Page 42 of Prairie Nights

“Anything for my first nieces or nephews!” he exclaimed. “Maybe someday I’ll build my child a crib, too.”

Both Ben and Ever’s eyes flitted towards him at the same time and Ever flashed him a huge grin. He knew he was putting the horse before the cart, but he wanted a family, and that one day he would have one with Whitney.

* * *

One week later, on an unseasonably warm spring day, Ben and Ever welcomed twin girls. Although they were small, both little girls were healthy.

Hayden and Whitney, eager to meet the sweet bundles, knocked lightly on Ever’s hospital room door.

“Are you okay with two visitors?” Whitney asked, peeking into the room holding a bouquet of daisies for Ever, followed by Hayden holding two pink bunnies for his nieces.

“Yes, come in.” Ever welcomed, her face tired and flushed, but radiant with happiness.

Bea was there, doting on Ever still in her scrubs, having been on shift when Ever came into labor and delivery and Whitney went to Ever’s side, giving her a huge hug.

Hayden took in his brother happily holding his identical twin daughters in his arms and raw emotion quelled in his chest as he approached them.

“Hayden, these are your nieces; Violet and Poppy.” Ben said proudly, beaming down at his daughters.

Whitney looked at Hayden, his eyes glossing over with tears. “Can we hold them?” Whitney asked, approaching Ben.

Ben nodded and Whitney reached out to take the bundle on the left, then Ben gently set the right bundle in Hayden’s arms. Hayden looked down on the most perfect, most beautiful baby he had ever seen. She was so tiny, with a button nose and cute bowed lips. Her eyes opened sleepily, and he swore his heart grew ten sizes bigger.

“Who do I have here?” Whitney asked, cuddling the sweet baby to her chest and staring down at her adoringly.

“That’s Violet Everley.” Ever answered.

“And you have Poppy Grace.” Ben added, meeting Hayden’s tear-filled eyes.

“Grace after Mom?” Hayden asked, searching his brother’s gaze. Ben nodded, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips.

Hayden looked down again at his adorable little niece and over at Whitney, who was transfixed on Violet. She glanced up, her face full of joy, and their gazes met in silent agreement. Someday soon this would be them.

* * *

Hayden met Dan and Betty at the front door. Whitney had been working in the city and had picked up her parents from the airport afterwards. Now having her own vehicle, she could come and go when she needed to and allowing her to meet more frequently with the artists she represented.

“Oh, Hayden, you handsome devil! Come over here and give me a hug,” Betty exclaimed as she abandoned her luggage and walked into Hayden’s arms. “She hugged him tightly and placed her hand on his stomach. “Oh, my goodness, do you have an eight pack now?”

Hayden laughed as he glanced at Whitney, who was already rolling her eyes at her mom.

“Just the six still, Betty, but I’ll let you know if I add any more,” he replied with a chuckle as he acknowledged her father. “Dan, nice to see you again too. How was the flight?”

Dan let out a huff, causing his mustache to puff out. “Fuller than a clown car,” he replied. “We were packed in there like sardines.”

“You just hate to fly, Dan.” Betty scolded, waving her hand to dismiss his comment. “Stop your complaining. It was a perfectly pleasant flight.”

Whitney shook her head and laughed. “Mom and Dad, let me show you to your room and then I’ll give you a tour of the house.”

“That sounds lovely, dear.” Betty cooed.

Whitney led them down the hall to the guest room, their rolling suitcases behind them. Hayden went into the kitchen and pulled out a charcuterie platter Whitney had put together earlier in the day, a bottle of wine and two beers.

Hayden could hear Whitney give them a tour of the main bedroom and her mother’s gasp at their large four-poster king size bed.

“Do you really need that much room to make love?” she asked loudly, her voice carrying through the house.

Hayden shook his head and chuckled, imagining the shade of red Whitney’s cheeks were at her mother’s comment. Finally, they came back down the hall and into the living room, spotting him in the kitchen.

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