Chloe (Angel Institute #4)

Chapter 19

Nineteen

REBECCA

T he last of the twinkling lights flicker out as I stand in the now-deserted Benton Falls Christmas Market. The bustling energy of the day has faded, leaving behind a peaceful quiet broken only by the soft crunch of snow beneath my feet. Sugar and spice linger in the air, a sweet reminder of the day’s festivities.

I close my eyes, replaying the events of the day in my mind. Chloe’s radiant smile as she granted wish after wish at her “Chloe’s Christmas Wish” stall. The joy on people’s faces as little miracles unfolded around them. And finally, the tentative hope in both Chloe and Oliver’s eyes as they briefly talked—I’m optimistic.

A sense of accomplishment washes over me, warm and comforting, like a cozy blanket on a cold winter’s night. When I open my eyes, a flicker of light catches my eye.

“Quite a day, wasn’t it?” Henry’s warm voice reaches my ears as he materializes beside me, his silver hair slightly disheveled as always.

I nod, unable to keep the smile off my face. “It was magical, Henry. I’ve never felt anything like it.”

Henry chuckles, the sound reminding me of jingle bells. “Oh?”

His question makes me pause. I take a moment to really consider how I’ve changed since starting this assignment.

“I feel... different,” I say slowly. “When I started, all I cared about was earning my wings. I thought I knew everything, that I was somehow above it all. But now...”

“Now?” Henry prompts gently.

I gesture towards the empty market stalls around us. “Now I understand what it really means to be a guardian angel. It’s not about power or prestige. It’s about love, about service, about helping people find the light within themselves.”

Henry’s smile is warm and proud. “That, my dear, is the most important lesson any angel can learn. And you’ve learned it beautifully.”

As we stand there in the quiet of the night, I can’t help but think back on all the little miracles that have led us to this point. The ‘blessing hotline’ and the boots, the Miracle Card helping Chloe grant Christmas wishes. But it’s Chloe herself who’s done the real work, who’s opened her heart to the spirit of Christmas and the joy of giving.

“I think Chloe was starting to suspect I’m not quite what I seem,” I say to Henry, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. “She asked me earlier if I was some kind of Christmas fairy.”

Henry lets out a hearty laugh. “Well, you’re not too far off, are you? Though I daresay you’re a bit more powerful than a fairy.”

I giggle, the sound like tinkling bells on Christmas Eve. “Don’t let the fairies hear you say that. They can be quite touchy about their powers.”

As our laughter subsides, I find my thoughts drifting to Chloe and Oliver. “Do you think they’ll work things out?” I ask Henry, unable to keep the worry from my voice.

Henry’s expression turns thoughtful. “That, my dear, is up to them.”

I nod, understanding the truth of his words. It’s a lesson I’ve learned well over the course of this assignment. We can’t force people to make the right choices; we can only help light the way and hope they choose to follow.

“But you know what, Henry?” I say, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. “Whatever happens between Chloe and Oliver, I know Chloe will be okay. She’s found something here in Benton Falls that goes beyond romantic love. She’s found herself, her purpose, her place in the world.”

Henry nods approvingly. “You’ve come a long way, Rebecca. You understand now that our job isn’t just about making people happy in the moment. It’s about helping them grow, helping them become the best versions of themselves.”

As we walk through the deserted market, our footsteps leaving trails in the fresh snow, I reflect on all I’ve learned during my time on Earth.

“When I first started this assignment,” I look at Henry. “I thought being a guardian angel was all about big, dramatic interventions. Saving people from physical danger, performing obvious miracles, that sort of thing.”

Henry nods encouragingly, prompting me to continue.

“But now I understand that it’s the small things that often make the biggest difference. A kind word at the right moment, a small act of generosity, creating opportunities for people to discover their own strength and goodness. It’s about guiding, not controlling. About love, not power.”

Henry’s smile is radiant. “You’ve learned well, Rebecca. Those are lessons that many angels take centuries to truly understand.”

As we reach the edge of the park, I feel the familiar tingle of celestial energy, signaling it’s time to return to the heavenly realm. But I hesitate, looking back at the town of Benton Falls, its windows glowing warmly in the night.

“It’s time to go, Rebecca,” Henry says gently. “We’ve done all we can here.”

I nod, knowing he’s right, but finding it hard to tear my eyes away from the town that’s taught me so much. “Will they be okay?” I can’t help but ask one last time.

Henry’s smile is knowing. “They have all the tools they need to find their way. The rest is up to them.”

With one last look at Benton Falls, I close my eyes and let the familiar sensation of celestial teleportation wash over me. When I open them again, I’m standing in the ethereal glow of the heavenly realm, the earthly scents and sounds of Benton Falls replaced by the indescribable beauty of paradise.

Henry waves as he walks towards the gardens and I turn toward my apartment. I think I’ve earned my wings, but I’m not done. I must go back to Benton Falls at least one more time. To say my goodbyes to Chloe—even if she doesn’t know it’s goodbye—and even though it’s not my assignment, if there is anything I can do to help Chloe and Oliver come back to each other, I will.

Because now I understand - being a guardian angel is a lot like being a good friend.