This version smells a little better than the last one to my rather mundane nose. I'd tried a slightly different mix of spices than the recipe calls for and I can only hope I'd chosen correctly as I set it out on the counter to cool.

Turning back, I notice Derek watching intently, his eyes wide and dark and I want to believe it's me he's staring at so hungrily, but I know it's the pie. Either way, it feels nice to be the focus of that attention and I smile sheepishly as I hang the oven mitt and wander back to the couch.

"Soon as it's cool, it's all yours," I tell him, tucking my legs up beneath me, elbow propped on the back of the couch so I can watch him open his present.