Chloe (Angel Institute #4)

Chapter 13

Thirteen

CHLOE

S nowflakes dust the air as Oliver and I make our way into the Benton Falls High School auditorium. The familiar mixture of excitement and nerves that always precede a theatrical performance buzzes around us, amplified by the cheerful chatter of parents, students, and community members finding their seats.

“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” I mutter to Oliver, adjusting the soft wool scarf around my neck. It’s one I picked up at the Christmas market, much to my surprise. A month ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead in anything not bearing a designer label.

Oliver grins, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. “Come on, Chloe. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a classic. Plus, these kids have worked really hard on the play. It’ll be fun, I promise.”

I roll my eyes, but there’s no real annoyance behind it. The truth is, I’m actually looking forward to this. The realization startles me a little. When did I start enjoying small-town activities like high school plays? Probably has something to do with all the concerts I’ve been to.

We find our seats near the front, the plush velvet chairs adorned with festive red and green cushions. As we settle in, I can’t help but notice how perfectly Oliver fits into this scene. He greets everyone around us by name, asking after family members and complimenting holiday outfits. The easy way he connects with people still amazes me.

The lights dim, and a hush falls over the audience. The curtain rises to reveal a meticulously crafted set of Bedford Falls. I have to admit, I’m impressed. The quaint Main Street scene, complete with gently falling snow and softly glowing streetlights, captures the nostalgic charm of the beloved classic perfectly.

As the play unfolds, I find myself drawn into the story of George Bailey. The student playing him throws himself into the role with admirable enthusiasm, capturing George’s frustrations and dreams with surprising depth for a high schooler.

When George contemplates ending his life on the bridge, I feel a lump form in my throat. The despair in his voice, the feeling of being trapped and worthless... it hits closer to home than I’d like to admit. I think back to my life just a few weeks ago, how empty and meaningless it felt despite all my success.

Oliver must sense my discomfort because he reaches over and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. The warmth of his touch anchors me, reminding me I’m not alone anymore.

As Clarence the angel shows George the impact he’s had on the lives of others, I feel something shift inside me. Every small act of kindness, every moment of connection that George thought insignificant, had rippled out to change the entire town. It’s a powerful message, one that resonates deeply with the changes I’ve been experiencing in Benton Falls.

By the time the entire town rallies to help George in his moment of need, tears are streaming down my face. I’m not alone; I can hear sniffles and see people dabbing at their eyes all around me. The student actors pour their hearts into the ending scene, their voices rising in a heartfelt rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” that fills the auditorium with a palpable sense of joy and community.

As the curtain falls and the audience erupts into thunderous applause, I turn to Oliver, suddenly self-conscious about my tear-stained cheeks. But the look in his eyes stops any attempt at composure. He’s looking at me with such tenderness, such understanding, that it takes my breath away.

“You okay?” he asks softly, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear.

I nod, not trusting my voice just yet. Oliver seems to understand, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as we stand to join the standing ovation.

After the play, we linger in the lobby, sipping hot chocolate from paper cups as we wait for the crowd to thin out. The air is filled with excited chatter as people discuss their favorite parts of the performance.

“So,” Oliver says, a hint of teasing in his voice, “still think I was crazy for dragging you to a high school play?”

I laugh, the sound lighter and more carefree than I can ever remember it being. “Okay, okay, you were right. It was... it was really beautiful, actually. Those kids did an amazing job.”

Oliver’s smile softens. “They really did. You know, watching it tonight... it reminded me of why I love this town so much. Everyone coming together, supporting each other. It’s special, you know?”

I nod, understanding dawning. “It’s like Bedford Falls. Everyone knows everyone, cares about everyone. It’s... it’s wonderful.” The word feels strange on my tongue, but right somehow.

We step outside into the chilly night air. The surrounding neighborhood is lit up with twinkling Christmas lights, casting a warm glow over the freshly fallen snow. It looks like something out of a postcard, almost too perfect to be real.

“Want to take a walk?” Oliver asks, offering me his arm.

I loop my arm through his without hesitation. “I’d love to.”

As we stroll through the quiet streets, our breath visible in the cold air, I open up to Oliver in a way I never have before.

“You know,” I say softly, “when George was on that bridge, feeling like his life had no meaning... I understood that. A few weeks ago, before I came here, that’s how I felt all the time, even though I never recognized it.”

Oliver stops walking, turning to face me. His expression is a mixture of concern and compassion that makes my heart ache. “Chloe...”

I shake my head, needing to get this out. “I had everything I thought I wanted. Success, money, power. But it was all... empty. I felt so alone, so disconnected from everything and everyone. Coming here, meeting you, being part of this community... it’s shown me what really matters.”

Oliver pulls me into a hug, and I melt into his embrace. The solid warmth of him, the scent of pine and something uniquely Oliver, wraps around me like a cocoon of safety and acceptance.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” he murmurs into my hair. “You’ve brought so much to this town, Chloe. To me.”

We stand there for a long moment, just holding each other under the gently falling snow. When we finally pull apart, Oliver’s eyes are shining with an emotion I’m not quite ready to name.

“Come on,” he says, taking my hand. “There’s something I want to show you.”

He leads me to his store, unlocking the door and guiding me inside. The familiar scent of leather and wood polish greets us, along with the lingering aroma of the cinnamon pinecones that decorate the counter.

Oliver flips on the lights, revealing the store decked out in full Christmas splendor. Garlands drape from the rafters, twinkling lights wind around display cases, and a majestic Christmas tree stands proudly in the corner.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, taking it all in.

Oliver’s smile is a mixture of pride and something softer, more vulnerable. “Chloe, I have some news. Something amazing has happened.”

I feel my heart rate pick up. Does he know about my donation?

“Someone made an anonymous donation to the store,” Oliver says, his voice filled with wonder. “A really substantial one. With this money, and some ideas you’ve given me about modernizing our operations... I think we can keep the store going. Not just surviving, but thriving.”

The joy in his voice, the hope shining in his eyes, makes my own eyes fill with tears again. I did this. I helped make this happen.

“Oliver, that’s wonderful,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

He nods, running a hand through his hair in that endearing way he does when he’s excited. “It is. And you know what? It’s made me realize something. This store, this town... it’s not just about preserving the past. It’s about building a future. A future where tradition and innovation can coexist, where we can honor our history while still moving forward.”

I listen, captivated, as Oliver outlines his vision for the store. He talks about introducing an online component to reach a wider customer base, about partnering with local artisans to showcase their work, about hosting community events to bring people together.

“And Chloe,” he says, taking both my hands in his, “I want you to be part of it. Your business acumen, your fresh perspective... it’s exactly what this place needs. What I need.”

I’m speechless for a moment, overwhelmed by the trust and faith he’s placing in me. “Oliver, I... I don’t know what to say.”

He smiles, that warm, genuine smile that never fails to make my heart skip a beat. “Say you’ll stay. Say you’ll help me make this vision a reality.”

The old Chloe, the one who arrived in Benton Falls just a few weeks ago, would have balked at the idea. She would have seen it as a step backward, a waste of her talents and ambition.

But this Chloe pauses… she sees it differently.

I see the possibility of a future here in Benton Falls. A future filled with purpose and love, with the satisfaction of building something meaningful. A future with Oliver.

The realization doesn’t completely freak me out like I thought it would. Instead, it fills me with a sense of peace, of rightness.

“It’s something to consider,” I say with a smile. “Can you give me a little time to think everything through?”

The grin that breaks across Oliver’s face is like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. “Of course.” He pulls me close, and when our lips meet, it feels like coming home.

As we stand there in the glow of the Christmas lights, surrounded by the history and promise of Hanks’ Department Store, I feel a profound sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for this town that’s welcomed me, for the experiences that have opened my heart, and for Oliver, who’s shown me what it means to truly live and love.

I think back to George Bailey’s revelation at the end of the play. Like him, I’ve been given a wonderful gift—the chance to see my life, and myself, in a new light. The chance to make a difference, to be part of something bigger than myself.

As Oliver and I leave the store hand in hand, stepping out into the snowy night, I’m filled with a sense of excitement for the future.

* * *

The next morning, I wake to the sound of carolers outside my window. For a moment, I’m disoriented, the events of last night feeling almost like a dream. But as I sit up, my eyes falling on the framed photo of Oliver and me from the ice skating rink, a warm smile spreads across my face. It wasn’t a dream. This is my life now, and could always be, if I agree to stay in Benton Falls—all I have to do is decide.

But not today.

I throw on a cozy sweater and make my way downstairs, when the doorbell rings. I make my way to the door and open it. To my surprise, I find Rebecca there, humming softly as she arranges a plate of Christmas cookies.

“Rebecca?” I say, still not quite used to having an unintentional bestie. “What are you doing here?”

She tilts her head, her golden hair catching the morning light. “Oh, good morning, Chloe. I hope you don’t mind. I thought you might like some company this morning. And some of Maggie’s famous gingerbread cookies.”

I shake my head, oddly touched by the gesture. “No, I don’t mind at all. Thank you.”

Rebecca steps inside, and I lead her into the kitchen. Minutes later, the coffee is ready. As we sit at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and nibbling on cookies that taste like Christmas itself, I open up to Rebecca about last night. About the play, about Oliver’s plans for the store, about my decision to stay in Benton Falls.

Rebecca listens attentively, her eyes sparkling with what looks suspiciously like pride. “Chloe, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. You know, when you first came to town, I never would have guessed things would turn out like this.”

I laugh, the sound full and rich. “Believe me, neither did I. But now... I can’t imagine it any other way.”

As we continue to chat, the warmth of friendship and the joy of the season filling the kitchen, I’m struck by how much my life has changed in such a short time. Maybe it’s not about the pursuit of money…

Later that day, as I help Oliver hang a “Happy Holidays” banner across the front of his store, I catch sight of my reflection in the window. The woman looking back at me is almost unrecognizable from the cold, ambitious CEO who arrived in Benton Falls just weeks ago.

This Chloe has rosy cheeks from the cold and exertion, her hair slightly mussed from the wind. But more than that, her eyes are bright with happiness, her smile genuine and warm. This Chloe looks alive in a way I haven’t felt in years.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Oliver asks, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

I lean back into him, savoring the solid warmth of his presence. “Just thinking about how different everything is. How different I am.”

“Oh?” Oliver presses a soft kiss to my temple. “Different in a good way, I hope?”

I turn in his arms, meeting his gaze. “The best way. Oliver, I... I’m happier than I’ve ever been. And it’s because of you, because of this town. You’ve shown me what really matters in life.”

The light shining in Oliver’s eyes takes my breath away. He cares about me. “You’ve changed me too, Chloe. You’ve brought a fresh energy to this place, pushed me to think bigger. We make a good team, you and I.”

The sound of children’s laughter draws our attention. A group of kids is having a snowball fight in the town square, their shrieks of delight filling the air. Without thinking, I scoop up a handful of snow and lob it playfully at Oliver.

His look of shock quickly gives way to a mischievous grin. “Oh, it’s on, Anderson.”

What follows is the most fun I’ve had in years. We chase each other around the square, lobbing snowballs and laughing like children. I’m breathless and soaked, my carefully styled hair a mess, but I’ve never felt more alive.

Oliver pulls me close, his breath warm against my cold cheek. “You know,” he says softly, “I think this is going to be the best Christmas Benton Falls has ever seen.”

As I look out at the town, at the twinkling lights and the smiling faces of people going about their day, at the sense of community and warmth that permeates every corner, I can’t help but agree.

“You’re right,” I say, snuggling closer to him. “It really is a wonderful life.”

And as we sit there, watching the snow fall and planning our future together, I silently thank whatever twist of fate brought me to this magical little town. Because here, in Benton Falls, I’ve found more than just a place to belong. I’ve found myself.