The day I leave has come faster than I ever imagined. I still remember the morning I left New York; how much I’d resented the idea of wasting three months in some dead-end town with a sister I’d grown apart from when I could be working.

Back then, it was the promise of meeting my mystery online woman at last that had made the thought of returning to my old town a little easier. I could never have known that Zoe herself would be the one to feel like home.

Laura and the kids are ready to say goodbye. My pilot has clearance to take off in an hour; I have to leave soon.

Megan is the first to say goodbye. She gives me a big hug with tears in her eyes. I hug her tightly back. “I’m going to miss you,” she says. “Promise you’ll come back soon. It’s my sixteenth birthday in March. I’m going to wear my new dress. There’s going to be a party.”

“I’ll be there.”

“You swear?”

“It’s a promise.”

I beckon Jack over to me next and ruffle his hair before leaning down to hug him goodbye. “Keep practicing those games, Jack. We’re going to have a competition when I come back for your sister’s birthday.”

Laura looks up at me from her chair and grins. “Who says you’re allowed back?”

“No turning back now. You’ll never get rid of me.”

She grins widely. “That’s all I ever wanted.”

I hug her and look out the window at my parked car, then cast my eyes down the street.

Laura takes my hand. “She’ll be here.”

“I thought she’d be here by now.”

“It’s hard for her to say goodbye. She’s never had someone like you in her life before.”

“Someone like me?”

“Someone she cares about that deeply.”

“I gave her the ticket,” I say. “It’s not over.”

“No,” Laura agrees. “But it’s not going to be the same.”

I check my watch. I have only minutes before I have to leave.

I’m filled with relief at the sound of the front door swinging open. Zoe appears breathless around the doorway a moment later and quickly rushes over to throw her arms around my neck and kiss me. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

I hold her tightly, breathing in her sweet scent and feeling her soft hair against my cheek one more time. I don’t want to let her go. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

“I almost chickened out. I’m not good at goodbyes.”

“I’m glad you came.”

“Me, too.”

I step back, taking her hands. I’m about to say my final goodbye, but I can feel Megan and Laura’s eyes on us, so I lead Zoe into the backyard for some privacy.

We sit on the edge of the porch together. “So,” Zoe whispers. “You’re really going.”

“It won’t be for long. We’ll see each other again.”

She nods. “I know. But I’m going to miss this; you know.” She gestures around. “All this.”

“Life.”

“Yes.”

“Who knows what’s going to happen? Maybe in a year’s time, we’ll have a new life of our own.”

Zoe doesn’t look convinced, but she forces a smile. “Maybe. In a year.”

“Hey, don’t look so sad, Zoe. You’re making me think it’s over.”

She shakes her head, letting out a long breath, her eyes filled with tears. “No, it’s not over.”

“It just won’t be the same.”

She throws her arms around my neck. “Please don’t be a stranger.”

“I’ve already promised to come back for Megan’s sixteenth birthday.”

“That’s not until March!”

“You can come to New York before then. I can show you the sights.”

She nods, sending a couple of tears falling to the porch.

I lift her face and kiss her. “This time with you has been something I’ll never forget, Zoe. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

We hold onto each other tightly, until Megan comes running out, pausing at the back doors awkwardly. “Sorry, guys. Mom sent me out. She says you’ll miss your takeoff time.”

Zoe offers a half-smile. “Your private jet awaits.”

I stand, holding out a hand to help Zoe up. We hug each other one last time, then kiss deeply.

“Goodbye.”

Zoe blinks back more tears. “Bye.”

I have to turn and walk away before I lose my will. Every step I take feels like a mistake, but I have to go. My whole life is in New York.

Think about the tickets, Tom. You can see her anytime.

I say one last goodbye to Laura and the kids, giving each of them a hug, then walk briskly toward my rental Mercedes.

It’s full of gifts from everyone in the trunk; the plant Zoe gave me is strapped into the front passenger seat beside me. I turn on the ignition and reach for the stick to switch into drive. I’m about to press down on the gas when something catches my eye.

Zoe’s note. I still haven’t read it. I turn off the car and pull Zoe’s card toward me. I open it and read.

Dear Tom,

Merry Christmas.

I know you don’t know the first thing about flowers, but this one is a chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemums symbolize lasting relationships, loyalty, and devotion. People don’t often give someone a red chrysanthemum because that’s a symbol of devoted, passionate love rather than friendship or a short romance.

It was the perfect flower for you.

The time I’ve spent with you since you came back to Maine has turned my life upside down. You’ve given me all the things I never knew I wanted.

Please stay, Tom. I love you.

Zoe xx