Page 16 of Falling for Santa

Before he could second-guess himself, Scott grabbed his jacket and headed out into the crisp evening air. The streets of Palmar Island were quiet, lit by the soft glow of Christmas lights strung across porches and storefronts. He made his way toward The Book Nook, the little shop nestled between the bakery and the antique store.

The bell over the door jingled as he stepped inside, the warmth and smell of old paper immediately wrapping around him like a blanket. Sophie Johnson looked up from behind the counter, her wavy brown hair falling over one shoulder as she greeted him with a bright smile.

“Well, if it isn’t Santa,” Sophie teased, setting aside the stack of books she’d been organizing. “What brings you in tonight, Scott?”

Scott chuckled, pulling off his gloves. “Not Santa business this time. I’m looking for something special—a book for a friend and something for her little girl.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident. “A friend, huh? Tell me more.”

Scott rolled his eyes playfully. “It’s nothing like that. She’s new in town, raising her daughter on her own. I thought a good book might be a nice gesture.”

Sophie leaned on the counter, her grin widening. “Thoughtful and mysterious. I like it. Let’s find something perfect.”

She led him to the children’s section first, crouching down to pull a board book from one of the lower shelves. “This one’s adorable,” Sophie said, handing him a book with bright illustrations of woodland animals. “It’s interactive—lots of flaps to lift and textures to feel. Toddlers love it.”

Scott flipped through the pages, imagining Ruby’s excitement as she explored the book. “This is perfect,” he said, tucking it under his arm.

Sophie moved to another shelf and pulled out a novel with a soft, inviting cover. “For your friend, I’d recommend this one. It’s about fresh starts and finding community—a feel-good story with just enough heart to keep her hooked.”

Scott studied the book, nodding as he read the back cover. “She’ll love it. Thanks, Sophie.”

“Anytime,” Sophie said, ringing up the books with a knowing smile. “And Scott?”

“Yeah?”

“Whoever she is, she’s lucky to have someone thinking of her like this.”

Scott’s cheeks warmed, and he waved off her teasing as he left the shop, the books tucked safely under his arm.

The walk to Megan’s bungalow wasn’t far, and Scott felt a mix of anticipation and nerves as he approached her door. He hesitated for a moment before knocking, the sound echoing in the quiet night.

The door opened a crack, and Megan peeked out, her expression shifting from curiosity to surprise. “Scott?”

Scott offered a small smile, holding up the bookstore bag. “Evening. I, uh, thought you might like these.”

Megan opened the door wider, revealing Ruby perched on her hip, clutching Mr. Bear. “Santa!” Ruby squealed, reaching toward him with a beaming smile.

Scott chuckled, crouching slightly to meet her gaze. “Hi there, Ruby. Have you been good today?”

Ruby nodded enthusiastically. “I read books with Mr. Bear!”

“Good practice,” Scott said with a grin. “Because I brought you something special.”

He pulled out the children’s book, and Ruby’s eyes lit up as she grabbed it with both hands. “Bunnies!” she exclaimed, hugging the book tightly.

Megan laughed softly, shifting Ruby to her other hip. “You’re spoiling her,” she said, though her tone was more amused than admonishing.

“Can’t help it,” Scott replied. “It’s the Santa in me.”

He handed her the second book, watching as her fingers brushed the cover. Megan’s expression softened, her eyes flicking up to meet his. “This is really thoughtful. Thank you.”

Scott shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I figured you might need a little downtime, something just for you.”

Megan smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on the book. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I wanted to,” Scott said simply.

For a moment, the only sound was Ruby’s delighted narration of her new book, her small voice filling the space behind them.

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