Page 34 of One Hundred Humbugs

Becket’s face lit up, brighter than all the Christmas lights combined. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that made her toes curl. When they parted, both breathless, Ruby laughed, the sound bubbling up with pure joy.“What’s so funny?” Becket asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Just thinking about how much has changed,” Ruby replied, shaking her head in wonder. “I came here dreading every moment, and now ... it’s like this place has worked some kind of Christmas magic on me. On us.”

As the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, Ruby and Becket drove home in comfortable silence. Becket steered the car with one hand while the other rested over Ruby’s, their fingers intertwined. When they reached the driveway, he quickly hopped out and raced around to open her door, ever the gentleman. Ruby stepped out, and their hands naturally found each other again.

The crisp morning air nipped at their cheeks as they strolled toward the house, but warmth spread through Ruby, a glow of contentment settling deep in her chest. The sky had shifted from inky black to a soft lavender, with streaks of pink and gold announcing the coming day. It seemed symbolic somehow, like the dawn of a new chapter in her life.

They climbed onto the porch, and Becket pulled her close, his strong arms encircling her waist. “I can’t wait until everyone sees what we did,” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, the excitement clear in his voice.

Ruby nodded, excitement bubbling in her chest. “Me too...” She turned in his arms, reaching up to cradle his face in her hands. “Thank you for everything. Especially all the kisses.”

“You like my kisses?”

“They’re the best I’ve ever had.”

“Well then,” Becket said, pulling her closer, “we shouldn’t waste a single minute doing anything but kissing.”

Their lips met again, but this time the kiss wasdifferent. Deeper, more urgent. All the emotions of the night—the excitement, the joy, the newfound affection—seemed to pour into it. Ruby’s hands slid into Becket’s hair as he pulled her flush against him, erasing any space between them.

They stumbled through the front door, neither willing to break the kiss. Ruby shrugged out of her coat, letting it fall to the floor with a soft thump. Becket followed suit, his coat joining hers in a heap. Their hands roamed, exploring, as if trying to memorize every curve and plane of each other’s bodies. The sudden heat of the house contrasted sharply with the chill still clinging to their skin, adding to the intensity of their touches.

Ruby’s hands found Becket’s, and she began tugging him towards the bedroom, her intentions clear in her eyes. Becket hesitated, his voice husky with desire but tinged with concern. “Ruby, are you sure about this? About us?”

In response, Ruby pulled him down for another searing kiss. When they parted, she met his gaze, her eyes filled with certainty and want. “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,” she whispered against his lips. “I want you, Becket. All of you.”

They stumbled into the bedroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothing behind them. As they collapsed onto the bed, Ruby marveled at the sensation of Becket’s skin against hers. Each touch, each caress sent electric sparks through her body.

Their lovemaking was both tender and passionate, a perfect reflection of their journey together. Ruby lost herself in the sensation, in the feeling of Becket’s hands on her body, his lips on her skin. She poured all of her emotions into every touch, every kiss, wanting Becket to feel how much he meant to her.

As they moved together, it seemed to Ruby that her heart might burst with the intensity of her feelings. She saw the same emotions reflected in Becket’s eyes—affection, wonder, and a hint of awe, as if he couldn’t quite believe this was real.

Afterwards, they lay tangled together, Ruby’s head resting on Becket’s chest as he traced lazy patterns on her back. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, bathing them in a soft, golden light. Outside, they could hear the town beginning to stir, the distant sounds of early risers discovering their handiwork.

A swell of emotion rose in Ruby’s chest, filling her entire being. She tilted her head up, meeting Becket’s gaze. “You know,” she said, wonder in her voice, “I think I could fall in love with you.”

Becket’s hand stilled, and Ruby held her breath, worried she’d said too much. Then his face broke into a tender smile, his eyes shining with affection. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I think I could fall in love with you too,” he whispered against her skin.

The admission hung in the air between them, full of promise and possibility. It wasn’t a declaration of love, not yet, but it was a step towards something deep and meaningful. Ruby snuggled closer to Becket, feeling safe and cherished in his arms.

As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s embrace, a deep sense of peace settled over Ruby. Her last thought before sleep claimed her was how their mission to carefully replace the decorations of Aspen Cove hadn’t just brightened the town—it had transformed her heart as well.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Becket woke, his arms still wrapped around Ruby’s warm body. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the rumpled sheets. Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, he savored the memories of their passionate morning.

Ruby stirred against him, her eyes fluttering open. A wave of contentment settled over her as she met his gaze. “Good morning,” she said, her voice still husky with sleep.

“I think it might be closer to good afternoon,” Becket glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It read 12:17 PM.

As if on cue, Ruby’s stomach growled loudly, causing them both to burst into laughter.

“I guess that’s what happens when you skip breakfast,” Ruby said, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks.

Becket’s own stomach rumbled in response. “Looks like we worked up quite an appetite,” he said. “What do you say we head to Maisey’s for some much-needed sustenance?”

Ruby stretched languidly, then nodded. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse ... or maybe one of your goats,”she teased.

“Hey now,” Becket said with a smirk. “Those goats are practically family. But Maisey’s pancakes? They’ll make you forget you ever considered livestock.”

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