They worked their way through the courses, each one more impressive than the last, a smooth seafood bisque with lobster foam that tasted like the sea; perfectly seared scallops that melted in your mouth, served with a citrus sauce and pea purée.
Duck confit so tender it fell apart at the slightest touch, paired with cherry compote and roasted vegetables, followed by a palate cleanser of champagne sorbet that sparkled in your mouth.
Emma snapped photos of everything, narrating her reactions like she was filming a food vlog. "The texture is incredible, Dad! Are you even listening to me?" She waved her fork at him.
"I'm listening," Alexander assured her, genuinely amused now. "The texture is incredible."
"You're just going along with it."
"I'm really enjoying your excitement."
Emma grinned. "Good. Because this is literally the best meal of my life, and I need you to be as excited about it as I am."
"Count me in," Alexander replied, and surprisingly, he actually meant it.
