"That would be telling," he said, some of the laughter he had been holding back coming out. He couldn't totally throw over his brothers and sisters in arms, no matter how much the assessment fit some of them to the letter.

"Wise man, your father," he said, sliding his free arm around her waist. "Now...let's see. Something comparable for a bite of very good apple." He bounced his knee where she was seated while he thought about it, well aware he was being a brat. "I'm a generous sort. I could part with a bite for a kiss. It would have to be a good one."