"Everyone in town is looking forward to it, too."
"So...no pressure?" She sighs.
I spin her chair until she faces me, and I can stand between her legs. "They wouldn't have sent you here if they didn't think you could do it justice. I have full confidence in your ability to make this article the absolute best that it can be."
"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, there's something I need to say."
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'l never forget our time together. I want the absolute 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 really dislike 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 tellmysister I cried."
"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 finally got you hooked on our little town," I say with amusement.
"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 on to."
"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 as I watch 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, setting her phone in the middle and buckling. 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 we can'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?"