This Love is Ours

Award Season

'Hunter, Jenna, how was Canada?' 'Happy holidays guys, did you have a good time with the family?' 'Hunter, how the new album?' 'Are you performing at the Grammys?'

I did not miss this part of coming home. Hunter answered with one or two words and we jumped into the car awaiting our arrival. 'When's your next appointment love?' Hunter asked, scrolling through his phone.

'Um, it's Friday the tenth, at ten thirty in the morning.'

'Okay, I have my meeting on the ninth.' I nodded, a bit intimidated to share my pregnancy with his whole team. I know they need to know. 'Will we get more pictures?' he asked, his eyes shining as he massaged my hands.

'I think so,' I placed my free hand on my slightly growing bump. 'I think I got bigger since the last appointment.'

'You're really glowing, Jen,' Hunter blushed, 'I love being here to see every minute of this.'

We pulled up to the house and I fished a pizza out of the freezer for dinner. 'Sorry,' I said, handing a few slices to Hunter, 'We travel too much to keep groceries.' He laughed, and nodded because it was too true, especially during the holiday season.

The following days were hectic, but I enjoyed keeping busy while I could. Work was great, and I filed for my maternity leave, but Hunter and I have yet to discuss if I will return to work after my mat leave.  I felt a bit anxious about Hunter talking to his team tomorrow, but I was excited for our third ultrasound on Friday.

'What's on your mind babe,' he asked, reading my lackluster expression, as I was flipping through one of the magazines Joelle brought for me.

'You read me too well,' I chuckled, 'I dunno, just thinking about your meeting tomorrow. But really, what can anyone say? I'm pregnant and that's not changing.' Hunter's blue eyes fixated on mine, and he placed a hand on mine.

'Exactly. It is what it is. I couldn't be more excited, and I know the team will be too.

'How was the meeting?' I ask Hunter, placing dinner on the table.

'Really good. Everyone is so excited.' I felt a huge relief wash over me as he continued, 'So my plan is to go through with the greatest hits, rerecord songs  like Wanted and Somebody's Heartbreak, as well as compile video footage from the Play It Back tour for a DVD and deluxe package'

'I'm glad,' I said, scooping up a helping of pasta. 'Will our track make the cut for the album?'

'You sure bet it does.' Hunter said between bites of dinner. 'I've got a duet with Taylor scheduled too. We're gonna do I Want Crazy. And I have three songs that didn't make the Playback album, but they will fit on this album.' We continued talking about the album and DVD footage.

After dinner, Hunter set up a bath for us and we cuddled in bed to watch a movie.

'Well, Mr. & Mrs. Hayes, your baby is growing very well.' The doctor announced. 'Hear that swish? That's your baby's heartbeat.'

My eyes watered and Hunter held my hand tighter as the doctor tracked the heartbeat and selected frames to print.

'So Jenna, what do you do for work?' The assistant asked as the pictures were printing.

'I'm a part time recreationist at St Thomas, and also working part time on my own music," I replied. She handed back the pictures, and confirmed the growth of our little jellybean.

'It looks as though your baby has grown about point ten inches, that's great.'

We thanked the doctor and assistant and headed home, Hunter turned to me, 'So, what are we going to do for this afternoon?'

'We..?' I asked, surprised. I figured he would go back to work to get going on his album.

'I'm taking the rest of the day off, and the guys are going to come over for dinner so we can work on writing in my office.' He said, smiling. 'I just want to be with you Jenna,' he placed a hand on my slowly growing stomach as he navigated through the quiet streets to our house.

'Okay, well I didn't get many groceries because we leave on Tuesday,' I noted. 'We can do a big shop after we come home.'

'I was thinking Chinese?' Hunter said, 'Obviously no seafood for you though.'

We spent the rest of the day at home with warm blankets and movies in the living room. We watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. We managed to get through the Goblet of Fire, and noticed the time, the guys and maybe Joelle would be over in two hours. 'I think I need a power nap,' I said with my head on Hunter's shoulder. He turns and lifts me up bridal style and places me on the couch, tucking me in with a blanket. He kissed my forehead and let me go off to sleep.

'I'll let you sleep for an hour, I'll just be in my office baby."

'Jenna!' The guys came swarming in, and Joelle followed behind.

'Hey guys!' I said, receiving hugs left, right and center. 'Hunter will be right back he just went to grab dinner.'

'Congratulations,' Sam said, handing me flowers.

'Thank you,' I said with a big smile, 'These are so pretty.'

The card read: To Jenna and Hunter, Wishing you all the best in this new adventure in life. You will make great parents! With love and laughter, Sam and Joelle. I gave both of them another hug, 'Drinks anyone?'

They nodded and I got everyone their beverages just as Hunter walked in with dinner. The table was loud and full of exciting buzz. 'When are you due?' Devon asked, 'And when do you find out if it's a boy or girl'

'July,' I said, and Hunter added that we were going to go for the surprise factor. 'We didn't want to know if it's a boy or girl.'

After dinner, the guys took off into Hunter's studio, Joelle and I made some popcorn and watched TV. About three hours later, the guys finally emerged from the basement. 'Ladies, I'm proud to announce, I have a set list for the album' Hunter said, waving a paper in the air, 'I'm going to run it by management on Monday, and I'll know by next Friday, once we're back from the Grammy's.'

I hugged Hunter, 'That's great baby.' Looking at the time, our guests left, and Hunter and I ascended to our room. I wasn't quite ready for bed, so I started packing clothes for California, checking the weather. 'Pack a pair of shorts, Hunt. It's like fifteen degrees warmer in L.A. than here.' We packed our carry-on bags and decided to share a suitcase. We hopped into bed and fell asleep quickly.