Page 44 of One Hundred Humbugs

“Ruby,” Becket said, his voice low and intense. “Last night, at the tree lighting ... seeing you there, with everyone ... it was right. Like you belonged.”

Ruby’s heart soared and sank simultaneously. She knew what he was saying, what he was asking without asking. Part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind, to tell him that yes, it did feel right, that she could see herself belonging here in Aspen Cove—with him. The thought of waking up every morning to this—to the goats, to the snow-covered fields, to Becket—was intoxicatingly appealing.

But the practical part of her, the part that had built a life and career in Chicago, held her back. The thought of her apartment, her job, her friends back in the city flashed through her mind. Could she leave all that behind for this new life that, while beautiful, was still so unfamiliar?

“Becket, I ... I don’t know what to say. This place, these past few weeks ... it’s all been like a dream. But I have a life back in Chicago. Responsibilities. I can’t just...”

She trailed off, seeing the hope in Becket’s eyes dim. It broke her heart a little, but she couldn’t bring herself to make promises she wasn’t sure she could keep. The weight of the decision pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.

Becket nodded, stepping back, and the absence of his presence was immediate. “I get it. I don’t want to put you onthe spot. But just so you know ... this place, this town—it’s already made room for you, if you want to be a part of it.”

The sincerity in his voice made Ruby’s chest ache. She opened her mouth to respond, though she wasn’t sure what she was going to say, when a distressed bleat from Daisy’s pen caught their attention.

They turned to see the pregnant goat pacing restlessly, occasionally pawing at the ground. Daisy’s discomfort was evident, and concern welled up in Ruby for the animal she’d grown so fond of.

“Is she okay?” Ruby asked, concern momentarily overriding the emotional tension of the moment.

Becket moved to Daisy’s side, his practiced hands running along her swollen belly. His face showed both concentration and excitement as he examined the goat. “I think,” he said, his voice full of excitement, “we might be about to welcome a new Shepherd baby.”

Ruby’s eyes widened, her heart rate picking up. “You mean she’s in labor? Now? What do we do?”

Becket turned to her, his earlier vulnerability replaced by a calm determination. There was a steadiness to him in this moment that Ruby found incredibly reassuring. “First, we make her comfortable. Then, we wait. Nature usually takes its course, but we’ll be here if she needs us.” He paused, then added, “That is if you want to stay and help. I know it wasn’t in your plans for today...”

Ruby didn’t hesitate. Despite her uncertainties about the future, despite the weight of the decisions looming over her, she knew with absolute certainty that there was nowhere else she’d rather be right now. “Of course I’ll stay. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

As they set about preparing for Daisy’s impendingdelivery, a sense of rightness settled over Ruby. The uncertainty about her future, the pull between Chicago and Aspen Cove, faded into the background.

They worked together seamlessly, Becket guiding her through the process of preparing for the birth. Ruby admired his knowledge and gentle handling of Daisy. She fetched clean towels, helped spread fresh straw, and stood by, ready to assist in any way she could.

The hours ticked by, marked by Daisy’s increasing discomfort and their quiet words of encouragement. Ruby whispered soothing words to the goat, her hand stroking Daisy’s side. She was surprised by how invested she was, how much she cared about this animal and the little life about to enter the world.

As Daisy’s labor progressed, Ruby stood shoulder to shoulder with Becket, ready to face whatever came next—together. In that moment, surrounded by the coziness of the garage and the gentle sounds of the goats, Ruby realized that sometimes, the most unexpected detours in life could lead to the most beautiful destinations.

The day stretched ahead of them, full of promise and possibility. And as they waited for a new life to enter the world, Ruby sensed that something new was beginning for her as well. Whatever the future held, whatever decisions lay ahead, she knew that this moment, this experience, would stay with her forever.

As evening approached, Daisy surprisingly gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl. Ruby and Becket watched the newborn goats enter the world with wonder.

“We should name them,” Becket said.

Ruby nodded. “I have an idea. How about Baguette for the girl?”

“Baguette,” Becket repeated, chuckling. “I like it. Then let’s call the boy Crouton.”

“Perfect,” Ruby agreed. “Baguette and Crouton.”

They watched as Baguette and Crouton snuggled up to Daisy, beginning their new life together.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the snow-covered yard as Becket finished checking on the goats. It had been a whirlwind few days since Daisy had given birth to twins on that eventful morning. The newest additions to their little herd were now settled in the makeshift pen Becket and Ruby had constructed in the garage, allowing them to keep a closer eye on the newborns.

Christmas Eve had arrived, and the air was filled with a sense of anticipation. As Becket made his way back to the house, he paused to take in the sight before him. Ruby’s uncle’s old place, once a cluttered mess, now looked warm and inviting with twinkling lights adorning the porch and a wreath hanging on the door—all put up in a flurry of activity between caring for Daisy and her kids.

Inside, the house was alive with the sounds and scents of Christmas. Ruby had found an old record player and was playing classic carols as she put the finishing touches on their hastily but lovingly arranged decorations. The scent of pine from their freshly cut tree filled the room, while fainttraces of gingerbread lingered from the cookies they’d baked a few days ago for the exchange.

“Hey there, Goat Whisperer,” Ruby called out asBecket stamped the snow off his boots. “Everything okay with our four-legged friends?”

Becket nodded, hanging up his coat. “All good. Daisy and the twins are settling in nicely. Who would’ve thought we’d be goat grandparents before Christmas?”

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