Page 36 of Evan

As Evan heads to the bathroom to start his day, I allow myself a moment of quiet celebration. The dream seems to have had some effect, but I know the battle is far from over. Evan still has a difficult decision ahead of him.

After he showers and dresses, I watch as he moves through the farmhouse, pausing to straighten a photo of himself with Molly and Chad. His fingers linger on the frame, a soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth. When he steps outside, he takes a deep breath, inhaling the fresh winter air with what seems like newfound appreciation.

"It really is beautiful," he murmurs to himself, and I feel a surge of joy at his words.

But as I prepare to return to the celestial realm, doubt creeps in.

Have I done enough?

Will this one dream be sufficient to counter the allure of Morgan's offer?

The weight of Evan's decision hangs heavy in the air, and I wonder: in the battle between roots and wings, which will ultimately win out in Evan's heart?

Nineteen

EVAN

The scent of hot cider and pine fills the air as I adjust the collar of my wool coat, trying to ward off the cool December chill. Main Street is alive with the buzz of excitement, families and friends lining the sidewalks in anticipation of the annual Benton Falls Community Christmas Parade. Twinkling lights adorn every lamppost and storefront, transforming our little town into a winter wonderland.

I scan the crowd, searching for Molly and Chad. My heart skips a beat when I spot them near Violet's Diner, Molly's chestnut hair peeking out from beneath a jaunty red beret. Chad bounces beside her, his enthusiasm palpable even from a distance.

As I make my way towards them, weaving through the throng of excited townsfolk, I can’t help but recall the amazing dreams I had last night, one right after another, images of me, Molly, and Chad as a family—I’m not sure what the dreams meant. Maybe I’d been visited by the Ghost of Christmas, but does that make me a Scrooge? I grin, shaking off the notion. I can’t think about that now.

"Evan!" Chad's excited voice carries over the crowd. He waves frantically, nearly knocking off his own hat. "We saved you a spot!"

I grin as I reach them. "Thanks, buddy. Wouldn't want to miss the best view in town, would I?"

Molly's eyes meet mine, and the warmth in her gaze makes my heart flutter. "We were starting to think you might not make it," she says, her tone gently teasing.

"And miss seeing Santa? Not a chance," I reply, winking at Chad. The boy's eyes widen with excitement at the mention of Saint Nick.

As I settle in beside them, I'm acutely aware of Molly's presence. The soft scent of her perfume - something floral and delicate - mingles with the holiday aromas around us. Her shoulder brushes against mine as she shifts to make room, and even through layers of winter clothing, I feel a jolt of electricity at the contact.

"So, what's the inside scoop?" I ask, leaning in conspiratorially. "Any intel on this year's parade highlights?"

Chad pipes up immediately, his words tumbling out in a rush of excitement. "Maggie said the bakery made a giant gingerbread house float! And the hardware store is doing a workshop with moving elves. Oh, and the high school band has new uniforms that light up!"

I chuckle at his enthusiasm. "Sounds like it's going to be quite the spectacle. Can’t wait to see it."

Molly smiles, her eyes twinkling in the glow of the streetlights. "Me too. And the parade will be even better now that you’re here." She takes my hand. “Right where you belong.”

Her words fill my heart with beats of joy and an unexpected pang of guilt. This is where I belong, with this community. So why am I still holding onto Morgan's business card? Why can't I shake the lingering doubt, the whisper of 'what if' that plagues me in quiet moments?

Before I can dwell on these thoughts, the sound of distant music catches our attention. Chad lets out an excited whoop. "It's starting!"

The parade kicks off with the Benton Falls High School marching band, their newly illuminated uniforms living up to the hype. They play a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells" that has the crowd clapping along. I tap my foot to the beat, caught up in the infectious holiday spirit.

As float after float passes by, each more elaborate than the last, I watch Chad's face light up with wonder. His excitement is contagious, and I see the parade through new eyes. The bakery's gingerbread house float really is a sight to behold, the scent of fresh-baked cookies wafting from it making my mouth water.

"Look, Mom!" Chad tugs on Molly's sleeve, pointing at the hardware store's workshop float. "The elves are really moving!"

Molly leans down, her arm wrapping around Chad's shoulders. "I see them, honey. It's amazing, isn't it?"

I watch their interaction and my heavy coat has nothing to do with why I feel so warm inside. They fit so perfectly into this scene, into this life in Benton Falls. The sight of them, framed by twinkling lights and the joyful atmosphere of the parade, is like something out of a Christmas card.

And yet...

The weight of Morgan's offer sits heavy in my pocket, a constant reminder of the choice that lies before me. I should’ve left it home in the drawer. The parade continues, a blur of lights and music and laughter, but I find my thoughts drifting. I imagine myself on a TV set, sharing Christmas traditions from around the world. The excitement of travel, of new experiences, of fulfilling that long-held dream of seeing what lies beyond Benton Falls...

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