Chloe (Angel Institute #4)

Chapter 21

Twenty-One

CHLOE

A s we walk towards Hanks’ Department Store, I can’t help but marvel at how much has changed in such a short time. Just a few weeks ago, I was a cold, career-driven woman who saw Christmas as nothing more than an inconvenience. Now, here I am, heart full of love, ready to dive into the chaos of a small-town Christmas Eve Eve.

The store is a whirlwind of activity when we arrive. Customers browse the aisles, last-minute shoppers frantically search for the perfect gifts, and in the midst of it all, Sam mans the register with a harried but cheerful expression.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re here,” he says as we enter, relief evident in his voice. Then he spots me and his eyebrows shoot up. “Chloe? Are you...?”

“She’s here to help,” Oliver explains, a proud smile on his face. “Our newest employee, at least for today.”

Sam’s face breaks into a wide grin. “Well, thank the Christmas angels for that. Chloe, think you can handle gift wrapping? Rebecca’s restocking shelves as we speak.”

I nod, rolling up my sleeves and smile as Rebecca comes wandering from the back room, her arms full of boxes. “Point me to the paper and ribbons, Sam. I’m ready to spread some Christmas cheer.”

For the next few hours, I lose myself in a flurry of colorful paper, shiny ribbons, and the joy of helping people find the perfect finishing touch for their gifts. I chat with customers, learning about their holiday traditions, the loved ones they’re shopping for, the stories behind each carefully chosen present.

As I tie a bow on a gift for a little girl’s first Christmas, I catch sight of Oliver across the store. He’s kneeling beside an older gentleman, patiently explaining the features of a new coffeemaker. The care and attention he gives to each customer, the genuine warmth in his interactions, make my heart swell with love and pride.

Rebecca gives me an approving nod and winks when she sees me talking to Oliver. I smile, feeling so blessed to have a friend like Rebecca. Somehow, she’s always in the right place at the right time.

Throughout the day, I witness countless small acts of kindness and generosity. A young boy emptying his piggy bank to buy a scarf for his mother. A woman purchasing an extra toy to donate to the toy drive. Oliver slipping a free ornament into the bag of a customer who’s had a tough year.

These moments, these little miracles of human kindness, fill me with a joy so profound it’s almost overwhelming. This, I realize, is what Christmas is truly about. Not the presents or the decorations, but the love we share, the connections we forge, the light we bring to each other’s lives.

As the day wears on and the crowd in the store begins to thin, I find myself by the Christmas tree in the corner. It’s a magnificent thing, towering nearly to the ceiling, adorned with an eclectic mix of ornaments that I now know has been donated by town residents over the years.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Oliver’s voice breaks through my reverie. I turn to find him standing beside me, a soft smile on his face.

“I was just thinking about how beautiful this tree is,” I say, gesturing to the twinkling lights and glittering ornaments. “Each piece has a story, a memory attached to it. It’s like a physical representation of the community spirit in Benton Falls.”

Oliver nods, his eyes twinkling. “That’s exactly what it is. And now,” he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, wrapped package, “it’s time to add your story to the tree.”

I unwrap the package with trembling fingers to reveal a delicate glass ornament. It’s a miniature version of Oliver’s department store, complete with tiny Christmas lights and a minuscule version of the two of us standing out front.

“Oliver,” I breathe, tears pricking at my eyes. “It’s beautiful.”

He takes the ornament gently from my hands and hangs it on a prominent branch of the tree. “There,” he says softly. “Now you’re officially part of Benton Falls history.”

I lean into him, overcome with emotion. “Thank you,” I whisper. “For everything. For showing me what Christmas is really about, for helping me find my place in this world.”

Oliver wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. “Thank you for bringing new life to this town, and to me,” he says. “You’ve reminded all of us of the magic of Christmas, of the joy of giving and the power of love.”

As we stand there, bathed in the soft glow of the Christmas lights, I feel a deep sense of peace and fulfillment wash over me. I’ve found my purpose, my home, my heart. And it’s all wrapped up in this quaint little town and the wonderful man beside me.

The sound of the door chime breaks the moment, and we turn to see Sam ushering in a group of carolers. “Hope you don’t mind,” he calls out to us. “They wanted to thank the store for supporting the community choir this year.”

As the first notes of “Silent Night” fill the air, customers and staff alike gather around the tree. Oliver takes my hand, and we join the impromptu audience. Looking around at the faces lit by candlelight and Christmas lights, I see the same joy and wonder I feel reflected at me.

In this moment, surrounded by the warmth of community and the spirit of the season, I know without a doubt that this is where I belong. Benton Falls isn’t just a town I stumbled into by chance; it’s the home I’ve been searching for all my life.

As the carolers finish their song and the applause dies down, Oliver turns to me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “So, Ms. Anderson,” he says, loud enough for everyone to hear, “what do you say? Ready to make this job permanent? Benton Falls could use someone with your business sense and generous heart.”

The store falls silent, all eyes on me. But for once, I don’t feel the pressure of expectations or the weight of others’ judgment. Instead, I feel the warm support of a community that has accepted me as one of their own.

“Mr. Hanks,” I reply, my voice ringing clear and confident, “I would be honored to accept a permanent position at Hanks’ Department Store. On one condition.”

Oliver raises an eyebrow, a smile playing at his lips. “And what condition would that be?”

I grin, joy bubbling up inside me. “That the position comes with the perk of being able to kiss the boss whenever I want.”

The store erupts in cheers and laughter as Oliver pulls me into his arms. “I think that can be arranged,” he murmurs before capturing my lips in a kiss that promises a lifetime of love and happiness.

As we break apart, breathless and grinning, I’m struck by how perfectly everything has fallen into place. The store, with its blend of tradition and innovation, is a reflection of the future Oliver and I will build together. A future that honors the past while embracing new possibilities.

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter, music, and the warm glow of Christmas lights. Rebecca wishes us a Merry Christmas before she leaves. As we finally close up the store, the last customer ushered out with wishes for a joyous holiday, I feel a sense of excited anticipation for what the future holds.

Oliver and I walk hand in hand through the quiet streets of Benton Falls, the fresh snow crunching beneath our feet. The town is peaceful now, houses glowing with warm light, the occasional sound of laughter or the faint strains of a Christmas movie drifting through the night air.

We pause at the end of the street, looking out at the town spread before us. The Christmas lights reflect off the blanket of snow, creating a magical, shimmering effect.

“You know,” I say softly, leaning into Oliver’s warmth, “a month ago, if someone had told me I’d be standing here, in love with a small-town shopkeeper and ready to give up my big city career, I would have thought they were crazy.”

Oliver chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. “And if someone had told me that a big city CEO would sweep into town and steal my heart while saving my business, I wouldn’t have believed them either.”

I turn to face him, taking both his hands in mine. “Thank you, Oliver. For showing me what really matters in life. For helping me rediscover the magic of Christmas and the joy of giving.”

Oliver’s eyes shine with love as he gazes down at me. “Thank you, Chloe, for bringing new life to this town and to me. For reminding us all of the true spirit of Christmas.”

As we stand there on the bridge, snow gently falling around us, I’m filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. For the journey that brought me here, for the love I’ve found, for the community that’s welcomed me with open arms.

As the town clock chimes midnight, marking the start of Christmas Eve, Oliver pulls me close. “Merry Christmas, Chloe,” he whispers.

“Merry Christmas, Oliver,” I reply, my heart full to bursting with love and joy.

And as we seal the moment with a kiss, I silently thank whatever twist of fate brought me to this magical little town. Because here in Benton Falls, I’ve not only found the true meaning of Christmas, but I’ve also found myself, my home, and a love that will last a lifetime.

The spirit of giving, I realize, isn’t just about presents or grand gestures. It’s about opening your heart, sharing your joy, and spreading love wherever you go. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.