Page 56 of Falling for Santa

"You look like a princess, Mama," Ruby whispered, bouncing on her toes. Her white dress swished with each movement, the red sash a perfect match for the roses in her basket. Her curls, carefully styled by Miss Doris that morning, bounced with her excitement.

Megan smoothed her hand over her own dress, the delicate lace of the sleeves catching slightly on her engagement ring. The gown was simple but elegant, exactly what she'd wanted for a Christmas wedding. "You look like a princess too, sweetheart," she said softly.

Behind them, she could hear the quiet murmur of voices from inside the chapel. James and Sarah Winter had arrived earlier dressed in their holiday best. Mary had bustled in shortlyafter, declaring that wild horses couldn't keep her from seeing "her favorite Santa" get married.

The thought of Scott waiting at the altar made Megan's heart flutter. A year ago, she'd been lost, searching for direction and stability. Now, standing here with Ruby beside her and their future stretching bright before them, she felt nothing but certainty.

"Are you ready?" Lauren appeared in the doorway, her bridesmaid's dress a deep crimson that sparkled in the candlelight. "Everyone's seated, and I'm pretty sure if we make Scott wait any longer, he might actually explode from anticipation."

Ruby giggled, clutching her basket tighter. "Can I go first, Mama? I practiced my flower-throwing with Miss Doris all week!"

"Of course you can, sweetheart." Megan bent to press a kiss to her daughter's forehead, careful not to disturb her curls. "Remember what we practiced?"

Ruby nodded solemnly. "Walk slow, smile big, and save some petals for the end."

The first notes of music drifted through the chapel doors—not the traditional wedding march, but a soft, beautiful arrangement of "Silent Night" played by the string quartet. Lauren gave Megan's hand a quick squeeze before taking her place.

As the doors opened fully, Megan's breath caught. The chapel was transformed into a winter wonderland, with evergreen garlands draping the pews and tiny white lights twinkling like stars. Faces turned toward them, warm and familiar—the community that had become their family.

Ruby started down the aisle, tossing red and white rose petals with careful precision. A collective "aww" rose from theguests as she paused to give Cupid, who sat proudly on display near the altar, an extra handful of petals "for good luck."

And then Megan saw Scott.

He stood at the altar, handsome in his dark suit, a sprig of holly adding a festive touch to his lapel. But it was his expression that made her heart stop—the pure love and wonder in his eyes as he watched Ruby approach, then shifted his gaze to her. In that moment, every doubt she'd ever had about coming to Palmar Island, every fear about starting over, melted away.

Megan's steps were steady as she moved down the aisle, though her heart thundered in her chest. Miss Doris dabbed at her eyes from her front-row seat, while Mary beamed beside her, looking proud enough to burst. Through the stained glass windows, the last light of dusk painted everything in soft, magical hues.

Ruby reached the altar first, carefully dropping her last handful of petals before moving to stand beside Lauren. She clutched Mr. Bear, dressed for the occasion in a tiny bow tie, and watched with shining eyes as Megan approached.

When Scott held out his hand, Megan took it without hesitation. His fingers were warm and solid against hers, anchoring her in the moment.

"Hi," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

"Hi," she whispered back, and somehow that simple exchange held everything they needed to say.

The minister, an elderly man who'd known Scott since childhood, smiled warmly at them both. The ceremony began, its words washing over Megan like a gentle wave. She was aware of Ruby swaying slightly beside them, of the soft candlelight, of Scott's thumb brushing across her knuckles. But mostly, she was aware of the rightness of this moment.

When it came time for the vows, Scott's voice was steady and sure.

"Megan," he began, his eyes holding hers, "you and Ruby walked into my life like a Christmas miracle, bringing more joy and love than I ever thought possible. I promise to spend every day showing you both how grateful I am for that gift. I promise to be your partner, your best friend, your family. To build a life filled with laughter and wonder, to face whatever comes together, and to love you both with everything I am."

Tears pricked at Megan's eyes as she began her own vows, her voice wavering slightly but growing stronger with each word.

"Scott, you showed me what it means to find home in a person. You opened your heart not just to me, but to Ruby, loving us both with such completeness that it took my breath away. I promise to trust in that love, to build our future together, to fill our days with joy and our nights with peace. You are the gift I never knew to wish for, and I promise to treasure that gift every day of our lives."

Ruby tugged gently at Scott's sleeve. The minister nodded, smiling, and Scott knelt down to her level.

"I promise too," she said solemnly, her voice carrying in the quiet chapel. "I promise to be the best family ever. And to help take care of Cupid, and to always believe in Christmas magic."

A ripple of gentle laughter and sniffles moved through the guests. Scott gathered Ruby into a quick, fierce hug before standing, his eyes suspiciously bright.

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur of emotion. When Scott kissed her, gentle and sweet, the chapel erupted in cheers. Ruby threw her remaining flower petals into the air, where they drifted down like snow around them.

As they turned to face their guests, now husband and wife, Ruby slipped between them and grabbed both their hands. Together, they walked back up the aisle, through a shower of confetti that sparkled in the candlelight.

Outside, the evening had turned magical. Tiny flakes of real snow—rare for Palmar Island—drifted down, catching in Megan's hair and on Ruby's eyelashes. The chapel bells rang out joyfully, their sound carrying across the quiet town.

Scott pulled them both close, dropping a kiss on Ruby's head before pressing his forehead to Megan's. "I love you," he murmured. "Both of you."

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