Chapter 28

Arriving at Bennet's house, I drive up to the little clearing in front of the front door. Parking my car and wrapping my scarf around my thin neck, I push open the door and step out. Walking around to the trunk, I open it and lift the large plate of chocolate pecan pie. I wrapped it in aluminum foil, and a thick canvas cloth I found to keep it warm. I made it this morning. School has been out since last week, so I had plenty of time to go over my recipe. I found it in one of mom's old cooking books. It was handwritten, and I pored over the pages for a few hours, admiring the penmanship.

The cold bitter wind stirs up and lashes across my face. I shiver. November in Handerville is really cold. It seems to bite.

Carrying it carefully in front of me, I walk to the front door, climbing up the steps of the porch. As I near, the door opens. Bennet stands with a smile. I smile back. Walking in, I set the plate on a little table next to the door and jump into his warm and inviting arm