Chapter 15
“Ever, do you think this is crazy?” Whitney asked, sitting at the kitchen table of Prairie Sky sipping Sun Tea and watching Violet sleeping in her bouncy chair.
“It’s totally crazy!” Ever answered as she patted Poppy’s back to soothe her. “But it’s so incredibly romantic, too!”
Whitney smiled excitedly. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. Are you sure Hayden has no idea?”
“100%. Ben and Bea are in cahoots with us and Mr. Estes, the marriage commissioner, of course,” she replied in reassurance. “We’ll ensure your parents are there and between Bea and I, we have made all the arrangements set up and ready to go.”
“Hayden and I just need to show up, but how do I get him out there?”
Ever smiled, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Trust me, that part is already taken care of.”
Whitney got home and found the house abnormally quiet. She took off her shoes and peeked into the living room, seeing no one in the kitchen. Where is Hayden? Where are my parents? Walking into the kitchen, she opened the back door. No one was on the back patio. She heard Hayden’s truck pull into the garage and leaned on the counter, waiting for him to come in.
Hayden came in and spotted her waiting there for him. “Hey gorgeous! I just dropped your parents off at Prairie Sky.” he informed, making his way into the kitchen. “Ever asked your mom to help her organize the girls” closet as they got so much stuff from the baby shower and Ben was going to give your dad a tour of the farm. They invited them for dinner too, so you and I have the rest of the day all to ourselves.” Hayden said, rounding the island and swooping Whitney into his arms. “What to do?”
Whitney squealed as he nibbled at her neck and growled in her ear. “Hayden, now?” Whitney asked with a giggle.
He waggled his eyebrows and carried her towards the bedroom. “We need to take every opportunity we can, now that your mom can’t walk in on us,” he laughed, entering their bedroom and throwing her onto the bed playfully. His hot, muscular body covering hers.
“We need to invest in locks on the doors next time they visit.” Whitney added, her face turning red. “Seriously, no one needs to walk into someone”s private bedroom to ask if we want eggs or pancakes for breakfast.”
Hayden laughed. “Especially when I am being woken up by my frisky girlfriend.”
Whitney covered her face. “I need therapy.”
“I can’t help you there, but how about a shower? I was thinking we could go out tonight. We haven’t gone on an actual date for a while. How about dinner and a moonlit drive?”
“Sounds fantastic. Meet you in there?” Whitney asked.
“Sure,” he replied, rising from her and stripping off his clothes. She watched as he padded naked into the ensuite.
When she heard the shower start. She grabbed her phone and sent Ever a quick text.
Whitney: “I think I can get Hayden there on time. Nice idea to get my parents over there!”
Ever: “Brilliant right? Hayden still has no clue! See you at 10 p.m.!”
“Are you joining me, gorgeous?” Hayden called from the shower.
“Yes!” Whitney rose from the bed, lifting her shirt over her head, her mind reeling at the surprise she had in store for Hayden.
* * *
Whitney cameout of the ensuite, a cloud of steam following her. After an amorous shower with Hayden, she kicked him out so she could wash her hair and get ready for their night out. Makeup applied and hair pulled up back in a twist, she noticed a large white box on the bed with a note on top. Beside the note was a dozen red roses. Hayden loved any opportunity to treat her with her favorite flower and seeing another gorgeous bouquet made her heart swell with love. Picking one out of the bouquet, she brought it to her nose, taking a deep inhale. Its sweet fragrance filled her senses, and she closed her eyes, imagining Hayden’s eyes filled with tears when she revealed her surprise. Hayden was such a romantic, and she hoped her plan would be everything he had ever dreamed of and more.
Picking up the note on the box, she opened it and it read: Something beautiful for the most beautiful woman in the world. I hope you like it.
Reaching for the ribbon holding the white box together, she opened it slowly, lifting the lid and peeling open the tissue paper. Wrapped delicately in tissue paper was a lilac lace cocktail dress. She pulled it out of the box and held it up to her. It had spaghetti straps, a plunging neckline and low back. The lace was an intricate pattern of flowers and vines with a satin underlay. It was exquisite. Eagerly Whitney slipped into it, the dress hugging her curves and extenuating all the best parts of her body including her shapely toned legs. She could not think of a more perfect dress for this special night.
Retrieving a pair of strappy silver high heel sandals and a purple shawl she used for Ever’s wedding from the closet. She added silver crystal earrings with a matching bracelet to complete her outfit.
Whitney took in her reflection in the mirror and smoothed her hands down on the dress nervously. This was it. Last year at this time, she never would have dared to dream that this day would come. Never did she think someone like Hayden would sweep her off her feet, show her what true unconditional love really was, and give her a second chance at the life she always dreamed of. Feeling beyond blessed, a quell of emotion rose in her chest as gratitude washed over her. Pushing back happy tears, she took one last nervous breath, squared her shoulders, and walked out of the bedroom to meet the man of her dreams.
* * *
Hayden liftedhis eyes from his phone and went slack jawed. Every time he saw Whitney he marveled at her beauty, but tonight standing in front of him cascading in lilac lace, her golden locks swept up, showing her long silky neck. She took his breath away.
“You are…seriously I have no words, Whitney.” he said, his expression one of awe as his eyes drifted over her.
“Hayden Hastings has no words. This may be a first.” she teased, cocking her hip to the side.
Hayden rose from the kitchen stool and approached her, taking her hands in his. “You are the most gorgeous, stunning, absolutely knock me on my ass with your beauty, woman I’ve ever seen.”
Whitney laughed and reached up to brush her lips to his. “Thank you for this amazing dress. It fits me perfectly.”
He gestured for her to spin to give him a full 360-degree view, then feigned a heart attack.
“Stop!” She laughed, then gave him an approving look over of her own. “Now you look like a million bucks. I love this suit!” she complimented as she reached up to straighten his collar. “Is this from Ben and Ever’s wedding?”
“It is. Or as I like to call that night, the night I made out with my girlfriend behind a barn,” he replied, giving her a sexy grin.
“I wasn’t your girlfriend back then,” she corrected, wrinkling her nose at the memory.
He leaned down and kissed her gently on the nose. “That is true, but you already had my heart.”
Whitney met his eyes; deep blue pools she knew she could drown in forever. At that moment her stomach growled loudly.
Hayden laughed and kissed her softly. “Let’s head out for dinner.”
Hayden had made reservations at a bistro on the outskirts of St. Augustine. The atmosphere was trendy but formal, with elegantly dressed tables, soft candlelight, and lush seating. Hayden took a seat across from Whitney and their waiter set down their menus, taking their drink orders to start. Leaving them with the menus, Hayden reached out to take her hand in his. He rubbed her ring finger with his thumb and glanced down at their hands. A nostalgic smile tugged at his lips as he looked up to meet her eyes dancing in the soft flicker of the candlelight.
“You are so incredibly beautiful, Whitney. How did I get so lucky?”
Whitney stared at him dreamily and he felt his heart flutter as a radiant smile curved her lips. “I ask myself the same thing.” she answered simply. “I love you, Hays.”
He leaned in, bringing her hand to his lips. “I love you too, Whit.”
The waiter returned with their drinks, a glass of cabernet for Whitney and an old fashioned for Hayden. They both ordered steak with side salads and settled into conversation about their time together.
“Can you believe it has been seven months since we started dating?” she reflected. “Is it strange that it feels longer?”
“Not at all. I mean, we’ve had a lot happen in seven months. You had to pivot your career and made a huge move to another province.”
“We fell in love, officially moved in together, and I could finally lock up my past and throw away the key,” she added.
“Ben and Ever had the most adorable little girls.” Hayden said proudly. “I still think it’s going to be hilarious watching my big brother be a girl dad. Those girls are going to have him wrapped around their little fingers.”
They both chuckled at the vision of big old Ben at the mercy of two sweet faced and innocent little girls.
“Seeing you with them may be the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.” Whitney commented, wiggling her eyebrows then offering him a soft smile. “You’re going to be an amazing dad.”
Hayden’s heart soared with her words, “I hope so. I had some pretty great examples growing up. My dad was the best, and I know he would be so proud of Ben right now. I sometimes wish they were still here with us.”
Whitney offered him a resigned smile and gave his hand a squeeze. “They are though. I truly believe they are up there cheering you and Ben on. They’re watching Ben and Ever navigate a new marriage and parenthood and they are watching you and I fall in love.”
Hayden met her gaze, emotion brimming on the edge as he added,“My mom would have loved our love story. She was a hopeless romantic like me. I know there were times that my dad and her would struggle, but one thing that always remained strong was their deep love and devotion to one another. I believe we have that kind of love, too.”
“I agree. Marriage and life in general, is not always going to be a bed of roses, but if we stand by each other, we can overcome anything. I truly believe that,” she said. “Look at what we already have overcome.”
Hayden nodded, their journey full of obstacles and yet here they were together, having made it to the other side of each one. “I believe that too,” he agreed.
“I mean seriously, how many couples can say they have overcome a stalker, a break and enter and a court hearing?” she asked, an ironic laugh escaping her lips.
“Check, check and check,” he answered by drawing checkmarks in the air.
“And you were there supporting me through it all. Even when I needed to face it alone, I felt you were there with me, giving me the courage I needed to get through it.” she expressed, meeting his gaze, unshed tears hovering on the edge. “I’m a stronger, more confident version of myself because of you, Hayden. Thank you.”
“No thank you,” he answered, his voice cracking with emotion. “Thank you for loving me.”
* * *
“I’m just goingto freshen up. Give me a few minutes.” Whitney said, excusing herself to go to the restroom.
Whitney could feel her phone vibrating from her clutch. It had been vibrating on and off throughout their dinner, but she tried to ignore it. She couldn’t ignore it anymore and was grateful Hayden hadn’t seemed to have noticed.
Entering the bathroom, she reached into her clutch for her phone. Four missed texts. Three from Ever and one from her mom.
Ever: Everything is set up and ready to go. You’re going to go look at the stars and we are going to drive up in a caravan to ambush you guys. Hayden will not suspect anything until it is happening.
Ever: Hayden is going to be so surprised! I can hardly wait! Love you!
Ever: Your mom is insisting on calling you, but I told her you’re at dinner. I told her to text you instead. I hope that’s okay!
Betty Faris: Whitney dear, sorry I tried calling. Forgot this is all a surprise, for a moment there. I just wanted to tell you that Daddy and I love you. We’re so proud of the strong woman you have become. You haven’t had an easy time, and we love and support you and Hayden. He is the one you are meant to spend your life with, and we could not be happier. See you soon!
Her phone vibrated with another text. It was her dad. “Dad never texts me,” she whispered, opening it.
Dan Faris: I love you, my girl. Hayden is the one.
Whitney felt a tear escape down her cheek, and she quickly sent out three texts:
Whitney to Ever: We’re leaving the restaurant now. Will suggest we go out to the field. I hope this works. If not, I’ll drag him there. LOL! Thank you for all your help!
Whitney to Mom: I love you too, Mom! Your support means everything to me!
Whitney to Dad: I love you too, Daddy. Always and forever!
Taking care of her needs quickly and freshening up her makeup, she rejoined Hayden at the table.
“Are you ready?” he asked, rising from the table as she approached.
“Yes, let’s go. Are we going to go for a drive?” she asked, trying to keep it casual.
“That’s the plan. How about we go to the field again and gaze up at the stars? It’s perfectly clear out there tonight.”
Yes!she internally cheered. I didn”t even have to bring it up! Everything was going according to her plans.
“Sounds perfect.” She replied, letting him lead her out of the restaurant.
Internally doing a happy dance.