Evan (Angel Institute #6)

Chapter 20

Twenty

BETTY

B enton Falls shimmers around me as I stand just outside Sweet Haven Bakery & Café. The scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and brewing coffee fills my senses, a stark contrast to the ethereal fragrances of the celestial realm I've just left. Through the frosted windows, I can see the warm glow of fairy lights and the sparkle of tinsel garlands. The town square is alive with last-minute Christmas shoppers, their laughter and excited chatter creating a festive atmosphere.

As I step inside the bakery, the warmth envelops me like a hug. Maggie Whitfield, the owner, is bustling behind the counter, her cheeks flushed with exertion and holiday cheer. The aroma of baked goods is even stronger inside, a heady mix of sugar, spice, and comfort that seems to embody the very essence of Christmas.

I spot Evan sitting at a corner table, his fingers drumming nervously on the worn wood surface. His blue eyes are fixed on the door, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty clear on his face. My heart aches for him, knowing the internal struggle he's facing.

Taking a deep breath, I make my way to the counter, ordering a cup of peppermint hot chocolate and one of Maggie's famous apple turnovers. As I wait for my order, I keep one eye on Evan, watching as Morgan Caldwell breezes through the door.

Morgan's entrance causes a stir in the bakery. She's dressed impeccably in a tailored red coat, her dark hair styled in perfect waves. She exudes confidence and success, and I can see Evan straighten in his chair as she approaches.

"Evan," Morgan greets him, her voice carrying across the bakery. "Merry Christmas Eve."

"Merry Christmas Eve, Morgan," Evan replies, standing to greet her. "I'm glad you could meet me."

I watch as Morgan reaches into her designer handbag, pulling out a business card. "I'm afraid I can't stay long," she says, her tone brisk but not unkind. "But I wanted to give you this. It's my boss's card. He's very interested in having you on the show."

Evan takes the card, looking slightly bewildered. "Oh, I thought we were going to discuss the details..."

Morgan shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "There's nothing to discuss, Evan. Your dreams are waiting for you. All you have to do is reach out and grab them."

With that, she turns on her heel and walks out, leaving Evan standing there, the business card clutched in his hand and a look of confusion on his face.

This is my moment, I realize. The pivotal point where I can help Evan see the truth of his heart. But how?

I close my eyes, reaching out with my angelic senses as Evan takes his seat. I can feel the turmoil of emotions swirling within Evan—excitement, fear, longing, and underneath it all, a deep, aching love for Molly and Chad.

Taking a deep breath, I pick up my hot chocolate and turnover and make my way to Evan's table.

"Mind if I join you?" I ask, keeping my voice light and friendly.

Evan looks up, seeming almost relieved to see a familiar face. "Betty, hi. Of course, please sit."

As I settle into the chair across from him, I can see the business card still clutched in his hand. "That seemed like an interesting encounter," I say, nodding towards the door Morgan just exited through.

Evan sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, it was... not what I expected. I thought we were going to talk about the job offer, but she just gave me this card and left."

I take a sip of my hot chocolate, savoring the minty sweetness as I consider my next words carefully. "Maybe it's not about the job offer itself," I suggest gently. "Maybe it's about what the offer represents."

Evan looks at me quizzically. "How do you know about…wait, what do you mean?"

I set down my mug, meeting his gaze. "Well, think about it. What does that card really mean to you? Is it just a job, or is it something more?"

I can see the wheels turning in Evan's mind as he considers my question. "I guess... it represents adventure. The chance to see the world, to break free from the responsibilities here.”

I nod encouragingly. "And those are things you've always dreamed of, right?"

"Yeah," Evan says softly, his eyes distant. "For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to get out of Benton Falls, to see what else is out there."

"But dreams can change," I say gently. "Sometimes, what we think we want isn't really what our hearts truly desire."

Evan's brow furrows as he processes my words. "What are you saying, Betty?"

I lean forward, my voice soft but intense. "I'm saying that sometimes, the greatest adventures, the most fulfilling dreams, are right in front of us. We just have to look."

As I speak, I use my angelic abilities to subtly enhance the ambient sounds of the bakery. The laughter of children excitedly discussing their Christmas wishes, the warm greetings between old friends reuniting for the holidays, the gentle tinkling of the bell above the door as families come and go. All these sounds weave together, creating a tapestry of community and love that surrounds us.

I can see Evan's expression softening as he takes in the atmosphere. "It is pretty special here," he admits. "Especially at Christmas."

"It is," I agree. "And it's not just the place, Evan. It's the people. The connections you've made, the lives you've touched."

As if on cue, Maggie appears at our table, setting down a plate with a fresh cinnamon roll. "On the house," she says with a wink. "Merry Christmas, Evan. And thank you for all you do for this community."

Evan looks genuinely touched. "Thank you, Maggie. Merry Christmas to you too."

As Maggie walks away, I can see a shift in Evan's demeanor. He's looking around the bakery with new eyes, taking in the familiar faces, the warmth, the sense of belonging.

"You know," he says slowly, "when my parents retired and I took over the farm, I saw it as a burden. Something tying me down. But lately..."

"Lately?" I prompt gently.

"Lately, it's felt different. Like it's not just a job, but a part of who I am. A way to contribute to this community, to be a part of something bigger than myself."

I nod encouragingly. "And what about Molly and Chad? How do they fit into this new perspective?"

At the mention of their names, Evan's face softens, a look of tenderness and love that takes my breath away. "They've changed everything," he says softly. "Molly, with her strength and kindness. And Chad... his enthusiasm, his joy... they've made me see the farm, see Benton Falls, in a whole new light."

"It sounds like they've become very important to you," I say.

Evan nods, his eyes distant. "They have. More than I ever thought possible. The thought of leaving them..."

He trails off, and I can see the moment of realization dawning in his eyes. It's like watching the sun break through clouds, illuminating everything in a new, clear light.

"Oh my gosh," he breathes. "What am I doing? How could I even think about leaving?"

I reach out, patting his hand gently. "Sometimes we need a little distance to see what's truly important. There's no shame in that, Evan. The important thing is that you see it now."

Evan looks at me, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I do see it. I see it so clearly now. Everything I've ever wanted, everything I've been searching for... it's been right here all this time. In this town, on that farm, with Molly and Chad."

I feel a surge of joy and pride, knowing that I've helped Evan reach this epiphany. But I know my job isn't quite done yet.

"So, what are you going to do now?" I ask gently.

Evan stands up abruptly, a new energy radiating from him. "I need to find Molly. I need to tell her... everything. How I feel, what I want. I just hope it's not too late."

I smile, feeling the warmth of divine approval flowing through me. "It's never too late for love, Evan. Especially on Christmas Eve."

As Evan rushes out of the bakery, pausing only long enough to wish Maggie a Merry Christmas, I feel a sense of completion wash over me. I've done it. I've helped Evan see the truth of his heart, guided him towards the love and gratitude that was always there, waiting to be discovered.

I close my eyes, ready to return to the celestial realm, and report my success to Henry. But before I can dematerialize, I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder.

I open my eyes to find Maggie standing there, a knowing smile on her face. "You know," she says, "I've seen a lot of Christmas miracles in my time, but what you just did for Evan... that was something special."

For a moment, I'm taken aback. Can she see me for what I truly am? But then I realize it doesn't matter. Angel or human, what matters is the love and kindness we show to one another.

"Thank you, Maggie," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "Merry Christmas."

Maggie's eyes twinkle with a wisdom that seems beyond her years. "Merry Christmas to you too, Betty. I’m grateful there are angels like you around."

I feel a jolt of surprise, but before I can respond, Maggie continues, "Oh, don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. I've always believed there were angels among us, especially at Christmas."

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me at her words. "Well, Maggie, I'd say you're a bit of an angel yourself. The way you bring people together in this bakery, the love you put into everything you do... it's its own kind of miracle."

Maggie blushes, waving off my compliment. "Oh, hush. I just do what anyone would do. Now, tell me, what do you think is going to happen with Evan and Molly?"

I can't help but grin, feeling a surge of excitement. "I have a feeling that this Christmas is going to be very special for both of them. Love has a way of finding its path, especially when it's meant to be."

Maggie nods, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Well, I can't wait to see it unfold. Those two deserve all the happiness in the world."

As we chat, the bakery bustling around us with the warmth and joy of Christmas Eve, I feel a deep sense of contentment. This is what it's all about, I realize. Not grand gestures or miraculous interventions, but the small moments of connection, of kindness, of love shared between people.

As Maggie returns to her customers and I prepare to make my way back to the celestial realm, I take one last look around the bakery. The twinkling lights, the laughter of families, the aroma of freshly baked treats - it all blends together into a perfect snapshot of Christmas magic.

With a heart full of joy and excitement, I step out into the crisp winter air of Benton Falls, ready to see just what happens next. Evan’s heart is in the right place—I just hope I can say the same for Molly.