He stood at the kitchen counter in an apron that said WORLD’S OKAYEST CHEF while Liam measured ingredients and Asher insisted on being responsible for the blueberries.

Mason operated the waffle iron according to his own detailed safety rules.

I supervised with coffee in hand.

The morning was not magical.

Tristan burned the first batch.

Caleb argued with Liam about who was responsible for stirring.

Asher spilled half a cup of flour, and Mason announced that our kitchen was operating at unacceptable efficiency.

But by the time breakfast was served, everyone was laughing.