Page 26 of Prairie Nights

With every moment and every first step they took as a couple, Hayden always met and surpassed every expectation. He just kept the surprises coming.

CHAPTER 10

Hayden spent every spare moment he had in his workshop completing a Christmas gift he was making for Whitney. He picked out a chisel and started to carve, making precise grooves into the wood. He smiled, taking in his craftsmanship and hoping Whitney would like it. He wanted nothing more than their first Christmas together to be special and memorable. And with this personal gift he had designed for her, he wanted it to be something she cherished for years to come.

He heard the door to the back room opened, and he quickly put the piece he was carving on the shelf under his worktable, not wanting Whitney to see it.

“Hey there Hay Bale!” Bea exclaimed, her red hair a blaze coming into view.

Hayden shook his head at her nickname for him and flashed her a welcoming smile. Having known Bea for pretty much his entire life, he was used to her nicknames and teasing. Their relationship was like an annoying little sister, even though Bea was older than him. Despite their dynamic, he appreciated her. She was a kind, loyal and thoughtful and always had his best interest at heart. Plus, she wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions or give him advice. She was without question one of his closest friends.

“Hey, there Bee-sting!” he volleyed, pinching her arm.

She smacked him hard on the back. How so much force came from her tiny body, always marveled at him.

“What brings you to me ole workshop?” he asked, attempting a British accent.

Bea laughed, appreciating his attempt and giving him a thumbs up. “I was just picking up some Christmas lights and Ryker said you were in the back,” she replied, browsing around his workshop, picking up pieces he was working on and inspecting them. “What are these?” she asked, pointing to the carved headboards leaning against the wall.

“Those are the headboards for the cribs I’m making for Ben and Ever’s twins,” he replied proudly, reaching out to smooth his hand over his carvings.

“Look at you! The favorite uncle, already.” she commented, meeting his eyes. “Seriously, though, these are beautiful!” she appraised, running her hands over the hand carved design.

“Thanks, they’re coming together nicely.”

She continued her perusal of his workspace and her eyes zoning in on his gift for Whitney under his worktable. “What is that?” she asked, reaching for it.

Hayden swooped in before her and placed it down on the tabletop.

Bea inspected his handiwork closely, and she smiled brightly. “Hayden, this is gorgeous.” She complimented, taking in the intricate carvings.

“It’s Whitney’s Christmas gift,” he shared proudly, admiring all the work he was putting into this project.

Bea looked up at him, a huge smile on her face, her green eyes dancing with delight. “You really love her, don’t you?” she asked.

Hayden nodded, offering her a resolute smile, “Whitney’s the one, Bea.”

Although he had always been open with Bea about his love life and he knew she was not one to mince words when she had an opinion. If Bea thought he was rushing things, she was going to call him out on it. He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth in his work boots, waiting for her response.

Bea’s lips curved into a kind smile, and she curled her arm around his waist in a half hug. “I am truly happy for you, Hayden.”

Hayden could feel the breath he was holding, slowly releasing.

Bea laughed, giving him a punch in the arm and rolled her green eyes at him. “Are you going to Prairie Sky on Christmas Eve?” she asked, as she slung her purse over her shoulder.

“We’ll be there,” he replied.

She smiled and turned on her heel, giving him a quick glance over her shoulder. “It’s nice to see you happy, Hayden. It’s about time.”

* * *

The Christmas season had arrived in Primrose, and the excitement of the holidays in a small town was something Whitney had never experienced. Part of what made it so special was the people. They genuinely wanted to make her feel welcome and part of their community, inviting and including her in the festivities. Whitney felt like she belonged here, confirming to her she had made the right decision to move to Primrose.

On Christmas Eve they all attended the church service in town and then gathered at Prairie Sky afterwards for appetizers, drinks, and general holiday merriment.

“How are you doing, Mama?” Whitney asked, putting her hand on Ever’s now very noticeable belly. Four months along, Ever seemed to have popped overnight.

“Good,” she replied, giving her a tired smile. “Not sleeping well, though. I started to feel them earlier this week and they seem to think nighttime is the time to be awake.”

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