Page 37 of Prairie Nights

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Hayden walked into the Eazy and spotted Ben in a corner booth. Making his way over, he slid in across from him and acknowledged the platters of burgers and fries on the table.

“Thanks for ordering my lunch for me. I don’t have a long lunch today. Short staffed right now,” Hayden explained as he dug into his meal.

“Yeah, no problem.” Ben answered. “How was your trip to Arizona?”

“Amazing,” Hayden replied through a bite. “Whitney’s parents are awesome!”

“Big deal meeting the folks.” Ben commented, leaning on the table, French fry in hand.

“It was, and I seized the opportunity to ask her father for his blessing to ask Whitney to marry me.”

Ben sat back, with a huge grin on his face, crossed his arms over his broad chest and asked curiously. “What did he say?”

“He gave me his blessing.” Hayden replied with a gratified smile as he bit into a fry.

“Wow, okay, when do you plan on popping the question?” Ben asked, picking up his burger.

“As soon as possible, I just need to think of a good way to ask,” he replied. “It needs to be special and meaningful to us. I’m not sure how or where yet.”

Ben squinted at Hayden, giving him his usual scrutinizing look as he questioned, “Is that what Whitney wants? A quick proposal. Doesn’t she have a court date coming up regarding the stalking charges on her ex?”

“Yes, next week.”

“Maybe you should slow your roll a bit then, Brother.” Ben suggested.

“What do you mean?” Hayden asked, feeling frustration rise in his chest.

“I mean, Hayden, that you jump too quickly. Without thought at times. Have you even asked her what she wants?

“She says she wants to marry me,” he replied, now getting agitated with his brother.

“I have no doubt about that, but does she want to marry you right now? When she’s still dealing with her ex-husband.” Ben explained. “Perhaps let her get some closure on that situation before you pop the question.”

Hayden hadn’t thought of it that way. As annoyed as he was with his brother’s line of questioning, Ben was right. I need to find out where Whitney’s head is at.

* * *

“How was your day?” Whitney asked, peeking out of the ensuite, a toothbrush in her hand.

“Busy.” he replied, giving her an exhausted look. “I have to arrange for my day staff, and I’ve not had time to do it yet.”

Whitney emerged from the ensuite, crawled into bed, and leaned against the headboard.

“I need to make sure I have sufficient day staff for when we head to Toronto next week.” Hayden explained.

“Speaking of that, I think I need to go alone for this trip.” She said, meeting his gaze.

“Why?” he asked, turning to face her fully.

“I don’t know how long this whole thing is going to drag out, or how long I’ll be gone. First the court date, then sentencing. It could be one day or multiple days, depending on the judge.” She explained, taking his hand.

Hayden nodded and answered with frustration in his tone, “And that’s why I need day staff, so I can be there with you.”

Whitney gave him a chiding look. “Hayden, last time we had to leave for Toronto, you had to close the store and when we went to Arizona, you were lucky Ben could step in and pick up the slack. With this trip being so unpredictable, you need to stay here. You can’t just open and close your business every time you think I need you to rescue me.”

Hayden squinted at her, his agitation growing with this conversation. “Ben, can step in again if I can’t find staff before we have to leave.”

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