Page 35 of Falling for Santa

She glanced back at the album, the edges of her lips softening into a faint smile despite the swirl of doubt. Whatever the future held, Scott had given her something she hadn’t realized she needed—a reminder that there was still light, still connection, still the possibility of joy.

For now, that would have to be enough.

She glanced over at Ruby, who was drawing a picture with her new crayons. Ruby’s contentment was palpable, her joy radiating through the small room like sunlight.

“Mommy, look!” Ruby held up her drawing, a colorful scene of a Christmas tree with Cupid standing beside it.

Megan smiled, her heart tugging at the innocence in her daughter’s expression. “It’s beautiful, Ruby. You’re such a talented artist.”

Ruby beamed, returning to her work with single-minded focus.

Megan took another sip of her coffee, her gaze drifting back to the window. The morning was calm, the kind of peace that seemed to settle over Palmar Island like a soft blanket.

Her thoughts returned to Scott. His words from last night lingered, intertwining with the images from the album he’dgiven her.“You’ve brought so much light to this season... for Ruby, for me, for so many others.”

The sincerity in his voice had stayed with her, his quiet belief in her settling into a corner of her heart she hadn’t expected to open.

And yet, the question loomed. Was this connection—this fragile, budding hope—worth risking her future for? Could she afford to choose the possibility of love over the certainty of rebuilding her life in San Diego?

Megan exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. One look at her daughter and she resolved to push the thoughts aside for now. Christmas was about Ruby, about creating joy and new memories. The rest—Scott, the job offer, the tangled emotions threatening to overwhelm her—would have to wait.

“Ruby,” she called softly, setting her coffee down and rising from the chair. “How about some pancakes for breakfast? Christmas pancakes, with extra syrup.”

Ruby’s eyes lit up. “Yay! Can I help?”

“Of course,” Megan said, her smile warming as she moved toward the kitchen.

The knock came mid-morning, echoing softly through the cozy bungalow. Megan frowned, brushing her hands against her jeans as she stood from the couch where Ruby was happily engaged in an elaborate tea party with her new doll. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and most of the neighbors knew she liked to keep to herself.

She opened the door cautiously, her breath catching when she saw Scott standing there, a wrapped package in his handsand that familiar, easy smile on his face. The twinkle in his eyes, amplified by the crisp winter light, sent a flutter through her chest.

“Merry Christmas,” Scott said warmly, shifting the package slightly in his hands. “Again.”

“Scott,” Megan said, surprised but not unhappy to see him. “Merry Christmas. What are you doing here?”

He shrugged lightly, his smile softening. “Thought I’d stop by and see how your morning’s been. Got a little something for you, too.”

Touched by his thoughtfulness, Megan stepped aside and motioned for him to come in. “Ruby’s been asking when we’ll see Santa again,” she said with a small smile.

“I figured as much,” he said, chuckling as he stepped into the warmth of the house.

Ruby looked up from her tea party as Scott entered, her eyes lighting up instantly. “Santa Scott!” she squealed, hopping to her feet and rushing over to him.

Scott crouched down, ruffling her curls. “Hey there, Ruby. Did you have a good Christmas morning?”

Ruby nodded enthusiastically. “Look what I got!” She tugged him toward the couch, showing off her doll, bunny and art supplies with unrestrained excitement.

Scott listened attentively, offering playful comments that made Ruby giggle. Megan watched from the kitchen doorway, her heart tugging at the scene. The way Scott interacted with Ruby—so patient, so genuine—made her wonder if she’d ever seen someone who understood her daughter so effortlessly.

After Ruby returned to her tea party, Megan gestured toward the couch. “Sit down. I’ll get you some coffee.”

Scott smiled and settled into the couch, looking around the living room. The soft glow of Christmas lights and the scattered remnants of wrapping paper gave the space a cozy, lived-in feel.

When Megan returned with two steaming mugs, she sat beside him, the silence between them comfortable but charged with something unspoken.

“How’s your morning been?” Scott asked, his tone casual but warm.

“Good,” Megan said, tucking her legs beneath her. “Ruby was thrilled, as you can probably tell. It’s nice to see her so happy.” She paused, then added softly, “Thank you again for last night. She hasn’t stopped talking about the sleigh ride.”

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