Page 1 of Falling for Santa

Chapter One

The gentle crash of waves against the shore was the only sound, apart from Ruby’s delighted squeals as she darted ahead, her tiny feet kicking up sprays of wet sand. Megan trailed a few steps behind, sandals dangling from one hand, the cool dampness of the beach beneath her soles a small comfort on this warm November day.

Ruby stooped to scoop up another shell, holding it aloft with pride. “Look, Mama! This one’s pink!”

“It’s beautiful,” Megan replied, forcing a smile she didn’t quite feel. She bent down to inspect the tiny treasure, her dark eyes softening at Ruby’s excitement. “Add it to your bucket. We’ll find a special place for it at home.”

Ruby nodded eagerly and darted back toward the waterline, her giggles mingling with the soft rustle of the breeze. Megan straightened, glancing out at the horizon where the endless blue of the ocean stretched to meet the sky.

Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her sundress, startling her. She fished it out, glancing at the screen before answering. “Lauren, hey,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Megan, I was starting to worry! It’s been days since I’ve heard from you,” Lauren’s warm but concerned voice came through the line.

“Sorry,” Megan said, walking farther from the waves to keep Ruby in sight. “It’s just been… a lot.”

“How’s Palmar Island?” Lauren asked. “I know it’s beautiful, but how are you holding up? Really?”

Megan sighed, her gaze following Ruby as the little girl chased a seagull. “It’s quiet. Peaceful. The beach is beautiful, and Ruby loves it.”

“That’s good,” Lauren replied carefully. “But what about you? Are you settling in?”

Megan hesitated, knowing Lauren wouldn’t let her off the hook. “I’m trying,” she admitted. “But it’s harder than I thought. The bungalow’s fine, but every time I look at my bank account, I feel like I’ve made a huge mistake.”

“You haven’t,” Lauren said firmly. “You did what you had to do. That debt wasn’t your fault, Megan.”

“What choice did I have?” Megan’s voice wavered. “I sold the house, sold most of our things. I needed a fresh start, but this? I’m not sure it’s working. It feels like holding my breath and waiting for everything to fall apart again.”

Lauren was silent for a moment, then asked, “Have you started looking for work?”

“Not yet,” Megan admitted. “It’s a small town. I’m not even sure what’s available. And to be honest, I don’t even know where to start. I don’t want Ruby to feel like I’m dragging her all over the place.”

“You’re not dragging her anywhere,” Lauren said gently. “You’re giving her a safe place to grow up. You’ll figure this out. You always do. I’ll put out some feelers back here.”

Before Megan could respond, Ruby’s giggles turned to a delighted squeal. Megan glanced up to see her daughtercrouched near a small tidepool, her bucket forgotten as she reached for something wriggling in the sand.

“Ruby, wait!” Megan called, her heart lurching.

“I found a crab, Mama!” Ruby shouted, pointing at the tiny creature.

Megan sighed, pressing the phone to her ear. “Lauren, I’ve got to go. Ruby’s about to adopt a crab.”

Lauren chuckled. “Go save your daughter. Call me soon, okay? I mean it.”

“I will,” Megan promised. “Thanks, Lauren.”

She slipped her phone back into her pocket and hurried toward Ruby, who had wisely decided to observe the crab from a safe distance.

“Careful, sweetheart,” Megan said, crouching beside her. “Crabs pinch, remember?”

Ruby nodded solemnly, watching the tiny creature scuttle back into the water. “Bye, crab,” she said with a wave before scampering back toward her bucket.

Megan straightened, brushing her hands on her dress. Her eyes landed on a familiar figure sitting on a weathered bench just beyond the dunes. The woman waved, her bright smile crinkling her sun-warmed face.

“Megan, is that you?” the woman called, her voice warm and familiar.

Megan hesitated, surprised that someone recognized her. After a moment, it clicked. “Miss Doris?”

The older woman nodded, her grin widening. “I thought it was you!”

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