Chapter 14
Hayden let himself into the Prairie Sky Farmhouse and closed the door behind him.
“Anyone home?” he called out.
“Up here!” he heard Ben reply. “In the nursery!”
Hayden climbed the stairs and turned the corner, making his way down the hallway. What was once Ever’s room was now being transformed into a nursery. Entering the room, he saw Ben wearing an old pair of paint splattered sweatpants, had no shirt on and held a roller brush in his hand. Ever sat in a plush rocking chair, her feet up on an ottoman in the corner, a glass of ice water in her hand, admiring her husband and his handiwork. She was perfectly round, her enormous belly peeking out of her too small t-shirt that read, “Pregnant as a Motha.” and a coy smile was painted on her lips.
Hayden chuckled at the scene in front of him. “Am I interrupting anything here?” he asked, looking from Ever to Ben and back to Ever, still eyeing up her husband.
“Yes, you’re interrupting my sexy painter fantasies.” Ever replied, biting the corner of her lip and giving Ben a coquettish wink.
Hayden let out a huge guffaw and looked at Ben, who waggled his eyebrows at his wife and continued to roll the cheerful yellow paint onto the wall.
“How are you doing, Ever?” Hayden asked, returning his gaze to her.
“I’m good, still cooking these little turkeys. The longer they stay in the oven, the better. So tired of being huge, though,” she confessed, rubbing her giant belly. “Only three more weeks.”
“That’s really good!” Hayden exclaimed. “Don’t twins usually come early?”
“Could be any day now,” Ben replied, flashing him an excited smile.
“Good, because I think it is time to give you your baby gifts.”
“The cribs?” Ever asked, clapping her hands together in excitement.
“Yes, they’re on the truck now,” he answered, giving Ever a sweet smile. “Ben, can you help me carry them in?”
Ben put down the roller brush and grabbed his T-shirt.
“You stay here, okay,” he said to Ever, leaning down to kiss her softly.
Fifteen minutes later, Hayden and Ben had two handmade cribs inside and up the stairs. Ever’s eyes widened at the sight of them, and Ben offered her his hand, helping her out of her chair to take a closer look. Waddling over, she ran her hands over the intricate carvings on the headboards and smiled, pure joy on her face. “Hayden, these are incredible.”
Hayden glanced down at his handiwork. Carved into both headboards were cute farm animals, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep. Each headboard had a spray of daisies carved into the peak. “When Ben told me you were going to eventually paint a farm scene in the nursery and you don’t know if you are having boys or girls, I thought farm animals carved into the headboards would be appropriate.”
“Hayden, the detail is amazing.” Ben complimented, taking it all in. “Brother, you’re seriously talented.”
“You’re an artist, Hayden.” Ever added, giving him a side hug as she continued to inspect them. “Thank you so much.”
“Anything for my first nieces or nephews!” he exclaimed. “Maybe someday I’ll build my child a crib, too.”
Both Ben and Ever’s eyes flitted towards him at the same time and Ever flashed him a huge grin. He knew he was putting the horse before the cart, but he wanted a family, and that one day he would have one with Whitney.
* * *
One week later,on an unseasonably warm spring day, Ben and Ever welcomed twin girls. Although they were small, both little girls were healthy.
Hayden and Whitney, eager to meet the sweet bundles, knocked lightly on Ever’s hospital room door.
“Are you okay with two visitors?” Whitney asked, peeking into the room holding a bouquet of daisies for Ever, followed by Hayden holding two pink bunnies for his nieces.
“Yes, come in.” Ever welcomed, her face tired and flushed, but radiant with happiness.
Bea was there, doting on Ever still in her scrubs, having been on shift when Ever came into labor and delivery and Whitney went to Ever’s side, giving her a huge hug.
Hayden took in his brother happily holding his identical twin daughters in his arms and raw emotion quelled in his chest as he approached them.
“Hayden, these are your nieces; Violet and Poppy.” Ben said proudly, beaming down at his daughters.
Whitney looked at Hayden, his eyes glossing over with tears. “Can we hold them?” Whitney asked, approaching Ben.
Ben nodded and Whitney reached out to take the bundle on the left, then Ben gently set the right bundle in Hayden’s arms. Hayden looked down on the most perfect, most beautiful baby he had ever seen. She was so tiny, with a button nose and cute bowed lips. Her eyes opened sleepily, and he swore his heart grew ten sizes bigger.
“Who do I have here?” Whitney asked, cuddling the sweet baby to her chest and staring down at her adoringly.
“That’s Violet Everley.” Ever answered.
“And you have Poppy Grace.” Ben added, meeting Hayden’s tear-filled eyes.
“Grace after Mom?” Hayden asked, searching his brother’s gaze. Ben nodded, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips.
Hayden looked down again at his adorable little niece and over at Whitney, who was transfixed on Violet. She glanced up, her face full of joy, and their gazes met in silent agreement. Someday soon this would be them.
* * *
Hayden metDan and Betty at the front door. Whitney had been working in the city and had picked up her parents from the airport afterwards. Now having her own vehicle, she could come and go when she needed to and allowing her to meet more frequently with the artists she represented.
“Oh, Hayden, you handsome devil! Come over here and give me a hug,” Betty exclaimed as she abandoned her luggage and walked into Hayden’s arms. “She hugged him tightly and placed her hand on his stomach. “Oh, my goodness, do you have an eight pack now?”
Hayden laughed as he glanced at Whitney, who was already rolling her eyes at her mom.
“Just the six still, Betty, but I’ll let you know if I add any more,” he replied with a chuckle as he acknowledged her father. “Dan, nice to see you again too. How was the flight?”
Dan let out a huff, causing his mustache to puff out. “Fuller than a clown car,” he replied. “We were packed in there like sardines.”
“You just hate to fly, Dan.” Betty scolded, waving her hand to dismiss his comment. “Stop your complaining. It was a perfectly pleasant flight.”
Whitney shook her head and laughed. “Mom and Dad, let me show you to your room and then I’ll give you a tour of the house.”
“That sounds lovely, dear.” Betty cooed.
Whitney led them down the hall to the guest room, their rolling suitcases behind them. Hayden went into the kitchen and pulled out a charcuterie platter Whitney had put together earlier in the day, a bottle of wine and two beers.
Hayden could hear Whitney give them a tour of the main bedroom and her mother’s gasp at their large four-poster king size bed.
“Do you really need that much room to make love?” she asked loudly, her voice carrying through the house.
Hayden shook his head and chuckled, imagining the shade of red Whitney’s cheeks were at her mother’s comment. Finally, they came back down the hall and into the living room, spotting him in the kitchen.
“You have a lovely home!” Betty complimented taking a seat at the island and making herself comfortable.
“Thank you. I grew up here. The house is only two bedrooms, but once we got older, Ben and I had our rooms in the basement, which is fully finished. I would like to put an addition onto the house one day, maybe add a few more bedrooms. I have five acres, so lots of room to play with.”
“Sound like a big project. But I can see how you could do it.” Dan added.
“More bedrooms? Does that mean you and Whitney plan to fill them?” Betty asked, her eyebrows raised in question.
Whitney laughed nervously. “Mom, please simmer down. We’ll have babies when the time is right.”
“Need to get married first.” Dan added with a clearing of his throat. “Don’t rush these kids, Betty.”
“Oh stop!” Betty chided Dan. “When we got together all you wanted to do was make babies! You were hot to trot day and night!”
Whitney’s hand went over her eyes. “Mom, can we please not talk about you and Dad’s sex life?”
Whitney tentatively glanced up at Hayden, who was trying to hold back his laughter as he suggested, “Why don’t we go sit out on the deck in the back? It’s a warm night and I have some ribs I’ve marinated for dinner tonight.”
“Sounds delightful.” Betty sang out happily as she grabbed the bottle of wine.
“I’ll be right out,” Whitney informed as her parents went out the patio door to the deck.
When they were out of sight, Whitney buried her head in Hayden’s chest and groaned.
“Hot to trot,” Hayden repeated, his deep laugh escaping.
“Its almost like a competition for her. How many inappropriate comments can I make in the span of 20 minutes?” Whitney laughed, shaking her head. “Well, that’s my mom.”
“I love them, inappropriate comments and all!” Hayden declared, handing her two wine glasses as they slipped out the door to join them.
* * *
Benand Ever’s baby shower was to be held at the Primrose Community Centre and had become a town wide affair. Everyone wanted to see the Hasting twins and bring their well wishes to the happy little family.
Ms. Lynette, the town librarian, and good friend of Ever’s late father; Hardin Wolton was organizing the event, and the centre was a bustle of activity.
Hayden, Whitney, along with her parents, entered the building and were immediately greeted by Ms. Lynette. Her silver, perfectly coiffed hair was pulled back the way she always wore it, and today she wore a flouncy polka dot pink and white dress and a pair of bright pink cat eyeglasses. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Hayden, darlin’! I am so glad you’re here! And Whitney, it”s so nice to see you again! I hear you’ve taken this handsome guy off the market!” Ms. Lynette exclaimed happily. “I could tell at Ben and Ever’s wedding that there was a spark there! Glad Hayden had the good sense to snap you up!” she said to Whitney with a wink.
Ms. Lynette was the town gossip and little, if anything, got past her. If you wanted info on anything or anyone, she had it.
“Hi, Ms. Lynette. This place looks wonderful and very pink!” Whitney complimented, taking in the room.
The large space of the community centre was an explosion of pink with pink and white streamers hung from the ceiling, pink and white striped tablecloths dressing the round tables and huge balloon bouquets with sparkly pink and white balloons atop each table. Violet and Poppy’s names were displayed on a sign with huge scrolled, glittery pink lettering on the back wall. There was no mistaking this shower was for a pair of baby girls.
“Ms. Lynette, these are my parents, Dan and Betty Faris.” Whitney introduced, gesturing to them.
Ms. Lynette shook both of their hands and gave them a warm, welcoming smile. “I’m so glad you could be here. Please come in, find a seat, the gifts go over there and help yourself to some food.” She informed, leading them further into the busy room. “Ben, Ever and their sweet little flowers are just over at the big table over there.” Ms. Lynette gestured, then excused herself, rushing off into the kitchen.
Ben spotted them and gave them a wave as they made their way over.
“Dan and Betty!” Ever exclaimed, giving Whitney’s parents a hug. “I can’t believe you came all this way for our baby shower.”
“Oh, we wouldn’t miss it, dear!” Betty exclaimed. “You look beautiful Ever, where are your little sweethearts?”
Ever gestured to Ben, who had a baby in each arm.
“This is my husband, Ben Hastings, and our daughters Violet and Poppy.”
Betty’s eyes widened as her gaze trailed up to Ben, who towered over her.
“Oh, my goodness, Ever! You married yourself a lumberjack!” she exclaimed, giving Ever a look of approval before turning back to Ben and fixing him with a smile. “You are strikingly tall and so handsome!” she exclaimed. Ben’s face instantly turned about as pink as the dresses Violet and Poppy wore. “And strong, oh my,” she went on brazenly, reaching to feel his large bicep.
“Nice to meet you both,” Ben greeted, an amused smile curling his lips. “Who would you like to hold Violet or Poppy?”
“No matter to me. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on one of those cuties!” Betty exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly.
Ben handed her Violet, and Dan stepped forward and cleared his throat. “May I hold Poppy?”
Ben smiled and nodded, handing his other daughter to Dan. Dan’s smile grew wide, his thick bushy mustache stretching across his face as he held the baby. Whitney could feel her heart swell at the sight. Would he be holding his grandbaby soon? The more that thought went through her head, the more she knew that’s what she wanted.
* * *
The afternoon rolledby with a flurry of presents, food, laughter, family, and friends. Ever and Ben were showered with anything they could need and more for their baby girls. Whitney couldn’t help but take in the generous community she was now a part of. Having been a city girl her entire life, she had plenty of friends but had never felt a sense of community like that in Primrose. Witnessing the love that surrounded Ben and Ever, Whitney knew this was the place she wanted to settle down and grow her family in. Her family with Hayden. The thought of marrying him and having a family together was what she thought of when she woke and every night when she went to bed. Now, with her past locked away, she couldn’t stop the flood of thoughts for their future. She wanted to be Hayden’s wife, the mother of his children, and she didn’t want to wait any longer for their future to begin.
“Deep in thought?” Ever asked, as she took a seat next to Whitney.
Whitney smiled and nodded. “Where are the girls?”
“Both sleeping. Hayden is holding Poppy, and I have no idea where Violet is right now. They’ve been passed around so much. Not surprised they’re both passed out. It’s been a busy day!”
Whitney glanced over to Hayden who beamed, holding his niece as he talked to Bea. Whitney could feel her ovaries quiver at the sight.
“Hayden’s a natural.” Ever commented, acknowledging Whitney’s longing gaze on Hayden. “You’ve been thinking about having a family of your own, haven’t you?”
Whitney whipped her head towards Ever and her eyes softened. “How could I not? Look at him,” she commented, gesturing to Hayden cooing at Poppy. “Hayden is going to be an amazing father.”
“I want that for you, Whitney.” Ever shared, taking her friend’s hand. “Why not start now? I mean, not everyone does things in order and you and Hayden love each other very much. Seems like a good foundation to me.” she shrugged. “Plus, you said it yourself, you two do things backwards so maybe starting a family now is a good idea.”
Whitney took in her friend’s suggestion and replied, “Call me traditional, but I want to be married first. And it doesn’t need to be fancy either. I would literally get married in the middle of a field, just the two of us, I don’t want or need a big wedding.”
“Why don’t you do that, then?” Ever asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Literally get married in the middle of the field. Hayden doesn’t care either if you have a big wedding or not. I overheard him talking to Ben the other day, and he told him he would marry you tomorrow if he could. Any place, anywhere.”
Whitney’s mind started spinning and a crazy but exciting idea popped into her head. She turned to Ever and met her gaze. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
* * *
Hayden climbedinto bed and took in Whitney, who was leaning against the headboard, her glasses on, reading a book.
“Have I told you how I love your sexy librarian look?” he asked, flashing her a coquettish grin.
“Yes, Hays, many, many times!” she laughed, setting down her book on the end table.
She climbed on top of him, straddling his hips, and replied with a sexy rasp to her words. “But you can tell me again.”
He groaned and pulled her in for a scorching kiss. Breaking their embrace, she looked at the devastatingly handsome man she loved more and more each day.
“I am ready.” she stated with conviction as she looked deep into his eyes.
“For?” he asked with a smile, curiously searching her gaze.
Whitney climbed off him and off the bed, going into the ensuite. Hayden sat up and waited for her to return, confusion on his face. She returned with something in one hand and the bathroom trash can in the other.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his eyebrows raised in question.
“Hayden, this is my birth control.” She held up a thin container. Then she raised the trash can to show him. With a motion, only to be described as a slam dunk, she threw the pills out.
“I am ready.” she repeated as she put down the trash can and crawled back onto the bed and over Hayden. “I want to have a baby.”
“Now?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
“Yes!” she declared. “I know I said I wanted to wait till we are married, but I say screw it! Let’s do it!”
Hayden laughed and reached out to cup her face with his hands. His eyes staring deep into hers as if he was searching for any shred of doubt or perhaps a hint of insanity. Only complete surety shone back at him. His own dreams and desires reflected in her beautiful brown eyes.
“You know Whitney, I never do anything half-assed,” he said, pulling her nightshirt off, exposing her body to him.
“Oh, I’m counting on the full ass, and you”re big…” he put his finger over her lips, halting her words.
“Kiss me, dirty girl. Let’s make a baby.”