Page 31 of Chloe

What follows is the most fun I’ve had in years. We chase each other around the square, lobbing snowballs and laughing like children. I’m breathless and soaked, my carefully styled hair a mess, but I’ve never felt more alive.

Oliver pulls me close, his breath warm against my cold cheek. “You know,” he says softly, “I think this is going to be the best Christmas Benton Falls has ever seen.”

As I look out at the town, at the twinkling lights and the smiling faces of people going about their day, at the sense of community and warmth that permeates every corner, I can’t help but agree.

“You’re right,” I say, snuggling closer to him. “It really is a wonderful life.”

And as we sit there, watching the snow fall and planning our future together, I silently thank whatever twist of fate brought me to this magical little town. Because here, in Benton Falls, I’ve found more than just a place to belong. I’ve found myself.

Fourteen

CHLOE

The soft glow of candlelight dances across the polished wood pews as Oliver and I make our way into the church. The scent of pine and citrus envelops us, mingling with the familiar musty sweetness of well-worn hymnals and decades of faithful worship. It’s a comforting smell, one that reminds me of childhood Christmases spent here with my grandmother.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper to Oliver, my eyes drawn to the magnificent Christmas tree near the altar. Its twinkling lights reflect in the stained-glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that seems almost magical.

Oliver squeezes my hand, his smile warm in the flickering light. “Wait till you see the pageant. The kids have been practicing for weeks.”

We find seats near the front, settling in among the other townspeople. The excited chatter of children and the soft murmur of adult conversations fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere that wraps around me like a cozy blanket.

As we wait for the pageant to begin, I find myself marveling at how comfortable I feel here. Just a few weeks ago, the thought of attending a small-town church pageant would have filled me with dread. Now, sitting here with Oliver, surrounded by people who have welcomed me so warmly into their community, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

The soft strains of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” signal the start of the pageant. The congregation falls silent as the first notes of the organ fill the church. Down the aisle comes a procession of children dressed as angels, shepherds, and wise men. Their faces are a mix of solemn concentration and barely contained excitement.

I feel Oliver’s arm slip around my shoulders, and I lean into him, savoring the warmth of his presence. As we watch the timeless story of Christ’s birth unfold before us, I’m struck by the simplicity and power of the message. A child, born in the humblest of circumstances, bringing hope and love to the world.

The little girl playing Mary cradles the baby Jesus with such tenderness that I feel a lump form in my throat. It’s a stark reminder of the purity of a child’s love, untainted by the complexities and fears that we adults so often let cloud our hearts.

As the pageant progresses, I find myself drawn more and more into the spirit of the season. The children’s earnest performances, the familiar carols sung with heartfelt enthusiasm by the congregation, the sense of community and shared joy that permeates the air – it all combines to create a feeling of belonging that I’ve never experienced before.

When the final notes of “Silent Night” fade away, I realize there are tears in my eyes. Oliver notices, gently wiping away a stray tear with his thumb.

“You okay?” he whispers, concern evident in his voice.

I nod, offering him a watery smile. “More than okay. It’s just... I’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s beautiful.”

Oliver’s answering smile is radiant. “That’s the magic of Christmas in Benton Falls. It has a way of touching your heart when you least expect it.”

As we file out of the church after the pageant, the cold night air nips at our cheeks, a stark contrast to the warmth inside. But the chill does nothing to dampen the glow of joy I feel inside.

Oliver and I linger on the church steps, watching as families and friends exchange hugs and holiday wishes. The sound of laughter and cheerful conversation fills the air, punctuated by the distant chiming of bells from the town square.

“So,” Oliver says, a hint of teasing in his voice, “what did you think of the pageant?”

I pretend to consider for a moment. “Well, I have to say, it was much better than any Broadway show I’ve seen lately.”

Oliver laughs, the sound rich and warm. “High praise indeed from a big city girl.”

As we walk back towards the town square, our hands intertwined, I open up to Oliver about the thoughts swirling in my mind.

“You know,” I begin, “being here, seeing how this community comes together... it’s made me think about the future. About how I might contribute more.” I glance up at him. “To Benton Falls.”

Oliver’s eyes light up with interest. “Oh? What ideas do you have?”

I feel a flutter of excitement as I share the plans that have been forming in my mind. “Well, I’ve been thinking about ways to invest in the town to help revive some of the local businesses. Maybe set up a fund for small business loans, or create a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs.”

As I talk, I can feel my old business acumen kicking in, but it’s different now. Instead of focusing solely on profit margins and market shares, I’m thinking about community impact and sustainable growth.

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