One Hundred Humbugs (Aspen Cove #25)

Chapter 18

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.”

They reluctantly disentangled themselves from each other and the warm cocoon of blankets. As they got dressed, their eyes met in brief, playful glances. This thing between them was new and exciting, but it also felt surprisingly comfortable, like coming home.

“Ready to face the day?” he asked, offering his hand to Ruby as they headed for the door.

“As long as there’s food involved, absolutely,” she replied, lacing her fingers through his.

Together, they stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, the events of the morning having deepened their connection in ways neither had anticipated.

The walk to Maisey’s was quick, their growling stomachs spurring them on. As they strolled down Main Street, they admired their handiwork from the night before. The garlands swayed in the breeze, and ornaments caught the winter sun, transforming Aspen Cove into a magical Christmas wonderland.

“It does look magical,” Ruby said, her eyes bright as she took in the scene. “I can’t believe we did all this in one night.”

Becket grinned, giving her hand a squeeze. “We make quite a team, don’t we?”

As they entered Maisey’s, the cheerful tinkling of the bell above the door announced their arrival. The familiar scent of coffee and bacon enveloped them, and Becket noticed Ruby relax beside him. Through the diner’s large front windows, they could see their decorations.

“Well, look who decided to join the land of the living,” Maisey called out from behind the counter, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I was beginning to think you two had hibernated for the winter.”

Becket’s cheeks heated up, and a quick glance at Ruby showed she was blushing too. ‘We, uh, had a late night,’ he mumbled, guiding Ruby to a booth near the window.

“I bet you did,” Maisey winked, following them with menus in hand. “What with all that sneaking around and decorating the town.”

Becket and Ruby exchanged startled looks. “How did you?—”

“Oh, honey,” Maisey said, “in a town this size, news travels faster than you can say ‘Christmas spirit.’ Sheriff Cooper’s security cameras caught you red-handed.”

Becket groaned, burying his face in his hands. “So much for our covert operation.”

“Are we in trouble?” Ruby asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Maisey’s laugh rang out, drawing the attention of the other diners. “Trouble? Darlin’, you two are the talk of the town! Everyone’s buzzing about how this will be the best Christmas Aspen Cove has seen in years.”

Emotion surged through Becket, her words hitting harder than he expected. Beside him, Ruby squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with relief and joy.

They ordered a feast fit for, well, two hungry people who’d skipped breakfast. As they waited for their food, the diner’s door chimed again, and Katie from the bakery bustled in, her cheeks rosy from the cold.

“Oh good, you’re here!” she said, spotting them. She hurried over, practically vibrating with excitement. “I’ve been looking all over for you two. I wanted to thank you for the decorations—they’re absolutely perfect! And I wanted to make sure you’re both ready for the cookie exchange tomorrow night.”

Ruby looked at Becket, a question in her eyes. Becket turned to Katie. “We’ll be there. I’m planning to make my gingerbread cookies. They’re always a hit.”

Katie clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, that’s wonderful! You know, everything’s coming together so nicely for the festival. Doc’s even agreed to dress up as Santa for the tree lighting ceremony. The one thing we’re missing is the reindeer!”

She glanced at her watch and her eyes widened. “Oh, I’ve got to run! I just wanted to say hello and thanks. I’ve got loads of brownie batter to make for tomorrow night. See you both then!”

With a quick wave, Katie hurried out of the diner, the bell chiming again as the door closed behind her.

Their food arrived, and they dug in with gusto. Between bites of syrupy pancakes and crispy bacon, Ruby glanced at Becket. “So, tell me about these gingerbread cookies of yours. Are they that special?”

Becket grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. “Well, if you must know, it’s an old family recipe. Been passed down for generations, and I’ll have you know it’s won the unofficial ‘Best Cookie’ title three years running at my mom’s church social.”

Ruby raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Sounds like I might have some competition then.”

“Oh?” Becket leaned back, crossing his arms. “Planning on dethroning the cookie king, are you?”

She shrugged. “Maybe. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

As they finished their meal, Becket marveled at how natural this all seemed—sharing a meal, teasing each other, making plans for the day. It was as if Ruby had always been a part of his life here in Aspen Cove.

After settling the bill, and enduring more good-natured teasing from Maisey, they headed out.

“We should stop at the Corner Store for the cookie ingredients,” Becket suggested. “I don’t think you have everything we need at your place.”

Ruby nodded in agreement. “Good thinking.”

They made a quick stop at the Corner Store, picking up flour, molasses, and the special blend of spices Becket’s grandmother always used in her gingerbread recipe. As they approached Ruby’s house, bags in hand, Becket’s gaze drifted toward the garage, already thinking ahead to their next task—checking on the goats.

“Let’s put these groceries inside and then check on the goats,” Ruby suggested. “They could use some fresh air.”

After depositing the bags in the kitchen, they headed to the garage. Becket opened the side door, greeted by the soft bleating of the goats.

“Hey there,” he said, giving each a gentle pat. “How about we get you outside for a bit?”

Together, Becket and Ruby led the goats to the backyard. As they watched the animals graze and frolic in the open space, Katie’s words about the missing reindeer echoed in Becket’s mind, sparking an idea.

“Hey,” he said, turning to Ruby with a grin, “what would you say to adding a little extra flair to the tree lighting ceremony?”

She eyed him suspiciously. “What kind of flair are we talking about?”

He gestured toward the goats, who were wandering around aimlessly. “How about some four-legged reindeer stand-ins? ”

Ruby’s eyes widened, then crinkled with laughter. “Are you suggesting we dress up your goats for the ceremony?”

“Why not?” Becket shrugged. “It’ll add to the atmosphere. Plus, I bet the children would love it.”

“You’re crazy,” Ruby said, shaking her head. But her eyes were sparkling with amusement. “But I love it. Let’s do it.”

They spent the next hour selecting the most docile goats and brainstorming costume ideas. In the end, they decided on simple reindeer antlers and red harnesses with jingle bells that they could overnight from Amazon.

“I know we haven’t met Mrs. Brown yet, but we should ask if she’d be willing to knit some scarves for them,” Ruby suggested as they headed back inside. “That would complete the look, you know?”

Becket nodded, feeling a sense of excitement at her enthusiasm. “That’s a great idea. We can stop by her place later this afternoon.”

Back in the kitchen, they started gathering the ingredients for their cookie-baking session. Just as they were about to begin, Ruby’s phone rang. It was Marge. She answered, putting it on speaker so Becket could hear too.

“Ruby, you won’t believe this!” Marge’s excited voice filled the kitchen. “A couple came through town this morning and absolutely fell in love with all the Christmas decorations and the whole holiday atmosphere. They want to buy a winter home here in Aspen Cove, calling it their ‘little piece of Christmas heaven.’”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “That’s wonderful for the town, but what does that have to do with me?”

“Well,” Marge continued, “they want to buy your uncle’s house. They’re ready to make an offer.”

Becket and Ruby exchanged surprised looks. “But they haven’t even seen the house,” Ruby said.

“They don’t care what it looks like, dear,” Marge explained. “They plan to gut the place and rebuild anyway. They just want the location.”

Ruby fell silent, her expression caught between emotions. Becket could see the conflict in her eyes.

“The offer they’re making...” Marge hesitated, then continued, “It’s substantially more than what I would have suggested as a listing price, Ruby. It’s a fantastic deal.”

Ruby nodded, even though Marge couldn’t see her. “I ... I need some time to think about it. Can I let you know tomorrow?”

“Of course. Take your time. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

After they hung up, Ruby leaned against the counter, her face pensive. Becket approached her cautiously.

“Hey,” he said. “Are you okay?”

Ruby looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It’s just ... the money is what I came here for. It would solve so many problems. But the idea of them tearing down Uncle Peter’s house, erasing him ... it hurts more than I expected.”

Becket pulled her into a gentle hug. “I understand. It’s a big decision. You don’t have to make it right now.”

Ruby nodded against his chest. “One day at a time, right?”

“One day at a time,” Becket agreed, holding her close.

They stood in silence, the weight of the unexpected news hanging between them. Emotions swirled in Becket’s chest—concern for Ruby, a selfish hope that she might stay, and guilt for even thinking about his own desires in this moment .

“Time to get started on those cookies,” Becket said, breaking the tension. “Baking always helps me clear my head. Maybe it’ll do the same for you?”

Ruby nodded, seemingly grateful for the distraction. “You’re right. Let’s do it.”

They spent the next few hours in a flurry of measuring, mixing, and playful flour-flicking. Becket showed Ruby the intricacies of his grandmother’s gingerbread recipe, while she introduced him to a few tricks she’d picked up from watching baking shows. The familiar motions of baking seemed to soothe Ruby, and soon they were laughing and joking as they worked.

By the time they had several batches of gingerbread cookies chilling in the fridge, they were both covered in a fine dusting of flour and sugar. The kitchen was warm and fragrant with the scent of spices and molasses.

“I think,” Ruby said, wiping a smear of flour from Becket’s cheek, “that we’d better clean up before we go see Mrs. Brown. We look like we’ve been wrestling in a bakery.”

Becket caught her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her palm. “I don’t know, I think the flour suits you. You look like a Christmas angel.”

Ruby laughed, the sound warming Becket’s heart. It was good to see her happy again after the news from Marge.

After quick showers and changes of clothes, they flipped through the old phone book on Ruby’s counter, scanning the names. Sure enough, there was only one Brown listed. “That must be her,” Ruby said with a nod.

With the address in hand, they headed out to Mrs. Brown’s cozy cottage, ready to make their introduction.

The elderly woman was delighted by their request for goat-sized scarves and immediately set to work, shooing them away with promises to have them ready before the tree lighting the next evening.

As they walked back to Ruby’s place, hand in hand, Ruby said quietly, “You know, I’ve never been so welcomed in a place before. It’s like everyone here genuinely cares.”

Becket squeezed her hand. “That’s Aspen Cove for you. Once you’re here, you’re family.”

She didn’t respond, but he saw something in her eyes—wonder and, perhaps, a touch of longing. He wanted to ask her about the house, about her decision, but he held back. She would talk when she was ready.

They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening decorating the cookies they’d baked earlier, filling the kitchen with laughter and the sweet scent of sugar and spices.