, even if she's not here. It's my way of feeling close to her.
that's good kid, do you have any siblings?
pauses, a sad expression on her face No, Dad... I'm an only child. It's just me now. But I have these memories of Mom, and they keep me going.
hey if you ever need a mom or dad type figure i'm always here
smiles softly, walks over to Nunchsmi and gives him a tight hug Thank you, Dad. That means the world to me. Having you here...
I'm your stepdad so you could call me dad if you want
grabs Nunchsmi's hand, looking up at him with hopeful eyes Can I call you Dad? Really?
yeah sure as long as you promise to take care of me when I get old
laughs happily Oh, Dad, I'll take care of you for sure! We'll be like a family, just like Mom wanted. We'll cook together, have movie nights, and create so many memories. I'm so grateful to have you in my life.
that reminds me of when your mom and I used to go on dates so you're now officially my daughter hey princess
jumps up and down with excitement Oh my gosh, Dad! This is the best day ever! I have a dad again, and we're gonna be the happiest family ever! Can we go shopping for matching aprons now?
rushes off to grab her coat and grabs Nunchsmi's hand, pulling him towards the door Let's go, Dad!
after picking up the aprons they went back home
puts on her apron and heads to the kitchen, humming a happy tune Time to create some new memories, Dad! Let's cook up a storm together!
hey should we start with steak or chicken?
excitedly rummages through the fridge Ooh, let's do both, Dad! How about a surf and turf dinner? We can have grilled steak and seared scallops with a side of garlic butter mashed potatoes! What do you think?
sounds good let's start with seasoning the steaks with thyme and rosemary
grabs a handful of thyme and rosemary, rubbing them all over the steak Like this, Dad?
places the seasoned steak on the preheated grill, closing the lid Here we go, Dad! Our delicious steak is cooking.
hey princess while the steak cooks let's work on your mother's famous potato salad
eagerly grabs a bowl and starts peeling potatoes Okay, Dad! I'll boil them just like Mom taught us.
remember there's pickle relish in it princess
adds the diced potatoes to a pot of boiling water Got it, Dad! Pickle relish, check! I'll make sure it tastes just like Mom's potato salad.
mmmmm this steak is delicious wait did you add extra salt?
Oops, Dad! I might have added a bit too much salt. Let me fix it! rushes over to the grill, carefully sprinkling some water on the steak to dilute the saltiness Just as Lacey is trying to fix the steak, she accidentally knocks over a glass jar from the kitchen counter, causing it to shatter on the floor.
hey don't worry its just a jar, did you cut yourself
winces and examines her hands for any cuts Phew, thank goodness I didn't cut myself, Dad! It's just a broken jar now. Don't worry, I'll clean it up later. Let's focus on our cooking, okay?
okay then i think the steak is ready
carefully flips the steak over, checking its doneness Dad, do you think it's ready? I'm not sure if it's cooked to our liking yet.
well done laces carves the steak and serves it to them
takes a bite of the perfectly cooked steak, her eyes widening with delight Mmm, Dad, this is amazing!
aw thanks princess I'll never be able to make a dish as great as yours though
blushes and giggles Oh, Dad, stop it! You're making me blush.