Live in the moment. He’ll be gone before I know it. “That sounds delicious.” She had no doubt they would be, but she needed to keep her guard up. Sharing new memories would only make those old ones harder to keep tucked away where they belonged.

As soon as they finished, she put their bowls in the dishwasher, and then grabbed her keys. “Let’s get you back. I’ve got other things I need to take care of this morning.”

They were quiet on the short ride back to Main Street.

“Thanks for letting me help tonight, and for letting me tag along to feed the pig. The chili brought back some great memories. It’s been a really good night.”

She resigned herself to roll with the evening. “I’m glad too.”

She pulled behind his rental car. He sat there, quiet, and she hoped he wasn’t thinking about kissing her. That would be a mistake. To break the mood, she blurted out, “A convertible. In the winter? With the top down?”

“Seemed like a fun idea at the time.” He shrugged. “I want to see you again.”

It was what she’d wanted to hear for so long, but now that he’d said it, it scared the dickens out of her. Her heart pounded so hard she could hear the beats. Her body was telling her to run from trouble. She fidgeted, grappling for a response. “Maybe next time you come to town you’ll give me some notice.”

“But I’m here now.” His words were warm. “You haven’t changed a bit.” He touched her face with the tips of his fingers.

A ripple of excitement ran through her. “Neither have you.” She wanted so badly at that moment for him to say he’d be staying, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. “You’ll be leaving soon.” The words rolled out like an accusation.

He lowered his head. “So this is it?”

“I guess so.”

He pulled his hands together. “Can we stay in touch? I’ve missed this. I didn’t even realize how much I’ve missed this, but I do.”

She was so tired, and her defenses were down. She knew better. Her heart should know better than to set herself up for another huge letdown. Be strong. “Andrew, you’ve had seven years to not miss me. I think it’s time we just say goodbye and close that door.”