Page 25 of Prairie Nights

“Whitney, sweetheart!” her mother cooed. “We haven’t seen you in so long!”

“I know. Sorry about that. I’ve been going through some big changes recently.”

Both of her parents leaned closer to the screen, a mix of concern and curiosity on their faces.

Obliging their curiosity, Whitney continued. “Rosenburg Agencies closed, as Ned decided to retire and passed all his Manitoba artists to me.”

“Is that where you are now, then?” her mother questioned.

“Yes, I’ve actually decided to move here.”

“Oh, my goodness, that is a big change,” her mother pointed out. “You’ve always lived in Toronto.”

“It’s definitely different, but I love it here.” Whitney smiled, reflecting on her new small-town life. “I am living near Primrose, so I’m close to Ever and Ben.”

“Oh, how is that sweet girl doing?” her mother asked.

Ever, not having family in Toronto, had spent many a holiday with the Faris family, Whitney’s parents treating her like another daughter.

“She’s wonderful! She’s expecting twins in spring!”

Both of her parents beamed, and her mother clapped her hands with excitement.

“Please give her our well wishes.” her father replied.

“I will, Dad.”

“Now, Whitney, I can see you have something to share with us,” her mother coaxed. “A mother can tell these things.”

Whitney laughed and nervously cleared her throat, hearing Hayden shuffle beside her and take a seat on the stool. “I’ve met someone, and he’s become really special to me.”

Her mother’s eyes widened, and a huge smile enveloped her face. “You have? That’s wonderful! Tell me about him.”

“His name is Hayden Hastings. He’s Ben’s brother, and he’s here with me, right now, if you want to meet him.” she replied nervously, turning to Hayden and adjusting her laptop to bring Hayden onto the screen.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Faris, it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Hayden greeted, with a smile and a little wave.

Whitney’s mother grinned with approval, and Whitney’s father squinted, giving Hayden a scrutinizing look.

“Oh, please call us Dan and Betty!” her mother insisted.

“Okay, then.” Hayden agreed, moving himself closer to Whitney.

Whitney’s father folded his arms, obviously sizing Hayden up. “What is it you do, Hayden?”

“I own a local hardware store, and, on the side, I do custom woodworking.” Whitney’s father nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “The hardware store was my parents' store until they passed away, so I took over the family business about four years ago.”

Betty gave him a sympathetic look. “You must miss them this time of year.”

“I do very much, but I have my brother, Ever and now Whitney.” he smiled, putting his arm around her affectionately.

Whitney looked at him, meeting his gaze. His ease brought her comfort. “I wanted to call, Mom and Dad, as I won’t be able to come to Arizona for Christmas this year. With all the changes, I need to stay here.” Whitney shared.

“And you want to spend Christmas with Hayden?” Her mother added with a wink. Whitney nodded. “Oh, honey, enjoy your Christmas together. The first Christmas is an exciting time. And don’t worry about us, your brother and his family are coming out and I’m honestly just happy you’re not alone for the holidays.”

“Thank you for understanding.” Whitney replied, taking Hayden’s hand in hers. “I’m looking forward to my first Christmas in the country.”

They continued their video chat and Whitney could see her parent’s shoulders ease as they talked openly with Hayden. He was a natural charmer, and before the call ended it was obvious her mother was already smitten. Her father was a harder sell, but once they started talking about his love of hockey and how their first date was to an NHL game, her father warmed up to Hayden, too.

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