Page 42 of Chloe

Because now I understand - being a guardian angel is a lot like being a good friend.

Twenty

CHLOE

The bell above the door of Sweet Haven Bakery & Café jingles merrily as I step inside, shaking snow from my boots. The warm aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and brewing coffee envelops me, instantly melting away the chill from outside. Christmas carols play softly in the background, mingling with the cheerful chatter of patrons.

My eyes scan the cozy interior, taking in the rustic wooden beams overhead and the exposed brick walls adorned with vintage bakery signs. The morning sunlight streams through the large bay windows, casting a golden glow over everything. It feels like stepping into a Christmas card come to life.

Then I spot him. Oliver is seated at a corner table, his sandy hair slightly tousled, a steaming mug cradled in his hands. My heart does a little flip at the sight of him. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I make my way over.

“Hi,” I say softly as I approach the table.

Oliver looks up, his hazel eyes warming as they meet mine. “Chloe,” he says, standing up. “I’m glad you came.”

For a moment, we just stand there, an awkward tension hanging between us. Then Oliver gestures to the chair across from him. “Please, sit. I got you a latte. I hope that’s okay.”

I slide into the seat, wrapping my cold fingers around the warm mug. “It’s perfect, thank you.”

We sit in silence for a few seconds, both seemingly unsure of where to start. The weight of all that’s happened, all that needs to be said, feels almost tangible between us.

Before Oliver can speak, I blurt out, “I want to help with the toy drive.”

Oliver blinks, clearly taken aback. “What?”

I take a deep breath, pushing on. “The toy drive. I want to help finish it up, help deliver the toys... if you’ll still have me, that is.”

I watch Oliver’s face carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. To my dismay, he seems uneasy, his brow furrowing slightly. My heart sinks. He doesn’t want me involved in any part of his life.

“Chloe, I—” he begins, but I cut him off, the words tumbling out in a rush.

“I’m sorry, Oliver. I’m so sorry about everything. But I want you to know, even if I didn’t know you, even if I had just wandered into Benton Falls by chance, I would want to invest in a place like Hanks’ Department Store. It’s special, Oliver. You’ve created something truly inspiring there.”

To my surprise, Oliver reaches across the table and takes my hand. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the cold outside.

“Chloe,” he says softly, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions I can’t quite decipher. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. I was prideful and short-sighted. Your help... your investment... I’m incredibly grateful for it.”

I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, hope blooming in my chest. “Really?”

Oliver nods, a rueful smile playing at his lips. “Really. In fact, this entire experience has made me realize something. I need to change. I need to accept help, to incorporate new ideas on how to run the store. I’ve been so focused on preserving the past that I’ve been resistant to embracing the future. And the truth is... I need you, Chloe.”

His words send a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the latte I’m drinking. “Oliver, I—” I start, but then pause, realizing this is the perfect moment to share my news. “Actually, I have something to tell you. I’m... well, I’m currently unemployed. I resigned from my position in Boston.”

Oliver’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You did? But I thought... I mean, your career seemed so important to you.”

I nod, a small smile playing at my lips. “It was. But I’ve realized there are more important things in life than corner offices and corporate success. Things like community, connection... love.”

The last word hangs in the air between us, loaded with meaning. Oliver’s eyes soften, a smile spreading across his face that makes my heart skip a beat.

“Well,” he says, a hint of mischief in his voice, “in that case, how would you like a job?”

I blink, surprised. “A job?”

Oliver nods, his eyes twinkling. “Just for the day to start with. You see, it’s Christmas Eve Eve, and I could really use some extra help at the store. In fact,” he glances at his watch, “I should get back there now to help Sam out.”

For a moment, I’m speechless. Then a laugh bubbles up from deep inside me, joyous and free. “Yes,” I say, grinning from ear to ear. “Yes, I’d love a job.”

Oliver stands, extending his hand to me. “Well then, Ms. Anderson, shall we head to work?”

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