Page 43 of Prairie Nights

“You have a lovely home!” Betty complimented taking a seat at the island and making herself comfortable.

“Thank you. I grew up here. The house is only two bedrooms, but once we got older, Ben and I had our rooms in the basement, which is fully finished. I would like to put an addition onto the house one day, maybe add a few more bedrooms. I have five acres, so lots of room to play with.”

“Sound like a big project. But I can see how you could do it.” Dan added.

“More bedrooms? Does that mean you and Whitney plan to fill them?” Betty asked, her eyebrows raised in question.

Whitney laughed nervously. “Mom, please simmer down. We’ll have babies when the time is right.”

“Need to get married first.” Dan added with a clearing of his throat. “Don’t rush these kids, Betty.”

“Oh stop!” Betty chided Dan. “When we got together all you wanted to do was make babies! You were hot to trot day and night!”

Whitney’s hand went over her eyes. “Mom, can we please not talk about you and Dad’s sex life?”

Whitney tentatively glanced up at Hayden, who was trying to hold back his laughter as he suggested, “Why don’t we go sit out on the deck in the back? It’s a warm night and I have some ribs I’ve marinated for dinner tonight.”

“Sounds delightful.” Betty sang out happily as she grabbed the bottle of wine.

“I’ll be right out,” Whitney informed as her parents went out the patio door to the deck.

When they were out of sight, Whitney buried her head in Hayden’s chest and groaned.

“Hot to trot,” Hayden repeated, his deep laugh escaping.

“Its almost like a competition for her. How many inappropriate comments can I make in the span of 20 minutes?” Whitney laughed, shaking her head. “Well, that’s my mom.”

“I love them, inappropriate comments and all!” Hayden declared, handing her two wine glasses as they slipped out the door to join them.

* * *

Ben and Ever’s baby shower was to be held at the Primrose Community Centre and had become a town wide affair. Everyone wanted to see the Hasting twins and bring their well wishes to the happy little family.

Ms. Lynette, the town librarian, and good friend of Ever’s late father; Hardin Wolton was organizing the event, and the centre was a bustle of activity.

Hayden, Whitney, along with her parents, entered the building and were immediately greeted by Ms. Lynette. Her silver, perfectly coiffed hair was pulled back the way she always wore it, and today she wore a flouncy polka dot pink and white dress and a pair of bright pink cat eyeglasses. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Hayden, darlin’! I am so glad you’re here! And Whitney, it's so nice to see you again! I hear you’ve taken this handsome guy off the market!” Ms. Lynette exclaimed happily. “I could tell at Ben and Ever’s wedding that there was a spark there! Glad Hayden had the good sense to snap you up!” she said to Whitney with a wink.

Ms. Lynette was the town gossip and little, if anything, got past her. If you wanted info on anything or anyone, she had it.

“Hi, Ms. Lynette. This place looks wonderful and very pink!” Whitney complimented, taking in the room.

The large space of the community centre was an explosion of pink with pink and white streamers hung from the ceiling, pink and white striped tablecloths dressing the round tables and huge balloon bouquets with sparkly pink and white balloons atop each table. Violet and Poppy’s names were displayed on a sign with huge scrolled, glittery pink lettering on the back wall. There was no mistaking this shower was for a pair of baby girls.

“Ms. Lynette, these are my parents, Dan and Betty Faris.” Whitney introduced, gesturing to them.

Ms. Lynette shook both of their hands and gave them a warm, welcoming smile. “I’m so glad you could be here. Please come in, find a seat, the gifts go over there and help yourself to some food.” She informed, leading them further into the busy room. “Ben, Ever and their sweet little flowers are just over at the big table over there.” Ms. Lynette gestured, then excused herself, rushing off into the kitchen.

Ben spotted them and gave them a wave as they made their way over.

“Dan and Betty!” Ever exclaimed, giving Whitney’s parents a hug. “I can’t believe you came all this way for our baby shower.”

“Oh, we wouldn’t miss it, dear!” Betty exclaimed. “You look beautiful Ever, where are your little sweethearts?”

Ever gestured to Ben, who had a baby in each arm.

“This is my husband, Ben Hastings, and our daughters Violet and Poppy.”

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