“I used to dip it in ketchup, and it covered up the smell but added to the delicious taste.” Yeah, I call bullshit on that. I don’t think anything can do that.
Andy eyes up the ketchup bottle curiously before twisting his lips.
My son is one of the pickiest eaters I’ve ever known. There is no way in hell he is going to try that.
With one last sniff over the plate, he lifts his gaze to his godfather’s. “Uncle Finn, can I try a bite?”
Finn’s eyes widen in shock, as do mine as my head draws back quickly in shock. I’m speechless. Rubbing my eyes, I verify I’m not dreaming.
“Of course, little dude.” He turns his attention to Kate. “Maybe you could learn a thing or two from this kid who has manners and asks before just taking it.”
Kate shrugs, and behind Andy’s head, she lifts her middle finger to Finn. With the other hand, she squirts a bit of ketchup on the edge of his plate.
Andy hesitantly takes the piece from Finn, never taking his eyes off the mushy center. He swipes almost the entire sploosh of ketchup up with the piece of scrapple before bringing it to his lips.
“Mmm, that’s yummy.”
Andy reaches over to grab more, but Finn is too fast and grabs the plate and pushes it out of his reach. “Uh-uh, I’ll order you your own plate.” Finn looks up and flags the server down.
I can’t believe that actually happened. I’ve been trying to get him to try new foods forever, and this one time, she gets him to try scrapple, of all things. I’m in complete shock.
I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her into my side, kissing her temple. “Thank you,” I whisper in her hair.
She nods with a smile. She settles against my side, and I leave my arm resting against the back of the booth.
Kate turns back to the rest of the group and laughs at something her sister said.
I feel like I’m dreaming at the scene in front of me. What a difference from the last first family meal I shared with them. While that meal was filled with tension and made us feel like outsiders pretending to be a part of the family, this meal makes me believe that we truly are. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted for Andy—to be surrounded by people who love him.