Page 30 of Falling for Santa

Megan shook her head. “At making her happy.”

His expression softened, and for a moment, the playfulness in his eyes gave way to something deeper. “She makes it easy,” he said simply.

After dinner, Ruby wandered over to the couch, the Cupid ornament in her hands. She hummed softly to herself as she showed Mr. Bear her new treasure, her energy finally beginning to wind down.

Megan and Scott lingered at the table, the remnants of their meal still between them. Megan ran her fingers lightly over the edge of her plate, her thoughts swirling.

“This was wonderful,” she said, breaking the silence. “Really. Thank you.”

Scott leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on her. “I’m glad you both came. Christmas is better when it’s shared.”

Megan nodded, her fingers still tracing the edge of her plate. “It’s been a while since I’ve done anything like this,” she admitted.

Scott tilted his head slightly, his expression curious but patient. “Like what?”

“Shared a holiday with someone outside of Ruby,” Megan said, her voice soft. “After Danny... it just felt easier to keep things small. Safe.”

Scott didn’t speak right away, letting her words settle. When he finally did, his tone was gentle. “Starting over isn’t easy.But from what I’ve seen, you’re doing an incredible job. Ruby’s happy, and that says a lot about you.”

Megan looked up at him, her heart tightening at the sincerity in his voice. “It’s harder than it looks,” she admitted.

“I don’t doubt that,” Scott said. “But you’ve got a strength most people only wish they had. And Ruby—she’s a lucky kid to have you.”

Megan felt her cheeks warm under his gaze, and she looked away, focusing instead on the soft glow of the tree in the corner. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Scott set his glass down, leaning forward slightly as his gaze settled on Megan. “Can I be honest about something?”

Megan looked up, a flicker of curiosity and caution in her expression. “Of course.”

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I really hope you and Ruby decide to stick around Palmar Island. It’s... better with you here.”

Megan’s brow furrowed slightly, a faint blush creeping to her cheeks. “That’s kind of you to say,” she said softly. “But it’s not that simple. There’s still so much to figure out.”

Scott nodded, his smile gentle. “I know. And I’m not trying to make it sound easy. But I’ve seen the way this place has already embraced you two. You’re starting to make a mark here, even if you don’t see it yet.”

Megan toyed with the edge of her napkin, her voice hesitant. “It’s not just about me. It’s about what’s best for Ruby. I need to make sure I’m making the right choices for her.”

“And you are,” Scott said firmly. “But maybe what’s right for her is right for you too.”

Megan blinked, her fingers stilling. “What do you mean?”

Scott leaned back slightly, his tone softening. “I mean, it feels like you’re holding back, Megan. Like you’re afraid to put downroots because it might hurt too much. But sometimes, taking that chance is what makes all the difference.”

Her chest tightened, and she glanced toward the softly glowing Christmas tree in the corner, the ornaments catching the light. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It’s not,” Scott admitted. “But I think it’s worth it. And I think...” He paused, his eyes meeting hers. “I think we could be worth it too.”

Megan’s breath hitched, the weight of his words settling over her. “Scott, I?—”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said quickly, his voice steady but warm. “I just wanted you to know where I stand. You’re not just another person passing through, Megan. At least, not to me.”

Her lips parted slightly, her heart pounding in a way she hadn’t felt in years. The sincerity in his eyes, the quiet strength in his voice—it was overwhelming and comforting all at once.

“I’m not sure I know how to do this anymore,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Scott’s smile was soft, his gaze unwavering. “We’ll figure it out. If you want to, that is.”

Megan swallowed hard, her emotions swirling. She wasn’t ready to make promises, not yet, but the thought of walking away from this moment felt impossible.

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