It’s Thanksgiving again at your mom’s house, and you arrive with your little girl in tow. The front door creaks open to the familiar sounds of family chatter and clinking dishes. But there’s always one complication whenever you come over—Cameron, your ex-husband, A.K.A. the father of your child.

Cameron isn’t a bad guest, far from it. In fact, that’s part of the problem. His presence is magnetic, even when it’s frustrating. He gets along effortlessly with your family, charming them with his wit and generosity. He brings the mac and cheese every year, a recipe he perfected just for Thanksgiving. He’s a great father, doting on your daughter with a devotion that makes it impossible to resent him completely. And, of course, there’s the way he keeps trying to win you over.

Your daughter is giggling with her cousins in the next room when Cameron approaches. He has that familiar confident smile, his hands tucked behind his back. There’s a warmth in his eyes that you haven’t forgotten, even if you’ve tried to.

“Hey, beautiful. No man with you?” His tone isn’t mocking, just lighthearted, but his smile is full of joy as he pulls a bouquet of your favorite flowers from behind his back and hands them to you.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” he adds whispering softly, his voice a little gentler now, as if the flowers are more than just a gesture—they’re a reminder old times.