Page 47 of Falling for Santa

She waved off his protests. "Of course I did. That girl needs reminding that sometimes the best choices aren't the most practical ones." She pressed the basket into his hands, her expression growing serious. "Go remind her why this place—and you—are worth staying for. Good luck, dear."

Scott's throat tightened with emotion. "Thank you," he managed, the words feeling inadequate for everything Miss Doris had done.

Back in his workshop, Scott surveyed his workspace with renewed purpose. Sawdust motes danced in the streams of sunlight as he gathered the finishing touches for his plan. The jewelry box he'd crafted for Megan sat on his workbench, its surface smooth as silk beneath his fingers. He'd spent hours on the intricate star pattern carved into its lid, each point representing a wish, a hope, a possibility.

Beside it lay Ruby's treasure box, smaller but no less detailed. He'd carved tiny reindeer prancing around its edges, with Cupid leading the way. The lid featured a heart surrounded by snowflakes, and inside, he'd lined it with soft velvet perfect for keeping special treasures safe.

Moving to his truck, Scott began transforming the bed into something magical. Strings of fairy lights wound through the rails, their delicate bulbs promising to cast a gentle glow once darkness fell. He arranged thick blankets and cushions, creating a cozy nest that would keep them warm against the evening chill.

The picnic basket found its place of honor, surrounded by additional supplies he'd gathered: a large thermos of hot cocoa,sparklers for celebration, and a few extra blankets just in case. Each item was chosen with care, each detail considered.

As Scott worked, his mind wandered to Megan's letter, to the vulnerability in her words. She'd opened her heart to him, only to have a simple misunderstanding threaten to derail everything. He wouldn't let that happen. Not tonight.

Finally, he stepped back to survey his work. The truck bed looked like something from a fairy tale, the kind of setting where magic might actually happen. The gifts were wrapped and tucked safely away, the food was packed, and everything was ready.

Scott leaned against the truck, his heart racing with anticipation and nerves. The quiet street stretched before him, peaceful in the late afternoon light. He would pick up Megan and Ruby, and everything would change.

"This is it," he murmured, running his hand along the truck's familiar surface. "I have one chance to show her how much she means to me."

The weight of his hopes settled around him like a mantle as he climbed into the driver's seat. The engine rumbled to life, its steady purr matching the rhythm of his determination. As he pulled away from the curb, Scott allowed himself one last glance in the rearview mirror at his workshop—the place where he'd crafted not just gifts, but dreams.

Tonight would be perfect. It had to be. Because sometimes, the most important moments in life came down to a single evening, a single choice, a single chance to prove that love was worth staying for.

Chapter Nineteen

Ruby sat cross-legged on the living room floor, her coloring book spread before her. Megan methodically folded clothes into an open suitcase. Each item felt heavier than it should, weighted with memories of the life they'd begun to build here. Her daughter's curls caught the sunlight, creating a halo effect that reminded Megan painfully of their first day on Palmar Island, when everything had felt possible.

"Mr. Bear wants to know where his Christmas sweater is," Ruby announced, looking up from her coloring.

Megan managed a small smile, reaching for the tiny red sweater she'd carefully set aside. "Right here, sweetheart. We wouldn't forget that, would we?"

She turned to the small pile of Ruby's toys, mentally cataloging what they could reasonably take with them. The new bunny from Christmas would come, of course, and Mr. Bear—Ruby's constant companion since Danny died. But what about the shell collection from their beach walks? The craft supplies from their afternoons with Miss Doris?

Her phone buzzed on the counter, the screen lighting up with a notification. Megan picked it up, her fingers slightly trembling as she read the flight confirmation.

American Airlines Flight 2476January 1st, 8:45 AMCharleston → San DiegoPassengers: 2

One way.

She read the confirmation again, each word cementing her decision. She'd booked the tickets in a rush this morning, riding the wave of hurt and certainty that had crashed over her after seeing Scott with that woman. Now, looking at the confirmation, she felt a complicated mix of relief and dread.

"Are we going on an adventure, Mama?" Ruby asked, her crayon paused mid-stroke.

Megan swallowed hard, forcing brightness into her voice. "Yes, sweetheart. A new adventure."

"Like in my storybook? With dragons and princesses?"

"Maybe not quite like that," Megan said softly, folding another sweater. "But we'll be going somewhere familiar. Remember Aunt Lauren? And your friend Emma from the park?"

Ruby nodded, though her attention had already drifted back to her coloring. "Can Santa Scott visit us there too?"

The innocent question felt like a knife to Megan's heart. She busied herself with checking the luggage tags, buying time before she had to answer. "I don't think so, baby. Santa Scott needs to stay here and take care of Cupid."

She watched as Ruby processed this, her small face scrunching in confusion before smoothing out again. The ease with which children adapted sometimes felt like a blessing and a curse. Ruby would bounce back. But deep down, Megan couldn't shake the feeling that she was taking something precious from her daughter.

Moving to her bedroom, Megan pulled more clothes from the closet. Her hand brushed against the elf costume, still hanging where she'd left it after her last shift at Santa's Village. The bells jingled softly, and memories flooded back—Scott's laughteras she complained about the tights, his steady presence during the chaos of holiday crowds, the way he always seemed to know exactly when she needed support.

She left the costume. She’d arrange to have it returned once they got settled in California.

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