Fortunately—or unfortunately—life on the homestead did not afford Ruby and Archie the luxury of space, and so, save for an awkward meal with flushed cheeks—and puzzled looks from August—life quickly returned to normal. The incident was soon forgotten, or at least never mentioned, and their focus turned towards the many tasks still waiting to be accomplished in the few short days before Christmas.
Before she knew it, Ruby had less than twenty-four hours left to prepare. Though she had never been so busy, with last-minute preparations piled on top of everyday chores that still needed her attention, Ruby buzzed with excitement. Even the air felt charged with the fresh crispness of winter and the landscape covered with a blanket of white as far as the eye could see. It was easy to forget how cold it was when the sun shone bright, and Ruby had to shield her eyes when she waved off father and son on their journey to bring back the most beautiful Christmas tree they could find. She would have loved to join them, truth be told, but her extra weight was hindrance enough, and there was plenty that needed to be done at home.
Archie had the turkey that he'd bought the week before killed and prepared and hanging chilled, ready to be stuffed the next day. The baking was already tucked away in tins, so all that was left was the vegetables. She spent a good part of the day scrubbing and peeling potatoes and carrots, and soaking the beans to be flavoured with cured ham. The bread was rising, almost ready to be baked, and the pickles were lined up in their jars, waiting to be opened. She and August had even strung together the popcorn, with more kernels surviving as they passed through a nine-year-old's hands than she had expected.
As she stood over the sink, she noticed a few flurries begin to fall on the other side of the glass panes of the window. The sun edged closer to the horizon and she prayed that Archie and August wouldn't be long in returning. She could see the eastern sky growing unusually dark as she looked out the front window, constantly checking to see if they were returning over the hill.
She knew they'd be cold and hungry, so she put some cider on the stove to heat up, along with a stick of cinnamon that Archie had bought on his latest trip to town. It was mostly for the Christmas baking, but they could spare some for a Christmas Eve treat.
The bread was in the oven, filling the home with the warm scent of baking that reminded Ruby of home when she spotted Cleo trudging towards the house with Pongo prancing beside her. Relief washed over Ruby, as well as a thrill that shot through her to see the great tree that the Clydesdale dragged behind her.
She wrapped her shawl tightly around her and grabbed the spare carrot she'd set aside before opening the door to greet them. Ruby grinned to see August reclining on the tree as if he was a Roman Emperor in all his glory.
"I take it you had a successful outing?" Ruby said with a grin as she rubbed Cleo's velvety nose and offered her her hard-earned Christmas treat, taking a moment to pet the dog's head who eagerly clamoured for her attention as well.
Archie grinned back, though Ruby could only see his eyes with his laugh lines crinkled in delight, his mouth hidden behind his scarf wrapped tightly around him. "Yes, ma'am!" he affirmed as he jumped down from his perch.
August scrambled off his bed of greenery and rushed over to Ruby. "We spent hours scouting out the biggest, most best tree we could find!" he exclaimed, his eyes bright and his arms stretched wide. "I found a tree that must have been a hundred feet tall, but Pa said we couldn't take that one." The boy threw his father a frown as Archie untied the tree from Cleo's saddle.
"It wasn't a hundred," Archie corrected. "But it was definitely too big for the cabin… unless you'd like to sleep out in the lean-to tonight," he added with a wink, and Ruby smirked.
Ruby glanced around the horse to try to see the tree as she continued to stroke Cleo's head, her own breath clouding before her. "I don't know if we'll even get that in the house!" she teased, looking at Archie as if to question his judgment.
He simply shrugged with a grin. "You said you wanted the best," he reminded her.
August and Archie turned their attention to settling Cleo down in the barn—but not before Archie insisted that Ruby return inside. She agreed, rubbing her arms in the cold, but she threw one last glance to the tree lying on the ground in front of the house. Her eyes lit up as she imagined it standing upright, covered in paper garlands and popcorn strings and ornaments.
Soon, Ruby was holding the door open for the boys as they brought in the mass of green, which almost didn't fit through the door. Ruby realized she may not have left enough room for the tree, but she wasn't too concerned about having it cover half of the sewing machine. She wouldn't be sewing much in the next few days, anyway.
It was all Archie and Ruby could do to convince August to sit down to supper before they decorated the tree, and Ruby felt like she was convincing herself as much as the nine-year-old on the virtue of patience as excitement bubbled in her chest. Everything was falling into place for the perfect Christmas, and her heart felt light when she imagined the Nolans coming over the next day, everyone sitting around the table to her first proper feast. She had to stop herself from glancing over at the tree—already glowing in the light from the fire—and once or twice she caught Archie's eye. The warmth in his smile only added to the coziness, and she smiled back before quickly glancing to August and nodding along as he told her all about their search out in the snow earlier that day.
Supper was over remarkably fast, but it was hard to care about salted pork and bread and beans when there were more important things to be done. Archie strung the garlands around the highest part of the tree, including the top that had to bend to fit against the ceiling. Ruby laughed as he struggled to reach the back branches smushed up against the wall, filling every corner with its breadth. And yet, it seemed just the perfect size to Ruby.
Her belly made it awkward to reach around the tree, but she helped as much as she could around the lower branches. Then, Archie brought out a box from behind his curtain, and he opened it to reveal a few hand-made ornaments. There were snowflakes cut out of paper, and Ruby assumed those were made by August. Her heart swelled to think that Archie had saved them so carefully year after year, and she held her breath as August handed one to her to place on the tree. There was something special about joining in their traditions, and she blinked back a tear as she chose the perfect branch on which to hang the snowflake.
Underneath the paper decorations were ornaments carved out of wood, and even in the shifting light from the fire, Ruby could see their beauty. There were little animals, including sheep and cows and donkeys, all carved out in such detail. One figure was a shepherd with his thin staff, and another, a wise old man with a beard and a turban wrapped around his head. Ruby's favourite, though, was the mother kneeling, a young baby in her arms, and Ruby could swear she saw the mother beaming in the face of wood, her eyes fixed only on her child.
Ruby rubbed her stomach as she hung the figure on a middle branch, front and centre. She felt a light pressure on her back and looked around to see Archie, his hand resting on her spine.
"Are you feeling okay?" he asked quietly. "Would you like to sit down?"
Ruby nodded and let him lead her to the rocking chair. She was more tired than she wanted to admit, and she enjoyed the excuse to lazily take in their handiwork.
"I told you it was the perfect tree," August declared, his hands on his hips as he looked it up and down.
Ruby laughed, her hand resting on her stomach, the heat from the fire warming up her side. "You picked a good one," she assured August.
Archie poured them all some more cider, and they enjoyed the quietness of the evening for a few moments. Still, Ruby couldn't keep her mind still for long, and—by the look of the glimmer in his eye—neither could August. Archie gave in to his pleas for "five more minutes" but soon, the boy was helpless to the yawns that overtook him, and Ruby had to stifle a yawn or two of her own as Archie oversaw August's night-time routine.
Before he crawled into bed, August hung his new stocking on the post of his bed. Ruby thought it might take awhile for him to fall asleep, but he was so tired after his day out with his Pa—and all the excitement of decorating the tree—that he was soon out cold. Ruby grinned as she shared a look with Archie, and they quickly snatched the stocking and brought it to the main room to fill with his treats.
The food was lined up in the cupboards and pantry ready for the next day, and Archie brought the turkey in from the lean-to where it had been hung. Ruby set it in a pan in the kitchen, ready to be prepared the next morning.
They worked quickly in these rare moments of quiet to pile August's presents under the tree. Ruby made a beeline for the back of one cupboard, hidden behind the laundry soap where she knew August wouldn't bother to snoop, to retrieve the scarf she'd made for him with matching mittens, now neatly wrapped in paper and tied with a ribbon. She also had a couple of bundles of shirts and socks, though she knew they would not be quite as exciting for the boy. Archie had some new shoes for him, as well, but the thing she was most excited for was the ark which she helped Archie set up on the kitchen table. Ruby couldn't keep the grin off of her face, imagining August opening the bedroom door tomorrow morning.
Another yawn overtook her, and Ruby covered her mouth with her hand.
"I can finish up here," Archie assured her.
She was about to protest, but she was beginning to feel so heavy, and she couldn't actually think of anything more that could be done before the morning. "Okay," she agreed, looking around the room as if to convince herself that everything was finished. "I'll see you tomorrow."
With the presents in place and the food prepared, Ruby was grateful to change into her nightclothes and climb under the inviting covers of her bed, with sleep claiming her before she had time to think of anything more.
Ruby awoke at her usual morning hour when the world was still dark, and for a moment it felt like an ordinary morning until her heart leapt in realization.
Christmas!
A pang of grief hit her, though it was surprisingly more like a small prick, to think that this should have been her and Peter's first Christmas together in their new home. For a moment, she let herself imagine what that day might have looked like, waking up beside her husband, sparks of excitement between them and full with the knowledge that they would soon be celebrating the holidays as a family of three.
She threw off her blankets, resisting the urge to shake August awake, and instead she rushed to put on her woolen stockings and wrap her shawl around her. She carefully made her way to the door and edged it open to minimize any creaks.
The hearth was already lit, and Ruby smiled at the evidence that Archie had risen even earlier, her heart warm at his considerate gesture. With a full day ahead, he was wise to get a head start on chores, which had little regard for holidays.
Or, Ruby thought with a grin as she clasped her hands together and pressed her fingers to her lips, Archie was actually as eager as a schoolboy himself for the day to start.
She looked around the room, enjoying the moment of sacred quiet as the world stood still. She could already see in her mind's eye the table covered with a Christmas feast, surrounded by their dear friends, with paper scattered about the floorboards, long discarded from presents eagerly unveiled at the crack of dawn. For a brief moment, she soaked in the delicious stillness, with only the sound of the wind outside.
Pulling herself from her daydreams, Ruby rushed to get the stove lit and the water boiling. She shivered and hugged her shawl around her, eager for the house to warm up as she ground the coffee beans and scooped them into the pot. The heavy aroma washed over her, and her heart leapt in anticipation of the feast that lay ahead, knowing the house would soon be filled with the smells of Christmas.
Ruby heard the door swing open and felt the cool air rush in. She turned with a grin to greet Archie, but her face instantly fell as she saw the thick snow swirling around him in the brief moment before he quickly shut the door, Pongo at his side.
"Are you okay?" she asked, rushing towards him, knowing how dangerous the short journey between the barn and the house could be in such weather.
"Oh, I'm fine," he assured her, taking off his hat and stamping his feet of the snow that clung to his boots. "But…"
Ruby leaned down as much as she could to pet the dog before she stood up and met Archie's gaze, and her heart sank.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, clasping his hat in his hands, and Ruby noticed the snow now melted to droplets on his glasses as he squinted through them.
Ruby froze, her arms crossed as if to brace against the chill from outside and the disappointment that threatened to destroy the day she'd worked so hard for. She could see how he searched her face, watching for her reaction. Her chin wobbled slightly and she could feel the prick of tears in her eyes and the sting building in her nose.
No. I will not let this be taken from me too!
She set her jaw and swallowed the lump in her throat before throwing Archie a determined smile. "I guess you and I and August have a lot of food to eat today, huh?" she said, and she could see his shoulders relax, though not before his eyes widened in surprise.
She quickly turned around to check on the coffee, now boiling away on the stovetop, and she could hear Archie's rustled movements as he shrugged off his winter layers.
"I-it's been snowing all night, from what I reckon," Archie explained as he hung up his coat and hat. "And I don't think it's going to stop anytime soon."
"I'm just glad no one's caught out in it," Ruby said, pouring them a mug each. "Can you imagine if the Nolans were stuck in this storm? Or you and August yesterday?" Ruby shuddered at the thought, the blood in her veins turning to ice for a moment.
Archie came up beside her, grabbing the cream from one cupboard and the sugar from another.
"No, we're all safe and warm, and that's all that matters," she assured him. And, she realized, she meant every word.
He put his hand on her arm, wordless, and gave a squeeze. Ruby started at the warmth that washed over her in the simple gesture.
As they sat down to the table with their drinks, Ruby realized that the Nolans were without any food for Christmas, but Archie reassured her that Mary Margaret knew this country better than to be caught unprepared. Ruby relaxed slightly as she took a sip of her drink until she realized she was usually not in such a state of undress around Archie. In her excitement, she had left her nightdress on and her hair undone, the same way she usually did on Christmas, a morning of leisure. She tugged at her shawl and tucked her hair behind her ear before she dropped her gaze to her mug.
"Are the animals all right?" she asked after she took another sip, revelling in the hot liquid that warmed her through as the fire in the hearth still worked to heat up the space.
"Yes, they're fine," Archie reassured her. "It's pretty cozy in the barn, at least."
Ruby nodded, grateful that the animals didn't have to suffer a blizzard on Christmas day, and that their livelihood wasn't threatened—and grateful, also, that he'd found his way back to the house without trouble.
She glanced over at Pongo, who was stretched out in front of the fireplace, and she smiled. Everyone got special treatment on Christmas.
Turning back to Archie, she continued. "I'll only cook up what vegetables we need for the three of us, and freeze the rest," she explained, her thoughts already racing to rearrange for their new Christmas plans. "Except for the turkey, of course—I'll have to cook it all."
Archie nodded in agreement. "We can just have what's left over for a simple supper," he added. "No use in making an extra meal and going through even more effort."
Ruby was more than happy to agree to less work. "That sounds good."
Even though the wind whistled sharply outside, it was hard to dampen the cheer that grew within the four sturdy walls, especially when Ruby's gaze landed on the Christmas tree and the ark set that awaited August. She couldn't wait for him to see all the goodies that she was sure would thrill even the most well-off boy in Boston.
They didn't have to wait long for a shrill "It's Christmas!" to sound from the other room, and Archie and Ruby grinned at each other before they both turned towards the bedroom door. August didn't waste a moment as he burst through, holding up his stocking.
"Look, Pa!" he said, his face beaming until he stopped in his tracks. His smile dropped and his eyes grew wide as he took in the ark that sat on the table at his usual place. Ruby chuckled behind her mug as a grin spread across August's features as if it might split his face in two.
"Pa!" he cried again, scrambling to his chair and dropping his stocking on the table, kneeling on the seat to better examine his new toy.
"Open it up!" Archie coaxed, and Ruby pulled her gaze from the boy to glance at him. Her heart fluttered in her chest to see how wide he was grinning at his son, watching with the delight of a child as he soaked in August's excitement.
All the hours of planning and tedious work had paid off, to see August gush over every animal, lining them up and closing the massive boat before opening it again. The room was still darker than usual with the snow falling, but that didn't seem to matter to August, who was already holding up the Noah figurine and talking in a deep voice before imitating every animal noise he could think of.
Archie and Ruby were happy to watch him at play while they finished their coffee, until Archie finally reminded August of his stocking, now discarded.
"Oh, yeah—I forgot!" August exclaimed, dropping the figurines on the table and snatching the large sock. He dumped it out to reveal a large orange and a shiny stick of red-and-white striped peppermint candy, with some licorice root and a new penny. Ruby couldn't help but lick her lips at the treats, though she immediately shook her head at herself.
Ruby Lucas, I dare say you have the sweet tooth of a toddler! Ruby could still hear her grandmother chide, and she could see the sparkle in her granny's eye.
"Now, you'll have to save that for after Christmas dinner," Archie instructed firmly.
August hopped off his chair and rushed to throw his arms around his father. "Thank you, Pa!"
Something tightened in Ruby's chest, to see the small arms wrapped so snugly around Archie's neck, and to see the drawn out embrace of a father, his eyes closed, his whole face smiling. "Merry Christmas," Archie said.
Then, they pulled apart, and Archie held August, his hands on the boy's arms. "Now, you'd better thank Miss Ruby as well, since she painted all of those figures. And, I think there's something for her on the end of her bed that she forgot. Can you go get it for her, please?"
August nodded, mumbling a "thank you, Miss Ruby" as he rushed to the bedroom while embarrassment and surprise and curiosity all washed over Ruby in equal measure.
"Archie!" she protested as August reappeared with a stocking in hand, and she reached out to take it from him. "What is this?"
The sock was large and matched August's, and Ruby thought that it must belong to Archie. She stuck her hand in and pulled out a large, round orange to match August's. She couldn't deny, it made her mouth water, and she threw Archie a teasing frown before she reached her hand in again, this time, pulling out a peppermint stick.
"Now we both have treats, Miss Ruby," August declared, whirling his candy stick in his fingers and resting it on his lips before a stern look from his father made him swiftly return it to the table.
Ruby laughed, delight bubbling in her chest. "Yes, we do," she agreed. She turned to Archie and smiled. "Thank you so much, but you didn't have to do this."
"It's nothing, honestly," Archie replied as he stood from his chair and turned to his son. "But, I'm afraid we're going to have to clear the table so we can have some breakfast, okay?"
August groaned but he followed his father's instructions and piled the animals back in the ark and shoved his treats back in his sock.
Ruby was grateful to have a few moments to herself as she turned to the stove while father and son moved his new toy to his bed. Archie must have put the stocking on her bed post after she went to sleep, and goodness knows she would have been dead asleep as soon as she was in bed. She must have missed it in the morning, rushing to get ready in the dark. It was more than she imagined to have, out here in the middle of nowhere, a fancy treat from town, but she was starting to learn that such thoughtfulness was just how he was. She only wished she'd thought to do something for him.
Oh, well, there was nothing to be done now, and she little time to worry about it when she had two hungry boys eager for a hot pancake breakfast—plus herself, and her little one, whom she was sure was hungrier than ever as her stomach grumbled and she felt the flutters and kicks of activity. He's going to be as excited about Christmas as his pa was, Ruby thought to herself as she flipped the pancakes in the hot frying pan, the batter turning golden and the delicious aroma filling the room.
She took care to shape August's pancake into a little man, ladling the batter to form a little body with a head and two arms and two legs. She grimaced as the first one looked a little lopsided, and so she tried again with more success.
Well, that one can be Archie's, she thought with a chuckle as she slid it carefully from the pan to the plate. She didn't miss Archie's raised brows at the offering, but August seemed excited as he exclaimed, "Look, Pa! I've got a pancake man." Ruby even brought out the butter and the strawberry preserves that she knew were Archie's and August's favourite.
Ruby also knew better than to try to make August eat at a decent pace. Instead, the pancakes were gone in minutes, and Ruby was soon cleaning up after a rushed—but very much enjoyed—Christmas breakfast.
After the dishes were done, she got dressed as quickly as she could before they moved on to the rest of the presents under the tree. There wasn't much, but there were the packages for August, and one or two for Archie, as well—some new shirts and socks and the like. They weren't as exciting as candy or an elaborate animal ark, but August seemed genuinely appreciative. Ruby was glad that she had something for Archie to open as well, and her heart thumped a little in her chest when he flashed her a surprised smile and thanked her for the new shirts and socks, holding them up against him.
"Oh, it's nothing," she said, echoing his words from before.
She glanced to the other packages under the tree, picturing the scarf she'd knit for August and the matching one for his father. She was nervous, somehow, as if it didn't seem quite right for Archie, but she pushed the thought aside when August rushed into the bedroom and came back with a package in his hands.
He held out the parcel, wrapped with crinkled brown paper and tied up in string with a few too many knots. "Here you are, Miss Ruby," he said as she took it from him. "I hope you like it. I made it myself," he said proudly.
"Thank you, August," Ruby said, turning the package over with care, her curiosity piqued. She gingerly tore the paper and tried to slip the string over the contents—nodding her thanks to Archie when he handed her her sewing scissors—before finally cutting the gift free.
"Oh, August," Ruby breathed, pulling out two carved wooden wolf figurines, one smaller than the other.
She ran her hands over the wood details, slightly rough but still impressive, especially for a nine-year-old. The animals both sat on their haunches, heads thrown back and Ruby could almost hear their howls to the unseen moon.
"They're to protect your dreams," he explained. "So you won't have any more nightmares and you and the baby can get a good sleep."
A lump rose in Ruby's throat and tears pricked her eyes as she met August's gaze, completely caught off-guard.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
Ruby swallowed before flashing him a grin. "Oh, Sweetheart, they're beautiful!" she gushed. "I'll keep them by my bed, always." She placed them on the table before reaching out for August and wrapping him in a tight hug. "Thank you so much," she said, a wobble in her voice, before she pressed a kiss to his ear.
His hands were pinned to his sides, but he didn't wriggle away, either. Ruby held the hug and blinked back a few tears before she pulled away and smiled at August. Beneath his energy and mischief, he had a big heart—and clearly he had a creative flair like his father.
August wasted no time and bolted back to the bedroom before appearing with another package—rectangular and flat, this time. Ruby chuckled to note that he hadn't brought both presents out together. She watched with the delight of one who knew a secret about to be revealed as Archie took the gift from his son, his eyes wide and questioning but bright and cheerful, his laugh lines pronounced. His movements were slow and meticulous and Ruby wondered how he had the patience not to just rip open his parcels.
With a snip to one of the strings, Archie finally pulled back the paper to reveal August's storybook. Ruby held her breath, beaming at Archie's reaction of awe and pleasure.
"August, this is amazing!" he praised, turning the pages. "Did you make this yourself?"
August grinned and rocked on his tiptoes, leaning over the book that rested on his father's lap. "I did, except Miss Ruby helped a little."
Ruby shook her head. "August did all the hard work," she insisted when Archie threw her a look.
"'The Best Stories, According to August Geppetto Hopper,'" Archie read aloud. "And I can't wait to read them, Son. Thank you."
More hugs were shared, and then, Archie handed Ruby a smaller package. She tried to steady her breathing as she removed the paper, her mind racing to think what it might be.
Under the wrapping was a wooden box—simple, but varnished so it shone—and she slowly lifted the lid to reveal a beautiful enamel comb and mirror set. Her breath hitched in her throat as she let her gaze linger over the contents, daring only to trace with the lightest touch the beautiful flowers painted along the back of the mirror and the edge of the comb.
Amidst the flowers, letters caught her eye in a script that she realized was a monogram.
R. L. S. H.
Smith.
Tears pricked her eyes and her chest tightened as she reverently took the mirror out of its velvet cushion, her vision blurring as she studied the letters. The objects were beautiful, but it was more than that. He could have easily just called her "Mrs. Hopper," but instead, he gave her back her name. A part of her would always belong to Peter, and Archie knew that. Not only did he know, he respected that—and he wanted to celebrate that part of her.
She took a deep breath to collected herself and barely caught Archie's eye before he turned to August, who was quickly on to his last gift. She turned at the sound of more paper being ripped and grinned with wet eyes as he held up his scarf.
"And look, it's got your initials," she pointed out, holding up the end to show off the gold lettering after he'd already wrapped it around his neck.
With a jolt, Ruby remembered the gift she'd made for Archie, and she snatched it up before he could see it and stuffed it behind the cushion of her chair. She couldn't give it to him now, not after his generosity. It wasn't enough—just not right, somehow.
Thankfully, he didn't seem to notice as he admired August's scarf. With the gifts finally finished, Archie and August tidied up while Ruby got to work in the kitchen—though, not before she snuck the miscalculated present into her room and stuffed it at the back of a drawer.
First, she followed the recipe she'd found down to the very last instruction on how to prepare the turkey. She took a deep breath, having already studied the instructions over the past week. Still, it was entirely different reading about something and doing it oneself, and Ruby prayed she'd be able to pull off a delicious dinner.
Soon, the turkey was seasoned and stuffed and roasting in the oven—with Archie's help lifting it in. Next, she turned her attention to preparing the vegetables, which started with a pot of fresh, clean snow from just outside so she could have boiling water.
While she was busy with the food, Archie and August dressed to go check on the animals, Archie having deemed the snowfall light enough. Ruby had to laugh to see August bundled up beyond recognition, only his eyes visible, framed by his hat and hood and scarf, and proudly wearing his new boots. She gave him some extra carrots to give the animals "as a Christmas treat" before waving them off on their short journey. The snow was up past Archie's knees, so she knew it might take them awhile as they trudged through the white barrier, with Pongo hopping beside them. Ruby glanced out the window to see August on his father's back, one arm hugging Archie's chest, the other dangling with his grip filled with carrots. They left a funny trail in the snow, and Ruby smiled at the sight.
It didn't take long for Ruby to realize she'd needed more time than she thought, and for a moment she was grateful that she was only cooking for the three of them instead of the whole Nolan family as well. She was also glad that she'd had all the baking done in advance, since the vegetables and the turkey required enough of her attention.
Panic began to rise when Archie and August returned and she'd reread the instructions for the turkey. With a glance at the clock, she realized she hadn't left enough time for the turkey to cook, since she'd originally been planning on supper instead of having the feast mid-day.
"It's fine," Archie assured her with his warm smile that crinkled his eyes and somehow calmed her and made her pulse beat a little faster at the same time.
And it was—nobody complained about having a small lunch of bread and jam with some Christmas cookies—least of all August. He tried to convince his father that he was so hungry that he needed to eat his candy, as well, but Archie insisted that he could only have his orange if he wanted. With a huff, August stuffed his candy in his stocking and began to peel the orange, sending the bright scent wafting through the room so that Ruby couldn't resist eating her fruit, as well.
"I'm okay," Archie said when Ruby insisted on sharing some with him. "Besides, the Vitamin C will be good for the baby."
Ruby smiled, her mouth full with a sweet, tangy wedge, and she savoured the juicy treat, enjoying each piece slowly without guilt… mostly. She instructed August to save the peel, as well, with the plans to candy it later.
Though delayed far more than she wished, Christmas dinner was eventually ready to be served, and all three of them beheld the spread with wide eyes and rumbling bellies. Still, the moment of pause while Archie asked for God's blessing over the feast calmed Ruby. He had a way with words, and it warmed her through the way he thanked God for her and the food that He had provided through her. A couple of months ago, it had seemed strange, especially since it was obvious that this man worked hard for these provisions, but it now seemed natural to hear him thank this Unseen Being, and Ruby couldn't deny she felt particularly blessed, surrounded by so much.
And then, it was gone—the food on their plates disappeared in what seemed to Ruby the blink of an eye. She couldn't complain, however, with the warm fullness in her belly, and she sat back in her chair and rested her hand on her stomach, enjoying an indulgent moment of rest before she'd have to clean everything up. She was proud, too, of how it all turned out—perfectly delicious, if she did say so herself, and the satisfied "hmms" from Archie and August confirmed her suspicions.
Archie and August helped in the washing up, and soon the clinking and clanking of dishes melted to the quietness of a cozy evening with hot cider and gingerbread men treats. The dim light of the evening reminded Ruby of the passing hours, and the excitement of the day began to weigh on her tired limbs.
Now all seated by the fire, with Pongo lying down across the rag-rug, Archie reached for his Bible and turned to a particular spot with the ease of one who had flipped to that chapter countless times. Normally, Ruby would be busy with her sewing or knitting projects, but tonight, she was happy to relax as she let his soothing voice wash over her while he read.
With August on his lap, Archie told the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus. Ruby had heard the story before, but she found she didn't remember the details that Archie read from his great leather-bound book. She found herself hanging on to every word of the story about the young woman who discovered she was going to have a baby—God's own Son!—and had to deliver the child in a barn. She was engrossed to hear how God would choose to send Jesus into such a humble family, and to have the shepherds be the first to hear the good news.
It made her imagine her own time of delivery as she absentmindedly rubbed her large belly, but it was more than that. There was a joy in the words, in Archie's voice, and she found she was swept away with the knowledge that Christmas was about God's love.
At one point, Archie met her gaze, and Ruby realized she was sitting on the edge of her chair, leaning forward as he read about the wise men deciding on a different route to protect the new baby from King Herod. He smiled softly at her before returning his gaze to the page, and Ruby sat back in her chair, her hands clasped around her stomach.
She was sorry for the story to end, and she mulled the words over in her mind, soaking them in as if to store them in the secret place in her heart. She'd have to read it over again, to remember every detail.
Her heart lifted when Archie then brought out his violin, and she clapped along with August as Archie made the bow dance along the strings, filling the whole room with gaiety. Though there wasn't much space, Archie and August hopped and danced in a circle, and Ruby laughed, almost wishing to join in—though her heavy limbs made her happy to remain a spectator as she soaked in the child's energy. She couldn't help but sing along with them, though, as they sang with the notes of the fiddle.
Get out the way ol' Dan Tucker!
You're too late to get your supper.
Supper's over an' breakfast cookin'.
Ol' Dan Tucker just stand here lookin'.
After a couple more exuberant songs, even August began to fade, and the last festivities of Christmas relaxed to quieter music that Archie masterfully coaxed from the instrument. The notes swirled around Ruby and embraced her in warmth along with the fire as if to add the finishing touches to the happy day.
As Archie drew out the final notes, he nodded to August, who had fallen asleep beside Ruby, his chair pulled up to hers and his head resting on a cushion as she draped her arm around her shoulders. Archie slowly put his fiddle back in its case and picked the boy up, his head now resting on his father's shoulder. Ruby opened the bedroom door for them and followed Archie to the bed as he lay August down. Together, they carefully changed him into his nightshirt, guiding his arms through the fabric, and tucked him in under the covers before both pressing a good-night kiss to his forehead.
As they tiptoed out as quietly as they could, Ruby's heart felt full, realizing the care she felt for this family they'd created. This was never where she'd expected to be, and yet, this place had already become familiar, and she found she was happy to have her role in the Hopper household.
Archie shut the bedroom door behind them while Ruby pulled out the tin of gingerbread cookies from the cupboard. Archie put another log on the fire, which filled the room with more light. He grinned as she pushed the open tin towards him, and he eagerly grabbed a cookie as he took his seat, Ruby already eating hers as she reclined.
They ate in silence, both tired but pleased with the day, exchanging shy smiles.
Then, Archie spoke. "I am sorry that the Nolans couldn't come over today. I know how much you had planned."
Ruby shook her head and swallowed. "Please, don't mention it—we had such a lovely day. Besides, I might have been spared a larger catastrophe," she added with a chuckle, remembering their delayed supper and wondering if there wasn't something else she would have forgotten with more company.
"You would have been great," he assured her. "I'm sure we can see the Nolans for the New Year, but at any rate—your cooking was delicious."
Ruby could tell he meant it, and she felt a flush in her cheeks at his praise.
"And," he added with a twinkle in his eye, "I for one am glad I don't have to share this baking with our neighbours."
Ruby laughed before cupping her mouth with her hand with a quick glance to the bedroom door, mindful of the sleeping boy. Then, she nodded, reaching for another cookie as a well-deserved reward.
Though Ruby regretted bringing an end to the day, her heavy eyelids convinced her that it was time for bed. She stood up and excused herself, her chair scraping the floor along with Archie's as he stood up with her.
Standing at the bedroom door, she threw a glance to the little clock on the mantel piece, its hands both pointing slightly to the left of midnight.
She looked back to Archie, her hand on the doorknob. "Merry Christmas," she bade in a final "good night".
His features brightened in a way that made warmth wash over her. "Merry Christmas," he repeated.
Archie rubbed the back of his neck and let out a sigh as Ruby closed the door behind her. He tried to ignore the way his pulse beat in his veins when she smiled at him, the way she seemed to relax more and more in his company.
He played the day over in mind as he poked at the last smouldering log in the fireplace, crumbling it to embers. His heart was light after the special day, and he was sorry to see it end—as if, for twenty-four hours, they could forget the tragedy that had brought the three of them together.
As he splashed some water on his face at the basin, he couldn't help but grin as he remembered August's joy at opening his presents. And then, he froze, the towel on his face as he remembered the way he felt a jolt in his chest to see Ruby's delight as she watched August. He knew the care with which she had helped paint the animal set for his son, and Archie was touched by the other goodies she'd made for him. There was something motherly about the looks she gave August, the small gestures of affection, the way she gently lifted him up while Archie slipped his shirt over his head.
Archie shook his head at himself as he rushed to his cot, placing his glasses on the window sill before quickly changing into his nightclothes. He jumped under the covers to escape the chill in the air, bone tired, but he couldn't stop his mind from racing.
He'd been heartbroken himself to see the snow piled high and flying around thick that morning, knowing that the one thing she'd asked of him was denied her. He'd expected hurt or anger when she'd found out the news, but instead, she simply brushed it off as a mere annoyance, ready to move cheerfully on with the day. He could see the brief flicker in her eyes, and yet, she didn't let it overwhelm her for a second.
The determination of this woman astounded him. Even when grief was barely beneath the surface, she pushed forward, sometimes with reckless force. And over the last few weeks, he'd seen a shift in her—like the sun shining on new-fallen snow, a brightness that grew in her as she planned for Christmas. By all accounts, it could have been a sordid reminder of all she'd lost, but instead, she'd found a new purpose that filled her with a glimpse of life he hadn't seen before. More than a determination to work through the pain, it was a hope that there was a future ahead, growing with the new life inside of her.
And Archie found it irresistible. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as he stared up at the wooden boards of the ceiling, praying for the relief of sleep. He couldn't keep her brilliant smile from his mind, the surprise of seeing her in her nightdress with her hair loose over her shoulders and down her back, or forget the way his pulse quickened as she brushed against him throughout the day. It seemed so natural to have her with him, beside him, and he felt sick when he remembered that she was leaving in a few short months.
Then it hit him, the feelings that had been building since she'd arrived. A trickle, quickly gathering like a stream gathered in a pool, bubbling, a pressure building until it gushed in such force, crashing over him so he was sure he would drown.
Archibald Hopper could no longer ignore the fact that he was, indeed, very much in love with his wife.