Ruby paced by the window and let herself glance out once more only to see a dark landscape beyond the barn. She tried to remember if Archibald had told her what time she should expect him back, but she couldn't recall for certain—though it would be strange if he had planned to be out past supper, especially with such an early start.
She willed herself to sit back in her rocking chair with her knitting, keeping an eye on the redhead who sat dutifully at the table with his books. Supper was keeping warm on the stove, though Ruby was close to deciding it was better that they just begin. It wasn't fair to keep August hungry, and then to keep him up too late…. Besides, her own stomach had grumbled more than she cared to admit. No, he'd be here any minute.
She realized she hadn't moved her needles, and so focused on finishing the row.
The eerie silence that hung in the cabin was broken when Pongo jumped up, his paws clicking on the floor, sending a jolt through Ruby. She jumped up off her chair and set her knitting down before she rushed to the window.
"August, it's time put your things away and wash up for supper," she said without taking her eyes off of the wagon that slowed to a stop in front of the house, and she realized she suddenly felt lighter.
She pulled herself away from the window and threw her shawl over her shoulders before she swung the heavy door open. The chill swept into the house, but Ruby didn't care as she kept it open for Archibald, who hopped down from the wagon. He rushed inside once he noticed Ruby stood in the doorway.
"Is everything alright?" he asked as she shut the door behind him.
"I was going to ask the same," Ruby chuckled, though her teasing held a hint of concern. "You're later than usual."
"Pa!" August exclaimed as he threw himself at his father.
"Hey," Archibald said with a grin as he ruffled the boy's hair. Archibald met Ruby's gaze and his features softened. "I'm sorry," he replied. "There was a lot to do, and it took longer than I expected."
His eyes held hers, and Ruby had to look away. "I understand," she said as she stepped towards the stove, her back towards him.
"I've got to unhitch Cleo and get her settled in the barn." He kissed August's head before he looked up at Ruby. "August, can you start bringing things in from the wagon?"
"I can help," Ruby offered.
"Oh, no, that's fine. August and I can take care of it." Archibald said with a wave of his hand. Ruby thought she caught a flash of a giddy smile before he headed out the door with his son.
"I'll get everything on the table," she called out after them.
Package after package came into the house until Ruby wasn't sure where they'd put everything. She could see some labels, like flour and sugar, but some bundles hid their secrets behind plain brown paper.
Finally, everything was in—and Ruby managed to help move a few bundles before Archibald noticed and "shooed" her away. With everything inside, Ruby shivered at the chill that had permeated the room with the door open, and she hugged her shawl tightly around her while Archibald threw some logs on the hearth.
Ruby wondered if her eyes were as wide as August's, and her warning that the packages would have to wait until after dinner was as much for herself as for the excited nine-year-old—and possibly for his father, as well, judging from the twinkle in Mr. Hopper's eye as they sat down to the set table.
First, Archibald said the grace, his voice warm and steady. It calmed Ruby after the rush of activity, and it took her a moment to remember herself once everyone opened their eyes.
"You must be starving," Ruby exclaimed, jumping up to serve Archibald's bowl first.
"Yes—thank you," Archibald said as he took the bowl from her, and their fingers brushed against each other's.
"Not as hungry as me!" August said, all but shoving his bowl at Ruby, and she had to laugh. The poor boy had waited so long and had worked hard for his supper.
"Patience, August," Mr. Hopper warned, and Ruby caught the look he threw his son over his spectacles as Ruby served her own bowl. Even when he must be famished, Ruby noticed, Archibald waited until everyone had his or her food before he started to eat.
"Delicious," Archibald said after a swallow. "That hits the spot. And I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, but I didn't want to leave it all outside. I know it's crowded now, but most of it can go upstairs tomorrow, when there's daylight."
Ruby nodded in reply as she took her own mouthful. Before she'd come, he would have had to make the trip into town and then make supper for himself and August. She couldn't imagine being left alone to take care of herself and a child.
"You weren't kidding when you said you'd be stocking up today," Ruby teased, pushing any serious thoughts aside.
Archibald chuckled. "You'd think I'd bought out all of Gold's," he replied. "But I'm pretty sure they've got some stock left."
"I think there's twice as much as last year, Pa," August said before taking a heaping spoonful of dinner.
Ruby furrowed her brow at Archibald, but he waved the comment off. "I'm sure it's not much," he said, dropping his gaze to his bowl.
Now Ruby was very curious to see what he'd brought. The list she'd given him hadn't been that long.
"So, I bumped into some people in town," Archibald said, as if to change the subject.
"Oh?" Ruby raised her eyebrows as her fork hovered over her dish. "The Nolans?"
Archibald shook his head. "No, not the Nolans." Ruby was disappointed at that, but her curiosity was piqued as he licked his lips in a pause before he continued. She kept her gaze fixed on him and she thought that he looked almost nervous.
"I, uh, well, Mrs. Mills was in the general store when I was collecting our order," he said. Ruby noticed how he said "our order". "Do you remember Mrs. Mills from the harvest party?"
Ruby nodded, recalling the overdressed woman whose airs would earn her sniggers in any corner of Boston. "Yes, I believe so."
"Yes, well, she overheard me confirming things with Belle and, she, uh—well, she heard that you are expecting."
"Oh." Ruby had only just become used to the idea of Archibald and August knowing. She hadn't thought about the rest of the town being privy to her long-held secret so soon—especially when she didn't know most of them.
"She assumed that the child was mine," Archibald rushed to explain. "I figured it wasn't any of her business, and she can think of me what she likes. But then I realized that it would be better that she know the truth, especially if she was to spread the news all over Storybrooke, so I turned around and went back into Gold's and told her that the child is your husband's." He paused and met her gaze. "I, uh—I knew it was important."
Ruby felt tears well up and she had to blink them back. "Thank you," she said softly when she remembered herself.
Even in the dim light, she could see Archibald's clear blue eyes look into hers, and he nodded. Then, he leaned forward, an almost playful smile on his lips. "You should have seen her when I corrected her," he teased. He sat back and smiled into his dinner, pleased with himself. "That look alone was almost worth it." He shook his head. "I don't know what it is about that woman, but she always gets me riled up."
Ruby chuckled. She couldn't imagine calm and steady Archibald Hopper ever riled up, and she wished she'd been there to see it firsthand. "I'm sure you were no such thing."
"She deserved it. Cora Mills is a crotchety old lady," August chimed in.
"August!" Archibald warned halfheartedly, trying not to laugh as Ruby hid her own giggle behind her hand. "Where did you even hear such a word? And she's not that old—she's not much older than me."
"You're old, too, Pa."
Archie let out a laugh. "Yes, well, I'm also your pa, and I thought I taught you better manners than that!"
Ruby hid a smile behind her cup. As she snuck a glance at Archibald, she couldn't help but wonder—and not for the first time—how old he was. It seemed odd not know the age of one's own husband, but it was far from the most unusual thing about their unconventional relationship.
His build, his strength, his boyish smile all made Ruby think he couldn't be more than ten years older than her own twenty years. His glasses made him look a little older than that, perhaps, and she couldn't decide if his hair was thinning slightly, but it puzzled Ruby to think he was close to Mrs. Mills' age—a woman who must be in her forties at least.
She shook her head at herself. Curious as she was, she was too shy to ask, and she felt like too much time had passed for such questions. Besides, what did it really matter? She'd be gone in the spring whether he was closer to thirty years old or forty.
Supper seemed to be over more quickly than usual, and Ruby suspected they were all eager to discover what goodies Mr. Hopper had brought home—and he seemed excited to show them off. There were the items from Ruby's list, but at twice or three times the amount she expected. Ruby remembered Archibald's words about stocking up for the winter, despite how early it still was, and while it was hard to believe they'd need so much, she was grateful for his foresight—and for the certainty of having sugar and molasses all through the winter months, despite their lesser importance to staples like flour. The large cone of white sugar was particularly decadent to the usual brown sugar they used, and Ruby shook her head at Archibald's indulgence. "For special occasions," Archibald assured her, though Ruby couldn't help but notice how he beamed back at her. She wondered how big her eyes were as she beheld the abundance spread out over the kitchen table.
She furrowed her brow as she held up a tin marked "green tea", glancing at Archibald to explain. "It's for you—and the baby," he said sheepishly. "I mean, it's supposed to be a healthful alternative to coffee during pregnancy."
Ruby smiled, her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness, and she took care to place it on the shelf over the stove.
August was more interested in the supplies that would be taken to the barn tomorrow, and Ruby's heart lifted as she watched the boy unwrap the packages and make a neat pile with his father by the door, all ready to be hauled out and organized come daylight.
After all the expected packages had been accounted for, there still stood a large pile in the middle of the table, hidden behind brown paper and string.
"What's all this, Pa?" August asked, lunging for a package.
"It's mostly for Miss Ruby," Archibald explained. "Maybe you can help her if you ask nicely."
Ruby could feel Mr. Hopper's gaze on her as she held up a bundle that felt soft in her grip. "Of course," she said to August's pleading eyes, and he grinned as he ripped into another bundle.
Ruby carefully tugged at the string and unwrapped the parcel. Neatly folded were large bundles of fabric that took Ruby's breath away. Even in the glow of the fire, she could make out the cheerful colours and prints of the fabric with dainty patterns that would make beautiful dresses.
"Oh, Mr. Hopper!" she exclaimed, running her hands over the bundles. Her eyes grew even wider as she realized how many more packages there were to open, and her pulse quickened as she grew almost nervous to open the rest.
August had no such qualms as he opened a few more packages, mostly skeins of wool and some more fabric. "It's just yarn," he sighed, pushing the half-open parcels away from him.
Archibald chuckled and fished something out of his pocket. "I told you they were mostly for Miss Ruby," he said, holding up a little paper bag. "But this is especially for you."
Ruby didn't notice August's eyes light up as he took out a couple of sticks of licorice—she was too caught up in handling the soft yarns that August had left strewn across the table. Some were heavy and thick, meant for knitting sweaters and socks and shawls. Some were delicate, soft enough for a baby's cap or blanket.
Ruby moved on to the rest of the parcels, slowly opening each one, tucking the string and brown paper aside in a tidy pile as she inspected the contents of each package with awe. There were tiny squares of cloth with pins and an envelope with patterns for baby clothes. There were more bundles of beautiful fabric, and a lump rose in Ruby's throat as she ran her hands over each piece.
How could she accept such kindness? It was too much, much too much to accept it all from a man she still barely knew and whom she'd be leaving in the spring. Tears pricked her eyes as she thought of how much she owed him already, and she felt the sting to her pride to know that she could never repay him.
Her hands flew to her skirt, her fingers instantly finding the frayed edges where she'd worn through the fabric at her knees. She slid her hands up to where her dress was pulled taunt across her middle, and she knew she'd not be able to fit in her clothes for much longer. Perhaps he was ashamed of her shabby clothes and wanted to make sure his wife was properly dressed.
Ruby knew enough about Mr. Hopper to know he would not have any kind of malicious intent. She threw a glance at the sewing machine by the hearth, glinting in the firelight, and she gripped the edge of table as she imagined all the beautiful things she could make over the next few months, huddled safely inside from the snow that would soon envelope them inside the cabin.
"I h-hope it's all to your liking," Archibald said as he came up beside Ruby. "I'm not much experienced with muslins and yarn, but Belle assured me this would suit you."
Ruby bit her lip before she dared to look at the man beside her. His gaze was warm, if a bit nervous as his eyes searched hers. "It's perfect," she assured him, dropping her gaze back to the table.
"I'm afraid it's not all for you—in that, I hope you'll be able to help fit out myself and August as the needs arise over the next few months. Some mending, and some new garments, especially for August. He's outgrowing his clothes faster than I can replace them, and tearing holes in them even more quickly," Archibald finished with a chuckle.
"Of course," Ruby said as she kept her gaze fixed on the pile of textiles and paper on the table in front of her.
Archibald reached for the last package and held it up for Ruby. "I noticed you'll need something for winter," he said.
Ruby nodded as she took it from him, her heart racing as she slowly pulled back the string and paper. She let out a gasp at the glimpse of scarlet woolen fabric underneath. She held up the garment to reveal a beautiful red coat and her breath caught in her throat.
"Mr. Hopper, it's too much," she said at last.
"Please, it's the least I can do," he assured her. "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful." Ruby was amazed that such a quiet man would dare to purchase such a bold colour, but it lifted her heart so unexpectedly—to posses such a beautiful coat in her favourite shade, as well as the thought that Archibald somehow knew she would like it best.
"I thought you'd need some new dresses, since, well…" Archibald trailed off and gestured to her middle. Ruby gave him a soft smile, pulling her eyes from the coat in her arms and looking up to meet his gaze.
"You mean because I'll soon be as big as a whale," she said with a chuckle to hide the tears that threatened to spill over. "I hope all of this will at least make me two dresses."
Archibald grinned. "Like I said, it's not all selfless—August and I will need a few things, too, if you'd be so kind. But I wanted to stock up on the off chance that we're stuck here for any length of time. And seeing as this is your first winter out here, I wanted to make sure you had a proper coat."
Ruby carefully laid the coat on the table before placing a hand on Archibald's arm. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything." A warmth flooded her belly and her chest and she couldn't help but think how nice it was to be taken care of—to be so certain that she and Peter's child would be safe and sound over the harsh winter. She'd taken a risk, tethering herself to a strange man for months on end, but she was becoming more and more sure that she'd made the right decision.
Then, before she could look into Archibald's blue eyes for too long, unsure if she was reading too much into his gaze, she swiftly turned back to the pile on the table. "And I will happily make you and August all the shirts and scarves and socks that you could ever need!"
"Wonderful," Archibald replied.
Suddenly, the clock on the mantel struck the hour, and Ruby and Archibald both jumped. "It's that time already!" Archibald exclaimed, throwing a glance to August who was quietly chewing on his licorice at the other side of the table. The boy groaned when he fell under his father's gaze, but he knew better than to argue as he tucked the rest of his candy away and shuffled over to the wash basin.
Ruby chuckled. "I think I'm going to retire early," she said. In truth, the gifts were a lot to process—both the generosity of Mr. Hopper and the future that they represented. She was excited to prepare for the baby, but she was also overwhelmed at the realization that such changes would be coming quickly, including the obvious changes to her own body that were already well under way.
"Please, stay as long as you like," she told Mr. Hopper as she made her way to the bedroom door behind which the redheaded boy had already disappeared. Guilt pricked at her at the thought of the father returning to the lean-to outside with the snow beginning to fall. "And thank you so much for your kindness, Mr. Hopper."
"It's my p-pleasure," Archibald said with a nod. "Have a good night."
"Good night."
As Ruby lay awake, her head on her pillow, confusion wracked her heart. Already it was November with winter approaching fast. Already it was time for heavy coats and scarves. Already it was time for maternity dresses and baby clothes and extra supplies in case an early blizzard hit.
Somehow Ruby had been blessed with more provisions than Peter could have ever dreamed of giving her, and Ruby wished more than ever that she could have shared these moments with him.