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 faint traces of gingerbread lingered from the cookies they’d baked a few days ago for the exchange.
“Hey there, Goat Whisperer,” Ruby called out as Becket 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?”
Ruby laughed, the sound warming Becket more than any fire could. The shared experience of helping Daisy through her delivery had brought them closer, breaking down some of the barriers that had existed between them.
As he moved further into the house, Becket was struck by how different everything looked. In just a few short days, they’d transformed the space. Gone were the piles of Uncle Peter’s eclectic collections. In their place were tasteful decorations and the warm glow of candles. It was home in a way Becket had never experienced before.
“This place looks amazing, Ruby,” he said, taking it all in. “You’ve worked some magic here.”
Ruby beamed, her cheeks flushing at the compliment. “Thanks. I found some of Uncle Peter’s old decorations in the attic. It just seemed right to use them, you know?”
Becket nodded, understanding. He’d grown fond of the old house, just as he’d grown fond of the woman standing before him.
As they prepared a simple Christmas Eve dinner, Becket found himself drawn to Ruby’s every movement. The way she hummed along to the carols, her focused expression while chopping vegetables—it all captivated him. Her presence filled the room, making everything feel just right.
It wasn’t until they were sitting down to eat that the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Gifts. They hadn’t gotten gifts for each other.
Becket froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. How could he have forgotten something so important? He glanced at Ruby, who was happily eating her meal. She didn’t seem to have realized the oversight.
“Hey, uh, I just remembered,” Becket said, trying to keep his voice casual, “I need to run into town for a bit. Forgot to pick up ... cranberry sauce. For tomorrow’s dinner.”
Ruby looked up, her brow furrowed. “Cranberry sauce? I didn’t know we were having turkey.”
“Oh, well, you know,” Becket fumbled, “it’s good with other things too. Ham. Or ... goat.”
Ruby raised an eyebrow but didn’t question him further. “Alright. If you’re sure. Don’t be too long, though. It’s getting dark.”
Becket nodded, already planning his gift-hunting strategy as he grabbed his coat and headed out the door.
The streets of Aspen Cove were quieter than usual, most folks already settled in for their Christmas Eve celebrations. A moment of panic seized Becket. What could he possibly get for Ruby that would convey how much she’d come to mean to him in such a short time? He didn’t have much money to spend, but he’d use every cent he had left in his account to make her happy.
He ducked into the Corner Store, hoping for inspiration. As he wandered the aisles, his mind raced. What did Ruby like? What would make her eyes light up with that little spark he’d grown to love?
“Looking for something special, son?”
Becket turned to find Doc standing behind him grinning.
“Doc! I, uh ... yeah. I’m trying to find a gift for Ruby.”
Doc’s smile widened. “Ah, left it to the last minute, did you? Well, let me tell you something about gift-giving. It’s not about how much you spend or how fancy it is. It’s about showing you’ve been paying attention.”
Becket nodded, considering Doc’s words. Paying attention... Suddenly, an idea began to form.
“Thanks, Doc,” he said, clapping the older man on the shoulder. “I think I know just what to do.”
With renewed purpose, Becket set about gathering the items he needed. By the time he left the store, his arms were full of bags and his heart was light with anticipation.
As he walked home, the snow crunching softly under his boots, Becket found himself wondering if Ruby had gotten him a gift. He shook his head. It didn’t matter—she was the gift, and that was more than enough.
When he returned, the house was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. Ruby was curled up on the couch, a mug of hot cocoa in her hands, her gaze fixed on the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree.
“You’re back,” she said, smiling up at him. “Did you get your cranberry sauce?”
Becket nodded, setting his bags down out of sight. “Yep, all set for tomorrow.”
He joined Ruby on the couch, and they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the crackle of the fire and the soft strains of “Silent Night” playing on the record player.
“You know,” Ruby said after a while, “I never thought I’d be spending Christmas like this. In a small town, in my uncle’s old house, with...” She trailed off, her cheeks flushing.
“With a goat farmer?” Becket supplied, grinning.
Ruby laughed, the sound warming Becket more than any fire could. “Yeah, with a goat farmer. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
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.”