Page 20 of Evan

As we sip our cocoa, the rich, velvety sweetness chasing away the chill, I let myself get lost in the simple pleasure of the moment. The twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, the soft murmur of conversation, the way Molly's shoulder brushes against mine as we stand huddled together against the cold.

It's perfect. All of it. The cocoa, the company, the sheer magic of this night. I turn to Molly, my heart hammering in my chest as I take a deep breath, gathering my courage.

"Molly," I begin, my voice soft but filled with determination. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you.”

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine, a flicker of curiosity and hope dancing in their hazel depths. "What is it, Evan?"

I reach out, taking her hand in mine, marveling at the way our fingers intertwine, like two halves of a whole, finally coming together.

"Molly, would you like to go on a date with me? A real date, just the two of us, where we can talk and laugh and get to know each other with no distractions or interruptions?" I smile as I glance at her son, who’s wearing a chocolate mustache. “Not that I don’t love spending time with Chad, but just the two of us sounds nice.”

A smile blooms across her face, radiant and beautiful. “Just the two of us would be really nice,” she says, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

I grin, feeling like I could float away on the sheer happiness that bubbles up inside me. "Great. That's... that's fantastic. How about Saturday? Can you get work off that night at the diner? I could pick you up at six, and we could go to Casa Ramirez?"

“I would love that,” Molly says, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “But how about tomorrow night? I’m on the day shift tomorrow, and I’m sure Saturday will be a busy day on the farm.”

“That works too,” I grin. The sooner the better for me.

“And I don’t work Saturday, so Chad and I can help all day at the farm, if you want us to.”

“Yes, please.” I squeeze her fingers. “I can’t think of anything better.”

We stand there for a moment longer, our hands still clasped together, the rest of the world fading away until there is nothing but the three of us, the snowflakes swirling around us like a benediction.

As I look into Molly's eyes, as I see the hope and the promise and the sheer, unbridled potential shining back at me, and I think Chad is right—this is going to be the best Christmas ever.

Eleven

EVAN

Iglance at my watch for the hundredth time, my leg bouncing nervously as I sit on the edge of my bed. 5:45 PM. In just fifteen minutes, I'll be picking up Molly for our first real date, and I'm equal parts excited and terrified. I’m also grateful Paul and Seth agreed to manage the farm tonight. I’ll remember their kindness when it’s time for a Christmas bonus.

Standing up, I check my reflection in the mirror one last time, running my fingers over stubble free face. I've traded in my usual flannel and work boots for a nice blue button-down and a pair of dark jeans. I even broke out the good leather boots, the ones I usually save for special occasions. And let's be real, a date with Molly? Definitely qualifies as special.

Grabbing my coat and keys, I head out to my truck with a spring in my step. The air is brisk, with a woodsy scent drifting on the breeze. As I drive through the quiet streets of Benton Falls, I can’t stop myself from thinking about how much has changed in the past couple of weeks.

Not too long ago, I was just going through the motions, working on the farm and dreaming of a life somewhere else. But then Molly and Chad came along, and suddenly, everything was different. Suddenly, I had a reason to stick around, to put down roots and build something real.

I pull up outside Molly's house, taking a deep breath before I climb out of the truck. I walk up to the front door, my heart pounding in my chest as I knock. I hear footsteps, and then the door swings open, revealing Molly.

And dang, she looks incredible.

Her chestnut hair is falling in soft waves around her face, and she's wearing this camel colored sweater dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. She's got on a pair of black leggings and knee-high boots, and I swear, her legs go on for miles.

"Wow," I breathe, trying to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. "You look amazing."

Molly blushes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself." Her fingers brush along my smooth jawline as her smile widens. “I like it.”

“Good,” I grin, offering her my arm. "Shall we?"

She nods, grabbing her coat and purse. "Let's go. I just dropped Chad off at Mrs. Henderson's. He's been begging to play with her cat all week."

I chuckle as I help her into the truck. "That kid sure loves animals."

"He really does," Molly agrees, buckling her seatbelt. "I think it's sweet. He's got such a big heart."

I nod, pulling out onto the road. "Just like his mom."

---