You More Than Anything In The World

Edwin has prepared a spread of aglio olio, tater tots, and bread.

The children who arrived ahead of him had their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They eagerly clambered onto the dining table, inhaling deeply the delightful aroma wafting from the food.

“Mr. Whitley, you're so amazing! You've made so many delicious dishes in such a short time!”

Edwin's eyes crinkled into a smile as he took bowls and skillfully served them portions of aglio olio.

“It didn't take long. I baked the bread in advance so you can enjoy it as soon as you come home.”

The children's elation was palpable. Their voices were tender and sweet as they conveyed their appreciation. “Thank you, Mr. Whitley!” they chimed in unison.

“You're welcome. Come, try the aglio olio I made!” Edwin placed the aglio olio in front of Jesse first.

“Mr. Whitley's cooking must be amazing, I can tell it's delicious without even tasting it!” Jesse said sweetly as she hugged her bowl.

Edwin, gratified by their response, was in an especially cheerful mood. “Thank you, Ms. Jesse!”

“Mr. Whitley, could you please serve Mr. Graham a big portion?”

“Mr. Graham seems to be the most ravenous among us, so a small serving should be enough for the rest of us!”

“Just give us a little, and leave the rest for Mr. Graham!”

“Of course!” Edwin was also pleased to see them treat Benjamin well. He promptly assembled another substantial plate just as he noticed Benjamin approaching.

Beaming, he remarked, “Mr. Graham, the children treat you well. They specifically requested that I serve you the largest portion and set aside the most food for you to enjoy!”

Benjamin glanced at the children, who hadn't started eating yet. He took his seat at the head of the table, and Edwin promptly served him a large plate of aglio olio.

“Go ahead and eat. Once you're full, head up to bed!”

“Okay. Daddy, you should start eating. We don't need to go out, so we can eat slowly!” Gavin looked at him and said earnestly.

Benjamin glanced at the children. He took a bite of the aglio olio and found it quite tasty. He was indeed hungry.

By the time all the children had their own bowl, Benjamin had already eaten half of his.

“Mr. Graham, there's some left. Should I give it all to you?” Edwin gathered the remaining aglio olio from the pan and asked Benjamin.

As the children had started eating, Benjamin nodded and said, “Give me the rest.”

Edwin was delighted and quickly served Benjamin. “Mr. Graham, didn't you take the children out for fun tonight?”

They came back quite early tonight.

“Yep! They went to play right after school!” Benjamin responded, joining the children for a late-night snack.

The children would also offer him the food on the table.

“I'm not partial to this, so feel free to have it,” Benjamin said. Barbecued food wasn't his preference, so he only took a single skewer for himself.

The six little ones split up the barbecued food, their mouths soon turning oily.

Edwin wiped the corners of the children's mouths before heading back into the kitchen to get busy, leaving them to their own devices.

“Mr. Graham, here are two tater tots for you!”

Jesse gave Benjamin two tater tots as she was feeling guilty.