Page 33 of Evan

I nod, a mix of pride and unease swirling in my chest. It's gratifying to know that others appreciate the beauty of our town. “Listen, Evan," Morgan continues, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "I got an idea after I saw you a few weeks ago, presented it to my boss and he loved it. How would you feel about possibly appearing on the show?"

"Seriously?" I ask as a knot forms in my stomach.Me on television?

“Seriously,” she smiles.

"I'm not sure I'm cut out for TV, Morgan."

She waves off my concerns. "Nonsense. You'd be perfect. Handsome, rugged tree farmer keeping Christmas traditions alive? The audience would eat it up." She pauses, her eyes glinting with excitement. "And what if we did a series of segments? Not just on the farm, but on Christmas traditions around the world? You could travel with us, Evan. See all those places you used to dream about."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Travel. Adventure. All the things I once dreamed of, suddenly within reach. It's tempting, so tempting.

But then I glance across the room, my eyes finding Molly and Chad. They're standing near the judges' table, Chad on his tiptoes trying to get a better view, Molly's hand resting protectively on his shoulder. And I feel a different kind of pull, one that has nothing to do with faraway places and everything to do with the life I've been building here.

"I... I don't know, Morgan," I say, my voice hesitant. "It's a lot to think about."

She nods, understanding in her eyes. "Of course. It's a big decision. Why don't you take my card? Think it over, talk to your... friends. Call me if you're interested, or if you have questions."

I take the card, turning it over in my hands. It feels weighty, laden with possibility. "Thanks, Morgan. I will."

As she moves away to rejoin her crew, I stand there for a moment, my mind whirling. The opportunity Morgan's offering is everything I once thought I wanted. A chance to see the world, to break free from the responsibilities that have tied me to Benton Falls for so long.

But as I make my way over to Molly and Chad, watching as their faces light up at my approach, I remember how blessed my life is now because they’re a part of it and I'm not sure how to feel about Morgan’s offer.

"Everything okay?" Molly asks as I reach them, her brow furrowing slightly in concern. "You look like you've got a lot on your mind."

I shake my head, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking about some things. Nothing to worry about."

Chad tugs on my sleeve, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension. "Evan, they're about to announce the winners. Do you think the farm one will win?"

I ruffle his hair, grateful for the distraction. "I don't know, buddy. There are a lot of amazing entries here. But I think it's got a good shot."

As the head judge steps up to the microphone, I feel Molly's hand slip into mine. It's a small gesture, probably unconscious on her part, but it grounds me. In that moment, with Chad's excited whispers and Molly's warm presence beside me, I know that no matter what opportunities might come my way, my heart belongs right here in Benton Falls.

The judge clears his throat, and the hall falls silent. "Ladies and gentlemen, after careful consideration, we are ready to announce the winners of this year's Professional Gingerbread House Contest."

As he lists the runners-up, I find my mind drifting. The gingerbread houses around us are incredible, true works of art. But they're also temporary, destined to crumble and fade. What I'm building with Molly and Chad, though... that has the potential to last. To grow into something beautiful and enduring.

"And the grand prize winner is..." the judge pauses for dramatic effect, "Chef Antoine, for his charming and detailed recreation of the Lawson Christmas Tree Farm!"

The hall erupts in applause. Chad jumps up and down, his excitement palpable. "Evan! Your farm won! Your farm won!"

I laugh, caught up in his enthusiasm. "Well, Chef Antoine's version of it did, anyway."

Molly squeezes my hand, her eyes shining. "It's because the real thing is so special," she says. "He just captured what we all see when we look at your farm."

Her words should warm me, but instead, I feel a knot forming in my stomach. As we make our way towards the winning display, where Chef Antoine is standing next to his artwork with a beaming smile, I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled over me.

The gingerbread farm glitters under the lights, a perfect miniature of the place I've called home all my life. But as I stare at it, I'm struck by how small it seems. How confined. Is this how others see my world? A quaint, picturesque setting, but ultimately limited?

I realize it's just a replica, a sweet but fleeting representation. The real farm, with all its challenges and rewards, is waiting for me. And so are Molly and Chad, their presence in my life more nourishing than any confectionery creation could ever be. So why can’t I quit thinking about Morgan’s offer?

As the evening winds down and we prepare to leave, Morgan catches my eye from across the room. She raises an eyebrow, a silent question about her offer. I feel a surge of longing that takes me by surprise. The idea of travel, of new experiences, of breaking free from the familiar... it tugs at me with more pull than I'd like to admit. But I also feel a yearning towards Molly and Chad. A tug that is strong and pure. Like they might be just the thing that makes me whole. I give Morgan a small smile and a shrug of my shoulders. There will be time for a proper response later, when I have it figured out.

"Evan? Are you ready to go?" Molly's voice breaks into my thoughts. She's helping Chad into his coat, her face flushed with happiness from the evening's excitement.

"Yeah, just... just give me a moment," I say, my voice sounding distant even to my own ears.

I watch as Molly leads Chad towards the exit, their heads bent together as they chat about their favorite gingerbread houses. They look so at home here, so content. And yet, I can't shake the feeling that I'm standing at a crossroads.

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