Page 9 of Falling for Santa

He smiled at the thought of her, the way she could coax anyone into helping with a good cause. Not that Scott needed convincing. Giving back had always been the best part of playing Santa—it made the weeks of chaos and constant jingling worth it.

As he headed down the sidewalk, his eyes landed on the familiar sign of The Roasted Bean. His steps slowed, and his mouth practically watered at the thought of a strong cup of coffee. Balancing the bag of toys on one arm, he pulled open the door, the smell of roasted beans and baked goods washing over him.

He took a deep breath, already feeling more awake. The place wasn’t too crowded, a few locals chatting quietly at the tablesnear the window. Scott stepped up to the counter, ordered his usual black coffee, and turned to scan the room while he waited.

That’s when he saw her.

Megan was seated at a corner table, Ruby perched on a booster seat beside her, happily munching on a muffin. Megan leaned back slightly, her hands wrapped around a mug, her eyes on her daughter as Ruby chattered away, gesturing with sticky fingers.

Scott hesitated, debating whether to approach or leave her be. She looked relaxed for once, her shoulders less tense than he was used to seeing at Santa’s Village.

But then Ruby laughed, the sound bright and infectious, and Scott found himself moving toward them without thinking.

“Well, look who it is,” he said as he reached their table, his voice light. “My favorite elf and her trusty sidekick.”

Megan glanced up, her surprise melting into a smile. “Scott. Hi.”

Ruby looked up too, her eyes lighting up as she waved a muffin crumb-covered hand. “Santa!”

Scott chuckled, pulling out the chair across from them. “Mind if I join you for a minute? I could use a break.”

Megan gestured to the seat with her mug. “Sure. But don’t expect much conversation—we’re deep into muffin analysis over here.”

Ruby giggled, holding up what was left of her muffin. “Blueberry!” she declared, as if it were the most important word in the world.

“Good choice,” Scott said, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Did you know Santa’s favorite muffins are blueberry too?”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” Scott said, his expression solemn. “They keep me going on those long sleigh rides.”

Ruby giggled again, the sound warming the space between them.

Scott turned his attention to Megan, who was watching him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. “How’s the morning treating you?” he asked, settling back in his chair.

“Quiet, for once,” she said, her lips twitching into a smile. “Ruby insisted on a muffin, and I needed coffee, so here we are.”

Scott raised his cup in a mock toast. “Great minds think alike.”

Megan took a sip of her coffee, then tilted her head. “Shouldn’t you be busy buying toys or something?”

“Already on it,” Scott said, gesturing to the bag by his feet. “Finished most of the shopping this morning. Decided to reward myself with a coffee before heading back.”

Megan nodded, her gaze dropping to the bag. “More gifts for the Village?”

“Some of them,” Scott said. “The rest are for the church kids. Miss Doris gave me a list, and I couldn’t say no.”

“Of course not,” Megan said, her tone teasing. “I’m starting to think Miss Doris runs this town.”

“She kind of does,” Scott admitted with a laugh. “But in the best way. She’s got a knack for getting people to help out, even when they don’t realize they’re doing it.”

Megan smiled, her eyes softening. “She’s been amazing with Ruby. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Ruby tugged on Megan’s sleeve, holding up her half-eaten muffin. “More?”

“No, sweetie, that’s enough for now,” Megan said, wiping Ruby’s hands with a napkin.

Scott watched the interaction, noting the way Megan’s voice softened when she spoke to her daughter. There was a quiet patience in her movements, a natural ease that seemed at odds with the guarded way she carried herself most of the time.

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