Page 36 of One Hundred Humbugs

“We should stop at the Corner Store for the cookie ingredients,” Becket suggested. “I don’t think you have everything we need at your place.”

Ruby nodded in agreement. “Good thinking.”

They made a quick stop at the Corner Store, picking up flour, molasses, and the special blend of spices Becket’s grandmother always used in her gingerbread recipe. As they approached Ruby’s house, bags in hand, Becket’s gaze drifted toward the garage, already thinking ahead to their next task—checking on the goats.

“Let’s put these groceries inside and then check on the goats,” Ruby suggested. “They could use some fresh air.”

After depositing the bags in the kitchen, they headed to the garage. Becket opened the side door, greeted by the soft bleating of the goats.

“Hey there,” he said, giving each a gentle pat. “How about we get you outside for a bit?”

Together, Becket and Ruby led the goats to the backyard. As they watched the animals graze and frolic in the open space, Katie’s words about the missing reindeer echoed in Becket’s mind, sparking an idea.

“Hey,” he said, turning to Ruby with a grin, “what would you say to adding a little extra flair to the tree lighting ceremony?”

She eyed him suspiciously. “What kind of flair are we talking about?”

He gestured toward the goats, who were wandering around aimlessly. “How about some four-legged reindeer stand-ins?”

Ruby’s eyes widened, then crinkled with laughter. “Are you suggesting we dress up your goats for the ceremony?”

“Why not?” Becket shrugged. “It’ll add to the atmosphere. Plus, I bet the children would love it.”

“You’re crazy,” Ruby said, shaking her head. But her eyes were sparkling with amusement. “But I love it. Let’s do it.”

They spent the next hour selecting the most docile goats and brainstorming costume ideas. In the end, they decided on simple reindeer antlers and red harnesses with jingle bells that they could overnight from Amazon.

“I know we haven’t met Mrs. Brown yet, but we should ask if she’d be willing to knit some scarves for them,” Ruby suggested as they headed back inside. “That would complete the look, you know?”

Becket nodded, feeling a sense of excitement at her enthusiasm. “That’s a great idea. We can stop by her place later this afternoon.”

Back in the kitchen, they started gathering the ingredients for their cookie-baking session. Just as they were about to begin, Ruby’s phone rang. It was Marge. She answered, putting it on speaker so Becket could hear too.

“Ruby, you won’t believe this!” Marge’s excited voice filled the kitchen. “A couple came through town this morning and absolutely fell in love with all the Christmas decorations and the whole holiday atmosphere. They want to buy a winter home here in Aspen Cove, calling it their ‘little piece of Christmas heaven.’”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “That’s wonderful for the town, but what does that have to do with me?”

“Well,” Marge continued, “they want to buy your uncle’s house. They’re readyto make an offer.”

Becket and Ruby exchanged surprised looks. “But they haven’t even seen the house,” Ruby said.

“They don’t care what it looks like, dear,” Marge explained. “They plan to gut the place and rebuild anyway. They just want the location.”

Ruby fell silent, her expression caught between emotions. Becket could see the conflict in her eyes.

“The offer they’re making...” Marge hesitated, then continued, “It’s substantially more than what I would have suggested as a listing price, Ruby. It’s a fantastic deal.”

Ruby nodded, even though Marge couldn’t see her. “I ... I need some time to think about it. Can I let you know tomorrow?”

“Of course. Take your time. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

After they hung up, Ruby leaned against the counter, her face pensive. Becket approached her cautiously.

“Hey,” he said. “Are you okay?”

Ruby looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It’s just ... the money is what I came here for. It would solve so many problems. But the idea of them tearing down Uncle Peter’s house, erasing him ... it hurts more than I expected.”

Becket pulled her into a gentle hug. “I understand. It’s a big decision. You don’t have to make it right now.”

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