Page 25 of Evan

Molly nods gratefully. "That would be wonderful, thank you."

I gently lift Chad from the sleigh, cradling him against my chest as we make our way towards Molly's car. His weight is warm and solid in my arms, and I'm struck by how natural it feels, how right.

As we reach the vehicle, Molly opens the back door, and I carefully settle Chad into his booster seat, making sure not to wake him. Once he's secure, I step back, suddenly aware of how close Molly and I are standing.

"Thank you for today," Molly says, her eyes meeting mine in the dim light. "It was perfect."

I smile as palpable energy flows between us. "I'm glad. Maybe we could do it again sometime?"

She nods, a shy smile playing at her lips. "I'd like that."

For a moment, we stand there, a current of unspoken possibilities between us. I take my chance and give her a quick kiss. Even with Chad asleep, I know to be cautious. Her mouth is still the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and the kiss only leaves me wanting more. Then, with a gentle squeeze of my arm, Molly steps back.

"Goodnight, Evan," she says. "See you tomorrow?"

I nod, my voice a bit husky as I reply, "Goodnight, Molly. Drive safe."

As I watch her car pull away, the taillights fading into the night, I'm filled with a sense of anticipation, of hope. Whatever is growing between us, it feels real and precious, and I can't wait to see where it might lead.

With a contented sigh, I turn back towards the farmhouse, the memory of the sleigh ride and Molly's smile warming me even on the cold winter night.

Fourteen

EVAN

The December air nips at my cheeks as I step out of my truck, the gravel crunching beneath my boots. The sun, a pale disk in the winter sky, casts long shadows across the church parking lot. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of pine and wood smoke that seems to permeate everything in Benton Falls during the holiday season.

As I adjust my collar, smoothing down the unfamiliar stiffness of my Sunday best, I catch sight of Molly's car pulling into the lot and my heart does a little skip. It's been happening more and more lately, this involuntary reaction to her presence. Like my body knows she's near before my mind has even registered it.

I watch as she parks and helps Chad out of the backseat. Even from here, I can see the way her chestnut hair catches the sunlight, the graceful curve of her neck as she bends to adjust Chad's coat. She's wearing a gold sweater dress that hugs her slender figure, and I find myself mesmerized by the way she moves, elegant and purposeful all at once.

Chad spots me first, his face lighting up with that infectious grin of his. "Evan!" he calls out, waving enthusiastically. "We’re here."

I smile back, raising my hand in greeting. "I see that, buddy. Right on time, too."

As they make their way over, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me. It's a feeling that's been growing stronger with each day Molly spends at the farm, making wreaths and bringing life back to the place in a way I never expected.

"Good morning," Molly says as they reach me, her hazel eyes warm with affection. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting."

"Not at all," I assure her, resisting the urge to reach out and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I just got here myself."

Chad, bouncing on his toes with barely contained energy, looks up at me with wide eyes. "Is this your church, Evan? Do you come here every Sunday?"

I chuckle, ruffling his sandy hair. "It sure is, buddy. And I’ll admit I haven’t been here as often as I should."

Molly gives me a knowing smile. "Well, we're glad you could make it today. It means a lot to have you here with us."

Her words send a warmth spreading through my chest, and I find myself standing a little straighter. "I wouldn't miss it," I tell her softly, meaning every word.

As we make our way into the church, I marvel at how quickly Molly and Chad have become a part of my life. It seems like just yesterday that Molly started working at the farm, her skilled hands crafting beautiful wreaths that have become a hit with our customers. And Chad, with his boundless enthusiasm for everything from the tallest pines to the smallest pinecones, has brought a joy to the farm that I'd almost forgotten could exist there.

The service passes in a blur of hymns and prayers, but what stands out most is the feeling of Molly beside me, Chad's excited whispers as he tries to follow along, and the sense of peace that settles over me. For the first time in a long time, I'm not thinking about the pressures of the farm or the responsibilities weighing on my shoulders. Instead, I'm simply present, grateful for this moment and the people I'm sharing it with.

As we file out of the church after the service, I find myself reluctant to say goodbye. Before I can think better of it, I turn to Molly.

"I was thinking," I begin, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. "Would you and Chad like to come back to the farm for lunch? Nothing fancy, just some soup and sandwiches, but I thought it might be nice to spend some more time together."

Molly's face lights up, and I feel my heart skip a beat. "That sounds wonderful, Evan. We'd love to, wouldn't we, Chad?"

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