Chapter 4

Chapter Four

S cott 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.

He smiled at the thought of her, the way she could coax anyone into helping with a good cause. Not that Scott needed convincing. Giving back had always been the best part of playing Santa—it made the weeks of chaos and constant jingling worth it.

As he headed down the sidewalk, his eyes landed on the familiar sign of The Roasted Bean. His steps slowed, and his mouth practically watered at the thought of a strong cup of coffee. Balancing the bag of toys on one arm, he pulled open the door, the smell of roasted beans and baked goods washing over him.

He took a deep breath, already feeling more awake. The place wasn’t too crowded, a few locals chatting quietly at the tables near the window. Scott stepped up to the counter, ordered his usual black coffee, and turned to scan the room while he waited.

That’s when he saw her.

Megan was seated at a corner table, Ruby perched on a booster seat beside her, happily munching on a muffin. Megan leaned back slightly, her hands wrapped around a mug, her eyes on her daughter as Ruby chattered away, gesturing with sticky fingers.

Scott hesitated, debating whether to approach or leave her be. She looked relaxed for once, her shoulders less tense than he was used to seeing at Santa’s Village.

But then Ruby laughed, the sound bright and infectious, and Scott found himself moving toward them without thinking.

“Well, look who it is,” he said as he reached their table, his voice light. “My favorite elf and her trusty sidekick.”

Megan glanced up, her surprise melting into a smile. “Scott. Hi.”

Ruby looked up too, her eyes lighting up as she waved a muffin crumb-covered hand. “Santa!”

Scott chuckled, pulling out the chair across from them. “Mind if I join you for a minute? I could use a break.”

Megan gestured to the seat with her mug. “Sure. But don’t expect much conversation—we’re deep into muffin analysis over here.”

Ruby giggled, holding up what was left of her muffin. “Blueberry!” she declared, as if it were the most important word in the world.

“Good choice,” Scott said, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Did you know Santa’s favorite muffins are blueberry too?”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” Scott said, his expression solemn. “They keep me going on those long sleigh rides.”

Ruby giggled again, the sound warming the space between them.

Scott turned his attention to Megan, who was watching him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. “How’s the morning treating you?” he asked, settling back in his chair.

“Quiet, for once,” she said, her lips twitching into a smile. “Ruby insisted on a muffin, and I needed coffee, so here we are.”

Scott raised his cup in a mock toast. “Great minds think alike.”

Megan took a sip of her coffee, then tilted her head. “Shouldn’t you be busy buying toys or something?”

“Already on it,” Scott said, gesturing to the bag by his feet. “Finished most of the shopping this morning. Decided to reward myself with a coffee before heading back.”

Megan nodded, her gaze dropping to the bag. “More gifts for the Village?”

“Some of them,” Scott said. “The rest are for the church kids. Miss Doris gave me a list, and I couldn’t say no.”

“Of course not,” Megan said, her tone teasing. “I’m starting to think Miss Doris runs this town.”

“She kind of does,” Scott admitted with a laugh. “But in the best way. She’s got a knack for getting people to help out, even when they don’t realize they’re doing it.”

Megan smiled, her eyes softening. “She’s been amazing with Ruby. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Ruby tugged on Megan’s sleeve, holding up her half-eaten muffin. “More?”

“No, sweetie, that’s enough for now,” Megan said, wiping Ruby’s hands with a napkin.

Scott watched the interaction, noting the way Megan’s voice softened when she spoke to her daughter. There was a quiet patience in her movements, a natural ease that seemed at odds with the guarded way she carried herself most of the time.

“So,” he said, breaking the silence. “How’re the elf battle scars? Recovering from the weekend chaos?”

Megan rolled her eyes but smiled. “Barely. I think I’ve finally stopped jingling in my sleep.”

“Give it time,” Scott said, grinning. “Those bells have a way of sticking with you.”

“Honestly,” Megan said, leaning forward slightly, “the job’s tougher than I expected. Keeping the kids happy, managing the lines, answering all the questions—it’s a lot.”

Scott nodded, his grin softening. “It is. But you’re doing well. The first weekend’s always the hardest, especially when you’re jumping in cold. By next weekend, you’ll be a pro.”

Megan laughed quietly, shaking her head. “I’m not sure ‘pro’ is in the cards, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

“It’s not just confidence,” Scott said. “You’ve got a way with the kids. They trust you, even when things get a little crazy. That’s not something you can teach.”

Megan’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of quiet gratitude. “Thanks, Scott. That actually means a lot.”

Ruby leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Scott. “Do you have reindeer?” she asked, her voice full of wonder.

Scott’s eyes twinkled as he leaned closer. “I do, but they’re resting right now. They only fly on Christmas Eve, so they’ve got to save their energy.”

Ruby nodded solemnly, taking his explanation about the reindeer very seriously, as if she were already plotting how to catch a glimpse of them on Christmas Eve. Scott chuckled, leaning back in his chair and letting his eyes settle on Megan.

“So,” he said, his tone casual, “how are you settling into Palmar Island? Starting to feel like home yet?”

Megan hesitated, her hand still smoothing Ruby’s curls as she considered her answer. “It’s... different from what I’m used to,” she admitted, choosing her words carefully.

Scott tilted his head, curiosity sparking. “Different how?”

“It’s smaller,” Megan said with a faint smile, her gaze flickering to the window. Outside, a couple of locals waved to one another as they passed on the sidewalk, their familiarity a hallmark of small-town life. “Where I’m from, most people don’t know their neighbors’ names, let alone their business. Here, everyone seems to know everything about everyone. I didn’t realize how much when we stayed here on vacation.”

Scott laughed softly, nodding. “That’s Palmar Island for you. News spreads faster than a summer storm. But it’s not all bad. People look out for each other here.”

“I’ve noticed that,” Megan said, her voice softer. “It’s… nice, in a way.”

Scott caught the slight hesitation, the way her words seemed carefully measured. She wasn’t giving much away, but there was something in her tone that made him wonder what she’d left behind.

He decided to tread lightly. “Well, if you ever need tips on the best spots to visit, I’m your guy. There’s a bakery a couple of streets over that makes the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever had. They sell out by mid-morning, though, so you’ve got to be quick.”

Megan’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And if you’re ever looking for some quiet,” Scott continued, “there’s a spot on the north side of the island—a little inlet just off the main road. Hardly anyone goes there. It’s great for clearing your head.”

“That sounds lovely,” Megan said, though her tone remained cautious, as if she were wary of accepting too much from him.

Scott studied her for a moment, intrigued by the way she seemed to keep herself at arm’s length. She was polite, even warm at times, but there was a wall there, one she clearly wasn’t ready to lower.

He cleared his throat, leaning forward slightly. “If you ever need anything—directions, recommendations, someone to fix a wobbly chair—I’m happy to help. Seriously.”

“Thanks, Scott,” Megan said, her expression softening just enough to let him see a glimpse of gratitude. “I appreciate that.”

Scott opened his mouth to say more but stopped when Megan glanced at the time on her phone.

“We should get going,” she said, reaching for Ruby’s jacket. “I promised Ruby we’d stop by the park before heading home.”

Scott stood, stepping back to give her space as she bundled Ruby into her coat. “Well, don’t let me keep you. I’ll see you next weekend at Santa’s Village?”

“Bright and early,” Megan replied, lifting Ruby into her arms. “Thanks for the coffee company, Scott.”

“Anytime,” he said, tipping an imaginary hat to Ruby, who giggled and waved as they walked out the door.

Scott watched them go, his coffee untouched on the table. Megan was still a mystery, but he couldn’t deny the pull he felt toward her—and the quiet hope that their paths would continue to cross. Something about her, he realized, made him want to stick around and see what unfolded next.