Page 18 of Prairie Nights

“A little,” he admitted, parking next to Ben’s truck. “Not sure why, though. I mean, this is my brother and Ever is one of your closest friends. It’s just, Ben has always been critical of my dating life, and I just want them to approve of us.”

Whitney leaned over and kissed him softly in reassurance. “It’ll be fine. Trust me.”

Getting out of his truck, Hayden took her hand, and they entered the building together. Immediately Ever spotted them, waving from a table in the middle of the café. Both Ever and Ben got up and hugged them. Whitney beamed, overjoyed to see her friend, who looked tanned and glowing from her tropical vacation. Hayden pulled out Whitney’s chair, as she sat down across from Ever and Hayden across from Ben.

“You two look amazing! How was Hawaii?” Hayden asked.

Ever looked at Ben, who smiled lovingly at her. “It was heavenly,” she shared. “The weather, the water, the people, the food! Oh my goodness the food. I could live on pineapple the rest of my life and die happy.”

Ben laughed his big, booming laugh. “It was really beautiful,” he added simply in his deep baritone.

“Well, I for one, can’t wait to see the pictures.” Whitney added, taking Hayden’s hand under the table, sensing his continued apprehension.

They all smiled from one to the other as an atypical awkwardness fell over their group. Whitney surveyed Ever, her eyes dancing and over to Ben, with a subtle smile tugging at his lips.

“I feel like you two have something to tell us,” Whitney observed, cocking her head to the side.

Ever looked at Ben and he nodded, as if giving her the okay to share. “I’m pregnant.” Ever replied, her eyes exuding pure joy and happiness.

Whitney’s eyes widened and Hayden reached over, slapping his brother on his shoulder. “You waste no time, Brother!” Hayden teased.

Ben flashed Hayden his signature scowl, which softened into a warm smile as he took in Ever’s unbridled excitement.

“Honestly, I had a suspicion at the wedding but had been feeling good. No serious morning sickness. So, when we got to the island, I bought a test, and well, it came back positive.”

Whitney rose from her seat, Ever following suit, and the women hugged. “I’m so incredibly happy for you both.”

“I have an appointment in two weeks, along with an ultrasound to make sure things are okay.” Ever continued.

“That is so exciting!” Whitney replied, delight in her tone as she and Ever returned to their seats. “So, we have a little something to share with you two as well.” Whitney started as she laced her fingers with Hayden’s under the table.

“Are you pregnant too?” Ever asked, a teasing smile on her lips.

Whitney gave her friend a roll of her eyes and she glanced back at Hayden who was now smiling wide, his grin ear to ear. I’m going to have to revisit that later.

“No.” she laughed as she held up their intertwined hands. “But we are a couple.”

Ever looked from Hayden to Whitney and back to Hayden, an approving smile covering her face. Ben leaned back in his chair with amusement and folded his arms over his broad chest.

“You two are…” Ever trailed off.

“We are dating.” Hayden finished her sentence.

Ever squealed excitedly, causing a table full of local farmers to turn their heads at the sound. “Sorry.” she apologized as she turned her attention back to Whitney and Hayden.

“So, when did this happen?” Ben asked, showing genuine interest, but still looking stoic at their news.

“Well, officially this past weekend.” Hayden continued. “I know it's not as big as having a baby, but we’re happy.”

Ever shook her head. “It’s very good news, Hayden. Ben and I are super happy for you, aren’t we, Ben?” she commented, giving Ben a chiding glare to acknowledge their news.

“Yes! Very good.” Ben added, then smiled back at Ever for her approval.

“And Whitney, you’re officially moving here?” Ever continued. “I know this is going to be a big change for you.”

“It is.” Whitney agreed. “But I think it’ll be a good one,” she added as she snuggled closer to Hayden, and he put his arm around her. “Hayden has already made me feel very at home here. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with a few of the local artists I will be working with, and since my work can be done remotely, I’m not exactly sure what I’ll be doing yet, but I may open my own agency here in Manitoba.”

Ever’s eyes widened. “That would be amazing!”

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