Page 43 of One Hundred Humbugs

Becket watched Ruby closely, hoping she was starting to see what Maisey meant. He could feel that sense of rightness again, that feeling like he was where he was supposed to be. And maybe Ruby was feeling it too, he thought, as she laughed at Houdini’s continued attempts to steal a cookie.

Tonight was going to be special. He could feel it in the air.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ruby gazed out at the snow-covered landscape, still marveling at the transformation Aspen Cove had undergone overnight. A fresh blanket of snow had turned the world into a glittering wonderland, so different from the city views she was accustomed to.

As she sipped her coffee, her mind wandered back to the previous evening’s cookie sharing and tree lighting ceremony. The town square had been magical, with twinkling lights strung between buildings and a massive Christmas tree as the centerpiece. But what had taken her breath away was the sense of community, the way everyone had come together to celebrate.

“I still can’t get over how amazing last night was,” Ruby said, turning to Becket who was busy at the stove, the sizzle and aroma of bacon filling the air. “When Doc came out dressed as Santa, I couldn’t believe it. For a minute there, I thought he was the real deal.”

Becket’s eyes lit up, crinkling at the corners in a way that made Ruby’s stomach somersault. “I was surprised too.He got into character—that beard looked like he’d been growing it all year!”

Ruby remembered how the children had gathered around Doc, their eyes wide with wonder. His belly might have been padded, but there was nothing fake about the twinkle in his eye or the heartiness of his “Ho ho ho!”

The costume had been impeccable from the rich red suit trimmed with white fur to the gleaming black boots.

“And his speech,” Ruby continued, warming her hands on her mug. “It wasn’t what I expected at all. No talk about shopping or gifts, just community and kindness. It was beautiful.”

Becket nodded, his expression softening as he placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of her. “Doc seems to have a way of cutting right to the heart of things.”

Ruby recalled Doc’s words, how he’d spoken about the true spirit of Christmas being found in acts of kindness and the bonds of community. His voice, warm and gravelly, had carried across the square, holding everyone spellbound. A longing for connection stirred within her, one she hadn’t even realized she’d been missing.

As they ate their late breakfast, Ruby was reluctant to break the comfortable quiet that had settled between them. There was something so peaceful about these moments with Becket, something that made her feel grounded and content in a way she’d rarely experienced before. But the increasingly insistent bleating from outside reminded her of their responsibilities.

“Sounds like the goats are getting impatient,” she said, standing up and gathering their plates. “Shall we go check on our little troublemakers?”

Becket rose to join her. “Let’s see how they’re faring after their big debut last night.”

Walking to the garage, Ruby smiled at the memory of the goats all dressed up for the ceremony. Their bells had jingled with each step as they trotted alongside, drawing delighted laughter from everyone in the square.

“I still can’t believe how well-behaved Houdini was last night,” Ruby said as they entered the garage, the familiar scent of hay and animals enveloping them. “Well, aside from trying to eat those cookies.”

Becket shook his head, amused. “I think Houdini was too busy basking in all the attention to cause his usual mischief last night. Though I did catch him eyeing the tinsel on the tree a few times.”

As if on cue, Houdini trotted over from the corner where he’d been resting, making a beeline for Ruby. She knelt down on the concrete floor, scratching behind his ears as he nuzzled against her. His fur was soft under her fingers, and she was surprised by how attached she’d grown to these animals. Just a few weeks ago, she’d never even been close to a goat. Now, she couldn’t imagine starting her day without their greetings.

“Good morning to you too, you little rascal,” she cooed. Houdini bleated in response, pushing his head further into her hand. Ruby laughed, the sound echoing in the garage. “I think someone’s fishing for treats.”

Becket appeared beside her, a small bag of goat-friendly treats in hand. “Well, I suppose he did earn it. Just don’t tell the others, or we’ll never hear the end of it.”

As they went about their morning routine, feeding the goats and refreshing their water, Ruby marveled at how natural it all seemed. The rhythm of this life, so foreign to her not long ago, now brought her comfort and a sense of rightness. The methodical tasks, the scent of hay they’d spread on the garage floor, the satisfied munchingof the goats—it all combined to create a sense of peace she’d never known in her fast-paced city life.

She watched Becket as he walked around the garage, his movements sure and practiced. There was a grace to the way he worked, a confidence born of years of experience and genuine care for the animals. He paused near Daisy.

“How’s she doing?” Ruby asked, coming to stand beside him. She peered over at Daisy, who was lying down, her sides visibly swollen with her pregnancy.

Becket ran a gentle hand along Daisy’s side. “Getting close, I think. Might be any day now.”

Ruby’s stomach fluttered with excitement mixed with nervousness. The idea of witnessing the birth was both thrilling and a little daunting. “I hope I’m still here when it happens. I’d love to see her baby.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, an unease settled in her chest. The reminder of her temporary status in Aspen Cove hung in the air between them. She noticed Becket’s shoulders tense, and she wished she could take the words back. The reality of her situation—the life waiting for her back in Chicago, the decisions she had yet to make—came crashing back, shattering the peaceful bubble of the morning.

“Becket, I—” she began, but was cut off by a loud bleat from Sir Chomps-a-Lot, who had managed to get his head stuck in a feed bucket.

The tension broken, they rushed to free the goat, laughing as they worked to wiggle the bucket off his head. As Ruby held Sir Chomps-a-Lot still, Becket’s hands brushed against hers, sending a shiver up her arm that had nothing to do with the garage’s chill. She became acutely aware of his proximity, of the energy radiating from him,and of the way his brow furrowed in concentration as he maneuvered the bucket.

With the crisis averted, Ruby suddenly realized how close they were standing. She could see the flecks of gold in Becket’s eyes, could count each of his eyelashes if she wanted to. Her heart raced, and she found herself holding her breath, though she wasn’t sure what she was waiting for.

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