Page 21 of Falling for Santa

Megan picked up her fork, eyeing the plate in front of her. “This looks amazing.”

“Wait until dessert,” Scott said with a wink.

As they ate, the conversation turned lighter. Scott shared stories about his woodworking business, describing the joy he found in crafting pieces that people cherished. Megan asked thoughtful questions, and he found himself appreciating how genuinely interested she seemed.

“It’s different from what I used to do,” he said, finishing the last bite of his sandwich. “But the slower pace works for me. I don’t miss the rush.”

Megan nodded, her eyes thoughtful. “I can see that. There’s something nice about this place—how connected everyone seems to be.”

“It’s the community,” Scott said. “People here care about each other. It’s why I stayed.”

Megan hesitated, her gaze dropping to her plate. “It’s... a lot to adjust to. Coming from somewhere bigger, where no one really notices you—it’s different.”

Scott heard the unspoken emotion in her words but didn’t push. “Different can be good,” he said gently.

Before Megan could respond, Mary reappeared, carrying two slices of peanut butter pie. “All right, here’s what you’ve been waiting for,” she said with a smile, setting the plates down.

Megan stared at the slice in front of her, the creamy filling topped with a drizzle of chocolate and a dollop of whipped cream. “This looks dangerous,” she said, glancing at Scott.

“Only if you don’t eat it,” he quipped.

Megan laughed softly, picking up her fork. She took a tentative bite, her eyes widening. “Okay, this is incredible.”

“Told you,” Scott said, grinning.

Scott leaned forward slightly, digging into his own slice. “You should bring Ruby by the Village one day—not just when you’re working. I’ll make sure Cupid behaves this time.”

Megan smiled, though there was hesitation in her eyes. “She’d love that, but I’m not sure we can fit it in.”

“We can make it easy,” Scott said. “Come early time, before the crowds show up. Just you and Ruby. I’ll make sure she gets a special Santa experience.”

Megan’s smile softened, the reluctance in her expression giving way to something warmer. “That might be nice,” she admitted. “She’s been talking about Santa nonstop lately.”

Scott chuckled. “Then it’s settled. Let me know when, and we’ll make it happen.”

Over the rest of their pie, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, and Megan found herself laughing more than she had in weeks.

As they left Mary’s Diner, Scott instinctively reached out to hold the door open for Megan, his easy smile returning when she glanced up at him with a quiet “Thanks.” The afternoon sun was beginning its descent, casting warm golden light across the small town.

Scott walked her to his truck, unlocking it with a click. “Hop in,” he said, gesturing toward the passenger side.

Megan hesitated for a moment before climbing in, the lingering warmth of their conversation still settling over her. As Scott slid into the driver’s seat, the faint scent of cedar from his woodworking projects filled the air, grounding her in the moment.

“Where’s Ruby today?” Scott asked as he started the engine, pulling out onto the quiet road.

“She’s with Miss Doris,” Megan said, glancing out the window. “She insisted. Said she missed having Ruby around now that Gertrude’s been watching her more often.”

Scott chuckled softly, keeping his eyes on the road. “Sounds like Miss Doris. She’s not one to let anyone slip out of her orbit.”

“She’s been amazing,” Megan admitted. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without her when we first got here.”

“She’s got a big heart,” Scott said. “She’s the reason half the island feels like family. And the other half? They’re probably on her list.”

Megan laughed lightly, her shoulders relaxing. “That sounds about right. Ruby loves her, though. Every time I pick her up, she’s got a new drawing or story to share.”

Scott smiled at the image, his grip on the wheel loosening. “She’s a lucky kid to have you looking out for her.”

Megan glanced at him, a hint of vulnerability in her expression. “I don’t always feel like I’m doing enough.”

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