Page 4 of Falling for Santa

Scott smiled faintly. Of course the elderly widow was behind this. “That’s right. I am. Are you interested?”

“Yes,” Megan replied quickly, then hesitated. “I’m new to the island, and I’m looking for work. Miss Doris thought this might be a good way to start. I’ll admit I don’t have any experience as an elf, but I’m reliable, and I learn fast.”

Her sincerity struck a chord with him. There was a quiet determination in her voice, like she wasn’t just looking for a job but for something more—a foothold, maybe.

“I see,” Scott said, glancing out the kitchen window at the workshop beyond. He could still hear the gentle hum of the space heater in his mind, a reminder that he’d been savoring the calm before the inevitable rush. But this call felt like a step toward resolving one of his lingering concerns.

“The job isn’t too complicated,” he said. “You’d mostly be helping kids in and out of the sleigh, handing out candy canes, that sort of thing. But it does take a little patience. Does that sound like something you’d be comfortable with?”

“Yes, I think so,” Megan said. “And I’d really appreciate the opportunity. I just want to contribute, you know?”

Scott couldn’t help but smile. “I understand. How about this? Why don’t we meet tomorrow morning at Santa’s Village? I can show you around and go over what the job entails.”

“That would be great. Thank you,” Megan said, relief evident in her voice.

“Let’s say nine o’clock? The Village is still being set up in the town square, but it’s easy to find.”

“Nine works perfectly,” Megan agreed. “Thank you again, Mr. Callahan.”

“Just call me Scott,” he said warmly.

“All right. Thanks, Scott,” Megan said before ending the call.

Scott set the phone down, a thoughtful expression on his face. He didn’t know much about Megan Findley, but if Miss Doris vouched for her, she had to be good people. And with that soft yet determined voice, she sounded like someone who’d give the job her all.

He glanced back toward the workshop, where the Santa suit still hung waiting. For the first time in weeks, he felt a small weight lift from his shoulders. Maybe this year’s Christmas Market wouldn’t be as hectic as he’d feared.

Draining the last of his coffee, Scott grabbed his coat and headed outside. He had a busy day ahead, but the promise of meeting Megan tomorrow added a spark of hope to the crisp November morning.

The town square was already alive with activity by the time Scott arrived the next morning. Volunteers bustled about, carrying armloads of garlands and crates of ornaments, their chatter blending with the soft hum of Christmas carols playing from a nearby speaker. He nodded to a couple of familiar faces as he made his way toward the centerpiece of Santa’s Village—the large chair that would serve as his throne for the season, flanked by a wooden sleigh and a pen meant to hold Cupid, the lone reindeer borrowed from a local farm.

“Morning, Scott!” called Edna, a cheerful woman stringing lights around the candy-striped entrance arch.

“Morning, Edna. Looks good,” Scott replied, tipping his cap.

He glanced around, mentally cataloging the progress. The booths for the bake sale and crafts market were nearly complete, and the reindeer pen was taking shape, with two volunteers working to secure the fencing. The scent of pine filled the air as a few freshly cut trees arrived, ready to be decorated and displayed.

Checking his watch, Scott noted it was nearly nine. He’d told Megan to meet him here, but he couldn’t help wondering if she’d show up. He’d met his fair share of well-meaning no-shows over the years, and with someone new to the island, there was always the chance she might decide this wasn’t worth her time.

He leaned against the sleigh, mentally rehearsing his questions. Miss Doris’s recommendation carried weight, but Scott wanted to see for himself what kind of person Megan was. Would she be patient enough to deal with excited kids and stressed parents? Organized enough to help manage the chaos that came with the job? He frowned, shifting his weight. And then there was the matter of the elf costume—something that required a sense of humor and a good deal of humility.

His thoughts were interrupted by movement at the far end of the square. A woman approached, holding the hand of a small child who struggled to keep up, her curly brown hair bouncing with each hurried step. Megan.

Scott straightened, watching as she wove her way through the maze of half-assembled decorations. She offered him an apologetic smile as she reached him, her cheeks flushed from the brisk walk.

“Sorry about this,” she said, gesturing to the little girl beside her. “Miss Doris couldn’t watch her today, but she promised to help on weekends if I get the job.”

Scott blinked, momentarily thrown. “Miss Doris not running the bake sale? That’s practically tradition.”

Megan shrugged with a small laugh. “She said she’s handing it off to the younger ladies at church this year. I think she likes my daughter too much to say no.”

Scott crouched down, resting his hands on his knees to meet the little girl’s eye level. She clutched a well-loved stuffed animal, her small fingers gripping its worn ear.

“And who’s this?” he asked with a warm smile.

Ruby pressed closer to Megan’s leg, her voice barely above a whisper. “Ruby.”

“Well, nice to meet you, Ruby,” Scott said gently, his smile never wavering. “That’s a very nice bear you’ve got there.”

---