Healing Hearts (Book 3 Series 2)

Chapter 17 Hailey

The day has finally arrived for us to travel to Willow creek for Thanksgiving. I gather my belongings, making sure I have everything I need for the trip. I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of seeing my mom again and spending the holiday with my family.

"Does your mother like me?" 

"You know she adores you, babe. My mom has always thought you're the perfect partner for me. I actually think she likes you more than me sometimes."

"Really?" I say, tying up my shoes.  

"Yeah, really. She's always going on about how smart, kind, and beautiful you are. She pretty much wishes I could be more like you most days."

-------------

"Brother and sister-in-law, ready to board the plane?"

"Hey, Noah. You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?" Cameron says, shaking his head slightly. 

"Archer and Eliana went to check their bags."

"They went to check their bags? Alright, they should be back soon then."

"Auntie!" I turn around and see Matthew running towards me. I kneel down and pick him up, his small arms wrapping around my neck as I pick him up.

"Auntie did you know that planes are very big." He says excitedly.

"I did know that! Where's your father?" I ask, tapping his nose. Matthew giggles as I bop his nose, my playful touch making him smile widely. He looks around for a moment before pointing over to where Archer and Eliana are standing. "Daddy's over there!"

"Flight 405 please board the plane." I hear the announcement for our flight over the loudspeaker, signalling that it's time to board the plane.

"Alright, looks like that's us. Ready to fly, kiddo?"

"let's go." Noah says. Matthew seems excited to hear that it's time to get on the plane, his small arms still around my neck. Cameron grabs our carry-ons and follows after me as we make our way to the plane. I watch as everyone takes their seats, Matthew between Archer and Eliana, Noah on the other side, and us sitting by the window. It's a tight fit with all of us in the same row, but it's definitely going to be a fun and noisy flight.

"Auntie, I'm sorry, but I wanna sleep." He kisses my forehead and heads to his parents. Cameron leans over and nudges my shoulder, a soft smile on his face.

"You're quite the favourite auntie, aren't you?" I glance over at Eliana holding Olivia, her cries filling the cabin of the plane. It's clear that she's not happy and her crying is getting everyone's attention, including mine.

"Archer you aren't helping!" I can feel the tension rising as Eliana snaps at Archer. It's clear that she's frustrated and overwhelmed by Olivia's crying, and Archer isn't exactly being helpful.

"I am! I'm putting Matthew to sleep." I can't help but roll my eyes a little at Archer's response. Putting Matthew to sleep is important, but it's clear that Olivia needs attention too and that's only making things harder for Eliana.

"Eliana, I can take Olivia from you." Without hesitation she hands her over to me. Eliana looks relieved as she hands Olivia to me, desperate for any assistance with calming her down. I take the crying baby into my arms, rocking my gently and trying to soothe her.

"Olivia stopped crying." Indeed Olivia has actually stopped crying. It seems I've managed to work my magic with her, managing to soothe her when no one else could. The flight passes by with Matthew peacefully sleeping between Archer and Eliana, who are also sleeping, Noah dead asleep, Cameron watching me, And Olivia cuddled up against me. I continue rubbing Olivia's back.  He reaches over and gently pats my leg, his voice soft and low, careful not to wake anyone.

"You're a natural with kids, you know that?"

"What can I say? I love kids."

"I can definitely see that. They seem to adore you as well."

-------------

The flight lands smoothly, and I look over at  everyone, Olivia sleeping soundly in my arms.

"Well, that was a long flight. I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be off the plane."

As we finally arrive in Willow Creek, we can see a small group of people waiting for us. Our parents, siblings, and nephews, all there to give us a warm welcome. I watch as Matthew runs over to Ryder and squeals in excitement as he's lifted onto his shoulders. It's a heartwarming sight, seeing the two boys bond after a long flight.

"There's my surgeon." Elliot runs over to me. 

"Hey brother." I reply, hugging him.

I look around, watching as the kids run playfully around us while my siblings bicker with each other. It's chaotic, but in a familiar and almost comforting way. The dinner table is crowded with family members, laughter and chatter filling the air as we take our seats. Everyone is eager to catch up and hear about each other's lives over a delicious meal.

"So Hailey, you aren't gonna break my son's heart again will you?" Cameron's mother speaks.

"I won't, I love Cameron." I take his hand under the table.

"Are you sure? Because I can't trust you, you broke his heart once maybe you'll do it again." She glares at me.

"Excuse me." I stand up, excusing myself to the bathroom. I stop in my tracks when I hear Noah. 

"Mom, seriously? Cameron you aren't gonna say anything."

"Mom, Hailey has changed. She's not the person she was when we broke up before. I trust her completely."

"fine fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. She's a snake."

"Hailey is not a snake. She's caring, kind, and supportive. I know that she loves me, and I trust her wholeheartedly."

"I can't do this anymore mom, you cheat on dad first then you put your nose in people's love life, leave us the hell alone. Hailey and Cameron are happy, so I suggest you stay quiet."

"Excuse me." Archer stands up, coming towards me.

"Hailey. You're amazing, alright?" He embraces me in a tight hug. I can see the genuine affection and support in Archer's eyes as he hugs me. He's always been protective of me, and his words of reassurance now are a testament to that.