Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Chapter 16

Sixteen

EVAN

S nowflakes fall in a slow flurry as I step out of my truck, the gravel under the snow crunching beneath my boots. The sun, a pale disk in the winter sky, casts long shadows across the town park. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of pine and cinnamon that seems to permeate everything in Benton Falls during the holiday season.

As I adjust my scarf, smoothing down the soft wool, I catch sight of Molly's car pulling into the parking lot. My heart does a little Christmas Polka dance as she parks and helps Chad out of the backseat.

Chad spots me first, his face lighting up with that infectious grin of his. "Evan." he calls out, waving enthusiastically. "Over here."

I wave as I smile. "Hey there."

As they make their way over, I can’t help but grin like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Good evening," Molly says as they reach me, her eyes warm with affection. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting."

"Not at all," I assure her, resisting the urge to reach out and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I just got here myself."

Chad, bouncing on his toes with barely contained energy, looks up at me with wide eyes. "Is the ice rink ready, Evan? Can we go skating now?"

I chuckle, ruffling his sandy hair. "It sure is, buddy. But let's make sure your mom is ready first, okay?"

Molly gives me a grateful smile. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. It's been years since I've been on skates, though. I might need someone to hold on to."

Her words send a warmth spreading through my chest, and I stand a little straighter. "Well, you're in luck," I tell her. "I happen to be an excellent skating partner."

As we make our way towards the rink, I can’t resist thinking about how effortlessly Molly and Chad have become a part of my life. It feels like it was always meant to be this way. Like we were meant to be working at the farm together, her skilled hands crafting beautiful wreaths and making everything perfect for the townspeople. I feel drawn towards Molly and Chad and their happiness and their joy. I feel like we belong together in Benton Falls.

Each December, the town park is transformed for the Christmas Market, a winter wonderland of booths and holiday magic. Twinkling lights are strung between the trees, casting a warm glow over the fresh snow. There are people eating, shopping, and just enjoying the season. Of course, the ice rink gleaming in the center of the park, a temporary addition for the holiday season, is one of the market's main attractions.

"Wow," Molly breathes beside me, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's like something out of a Hallmark movie."

I nod, feeling a swell of pride in my hometown. "Benton Falls knows how to do Christmas right. Year after year, it’s still something to behold.”

We make our way to the skate rental booth, where Noah Montgomery greets us with a knowing smile. "Evening, Evan," he says, his eyes twinkling as he glances between me and Molly. "And who might these fine folks be?"

"This is Molly and her son, Chad," I introduce them, feeling a warmth spread through me at being able to do so. "They're... friends of mine."

The word 'friends' feels inadequate, but I'm not sure what else to call them. We haven't put a label on whatever this is growing between us, and I don't want to presume. Still, the way Noah’s smile widens tells me he sees right through me.

"Well, any friends of Evan's are friends of mine," he says warmly. "What sizes can I get for you folks?"

As we lace up our skates, I watch Molly's hands tremble slightly. She wasn't kidding about being out of practice. I reach out, covering her hand with mine. "Hey," I say softly. "You okay?"

She looks up at me, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. "Just a little scared," she admits. "It's been so long, and I was never very good to begin with."

I squeeze her hand gently. "Don't worry. I've got you. We'll take it nice and slow, okay?"

The gratitude in her smile makes my heart skip a beat. "Okay," she nods. "I trust you."

Those three words, so simple and yet so profound, settle into my chest like a warm ember. I've spent so long feeling restless, yearning for something more, something different. But in this moment, with Molly's hand in mine and Chad's excited chatter filling the air, I realize that everything I've been searching for is right here in Benton Falls.

We make our way to the rink, Chad practically vibrating with excitement. He's clearly more confident on skates than his mom, probably thanks to hours spent at the local roller rink. As soon as his blades touch the ice, he's off, wobbling slightly but picking up speed with each stride.

"Be careful, honey!" Molly calls after him, her grip on my arm tightening.

I chuckle, placing my hand over hers reassuringly. "He'll be fine. Kids are like rubber at that age. Besides, look how much fun he's having."

And it's true. Chad's face is alight with joy as he makes his way around the rink, waving to us each time he passes. His enthusiasm is infectious, drawing smiles from everyone he passes.

"Ready?" I ask Molly, gently guiding her towards the ice.

She takes a deep breath, nodding. "As I'll ever be."

We step onto the ice together, and I feel Molly tense beside me as her skates slide slightly. I tighten my grip on her arm, steadying her. "I've got you," I murmur. "Just take it slow. Small steps."

Gradually, we begin to move, gliding across the ice in small, careful strokes. Molly's grip on my arm is tight, but with each passing minute, I can feel her relaxing, growing more confident.

"That's it," I encourage her. "You're doing great."

She looks up at me, a mixture of pride and amusement in her eyes. "I feel like a newborn fawn," she laughs. "All wobbly legs and uncertainty."

I grin, enjoying the sound of her laughter. "Well, you're the most graceful newborn fawn I've ever seen."

As we make our way around the rink, I'm acutely aware of every point of contact between us. The warmth of her body pressed against my side, the way her hand fits perfectly in mine, the sweet scent of her shampoo carried on the winter breeze. It's intoxicating in the best possible way.

We pass by one of the warming stations, where families are huddled together, sipping hot beverages and watching the skaters. The air is filled with the sound of laughter and Christmas carols playing softly from speakers hidden in the trees.

"You know," I say, as we complete another circuit of the rink, "after we're done here, we should check out some booths. And I hear there's a reindeer petting zoo this year."

Molly's eyes light up at the suggestion. "That sounds wonderful. Chad would love the reindeer."

As if on cue, Chad zooms past us, now part of a small pack of kids playing some kind of tag game on skates. "Mom! Evan! Did you see how fast I was going?" he shouts, his voice filled with excitement.

"We see you, honey!" Molly calls back. "You're doing great!"

As we watch Chad zip around the rink, I'm struck by how much he's grown in the short time I've known him. Not just physically, but in confidence and spirit.

"He's really something, isn't he?" I say.

Molly nods, her eyes following her son's progress around the rink. "He is. You know, when his dad left, I was so worried. About everything. Whether we'd fit in, whether I'd be able to provide for him, whether he'd be happy... But now..."

She trails off, and I give her hand a gentle squeeze, encouraging her to continue.

"Now," she says, her voice filled with wonder, "I’m not so worried anymore. This town, the farm, you..." She looks up at me, her eyes shining. "It's like we've found where we belong."

My heart swells at her words, a lump forming in my throat. Because I feel it too. This sense of rightness, of coming home. For so long, I've felt tied to Benton Falls by duty and obligation. But now, with Molly and Chad in my life, I'm seeing it all through new eyes.

The twinkling lights aren't just decorations, they're beacons of warmth and community. The familiar faces around us aren't just neighbors, they're friends, family. And the farm, which for so long felt like a burden, now feels like the foundation for something beautiful.

"I'm glad to hear you feel that way too," I tell her, my voice rough with emotion. "Because I can't imagine this place without you two in it."

For a moment, we just look at each other, the rest of the world fading away. I'm lost in the warmth of Molly's eyes, the soft curve of her smile. The urge to kiss her is almost overwhelming, but I hold back, knowing Chad is in the vicinity.

"Mom, Evan,” Chad calls, right on cue. “Can we go see the reindeer now? Please?"

We both laugh, the spell broken but not forgotten. "Sure thing, buddy," I call back. "Let's get our skates off and we’ll go look."

As we make our way off the ice, I keep a steady hand on Molly's back, guiding her. She's more confident now, but the transition from ice to solid ground can be tricky. Once we're safely off the ice, we remove our skates and return them to Noah.

"You folks have a wonderful evening now," he says with a wink. "Enjoy the market!"

As we walk among the booths, each one decorated with twinkling lights and garlands. The air is filled with the scent of mulled cider and cloves, mingled with the savory aroma of roasting chestnuts. Chad's eyes grow wide with wonder. "Wow," he breathes. "It's like the North Pole!"

Molly and I exchange a smile over his head. "It sure is, buddy," I say. "Now, what should we check out first? The reindeer or the hot chocolate?"

As Chad debates this crucial decision, I catch Molly's eye. The joy and contentment I see reflected there mirror my own feelings perfectly. In this moment, surrounded by the magic of Christmas in Benton Falls, I know that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.