Page 101 of My Greatest Joy

“You have too much faith in me.”

“None of that self-doubt, my love.” I lift her chin and press my lips to hers. “Finish your coffee, and I’ll load up your bags in yoursweetminivan and get it started for ya.”

She laughs, pushing me away. “That beast got me here in one piece, so be nice.”

Dasher follows me around as I grab her bags and carry them outside. It’s cold and sunny, the complete opposite of the day she arrived, so she should have no problem getting to the airport today. I would’ve loved to have driven her there myself.

Once I’m inside, I clean out her mug and dry it off. “I want you to have this,” I tell her. “Take a piece of Vermont back with you.”

“Why are you trying to make me cry? I hate crying.” She sniffs, grabbing it from my hand.

I pull her into my chest, holding her tight as she forces back tears. She’s not the only one, though. My emotions are about to spill over.

“Before you go, I need to say something.”

She leans back and meets my eyes.

“Finding you in my house has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me. You will forever have a piece of my heart, Fallon Joy. Regardless of where our lives take us, I’ll never forget ourtime together. I want the best for you and hope all your dreams come true. You deserve it and so much more.”

My own tears fall, blurring my vision as I feel her moist cheeks against my fingers.

“You suck, and I hate you for making me cry.” She choke-laughs as she tries to compose herself.

“It’s okay to show emotion, sweetheart. It’s not a weakness.” I kiss her again. “Just don’t tell my sisterIcried.”

“I’m going to miss her and your family, too. Finn and Oakley. Everyone. Even the mayor who dresses like Santa.”

“It took a while, but I think we got you hooked on our little town,” I muse.

“It’s the community. You were right from the beginning. It’s the people who make this place so special and magical.”

“It’s going to be a little less special without you here,” I tell her honestly.

“Thank you for…everything. You helped give me holiday memories I can cherish forever. When sadness takes over, I’ll have them to hold onto.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” I take her hand and walk her outside. If she doesn’t leave soon, she’ll miss her flight.

Dasher wags his tail, and she kneels to give him a hug. “I’m gonna miss you, buddy, even though you suck at listening to me. You were a good snuggler.”

I beam, watching Dasher lick her face.

Once she stands, I take her into my arms one final time.

“My house is always open to you, Fallon.”

She nods as she fights back tears.

Then I open her van door, and she gets in, sets her phone in the middle, and buckles. It’s nice and warm for her, too.

Leaning against the frame, I dip down and capture her mouth. Our tongues tangle in a heated war of all the words wecan’t say. Cupping her face, I deepen our kiss and moan. She does the same, and I hate that I’ll never hear it again.

When we’re breathless, I pull back. “Drive safe, okay?”

“I will. Thank you again for letting me crash here.”

“Don’t mention it.” I shoot her a wink.

“Bye, Levi.” The sadness in her voice is a punch to the gut.

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