Chapter 5

Chapter Five

T he smell of soup simmering on the stove filled the bungalow, a warm and inviting blend of herbs, vegetables, and a hint of garlic. Megan set the last bowl on the small kitchen table, adjusting it slightly to make room for the small loaf of bread Miss Doris had promised to bring. Ruby sat on the floor nearby, humming to herself as she stacked brightly colored blocks into a precarious tower.

“Careful, sweetheart,” Megan said, glancing over her shoulder.

Ruby grinned up at her, her curls bouncing as she tilted her head to examine her masterpiece. “It won’t fall, Mama.”

Megan chuckled softly, brushing her hands on the front of her jeans before giving the table a final once-over. She’d been looking forward to this lunch all week. Miss Doris had done so much for her and Ruby since they’d arrived on Palmar Island, from babysitting to introducing Megan to half the town, and now that Megan finally had a little breathing room, she wanted to show her appreciation.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Megan wiped her hands one last time and opened it to find Miss Doris standing there, a warm smile on her face and a small loaf of bread tucked under one arm.

“I thought this might go nicely with your soup,” Miss Doris said, handing over the neatly wrapped loaf.

“Perfect timing,” Megan replied, stepping aside to let her in. “It’s just coming off the stove.”

Miss Doris walked in, pausing to pat Ruby on the head as the little girl glanced up from her tower. “Well, don’t you look busy, Ruby?”

“I’m building a castle,” Ruby declared proudly, motioning to the teetering stack of blocks.

Miss Doris chuckled. “It’s a very fine castle. Fit for a princess, I’d say.”

Ruby beamed at the praise before returning her focus to the blocks. Megan set the bread on the counter and gestured toward the table. “Go ahead and sit. I’ll grab the soup.”

A few minutes later, the two women sat across from each other, bowls of steaming soup between them, the loaf of bread sliced and arranged on a small plate. Ruby had been persuaded to join them at the table with the promise of crackers shaped like fish, and she sat in her booster seat, happily crunching away as she occasionally peeked at the castle she’d abandoned.

“This smells wonderful,” Miss Doris said, dipping a piece of bread into her soup.

“Thanks,” Megan replied, taking a sip of her own. “It’s my go-to recipe when I’m trying to make something out of nothing. Grocery shopping’s been... strategic lately.”

Miss Doris’s gaze softened, but she didn’t push. Instead, she nodded appreciatively. “Well, it tastes like home, and that’s what matters.”

They ate in companionable silence for a few moments before Miss Doris set down her spoon and looked at Megan. “So,” she began, her voice warm but curious, “how are you settling in? Really?”

Megan paused, the question catching her off guard. She glanced at Ruby, who was now carefully lining up her crackers along the edge of her plate.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Megan admitted, setting down her spoon. “The job’s good, and Ruby seems happy. But I don’t know. I’m still trying to figure everything out. Some days it feels like I’m holding it all together with duct tape.”

Miss Doris nodded knowingly, her hands folded in front of her. “It’s a big change, moving somewhere new, starting over. But you’re doing it, and that’s something to be proud of.”

“Thanks,” Megan said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It helps that Ruby’s adjusting so well. She loves the island.”

“And she loves Santa,” Miss Doris added, her smile turning mischievous.

Megan couldn’t help but laugh. “She does. She’s convinced he’s the real deal.”

Miss Doris’s expression turned thoughtful. “And what about Scott? How’s it been working with him?”

Megan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she ducked her head, focusing intently on her soup. “He’s fine. Great with the kids. He’s got the Santa thing down to an art.”

Miss Doris arched a brow. “That’s not what I asked, dear.”

Megan sighed, leaning back in her chair. “I’m not... I can’t even think about something like that. Danny hasn’t been gone that long. And even if he had...” She shook her head, letting the sentence hang unfinished.

Miss Doris reached across the table, her touch light and reassuring. “You’ve been through a lot, Megan, but life doesn’t stop. It’s okay to let yourself think about the future. And Ruby seems to adore Scott.”

Megan scoffed, gesturing toward her daughter, who was now holding her stuffed bear and flipping through a picture book she’d pulled from the shelf. “Ruby adores Santa. And Scott just happens to play him. Any kid would love Santa.”

Miss Doris chuckled, retreating her hand but not her knowing smile. “You can tell yourself that all you like, but there’s more to him than just the suit. And I think you see that too.”

Megan opened her mouth to protest but closed it again, unsure of what to say. She knew Miss Doris meant well, but the thought of opening herself up to anything—especially when she was still figuring out how to rebuild her life—felt impossible.

Miss Doris didn’t press further, instead turning the conversation to lighter topics. She asked Ruby about her castle, laughing as the little girl explained her plan to add a moat “so the monsters can’t get in.”

By the time the meal was over, the tension in Megan’s chest had eased slightly. Miss Doris helped clear the table while Ruby returned to her castle, humming to herself.

As Megan wrapped up the leftovers and stacked the plates in the sink, Miss Doris rested a hand on her shoulder.

Miss Doris patted Megan’s shoulder one last time, her eyes warm and steady. “You’re doing a great job, Megan. Don’t be afraid to let the good things in, even if they surprise you.”

Megan managed a small smile, watching Miss Doris move to the sink to help with the dishes. The older woman’s words hung in the air, filling the small kitchen with a sense of quiet reassurance. Megan glanced at Ruby, who was still happily humming and stacking blocks on the floor.

Good things.

She thought of Ruby’s laughter at Santa’s Village, the way the island’s small community had embraced them, and even Scott’s easygoing encouragement when she’d been ready to collapse under the jingling chaos of her first weekend as an elf. She still didn’t know if this was the life she wanted, but for now, it was the life she had—and maybe that was enough.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Miss Doris’s chuckle. The older woman pulled a phone from her purse and tapped the screen a few times. “Speaking of good things,” Miss Doris said, her eyes sparkling mischievously, “you’ve got to see this.”

Megan leaned closer, and her lips parted in surprise. The photo was of Scott, dressed as Santa, standing beside Cupid the reindeer at last year’s Christmas Market. His arm rested on the sleigh, his other hand scratching Cupid behind the ears. But it wasn’t the festive scene that caught her attention—it was the ease and warmth in his expression, his laughter practically radiating through the screen.

“Does this look like just any Santa to you?” Miss Doris teased, raising an eyebrow.

Megan rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “It’s a great photo,” she admitted, handing the phone back.

Miss Doris smirked knowingly, but Megan quickly changed the subject, reaching for the leftover bread to wrap it up. “Anyway, I’ve been meaning to go to the DMV to update my license. Just trying to figure out when.”

Miss Doris slipped her phone back into her purse, her tone turning practical. “Why not tomorrow morning? Get it out of the way.”

“I’d love to, but dragging Ruby to the DMV doesn’t sound like a great idea,” Megan replied, glancing at her daughter, who was now stacking her crackers on top of the blocks in her castle.

Miss Doris waved a hand dismissively. “Leave Ruby with me for an hour or two. No child should have to endure the DMV—it’s practically a crime.”

Megan hesitated, biting her lip. “Are you sure? You’ve already done so much, especially with the weekends.”

Miss Doris’s smile faltered slightly, but her eyes remained kind. “Megan, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Let me lighten the load where I can. A couple of hours is no trouble at all.”

Megan sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing as she nodded. “Okay. But only if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” Miss Doris said firmly. “And besides, Ruby and I have important cookie experiments to conduct. Right, Ruby?”

Ruby looked up, her face lighting up. “Cookies?”

“See?” Miss Doris said with a laugh. “I’ve got a very willing assistant. It’s settled.”

Megan chuckled softly, the warmth in Miss Doris’s words settling over her like a blanket. For the first time in what felt like months, she allowed herself to feel a little less alone.

“Thank you,” Megan said quietly, meeting Miss Doris’s gaze.

“Always, dear,” Miss Doris replied, her voice gentle but steady. “That’s what neighbors are for.”

As Miss Doris rose to leave, Megan walked her to the door, Ruby trailing behind with Mr. Bear in hand. Megan waved goodbye, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

She turned back to the cozy bungalow, the smell of soup still lingering in the air, and smiled as Ruby began rebuilding her castle. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to fall into place.

The wheels of the shopping cart squeaked faintly as Megan pushed it down the aisle, one hand clutching her phone with her grocery list while the other kept Ruby entertained. Her daughter sat in the cart’s seat, swinging her legs and happily munching on a handful of crackers Megan had packed.

“Mama, can we get the bunny cereal?” Ruby asked, pointing at a brightly colored box on the shelf.

“We’ll see,” Megan said distractedly, scanning her list. She frowned as she tried to mentally calculate what was left in her grocery budget. Milk, bread, pasta and, of course, coffee. Coffee was non-negotiable.

Ruby giggled and shook her snack bag, scattering a few crumbs in the process. “Mr. Bear wants bunny cereal too.”

“Well, Mr. Bear might have to wait until next time,” Megan said, glancing down at her daughter with a smile. She reached over to adjust Ruby’s scarf, which was slipping off her shoulders, and gently brushed a crumb off her cheek.

Ruby’s giggle faded into a pout as she hugged Mr. Bear tighter. “But bunnies are my favorite,” she said, her voice small and pleading.

Megan sighed, glancing at the brightly colored box of cereal Ruby was eyeing like it held all the magic in the world. “Okay,” she said finally, grabbing the box and handing it to her. “But only because Mr. Bear asked so nicely.”

Ruby’s pout vanished instantly, replaced with a triumphant grin. “Thank you, Mama!”

“You’re welcome,” Megan said, pulling the box of granola she’d grabbed earlier out of the cart and placing it back on the shelf. She was pretty sure she had half a container of plain oatmeal left in the pantry. It would do.

Ruby didn’t notice the swap, too busy clutching the bunny cereal like it was a prized trophy. Megan shook her head with a soft smile. At least someone was winning today.

Rounding the corner into the cereal aisle, Megan barely had time to register the figure coming from the opposite direction before their paths converged. She halted abruptly, nearly colliding with a familiar face.

“Whoa!” Scott said, steadying the basket in his hands as he stopped just short of bumping into her cart.

“Sorry!” Megan exclaimed, gripping the cart’s handle tightly as she took a step back.

Scott’s grin was instant and warm. “Hey, Elf Megan!” he teased, his blue eyes sparkling as he balanced his basket.

Megan groaned, though a smile tugged at her lips. “You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Scott replied, leaning slightly to peer around her at Ruby.

Ruby’s face lit up as she waved enthusiastically. “Hi, Santa!”

Scott chuckled, crouching slightly to get on her level. “Hi there, Ruby! What’s this? Crackers? No cookies for Santa today?”

Ruby shook her head, giggling. “Mama says crackers first.”

“Smart choice,” Scott said, straightening with a wink at Megan. “Keeps the sugar rush under control.”

Megan rolled her eyes playfully, gripping the cart handle tighter to keep her focus. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be off polishing the sleigh or something?”

“Even Santa needs groceries,” Scott said, holding up his basket. “Besides, I have to stock up for the weekend. Those long hours at Santa’s Village take a lot out of a guy.”

Megan glanced at his basket and smirked. “Frozen pizzas and orange juice? A balanced diet, I see.”

Scott laughed, the sound rich and unselfconscious. “You caught me. I’m no chef, that’s for sure.”

Ruby, still clutching her crackers, pointed at Scott’s basket. “Do you like pizza, Santa?”

“I love pizza,” Scott replied earnestly. “Especially with lots of cheese.”

Ruby nodded solemnly, clearly approving of his choice.

Megan couldn’t help smiling at their exchange, even as she tried to remind herself to keep a polite distance. But Scott’s easy humor and the way Ruby gravitated toward him made it hard not to relax.

She glanced at her list again, the cereal aisle momentarily forgotten. “Well, don’t let us hold you up. I’m sure you have important Santa business to attend to.”

Scott’s grin widened, his tone teasing. “You’re not trying to get rid of me, are you?”

Megan shook her head, the faintest laugh escaping. “I’d never dream of it.”

Scott looked like he was about to say more, but Ruby interrupted by holding up a box of cereal from the cart. “Santa, do you like bunny cereal?”

Megan groaned inwardly, wondering how this shopping trip had turned into an impromptu Santa Q&A session. Scott didn’t seem to mind, though.

“I think bunny cereal sounds awesome,” he said, leaning toward Ruby conspiratorially. “Do you think it gives you bunny ears if you eat enough of it?”

Ruby giggled loudly, delighted at the idea.

Megan shook her head, smiling despite herself. This man really did have a knack for making everything feel a little lighter.

Scott leaned casually against the edge of the cart, clearly in no hurry to move on. Megan glanced at Ruby, who was now bouncing slightly in her seat, holding the cereal box like it was treasure. She sighed, knowing the conversation wasn’t quite over yet.

“Do you two come here often?” Scott asked, his tone light but genuinely curious.

“Pretty much weekly,” Megan said, shrugging. “When you’ve got a young child, running out of snacks is practically a disaster.”

Scott chuckled, nodding in agreement. “I can imagine. Ruby seems pretty easygoing, though.”

“She is,” Megan said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “But between work and trying to get everything else in order, it’s been a balancing act. Childcare’s been the tricky part. Miss Doris has been wonderful, but I don’t want to wear her out.”

Scott’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing slightly. “Miss Doris won’t say it, but she’s not exactly a spring chicken anymore. She’ll do anything for you and Ruby, but even she has her limits.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Megan admitted. “She’s been such a big help, but I can tell it’s starting to be a lot for her. I’ve been looking for other options, but... well, it’s hard to find someone you can trust.”

Scott’s face brightened suddenly, and he straightened. “Have you met my neighbor, Gertrude?”

Megan furrowed her brow, shaking her head. “I don’t think so. Why?”

“She’s in her early sixties, retired, but loves being around kids,” Scott explained. “She used to run a preschool before she moved here, and now she watches her grandkids whenever they visit. She’s been talking about wanting to help out more, especially since her grandchildren aren’t here as often these days.”

Megan hesitated, her eyes drifting to Ruby, who was now engrossed in the cartoon bunny on the cereal box. “I don’t know,” she said slowly. “I’d feel bad asking a stranger to watch her.”

“Gertrude’s not a stranger,” Scott said, his encouraging smile making the idea seem less daunting. “She’s lived here long enough to know everyone, and she’s genuinely good with kids. Ask Miss Doris about her if you’re unsure. They’ve been in the same church group for years.”

Megan laughed softly despite herself. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a babysitter who probably knows my entire life story before I even introduce myself.”

Scott grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Fair point. But I promise, she’s not nosy like that. She’s good people. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to introduce you. No pressure, but it might be worth meeting her.”

Megan chewed her lip, weighing the offer. The thought of handing Ruby over to someone she didn’t know was still daunting, but the idea of easing Miss Doris’s load—and her own—was tempting.

“Maybe,” she said finally, her voice soft. “I’d at least like to meet her first, see how Ruby feels about her.”

“Of course,” Scott said, nodding. “I’ll talk to her and set something up. She’ll be thrilled, I’m sure.”

Megan offered a tentative smile, feeling the smallest flicker of relief break through her guardedness. “Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” he said, his tone light but sincere. “You’re not in this alone, you know. People here look out for each other.”

His words lingered as they parted ways. Scott gave Ruby a quick wave before heading down the aisle, his basket swinging by his side.

Megan pushed the cart forward, her thoughts swirling. Trusting others had never come easily, especially lately. But for the first time since moving to Palmar Island, the idea didn’t feel quite so impossible. Maybe, just maybe, this place had more to offer than she’d dared to hope.