Page 12 of Evan

And with those words, something in Evan seems to break open. "Thank you," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “I really needed to hear that.”

And as they stand there, lost in each other, in the perfect, shining moment of connection and understanding, I feel a warmth blooming in my chest, a light so bright, so pure, that it feels like the very essence of heaven itself.

It turns out there are angels on earth and Molly is one of them.

And as I watch them, as I feel the love, the joy, the sheer, incandescent hope radiating from every fiber of their beings, I know that my work here is not finished, but it has reached a turning point.

A new chapter, a new beginning, full of promise and possibility.

Seven

EVAN

The morning sun peeks through the frosty windows of my cabin, casting a warm glow across the rough-hewn floorboards. I stretch, my muscles still aching from yesterday's work at the farm, but there's a lightness in my chest that I can't quite explain.

As I go through my morning routine, my mind keeps drifting back to yesterday, to the laughter and warmth and easy camaraderie of spending the day with Molly and Chad. I can't remember the last time I felt so content, so at peace with the world around me.

It's a strange feeling, this flicker of hope, this whisper of possibility. For so long, I've been focused on what I don't have, on the dreams that always seemed just out of reach. But now, as I think about Molly and Chad, about the joy they bring to my life, I wonder if maybe, just maybe, my dreams have been right in front of me all along.

I shake my head, a rueful smile tugging at my lips. Listen to me, getting all sentimental and introspective. If my buddies from high school could see me now, they'd never let me hear the end of it.

But as I step outside, the cold December air filling my lungs, I can't deny the truth of what I'm feeling. The farm, this town, this life—it's not what I planned, not what I thought I wanted. But maybe, if things continue with Molly and Chad, it could be something more. Something better.

Later that evening, I'm still lost in thought as I make my way into town, the streets already buzzing with excitement for the annual tree lighting ceremony. It's a Benton Falls tradition, one that brings the whole community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

As I walk, I wave at Betty, who is across the square just before I catch sight of Molly and Chad up ahead, huddled together against the cold. Chad is bouncing on his toes, his eyes wide with anticipation, while Molly looks on with a fond, indulgent smile.

"Evan!" Chad calls out, waving me over with a grin. "You made it!"

I chuckle, ruffling his hair as I join them. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, buddy. I hear Santa himself is going to be making an appearance."

Chad's eyes go wide, his mouth falling open in a perfect little 'o' of wonder. "Really? Do you think he'll remember what I asked for? I wrote him a letter and everything!"

Molly laughs, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. "I'm sure he will, sweetie. Santa never forgets a request from a true believer."

I watch them together, feeling a warmth bloom in my chest. There's just something about seeing Molly in full-on mom mode that gets to me, that makes me feel like I'm a part of something special, something real.

As if sensing my gaze, Molly glances up, her hazel eyes meeting mine. For a moment, it's like the rest of the world falls away, like there's nothing but the two of us, lost in the spell of the twinkling lights and the melodious strains of holiday music.

But then someone calls my name, breaking the moment, and I turn to see a familiar face pushing through the crowd.

"Evan Lawson, is that you?"

I blink, my brain taking a second to catch up. "Morgan? Morgan Caldwell?"

She grins, throwing her arms around me in a quick hug. "The one and only. Wow, it's been ages. How have you been?"

I return the hug, a little dazed. Morgan and I went to high school together, but I haven't seen her since graduation. Last I heard, she'd left Benton Falls to chase her dreams of being a big-shot TV producer in the city.

"I've been good," I say, stepping back to get a better look at her. She looks different, more polished and put-together than the girl I remember. "Just been keeping busy with the farm, you know how it is."

Morgan nods, her gaze flicking to Molly and Chad. "I heard you took over your family's place. That's great, Evan. Really great."

But there's something in her voice, a hint of pity or condescension, that sets my teeth on edge. Like she can't quite believe that I'm still here, still tied to this small-town life, while she's out there living the dream.

"And who's this?" she asks, turning her attention to Molly and Chad with a bright, curious smile.

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling awkward and unsure. "Oh, um, this is Molly and her son, Chad. They're... we're..."

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