Page 48 of Falling for Santa

Back in the living room, Ruby had abandoned her coloring book and was now arranging her stuffed animals in a circle. "Mr. Bear says he'll miss his friends," she said matter-of-factly.

Megan paused in her packing, watching as Ruby carefully adjusted each toy's position. "I know, sweetheart. But we'll make new friends in San Diego."

"Like we did here?" Ruby asked, her voice small.

"Yes," Megan whispered, though the word felt hollow. "Just like here."

She zipped the suitcase with trembling fingers, the sound seeming to echo in the quiet room. This was the right decision, the practical choice. The only choice. San Diego meant security, a steady income, a chance to rebuild her career. It meant not having to worry about making rent or choosing between new shoes for Ruby and groceries for the week.

So why did it feel like she was running away?

Megan glanced at the clock on the wall, its steady ticking marking time's relentless march forward. New Year's Eve—traditionally a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. But as she surveyed the half-packed room, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was closing a door she might regret shutting.

Ruby quietly hummed "Silent Night," the melody drifting through the bungalow like a ghost of Christmas past. Megan reached for another empty suitcase, her movements mechanical now. She had to keep going. Had to focus on the future, not the memories they were leaving behind.

Not the man who had made both her and Ruby believe in magic again, if only for a little while.

The sound of a truck engine drew Megan to her front door just as the last hints of daylight were fading from the sky. Her hand froze on the doorknob as Scott's familiar truck came into view, but it had been transformed into something magical. Fairy lights twinkled in the truck bed, creating a soft golden glow that highlighted carefully arranged cushions and what appeared to be a picnic basket.

Her chest tightened as Scott climbed out, his tall frame silhouetted against the gathering dusk. He looked different, more determined, yet there was a vulnerability in his expression that made her heart skip.

"What is this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped onto the porch.

Scott's smile was gentle, though she could see the nervous energy in his movements as he approached. "Since we're spending New Year's Eve together," he said, gesturing toward the truck, "I wanted to make it special."

The reminder of their plans, made in what felt like another lifetime, sent a fresh wave of guilt through her. She'd been so caught up in her hurt and confusion after seeing him with that woman that she'd forgotten about tonight entirely.

The care he'd put into everything was evident—from the arrangement of blankets to the fairy lights that made the whole setup look like something from a dream. It was exactly the kind of thoughtful gesture that had made her fall for him in the first place.

"Scott..." Megan shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself against the evening chill. "We can't."

He frowned, taking another step closer. "Why not?"

The question hung between them, heavy with unspoken possibilities. Megan forced herself to meet his gaze, though it felt like the hardest thing she'd ever done. "We're leaving," she said, the words scraping her throat. "Tomorrow morning. I've already booked our flights."

Scott went still, his expression shifting from confusion to something that looked painfully like heartbreak. "You don't have to go, Megan."

"I do," she insisted, though her voice wavered traitorously. "It's what's best for Ruby. And for me."

The silence that followed felt endless. Scott studied her face, and Megan knew he was looking for any sign of doubt, any crack in her resolve. Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet but steady. "You don't owe me anything," he said. "But at least let me say goodbye to Ruby."

The request sent a fresh wave of pain through her chest. "I can't," she whispered, hating herself for the hurt that flashed across his face. "She's already too attached to you, Scott. It's better if we just leave."

Scott's jaw tightened, but instead of arguing, he gave a short nod and turned back to his truck. Megan watched as he reached into the truck bed, his movements careful despite the tension she could see in his shoulders.

When he returned, he held two small packages wrapped in silver paper. "These are for you and Ruby," he said, holding them out. "Please, just take them."

Megan stared at the packages, knowing she should refuse them. She was surprised how hard it was to deny this last connection. Her fingers brushed the silver wrapping for a moment before she shook her head. “I can’t accept this.”

His face fell, the disappointment cutting her to the core.

"Happy New Year, Megan," Scott said softly, his blue eyes holding hers for a moment longer before he stepped back.

She couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't do anything but watch as he walked back to his truck. The engine started, and the red glow of the tail lights seemed to mock her as they disappeared into the darkness.

Through the window behind her, she could hear Ruby singing to her toys, completely unaware that her world was about to change again. Completely unaware that the man who had brought so much joy to their lives was driving away, taking with him all the dreams Megan had barely allowed herself to acknowledge.

Chapter Twenty

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