Page 12 of Falling for Santa

Miss Doris chuckled, retreating her hand but not her knowing smile. “You can tell yourself that all you like, but there’s more to him than just the suit. And I think you see that too.”

Megan opened her mouth to protest but closed it again, unsure of what to say. She knew Miss Doris meant well, but the thought of opening herself up to anything—especially when she was still figuring out how to rebuild her life—felt impossible.

Miss Doris didn’t press further, instead turning the conversation to lighter topics. She asked Ruby about her castle, laughing as the little girl explained her plan to add a moat “so the monsters can’t get in.”

By the time the meal was over, the tension in Megan’s chest had eased slightly. Miss Doris helped clear the table while Ruby returned to her castle, humming to herself.

As Megan wrapped up the leftovers and stacked the plates in the sink, Miss Doris rested a hand on her shoulder.

Miss Doris patted Megan’s shoulder one last time, her eyes warm and steady. “You’re doing a great job, Megan. Don’t be afraid to let the good things in, even if they surprise you.”

Megan managed a small smile, watching Miss Doris move to the sink to help with the dishes. The older woman’s words hung in the air, filling the small kitchen with a sense of quiet reassurance. Megan glanced at Ruby, who was still happily humming and stacking blocks on the floor.

Good things.

She thought of Ruby’s laughter at Santa’s Village, the way the island’s small community had embraced them, and even Scott’s easygoing encouragement when she’d been ready to collapse under the jingling chaos of her first weekend as an elf. She stilldidn’t know if this was the life she wanted, but for now, it was the life she had—and maybe that was enough.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Miss Doris’s chuckle. The older woman pulled a phone from her purse and tapped the screen a few times. “Speaking of good things,” Miss Doris said, her eyes sparkling mischievously, “you’ve got to see this.”

Megan leaned closer, and her lips parted in surprise. The photo was of Scott, dressed as Santa, standing beside Cupid the reindeer at last year’s Christmas Market. His arm rested on the sleigh, his other hand scratching Cupid behind the ears. But it wasn’t the festive scene that caught her attention—it was the ease and warmth in his expression, his laughter practically radiating through the screen.

“Does this look like just any Santa to you?” Miss Doris teased, raising an eyebrow.

Megan rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “It’s a great photo,” she admitted, handing the phone back.

Miss Doris smirked knowingly, but Megan quickly changed the subject, reaching for the leftover bread to wrap it up. “Anyway, I’ve been meaning to go to the DMV to update my license. Just trying to figure out when.”

Miss Doris slipped her phone back into her purse, her tone turning practical. “Why not tomorrow morning? Get it out of the way.”

“I’d love to, but dragging Ruby to the DMV doesn’t sound like a great idea,” Megan replied, glancing at her daughter, who was now stacking her crackers on top of the blocks in her castle.

Miss Doris waved a hand dismissively. “Leave Ruby with me for an hour or two. No child should have to endure the DMV—it’s practically a crime.”

Megan hesitated, biting her lip. “Are you sure? You’ve already done so much, especially with the weekends.”

Miss Doris’s smile faltered slightly, but her eyes remained kind. “Megan, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Let me lighten the load where I can. A couple of hours is no trouble at all.”

Megan sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing as she nodded. “Okay. But only if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” Miss Doris said firmly. “And besides, Ruby and I have important cookie experiments to conduct. Right, Ruby?”

Ruby looked up, her face lighting up. “Cookies?”

“See?” Miss Doris said with a laugh. “I’ve got a very willing assistant. It’s settled.”

Megan chuckled softly, the warmth in Miss Doris’s words settling over her like a blanket. For the first time in what felt like months, she allowed herself to feel a little less alone.

“Thank you,” Megan said quietly, meeting Miss Doris’s gaze.

“Always, dear,” Miss Doris replied, her voice gentle but steady. “That’s what neighbors are for.”

As Miss Doris rose to leave, Megan walked her to the door, Ruby trailing behind with Mr. Bear in hand. Megan waved goodbye, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

She turned back to the cozy bungalow, the smell of soup still lingering in the air, and smiled as Ruby began rebuilding her castle. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to fall into place.

The wheels of the shopping cart squeaked faintly as Megan pushed it down the aisle, one hand clutching her phone with her grocery list while the other kept Ruby entertained. Her daughter sat in the cart’s seat, swinging her legs and happily munching on a handful of crackers Megan had packed.

“Mama, can we get the bunny cereal?” Ruby asked, pointing at a brightly colored box on the shelf.

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