Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

S cott sat in the worn leather chair by the fireplace, the soft crackle of the flames filling the quiet bungalow. The room was warm, but he couldn’t shake the cool weight that settled in his chest as he turned over the events of Christmas morning in his mind.

Megan’s words about the job offer in San Diego played on a loop. He’d known she had doubts about staying on Palmar Island, but hearing her voice the possibility of leaving had hit him harder than he’d expected.

He reached for the mug of coffee on the side table, the ceramic warm against his palm. “She hasn’t made a decision yet,” he reminded himself quietly. “And she said we’d stay connected.”

It was something—more than he had feared but less than he wanted. Megan was cautious, that much was clear. She had her reasons, and Scott respected that. Still, he couldn’t deny the growing certainty in his own heart. He wanted to be part of her life, and Ruby’s too.

The ring of his phone cut through the quiet. Scott glanced at the screen and saw his sister Kara’s name. Smiling, he answered, leaning back in his chair.

“Merry Christmas,” he said, his tone lighter than he felt.

“Merry Christmas to you too, big brother,” Kara replied. “What’s it like playing Santa for the whole island? Did that reindeer of yours finally talk you into moving up north or are you sending him back all by his lonesome?”

Scott chuckled, grateful for her easy banter. “Cupid’s never lonely and he likes it up in Maine just fine without me. But who knows, maybe one day.”

Kara’s laughter was warm, the sound like a soft balm. “So, how’s Christmas? Don’t tell me you’re sitting at home alone with a mug of coffee and that old Christmas movie you watch every year. There’s still time to come join us. Charleston isn’t that far.”

Scott hesitated, his smile widening despite himself. “I’m home, but I’m not alone—not exactly.”

“Oh?” Kara’s tone shifted, laced with curiosity. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Scott rubbed the back of his neck, feeling oddly self-conscious. “I’ve been spending some time with someone. Megan. She moved to the island a couple of months ago with her daughter, Ruby.”

Kara let out a delighted laugh. “Scott Callahan, are you telling me you’ve finally met someone special?”

“It’s not like that,” Scott said quickly. “Megan’s been through a lot. She’s careful, and I don’t want to push her. But she’s nice, Kara. Someone I can talk to. And Ruby—she’s this sweet, funny little kid who reminds me how magical Christmas can be.”

“You sound nervous,” Kara teased, though her voice softened with understanding. “Don’t overthink it. If Megan is the right one, she’ll see how much you care. Just be yourself.”

Scott sighed, her words settling over him like a gentle nudge. “She mentioned a job offer in California,” he admitted. “I want to support whatever’s best for her and Ruby, but I can’t pretend the idea of her leaving doesn’t bother me.”

“Then show her what staying could mean,” Kara said simply. “You don’t have to convince her. Just remind her what she has here. And let her make the choice.”

Scott nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “You’re right. Thanks, Kara.”

“Always,” she replied. “Now go make some Christmas magic happen. I want updates. And you better come down for a visit before the kids go back to school.”

“I will.” Scott laughed softly. “And you’ll be the first to know if there is any news.”

“You better. Or I’ll come track you down,” Kara said. “I’m heading up that way in a couple of days.”

“You’re welcome here anytime,” he said.

After hanging up, Scott sat for a while, staring into the fire as an idea began to take shape. He didn’t want to overwhelm Megan or make her feel like he was pressuring her to stay. But he also wanted her to know how much he cared, and how much he believed in the life they could build here.

New Year’s Eve. It was just a few days away, and the perfect opportunity to remind Megan of the connection they’d started to build.

A quiet evening—something simple but meaningful. Scott thought about the beach, how much Ruby had loved seeing the dolphins, and how Megan had gazed at the moonlit water with a look of wonder she probably didn’t even realize she’d worn.

A candlelit picnic, he decided. Something special, just for the three of them. He’d bring good food, soft blankets, and maybe even string a few lights for ambiance. This time of the year, they’d even let you light a fire in the sand. That should keep them warm.

He would craft something for Megan to show how he felt about her. Something special. He saw the design for the intricate jewelry box in his mind’s eye almost instantly. And one day, it may hold a special set of rings. If she’d have him.

And for Ruby? Scott smiled to himself. He could carve her a small treasure box. Something to keep her “Santa memories” in.

His mind buzzed with plans as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He wanted to make this night unforgettable. Not just for Megan and Ruby, but for himself as well.

He had no idea what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain. He wasn’t ready to let them go. Taking a deep breath, he picked up his phone and dialed.

“Megan, it’s Scott,” he said, the words coming out fast, almost of their own volition. “Do you have plans for New Years Eve?”

“Not yet,” she said softly.

“How about the two of you spend it with me then?” he asked, his heart beating a mile a minute. “I promise to make it special.”

“We could do that,” she said. “As long as it’s nothing too late, or too loud.”

“It won’t be,” he promised before wrapping up their conversation. “I’ll pick you up around five.”

As the fire crackled softly, Scott allowed himself to imagine Megan’s smile when she saw the picnic, Ruby’s delight at the little box he’d carve, and the possibility of something deeper blooming between them.

“Here’s to New Year’s,” he murmured, his voice quiet but filled with determination. “Let’s make it count.”

Over the next few days, Scott poured himself into preparations. If New Year’s Eve was going to be special, he wanted every detail to feel thoughtful, personal, and meaningful.

His next stop was Mary’s Diner, the place where it had all started. Walking through the door, he was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked pies and Mary’s familiar voice.

“Well, if it isn’t Santa Claus himself,” Mary said with a grin, wiping her hands on her apron as she approached. “What brings you in today?”

“Hey, Mary,” Scott said, leaning on the counter. “I need to order one of your famous pies. Something festive but not too flashy.”

Mary arched an eyebrow, her smile growing sly. “Festive but not flashy? Sounds like a date.”

Scott chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “Maybe. It’s for Megan and Ruby. Something to make New Year’s feel a little special.”

Mary’s expression softened, her teasing replaced with genuine warmth. “Well, aren’t you just the sweetest? I’ll make you a fresh peanut butter pie. It’s Ruby-approved, right?”

“Absolutely,” Scott said, his grin widening. “Thanks, Mary.”

As she scribbled down a note, Scott glanced around the diner, the hum of conversation and clatter of plates adding to its cozy charm. He couldn’t help but think about the day he and Megan had shared lunch here, her laughter brightening the booth and her presence making everything feel just a little warmer.

Mary looked up. “I assume you want to pick it up on New Year’s Eve. We’ll be open until six.”

Scott smiled. “Thanks, Mary. I’ll be here long before then.” By the time the sun set on New Year’s Eve he planned to be at the beach with the two most important people in his life.

From the diner, he headed to the hardware store, where he browsed the aisles with purpose. Lanterns, cozy blankets, and sparklers quickly filled his basket as he envisioned how the beach would look under the soft glow of light.

The sparklers, in particular, made him smile. He could already picture Ruby’s delighted face as she held one aloft, her laughter ringing out against the backdrop of crashing waves.

At the checkout counter, Kenny Brown, the store owner, eyed the collection with interest. “Planning something special?”

“Something like that,” Scott said, sliding the basket forward.

“Good for you,” Kenny said with a nod. “This town could use more folks making real memories. None of that screen-staring nonsense.”

Scott chuckled, taking the bag of supplies. “Here’s hoping this one counts.”

Back at his place, Scott retreated to his workshop. The smell of fresh wood filled the air as he focused on his final touch—a small wooden box for Megan. And a matching one for Ruby.

He had chosen a simple design: a smooth, rounded star etched with the words “New Beginnings.” It felt fitting, a quiet symbol of the hope he held for their future.

As the carving knife moved over the wood, Scott’s thoughts drifted to Megan. Her cautious smile, the way she had opened up little by little. It all made him want to be someone she could trust. Someone she could count on, no matter what.

The star took shape under his careful hands, its edges smooth and its design delicate. When he finished, he held it up to the light, turning it slowly. It wasn’t flashy or extravagant, but it was sincere. Just like the feelings he’d been carrying for her.

As evening approached, Scott stepped onto the porch of his bungalow, the cool air brushing against his face. The stars were scattered across the sky, their quiet brilliance reminding him of the night he’d spent with Megan and Ruby delivering gifts.

He leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. There was still a chance Megan might choose San Diego, but Scott knew he couldn’t control that. What he could do was show her what staying could mean. For her, for Ruby, and for him.