One Hundred Humbugs (Aspen Cove #25)

Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ruby gazed out at the snow-covered landscape, still marveling at the transformation Aspen Cove had undergone overnight. A fresh blanket of snow had turned the world into a glittering wonderland, so different from the city views she was accustomed to.

As she sipped her coffee, her mind wandered back to the previous evening’s cookie sharing and tree lighting ceremony. The town square had been magical, with twinkling lights strung between buildings and a massive Christmas tree as the centerpiece. But what had taken her breath away was the sense of community, the way everyone had come together to celebrate.

“I still can’t get over how amazing last night was,” Ruby said, turning to Becket who was busy at the stove, the sizzle and aroma of bacon filling the air. “When Doc came out dressed as Santa, I couldn’t believe it. For a minute there, I thought he was the real deal.”

Becket’s eyes lit up, crinkling at the corners in a way that made Ruby’s stomach somersault. “I was surprised too. He got into character—that beard looked like he’d been growing it all year!”

Ruby remembered how the children had gathered around Doc, their eyes wide with wonder. His belly might have been padded, but there was nothing fake about the twinkle in his eye or the heartiness of his “Ho ho ho!”

The costume had been impeccable from the rich red suit trimmed with white fur to the gleaming black boots.

“And his speech,” Ruby continued, warming her hands on her mug. “It wasn’t what I expected at all. No talk about shopping or gifts, just community and kindness. It was beautiful.”

Becket nodded, his expression softening as he placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of her. “Doc seems to have a way of cutting right to the heart of things.”

Ruby recalled Doc’s words, how he’d spoken about the true spirit of Christmas being found in acts of kindness and the bonds of community. His voice, warm and gravelly, had carried across the square, holding everyone spellbound. A longing for connection stirred within her, one she hadn’t even realized she’d been missing.

As they ate their late breakfast, Ruby was reluctant to break the comfortable quiet that had settled between them. There was something so peaceful about these moments with Becket, something that made her feel grounded and content in a way she’d rarely experienced before. But the increasingly insistent bleating from outside reminded her of their responsibilities.

“Sounds like the goats are getting impatient,” she said, standing up and gathering their plates. “Shall we go check on our little troublemakers?”

Becket rose to join her. “Let’s see how they’re faring after their big debut last night. ”

Walking to the garage, Ruby smiled at the memory of the goats all dressed up for the ceremony. Their bells had jingled with each step as they trotted alongside, drawing delighted laughter from everyone in the square.

“I still can’t believe how well-behaved Houdini was last night,” Ruby said as they entered the garage, the familiar scent of hay and animals enveloping them. “Well, aside from trying to eat those cookies.”

Becket shook his head, amused. “I think Houdini was too busy basking in all the attention to cause his usual mischief last night. Though I did catch him eyeing the tinsel on the tree a few times.”

As if on cue, Houdini trotted over from the corner where he’d been resting, making a beeline for Ruby. She knelt down on the concrete floor, scratching behind his ears as he nuzzled against her. His fur was soft under her fingers, and she was surprised by how attached she’d grown to these animals. Just a few weeks ago, she’d never even been close to a goat. Now, she couldn’t imagine starting her day without their greetings.

“Good morning to you too, you little rascal,” she cooed. Houdini bleated in response, pushing his head further into her hand. Ruby laughed, the sound echoing in the garage. “I think someone’s fishing for treats.”

Becket appeared beside her, a small bag of goat-friendly treats in hand. “Well, I suppose he did earn it. Just don’t tell the others, or we’ll never hear the end of it.”

As they went about their morning routine, feeding the goats and refreshing their water, Ruby marveled at how natural it all seemed. The rhythm of this life, so foreign to her not long ago, now brought her comfort and a sense of rightness. The methodical tasks, the scent of hay they’d spread on the garage floor, the satisfied munching of the goats—it all combined to create a sense of peace she’d never known in her fast-paced city life.

She watched Becket as he walked around the garage, his movements sure and practiced. There was a grace to the way he worked, a confidence born of years of experience and genuine care for the animals. He paused near Daisy.

“How’s she doing?” Ruby asked, coming to stand beside him. She peered over at Daisy, who was lying down, her sides visibly swollen with her pregnancy.

Becket ran a gentle hand along Daisy’s side. “Getting close, I think. Might be any day now.”

Ruby’s stomach fluttered with excitement mixed with nervousness. The idea of witnessing the birth was both thrilling and a little daunting. “I hope I’m still here when it happens. I’d love to see her baby.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, an unease settled in her chest. The reminder of her temporary status in Aspen Cove hung in the air between them. She noticed Becket’s shoulders tense, and she wished she could take the words back. The reality of her situation—the life waiting for her back in Chicago, the decisions she had yet to make—came crashing back, shattering the peaceful bubble of the morning.

“Becket, I—” she began, but was cut off by a loud bleat from Sir Chomps-a-Lot, who had managed to get his head stuck in a feed bucket.

The tension broken, they rushed to free the goat, laughing as they worked to wiggle the bucket off his head. As Ruby held Sir Chomps-a-Lot still, Becket’s hands brushed against hers, sending a shiver up her arm that had nothing to do with the garage’s chill. She became acutely aware of his proximity, of the energy radiating from him, and of the way his brow furrowed in concentration as he maneuvered the bucket.

With the crisis averted, Ruby suddenly realized how close they were standing. She could see the flecks of gold in Becket’s eyes, could count each of his eyelashes if she wanted to. Her heart raced, and she found herself holding her breath, though she wasn’t sure what she was waiting for.

“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 on the 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 impending delivery, 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.