Page 30 of Evan

Chad spots me first, his face lighting up with that infectious grin of his. "Evan." he calls out, waving enthusiastically. "Over here."

I wave as I smile. "Hey there."

As they make their way over, I can’t help but grin like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Good evening," Molly says as they reach me, her eyes warm with affection. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting."

"Not at all," I assure her, resisting the urge to reach out and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I just got here myself."

Chad, bouncing on his toes with barely contained energy, looks up at me with wide eyes. "Is the ice rink ready, Evan? Can we go skating now?"

I chuckle, ruffling his sandy hair. "It sure is, buddy. But let's make sure your mom is ready first, okay?"

Molly gives me a grateful smile. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. It's been years since I've been on skates, though. I might need someone to hold on to."

Her words send a warmth spreading through my chest, and I stand a little straighter. "Well, you're in luck," I tell her. "I happen to be an excellent skating partner."

As we make our way towards the rink, I can’t resist thinking about how effortlessly Molly and Chad have become a part of my life. It feels like it was always meant to be this way. Like we were meant to be working at the farm together, her skilled hands crafting beautiful wreaths and making everything perfect for the townspeople. I feel drawn towards Molly and Chad and their happiness and their joy. I feel like we belong together in Benton Falls.

Each December, the town park is transformed for the Christmas Market, a winter wonderland of booths and holiday magic. Twinkling lights are strung between the trees, casting a warm glow over the fresh snow. There are people eating, shopping, and just enjoying the season. Of course, the ice rink gleaming in the center of the park, a temporary addition for the holiday season, is one of the market's main attractions.

"Wow," Molly breathes beside me, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's like something out of a Hallmark movie."

I nod, feeling a swell of pride in my hometown. "Benton Falls knows how to do Christmas right. Year after year, it’s still something to behold.”

We make our way to the skate rental booth, where Noah Montgomery greets us with a knowing smile. "Evening, Evan," he says, his eyes twinkling as he glances between me and Molly. "And who might these fine folks be?"

"This is Molly and her son, Chad," I introduce them, feeling a warmth spread through me at being able to do so. "They're... friends of mine."

The word 'friends' feels inadequate, but I'm not sure what else to call them. We haven't put a label on whatever this is growing between us, and I don't want to presume. Still, the way Noah’s smile widens tells me he sees right through me.

"Well, any friends of Evan's are friends of mine," he says warmly. "What sizes can I get for you folks?"

As we lace up our skates, I watch Molly's hands tremble slightly. She wasn't kidding about being out of practice. I reach out, covering her hand with mine. "Hey," I say softly. "You okay?"

She looks up at me, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. "Just a little scared," she admits. "It's been so long, and I was never very good to begin with."

I squeeze her hand gently. "Don't worry. I've got you. We'll take it nice and slow, okay?"

The gratitude in her smile makes my heart skip a beat. "Okay," she nods. "I trust you."

Those three words, so simple and yet so profound, settle into my chest like a warm ember. I've spent so long feeling restless, yearning for something more, something different. But in this moment, with Molly's hand in mine and Chad's excited chatter filling the air, I realize that everything I've been searching for is right here in Benton Falls.

We make our way to the rink, Chad practically vibrating with excitement. He's clearly more confident on skates than his mom, probably thanks to hours spent at the local roller rink. As soon as his blades touch the ice, he's off, wobbling slightly but picking up speed with each stride.

"Be careful, honey!" Molly calls after him, her grip on my arm tightening.

I chuckle, placing my hand over hers reassuringly. "He'll be fine. Kids are like rubber at that age. Besides, look how much fun he's having."

And it's true. Chad's face is alight with joy as he makes his way around the rink, waving to us each time he passes. His enthusiasm is infectious, drawing smiles from everyone he passes.

"Ready?" I ask Molly, gently guiding her towards the ice.

She takes a deep breath, nodding. "As I'll ever be."

We step onto the ice together, and I feel Molly tense beside me as her skates slide slightly. I tighten my grip on her arm, steadying her. "I've got you," I murmur. "Just take it slow. Small steps."

Gradually, we begin to move, gliding across the ice in small, careful strokes. Molly's grip on my arm is tight, but with each passing minute, I can feel her relaxing, growing more confident.

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