One Hundred Humbugs (Aspen Cove #25)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

The usual chorus of bleating that served as his alarm clock was conspicuously absent. Becket blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and peeked out of his tent. A thin blanket of snow covered the ground, transforming Ruby’s yard into a winter wonderland.

“Well, I’ll be,” he muttered, a grin spreading across his face. “Looks like winter decided to show up. Just in time for Christmas.”

His moment of awe was short-lived as he noticed something else: the makeshift pen where his goats should have been was scattered in pieces and he could make out a few hoof prints in the fresh snow. Only Lucy, his heavily pregnant goat, remained, standing still and staring pointedly toward the back fence, as if telling on her more nimble companions.

“Oh no,” Becket groaned, scrambling out of the tent. “No, no, no. This can’t be happening.”

He hurried over to the pen and did a quick headcount. A few of the goats were wandering around the yard, nosing through the snow, but as Becket counted again, his stomach sank—one goat was missing.

“Not again,” he muttered, his eyes following Lucy’s accusatory gaze toward the back fence.

That’s when he spotted it—hoof prints leading to an old barrel he hadn’t noticed before, sitting right next to the fence.

“Houdini,” Becket groaned. “Of course.”

It was obvious what had happened. The naughty goat had used the barrel to clear the fence, leaving Lucy behind to keep watch. Becket sighed, pulling on his boots and bracing himself for the inevitable chase. The tracks disappeared into the snowy landscape beyond the yard.

Without wasting another moment, Becket sprinted towards Ruby’s house, his boots crunching in the snow. He bounded up the porch steps two at a time and knocked on the door with more force than he intended.

A bleary-eyed Ruby answered, her hair a messy nest and her oversized sweater hanging off one shoulder. “Becket? What’s wrong? It’s not even dawn.”

“Houdini’s gone,” Becket blurted. “I need your help to find him before he gets into trouble.”

Ruby’s eyes widened, suddenly alert. “Gone? How? When?”

“Must’ve been during the night,” Becket explained, gesturing to the snowy landscape. “The snow covered his tracks. He could be anywhere by now.”

Ruby bit her lip, worry etching lines across her forehead. “Okay, let me grab my coat. We’ll find him.”

As Ruby hurried to get ready, a wave of gratitude washed over Becket. Here she was, jumping into action without hesitation, even though she hardly knew him or his goats .

“Hey,” Ruby said, reappearing at the door, bundled up in a winter coat. “Alright, Goat Whisperer. Let’s go find your escape artist.”

They set out into the chilly morning, their breath forming little clouds in the air. As they walked towards town, Ruby’s anxiety seemed to grow.

“What if we don’t find him?” she asked. “What if he’s hurt? Or worse, what if he’s destroying someone’s property? Oh god, everyone’s going to hate me. I’m the newcomer who let a destructive goat loose in their town.”

Becket placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry. Houdini’s smart. He’s just looking for a good meal.”

Ruby didn’t look convinced, but she nodded, squaring her shoulders as they entered the main street.

It didn’t take long to spot the trail of destruction. A string of half-eaten garlands led them down the sidewalk.

“Oh no,” Ruby groaned. “This is a disaster.”

They rounded the corner to find Houdini standing triumphantly atop a pyramid of Christmas presents that had been part of the town’s holiday display. The goat was munching on a cardboard star, tinsel draped across his horns like a festive boa.

“Houdini!” Becket yelled. “Get down from there, you troublemaker!”

The goat looked up, regarding them with what could be described as a smug expression. Then, with the agility of a much smaller animal, he leapt from the display and took off down the street.

What followed was a chase through town. Becket and Ruby slipped and slid on icy patches, got tangled in fallen decorations, and apologized profusely to every person they encountered .

“I’m so sorry,” Ruby panted to Katie as they raced past B’s Bakery. “I promise I’ll replace everything!”

Katie, standing in the doorway with a tray of fresh muffins, just laughed. “Don’t worry, honey. This is the most excitement we’ve had since Old Man Jenkins tried to convince everyone he’d seen Bigfoot in his backyard!”

As they turned into Hope Park, they found Houdini engaged in a standoff with Sheriff Cooper. The goat was eyeing the tinsel on the gazebo, while Aiden was trying to lure him with his half-eaten muffin.

“Houdini, no!” Becket called out, just as the goat made a leap for the gazebo.

In a move that would have made any action movie proud, Becket dove forward, arms outstretched. He managed to grab Houdini mid-jump, both of them tumbling onto the ground.

“Gotcha!” Becket yelled.

Ruby rushed over. “Are you okay?”

Becket grinned up at her, snow clinging to his hair and Houdini tucked firmly under his arm. “Never better.” He looked down at the goat. “I’m telling you, Houdini, one more stunt like this and you might find yourself the main ingredient in a goat stew. How does that sound, you tinsel-eating troublemaker?”

Houdini, for his part, merely bleated, seeming entirely unperturbed by the threat or his recent misadventures.

Ruby laughed at the pair of them. “I don’t know, Becket. Looks to me like he’s proud of himself. Might even be planning his next great escape.”

Becket groaned. “Don’t give him any ideas. Next thing you know, he’ll be leaving ransom notes made of chewed-up garland. ”

Ruby laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement. Becket could imagine how ridiculous he must look, covered in snow and tinsel, clutching a disgruntled goat.

As they stood up, brushing off snow and bits of decoration, Sheriff Cooper approached, shaking his head.

“Well, folks,” he said, “I’d say this qualifies as disturbing the peace, but I’m not sure our town bylaws cover renegade goats.”

Ruby’s face fell, the humor of the moment evaporating. “I’m so sorry, Sheriff. This is all my fault. I’ll pay for any damages and?—”

Aiden held up a hand to cut her off, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Relax. No harm done. Haven’t seen this many people out and about since the big Christmas tree burned down last year.”

As if to prove his point, townspeople continued to emerge from their homes and shops, drawn by the excitement. Soon, a small crowd had gathered, all chattering and laughing about Houdini’s adventures.

Ruby looked around in amazement. Instead of the anger and resentment she’d feared, she was met with friendly smiles and easy laughter.

Becket’s hand settled on her shoulder, and she turned to find him smiling, though a hint of surprise lingered in his eyes.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” he said. “I thought for sure Houdini would get us both into trouble.”

“I know,” Ruby said, her guilt weighing on her. “But look at all this damage,” she added, gesturing to the chewed decorations and toppled displays. “I have to make this right.”

Becket squeezed her shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. I’m as surprised as you are but looks like they’re not holding a grudge. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll replace everything,” she announced, her voice carrying over the chatter of the crowd. “All the decorations, the displays, everything. I promise.”

The townspeople turned to look at her, surprise evident on their faces.

“Oh, honey,” Maisey said, her voice gentle. “You don’t have to do that. It’s just a bit of tinsel and cardboard.”

“But I want to,” Ruby insisted. “It’s the least I can do after all this trouble.”

Becket watched her, a mix of admiration and concern deep in his eyes. He knew she didn’t have the means to follow through on her promise, but he couldn’t help admiring her determination to make things right.

As the crowd dispersed, Ruby turned to Becket, her eyes blazing with determination and frustration. “How could you let this happen?” she demanded. “I thought you had these goats under control!”

Becket’s eyebrows shot up. “Let this happen? Ruby, goats aren’t known for their obedience. Houdini’s always been a handful.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have brought him!” she shot back. “Do you have any idea how this makes me look? I’m trying to fit in here, and now I’m the girl who let a destructive goat loose in town!”

Becket’s face hardened. “I didn’t plan for this, you know. And may I remind you, you’re the one who agreed to let me bring the goats in the first place.”

They glared at each other, the tension palpable. Then, as quickly as it had flared up, the anger drained away, leaving them both looking tired and a bit sheepish .

“I’m sorry,” Ruby said. “I know it’s not your fault. I’m just ... I’m overwhelmed.”

Becket’s expression softened. “I know. I’m sorry too. I should have been more careful with Houdini. We’ll figure this out, okay?”

Ruby nodded, offering him a small smile. “Okay.”

As they walked back toward Ruby’s house, Houdini securely leashed this time, Ruby’s mind was clearly working on a plan. She’d go through Uncle Peter’s belongings, see if there was anything valuable that she could sell to fund the replacement decorations. It was a long shot, but it was all she had.

“You know,” Becket said as they approached the house, “I think you might have underestimated this town. They seem to like you, goat chaos and all.”

Ruby paused, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. “Yeah, I’m starting to think I might have underestimated a lot of things about Aspen Cove.”

As they reached the porch, Ruby turned to Becket. “Listen, why don’t you come in for a bit? You must be freezing after all that. I can make us some coffee, and we can start figuring out how to goat-proof the yard.”

Becket hesitated, glancing back at his truck. “I should get the other goats settled...”

“Come on,” Ruby insisted. “Just for a little while. Consider it my way of saying sorry for snapping at you earlier.”

“Alright,” Becket nodded. “Just for a bit. But let me get this guy locked up first.” He turned to Houdini, who was eyeing him with what looked suspiciously like amusement. “Come on, you troublemaker. Time for a timeout.”

A few minutes later, Becket stepped into the house, shaking off snow and removing his damp coat. Something had shifted. This morning’s chaos had been unexpected, embarrassing, and more than a little stressful. But as he watched Ruby in the kitchen making coffee, he had the sense that he might be exactly where he was supposed to be. Glancing out the window at Houdini in his pen, a fond exasperation on his face, Becket looked forward to whatever adventure this strange little town might throw at them next.