Page 24 of Evan

It's exhilarating, the cold wind whipping at our faces, the world blurring past in a swirl of white and gray. But even more than the physical thrill, it's the feeling of shared joy and wonder that makes my heart soar.

I glance over at Molly, taking in the flush of her cheeks, the sparkle of her eyes, the way her hair whips out behind her like a banner in the wind. She looks so alive, so vibrant, that it takes my breath away.

"Having fun?" I ask, my voice raised to be heard over the pounding of the horses' hooves.

She turns to me; her smile brighter than the sun on the snow. "The best," she says, her voice filled with laughter and happiness. "I feel like I'm flying."

"You are," I tell her, my own smile stretching wide across my face. "We all are."

As we settle into a steady rhythm, the initial excitement gives way to a comfortable companionship. Chad nestles between us, his eyes wide as he takes in the winter wonderland around us.

"So, Molly," I begin, curiosity getting the better of me, "what made you decide to stay in Benton Falls?"

Molly turns her head, her expression thoughtful. "I like the town and even after my ex-husband left, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else." Her eyes scanning the snow-covered fields and forests around us. "It's beautiful here as well. The farm is so peaceful."

"It can be lonely too," I admit, surprising myself with my honesty. "But lately... well, it's been nice having you and Chad around."

Molly's cheeks, already pink from the cold, seem to flush a shade deeper. "We've loved being here. You've made us feel so welcome."

There's a moment of charged silence, broken by Chad's excited voice. "Look, Mommy. A deer."

We all turn to see a doe and her fawn at the edge of the forest, their delicate forms silhouetted against the snow.

"Oh, wow," Molly breathes, her hand unconsciously reaching for mine beneath the blanket. I give her fingers a gentle squeeze, sharing in the wonder of the moment.

As the deer bound away into the forest, Chad turns to me, his eyes shining. "Evan, do you see deer here all the time?"

I chuckle, ruffling his hair. "Pretty often, buddy. Maybe if you and your mom keep visiting, we can go on a nature walk sometime. I could show you all the best spots for wildlife watching."

"Can we, Mom? Please?" Chad looks at Molly with pleading eyes.

Molly laughs, shooting me a warm glance. "I think that sounds lovely. We'll have to take Evan up on that offer."

As we continue our ride, the conversation flows easily between us. We talk about our favorite Christmas traditions, our hopes for the new year, and our shared love of hot chocolate on cold winter nights. It's comfortable and exciting all at once, like we're old friends discovering new depths to our relationship.

The sky darkens to a velvety black studded with stars; the moon casting a silvery glow over the snow. Chad's chatter has faded to a sleepy murmur, his head resting against Molly's shoulder as he drifts off to sleep.

Molly and I sit in comfortable silence, our hands now resting close beneath the blanket, our breath mingling in the frosty air. It's peaceful, a moment of quiet connection that feels special, even if we're still getting to know each other.

"Evan?" Molly's voice is soft, almost hesitant, as if she's afraid to break the spell.

"Yeah?" I turn to look at her, my heart skipping a beat at the warmth in her eyes.

"I just wanted to say thank you," she murmurs, her fingers brushing against mine. "For today, for everything. It's been magical."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. "I'm glad you've enjoyed it. Having you and Chad here... it's made the farm feel alive in a way it hasn't in years."

She smiles, her eyes glistening in the moonlight. "We've loved being here, too. It feels like... I don't know, like we've found something special."

I nod, my gaze holding hers with an intensity that surprises even me. "I feel the same way. I'm really glad you gave constructing wreaths a chance."

She chuckles as I grin and then we share a moment of silent understanding, both aware of the potential growing between us, but neither quite ready to put it into words.

As we turn back towards the farm, the lights twinkling in the distance, I feel a smile spreading across my face, a warmth and contentment that fills me from head to toe.

When we pull up to the barn, I hop down from the sleigh and help Molly disembark. Chad is fast asleep, his little face peaceful in the moonlight.

"I can carry him to your car," I offer quietly, not wanting to wake the sleeping boy.

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