Page 45 of One Hundred Humbugs

Ruby laughed, the sound warming Becket more than any fire could. The shared experience of helping Daisy through her delivery had brought them closer, breaking down some of the barriers that had existed between them.

As he moved further into the house, Becket was struck by how different everything looked. In just a few short days, they’d transformed the space. Gone were the piles of Uncle Peter’s eclectic collections. In their place were tasteful decorations and the warm glow of candles. It was home in a way Becket had never experienced before.

“This place looks amazing, Ruby,” he said, taking it all in. “You’ve worked some magic here.”

Ruby beamed, her cheeks flushing at the compliment. “Thanks. I found some of Uncle Peter’s old decorations in the attic. It just seemed right to use them, you know?”

Becket nodded, understanding. He’d grown fond of the old house, just as he’d grown fond of the woman standing before him.

As they prepared a simple Christmas Eve dinner, Becket found himself drawn to Ruby’s every movement. The way she hummed along to the carols, her focused expression while chopping vegetables—it all captivated him. Her presence filled the room, making everything feel just right.

It wasn’t until they were sitting down to eat that therealization hit him like a ton of bricks. Gifts. They hadn’t gotten gifts for each other.

Becket froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. How could he have forgotten something so important? He glanced at Ruby, who was happily eating her meal. She didn’t seem to have realized the oversight.

“Hey, uh, I just remembered,” Becket said, trying to keep his voice casual, “I need to run into town for a bit. Forgot to pick up ... cranberry sauce. For tomorrow’s dinner.”

Ruby looked up, her brow furrowed. “Cranberry sauce? I didn’t know we were having turkey.”

“Oh, well, you know,” Becket fumbled, “it’s good with other things too. Ham. Or ... goat.”

Ruby raised an eyebrow but didn’t question him further. “Alright. If you’re sure. Don’t be too long, though. It’s getting dark.”

Becket nodded, already planning his gift-hunting strategy as he grabbed his coat and headed out the door.

The streets of Aspen Cove were quieter than usual, most folks already settled in for their Christmas Eve celebrations. A moment of panic seized Becket. What could he possibly get for Ruby that would convey how much she’d come to mean to him in such a short time? He didn’t have much money to spend, but he’d use every cent he had left in his account to make her happy.

He ducked into the Corner Store, hoping for inspiration. As he wandered the aisles, his mind raced. What did Ruby like? What would make her eyes light up with that little spark he’d grown to love?

“Looking for something special, son?”

Becket turned to find Doc standing behind himgrinning.

“Doc! I, uh ... yeah. I’m trying to find a gift for Ruby.”

Doc’s smile widened. “Ah, left it to the last minute, did you? Well, let me tell you something about gift-giving. It’s not about how much you spend or how fancy it is. It’s about showing you’ve been paying attention.”

Becket nodded, considering Doc’s words. Paying attention... Suddenly, an idea began to form.

“Thanks, Doc,” he said, clapping the older man on the shoulder. “I think I know just what to do.”

With renewed purpose, Becket set about gathering the items he needed. By the time he left the store, his arms were full of bags and his heart was light with anticipation.

As he walked home, the snow crunching softly under his boots, Becket found himself wondering if Ruby had gotten him a gift. He shook his head. It didn’t matter—she was the gift, and that was more than enough.

When he returned, the house was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. Ruby was curled up on the couch, a mug of hot cocoa in her hands, her gaze fixed on the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.

“You’re back,” she said, smiling up at him. “Did you get your cranberry sauce?”

Becket nodded, setting his bags down out of sight. “Yep, all set for tomorrow.”

He joined Ruby on the couch, and they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the crackle of the fire and the soft strains of “Silent Night” playing on the record player.

“You know,” Ruby said after a while, “I never thought I’d be spending Christmas like this. In a small town, in my uncle’s old house, with...” She trailed off, her cheeks flushing.

“With a goat farmer?” Becket supplied, grinning.

Ruby laughed, the sound warming Becket more thanany fire could. “Yeah, with a goat farmer. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

---