Page 32 of Falling for Santa

Megan’s heart swelled as she watched the interaction, her chest tightening with pride. When Ruby returned to the truck, Scott gave her a high five.

“You’re a natural,” he said warmly.

Ruby giggled, climbing back into her seat. “Can we do another one?”

Scott winked. “We’ve got a few more stops, don’t worry.”

The night unfolded in a series of small, magical moments. At each house, Ruby delivered a gift, her confidence growing with every stop. Megan watched from the truck, her heart filling as she saw her daughter’s joy.

Scott kept the atmosphere light, sharing bits and pieces about the families they were visiting. “This next one,” he said as they drove to the final house, “is for a grandmother raising her two grandkids. She’s been through a lot this year, but she’s one of the strongest people I know.”

Megan nodded, her gaze softening. “It’s incredible what you’re doing, Scott. These families... this night means so much to them.”

Scott glanced at her briefly, his eyes warm. “It means a lot to me too,” he said. “It’s my favorite part of Christmas.”

The last delivery complete, they headed toward the beach road, the soft hum of the truck blending with Ruby’s sleepy chatter in the back seat. The moon hung low in the sky, its light casting a silvery glow over the water.

Scott slowed the truck as they neared a stretch of shoreline where the waves lapped gently against the sand. “Look over there,” he said, nodding toward the water.

Ruby pressed her face against the window, her small gasp filling the cab. “Dolphins!”

Megan followed Ruby’s gaze, her breath catching as she spotted the sleek forms of dolphins playing near the shore. Their movements were graceful and mesmerizing, their fins slicing through the water like ripples of silver.

“They come close to shore on nights like this,” Scott said, his voice low. “Almost feels like they know it’s Christmas.”

Ruby clapped her hands, her eyes wide with wonder. “They’re so pretty!”

Megan turned to Scott, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you. For all of this.”

He glanced at her, his expression soft. “You don’t have to thank me, Megan. I’m just glad you’re here.”

For a moment, the world seemed to quiet around them, the only sounds the gentle lapping of waves and Ruby’s hushed awe.

Megan’s heart felt full as she looked at Scott, the man who had shown her and Ruby a kind of kindness she hadn’t expected but so desperately needed.

Back at Scott’s bungalow, the warmth of the indoors wrapped around them like a comforting hug. Strings of soft white lights adorned the windows, casting a cozy glow over the modest living room. Ruby let out a small yawn, clutching her Cupid ornament tightly as she wandered toward the couch.

“Here you go, little one,” Scott said gently, pulling a blanket from the armchair and draping it over Ruby. She snuggled in without protest, her eyelids already drooping.

Megan smiled, sitting on the edge of the couch to tuck the blanket around Ruby. “I think someone’s had quite the adventure tonight.”

“She did great,” Scott said, his voice soft. “She’s a natural at spreading Christmas magic.”

Megan looked up at him, her expression warm. “Thank you, Scott. For tonight. For everything.”

He shrugged, though a faint blush crept into his cheeks. “It’s my favorite tradition. I’m glad you and Ruby could be part of it.”

Straightening, Scott moved toward the kitchen. “How about some hot cocoa? Seems like the perfect way to end the night.”

“That sounds great,” Megan said, her tone lighter now, though her gaze lingered on Ruby for a moment before she leaned back into the couch.

Scott busied himself at the stove, the soft clink of mugs and the hiss of steam filling the quiet space. He carried two mugs over a few minutes later, handing one to Megan and taking a seat across from her.

The steam curled between them, carrying the sweet scent of cocoa and melted marshmallows. For a moment, they sipped in comfortable silence, the glow of the lights and the sound of Ruby’s even breathing creating a tranquil backdrop.

Scott set his mug down, the sound barely audible over the quiet hum of the room. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly working up the courage to say something.

“Megan,” he began, his voice slightly hesitant.

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