I Much Rather Watch

Sterling

After an hour of shopping, we returned to the orphanage with all of the supplies that Isabelle needed. I grabbed all of the bags out of the car and had Isabelle get the doors as we entered the orphanage. Mrs. Strahm was already at the front, it was as if she had been waiting for our return.

"Wow." Mrs. Strahm's eyes went to the bags in my hand. "You guys didn't have to do all of this, I'm sure we could have found some items in the pantry here."

"It wasn't a problem at all." I assured her. "I'm going to take these into the kitchen."

"Okay." Mrs. Strahm nodded.

I headed down the hall to where the kitchen was located while Isabelle went over her plan with Mrs. Strahm. After all these years I still remember where each room is, it's like they're all etched into a map in my mind.

Setting the bags on the counter, I began to take everything out. It was interesting to watch Isabelle pick each thing in the store. She looked it all over carefully and checked dates to make sure everything was fresh. She looked like she was in her element the whole time, as if she was made to bake.

I was beginning to feel a little more confident about giving her the bakery. Things have been in a really good place for us since we decided to pursue our relationship. We've got to be at the point she won't think that it's just to win her over.

"The children will be in soon." Isabelle's voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she came over to help finish taking everything out of the bags. "Are you sure you don't want me to give you a little something for all of this?"

She's asked me multiple times now to chip in on the groceries. And just like the last few times, I'm going to refuse.

"I'm sure." I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into my chest. "You have one more time to ask me that and I'll make you regret it."

A suggestive smirk curves at her lips. "How so?"

I gripped her waist tighter as my lips dipped to her ear, ghosting over the shell as I answered her. "I'll spank you. Hard."

"Sounds exciting." Clearly she's welcoming of the idea.

I can feel the desire pooling inside of me. She's lucky that we're here because if it were anywhere else I'd bend her over right now. Instead, I'll just have to force myself to be patient but she's going to really be in for it when I take her home.

I picked up on the sound of footsteps headed our way and released my grasp on Isabelle. The smirk on her face remains for a moment but fades once Mrs. Strahm comes into the kitchen with all of the children.

"Are you guys excited?" Isabelle asked them all with a smile.

The children all answer her together. "Yes Miss Isabelle."

I took a step back and sat on a chair in the kitchen. I watched as Isabelle began to assign each child a task. A few of them were in charge of mixing the batter and a few others incharge of making some frosting. She gave the older kids the task of cutting up various items to to top their creations with.

"What are you doing over here?" Mrs. Strahm raised a brow as she noticed me sitting out of the way.

"Baking isn't my thing." When I'm in the kitchen it's mainly just to cook and even then I'm not necessarily great at that. "I much rather watch."

My eyes focused back on Isabelle. She's got the biggest smile on her face as she moves around the kitchen and helps the kids. She looks so damn happy which makes me happy.

Mrs. Strahm takes a seat next to me. "I feel the same way. Besides, she looks like she's got it under control."

"That she does." I agreed as I continued watching every move she made around the kitchen.

The children finished making the batter for the cake and Isabelle helped dish it into two pans. They all watched her excitedly as she opened the oven and placed the pan inside. She closed up the oven and began to focus on the cookies next.

I can't help the warm feeling growing inside my chest. Not only does she look like she's enjoying herself with baking, but I can tell she's enjoying being around the children. She's so patient and sweet with him.

My eyes are still glued to her as she has the children help roll the freshly made cookie dough into balls before placing them on a cookie sheet. The last cookie was put in place just as the time for her cake began to go off.

She took the cake out of the oven and placed the cookies in. The cake needed to cool before they could put on the frosting so she takes the time to have the children help her clean up. None of them put up a fight as they're just happy to be helping her out.

Once Isabelle and the children had everything cleaned up she took the cookies out of the oven, letting them cool as she moved onto finally frosting the cake. The children watched as she worked her magic by spreading the frosting evenly all over. She then took the toppings that had been cut up and placed them on top.

The children all look so thrilled at the creations that they helped make. No time is wasted as Mrs. Strahm went over to help dish up the food for the children. After they've all been served Isabelle brought me over a plate with a piece of cake and a cookie.

"Here." She smiled as she passed it over. "I think they did so well, but let me know your thoughts."

Taking the fork, I grabbed some of the cake on it and shoved it into my mouth. I looked up at her as I swallowed it down. She never ceases to surprise me, her baking gets better and better with each thing.

Her brows knitted together as she noticed my silence. "Is it that bad? I made an addition to the recipe and if it's awful then I'm going to feel bad."

"No." I quickly answered. "It's amazing."

A small grin twitched at her lips. "You say that every time."

"Because it's true." I stood up and wrapped my arm around her waist. "You have a gift Isabelle. I think maybe you should consider sharing it with the world."

"Yeah right." She responded before turning around to go grab her own plate. "Baking is just a hobby, I don't have the time to throw myself into it completely."

It takes everything within me to keep myself from blurting out my idea right here. I want it to be a surprise when I give her the bakery and I want to make it special for her.