Chapter 10
Hayden spent every spare moment he had in his workshop completing a Christmas gift he was making for Whitney. He picked out a chisel and started to carve, making precise grooves into the wood. He smiled, taking in his craftsmanship and hoping Whitney would like it. He wanted nothing more than their first Christmas together to be special and memorable. And with this personal gift he had designed for her, he wanted it to be something she cherished for years to come.
He heard the door to the back room opened, and he quickly put the piece he was carving on the shelf under his worktable, not wanting Whitney to see it.
“Hey there Hay Bale!” Bea exclaimed, her red hair a blaze coming into view.
Hayden shook his head at her nickname for him and flashed her a welcoming smile. Having known Bea for pretty much his entire life, he was used to her nicknames and teasing. Their relationship was like an annoying little sister, even though Bea was older than him. Despite their dynamic, he appreciated her. She was a kind, loyal and thoughtful and always had his best interest at heart. Plus, she wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions or give him advice. She was without question one of his closest friends.
“Hey, there Bee-sting!” he volleyed, pinching her arm.
She smacked him hard on the back. How so much force came from her tiny body, always marveled at him.
“What brings you to me ole workshop?” he asked, attempting a British accent.
Bea laughed, appreciating his attempt and giving him a thumbs up. “I was just picking up some Christmas lights and Ryker said you were in the back,” she replied, browsing around his workshop, picking up pieces he was working on and inspecting them. “What are these?” she asked, pointing to the carved headboards leaning against the wall.
“Those are the headboards for the cribs I’m making for Ben and Ever’s twins,” he replied proudly, reaching out to smooth his hand over his carvings.
“Look at you! The favorite uncle, already.” she commented, meeting his eyes. “Seriously, though, these are beautiful!” she appraised, running her hands over the hand carved design.
“Thanks, they’re coming together nicely.”
She continued her perusal of his workspace and her eyes zoning in on his gift for Whitney under his worktable. “What is that?” she asked, reaching for it.
Hayden swooped in before her and placed it down on the tabletop.
Bea inspected his handiwork closely, and she smiled brightly. “Hayden, this is gorgeous.” She complimented, taking in the intricate carvings.
“It’s Whitney’s Christmas gift,” he shared proudly, admiring all the work he was putting into this project.
Bea looked up at him, a huge smile on her face, her green eyes dancing with delight. “You really love her, don’t you?” she asked.
Hayden nodded, offering her a resolute smile, “Whitney’s the one, Bea.”
Although he had always been open with Bea about his love life and he knew she was not one to mince words when she had an opinion. If Bea thought he was rushing things, she was going to call him out on it. He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth in his work boots, waiting for her response.
Bea’s lips curved into a kind smile, and she curled her arm around his waist in a half hug. “I am truly happy for you, Hayden.”
Hayden could feel the breath he was holding, slowly releasing.
Bea laughed, giving him a punch in the arm and rolled her green eyes at him. “Are you going to Prairie Sky on Christmas Eve?” she asked, as she slung her purse over her shoulder.
“We’ll be there,” he replied.
She smiled and turned on her heel, giving him a quick glance over her shoulder. “It’s nice to see you happy, Hayden. It’s about time.”
* * *
The Christmas seasonhad arrived in Primrose, and the excitement of the holidays in a small town was something Whitney had never experienced. Part of what made it so special was the people. They genuinely wanted to make her feel welcome and part of their community, inviting and including her in the festivities. Whitney felt like she belonged here, confirming to her she had made the right decision to move to Primrose.
On Christmas Eve they all attended the church service in town and then gathered at Prairie Sky afterwards for appetizers, drinks, and general holiday merriment.
“How are you doing, Mama?” Whitney asked, putting her hand on Ever’s now very noticeable belly. Four months along, Ever seemed to have popped overnight.
“Good,” she replied, giving her a tired smile. “Not sleeping well, though. I started to feel them earlier this week and they seem to think nighttime is the time to be awake.”
Whitney offered her friend a sympathetic look.
Ben walked into the kitchen interrupting their conversation, flashed them both a smile and reached into the fridge retrieving two beers. He leaned in and kissed Ever chastely, cupped his large hand over her belly, then flashed them both another grin and returned to the living room.
Ever shook her head, her face flushed, rosy and sweet.
Whitney looked at her friend with adoration. Ever was so much in love with her husband and seeing their interaction made her heart swell with happiness for her. In less than a year, Ever had found her happily ever with Ben and Whitney couldn’t help but long for that too. Her mind drifted to Hayden. He was affectionate with her like that. Stealing little moments to acknowledge he saw her, cared for her, and loved her. Would he take every moment to touch my belly if I were pregnant? The possibility of having children with him drifted into her thoughts.
“Whitney, where did you go just now?” Ever asked, her hand on her hip.
Whitney laughed nervously and shook her head, breaking out of her daydream.
“Thinking of Hayden?” Ever asked, leaning against the kitchen counter, a knowing grin on her face. Whitney nodded and looked down at her hands, a smile curving her lips. “You know, Hayden is going to be an amazing dad one day, right?” Ever asked her, more of a comment than an actual question. “You want a family, don’t you?”
“More than anything.” Whitney replied with conviction, looking Ever straight in the eye.
“I know you and Hayden haven’t been together long, but maybe you should have a talk about the future. Maybe discuss expectations and what you both want.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little early for that kind of talk?” Whitney asked, raising her eyebrows in question. “We’ve only been dating a few months.”
Ever pointed at her belly and the ring on her hand, then laughed. Whitney joined in on her laughter and nodded her head, acknowledging the quick timeline of Ben and Ever’s relationship.
“I will bet you the farm that Hayden has thought of it already and is just waiting on you to catch up.”
“You think?” Whitney asked wistfully.
“I know.” Ever replied, rubbing her hand over her belly. “Hayden is without question thinking about a future with you.”
Whitney stared at Ever, taking in her words. Was Hayden already thinking of their future together? There was no question that they loved each other, but other than her daydreams and passing thoughts about what her future with Hayden could look like, she had not verbalized it to him. She feared voicing it would be perceived as too fast or just plain crazy. She was simply savoring the feeling of being wanted and cared for by a man for the first time in her life. Was he ready to commit fully? So many questions floated into her head all at once.
Ever stared back at her and cocked her head to the side, scrutinizing her. “Whitney,does a future with Hayden scare you?” she asked. “Considering everything you’ve gone through in the past.”
“Honestly, no,” Whitney answered with full certainty. “I feel excited about the possibilities.”
Ever pulled Whitney in for a huge hug. “You deserve every happiness, Whitney.”
Whitney opened her mouth to thank Ever when her friend grabbed onto her, and let out a painful cry, her hand grabbing for the countertop. Whitney held her up, Ever’s face contorted in pain.
“Ben, come here quick!” Whitney shouted from the kitchen, trying to hold her friend up.
Ben rushed into the kitchen, Hayden and Bea close behind. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Ben asked, his face turning white with worry.
“I just got a sharp pain.” Ever winced, breathing through her teeth, her eyes darting frantically towards Ben.
“She suddenly doubled over.” Whitney explained.
“We should take her to the ER.” Bea answered as she led her to a kitchen chair, Ever holding her belly and wincing from the pain. “It could be nothing, but it”s best to get checked out. Just take deep cleansing breaths, and Ben go get the truck started.” Bea ordered, now in full nurse mode. “You and the babies are going to be okay.” Bea soothed in a whisper, running a hand over Ever’s belly. Ben sprinted out of the house, keys in hand.
Whitney and Hayden stood back clutching one another, feeling helpless as they watched Ben run back into the kitchen holding Ever’s jacket. Bea helped her into the jacket and Ben effortlessly scooped her into his arms, carrying her through the kitchen and out the front door.
Bea peered around the corner to Hayden and Whitney. “I’m going to go with them, okay?”
“Of course.” Hayden answered, his face pale with shock and worry at what had just happened.
“We’re going to be close behind.” Whitney replied, going into action mode cleaning up the food that had been laid out for them.
Bea nodded and bolted out the front door, the storm door slamming behind her.
Hayden stood there unmoving, his eyes wide and face pale as the snow outside. Whitney wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug, meeting his concerned eyes, unshed tears forming. Her heart ached for the sensitive man she loved so much. “She is going to be okay.” Whitney reassured him. “You heard Bea. She said it’s probably nothing and taking her in was just precautionary. The babies are going to be okay.”
* * *
Hayden and Whitneypulled into the garage. It was after midnight, Christmas Day, and both were exhausted. The unexpected visit to St. Augustine ER resulted in bed rest for Ever, but thankfully both she and the babies were fine.
Turning on the Christmas tree lights; Hayden flopped onto the couch, patting the spot next to him. Whitney sank down, letting out a long exhale. “Well, that was the most eventful Christmas Eve I’ve ever had,” she offered, snuggling into him.
Hayden nodded in agreement, putting his arm around her. They sat there together for a long time, mesmerized by the twinkling lights on the tree.
“Oh, I have something for you!” Whitney exclaimed, suddenly breaking their reverie. She popped up off the couch and reached down under the tree, retrieving a rectangular box.
“Aren’t we exchanging gifts Christmas morning?” he asked as she set the box on his lap.
“Technically, it is Christmas morning, but yes, we are. This is just something cute and fun for us both,” she offered. “A little Faris tradition.”
Hayden smiled at her and started unwrapping the box, colorful paper flying. Opening the box, he laughed as he held up a pajama shirt, the front of the shirt reading, “On Santa’s Naughty List.” Whitney laughed and clapped her hands, grabbing the second pair meant for her. She held hers up, and it read “On Santa’s Nice List.”
Hayden blurted out a bountiful laugh and pulled her in for a hug. “Let’s go put these on and maybe I will show you why I am on the naughty list,” he teased, nipping her ear with his teeth. She squirmed and giggled as he chased her down the hall to their bedroom.
* * *
Hayden’s eyes opened groggily,Whitney’s hair fanned out on the pillow and now tickling his nose. He held back a sneeze and smiled. She was warm and soft, molded into the groove of his body. He loved waking with her, his little spoon. Hayden ran his hand over the dip of her waist and the curve of her hip, relishing the feel of her under his touch. His hand roamed over the curve of her backside and back around to her stomach, where his hand rested. Yesterday had been crazy, seeing Ever in such pain, the fear of trouble with her pregnancy, a real worry. His hand spread wide over Whitney’s belly, his mind wandering. What would it be like to feel a bump here? What would it be like to see Whitney carrying my baby? Over the past month he had these thoughts many times. His desire to have a family coming to the forefront of his thoughts as his relationship with Whitney grew serious. Is she ready to talk about the future?
“Merry Christmas, Hays.” Whitney whispered sleepily, breaking him from his daydream.
His hand still splayed on her belly, she intertwined her fingers with his.
“Merry Christmas,” he replied, kissing her neck and nuzzling his stubbled chin against her cheek. She squirmed and wiggled back into him, her movements awakening his body with arousal. His hips instinctively meeting her with a slow sensual grind.
“A very Merry Christmas indeed,” she said, feeling his hardness grow against her. “Do I get my first present now?” she teased guiding his hand under her shirt to cup her breast.
“I think that can be arranged,” he replied, rolling her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She moaned at his attention to her breast and turned her body to face him. Her hand roaming down to his manhood begging to be freed from his flannel pajama pants.
He closed his eyes and moaned as she slipped past the waistband and boldly took hold of him, sliding her hand up and down, making him slick and ready. Letting him go, she shimmied herself out of her sleep pants and climbed on top of him, straddling his hips. He reached between her legs running his fingers through her soft folds, making her impossibly wet. Positioning herself over him, she sank down, sheathing him fully inside the warmth of her body.
“Whitney, you feel so amazing, but gorgeous we need protection.”
Whitney shook her head and, bringing her lips to his, whispered, “It’s okay.”
Hayden gazed up at the beautiful woman above him, so trusting and vulnerable. She wanted him with no barriers, nothing between them. He had never done this before, and he needed to know that she was truly okay with this. “Are you sure?”
“I’m on birth control. We’re good,” she replied, grinding her hips into him.
Her words and movement fueling his pleasure. He closed his eyes and let out a deep, approving groan. She circled her hips a few times, teasing him, then set a pace rising and falling with him meeting her movements. Feeling the familiar tingle of his climax start up his spine, he revelled in the feel of her tight heat surrounding him like nothing he had experienced before. Reaching between them, he teased at her centre, making her cry out with pleasure at the contact.
“Come for me, gorgeous,” he commanded, feeling her walls grip him and tremors pulsate through her like waves. Her inner control was a marvel. He gave in to his release along with her. Their bodies shuddering and their sensual moans filling the room. Coming down from their intense mutual release, she collapsed on top of him, and they lay there connected for a moment, just savoring their connection. With the incandescent glow surrounding their joined bodies, Hayden felt emotions well up inside his chest and he swallowed down, a lump forming in his throat as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. Whitney had now given him all of her and she was the one and only woman he would make love to for the rest of his life. The overwhelming realization washed over him like a wave crashing against the shore and all he wanted to do was drown in this glorious feeling.
* * *
Whitney toppedoff her cup of coffee as she made her way into the living room. Hayden had made them a delicious Christmas breakfast of his mother’s famous French toast, which he told her was a Hastings tradition and now they were ready to open each other gifts. Hayden was already seated on the floor by the tree, reaching underneath to retrieve his gift for her. She took a seat on the floor across from him and crossed her legs. He handed a gift to her, and she reached under the tree, handing hers to him.
“I want you to go first.” she said with an excited smile.
Obliging her request, Hayden ripped open the paper and gave Whitney a curious look as she gestured for him to continue unwrapping. He pulled out a piece of paper with information printed on it and he perused the printout, a slow smile tugging at his lips as he glanced up at Whitney with surprise.
“You didn’t?” he asked, his eyes wide. “NHL Season tickets?”
She nodded, delighted by his reaction. “Yes, you get a select number of tickets before the season ends. You can take Ben or me or whomever you want to go with you.”
He leaned in and kissed her softly. “This is far too generous!” he exclaimed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” she replied, happily.
“Now I want you to open yours,” he said, gesturing to the box in her hand. “It is not nearly as generous as your gift, but I hope you like it.”
Whitney looked down, untied the bow at the top of the box, and lifted the lid. She gasped in surprise. “Oh, Hayden, it’s exquisite.” She lifted his gift out of the box. Inside was a wooden box, carved intricately with a large star in the middle and bursts in the corners. The sides were carved as well, with stars in a unique pattern. She ran her hand over it, feeling the smoothness of the wood and the details carved into each star. The design was stunning.
“Did you make this?” she asked, searching his eyes.
“I did. I wanted to give you something handmade from me, to remind you of the night I told you I loved you,” he confessed sweetly.
Her heart leaped out of her chest at his words, and tears filled her eyes.
“It’s a treasure box,” he explained, motioning for her to open it. “I figured you could put memories in there. It can be trinkets, photos, whatever you want,” he continued. “I also put a message in there for you.” He pointed to a wooden plaque inside the lid that said. “Because I love you. Hays.”
She looked up at him, meeting his gaze, blinking through the tears now spilling over onto her cheeks.
“Do you not like it?” he asked, his brows knit together in question.
She nodded her head vigorously and swiped at the wetness on her cheeks with her hand. “I love it, Hayden. It is the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me.”
He breathed out in relief and smiled at her lovingly, his eyes full of raw emotion.
She set down the box and climbed into his lap, straddling his hips, and took his face into her hands. “You are the best gift I could ever ask for,” she professed, then kissed him passionately, washing away any lingering doubt she had left.
Hayden Hastings was her forever.