Page 23 of Evan

I smile, feeling a rush of affection for this wise and humble soul who has been my mentor and guide throughout this incredible journey. "Thank you, Henry. For always knowing just what to say to put things in perspective."

He winks, patting my hand. "That's what I'm here for, my dear. To offer a little angelic insight and a lot of unwavering faith in the unfolding plan."

With a final squeeze of my shoulder, he vanishes, leaving me alone once more to watch over my charges, to witness the next chapter of their story as it unfolds.

And as the sun sets over the farm, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered fields, I feel a sense of peace and rightness settle over me, a deep knowing that Evan and Molly are exactly where they're meant to be, on the cusp of a beautiful and fulfilling future together.

I watch as Chad makes his way to Evan and Molly. Evan helps Molly load the finished wreaths into the back of his truck, his strong hands gentle and protective as he guides her. And when they pause for a moment, their eyes meeting in a gaze filled with tenderness and promise, I feel a swell of optimism and hope rising in my chest.

With a final glance at the happy couple, I feel a sense of contentment and joy wash over me. They've found each other, and their love is strong and true.

What could possibly go wrong?

Thirteen

EVAN

Saturday evening, the sun dips below the horizon as I finish up the last of the day's chores on the farm. My muscles ache with the satisfying exhaustion that comes from a hard day's work, and I find myself smiling as I look out over the rows of trees, their branches heavy with the first dusting of winter snow.

Two weeks until Christmas and it's been a busy day, with customers coming in droves to pick out their perfect Christmas trees. Even in the midst of the chaos, I've found myself stealing glances at Molly as she works beside me, her cheeks flushed from the cold and her eyes sparkling with joy.

Every time our eyes meet, every time our hands brush as we pass a wreath or a string of lights, I feel a flutter in my chest. It's a warmth that has nothing to do with the exertion of the day, and everything to do with the growing connection between us.

As I head back to the barn to put away my tools, I wave at Paul and Seth as they get into their trucks and catch sight of Chad, his little face alight with excitement as he runs towards me, his boots kicking up puffs of snow.

"Evan." he calls out, his voice breathless with anticipation. "Can we go on the sleigh ride now? Please, please, please?"

I chuckle, scooping him up and tossing him over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "I don't know, buddy. Have you been a good boy today?"

He giggles, squirming in my grasp. "I've been the best. I helped Mom with the wreaths and everything."

I set him down, ruffling his sandy hair with affection. "Well, in that case, I think a sleigh ride is definitely in order. Why don't you go find your mom and tell her to bundle up? I'll get the horses ready."

Chad whoops with joy and takes off like a shot towards the barn, his little legs pumping as he disappears inside. I watch him go, feeling a swell of warmth in my chest at his enthusiasm.

In the few short weeks since Molly and Chad came into my life, they've become a bright spot in my days. As I make my way to the stables to harness up the horses, I can't help but marvel at how quickly they've worked their way into my heart.

It's not just the big things, like the way Molly's smile makes my pulse race or the way Chad's laughter fills the empty spaces around the farm. It's the little things too, the quiet moments of connection that have formed between us.

As I lead the horses out of the stable, their breath puffing in the frosty air, I catch sight of Molly and Chad making their way towards me, bundled up in coats and scarves and hats. Molly's cheeks are red from the cold, her eyes bright with anticipation, and I feel my heart skip a beat at the sight of her.

"Ready for an adventure?" I ask as they reach me, my voice warm with affection.

Molly smiles up at me, her gloved hand brushing against mine. "Absolutely. This is so exciting."

Chad’s eyes widen when he looks at the horses. “Wow! They’re huge. What are their names?”

“The big grey is Jumbo, and the black one is Doc.” I smile and run my hand along Jumbo’s neck. “They love to go in the snow.”

I help Molly and Chad into the sleigh, tucking a thick wool blanket around their laps to ward off the chill. Chad is practically vibrating with excitement, his little mittened hands gripping the sides of the sleigh as he peers out at the snow-covered fields.

"Can we go fast, Evan?" he asks, his voice high and eager. "Like, really, really fast?"

I chuckle, climbing into the driver's seat and taking up the reins. "We'll see, buddy. Safety first, remember?"

As we set off, the horses' hooves kicking up sprays of powdery snow, I can't resist the urge to give Chad a little thrill. I snap the reins, urging the horses into a brisk trot, and the sleigh surges forward, the runners cutting through the snow like a knife through butter.

Chad lets out a whoop of joy, his laughter ringing out across the fields, and I feel Molly's hand grip the side of the sleigh, her body leaning slightly into mine as we fly over the snow.

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