The crisp October days faded to the dampness of November, with the threat of snow heavy in the air. Despite the shorter days and the bare branches to which only the most stubborn of leaves still clung, Ruby felt lighter and more relaxed than she remembered feeling in a long time. Perhaps the weight of her secret had pressed down on her more than she'd realized, and she had mistaken it for grief. With the knowledge now shared with Mr. Hopper, she could almost let herself look forward to the little one's arrival—although it still felt so far away.
They told August at breakfast one morning, and Ruby held her breath as she waited for his reaction, ignoring the flutterings in her stomach. She wasn't sure if she expected him to complain or to be excited, but she certainly was not ready for his nonchalant, "That's nice," before he returned to his hot cereal.
Ruby and Archibald both exchange puzzled looks with raised eyebrows, and Archibald shrugged. Ruby glanced back to August and she wondered if she saw the wheels turning in the boy's head as he processed the new information, frowning into his bowl.
As she braced for a barrage of questions, August finished his breakfast in silence and got up to do his chores. She stared blankly after him as he headed out the door.
"I'm sure that's not the last we'll hear of it," Archibald chuckled as he stood up, draining his coffee mug before following his son out the door. Ruby shook her head with a smile.
She did notice that the boy was a little more helpful than usual, and Ruby couldn't help but wonder if that was thanks to strict instructions from his father. She couldn't do so much as carry water in from the pump without Archibald asking if she needed help, or insisting that he do it. "I'm fine!" she insisted. "I'm not going to break." If anything, she needed to be useful while she still could, since there would come a time when she was sure she wouldn't be much good to anybody.
Soon, Archibald relented, though Ruby still felt his watchful eye upon her. It was sweet, that he wanted to take care of her, and she couldn't help but wonder how much more frustratingly protective Peter would have been himself. The thought—the comparison—didn't hold the same ache as it used to, and Ruby actually let a small smile curve her lips—though not without a few tears welling up, also.
There was much to be done while the weather held out. Ruby scrubbed down her room and rearranged some things to make space for August's bed, which was returned to its rightful place. It would take some getting used to, but she was more than happy to agree to Mr. Hopper's request. The boy should not be sleeping out in the lean-to with the weather growing cold.
In the midst of her preparations, she felt the familiar flutter in her middle while she was hunched over on her hands and knees, wash bucket beside her. She thought nothing of it, pausing only to brush a stray bit of hair from out of her eyes with her arm. It wasn't until after Archibald had brought August's bed inside and she was tucking in the clean sheets around the mattress that movement stirred once more within her, and she froze with recognition. She stood up from her task and pressed her hands gently to her stomach, her features lifting as delight bubbled in her chest.
"Hello, little one," she breathed, awe washing over her. Tears pricked at her eyes, and she revelled in the sign—more than the tightness of her stomach as it grew—that was proof of the life forming within her.
She kept her secret to herself as the day continued with August moving the last of his things back into his room. Ruby thought she even caught a smugness in his expression as he claimed back what was his—and rightfully so, she chuckled to herself.
That evening, the three of them took advantage of the early darkness and enjoyed the coziness of the hearth. Ruby sat with her mending as she worked on patching up a pair of August's trousers. Archibald sat at the table as he cleaned the leather of the horse's tack. August sat in front of the fire, whittling away at a piece of wood. Ruby couldn't tell what he was making, but she had to smile as his tongue remained fixed between his lips in concentration.
She focused on her work, pulling the needle and thread through the fabric, when a voice sounded from the fireside.
"So, does this mean the new baby is my brother or sister?"
Ruby froze and glanced up to meet Archibald's gaze. He licked his lips before looking at August over the table. "In a way," he said at last.
There was a pause before another question. "Are you the baby's pa as well, since you and Miss Ruby are married?"
Ruby's eyes widened and she waited for Mr. Hopper's answer, unable to form her own.
"I will help take care of him like a pa, but the baby's biological father is Miss Ruby's first husband."
"Like you're my pa."
"In a way, but… not entirely the same."
Ruby squirmed in her seat, unsure of how much more to say about their complicated situation. Surely Mr. Hopper had explained certain things to him? Then again, the boy was still very young.
"Are you still going back east in the spring, Miss Ruby? And what will happen with the baby?"
Goodness, this was a complicated. She had been prepared for some questions before, but the boy's timing caught her off guard. Besides, hadn't Archibald talked with him?
"Yes, August, I'm still going back east," she said slowly. "I'll take the baby with me." She couldn't deny the words felt heavy on her lips, and she couldn't bring herself to look at August or Mr. Hopper. "But that's not for a long while."
"I'd like a little brother," August declared.
"What if it's a girl?" Archibald asked, and Ruby thought she heard a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I've already got Emma," August replied, and Archibald and Ruby both chuckled.
"Don't worry, August, I have a feeling it will be a boy," Ruby assured him. Maybe she was just hoping for a miniature version of Peter, but she couldn't help but picture a little boy every time she thought of the baby.
She caught Archibald's raised brows before he turned to his son and stood up. "Well, I think that is enough questions for tonight—and I think it's time for a certain woodworker to get ready for bed."
August groaned but obeyed his father as he put his handiwork away and washed up at the basin. Soon he was tucked in his bed in the other room, and Ruby and Archibald continued their work by firelight in the cozy room.
"Have you been feeling alright? Any nausea or dizziness?" Archibald asked, and Ruby looked up with a start.
"No, I'm fine," she replied as he continued to polish the leather pieces.
"Do you want me to bring any water in before I go to bed?"
"No, but thank you." She smiled down at her mending, warmed by his thoughtfulness.
"I'll be going into town tomorrow morning."
"Yes, I know."
"Is there anything you'd like me to get?"
"I left a list on the table by the stove."
"Yes, of course."
Ruby smiled at the exchange as they both focused on their work. She appreciated the friendliness and felt compelled to return it. "Do you—are there many things left to do outside?" she tried, knowing that the last harvest had been prepared and stored away in the overflowing larder and attic and cold box.
"Not much. I'll stock up tomorrow when I'm at Gold's. A snowstorm could hit at any point, so I like to be prepared with supplies at this time of year."
"That sounds wise," Ruby said with a nod. "Are you leaving early?"
"I might leave a bit early, yeah. You'll be good with August?"
"Of course. I can put some coffee on before you go, and heat up some breakfast."
"No, no—that won't be necessary. I'll grab something in the morning, but I don't want to wake you."
Ruby wasn't sure whether to argue or to accept his kindness. "Alright," she said at last. A wave of fatigue hit her as a yawn escaped. She blinked at the fire before declaring herself done for the night. "I think it's my bedtime," she said as she stood up.
Archibald stood up in his spot, his chair scraping along the floor as it was pushed back. "I'll be out soon," he promised.
"Please, take your time," she said with a smile. She splashed some water on her face from the basin before reaching for the door handle to the bedroom, grateful for the soft mattress that awaited her. As she looked back at the man standing near the table, she noticed how the flickering light from the hearth made his red hair look almost golden. "Good night, Archibald."
"Good night, Ruby."
The world was still dark when Archie left the homestead the next morning. He grabbed a quick breakfast of bread and cheese, with some extra for his lunch in town, all the while taking care to be as quiet as possible so as not to wake up those who slumbered on the other side of the bedroom door. He smiled at the image of the boy curled up under the quilts that came to mind unbidden—followed by the image of Ruby sleeping in his bed, her dark hair loose across the pillow.
Archie shook his head at himself as he closed the door to the cabin. The moon was a sliver, but shone just enough guide his path to the barn, Pongo at his heels until he shooed the dog back to the house, and soon he was on his way along the bumpy trail to Storybrooke.
The faint light of dawn broke on the horizon as he slowed to a stop in front of the general store. The town was quiet, most of its inhabitants still asleep, unlike the farmers who were hard at work along the outskirts of the town's borders.
After making sure the wagon and horse were secure, he opened the glass-paned door to the shop, causing the bell overhead to chime and the petite brunette to look up from her books behind the counter.
"Mr. Hopper!" she beamed at him. "You're here awfully early."
Archie smiled back. "Please, it's Archie," he assured her, shaking his limbs out to warm up beside the stove.
As they exchanged their pleasantries, Archie fished out the lists from his coat pocket—one written in his own hand, the other in Ruby's dainty cursive.
"I'll be needing a lot from you today," he admitted as he smoothed the papers down on the counter and took off his hat.
"Stocking up for the winter?" Belle asked, hunched over the counter to read the list in the flicker of candlelight that aided the early morning sunlight creeping in through the windows, still dim at this early hour.
"Yes," he said with a nod. "And, w-well—a bit more than that," he admitted as a flush crept over his cheeks.
Belle looked up from the papers. "Oh?" she said with a raise of her brow.
Archie swallowed. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden?
"I hoped you might be able to suggest what might be needed in way of preparations for—for a new baby," he finished with a nod.
"Oh, Archie, of course!" Belle lit up and grabbed his wrists in excitement. "Congratulations!"
Archie grinned back before they remembered themselves and she dropped her grip. "You knew, then?" he asked as he fiddled with his hat.
"Oh, well, Ruby—Mrs. Hopper might have let it slip when I met her at the Harvest Party," Belle admitted with a twinkle in her eye. "But I'm sure it was just kept between the three of us women."
"Of course," Archie replied. "You must know,"—he took a breath and kept his eyes on Belle—"you know that the child belongs to her late husband?"
Belle smiled softly. "Yes, I had heard."
Archie let out the breath he was holding. "Good." He knew it was important to Ruby that the truth be known, and he knew Belle would understand the delicate situation. He knew it should make him feel better that Ruby trusted her, but he couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy that Belle had known before him—that Ruby had divulged her secret to the wife of the owner of the general store first.
Archie stuffed the silly notion away as he returned his focus to the task at hand. "I'll need extra flour and sugar," he began. "And polish, and I'll need to order a new pair of boots for August." Belle nodded as she followed the list with her index finger along with his requests. Archie noticed that Ruby's list was rather short, but he knew she'd need more over the winter.
"I'll need some fabric," Archie explained, feeling a little out of his element. "Can you—can you suggest what might be best for women's clothes?"
"Oh, certainly!" Belle said, brightening. She whisked away to a nearby shelf and brought out a couple of bolts. "These muslins are just new, and would make fine dresses for the winter. Plus, there's the heavier wools."
Archie ran his fingers over the material. She needn't have anything too fancy, really, since the only company they'd see over the next few months would be the Nolans at most. Still, the bright reds and greens and blues suited her much more than the browns and beiges, he thought.
"What about these?" Archie asked, meeting Belle's gaze with a raise of his eyebrows, looking for approval.
"Those would suit Mrs. Hopper just fine, I think," Belle said with a smile.
Archie relaxed slightly. "I'd like some wool as well—some heavy wool, I suspect, but perhaps some finer yarns as well? For baby clothes?"
Belle nodded as she ducked under the counter and popped up with a pair of scissors. "I'm sure I have just the thing," she said.
Archie nodded. He scanned his lists, wondering what other instructions he needed to give. He'd never ordered so much in one visit, and yet he felt like he had only begun. "Do you have any winter coats, Mrs. Gold?" Archie asked. "For ladies?"
"Yes, I believe we have some that would fit Ruby—there must be something that would suit her. I'll bring them out."
Archie nodded again. "I believe everything else is laid out here," he said, holding up the piece of paper. "Do you mind if I leave you to it while I visit the blacksmith?"
Belle grinned. "I'll sort it all out, Archie, don't worry. It will be all ready when you come back."
Archie couldn't help but grin as he returned his hat to his head and tipped the brim towards her in thanks. He could almost hear her thoughts as she fluttered behind the counter, helping the poor old bachelor who knew nothing about babies or women. Never had he been more grateful that Mr. Gold had found himself a wife to help out at the store.
After a visit to the blacksmith's down the way, and taking care of other business in town, Archie returned to the cozy warmth of the general store. There were a few more customers, Archie noticed with a sigh, and he tensed when he recognized Cora Mills at the counter with Belle.
"I'll be with you in a moment, Archie," Belle greeted before she returned her attention to the imposing woman in front of her.
Archie tipped his hat to the two of them before settling in near the stove. The wind was picking up with the bite that threatened to bring snow, and Archie felt restless to pack up his wagon—eager to get on his way back to the homestead.
Belle soon left Mrs. Mills perusing some ribbons and pointed at the bundles set aside at the end of the counter.
"Here are the coats we have in stock," she explained as she spread them out on the counter.
Archie licked his lips as he looked them over. They looked warm and plush, but there was one that really caught his eye.
"What about this?" he asked, pointing to a scarlet wool.
"It's beautiful," Belle agreed as she held it up. "The lining is sturdy and warm, and the colour is stunning."
Archie nodded as his gaze lingered over the garment. She had a few things in red already—he could recall her shawl, as well as the dress that she had already worn threadbare at the knees. He could picture Ruby's eyes lighting up as she tried this red coat on, and he knew it was the one he wanted for her. "This will do nicely."
"Alright," Belle said as she wrapped it up in brown paper and added it to the pile. "I believe this is everything you'll need," she said with nod, as if pleased with a job well done.
"I'm sure it is," Archie said with a smile. "Although, you've got the fabric? And the extra wool? Are there any instructions that Ruby might need? Any patterns?"
"It's all here," Belle assured him. "Right down to the safety pins and cloths for the diapers," she said with a knowing smile.
"Th-thank you," Archie replied, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks as much as he willed himself to remain collected. He couldn't believe they'd need so much, but he wanted to be prepared in case he couldn't get to town again. He quickly settled the bill that Belle presented him with.
"I beg your pardon, but did you say diapers?" a cold voice feigning warmth called out from the other end of the counter. Archie froze, wishing he could ignore the attention he'd unfortunately drawn to himself.
Archie looked up and met the plastered-on smile of Cora, and he nodded in return. "Mrs. Mills."
"Oh, your little family is expanding! And so soon," Cora said with a sneer. "My, my, you don't waste any time, Archibald Hopper."
Archie simply replied with a "umhmm" and made a sharp turn, his arms full, out towards his wagon. It took a few trips back and forth before he'd loaded his parcels, and on his last exit, Cora placed her hand on his arm. "Do give my congratulations to the Mrs.," she said in a smooth drawl, and Archie knew there was very little politeness in her well wishes.
"Good day," Archie replied curtly before disappearing outside and emptying his arms. He knew exactly what she was implying and it made his blood boil as he jerked the canvass over his supplies and tied it down. How dare she pretend to know anything about himself, or Ruby. It was none of her business, so just let her think whatever she wanted. It didn't matter.
Archie stopped short as a thought hit him, freezing him to the spot before he could climb up to his seat. It was none of her business, that much was certain, but once Cora decided to make it her business, the whole town would know soon enough. It might as well be the correct information.
With a huff, Archie pivoted on his heel and all but burst into the general store, sending the bell chiming more violently than usual. "Mrs. Mills," he said firmly, "I thank you for your congratulations, but only on behalf of my wife, seeing as the child was fathered by her late husband. I'll thank you to remember the facts as you spread our happy news around Storybrooke." He couldn't help a small wave of satisfaction that washed over him to see Cora Mills' mouth hanging slightly agape. "Ladies," he said with a tip of his hat to both Cora and Belle, "Good day."
With a swift turn, he was out the door and on his way back home, unaware that Belle had to turn away to hide her giggle behind her hand as Cora strove to collect herself.