Page 27 of Evan

I spot Evan near the barn, his tall frame easy to pick out as he helps a young couple secure a tree to the roof of their car.

As I approach, I overhear the tail end of his conversation with the couple.

"...and remember, keep it watered. A thirsty tree is a fire hazard," Evan says, his deep voice carrying a note of genuine concern.

The young woman smiles up at him. "We will. Thank you so much for all your help. This is going to be the perfect Christmas tree for our first holiday as a married couple."

Evan’s face features a warm smile. "I'm glad I could help. Merry Christmas to you both."

As the couple drives away, I make my way over to him. "That was a lovely thing you did," I say, my voice carrying the slight quaver I've learned to associate with my earthly form. "Helping that young couple start their Christmas traditions."

Evan turns to me, his blue eyes warming as he recognizes me. "Oh, hey Betty. Just doing my job, that's all."

I shake my head, allowing a knowing smile to play across my lips. "It's more than that, and you know it. You have a gift for making people feel welcome here, for helping them create memories. That's something special."

“Maybe so.” He grins and I’m so happy to see how far he’s come since Molly and Chad came into his life.

As we turn back towards the barn, I notice a shift in the air. The wind has picked up, carrying with it the distinct scent of impending snow. I close my eyes for a moment, tapping into my angelic senses, and I'm hit with a wave of foreboding. A storm is coming, fiercer than anything Benton Falls has seen in years.

I'm about to warn Evan when I hear a familiar voice call out across the farm. "Evan."

We both turn to see Molly making her way towards us, her chestnut hair whipping about her face in the strengthening wind. Even from a distance, I can see the worry lines creasing her forehead, and I feel a surge of protectiveness towards this woman who has unknowingly become so central to my mission.

Evan straightens beside me, his entire demeanor changing at the sight of Molly. It's like watching a flower turn towards the sun, and I have to stifle a smile at the obviousness of his feelings.

"Molly," he says as she reaches us, his voice warm with affection. "Is everything okay?"

She tucks a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, her hazel eyes flickering between Evan and me. "I just saw there’s a big storm coming. I better get Chad home.”

“Of course,” Evan is already nodding as he pulls his phone from his pocket. “Yep, looks like a big one is headed our way. Let me send some extra firewood with you, just in case."

As Evan hurries off towards the woodpile, I turn to Molly with a gentle smile. "It will all be okay," I tell her.

Molly's shoulders relax slightly at my words. "I hope so. I just... I worry, you know?”

I reach out and squeeze her hand, channeling a bit of heavenly comfort through the touch. “That’s what mothers do best.”

She smiles, but her eyes are filled with uncertainty as Evan returns, his arms laden with firewood. "Here we go," he says, slightly out of breath. "This should keep you warm for a good long while."

As he loads the wood into the trunk of Molly's car, I notice the way their hands brush, the lingering glances they share. The love blooming between them is almost palpable, a warm glow that seems to push back against the gathering darkness of the approaching storm.

"Thank you, Evan," Molly says as he closes her trunk. "I don't know what we'd do without you."

Evan's cheeks redden slightly, and he shoves his hands in his pockets. "It's nothing, really. Just... just be safe, okay? This storm looks like it might be a bad one."

Molly nods, her eyes locking with his for a moment longer than necessary. "We will. You too, Evan. Take care of yourself."

As we watch Molly drive away, I can feel the shift in Evan's energy. The restlessness that had that once plagued him has been replaced by a fierce protectiveness. He may not realize it yet, but Molly and Chad have already become his world.

The wind howls around us, and I shiver, not entirely for show. "We should start battening down the hatches," I say, eyeing the darkening sky. "This storm isn't going to pull any punches."

Evan nods, his jaw set with determination. "You're right. Betty, you should go home before it starts.”

“I’m an old farm girl at heart. I’m happy to stick around and help. Let's get everyone off the farm and make sure everything's secure."

“Are you sure?” Evan wants to talk me out of it. I’m sure he’s thinking I’m more of a liability than anything else.

“I’m sure. Now let’s go.”

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