Page 10 of Evan

I sigh, my heart aching for this lost soul who can't see the beauty, the purpose, the sheer magic that surrounds him. If only I could open his eyes, help him understand that true happiness, true fulfillment, lies not in some distant horizon, but in the here and now, in the love and connection and sense of belonging that's waiting for him, if only he'd let it in.

But I know it's not that simple. Evan's journey is his own, his choices, his revelations, not mine to control or dictate. All I can do is guide, support, and pray that somehow, someway, he'll find his way to the life, the love he's meant for.

As if in answer to my silent plea, I feel a sudden shift in the air, a ripple of joy and excitement that makes my angelic heart soar. I turn, my eyes widening as I see Molly's car pulling up the gravel drive, Chad bouncing in his seat, his face pressed against the window in eager anticipation.

They're here, and I can’t help but think about the woman and child who hold the key to Evan's healing, to his happiness. The ones who can show him, better than I ever could, the true meaning of Christmas, of family, of home.

I close my eyes, reaching out with my celestial senses, weaving a gentle blessing into the early morning air. Let them see the beauty in this place, the potential, the promise. Let their love, their laughter, their unshakeable belief in the goodness of life be the beacon that guides Evan back to the light.

When I open my eyes, Molly and Chad are already out of the car, their cheeks flushed with cold and excitement. Molly is wearing a cozy red sweater and a pair of well-worn jeans, her chestnut hair escaping from beneath a knit hat in wispy tendrils. Chad is a bundle of energy, his puffy blue coat making him look like a miniature marshmallow as he darts among the trees, his laughter ringing out like silver bells.

"Mom, look!" he calls, pointing to a towering Douglas fir. "It's taller than our house!"

Molly laughs, the sound warm and rich and full of love. "It sure is, buddy. It’s as all as the one in the town square.”

As they continue to explore, exclaiming over each new discovery, I catch a glimpse of Evan emerging from the barn, his dark hair tousled, his blue eyes still heavy with sleep. But as he spots Molly and Chad, a smile blooms across his face, bright and genuine, chasing away the shadows that always seem to linger in his gaze.

"Well, well, well," he calls, striding towards them, his boots crunching in the snow. "If it isn't my two favorite new employees."

Molly grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We’re ready to get to work.”

Evan's eyebrows shoot up as a wide smile cuts across his face. “I’m glad to hear it, but I thought you weren’t coming until the afternoon. Didn’t you have a morning shift at the diner? And doesn’t Chad have school?”

Molly smiles sheepishly, “I forgot it was teacher prep day, so no school for the students. Luckily, I checked the calendar before bed last night. I switched my shift to the evening shift and was hoping you wouldn’t mind your employees showing up early.”

Evan smiles and points at the barn. “Of course I don’t mind, I’ve got your wreath making station all set up.”

As they head towards the barn, chattering and laughing, I feel a swell of warmth in my chest, a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this will be the day that everything changes. The day that Evan sees the farm, not as a burden, but as a blessing, a chance to create something beautiful, something lasting, with the people he loves.

I decide now is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with my assignment. “Hello there.” I call out as I approach them.

Evan turns, his eyes lighting with recognition. “Oh, hello—Barb…”

“Betty,” I interject. “How are you Evan?”

“Good.” He smiles and I’m glad he remembers me. “Betty, this is Molly and her son Chad.”

“It’s nice to meet you Betty.” Molly smiles, the gesture illuminating her eyes. I can feel her sweet spirit emanating all around her. No wonder Evan likes her so much.

“You too,” I add as I wave at Chad, who offers me a big toothy grin, making me miss my grandson. I silently promise to check in on him later; send him a little angel love.

“Are you in need of a tree?” Evan asks.

“Oh, no.” I reach inside my pocket and feel the Miracle Card. Now’s not the right time to use it, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there. “I came to see if you could use a volunteer.” I exhale as 3 vehicles, full of eager Christmas Tree enthusiasts, pull into the parking area.

Evan glances at the trucks, then at me. “Yes,” he scratches at the wool cap on his head. “It looks like I could some extra help.” He smiles at me. “Talk about perfect timing.”

“It’s kind of my thing.” I grin. “Where would you like me?”

Evan looks over as his latest customers emerge from the vehicles and wander towards the rows of trees. “I’ll go help them, if you’ll go into the barn and help Molly get started on some wreaths.” His eyes meet Molly’s—the connection between them is palpable—“I’ve got a feeling we’re going to need as many wreaths as we can get.”

“Sounds great.” I’m excited to do something other than sew.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Evan nods and takes off towards the customers.

I follow Molly inside, the scent of pine and cinnamon enveloping me like a hug.There are a couple of other employees bustling about, hanging garlands, stacking firewood, and arranging displays of ornaments and trinkets. In the center of it all is a large wooden table, piled high with evergreen boughs, ribbons, and wire.

“You must be the new employees.” A giant of a man with a handlebar mustache makes his way over. “Evan said you’d be coming today.”

---