Page 32 of One Hundred Humbugs

“Sounds like a plan,” he said, already imagining how the town would react. “Just say the word, and I’ll gather supplies and keep the goats occupied.”

Ruby laughed, leaning up to kiss him again, her lips soft and sweet. “It’s a deal. Let’s make Aspen Cove sparkle.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ruby’s fingers trembled with excitement as she signed for the delivery. The truck driver gave her a curious look as she practically bounced on her toes, but she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. The moment he drove away, she turned to Becket, her eyes sparkling.

“They’re here!” she exclaimed, gesturing wildly at all the boxes. “Can you believe it? We did it!”

Becket’s grin matched her own. “I still can’t wrap my head around how fast this all came together,” he said, shaking his head in amazement. “You’re quite the miracle worker, Ruby.”

A stirring rose in Ruby’s chest at his words. It wasn’t just the compliment—it was the way he said her name, like it was something that mattered. She pushed the feeling aside, focusing instead on the task in front of her.

As they unpacked string lights, garlands, wreaths, and an assortment of decorations, Ruby’s mind buzzed with ideas. She pulled out a pair of life-sized nutcrackers, their painted faces grinning up at her. “Oh, these are perfect for Main Street!” she declared.

Becket hoisted a box of light-up reindeer. “And I know just where these can go. The kids will love them.”

Ruby hesitated, her words catching in her throat. “I... I’m just trying to right a wrong,” she admitted.

“The wrong my goats caused,” Becket corrected with a grin. “I should’ve been the one to buy all this.”

“It’s a joint effort,” she insisted. “You’re paying in muscle and patience.”

Ruby thought back to the day she arrived in Aspen Cove—determined to get in and get out, no strings attached. When had that changed? When had this place, these people, started to matter so much?

As the sun set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, a surge of anticipation washed over Ruby. Soon, they’d be embarking on their secret mission to transform Aspen Cove overnight. The fading light cast long shadows across the snow-covered ground, and Ruby was mesmerized by the play of colors on the pristine white surface.

“Let’s get some rest before tonight,” Becket suggested, his hand resting on the small of her back. The touch sent a shiver up her spine.

Ruby nodded, though she doubted she’d be able to sleep a wink. “You’re right. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

A few hours later, under the cover of darkness, they set out. The snow had stopped falling, leaving behind a pristine blanket of white that glittered under the starlight. The night was clear, a canopy of stars twinkling above them like nature’s own Christmas lights. Ruby tilted her head back, marveling at the vast expanse of the night sky. In the city, she’d never seen stars like this, so numerous and bright they seemed close enough to touch.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Becket’s voice was soft beside her. “It’s one of the things I love most about living in the mountains. You feel like you can see the entire universe.”

Ruby nodded, unable to find words to express her awe. Just then, a streak of light flashed across the sky—a shooting star, brilliant and fleeting.

“Oh!” Ruby gasped, instinctively reaching for Becket’s hand. “Did you see that?”

Becket squeezed her hand, his eyes wide with wonder. “I did. Quick, make a wish!”

Ruby closed her eyes, her heart full of the magic of the moment. She didn’t wish for anything specific—how could she, when right now, everything seemed perfect? Instead, she wished for more moments like this, more nights under the stars with Becket by her side.

When she opened her eyes, she found Becket watching her. “What did you wish for?” he asked.

Ruby shook her head, a grin playing on her lips. “Can’t tell you, or it won’t come true. But maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll see another one before the night is over.”

Becket held onto her hand as they walked toward Ruby’s rental car. “Well, I’d say we’re already lucky. But I wouldn’t mind a little extra star magic.”

They approached the car, which was stuffed to the gills with decorations. Ruby laughed at the sight of garlands poking out of windows and a reindeer nose pressed against the back windshield.

“I still can’t believe we managed to fit this much in here,” she said, opening the driver’s side door.

Becket grinned as he squeezed into the passenger seat. “It’s like a Christmas clown car. I half-expect elves to start tumbling out.”

They drove down the empty streets, the car groaningunder its burden. As they began unloading at the start of Main Street, Ruby realized the magnitude of their task.

“We’re going to have to make a few trips back to the house,” she said, her arms full of twinkling lights.

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