Page 30 of Chloe

He smiles, that warm, genuine smile that never fails to make my heart skip a beat. “Say you’ll stay. Say you’ll help me make this vision a reality.”

The old Chloe, the one who arrived in Benton Falls just a few weeks ago, would have balked at the idea. She would have seen it as a step backward, a waste of her talents and ambition.

But this Chloe pauses… she sees it differently.

I see the possibility of a future here in Benton Falls. A future filled with purpose and love, with the satisfaction of building something meaningful. A future with Oliver.

The realization doesn’t completely freak me out like I thought it would. Instead, it fills me with a sense of peace, of rightness.

“It’s something to consider,” I say with a smile. “Can you give me a little time to think everything through?”

The grin that breaks across Oliver’s face is like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. “Of course.” He pulls me close, and when our lips meet, it feels like coming home.

As we stand there in the glow of the Christmas lights, surrounded by the history and promise of Hanks’ Department Store, I feel a profound sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for this town that’s welcomed me, for the experiences that have opened my heart, and for Oliver, who’s shown me what it means to truly live and love.

I think back to George Bailey’s revelation at the end of the play. Like him, I’ve been given a wonderful gift—the chance to see my life, and myself, in a new light. The chance to make a difference, to be part of something bigger than myself.

As Oliver and I leave the store hand in hand, stepping out into the snowy night, I’m filled with a sense of excitement for the future.

* * *

The next morning, I wake to the sound of carolers outside my window. For a moment, I’m disoriented, the events of last night feeling almost like a dream. But as I sit up, my eyes falling on the framed photo of Oliver and me from the ice skating rink, a warm smile spreads across my face. It wasn’t a dream. This is my life now, and could always be, if I agree to stay in Benton Falls—all I have to do is decide.

But not today.

I throw on a cozy sweater and make my way downstairs, when the doorbell rings. I make my way to the door and open it. To my surprise, I find Rebecca there, humming softly as she arranges a plate of Christmas cookies.

“Rebecca?” I say, still not quite used to having an unintentional bestie. “What are you doing here?”

She tilts her head, her golden hair catching the morning light. “Oh, good morning, Chloe. I hope you don’t mind. I thought you might like some company this morning. And some of Maggie’s famous gingerbread cookies.”

I shake my head, oddly touched by the gesture. “No, I don’t mind at all. Thank you.”

Rebecca steps inside, and I lead her into the kitchen. Minutes later, the coffee is ready. As we sit at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and nibbling on cookies that taste like Christmas itself, I open up to Rebecca about last night. About the play, about Oliver’s plans for the store, about my decision to stay in Benton Falls.

Rebecca listens attentively, her eyes sparkling with what looks suspiciously like pride. “Chloe, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. You know, when you first came to town, I never would have guessed things would turn out like this.”

I laugh, the sound full and rich. “Believe me, neither did I. But now... I can’t imagine it any other way.”

As we continue to chat, the warmth of friendship and the joy of the season filling the kitchen, I’m struck by how much my life has changed in such a short time. Maybe it’s not about the pursuit of money…

Later that day, as I help Oliver hang a “Happy Holidays” banner across the front of his store, I catch sight of my reflection in the window. The woman looking back at me is almost unrecognizable from the cold, ambitious CEO who arrived in Benton Falls just weeks ago.

This Chloe has rosy cheeks from the cold and exertion, her hair slightly mussed from the wind. But more than that, her eyes are bright with happiness, her smile genuine and warm. This Chloe looks alive in a way I haven’t felt in years.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Oliver asks, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

I lean back into him, savoring the solid warmth of his presence. “Just thinking about how different everything is. How different I am.”

“Oh?” Oliver presses a soft kiss to my temple. “Different in a good way, I hope?”

I turn in his arms, meeting his gaze. “The best way. Oliver, I... I’m happier than I’ve ever been. And it’s because of you, because of this town. You’ve shown me what really matters in life.”

The light shining in Oliver’s eyes takes my breath away. He cares about me. “You’ve changed me too, Chloe. You’ve brought a fresh energy to this place, pushed me to think bigger. We make a good team, you and I.”

The sound of children’s laughter draws our attention. A group of kids is having a snowball fight in the town square, their shrieks of delight filling the air. Without thinking, I scoop up a handful of snow and lob it playfully at Oliver.

His look of shock quickly gives way to a mischievous grin. “Oh, it’s on, Anderson.”

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