Page 50 of Falling for Santa

Megan swallowed the lump in her throat and wrapped Ruby in a hug, holding her close. “I’m sure he does,” she whispered, her voice wavering despite her best efforts to stay strong. “But we’ll always have good memories of him, won’t we?”

Ruby nodded against her shoulder, her small arms tightening around Megan’s neck. For a brief moment, Megan allowed herself to hold on to the comfort of her daughter’s presence, grounding herself in the warmth of Ruby’s trust.

That evening, after unpacking and settling Ruby into her new room, Megan stood in the kitchen staring at the pristine welcome packet from her new job. The bold logo of the law firm was embossed on the front, and inside were neatly printed schedules, benefits information, and a welcome letter from the managing partner.

The sight of it should have filled her with pride. It was everything she’d worked toward. It promised financial security,career growth, and a chance to prove to herself that she could rebuild. But instead, the weight of it sat heavily on her chest.

Megan turned the packet over, leaning against the counter as she stared at the darkened window beyond the sink. The city lights of San Diego twinkled in the distance, but they felt cold and distant compared to the warm glow of Palmar Island’s holiday lights.

She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze landing on the photo album Scott had made. It sat on the small side table near the couch, its polished surface catching the soft light from the lamp. Without thinking, she walked over and opened it.

Inside were the same images she’d looked at again. Megan’s fingers brushed over the photo of Ruby and Santa, her throat tightening as memories surfaced. The way Scott had looked at her when he gave her the album. The quiet strength in his voice when he told her how much she and Ruby had brought to his life. The kiss they’d shared that had left her breathless and shaken in ways she hadn’t expected.

She sank onto the couch, holding the photo in her hands. “Am I ready for this?” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet apartment. “Is this really the right move for us?”

Megan’s mind raced as she thought about the life they’d left behind. The community that had embraced them, Ruby’s laughter as she ran through Santa’s Village, the quiet nights filled with the soft sound of waves. And Scott.

But then the other side of her mind chimed in, the practical side. The law firm offered stability, a clear path forward, and the financial security she’d promised herself she’d provide for Ruby. It was everything she thought she needed to build a better future.

Yet, sitting in the stillness of the apartment, the future felt less certain than ever.

A soft whimper from Ruby’s room broke her thoughts. Megan set the album aside and walked quietly to her daughter’s room. Ruby was curled up in her bed, her small frame tucked under the blanket. Her stuffed bear was nestled beside her, and the Cupid ornament sat on the nightstand.

Megan knelt by the bed, brushing a hand over Ruby’s hair. “Sleep tight, sweetheart,” she whispered.

Ruby stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. “Mama,” she mumbled sleepily, “do you think Scott will visit us?”

Megan’s breath caught, her chest tightening at the question. “Maybe,” she said softly, her voice steady even as her emotions threatened to break through. “But even if he doesn’t, we’ll always have good memories of him, won’t we?”

Ruby nodded drowsily, her eyes already closing again as she drifted back to sleep. Megan stayed there for a moment, her hand resting on Ruby’s blanket as a wave of longing washed over her.

She rose slowly, returning to the living room. Her gaze fell on the welcome packet again, the bold logo staring back at her like a challenge. Taking a deep breath, Megan sat down and opened it, reading through the neatly printed documents. But even as she read, her thoughts drifted, the words blurring together as doubt crept in.

“Am I doing the right thing?” she murmured, her voice barely audible in the quiet apartment. She glanced toward the photo album. For the first time, the life she thought she wanted felt more like an escape than a destination.

Megan leaned back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling as her mind swirled with questions she couldn’t yet answer.

The trendy brunch spot, Morning Glory, was buzzing with energy when Megan and Ruby arrived. The restaurant’s eclectic decor—a mix of bold colors, vintage posters, and whimsical touches like hanging plants and neon signs—was as lively as the crowd. Megan spotted Lauren near the window, waving enthusiastically from a cozy corner booth.

“Megan!” Lauren’s voice carried over the chatter as she stood to greet them. Her smile lit up the room as she scooped Ruby into a hug. “There’s my little princess! And look at you, Megan. You’re glowing!”

Megan laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Hardly glowing. It’s been a whirlwind.”

“Well, you look amazing anyway,” Lauren insisted, placing Ruby back on her feet. “And I want to hear everything.”

They slid into the booth, Ruby immediately reaching for the crayons and paper provided by the restaurant. A friendly server arrived, and after a quick rundown of the menu, Lauren ordered the soufflé pancakes while Megan opted for the chilaquiles. Ruby’s face lit up when the server suggested a mini fruit and waffle plate just for her.

As they waited for their food, Lauren leaned forward, her hands clasped on the table. “Okay, spill. How’s the new job? The apartment? San Diego?”

Megan hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. “It’s fine. The apartment is nice. Clean, modern. Ruby seems to like it, at least.”

Lauren tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. “And the job?”

Megan let out a small sigh. “It’s a great opportunity. Amazing, really. But I can’t shake this unease. I’m just not sure about leaving Ruby in daycare all day. And honestly? I feel like I’m abandoning everything we built on Palmar Island.”

Lauren waved her hand dismissively, her bracelets jingling. “Megan, this is just first-day jitters. You’re taking a fantastic job, one that shows Ruby what it’s like to be a powerful, successful woman. What could be better than that?”

Before Megan could respond, Ruby held up a drawing she had been working on—a brightly colored picture of Cupid and Scott. “Look, Aunt Lauren! This is Scott!” she exclaimed, beaming with pride.

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