Page 17 of Evan

But the neighbors are having none of it. They swarm around Molly, hugging her and patting her back, their voices rising in a chorus of support and encouragement.

"Nonsense, dear," Mr. Madson from next door, chimes in. "You're part of our family, too. And family takes care of each other, no matter what time it is or what else is going on."

Evan steps forward, his voice filled with admiration. "That’s really kind of you.”

Mrs. Henderson laughs, patting Evan on the arm. "Oh, honey, this is just what we do. When one of us is hurting, we all feel it. And we all pitch in to make it right."

As the neighbors bustle into the house, mops and brooms and trash bags in hand, I sidle up to Evan, nudging him with my elbow.

"Would you look at that," I murmur, nodding towards the flurry of activity. "Benton Falls sure knows how to show up, huh?"

Evan shakes his head, a look of wonder and gratitude spreading across his face. "I've never seen anything like it," he says. "I mean, I knew this town was a pretty great place, but this... This is something else entirely."

I smile, feeling a swell of pride and affection for this little community that's found its way into my heart so quickly. "That's the magic of a small town, kiddo. When the chips are down, they circle the wagons and take care of their own. It's a beautiful thing to see."

We watch in silence for a moment, marveling at the way the neighbors work together, their laughter and chatter filling the night air. But then I catch a snippet of conversation that makes my heart clench.

"Molly, honey, I'm so sorry," Mrs. Larson says, her voice filled with sympathy. "I can't believe they took all the Christmas presents. After everything you've been through this year..."

Molly swallows hard, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's okay," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "They're just things. What matters is that Chad and I are safe. We can always replace the presents."

But I can see the pain in her eyes, the weariness and disappointment that she's trying so hard to hide. And I know that for a single mom like Molly, those presents were more than just things. They were a symbol of love and sacrifice, of the endless hours she's worked to make sure her son has a magical Christmas, no matter what.

I turn to Evan, my heart aching for this little family that's come to mean so much to me. "We have to do something," I whisper, my voice fierce with determination. "We can't let them go without Christmas, not after everything they've been through."

Evan nods, his jaw set with resolve. "I know. And we won't. I promise you, Betty, I'm going to make this right. Whatever it takes, I'm going to give Molly and Chad the Christmas they deserve."

I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, pride and love and the purest sense of rightness washing over me. He’s grown so much over the past few days.

I smile, patting his hand as I stand up. “I think that sounds perfect.”

Evan looks at me, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "You know, Betty, sometimes I feel like you're more than just a kind neighbor. It's like you've got this... I don't know, this wisdom, this way of seeing things that's just..." He shakes his head, chuckling softly. "Listen to me, getting all sentimental. Must be the Christmas spirit getting to my head."

I laugh, giving him a playful nudge. "Oh, hush now. You're not going soft on me, are you, Evan Lawson?"

He grins, that boyish charm shining through. "Wouldn't dream of it, Betty. You'd never let me hear the end of it."

"Darn right, I wouldn't," I agree, feeling a rush of affection for this stubborn, big-hearted human who's wormed his way into my soul. "Someone's got to keep you on your toes, kid."

And with a final wink and a nod, I turn to go, feeling the familiar tug of the celestial realm calling me home. But even as the shimmering threads of heaven welcome me back into their embrace, I can't stop thinking about Molly and Evan, about the incredible journey they're on and the beautiful future that awaits them.

Ten

EVAN

The scent of freshly baked apple pie and hot rolls wafts through the air as I step into Violet's Diner, the warmth of the cozy eatery enveloping me like a comforting hug. It's been a week since the break-in at Molly's house, and though the community has rallied around her, I can't shake the feeling that I’m continuing to let her down somehow.

I slide into my usual booth, the red vinyl creaking beneath me. The diner is buzzing with activity, locals chatting over steaming mugs of coffee and plates piled high with hearty comfort food. But as I scan the room, my eyes searching for Molly, I feel a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach.

Things have been strained between us since our argument at the tree lighting ceremony and she hasn’t been to work on the farm. I know I spoke out of turn, let my own frustrations and fears get the best of me. But seeing Molly so upset, so hurt by my careless words... it's been eating away at me ever since.

I'm lost in thought, absently fiddling with the salt shaker, when a familiar voice jolts me back to the present.

"Evan? What can I get for you tonight?"

I look up to see Molly standing beside the booth, her order pad in hand. She looks tired, dark circles beneath her hazel eyes, but there's still a warmth in her smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Hey, Molly," I say gently, trying to gauge her mood. "I'll just have the usual, thanks."

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