He offers her a grateful smile--for both the pastry and leaving well enough alone when it comes to the reason why his cheeks are still so red--and doesn't have to think very hard about his answer. "I'm good. Last month was a bit... Well, it was a little rough, but things have settled down again. Getting there, anyway."

Spencer's shoulder still seems to pop sometimes, though he isn't in pain anymore, and Joel's still healing but for the most part, preparing for the holiday season has been enjoyable and not only because the demon is gone now.

"Just enjoying my first Christmas as a married man, I suppose. What about yourself, any exciting plans with Levi for tomorrow?"