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“It won’t be until late, like 3 A.M. your time.”

“No worries. I’ll keep my phone near. I love you, Riley. Happy Thanksgiving.”

I have so much to be thankful for. “I love you, too, Ben.”

Sixty-Four

Sunday, November 25, 1:24 P.M. in NYC / 6:24 P.M. in the UK

A photo and text message popped up on Riley’s phone: Ben beaming with pride, holding a small chalkboard with BEN’S LOVE BITES scrawled across it.

Sold EVERYTHING this wkend! xo

Riley giggled and typed a message.

How cute are YOU? Ben’s Love Bites? Mmmm, my fave! LOL! Are you sure you didn’t eat more than you sold, Cookie Monster?

Three minutes later.

And eat my profits? No! I’m all about £! £ = me w/u in NYC. Froze my bollocks off but getting all toasty thinkin of u.

You want sexy FaceTime?

Within seconds of Riley sending her text, she received a FaceTime call from Ben.

• • •

Christmas Day, 8:46 A.M. in NYC / 1:46 P.M. in the UK

Sitting by Maggie’s tiny Christmas tree, Riley smiled at the tartan change purse given to her by Piper and hit send on her latest text.

Merry Christmas Benjamin Fagan, love of my life! x

Twenty-five minutes passed—no text. Riley gave up waiting and had begun mixing waffle batter when Ben’s reply arrived.

Happy Chrimbo, gorgeous!! Soz for late reply. On train. Give Maggie kiss! xo

Riley happily abandoned breakfast prep and picked up her phone, replying. FaceTime?

Can’t. Really low battery. 4got my charger!! Shite reception. On way to see Mum.

Her lips let out a satisfied sigh as she texted back. You two made up?

Yep. Open my prezzie?

Riley glanced under the tree. Inside an opened box was a photo book of their New York memories and a cute ring featuring a real Love Heart candy preserved inside a glittery red resin heart. The candy’s message: Catch Me. Ben had also included a handwritten card: It’s not that you need catching, but if you ever did fall, I’ve got you. xo

Her fingers flew with her answer. I loved it. That ring will look perfect with my red Christmas dress.

Aw, Hope…sounds hot—send photos later?!!

She giggled, hitting send. Will do! Did you like mine? Did you like Mom’s sweater?

She didn’t receive an answer. No further texts arrived that day.

• • •

New Year’s Eve, 6:52 P.M. in NYC / 11:52 P.M. in the UK