Page 14 of Falling for Santa

Megan groaned inwardly, wondering how this shopping trip had turned into an impromptu Santa Q&A session. Scott didn’t seem to mind, though.

“I think bunny cereal sounds awesome,” he said, leaning toward Ruby conspiratorially. “Do you think it gives you bunny ears if you eat enough of it?”

Ruby giggled loudly, delighted at the idea.

Megan shook her head, smiling despite herself. This man really did have a knack for making everything feel a little lighter.

Scott leaned casually against the edge of the cart, clearly in no hurry to move on. Megan glanced at Ruby, who was now bouncing slightly in her seat, holding the cereal box like it was treasure. She sighed, knowing the conversation wasn’t quite over yet.

“Do you two come here often?” Scott asked, his tone light but genuinely curious.

“Pretty much weekly,” Megan said, shrugging. “When you’ve got a young child, running out of snacks is practically a disaster.”

Scott chuckled, nodding in agreement. “I can imagine. Ruby seems pretty easygoing, though.”

“She is,” Megan said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “But between work and trying to get everything else in order, it’s been a balancing act. Childcare’s been the tricky part. Miss Doris has been wonderful, but I don’t want to wear her out.”

Scott’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing slightly. “Miss Doris won’t say it, but she’s not exactly a spring chicken anymore. She’ll do anything for you and Ruby, but even she has her limits.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Megan admitted. “She’s been such a big help, but I can tell it’s starting to be a lot for her. I’ve been looking for other options, but... well, it’s hard to find someone you can trust.”

Scott’s face brightened suddenly, and he straightened. “Have you met my neighbor, Gertrude?”

Megan furrowed her brow, shaking her head. “I don’t think so. Why?”

“She’s in her early sixties, retired, but loves being around kids,” Scott explained. “She used to run a preschool before she moved here, and now she watches her grandkids whenever they visit. She’s been talking about wanting to help out more, especially since her grandchildren aren’t here as often these days.”

Megan hesitated, her eyes drifting to Ruby, who was now engrossed in the cartoon bunny on the cereal box. “I don’t know,” she said slowly. “I’d feel bad asking a stranger to watch her.”

“Gertrude’s not a stranger,” Scott said, his encouraging smile making the idea seem less daunting. “She’s lived here long enough to know everyone, and she’s genuinely good with kids. Ask Miss Doris about her if you’re unsure. They’ve been in the same church group for years.”

Megan laughed softly despite herself. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a babysitter who probably knows my entire life story before I even introduce myself.”

Scott grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Fair point. But I promise, she’s not nosy like that. She’s good people. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to introduce you. No pressure, but it might be worth meeting her.”

Megan chewed her lip, weighing the offer. The thought of handing Ruby over to someone she didn’t know was still daunting, but the idea of easing Miss Doris’s load—and her own—was tempting.

“Maybe,” she said finally, her voice soft. “I’d at least like to meet her first, see how Ruby feels about her.”

“Of course,” Scott said, nodding. “I’ll talk to her and set something up. She’ll be thrilled, I’m sure.”

Megan offered a tentative smile, feeling the smallest flicker of relief break through her guardedness. “Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” he said, his tone light but sincere. “You’re not in this alone, you know. People here look out for each other.”

His words lingered as they parted ways. Scott gave Ruby a quick wave before heading down the aisle, his basket swinging by his side.

Megan pushed the cart forward, her thoughts swirling. Trusting others had never come easily, especially lately. But for the first time since moving to Palmar Island, the idea didn’t feel quite so impossible. Maybe, just maybe, this place had more to offer than she’d dared to hope.

Chapter Six

Scott adjusted the plush velvet hat on his head and tugged at the white gloves, settling into the oversized Santa chair as the crowd of kids began to gather in front of him. The Christmas market was alive with holiday cheer—twinkling lights overhead, the hum of carols playing softly through the speakers, and the delicious scent of roasted chestnuts wafting from the food stalls.

From his perch, he could see everything. Parents snapping photos, kids clutching their wish lists, and volunteers rushing to keep things running smoothly. But his gaze kept drifting to the crafts station off to the side, where Megan was in the thick of it.

She crouched beside a table of children, holding a glitter shaker in one hand and guiding a young boy through decorating his snowman ornament with the other. Her smile was tired but genuine, and she radiated warmth even as the chaos threatened to spiral out of control.

“Okay, let’s add some sparkle,” Megan said to the boy, shaking just enough glitter to cover the snowman’s hat. The child giggled, grabbing the bottle to pour more—too much more. A cascade of glitter spilled onto the table, the floor, and the lap of the little girl sitting next to him.

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