Page 23 of Falling for Santa

“Megan! It’s Tom Jensen. I hope this isn’t a bad time.”

Megan froze for a moment, her heart skipping at the familiar voice. Tom had been one of Danny’s closest friends back in San Diego.

“No, not at all,” she replied, smoothing Ruby’s hair absently. “How are you?”

“Doing well. Listen, I heard you’ve been out here in Palmar Island for a while now, and I wanted to touch base. We’ve got a position opening up at the firm—consulting, part-time to start. Thought of you right away. It’d be good to have someone we trust in the role.”

Megan’s breath hitched, her mind racing. A job offer. Stability. The kind of opportunity she hadn’t dared to hope for.

“That’s generous of you, Tom. Can I think about it?” she asked, her voice tight.

“Of course,” Tom said, his tone easy. “Take your time. I’ll send over the details, and we can talk whenever you’re ready.”

“Thanks,” Megan murmured, hanging up just as Ruby tugged on her hand.

“Mommy! Santa’s waiting!”

Megan forced a smile, tucking the thoughts of Tom’s offer away for later. “Let’s go see Santa,” she said, taking Ruby’s hand and grabbing her bag.

It didn’t take long to make the now familiar drive. Ruby bounced in her seat the moment the tall Christmas tree came into view.

As usual, the Palmar Island Christmas market was buzzing with holiday cheer. Strings of lights crisscrossed overhead, and cheerful carols played from hidden speakers. Booths selling hot cocoa and handmade ornaments lined the walkways, and children darted from station to station, their laughter ringing through the air.

As they stepped through the gates, Ruby gasped, her small hand tightening in Megan’s. “Mommy! Look!”

Megan followed her daughter’s gaze to Cupid’s pen, where the reindeer stood, flicking his ears and nibbling on a bale of hay. Ruby tugged free of Megan’s grip, running to the fence with wide eyes.

“Hi, Cupid!” she called, her voice high with excitement. “I’m Ruby! Remember?”

Megan approached more slowly, her heart softening as she watched Ruby chatter to the reindeer. Cupid turned his head, his large eyes blinking lazily at the little girl before snorting softly.

“She’s quite the charmer,” a familiar voice said from behind her.

Megan turned to see Scott, fully dressed in his Santa suit, striding toward her with an easy grin.

“Santa!” Ruby squealed, bouncing on her toes.

Scott crouched down to her level, his grin widening. “Ruby, I heard you’ve been very good this year.”

Ruby nodded solemnly, clutching the fence. “I have, Santa. Mr. Bear says so too.”

“Well, if Mr. Bear says so, it must be true,” Scott said with mock seriousness. “And you know what? I think Cupid’s happy to see you.”

Ruby giggled, watching as Scott reached out to gently pat Cupid’s neck.

“Come on, sweetheart,” Megan said softly, gesturing toward the photo station. “It’s time for your picture with Santa.”

Ruby hesitated for a moment before nodding, her excitement bubbling over as she followed Scott to the Santa chair. Megan trailed behind, her heart warming at the way Scott held out a hand to Ruby, guiding her gently.

As they reached the chair, Scott turned to Ruby with a booming “Ho, ho, ho! Have you been practicing your Christmas wish, young lady?”

Ruby nodded, climbing onto his lap shyly. “I want Mr. Bear to have a friend,” she said, her voice small but earnest.

Scott’s eyes twinkled as he leaned in slightly. “A friend for Mr. Bear? That’s a very good wish. What kind of friend do you think he’d like?”

Ruby tilted her head, considering. “Maybe a bunny?”

Scott nodded solemnly. “A bunny sounds like a perfect friend for Mr. Bear. I’ll see what I can do.”

---