Page 24 of Falling for Santa

Megan stood off to the side, watching the interaction with a mix of amusement and gratitude. Scott’s kindness wasn’t just an act—he made Ruby feel seen and special in a way Megan hadn’t expected.

“Let’s take a picture to remember this moment,” Scott said, nodding toward the photographer. Ruby beamed as the camera clicked, her small hands clutching the velvet of her dress.

When the photo session ended, Ruby ran back to Megan, clutching the candy cane Scott had given her. “Mommy, Santa says Mr. Bear might get a bunny!”

Megan smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Ruby’s face. “We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?”

Scott approached them as they prepared to leave, his Santa hat slightly askew but his grin firmly in place. “Thanks for bringing her,” he said, his gaze meeting Megan’s.

“Thanks for making her day,” Megan replied, her voice soft.

Scott shrugged, his smile turning playful. “It’s what Santa does.”

As they walked away, Ruby skipping ahead with her candy cane, Megan found herself glancing back at Scott. He was already turning to greet the next child, his laughter echoing through the Village.

For a brief moment, Megan allowed herself to wonder. Maybe Scott wasn’t just making Ruby’s day. Maybe he was starting to make hers too.

Megan watched as Gertrude walked up the path toward Santa’s Village, her cheerful scarf trailing in the breeze. Ruby spotted her immediately, bouncing on her toes with excitement.

“Miss Gertrude!” Ruby squealed, running toward her with her arms outstretched.

Gertrude bent down with a warm smile, scooping Ruby up into a hug. “Well, there’s my favorite little helper! Did you tell Santa all your Christmas wishes?”

Ruby nodded enthusiastically. “Mr. Bear needs a bunny friend!” she announced, her eyes wide with determination.

Gertrude chuckled, giving Megan a knowing look. “Sounds like a very important request. Santa will have his work cut out for him this year.”

Megan smiled, brushing a stray curl from Ruby’s face. “She’s been talking about that bunny non-stop since this morning.”

“Well, we’ll keep her busy for the afternoon,” Gertrude said, adjusting Ruby on her hip. “I’ve got some cookie dough chilling in the fridge and a new puzzle to try.”

“Thanks again for taking her,” Megan said, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I feel like I’m always asking for favors.”

“Nonsense,” Gertrude replied with a wave of her hand. “You’re working hard, and Ruby’s a joy to have around. Besides, it gives me an excuse to bake.”

Megan knelt to hug Ruby goodbye, smoothing the velvet of her dress. “Be good for Miss Gertrude, okay? I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay, Mommy!” Ruby said brightly, blowing her a kiss as Gertrude carried her off.

Megan watched them leave, a soft smile lingering on her face. With Ruby in good hands, she turned back toward the bustling Village, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation.

As she tied another ribbon, she noticed Scott step away from the Santa chair and wave her over. She hesitated for a moment before brushing off her hands and walking toward him.

“Hey,” Scott said, his grin as easy as ever. He held something behind his back, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

“What’s that?” Megan asked, tilting her head.

“Just something I thought you’d like,” he said, pulling out a printed photo. It was Ruby’s picture with Santa, the one taken just an hour ago.

Megan’s breath caught as she took the photo from him. Ruby’s face was lit up with pure joy, her small hands clutching her velvet dress as she smiled up at Santa. “You didn’t have to do this,” she said softly, her fingers tracing the edges of the print.

“I wanted to,” Scott replied, his voice gentle. “She’s a special kid. And I figured you’d want to keep this.”

Megan glanced up, her eyes meeting his. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “This means a lot.”

Scott shrugged, his smile warm. “It’s no big deal. Besides, I don’t get to see that kind of joy every day. She’s got a way of lighting up the room.”

Megan smiled faintly, tucking the photo carefully into her bag. “She’s been looking forward to today for weeks. Every time we passed the Village, it was ‘Santa this’ and ‘Santa that.’” She laughed lightly. “She’ll probably be talking about Cupid for the rest of the year.”

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