Page 8 of Falling for Santa

“Nonsense,” Miss Doris interrupted, waving a hand. “Dinner’s already ready, and you’ve earned a break. Sit down and let me take care of you for a change.”

Before Megan could protest further, Miss Doris ushered them both inside, where the cozy warmth of the place wrapped around her like a comforting blanket.

The aroma of hearty soup filled the kitchen, mingling with the faint scent of cinnamon and sugar from the cookies Ruby had helped bake. The table was already set with mismatched plates, a basket of fresh bread, and steaming bowls of what looked like beef and vegetable soup.

Megan sank into one of the chairs with a grateful sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing as Ruby climbed onto the chair beside her.

“Let me grab you some tea,” Miss Doris said, bustling over to the counter.

“Thank you,” Megan said, her voice softer than she intended.

As Ruby busied herself nibbling on a piece of bread, Megan took her first sip of the soup. The rich flavors were the perfect antidote to the cold wind that had nipped at her during the long day at Santa’s Village.

“This is delicious,” Megan said, tearing a piece of bread to dip into the broth.

“I’m glad you like it,” Miss Doris replied, settling into the chair across from her. “Now, tell me about your day. How was the first shift as Santa’s helper?”

Megan leaned back slightly, her lips twitching into a wry smile. “It’s harder than I thought it’d be,” she admitted, breaking off another piece of bread. “Keeping the kids entertained, answering all their questions, keeping the line moving—it’s a lot.”

Miss Doris chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “It sounds like quite the adventure. How’s Scott holding up?”

Megan paused, thinking back to the way Scott had handled every chaotic moment with ease. “He’s good at it,” she said softly, making sure Ruby wasn’t paying attention to their conversation. “Really good. He makes it look so easy, like he was born to play Santa.”

“That man’s been doing this for years,” Miss Doris said with a knowing smile. “And he’s got a good heart, though he’s too stubborn to admit it most days.”

Megan tilted her head, curiosity sparking. “Stubborn? How so?”

“Oh, you’ll see,” Miss Doris said with a sly grin, her spoon poised mid-air. “Scott’s the type who likes to carry the world on his shoulders. He won’t ask for help unless he’s got no choice, but when he cares, he goes all in. That’s why he’s so good with those kids. They can tell he’s the real deal.”

Megan nodded slowly, her mind flickering back to the way Scott had stepped in earlier that day, handling every challenge with patience and a genuine warmth that was hard to ignore. She hadn’t expected her new boss to be so approachable.

Miss Doris’s tone softened as she leaned back in her chair, studying Megan with a thoughtful expression. “You’ve been through a lot, Megan, but you’re doing great. Don’t doubt yourself.”

Megan looked down at her bowl, her chest tightening. “I’m trying,” she said quietly. “But some days it feels like everything’s a little too much, you know?”

Miss Doris reached across the table, resting a hand over Megan’s. “You’re stronger than you think, dear. You’ve made it this far, and you’re doing it for the right reasons. Just take it one step at a time.”

Megan swallowed hard, nodding as she squeezed Miss Doris’s hand. The older woman’s encouragement felt like a lifeline, steadying her in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.

By the time dinner was over, Megan felt a little more like herself. Ruby had spent most of the meal recounting her adventures with Miss Doris, from baking cookies to playing hide-and-seek in the cozy corners of the cottage.

“I hope she wasn’t too much trouble,” Megan said as she gathered Ruby’s things.

“Not at all,” Miss Doris replied, waving her off. “She was a joy, and she’s welcome here anytime. You both are.”

“Thank you,” Megan said sincerely.

As she strapped Ruby into her car seat, the weight of the day pressed down on her again, but it felt less overwhelming this time. Maybe it was the warmth of Miss Doris’s home, or the way Ruby hummed a Christmas tune as she hugged Mr. Bear tightly to her chest.

Or maybe it was the faint flicker of hope she carried with her, a small but steady reminder that she wasn’t in this alone.

With Ruby falling asleep in the backseat, her curls sticking to her cheeks, Megan drove home in silence, the glow of Christmas lights lining the streets reflecting in the rearview mirror.

“Maybe this will work out after all,” she said to herself, her lips curving into a faint smile as the little bungalow came into view.

Chapter Four

Scott shifted the bag of toys in his arms, glancing down at the receipt sticking out of his jacket pocket. The Santa’s Village weekend market had done well, as it usually did, and he’d wasted no time putting the funds to good use. A few more stops, and he’d have everything he needed for the kids whose names Miss Doris had slipped him from the church’s holiday wish list.

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