Page 13 of Falling for Santa

“We’ll see,” Megan said distractedly, scanning her list. She frowned as she tried to mentally calculate what was left in her grocery budget. Milk, bread, pasta and, of course, coffee. Coffee was non-negotiable.

Ruby giggled and shook her snack bag, scattering a few crumbs in the process. “Mr. Bear wants bunny cereal too.”

“Well, Mr. Bear might have to wait until next time,” Megan said, glancing down at her daughter with a smile. She reached over to adjust Ruby’s scarf, which was slipping off her shoulders, and gently brushed a crumb off her cheek.

Ruby’s giggle faded into a pout as she hugged Mr. Bear tighter. “But bunnies are my favorite,” she said, her voice small and pleading.

Megan sighed, glancing at the brightly colored box of cereal Ruby was eyeing like it held all the magic in the world. “Okay,” she said finally, grabbing the box and handing it to her. “But only because Mr. Bear asked so nicely.”

Ruby’s pout vanished instantly, replaced with a triumphant grin. “Thank you, Mama!”

“You’re welcome,” Megan said, pulling the box of granola she’d grabbed earlier out of the cart and placing it back on the shelf. She was pretty sure she had half a container of plain oatmeal left in the pantry. It would do.

Ruby didn’t notice the swap, too busy clutching the bunny cereal like it was a prized trophy. Megan shook her head with a soft smile. At least someone was winning today.

Rounding the corner into the cereal aisle, Megan barely had time to register the figure coming from the opposite direction before their paths converged. She halted abruptly, nearly colliding with a familiar face.

“Whoa!” Scott said, steadying the basket in his hands as he stopped just short of bumping into her cart.

“Sorry!” Megan exclaimed, gripping the cart’s handle tightly as she took a step back.

Scott’s grin was instant and warm. “Hey, Elf Megan!” he teased, his blue eyes sparkling as he balanced his basket.

Megan groaned, though a smile tugged at her lips. “You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Scott replied, leaning slightly to peer around her at Ruby.

Ruby’s face lit up as she waved enthusiastically. “Hi, Santa!”

Scott chuckled, crouching slightly to get on her level. “Hi there, Ruby! What’s this? Crackers? No cookies for Santa today?”

Ruby shook her head, giggling. “Mama says crackers first.”

“Smart choice,” Scott said, straightening with a wink at Megan. “Keeps the sugar rush under control.”

Megan rolled her eyes playfully, gripping the cart handle tighter to keep her focus. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be off polishing the sleigh or something?”

“Even Santa needs groceries,” Scott said, holding up his basket. “Besides, I have to stock up for the weekend. Those long hours at Santa’s Village take a lot out of a guy.”

Megan glanced at his basket and smirked. “Frozen pizzas and orange juice? A balanced diet, I see.”

Scott laughed, the sound rich and unselfconscious. “You caught me. I’m no chef, that’s for sure.”

Ruby, still clutching her crackers, pointed at Scott’s basket. “Do you like pizza, Santa?”

“I love pizza,” Scott replied earnestly. “Especially with lots of cheese.”

Ruby nodded solemnly, clearly approving of his choice.

Megan couldn’t help smiling at their exchange, even as she tried to remind herself to keep a polite distance. But Scott’s easyhumor and the way Ruby gravitated toward him made it hard not to relax.

She glanced at her list again, the cereal aisle momentarily forgotten. “Well, don’t let us hold you up. I’m sure you have important Santa business to attend to.”

Scott’s grin widened, his tone teasing. “You’re not trying to get rid of me, are you?”

Megan shook her head, the faintest laugh escaping. “I’d never dream of it.”

Scott looked like he was about to say more, but Ruby interrupted by holding up a box of cereal from the cart. “Santa, do you like bunny cereal?”

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