Page 28 of Falling for Santa

Megan’s fingers tightened around the phone as she glanced out the window at the frosty grass glinting in the sunlight. “I keep thinking about those Christmases we spent together. He always went all out—stringing lights, baking cookies, making sure we got to see every holiday parade in town.”

“I remember,” Lauren said, a trace of a smile in her voice. “Danny was like a big kid when it came to Christmas. That’s part of what made him so wonderful.”

Megan closed her eyes, letting the memories wash over her. She could almost hear Danny’s voice singing off-key as he wrapped presents or feel his arms around her as they danced to a holiday playlist after Ruby had gone to bed.

“I miss him,” Megan admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” Lauren said gently. “I miss him too. But you’re doing an incredible job, Meg. Ruby’s happy, and you’ve built something beautiful for her, even when I know it hasn’t been easy.”

Megan let the words settle over her, a small flicker of comfort warming her chest. “Thanks, Lauren. That means a lot.”

“You know I’m always here for you,” Lauren said. Then, after a pause, her tone grew lighter. “So, what’s new in Palmar Island? Have you heard from Tom yet?”

Megan hesitated, the weight of the earlier conversation lifting slightly. “He called last week,” she admitted. “He offered me a consulting position—part-time and it sounds like I could do some of the work from home.”

“See? That’s great news!” Lauren exclaimed. “What did you say?”

“I told him I’d think about it,” Megan replied, her tone guarded.

Lauren sighed, the sound filled with both exasperation and affection. “Meg, you know I want what’s best for you. But I’m not gonna lie—I’d love for you to take that job and move back here. I miss you and Ruby so much.”

“I miss you too,” Megan said, her voice softening. “But I’m starting to feel like maybe this is where we’re supposed to be. Ruby’s happy here. She loves the Christmas market and Cupid and all the little things that make this place special.”

“I get that,” Lauren said, though her voice carried a hint of disappointment. “But it’s hard not having you here. You were my rock after everything happened.”

“You were mine too,” Megan said, her throat tightening. “I’ll always miss San Diego, Lauren. And you’ll always be one of myclosest friends. But maybe you should come visit. I think you’d like Palmar Island.”

Lauren let out a soft laugh. “Are you inviting me to your tiny island getaway?”

“Absolutely,” Megan said, her smile returning. “Come for a week. See what it’s like. Who knows? You might even fall in love with it.”

“Okay,” Lauren said, the word drawn out with playful skepticism. “But only if you promise to consider Tom’s offer seriously.”

“I promise,” Megan said, though her chest tightened at the thought.

They chatted for a while longer, exchanging holiday plans and reminiscing about Christmases past. When they finally hung up, Megan sat on the edge of the bed, her phone still in her hand.

The conversation had brought a mix of emotions—grief, nostalgia, and the faintest hint of hope. She’d been tempted to tell Lauren about Scott, about the dinner tonight, about the way he’d brought something unexpected into her life. But she wasn’t ready yet. There were too many uncertainties, too many feelings she hadn’t fully sorted out.

“Mommy!” Ruby’s voice rang out from her bedroom, bright and eager.

Megan stood, brushing off the lingering heaviness. Today wasn’t about the past or her doubts. It was about creating joy for Ruby. “Coming.”

Her daughter was perched on the edge of her bed, her sparkly green dress spread out around her like a fan. She grinned up at Megan, clutching Mr. Bear tightly. “Is it time to go yet?”

“Not yet,” Megan said with a laugh. “We have a few hours, but we can start getting ready.”

Ruby’s excitement was infectious, and Megan let herself get swept up in it. She helped Ruby with her hair, tying a redribbon into her curls as the little girl squirmed with anticipation. “Hold still, sweetheart,” Megan said, gently smoothing a flyaway strand.

“I can’t!” Ruby giggled. “I’m too excited!”

Megan smiled, kissing the top of her head. “Well, you look beautiful. Now let me get ready, okay?”

Ruby nodded, twirling in front of the mirror as Megan stepped into her own room.

She chose a simple sweater in a festive cranberry shade, pairing it with a black skirt and tights. Standing in front of the mirror, she carefully brushed her hair, pinning one side back before reaching for her mascara and lipstick. As she applied the soft red shade to her lips, her eyes met her reflection, and a wave of doubt washed over her.

Was she doing the right thing? Sharing a holiday moment like this with Scott felt significant, almost like a step she wasn’t sure she was ready to take. But then she thought of Ruby—her laughter, her wide-eyed wonder at Santa’s Village, her excitement about seeing Scott and Cupid again.

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