Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Chapter 1

One

BETTY

T he crisp December air tickles my nose as I arrive near the entrance of Evan Lawson's Christmas tree farm. I inhale deeply, savoring the invigorating scent of pine and the distant aroma of cinnamon wafting from the barn. Benton Falls truly is a picture-perfect town, especially during the holidays.

I glance down at my cable-knit sweater and fleece-lined boots, marveling at how authentic they feel. Blending in with the locals should be a breeze. With a spring in my step, I make my way towards the barn, ready to begin my first assignment as a guardian angel in training.

As I approach, I spot Evan helping a family load their chosen tree onto their pickup truck. His broad shoulders strain under the weight of the massive fir, but his smile seems forced, lacking the warmth and enthusiasm I'd expect from someone surrounded by such holiday cheer.

And that’s why I’m here.

Once the family drives off, Evan turns and nearly collides with me. "Oh, I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't see you there. Are you looking for a tree?"

I chuckle and wave off his apology. "No worries, dear. I'm just here to enjoy the festive atmosphere. I'm Betty, by the way."

"Evan Lawson, nice to meet you." He extends a gloved hand, which I shake firmly. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place for holiday cheer.” His words contend with his even tone. “Look around and let me know if you need any help."

"Thank you, Evan. I must say, your farm is absolutely stunning. You must put in a lot of hard work to keep it looking this good."

Evan shrugs, his gaze scanning the neat rows of trees. "It's a family business. Just doing my part to keep it running."

I tilt my head, sensing the weariness beneath his polite exterior. "And do you enjoy it? Running the farm, I mean."

He hesitates, as if surprised by my question. "I... well, it's a lot of responsibility. But it's what my family expects of me."

Before I can respond, a little girl with pigtails and a puffy pink coat tugs on Evan's sleeve. "Excuse me, Evan? Can you help me find a tree that's taller than my daddy?"

Evan's expression softens as he kneels to meet her eye level. "Of course, Leena. Let's see if we can find the perfect one."

As they walk hand-in-hand towards the rows of trees, I’m encouraged by the change in Evan's demeanor. With the child's innocent request, he seems more relaxed, more engaged. Perhaps the key to unlocking his heart lies in the simple joys of childhood.

I meander through the farm, taking in the sights and sounds of families choosing their perfect trees. Laughter rings out across the hills, mixing with the gentle rustling of evergreen boughs in the breeze. Despite the chill in the air, warmth blooms in my chest. There's just something magical about Christmas on Earth.

As the day wears on, I keep an eye on Evan, observing his interactions with customers. He's unfailingly polite and helpful, but there's a stiffness to his movements, a distance in his eyes. It's as if he's going through the motions, disconnected from the surrounding joy.

When the last family drives away, Evan slumps against the barn wall, his shoulders sagging. I approach him cautiously, offering a thermos of hot cocoa. "You look like you could use a pick-me-up."

He accepts the thermos with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Betty. It's been a long day."

"I can imagine. Running a place like this must be exhausting, especially during the busy season."

Evan takes a sip of the cocoa, his brow furrowing. "It's not just the work. It's... I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck, you know? Like there's more out there, waiting for me."

I nod, understanding dawning. "And the farm feels like an anchor holding you back."

"Exactly." He sighs, his breath clouding in the chilly air. "I know it sounds selfish. The farm is my family's legacy. I should be grateful for what I have." Concern casts a shadow across his features. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.”

I place a gentle hand on his arm. "Evan, it’s fine, and it's not selfish to want more from life. But maybe, just maybe, there's joy and purpose to be found right here, too. You just need to look at it with fresh eyes."

He meets my gaze, a flicker of hope in his blue eyes. "You think so?"

"I know so. And I have a feeling that the magic of Christmas might just help you see things differently."

Evan chuckles, shaking his head. "I guess I could use a little holiday magic right about now."

"Couldn't we all?" I wink, handing him a candy cane from my pocket. "Don't lose heart, Evan. The beauty of life has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it."

With that, I bid him goodnight and head back towards the road, my mind spinning with ideas. Helping Evan rediscover the joy in his life won't be easy, but I'm more determined than ever to succeed.

I focus on my heavenly home as Henry's words echo in my mind: "Follow your intuition, Betty. Trust in the power of compassion."

I take a deep breath, feeling the celestial energy coursing through me, and find myself back in heaven. Tomorrow, I'll return to Benton Falls with a plan. I'll find a way to connect with Evan, to show him the beauty and purpose that surrounds him.

For now, I'll let the warmth of the little girl's laughter and the twinkle of Christmas lights guide my dreams, reminding me of the Christmas spirit I'm here to protect.