Page 37 of Falling for Santa

Scott stood to leave. Ruby ran over, clutching her doll. “Bye, Santa Scott!” she said brightly, throwing her arms around his legs.

Scott laughed, crouching to give her a quick hug. “Bye, Ruby. Be good, okay?”

She nodded solemnly, her curls bouncing.

Megan walked Scott to the door, the cool morning air brushing against her as she opened it. “Thank you,” she said again, her voice soft but firm.

“Anytime,” Scott said, his smile warm and steady.

Megan lingered in the doorway, watching as he walked away. Her thoughts turned to the exquisite, handmade gifts he’d created for them—each piece a reminder of his kindness and thoughtfulness. Her heart swelled with gratitude and a bittersweet ache she wasn’t ready to name.

When Ruby tugged gently at her hand, Megan blinked back her thoughts and knelt down, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.

Chapter Fourteen

Scott sat in the worn leather chair by the fireplace, the soft crackle of the flames filling the quiet bungalow. The room was warm, but he couldn’t shake the cool weight that settled in his chest as he turned over the events of Christmas morning in his mind.

Megan’s words about the job offer in San Diego played on a loop. He’d known she had doubts about staying on Palmar Island, but hearing her voice the possibility of leaving had hit him harder than he’d expected.

He reached for the mug of coffee on the side table, the ceramic warm against his palm. “She hasn’t made a decision yet,” he reminded himself quietly. “And she said we’d stay connected.”

It was something—more than he had feared but less than he wanted. Megan was cautious, that much was clear. She had her reasons, and Scott respected that. Still, he couldn’t deny the growing certainty in his own heart. He wanted to be part of her life, and Ruby’s too.

The ring of his phone cut through the quiet. Scott glanced at the screen and saw his sister Kara’s name. Smiling, he answered, leaning back in his chair.

“Merry Christmas,” he said, his tone lighter than he felt.

“Merry Christmas to you too, big brother,” Kara replied. “What’s it like playing Santa for the whole island? Did that reindeer of yours finally talk you into moving up north or are you sending him back all by his lonesome?”

Scott chuckled, grateful for her easy banter. “Cupid’s never lonely and he likes it up in Maine just fine without me. But who knows, maybe one day.”

Kara’s laughter was warm, the sound like a soft balm. “So, how’s Christmas? Don’t tell me you’re sitting at home alone with a mug of coffee and that old Christmas movie you watch every year. There’s still time to come join us. Charleston isn’t that far.”

Scott hesitated, his smile widening despite himself. “I’m home, but I’m not alone—not exactly.”

“Oh?” Kara’s tone shifted, laced with curiosity. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Scott rubbed the back of his neck, feeling oddly self-conscious. “I’ve been spending some time with someone. Megan. She moved to the island a couple of months ago with her daughter, Ruby.”

Kara let out a delighted laugh. “Scott Callahan, are you telling me you’ve finally met someone special?”

“It’s not like that,” Scott said quickly. “Megan’s been through a lot. She’s careful, and I don’t want to push her. But she’s nice, Kara. Someone I can talk to. And Ruby—she’s this sweet, funny little kid who reminds me how magical Christmas can be.”

“You sound nervous,” Kara teased, though her voice softened with understanding. “Don’t overthink it. If Megan is the right one, she’ll see how much you care. Just be yourself.”

Scott sighed, her words settling over him like a gentle nudge. “She mentioned a job offer in California,” he admitted. “I want to support whatever’s best for her and Ruby, but I can’t pretend the idea of her leaving doesn’t bother me.”

“Then show her what staying could mean,” Kara said simply. “You don’t have to convince her. Just remind her what she has here. And let her make the choice.”

Scott nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “You’re right. Thanks, Kara.”

“Always,” she replied. “Now go make some Christmas magic happen. I want updates. And you better come down for a visit before the kids go back to school.”

“I will.” Scott laughed softly. “And you’ll be the first to know if there is any news.”

“You better. Or I’ll come track you down,” Kara said. “I’m heading up that way in a couple of days.”

“You’re welcome here anytime,” he said.

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