Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Chapter 13

Thirteen

EVAN

S aturday evening, the sun dips below the horizon as I finish up the last of the day's chores on the farm. My muscles ache with the satisfying exhaustion that comes from a hard day's work, and I find myself smiling as I look out over the rows of trees, their branches heavy with the first dusting of winter snow.

Two weeks until Christmas and it's been a busy day, with customers coming in droves to pick out their perfect Christmas trees. Even in the midst of the chaos, I've found myself stealing glances at Molly as she works beside me, her cheeks flushed from the cold and her eyes sparkling with joy.

Every time our eyes meet, every time our hands brush as we pass a wreath or a string of lights, I feel a flutter in my chest. It's a warmth that has nothing to do with the exertion of the day, and everything to do with the growing connection between us.

As I head back to the barn to put away my tools, I wave at Paul and Seth as they get into their trucks and catch sight of Chad, his little face alight with excitement as he runs towards me, his boots kicking up puffs of snow.

"Evan." he calls out, his voice breathless with anticipation. "Can we go on the sleigh ride now? Please, please, please?"

I chuckle, scooping him up and tossing him over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "I don't know, buddy. Have you been a good boy today?"

He giggles, squirming in my grasp. "I've been the best. I helped Mom with the wreaths and everything."

I set him down, ruffling his sandy hair with affection. "Well, in that case, I think a sleigh ride is definitely in order. Why don't you go find your mom and tell her to bundle up? I'll get the horses ready."

Chad whoops with joy and takes off like a shot towards the barn, his little legs pumping as he disappears inside. I watch him go, feeling a swell of warmth in my chest at his enthusiasm.

In the few short weeks since Molly and Chad came into my life, they've become a bright spot in my days. As I make my way to the stables to harness up the horses, I can't help but marvel at how quickly they've worked their way into my heart.

It's not just the big things, like the way Molly's smile makes my pulse race or the way Chad's laughter fills the empty spaces around the farm. It's the little things too, the quiet moments of connection that have formed between us.

As I lead the horses out of the stable, their breath puffing in the frosty air, I catch sight of Molly and Chad making their way towards me, bundled up in coats and scarves and hats. Molly's cheeks are red from the cold, her eyes bright with anticipation, and I feel my heart skip a beat at the sight of her.

"Ready for an adventure?" I ask as they reach me, my voice warm with affection.

Molly smiles up at me, her gloved hand brushing against mine. "Absolutely. This is so exciting."

Chad’s eyes widen when he looks at the horses. “Wow! They’re huge. What are their names?”

“The big grey is Jumbo, and the black one is Doc.” I smile and run my hand along Jumbo’s neck. “They love to go in the snow.”

I help Molly and Chad into the sleigh, tucking a thick wool blanket around their laps to ward off the chill. Chad is practically vibrating with excitement, his little mittened hands gripping the sides of the sleigh as he peers out at the snow-covered fields.

"Can we go fast, Evan?" he asks, his voice high and eager. "Like, really, really fast?"

I chuckle, climbing into the driver's seat and taking up the reins. "We'll see, buddy. Safety first, remember?"

As we set off, the horses' hooves kicking up sprays of powdery snow, I can't resist the urge to give Chad a little thrill. I snap the reins, urging the horses into a brisk trot, and the sleigh surges forward, the runners cutting through the snow like a knife through butter.

Chad lets out a whoop of joy, his laughter ringing out across the fields, and I feel Molly's hand grip the side of the sleigh, her body leaning slightly into mine as we fly over the snow.

It's exhilarating, the cold wind whipping at our faces, the world blurring past in a swirl of white and gray. But even more than the physical thrill, it's the feeling of shared joy and wonder that makes my heart soar.

I glance over at Molly, taking in the flush of her cheeks, the sparkle of her eyes, the way her hair whips out behind her like a banner in the wind. She looks so alive, so vibrant, that it takes my breath away.

"Having fun?" I ask, my voice raised to be heard over the pounding of the horses' hooves.

She turns to me; her smile brighter than the sun on the snow. "The best," she says, her voice filled with laughter and happiness. "I feel like I'm flying."

"You are," I tell her, my own smile stretching wide across my face. "We all are."

As we settle into a steady rhythm, the initial excitement gives way to a comfortable companionship. Chad nestles between us, his eyes wide as he takes in the winter wonderland around us.

"So, Molly," I begin, curiosity getting the better of me, "what made you decide to stay in Benton Falls?"

Molly turns her head, her expression thoughtful. "I like the town and even after my ex-husband left, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else." Her eyes scanning the snow-covered fields and forests around us. "It's beautiful here as well. The farm is so peaceful."

"It can be lonely too," I admit, surprising myself with my honesty. "But lately... well, it's been nice having you and Chad around."

Molly's cheeks, already pink from the cold, seem to flush a shade deeper. "We've loved being here. You've made us feel so welcome."

There's a moment of charged silence, broken by Chad's excited voice. "Look, Mommy. A deer."

We all turn to see a doe and her fawn at the edge of the forest, their delicate forms silhouetted against the snow.

"Oh, wow," Molly breathes, her hand unconsciously reaching for mine beneath the blanket. I give her fingers a gentle squeeze, sharing in the wonder of the moment.

As the deer bound away into the forest, Chad turns to me, his eyes shining. "Evan, do you see deer here all the time?"

I chuckle, ruffling his hair. "Pretty often, buddy. Maybe if you and your mom keep visiting, we can go on a nature walk sometime. I could show you all the best spots for wildlife watching."

"Can we, Mom? Please?" Chad looks at Molly with pleading eyes.

Molly laughs, shooting me a warm glance. "I think that sounds lovely. We'll have to take Evan up on that offer."

As we continue our ride, the conversation flows easily between us. We talk about our favorite Christmas traditions, our hopes for the new year, and our shared love of hot chocolate on cold winter nights. It's comfortable and exciting all at once, like we're old friends discovering new depths to our relationship.

The sky darkens to a velvety black studded with stars; the moon casting a silvery glow over the snow. Chad's chatter has faded to a sleepy murmur, his head resting against Molly's shoulder as he drifts off to sleep.

Molly and I sit in comfortable silence, our hands now resting close beneath the blanket, our breath mingling in the frosty air. It's peaceful, a moment of quiet connection that feels special, even if we're still getting to know each other.

"Evan?" Molly's voice is soft, almost hesitant, as if she's afraid to break the spell.

"Yeah?" I turn to look at her, my heart skipping a beat at the warmth in her eyes.

"I just wanted to say thank you," she murmurs, her fingers brushing against mine. "For today, for everything. It's been magical."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. "I'm glad you've enjoyed it. Having you and Chad here... it's made the farm feel alive in a way it hasn't in years."

She smiles, her eyes glistening in the moonlight. "We've loved being here, too. It feels like... I don't know, like we've found something special."

I nod, my gaze holding hers with an intensity that surprises even me. "I feel the same way. I'm really glad you gave constructing wreaths a chance."

She chuckles as I grin and then we share a moment of silent understanding, both aware of the potential growing between us, but neither quite ready to put it into words.

As we turn back towards the farm, the lights twinkling in the distance, I feel a smile spreading across my face, a warmth and contentment that fills me from head to toe.

When we pull up to the barn, I hop down from the sleigh and help Molly disembark. Chad is fast asleep, his little face peaceful in the moonlight.

"I can carry him to your car," I offer quietly, not wanting to wake the sleeping boy.

Molly nods gratefully. "That would be wonderful, thank you."

I gently lift Chad from the sleigh, cradling him against my chest as we make our way towards Molly's car. His weight is warm and solid in my arms, and I'm struck by how natural it feels, how right.

As we reach the vehicle, Molly opens the back door, and I carefully settle Chad into his booster seat, making sure not to wake him. Once he's secure, I step back, suddenly aware of how close Molly and I are standing.

"Thank you for today," Molly says, her eyes meeting mine in the dim light. "It was perfect."

I smile as palpable energy flows between us. "I'm glad. Maybe we could do it again sometime?"

She nods, a shy smile playing at her lips. "I'd like that."

For a moment, we stand there, a current of unspoken possibilities between us. I take my chance and give her a quick kiss. Even with Chad asleep, I know to be cautious. Her mouth is still the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and the kiss only leaves me wanting more. Then, with a gentle squeeze of my arm, Molly steps back.

"Goodnight, Evan," she says. "See you tomorrow?"

I nod, my voice a bit husky as I reply, "Goodnight, Molly. Drive safe."

As I watch her car pull away, the taillights fading into the night, I'm filled with a sense of anticipation, of hope. Whatever is growing between us, it feels real and precious, and I can't wait to see where it might lead.

With a contented sigh, I turn back towards the farmhouse, the memory of the sleigh ride and Molly's smile warming me even on the cold winter night.