Page 39 of One Hundred Humbugs

Ruby managed a weak smile as she slid onto a stool at the counter. “I needed a break. Some time to think.”

Maisey’s expression softened. She poured a cup of coffee and placed it in front of Ruby without being asked. “When Marge came by for coffee this morning, she told me about the offer on the house. That’s quite a decision you’ve got in front of you.”

Ruby wrapped her hands around the warm mug, grateful for its comforting heat. Marge sure got around—nothing stayed quiet for long in this town. “I don’t know what to do, Maisey. The money would solve so many problems, but...”

“But you’re not sure if it’s worth giving up everything else,” Maisey finished for her.

Ruby nodded, surprised at how easily Maisey had read her thoughts. “Is it crazy to even hesitate? I mean, this is what I came here for. To sell the house and go back to my life in Chicago.”

Maisey leaned on the counter, her eyes filled with understanding. “You know, Ruby, your situation reminds me of something I went through years ago. Mind if I share a little story?”

Ruby took a sip of her coffee, settling in to listen.

“It was about thirty years ago,” Maisey began. “I was a single mom, struggling to make ends meet in the city. I came back to Aspen Cove because I had nowhere else to go. This diner was up for sale, and I knew it could be a fresh start for me and my son, Dalton, but I didn’t have two pennies to rub together.”

Ruby leaned forward, intrigued.

“That’s when Doc stepped in,” Maisey continued. “He loaned me the money to buy this place. Said he believed in me, and that Aspen Cove needed a good diner. It wasn’t easy at first, juggling a new business and a young kid, but the town rallied around us. They became our family.”

Maisey paused, refilling Ruby’s coffee cup before continuing. “I had to make a choice back then—between the life I thought I wanted in the city and the one waiting for me here. Not just the diner, but the kind of life I wanted for myself and my son.”

Ruby nodded, her chest tightening. “I never thought I’d feel so torn about this. When I first got here, all I wanted was to sell the house and leave. But now...”

“Now you’ve gotten a taste of what Aspen Cove has to offer,” Maisey finished for her. “The sense of community, the way everyone looks out for each other. Not to mention a certain handsome goat farmer.”

Ruby’s cheeks flushed at the mention of Becket. “He’s part of it too,” she admitted. “I can’t imagine not having him in my life now.”

Maisey reached out and patted Ruby’s hand. “Listen, honey. You need to figure out what kind of life you’re looking for. If it’s fast-paced city living you want, then maybe Aspen Cove isn’t the place for you. But if it’s a lifewith that goat herder of yours, well ... I’m sure the city isn’t too keen on having goats roaming around.”

Ruby laughed at that, picturing Houdini trying to navigate a Chicago sidewalk.

“There’s no right or wrong answer here,” Maisey continued. “You’ve got to do what feels right for you. But don’t make this decision based solely on the money. Consider what you’d be gaining or giving up, too.”

Ruby took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave her body. “Thank you, Maisey. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

As Ruby stood to leave, Maisey called out, “Whatever you decide, we’ll understand, and we’ll be here for you.”

The words warmed Ruby’s heart as she stepped back out into the cold night air. Her mind was still swirling with thoughts, but now there was a glimmer of clarity among the confusion.

She made her way back to Uncle Peter’s house, her steps slow and thoughtful. The was a sense of togetherness and community that seemed to permeate every corner of Aspen Cove. She thought about Becket, about the goats, about the unexpected joy she’d found here.

By the time Ruby reached the front porch, she knew she wasn’t ready to decide yet. There was still so much to consider, so much she wasn’t sure about. But for the first time since receiving the offer, she finally had the space to truly weigh her options.

As she opened the door, the scent of gingerbread enveloped her. Becket looked up from his icing work.

“Hey,” he said. “Feeling better?”

Ruby nodded, moving to stand beside him at the kitchen counter. “A little. I’ve got a lot to think about, but talking to Katie and Maisey helped.”

Becket’s eyes searched hers, concern evident in his expression. “Yeah? Want to talk about it?”

Ruby shook her head. “Not just yet. I think I need to let things settle a bit first. But thank you. For being here, for understanding.”

Becket nodded, respecting her need for space. “Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to listen.”

Ruby leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. “I know. Now, how about you teach me the secret to your award-winning gingerbread decorating?”

As they worked side by side, laughing and teasing each other, some of the weight lifted from Ruby’s shoulders. She knew she had a big decision ahead of her, but for now, she was content to live in the moment. The future, with all its uncertainties and possibilities, could wait until tomorrow.

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