Page 21 of Evan

Molly ducks her head, but I can see the smile on her face. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you, Evan Lawson?"

"Only with you," I reply, giving her a wink. "I guess you just bring out the best in me."

She laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. "Well, I could say the same about you. I haven't felt this happy, this excited about the future, in a long time."

I reach over, taking her hand in mine. "Me neither, Molly. You and Chad... you've given me something to look forward to. It means a lot to me.Youmean a lot to me."

Molly bites her lip and I’m worried I’ve said too much, but when I look into her eyes, all I see is joy shining back at me.

We chat easily as I drive, talking about our days and swapping stories. It's comfortable, natural, like we've been doing this for years instead of just a few short weeks.

When we pull up to the rear entrance of Casa Ramirez, the parking lot is packed. I guess everyone in town had the same idea for date night. We make our way inside; the hostess leading us to a cozy table in the corner.

As we sit down, I take a moment to just look at Molly, to drink in the sight of her in the soft glow of the pendant lights. She's radiant, her skin smooth and golden, her eyes bright and warm. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world, getting to be here with her.

"I'm really glad we're doing this," I say, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I've been looking forward to tonight ever since last night.”

Molly smiles, her fingers lacing with mine. "Me too. I kept catching myself daydreaming at work, counting down the hours until I could see you again."

I grin, feeling a rush of warmth in my chest. "Well, now you've got me for the whole night. Think you can handle it?"

She laughs, giving my hand a squeeze. "Oh, I think I'm up for the challenge. Bring it on, Lawson."

We order a bunch of food—sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, tangy salsa—and dig in, talking and laughing between bites. Molly tells me about the crazy customers she had at the diner today, and I share some stories about the families who came to the farm looking for the perfect Christmas tree.

"I love watching you with the kids," Molly says, her eyes soft. "You're so good with them, so patient and kind. It's one of the things I admire most about you."

I feel my cheeks heat at the compliment. "Thanks, Molly. That means a lot coming from you. Seeing the way you are with Chad, the love and devotion you have for him... it's incredible. He's lucky to have you."

"We're lucky to have each other," she says, her voice catching a little. "And now, we're pretty lucky to have you, too."

I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Trust me, Molly, I'm the lucky one.”

Molly's eyes shine with emotion, and she leans across the table, her face inches from mine. "Evan, I... I know we haven't known each other long, but this feels right…right?”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yeah, it feels right.”

And then I'm leaning in, my hand coming up to cup her cheek, my thumb brushing over the soft skin. Molly's eyes flutter closed, and I close the distance between us, pressing my lips to hers in a gentle kiss.

It's perfect. Molly's lips are soft and sweet, and she sighs into the kiss as I savor the feel of her mouth on mine. My heart thumps in my chest, reaffirming how amazing this moment is.

When we break apart, we're both breathless and grinning like idiots. "Wow," I murmur, resting my forehead against hers. "That was..."

"Amazing," Molly finishes, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Definitely worth repeating."

I laugh, stealing another quick kiss. "Definitely. But maybe we should wait until we're not in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Don't want to give the other diners a show."

Molly giggles, sitting back in her chair. "Good point. We should probably head out, anyway. I told Mrs. Henderson I'd pick up Chad by ten."

I nod, signaling for the check. As we walk out to the truck, I can't keep the stupid grin off my face. I just kissed Molly Bennett. I just had the best first date of my life. And from the way she's smiling at me, I think she feels the same way.

Driving home, the conversation flows easily between us. When I pull up outside her house, I hop out to open her door, walking her up to the front porch.

"I had an incredible time tonight," Molly says, her eyes locked on mine. "Thank you for making it so special."

I shake my head, taking her hands in mine. "I'm the one who should be thanking you, Molly. For giving me another chance, for being so amazing... for everything.”

She smiles, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my lips. "You’re pretty amazing yourself,” she whispers, her breath warm against my lips.

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