Page 46 of One Hundred Humbugs

Becket’s heart swelled at her words. He wanted to tell her everything—how she’d changed his life in just a few short weeks. But the moment wasn’t quite right. Instead, he simply said, “Me neither, Ruby. Me neither.”

As the night wore on, they shared stories of past Christmases, laughing at childhood memories and family traditions. Becket’s thoughts drifted to future holidays, envisioning new traditions they might create together here in Aspen Cove. It was late when they decided to turn in for the night. As they stood to head to their room, an urge surged through Becket to hold on to this moment just a little longer.

“Ruby,” he said, his voice soft, “I’m glad you’re here. That we’re here, together.”

Ruby’s eyes shined in the low light. “So am I, Becket. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Ruby.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Ruby stood by the Christmas tree, absently adjusting an ornament as the late morning sun streamed through the windows of Uncle Peter’s old house. Her mind wandered to the events of the previous night, replaying every touch, every kiss, every word. Becket had made love to her with such tenderness, such intensity—as if it might be the last time. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, equal parts thrilling and unsettling.

She closed her eyes, remembering the feel of Becket’s calloused hands on her skin, the gentle brush of his breath against her neck. He’d held her like she was precious, something to be cherished and protected. It had been passionate, yes, but also tinged with a desperation that Ruby couldn’t quite shake.

Was he planning on leaving? The question nagged at her. Becket had only ever been meant to be temporary help, a kind stranger lending a hand with Uncle Peter’s house. When he arrived, the goats had been an unexpected addition, but somewhere along the way, Becket had becomeso much more. He’d become the first person she thought of in the morning and the last person she wanted to see at night. He’d become ... everything.

The back door opened, snapping Ruby out of her reverie. She turned to see Becket stamping snow off his boots, his cheeks flushed from the cold. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of him, even as anxiety gnawed at her stomach.

“How are they doing?” Ruby asked, trying to keep her voice casual despite the tumult of emotions inside her.

Becket’s eyes met hers, his gaze filled with tenderness. “They’re good. Daisy and the kids are settling in nicely. Houdini tried to eat my shoelaces, so everything’s normal there.”

Ruby laughed, the sound easing some of the tension that had been building since they’d woken up in each other’s arms. They hadn’t talked about the deepening of their relationship, both seemingly afraid to disrupt the delicate balance of their growing intimacy.

“I made some fresh coffee,” Ruby said, gesturing towards the kitchen. “Thought we might need it before ... well, before we open gifts.”

Becket nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

As they moved to the kitchen, Ruby studied Becket’s profile. How had this man, who’d started as a stranger, become so essential to her in such a short time? The way he moved with quiet confidence, the gentle strength in his hands as he poured their coffee—it all spoke to a depth of character that drew her in.

They sat at the small table, their eyes meeting over the rims of their mugs. The air between them was charged, filled with unspoken words and new possibilities.Ruby wanted to ask him about his plans, about whether he intended to stay in Aspen Cove or if last night had been a beautiful goodbye. But the words stuck in her throat, fear of the answer holding her back.

“So,” Becket began, his voice a little rough. “Last night was...”

“Yeah,” Ruby agreed, her cheeks warming. “It was.”

They just looked at each other, both searching for the right words. Becket reached across the table, taking Ruby’s hand in his.

“I don’t regret it,” he said, his thumb tracing small circles on her palm. “Not for a second. But I need you to know that I don’t expect anything. If you’re still planning to go back to Chicago...”

Ruby’s heart constricted. Here he was, giving her an out, when what she really wanted was to understand where they stood. She squeezed his hand. “I don’t regret it either,” she said. “And as for Chicago … that feels like another life. I don’t know what the future holds, but right now, I’m here. And I’m happy.”

Becket let out a small breath. “I’m happy you’re here too.”

They finished their coffee in comfortable silence, hands still linked across the table. As they stood to rinse their mugs, Becket’s arm brushed against Ruby’s, sending a jolt of awareness through her. She turned to face him, acutely aware of how close they were standing.

For a heartbeat, it seemed like Becket might kiss her. Ruby’s breath caught in her throat, torn between wanting him to close the distance and needing to understand where they stood. But then the moment passed, and he stepped back.

“Should we ... open presents?” he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Ruby nodded, both disappointed and relieved. “Yes, let’s do that.”

As they moved to the living room where the gifts waited under the tree, Ruby’s mind raced. What did Becket’s gift mean in light of last night? Was it a parting gift or a promise of more to come? And what would her own gift reveal about her feelings, her hopes for the future?

With trembling hands, she reached for the messily wrapped package Becket handed her, her heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of fear. Whatever was inside this package, she knew it had the power to change everything.

Ruby’s fingers trembled as she began to unwrap Becket’s gift. The paper crinkled, the sound unnaturally loud in the quiet room. As she peeled back the last of the wrapping, she revealed a large mason jar filled with folded pieces of colorful paper, accompanied by a basket brimming with local treats.

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