Page 42 of Evan

A single tear escapes, trailing down Molly's cheek. I gently wipe it away with my thumb, marveling at the softness of her skin. "I'm sorry I hurt you," I say. "I'm sorry I made you doubt for even a second how important you are to me. But if you'll give me another chance, I promise to spend the rest of my life making sure you never doubt it again."

For a moment, the world seems to hold its breath. And then, slowly, a smile breaks across Molly's face—a smile so radiant it puts all the Christmas lights in Benton Falls to shame.

"I think I can manage that," she says, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of love and mischief.

Before I can respond, a small voice pipes up from behind Molly. "Mom? Who's at the door?"

Chad appears, his sandy hair tousled and his eyes wide with curiosity. When he sees me, his face lights up. "Evan! Are you here to help us hang up our stockings? Mom said we had to wait until Christmas Eve, and it's finally Christmas Eve!"

I look at Molly, silently asking permission. She nods, her smile soft and welcoming. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea," she says. "What do you say, Evan? Want to help us hang up stockings?"

My heart swells with emotion. This—this right here—is everything I've ever wanted. "I'd love nothing more," I say, my voice rough with feeling.

As I step into the warmth of Molly's home, I'm enveloped by the scent of pine and freshly baked cookies. The living room is cozy and inviting, with mismatched furniture that somehow fits perfectly together. The tree is all aglow and flames dance in the hearth.

Chad immediately grabs my hand, pulling me towards a box of ornaments. "Come on, Evan! I want to show you the ornament I made at school. It's a reindeer, but I used pinecones for the body instead of wood slices!"

I laugh, allowing myself to be led by his enthusiasm. "That sounds amazing, buddy. I can't wait to see it."

As he points to the ornament on the tree, I'm struck by the simple joy of the moment. Chad's excitement is infectious, his laughter filling the room as he tells me about each ornament.

Molly walks over with stockings draped over her arm. She hands one to Chad and one to me. "I hope you don't mind," Molly says as I hold the stocking, running my fingers over my name stitched across the top. "I got this for you. I guess I was hoping you’d be spending Christmas Eve with us.”

I'm overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of the gesture. "Molly, I... thank you. This means more than you know."

She smiles, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Every family member needs a stocking."

Family. The word echoes in my mind, filling me with a warmth that spreads from my core to the tips of my fingers. Is that what we are? What we could be?

As if reading my thoughts, Chad pipes up, "Does this mean you're going to be here for Christmas morning too, Evan? Because that would be the best present ever!"

I look at Molly, not wanting to overstep. She meets my gaze, her eyes soft with love and invitation. "What do you say, Evan? Want to join us for Christmas morning?"

My heart feels like it might burst with happiness. "I'd love nothing more," I say, my voice thick with emotion.

Chad lets out a whoop of joy, launching himself at me for a hug. I catch him, lifting him up and spinning him around as his laughter fills the room. When I set him down, I find Molly watching us, her eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness.

I reach out, pulling her into our embrace. For a moment, we stand there, the three of us wrapped in each other's arms, the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree casting a warm glow over us. This, I realize, is what home feels like. This is what love feels like.

As we pull apart, I'm struck by a sudden thought. "You know," I say, "there's still one Christmas tradition we haven't covered yet."

Molly raises an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Oh? And what's that?"

I grin, feeling a surge of excitement. "The church’s candlelight service. It's not Christmas Eve without it. What do you say we bundle up and head down to the church?"

Chad's eyes light up. "Can we, Mom? Please?"

Molly pretends to consider for a moment, but I can see the answer in her eyes before she speaks. "Well, I suppose we can't break tradition, can we? Let's do it."

The next few minutes are a flurry of activity as we bundle up in coats, scarves, and mittens. As we step out into the cool night air, I'm struck by the beauty of Benton Falls on Christmas Eve. The streets are lined with luminarias, their soft glow creating a path of light through the town. The sound of carols drifts on the breeze, growing stronger as we near the town square.

Chad walks between us, his small hand in mine, chattering excitedly about the service and wondering if we'll see any of his school friends there. Molly walks on his other side, her arm linked through mine, her presence a warm comfort in the cold night.

As we reach the church, I'm overwhelmed by the sight before us. The old colonial building stands proudly against the night sky, its windows aglow with warm light. People are filing in, their faces bright with anticipation and joy. The air is filled with the scent of pine from the wreaths adorning the doors and the sound of greetings exchanged between friends and neighbors.

We find seats near the back of the church, and I'm handed three candles by a smiling usher. As we wait for the service to begin, I look around at the faces of my neighbors, my friends, my community. I see joy, love, hope—all the things that make this season so special.

The pastor steps forward, his voice ringing out across the sanctuary as he welcomes everyone to the service. As he speaks about the spirit of Christmas, about love and togetherness, I feel Molly lean into me, her head resting on my shoulder.

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