Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

M egan rinsed the last of the breakfast dishes, the warm water soothing against her hands. Ruby had insisted on pancakes shaped like Christmas trees that morning, and the green food coloring Megan had added to the batter still faintly stained her fingertips.

“Mommy, look!” Ruby’s voice rang out from the living room, where she was arranging her stuffed animals in a semicircle around the miniature Christmas tree Megan had set up for her.

“Hold on, sweetheart,” Megan called back. She dried her hands on a dishtowel and peeked around the corner, smiling as Ruby held up Mr. Bear, who was now sporting a tiny paper crown.

“Mr. Bear’s the king of Christmas!” Ruby declared, giggling.

“He certainly is,” Megan said, leaning against the doorway. Watching Ruby’s joy eased the knot in her chest, even if only for a moment.

Her phone sat on the counter, buzzing slightly as she picked it up and glanced at the time. It was mid-morning, late enough to catch Lauren in between errands. Taking a deep breath, Megan tapped the screen to dial.

Lauren answered almost immediately. “Merry Christmas Eve!”

“Merry Christmas Eve to you too,” Megan replied, her smile widening. “I figured you’d be knee-deep in last-minute wrapping or baking by now.”

“I’ve already wrapped half the house and consumed more coffee than is probably healthy,” Lauren said with a laugh. “What about you? How’s Christmas looking over there in your coastal paradise?”

Megan exhaled, her smile softening. “It’s different. Quieter. Ruby’s excited, though, and that helps.”

“Of course she is,” Lauren said warmly. “She’s got you, and you always make Christmas magical for her.”

Megan swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “I try. But this year, I keep thinking about Danny. He loved Christmas so much. I can’t help but feel like something’s missing.”

Lauren was silent for a moment, her voice soft when she finally spoke. “That’s because it is, Meg. And it’s okay to feel that. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it just means you loved him. And you still do.”

Megan’s fingers tightened around the phone as she glanced out the window at the frosty grass glinting in the sunlight. “I keep thinking about those Christmases we spent together. He always went all out—stringing lights, baking cookies, making sure we got to see every holiday parade in town.”

“I remember,” Lauren said, a trace of a smile in her voice. “Danny was like a big kid when it came to Christmas. That’s part of what made him so wonderful.”

Megan closed her eyes, letting the memories wash over her. She could almost hear Danny’s voice singing off-key as he wrapped presents or feel his arms around her as they danced to a holiday playlist after Ruby had gone to bed.

“I miss him,” Megan admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” Lauren said gently. “I miss him too. But you’re doing an incredible job, Meg. Ruby’s happy, and you’ve built something beautiful for her, even when I know it hasn’t been easy.”

Megan let the words settle over her, a small flicker of comfort warming her chest. “Thanks, Lauren. That means a lot.”

“You know I’m always here for you,” Lauren said. Then, after a pause, her tone grew lighter. “So, what’s new in Palmar Island? Have you heard from Tom yet?”

Megan hesitated, the weight of the earlier conversation lifting slightly. “He called last week,” she admitted. “He offered me a consulting position—part-time and it sounds like I could do some of the work from home.”

“See? That’s great news!” Lauren exclaimed. “What did you say?”

“I told him I’d think about it,” Megan replied, her tone guarded.

Lauren sighed, the sound filled with both exasperation and affection. “Meg, you know I want what’s best for you. But I’m not gonna lie—I’d love for you to take that job and move back here. I miss you and Ruby so much.”

“I miss you too,” Megan said, her voice softening. “But I’m starting to feel like maybe this is where we’re supposed to be. Ruby’s happy here. She loves the Christmas market and Cupid and all the little things that make this place special.”

“I get that,” Lauren said, though her voice carried a hint of disappointment. “But it’s hard not having you here. You were my rock after everything happened.”

“You were mine too,” Megan said, her throat tightening. “I’ll always miss San Diego, Lauren. And you’ll always be one of my closest friends. But maybe you should come visit. I think you’d like Palmar Island.”

Lauren let out a soft laugh. “Are you inviting me to your tiny island getaway?”

“Absolutely,” Megan said, her smile returning. “Come for a week. See what it’s like. Who knows? You might even fall in love with it.”

“Okay,” Lauren said, the word drawn out with playful skepticism. “But only if you promise to consider Tom’s offer seriously.”

“I promise,” Megan said, though her chest tightened at the thought.

They chatted for a while longer, exchanging holiday plans and reminiscing about Christmases past. When they finally hung up, Megan sat on the edge of the bed, her phone still in her hand.

The conversation had brought a mix of emotions—grief, nostalgia, and the faintest hint of hope. She’d been tempted to tell Lauren about Scott, about the dinner tonight, about the way he’d brought something unexpected into her life. But she wasn’t ready yet. There were too many uncertainties, too many feelings she hadn’t fully sorted out.

“Mommy!” Ruby’s voice rang out from her bedroom, bright and eager.

Megan stood, brushing off the lingering heaviness. Today wasn’t about the past or her doubts. It was about creating joy for Ruby. “Coming.”

Her daughter was perched on the edge of her bed, her sparkly green dress spread out around her like a fan. She grinned up at Megan, clutching Mr. Bear tightly. “Is it time to go yet?”

“Not yet,” Megan said with a laugh. “We have a few hours, but we can start getting ready.”

Ruby’s excitement was infectious, and Megan let herself get swept up in it. She helped Ruby with her hair, tying a red ribbon into her curls as the little girl squirmed with anticipation. “Hold still, sweetheart,” Megan said, gently smoothing a flyaway strand.

“I can’t!” Ruby giggled. “I’m too excited!”

Megan smiled, kissing the top of her head. “Well, you look beautiful. Now let me get ready, okay?”

Ruby nodded, twirling in front of the mirror as Megan stepped into her own room.

She chose a simple sweater in a festive cranberry shade, pairing it with a black skirt and tights. Standing in front of the mirror, she carefully brushed her hair, pinning one side back before reaching for her mascara and lipstick. As she applied the soft red shade to her lips, her eyes met her reflection, and a wave of doubt washed over her.

Was she doing the right thing? Sharing a holiday moment like this with Scott felt significant, almost like a step she wasn’t sure she was ready to take. But then she thought of Ruby—her laughter, her wide-eyed wonder at Santa’s Village, her excitement about seeing Scott and Cupid again.

This wasn’t about her, Megan reminded herself. It was about creating joy for Ruby, about giving her daughter the kind of Christmas memories she deserved.

Steeling herself, Megan smoothed her sweater and stepped back, surveying her reflection. She looked fine. Pulled together, festive enough to blend in, but not so much that she’d draw attention.

“Mommy!” Ruby called from the living room. “Are we ready now?”

“Almost,” Megan said, grabbing her bag and taking one last glance in the mirror.

This was about Ruby, she reminded herself again as she headed out to meet her daughter. But somewhere, deep down, she couldn’t ignore the flicker of hope that maybe—just maybe—this evening could be special for her too.

The sky had turned a deep shade of indigo by the time Megan parked in front of Scott’s house. Ruby gasped in delight from her car seat, her small hands clapping together.

“Mommy, look at the lights!”

Megan smiled as she followed Ruby’s gaze. Soft, warm lights framed the windows and doorway of Scott’s home, casting a gentle glow against the dark evening. A wreath with a bright red bow hung on the front door, and a strand of multicolored bulbs twinkled along the porch railing.

“Santa lives here!” Ruby declared with certainty.

Megan laughed softly as she unbuckled Ruby. “I don’t know about that, but it does look magical, doesn’t it?”

They walked up the path together, Ruby clutching Mr. Bear in one hand and Megan’s fingers in the other. Before Megan could knock, the door swung open to reveal Scott, his smile warm and inviting.

“Right on time,” he said, stepping aside to let them in.

The aroma of roasted vegetables and something savory greeted Megan as she crossed the threshold. Ruby’s nose wrinkled, and she sniffed dramatically. “It smells like Christmas!”

Scott chuckled, bending slightly to Ruby’s level. “Well, we can’t have Santa’s special guest going hungry, now can we?”

Ruby giggled, then her eyes widened as she spotted the Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. She broke free from Megan’s grasp and ran toward it, stopping short to point excitedly. “Mommy, look! It’s Cupid!”

Megan followed her gaze and saw it—a small wooden ornament shaped like a reindeer, with “Cupid” carefully etched into the side.

Scott joined her, his hands resting casually in his pockets. “Figured Ruby might like a little keepsake from Santa’s Village,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

Megan’s chest tightened with gratitude. “It’s perfect,” she said softly, glancing at him. “Thank you.”

“Anything for Ruby,” Scott replied, though his eyes lingered on Megan for a moment longer than necessary.

Dinner was a cozy affair. Scott had set the small dining table with care, a simple red tablecloth and mismatched holiday-themed plates giving it a charming, homey feel. Ruby climbed eagerly into her seat, chattering about the ornament and asking if Cupid really missed her.

Scott, ever the entertainer, nodded solemnly. “Cupid told me this morning that he’s been waiting all week for you to come visit. He even pranced a little extra just for you.”

Ruby’s eyes went wide. “He did?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Scott said, his tone conspiratorial. “And he said if you’re really good, you might even get to meet his cousins next year.”

Megan bit back a laugh as Ruby gasped, clutching Mr. Bear tightly. “Mommy, did you hear that? I have to be extra good!”

“I did hear that,” Megan said, her lips twitching into a smile. “But let’s focus on dinner first, okay?”

Scott brought out the food, and Megan was pleasantly surprised by the spread—roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Ruby dove into her plate with enthusiasm, though she insisted on keeping one hand on Mr. Bear at all times.

Between bites, Scott told stories from Santa’s Village, exaggerating just enough to keep Ruby giggling. “And then Cupid decided he wanted a candy cane, so he stuck his nose right into the basket! I had to explain that reindeer don’t eat candy, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t believe me.”

Ruby laughed so hard she nearly knocked over her cup of juice, and Megan reached out to steady it, her smile growing.

“You’re pretty good at this,” Megan said quietly, glancing at Scott as Ruby busied herself with her plate.

Scott raised an eyebrow. “At what? Making a fool of myself?”

Megan shook her head. “At making her happy.”

His expression softened, and for a moment, the playfulness in his eyes gave way to something deeper. “She makes it easy,” he said simply.

After dinner, Ruby wandered over to the couch, the Cupid ornament in her hands. She hummed softly to herself as she showed Mr. Bear her new treasure, her energy finally beginning to wind down.

Megan and Scott lingered at the table, the remnants of their meal still between them. Megan ran her fingers lightly over the edge of her plate, her thoughts swirling.

“This was wonderful,” she said, breaking the silence. “Really. Thank you.”

Scott leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on her. “I’m glad you both came. Christmas is better when it’s shared.”

Megan nodded, her fingers still tracing the edge of her plate. “It’s been a while since I’ve done anything like this,” she admitted.

Scott tilted his head slightly, his expression curious but patient. “Like what?”

“Shared a holiday with someone outside of Ruby,” Megan said, her voice soft. “After Danny... it just felt easier to keep things small. Safe.”

Scott didn’t speak right away, letting her words settle. When he finally did, his tone was gentle. “Starting over isn’t easy. But from what I’ve seen, you’re doing an incredible job. Ruby’s happy, and that says a lot about you.”

Megan looked up at him, her heart tightening at the sincerity in his voice. “It’s harder than it looks,” she admitted.

“I don’t doubt that,” Scott said. “But you’ve got a strength most people only wish they had. And Ruby—she’s a lucky kid to have you.”

Megan felt her cheeks warm under his gaze, and she looked away, focusing instead on the soft glow of the tree in the corner. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Scott set his glass down, leaning forward slightly as his gaze settled on Megan. “Can I be honest about something?”

Megan looked up, a flicker of curiosity and caution in her expression. “Of course.”

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I really hope you and Ruby decide to stick around Palmar Island. It’s... better with you here.”

Megan’s brow furrowed slightly, a faint blush creeping to her cheeks. “That’s kind of you to say,” she said softly. “But it’s not that simple. There’s still so much to figure out.”

Scott nodded, his smile gentle. “I know. And I’m not trying to make it sound easy. But I’ve seen the way this place has already embraced you two. You’re starting to make a mark here, even if you don’t see it yet.”

Megan toyed with the edge of her napkin, her voice hesitant. “It’s not just about me. It’s about what’s best for Ruby. I need to make sure I’m making the right choices for her.”

“And you are,” Scott said firmly. “But maybe what’s right for her is right for you too.”

Megan blinked, her fingers stilling. “What do you mean?”

Scott leaned back slightly, his tone softening. “I mean, it feels like you’re holding back, Megan. Like you’re afraid to put down roots because it might hurt too much. But sometimes, taking that chance is what makes all the difference.”

Her chest tightened, and she glanced toward the softly glowing Christmas tree in the corner, the ornaments catching the light. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It’s not,” Scott admitted. “But I think it’s worth it. And I think...” He paused, his eyes meeting hers. “I think we could be worth it too.”

Megan’s breath hitched, the weight of his words settling over her. “Scott, I?—”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said quickly, his voice steady but warm. “I just wanted you to know where I stand. You’re not just another person passing through, Megan. At least, not to me.”

Her lips parted slightly, her heart pounding in a way she hadn’t felt in years. The sincerity in his eyes, the quiet strength in his voice—it was overwhelming and comforting all at once.

“I’m not sure I know how to do this anymore,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Scott’s smile was soft, his gaze unwavering. “We’ll figure it out. If you want to, that is.”

Megan swallowed hard, her emotions swirling. She wasn’t ready to make promises, not yet, but the thought of walking away from this moment felt impossible.

“Thank you,” she said finally, her voice shaky but genuine.

“For what?”

“For being patient,” she said, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Scott chuckled softly, his shoulders relaxing. “I’m not going anywhere, Megan.”

Megan opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Ruby ran over, holding the Cupid ornament high. “Look, Santa! It’s so shiny!”

Scott grinned, taking the ornament from her and examining it with exaggerated care. “You’re right—it’s the shiniest reindeer I’ve ever seen!”

Ruby giggled, and Megan watched as Scott handed it back to her with a wink.

As Scott began clearing the table, he glanced at the clock, a small smile tugging at his lips. “So, I have this little Christmas Eve tradition,” he said, his tone casual. “And I was wondering if you and Ruby might want to come along.”