Page 33 of Falling for Santa

She looked up, her expression curious.

“I have one more gift,” he said, reaching under the side table where a small, carefully wrapped package was tucked. “For you.”

Megan’s brow furrowed as she took the package from his outstretched hands. “Scott, you’ve already done so much tonight. You didn’t have to?—”

“I wanted to,” he interrupted gently, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Her fingers worked at the paper slowly, almost reverently, as if prolonging the moment. When the wrapping fell away, she gasped softly.

It was a photo album, its cover crafted from rich wood with an engraved design of stars and reindeer, the edges polished to a smooth shine.

“Scott,” she murmured, running her fingers over the intricate design. “This is beautiful.”

“Open it,” he said, his voice quieter now.

Scott watched as Megan flipped open the photo album, her fingers grazing the engraved cover. Her breath hitched slightly as she took in the first page. He saw her eyes widen at the vibrant images—children laughing on Santa’s lap, families posed against the twinkling backdrop of the Village, and Cupid nuzzling curious little hands.

He waited silently as she turned the pages, the flicker of emotions crossing her face pulling at his heart. When she reached the photos toward the end, she paused. Scott held his breath, watching her expression change as she recognized the images.

There was Ruby at Cupid’s pen, her laughter frozen in time as her curls bounced wildly in the shot. The next photo showed Megan crouched by the crafts table, helping a child glue decorations onto an ornament, her smile as warm as the light spilling over her. And then the final image. It was of the three of them together—Scott in his Santa suit, Megan in her elf costume, and Ruby perched between them, her grin radiant and full of unrestrained joy.

Megan’s throat moved as she swallowed, her eyes glistening. She lifted her gaze to his, and Scott felt his chest tighten at the depth of emotion there.

“Scott...” Her voice was barely a whisper, trembling with unspoken gratitude. “I don’t even know what to say.”

He leaned forward, his voice low but steady. “You’ve brought so much light to this season, Megan. For Ruby, for me, for so many others. I wanted you to see the difference you’ve made.”

A tear slipped down her cheek, glimmering in the soft light of the room. She brushed it away quickly, her lips curving into a shaky smile. “This means more than you know,” she murmured. “Thank you.”

Scott hesitated, his words coming slowly, deliberately. “You’ve made a difference in my life too, Megan. More than I can put into words.”

Her lips parted, and her breathing quickened just slightly. Scott couldn’t look away, the air between them heavy with something unspoken but undeniable. Her eyes flicked to his, soft and searching, and he knew.

He leaned in cautiously, every movement deliberate, giving her the space to pull away if she needed to. She didn’t. Instead, she stayed perfectly still, her breath mingling with his, carrying the faint scent of cocoa and something uniquely hers.

When their lips met, it was tentative, a gentle connection that sent warmth coursing through him. Her lips were soft, and the faintest taste of cocoa lingered there, blending with the sweetness of the moment. The warmth of her skin against his, the faint brush of her breath, grounded him in a way he hadn’t felt in years.

The quiet crackle of the fireplace seemed to fade as the world narrowed to just this—just her. He felt her lean into him slightly, the subtle shift sending a surge of emotion through him.

When they finally broke apart, her eyes fluttered open, shimmering with unshed tears, her cheeks flushed. Scott couldn’t help but smile, the warmth of the moment settling deep into his chest.

“Scott,” she said, her voice trembling softly. “Thank you—for tonight, for everything.”

His smile deepened, his voice low but steady. “You deserve it, Megan. You both do.”

She stood carefully, glancing toward Ruby, who was still curled on the couch, her Cupid ornament clutched tightly in her small hands. Megan crouched beside her, shaking her shoulder gently. “Ruby, sweetheart, it’s time to go home.”

Ruby stirred, murmuring something incoherent as she sat up, her eyes heavy with sleep. Scott moved instinctively, lifting her in his arms. She rested her head against his shoulder without protest, her tiny hands still clutching the ornament.

He carried her to the car, her warmth a comforting weight against him. Megan followed, gathering their things and watching as Scott carefully buckled Ruby into her seat.

“Thank you again,” she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet sincerity that lingered in the air.

“Anytime,” Scott replied, his gaze steady and warm. “Merry Christmas, Megan.”

“Merry Christmas, Scott,” she said, a faint but genuine smile on her lips.

He stood there for a moment, watching as her car disappeared down the street, the glow of her taillights fading into the night.

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