Each new day grew warmer and warmer, adding a bounce to Ruby's step, and she was quick to take advantage of the spring weather. The first day she decided to take Peter outside for a short walk around the homestead was like balm to her heart, the fresh air washing away the lethargy that lingered around the cabin.
Peter was well-wrapped in a blanket, and Ruby herself wore only a shawl as she stepped out and strolled around the yard, Pongo dancing at her heels, to give her son his first taste of the wider world. His eyes darted around, taking in every little movement, and Ruby beamed down at the bundle in her arms. "Have you ever seen a sky so blue?" she cooed, her voice bright.
She made her way to towards Archie and August by the chicken coop, banging away as they laid out wire around the wooden posts for a new fence. Archie stopped when he noticed them, and he stood up.
"Let's see what your pa and big brother are up to, shall we?"
"Hey," he said warmly, a raspy quality to his voice that made heat wash over her. His gaze was fixed on the baby, and he took his gloves off and stroked the soft head. Her heart skipped a beat to see the adoration in his blue eyes.
"How's his first visit outside?" Archie asked, his eyes flitting between Ruby and Peter.
"Oh, just fine—I think he likes it better than the cabin already," she teased, bouncing gently in place.
"It looks like it," Archie replied. "Is he warm enough? Are you warm enough?" Archie placed his hand on the small of her back, and she could swear she felt her skin warm up from his touch through her dress.
"We're just fine," she assured him. She turned slightly towards August. "And what have you two been up to?"
Before he had a chance to answer, they caught sight of a wagon coming up the trail. Ruby squinted, finally recognizing the lone figure.
Pongo raced towards the wagon, barking in either a greeting or a warning, and August took off after him to say hello.
"Careful!" Archie called out with a chuckle.
As the wagon neared the house, Ruby realized it was Belle, and her heart lifted to see a friend.
"Welcome!" Ruby exclaimed, closing the distance between them as the other woman brought the wagon to a stop. Archie rushed forward to take the reins and to help Belle down.
"Oh, he's so beautiful," Belle gasped, barely taking any notice of Archie as her foot connected with the ground and she let go of his hand. She placed her hands on Ruby's arms and beamed down at Peter. Ruby almost wondered if there was a hint of longing in her expression.
Then, Belle remembered herself and looked up at Ruby and Archie. "Hello!"
Ruby laughed. "Hello to you."
Soon, they were inside enjoying little coffee cakes that Belle had brought along with tea and milk. Belle was quick to take Ruby up on her offer to hold the baby, and Ruby thought that the petite woman would burst from grinning and cooing to him.
"Land's sakes, you'll spoil him with all that attention," Ruby teased before she took a sip of her tea.
"I don't think that's possible," Belle replied, her eyes fixed firmly on the baby.
"I hope not, because he'd be a lost cause with the way Archie dotes on him. August, too."
"This little guy is lucky to have such a loving family," Belle agreed, her attention still focused downwards on the bundle in her arms.
Ruby nodded and took a sip of her tea, a sudden ache under her ribs. She brushed the feeling aside without further examination. "So, what is the news in town? You must fill me in on everything." Ruby's eyes lit up to imagine the bustle of Storybrooke, such as it was, compared to the quiet homestead.
Belle finally looked up. "It's getting busy already," she told her friend, swaying slightly in her seat. "Remus says there might be more settlers coming through than ever before with everyone wanting to stake their claim on cheap land. He's concerned about keeping law and order, but I think it would be wonderful to have some more families settled. Now that we're getting a new doctor, a preacher and school and other such things can't be far behind."
Ruby smiled, trying to ignore the hint of sadness that came with the thought of Storybrooke's future. "That would be wonderful, but it sounds like more than David could handle alone. Would there be someone else who would take over as a devoted sheriff?"
Belle sighed. "I don't know." She chuckled. "Cora Mills insists on bringing in someone she knows from back east, but Remus absolutely refuses." She leaned closer to Ruby and added in a whisper, "Those two are both very stubborn and both very opinionated about how things should be done."
"Yes, and both have the money to keep Storybrooke running, from what Archie says." Ruby froze, realizing it was impolite to talk of such things, especially regarding Belle's own husband, but she relaxed when Belle nodded emphatically.
"Cora likes to throw her weight around, but Remus stands up to her. Besides, Jefferson Madden has twice the fortune of the Mills' family, much as Cora likes to forget it."
Ruby raised her eyebrows, intrigued by this mysterious figure, though she knew enough of all personalities involved to suspect she trusted Mr. Gold and Mr. Madden far more than Mrs. Mills. "I don't think I've met Mr. Madden," she told Belle. "He's been helping Archie hire the new doctor, though." Ruby stopped herself from saying more, not daring to divest any confidential information. She had a feeling that the man didn't want the true extent of his contribution to be discovered.
"Oh, that's right—Jefferson and Grace were away for the Harvest Party, so you wouldn't have met them," Belle said. "I can't remember if he settled here before or after the Mills family, but he came from a good family back east—or, well, a family with a name and money, anyway," Belle added with a chuckle. "I don't know much about his situation before he arrived, but he's a widower with a young daughter and a sizeable family fortune. You wouldn't know it from his demeanor, though, unlike a certain lady." The twinkle in Belle's eye told Ruby all that she needed to know, though Belle was tactful enough not to say more against Cora Mills. "He's also the most eligible bachelor in Storybrooke, and you can bet Cora has tried to match her Regina up with Jefferson." Belle shook her head. "But that is a couple I cannot see well suited."
"Regina seems sweet," Ruby said, trying to picture the mother and daughter from her brief glimpses back in October.
"She is," Belle replied with a hint of sadness. "It's unfortunate that her mother seems determined to sabotage the poor girl's chance at happiness." She started and her hand flew to her mouth. "That was unkind," she corrected herself.
"I won't say anything," Ruby assured her friend, half teasing. "Though I am glad to hear more about everyone. I have to admit, everything was a blur at the Harvest Party."
Belle grinned. "Speaking of news from town, it sounds like there could be a wedding on the horizon. Young Ashley Boyd, who works for the Mills family, and Sean Herman have been sweet on each other for months. His father isn't thrilled with the match, but I don't think he'll interfere, either."
"I think I saw them dancing together at the party."
"Yes, they're drawn to each other like moths to a flame," Belle chuckled. "Sean's family is well established here—they've got a farm on the other side of town—though not quite as well-off as the Mills or the Maddens." Belle shook her head. "You'd think we're far enough out in the middle of nowhere for such things to be of no import, but some people…"
Ruby nodded, remembering the strict rules of society back in Boston. A housemaid would never be permitted to marry a gentleman's son back east. "I do hope they find happiness together," she said firmly. A different sort of pang hit her, remembering the intoxication she saw in the gazes of the couple, and she could feel the pull of young love.
Suddenly, Ruby imagined the look she saw in Archie's eyes every so often. She shook her head at herself, dismissing the thought as quickly as it had come.
"Yes, so, there could be a wedding shortly," Belle finished. "Perhaps it would be enough for the town to realize it's high time we have a proper church and a preacher."
Ruby smiled at the picture of a little white church with a bell standing on a hill overlooking the town—the perfect setting for a wedding, so unlike hers and Archie's. Theirs had been such a solemn event, which she'd since learned was so unlike the man she'd married. She watched Belle for a moment, imagining her and her own husband in a joyous ceremony of their own, and she noticed the longing in the woman's gaze focused downwards once more.
"Do I sense the pitter-patter of little feet in your future?" Ruby asked brightly. She was not prepared for the sad look that met her.
"I don't know anymore," Belle said, her features heavy for a moment before she gave Ruby a sad smile. "Remus and I would love to have children, but we've been trying, and… it may not happen for us."
Ruby's heart rose in her throat and she reached out and placed her hand on her friend's arm. She looked at her son sleeping peacefully, and she couldn't imagine the pain of not being able to have children, especially knowing the joy that Peter brought her.
Belle brightened, remembering herself. "It's alright—God has blessed us with Neal, and I love him like my own son. It's a small miracle that we found ourselves together at all, considering I wanted nothing to do with Remus when we were first married."
Ruby's eyes widened. "Really? But you two seem so happy together! I just assumed you'd married for love."
Belle smiled. "We are now, but we didn't start out that way." She bit her lip and glanced past Ruby, as if collecting her thoughts before a long story, and Ruby shifted in her seat in anticipation. "Remus was settled here in Storybrooke when it wasn't much more than a few shacks. My father and I came together, wanting a better life after my mother died. We had a few good years together, and we built a little homestead, but the work was hard, and the winter was harder." Belle took a deep breath, and Ruby saw tears glisten in her eyes before she blinked them away. "My father died, and suddenly I was completely alone in the middle of a strange place. Not ideal for a young woman."
Ruby nodded, her own grief and fear coming back to her.
"I was able to keep the farm going for a few months, but I knew it wasn't sustainable, and I couldn't afford help. That's when Remus made me an offer. I needed a place to stay, and he needed help raising his son while he ran the store. I didn't care for him then, thinking I knew how he ran his business. His manner was cold and abrupt, and I couldn't imagine being married to such a man. I'd always imagined I'd be lucky enough to marry for love, like the women I read about in my books.
"It was clear I didn't have much of a choice, however, so we married shortly before the following winter. Combining our lives wasn't easy, but I loved being a step-mother to Neal, and it was a relief to have a roof over my head. I hated that Remus now owned my father's land, but he gave me some freedoms, and eventually trusted me to oversee the letting of the homestead.
"After living side by side for months, I realized what kind of man Remus truly was. And one day, I realized that I cared for him—that I actually loved him. It wasn't the kind of love that I expected would come, with fireworks and trumpets. It came on more quietly, a soft kind of love that slowly washed over me like the tide, until I was so far deep I didn't know when it had begun."
Ruby felt like her breath had been snatched away, and she inhaled deeply. This woman seemed so bright and happy, and Ruby had been convinced that she was deeply in love with her husband. And yet, her story was so similar to her own.
"I had no idea," Ruby said softly, her mind racing to make sense of the emotions washing over her.
"Oh, it's a happy story, I hope," Belle added quickly, and Ruby nodded. "And there are, uh, plenty of 'fireworks' now. It's just, sometimes things work out in unexpected ways." She cooed down at the baby. "Like this little one."
Belle's story stayed with Ruby in the coming days, though she refused to put too much thought into it. She couldn't decide if she found this new information comforting or disquieting, and she preferred to not discover the answer. Besides, Archie had already told her that he'd looked into the purchase of tickets for the wagon train. Why would he do that if he didn't expect her to leave?
Her sadness for her friend who was denied the joy that she'd been blessed with, however, made Ruby even more grateful for what she had—both with baby Peter, and Archie and August. While she'd disliked Archie at first, it was only for what he was not. They had never felt actual animosity towards each other.
There was little time to dissect the situation, thankfully, as other visitors arrived in to meet the new baby—and the mysterious Mrs. Hopper, still unknown to most.
Mary Margaret brought Ashley Boyd for a visit, the latter particularly eager to see the new baby. Ruby was delighted to meet the young woman in person, though she seemed such a waif of a girl to be considering marriage. Ruby had to remind herself that she wasn't much older when she and Peter had begun courting and making plans. Ruby could see the joy in Ashley's eyes as they crept in to see the baby sleeping, the hopes that the girl already nurtured, to have a family of her own with her love. It raised Ruby's own spirits, and she hoped she'd be able to attend the inevitable wedding.
In the midst of the visits, Archie would dutifully check in with her, though he knew enough not to intrude on the women-folk. He would simply bring in some more firewood or place another log on the hearth, or sometimes bring in a pail of fresh water from the well. He'd always pause to see that the baby was doing fine, beaming at the little boy in a way that would make Ruby's heart catch in her chest. Then, with a gentle pat to her back or a squeeze of her shoulder, he was gone, leaving Ruby to continue with her guest.
"He's so good with him," Ruby gushed. She thought she saw Mary Margaret's eyebrows rise in surprise, but the woman made no further comment, and Ruby quickly forgot her friend's strange reaction.
Miss Merriweather also dropped by, introducing herself with such warmth that Ruby felt they'd been friends for years. Her plump figure, dressed all in blue, and her pink cheeks, made more round by being always formed in a smile, made Ruby instantly relax, and the way she calmed Peter's fussing was nothing short of miraculous.
"Just a little bit of molasses and water should do the trick," she told Ruby. She stirred the mixture in a cup and dipped some of it on her finger before placing it on the baby's mouth. "Not much, mind you." He immediately began sucking, and Ruby sat back in her chair in relief.
Archie had come in at that moment, as if he could sense Peter's cries from outside. "Is everything alright?" he asked as he removed his hat.
"Oh, just peachy," Miss Merriweather cooed. "You've got yourself a fine boy, Mr. Hopper."
Archie grinned like a proud father. "Yes, but only because he takes after his mother."
Ruby chuckled, neither of them explaining anything further to the older woman, though she caught a twinkle in the lady's eye. After Archie left, Miss Merriweather gave Ruby a wink. "That's a fine man you've managed to catch," she said with a knowing tone. "It's not just any woman that could attract Archibald Hopper."
Ruby smiled. "I'm a very lucky woman," she agreed, not wanting to explain that she'd be gone before summer. She didn't want to think about it, and there was something appealing in the little picture that Miss Merriweather painted of the two of them.
Though very different in temperament, Ruby felt like she had her granny with her for the short visit, and her heart sank when it was time to say goodbye. Ruby stood in the doorway with Peter in her arms and watched Archie help the woman into her wagon. His arms were strong and steady, his movements gentle as he saw her settled, and he accepted the woman's chattering good-naturedly before waving her off.
Archie grinned at Ruby as he made his way across the yard and joined her at the door. "I hope she wasn't too overbearing," he apologized. "She, uh… she's been trying to—well, marry me off for awhile." Ruby thought she noticed his ears flush pink.
"Not at all," Ruby assured him. "Although she kept you occupied." She nodded towards the yard. "What was she saying?"
"Oh nothing," he said quickly. "Just that she was trying to see that Sean and Ashley's betrothal becomes official." He shrugged. "She means well."
Ruby grinned. "Well, I think she's sweet."
It didn't take long for Ruby to feel like she'd seen all of the women in Storybrooke come through her door, and she was grateful for the quiet when it finally came, taking advantage of the break to catch up on her baking. August had made himself scarce, keeping a safe distance from all the instructions and pinched cheeks that loomed with the presence of so many women, and he stayed outside with his pa in the barn. Ruby didn't mind—there was plenty of time to catch him up on his schoolwork, and the boy deserved some fresh air after a long winter.
Ruby was up to her elbows in flour, hunched over the table as she kneaded the dough, when Archie swung open the front door. "We've got another visitor," he explained, panting slightly, and Ruby frowned at his expression.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, brushing her hair from her face with her forearm and stepping towards him.
"It's Mrs. Mills," he said in hushed tones, and Ruby could see the woman and her daughter over Archie's shoulder. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" Ruby would have laughed if she could have made out the extent to which he was teasing her and how much he was serious. As it was, he seemed to be more serious than anything else.
There was time for one last glance between them before Archie pivoted on his heel and closed the door, greeting Mrs. and Miss Mills to give Ruby a few extra seconds to clean up. She yanked off her apron and threw it in the corner before she rushed to the basin to wash the flour off her hands and arms. She did what she could to brush the flour off the table after she moved the dough to the counter, but it was a hopeless cause. She just prayed she didn't have any flour on her face as she tucked any stray hair behind her ears and smoothed out her skirts. Under any other circumstances, she wouldn't have cared, but she had a feeling that Mrs. Mills expected perfection, and it was easier to at least be seen making an attempt.
Ruby took a deep breath to calm her nerves, all the while aware of her own foolishness. The door opened slowly, and the first thing Ruby heard was Archie's warm voice.
"Please, come have a seat," he offered, leading them inside. He met Ruby's gaze and crossed the room to stand beside her, and Ruby clasped her hands together in front of her.
Archie placed his hand on Ruby's back. "Mrs. Mills—Regina—I'd like you to meet my wife, Mrs. Ruby Hopper."
Ruby took in the sight that was the woman in front of her, dressed in deep purples and black, as if she was in mourning. Her skirts took up most of the doorway, the style so voluminous that it hadn't been in fashion in Boston for a few years. Her expression was stern, and Ruby dropped her gaze and gave a lame curtsey, unsure of what else to do.
"Hello," she greeted, meeting the daughter's gaze. Regina offered a shy smile, and Ruby felt her smile widen in genuine warmth. The girl looked to be about the same age as herself, and dressed in a simple light blue dress—though the stitching and trim boasted of the owner's elegance.
"Please, do have a seat," Ruby echoed Archie's earlier invitation. "Would you like some tea? I'll just put the kettle on."
She saw Archie reach for the tin of cakes in the cupboard and place them on a plate before bringing them to the table. Much to her surprise, he took a seat beside her place, and warmth bloomed in her chest.
"We wanted to come by and offer our congratulations in person," Cora said in her cold drawl. "On the baby, that is." Somehow, she managed to make even that offering sound threatening.
"Thank you very much," Ruby said from the stove as she poured the boiling water into the teapot.
"That's very… kind," Archie replied.
Ruby brought the tea things to the table and took her seat beside Archie, and Archie placed a protective arm across the back of her chair.
"Is the child present?" Cora asked.
Ruby threw a glance to Archie before looking at Cora. "He's sleeping right now, so it's best not to wake him," she explained. "But I'm sure there will be other times."
Regina nodded with a smile, and Ruby thought she saw disappointment flitter across her features, though she dared not reveal it. He posture was as straight as her mother's, and Ruby's heart went out to her as she threw timid glances to her mother as if expecting to be chastised at any moment.
The tea was soon ready to be poured, and silence hung thick in the air as Ruby served everyone. She noticed that Cora and Regina accepted the tea, but Regina was told in no uncertain terms in the form of a glare from her mother that there would be no cake.
"And how do you find yourselves in Storybrooke?" Archie asked.
"Pleasant enough," Cora replied, the clink of china sounding as her cup connected with the saucer. "It is getting busy with new settlers arriving, though. We must be careful in who we let come into Storybrooke. We wouldn't want an influx of widows and orphans, or cowboys, and the like."
Ruby almost choked on her bite of cake, and she could feel Archie tensing beside her.
"Surely we want the town to be welcoming," she said quickly. "I was met with great kindness here."
"Yes, but I understand you will be leaving us shortly. Such a shame to take from charitable folks just to disappear."
"Cora, I think—"
"Of course, you're right," Ruby cut in, and she could see a flicker of shock on Archie's expression before he collected himself. "That's why I'm helping my husband see that the new doctor in town is settled."
"How generous," Cora all but sneered.
"I'm only doing what little I can to repay the kindness of the people of Storybrooke," Ruby replied, her voice honey-sweet as an idea began to form. "The leaders of the town have been particularly generous in their donations to the doctor's salary, haven't they, Darling?" She flashed Archie a smile and took his hand, ignoring the spark that flashed when skin met skin so intentionally, or the confusion that flickered across his face before he played along.
"Of course… Sweetheart."
"Yes, Mr. Madden and Mr. Gold have cemented their place in the top of Storybrooke society, wouldn't you agree? Though I'm sure they haven't given as much as you have to the cause. A doctor would serve every resident of the town, and would also provide nothing but the best care for you and your daughter, should the need arise."
Cora frowned and Regina froze, her eyes wide.
"Of course," Cora agreed with a slow nod, and Ruby forced herself to keep a calm expression. "I have always meant to donate to this new doctor."
"Excellent!" Ruby exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "And someone of your obvious standing would be able to provide double, no—triple—the amount that even Mr. Madden himself is providing."
"Yes," the woman across from her said slowly.
"Wonderful! I'm glad it's settled," Ruby replied, adrenaline pumping through her veins. "I'm sure my husband can visit you to iron out the details, since I have no head for numbers or business. Now, can I offer you some more tea? And Regina, please do have some cake—I'd love to know what you think."
After a visit that was no more than a quarter of an hour, Cora was quick to leave with her daughter in tow, her skirts rustling all the way. Archie closed the door after they'd left and let out a laugh.
"Now that was something I never thought would happen!" he cried, grinning at her as he took both her arms in his grip. "To see the day that Cora Mills was left speechless after being coerced to donate to a public cause."
Ruby grinned in equal measure. "I don't know what it is about that woman, but something in me snapped! I couldn't help it."
"It was brilliant." He met her gaze, and Ruby froze, highly aware of the small space between them. She forced her eyes not to drop to his lips.
"You amaze me, Mrs…. Ruby."
Then, the spell was broken, and he dropped his arms at his sides and stepped back. Ruby offered him a small smile, more confused than ever.
"I do wish I could do something to help Regina, though," Ruby added, her heart heavy as she recalled the sight of the timid woman. "She looks so trapped."
"I know," Archie agreed with a nod. "There's so little that can be done, though, save for a decent marriage—and you can be sure that Cora will see to every detail, especially in that."
Ruby sighed and hugged herself, feeling so helpless. She'd have to think of some way to show that woman that she was not alone.
Archie quickly realized there was nothing like a newborn baby to bring most of Storybrooke to his doorstep—or, rather, a certain half of the population, anyway.
It was a nice change of pace to visit with neighbours, but he kept a watchful eye on Ruby, ready to shuffle everyone away at the first sign of her growing weary. He needn't have worried, however—she seemed to drink in the attention, basking in the company and delighting in the opportunity to meet everyone. And perhaps he, himself, was a little eager to show off the new baby, though he tried to keep to the background. Ruby and Peter were certainly the centre of attention, anyway.
All that being said, he was also more than happy to welcome the supper hour that ensured their home was theirs once more, free from visitors—which also drew his son back from wherever he'd been hiding.
The evening after Cora and Regina Mills' visit, Ruby seemed particularly tired. She fed Peter by the fire as she did every evening, but her rocking soon slowed to a stop. Archie watched her eyelids flutter closed and her head droop, and he smiled to himself. He crossed the room from his seat and took the baby from her arms to try to give her a few moments of uninterrupted sleep.
August was already in bed, so Archie found himself alone with Peter. He beamed down at the infant, his heart swelling in his chest as he took in every tiny feature—his soft, dark hair, his delicate eyelashes, his little balled-up fists.
"Why don't we let your mama rest for a bit, hmm?" he murmured, throwing a quick glance to Ruby to assure himself that she wouldn't notice their absence before he made his way to the door. Before opening it, he made sure Peter was tightly wrapped in his blanket, safe from the slight chill of the spring evening.
As he stepped outside, he took in a deep breath of fresh air, and with one arm holding the baby, he carefully closed the door. He turned around and stepped off the small landing to see a canopy of stars above him. A familiar feeling of awe washed over him to see the million pinpricks of light in the inky black sky above. He held his breath, the world around them silent, save for the gentle hum of the crickets that held the promise of the warmer weather to come.
"Do you see all those stars, Peter?" Archie breathed, looking down at the baby whose gaze seemed fixed on the heavens, though he knew he couldn't make out much at his young age. "They're God's handiwork—just like you. You were knit together in your mother's womb, fearfully and wonderfully made. I hope you know that God loves you so much, and so does your mama."
And so do I.
The words caught in Archie's throat as he held out his pinky finger to the fist that had wriggled out of the blanket. Little fingers wrapped around his own, so giant in comparison, and Archie breathed out slowly as emotion swelled in his chest.
Love washed over him, an emotion so powerful he almost thought his knees would buckle under the weight of it all, like the day he'd delivered the little miracle—a whole new life who was entirely dependent on him. Archie swayed gently in place, bouncing slightly as he cooed to the child, saying nothing in particular, and Peter didn't seem to mind. Archie's breath hitched in his throat as he kept his gaze fixed on the baby, so small in his arms. Though he was only just over a month old, Archie already felt like the boy had always been with them.
Archie ignored the little voice that warned him not to get too attached. Besides, it was a hopeless case anyway, so why worry about it tonight?
Archie grinned as a yawn escaped the baby in a little gasp, and Peter's eyelids fluttered. "There, there," Archie murmured. "Let's get you back inside before your mama notices we're gone." He held the baby close and pressed a kiss to his hair before turning back to the house, his heart already lost to the bundle in his arms.