You Need the Darkness to See the Stars.

MacKenzie James

MacKenzie James 

These Four Walls- Miley Cyrus

Break Down Here- Julie Roberts

Sad Song- Laura Benanti

Kindly Unspoken- Kate Voegele

Burning House- Cam

By the Way- Hinder

Fools and Jokers- Emily James

Never Chase a Boy- Emily James

If Walls Could Talk- Emily James

Fall- Jonas Brothers

Lions Den- Emily James

Dancing with a Thief- Emily James

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MacKenzie's POV

I'd be lying if I said I slept well. I was tossing and turning all night. I was just too excited. I woke up early. Brantley still dead asleep beside me, I carefully reached for my phone. Rachel texted around 3am. She said the numbers were looking good. I kept my fingers crossed hoping things would continue that way. I laid there for a little bit watching B sleep. But I knew I couldn't lay here much longer. I sighed heavily. Carefully getting out of bed making sure not to wake Brantley. I headed for the shower. 

The day seemed to go on forever. Hair and make up people started showing up around 2. The stylist Rachel hired showed up with my dress around four. Finally, 6p hit and we were heading to downtown Nashville. Brantley right by my side. I smiled. I was so happy that we was able to make it for this. As we pulled up to the venue, I saw the red carpet and the paparazzi and all the online bloggers. All these people were here to support me. 

"You ready MacKenzie James?" Brantley asked.

"I sure am." I smiled as the car came to a stop. The door opened and Brantley stepped out first. Extending a hand to help me out. Rachel was walking over to us. 

"You look amazing MacKenzie. And the venue looks great. Are you ready to get this party started?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am." I smiled. 

"Great cause they are ready for you guys to walk the carpet." She said leading us over. Brantley grabbed my hand, holding it tight.

"You're going to do great babe. Just breathe." Brantley said quietly. I took a deep breath and Rachel lead the way.

We spent about 45 minutes walking down the carpet taking pictures and giving interviews. Brantley was a natural and he made me feel more comfortable. After the first couple interviews, it seemed to breeze by and I was actually enjoying myself.

Once we made it inside. I gasped at how beautiful the venue looked. Rachel really did a great job putting this all together. So many artists showed up to support me, which made me feel even better. Literally every country music artist came out of the wood works for this. 

"I can't believe all these people came to support me. And they don't even know me." I said almost tearing up.

"That's because we are all proud to support one another. You've got something special that's worth sharing with the world." Brantley said. "Come on I'll introduce you to everyone." Brantley grabbed my hand and lead me deeper into the crowd. We caught the eye of the Moore's and they walked over to greet us. 

"Hey Brantley, Kenzie." Justin said grabbing Brantley hand and shaking it, while Kate leaned in to hug me. 

"Thank you guys for coming." I smiled. More people came over to introducing themselves. Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren, Dierks Bentley and his wife Cassidy, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt and his girlfriend Hannah, Carrie Underwood and her husband Mike Fisher. The list could go on. Brantley and I talked for about an hour when I got pulled way for my performance. I quickly got changed and then ushered to the stage where I waited for my cue. Once the lights dimmed I'd go out to the piano to start off with 'If Walls Could Talk'.

Brantley's POV

While MacKenzie went to get ready for her performance I stayed behind to catch up with everyone. The girls all gathered at a table next to us guys. We talked a little about my tour and a little about the CMA's. We even managed to plan a few hunting trips which I was super stoked about. We eventually managed to start talking about mine and Kenzie's relationship. We've been together for about 8 months now. They wanted to know what the future held for the two of us. But to be honest, I didn't even know. With the album releasing it was only a matter of time before she would be going on tour. I'd be the one at home without her. It was definitely something we needed to discuss. But with me being on the road that's been a little difficult. My mind wandered, thinking about all the possibilities I almost didn't notice the lights dimming and the music start up. I turned to the stage to watch Kenzie. She was sitting at the piano stroking the keys. Seeing her sit there took me back to when I saw her video for the first time. I smiled to myself, she's come so far. 

She sang a couple more songs from the album for everyone before disappearing off the stage making her way back to the party. She joined the girls at their table while the guys and I shot the shit. Eventually the two tables merged together and we became one rowdy bunch of people. Occasionally, I'd glance over at Kenzie who seemed to fit right in. Rachel came over to steal Kenzie away one last time. 

About an hour later the two came back. Kenzie looked at me with a tired look in her eyes.

"Ready to go babe?" She asked me.

"Yeah." I smiled, quickly saying my goodbyes to everyone. I wrapped my arm around Kenzie pulling her into my side, holding her close. 

"Did you get too high for your own good Kenz?" I asked her in a low voice as we walked out of the building.

"Sure did." She said with a chuckle.

"Come on, let's get you home." I laughed, as I helped her in the car, bringing her crazy night to and end. 

*1 Week Later*

Tonight was my last show of the tour. I was playing at Red Rocks Amphitheater. It's one of my favorite places to play. I was super excited for this show not only cause we were closing the tour out but because we were going to go big. Not to mention Kenzie was going to make it out here just in time for the show. After the album released we haven't had much time for each other. I had to get back for the tour and Kenzie was busy planning hers. Not to mention filming another music video and releasing a brand new single which I haven't even heard yet. She's also got CMA things to do. Like I said, busy. Kenzie made it there just before I went on. Cutting it a little close but when I looked over seeing her standing in the wing, I couldn't be mad or hold it against her. She made it here for me. That was all that mattered. It was in that moment, I could see what the future held for us. I just hoped I could make it happen.

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Sorry for the long wait. Hope y'all enjoyed.

CM