Dear Life

Making Memories

"Which cars do you like babe," Hunter asked as we walked through the dealership, "I know we didn't plan on buying a car but there's just too much damage done to the jeep." Between our schedules, it made sense to each have a car now.It felt so violating to see the seats ripped, the windshield and windows smashed and the tired slashed. That jeep had lots of memories but Hunter was right, it was old and it would have cost more to repair it than it was worth. 

"I liked the Wrangler," I smiled, looking at the cars in the showroom, "but that rental Explorer – I like it. Do you?" He nodded and we wandered outside.

Hunter pointed out a blacked out new model Ford Explorer – "That one?" we walked toward it, he read the information page and nodded. "It's go all the bells and whistles, Jen. This might be it. Let's go talk to the sales rep."

We headed inside and signed off on the new vehicle. It had that lovely new car smell, it had black leather interior and Hunt was right – all the bells and whistles were here. Heated and cooling seats, sun roof... I loved it. Hunter turned the key and we headed off.

"New car, new memories," Hunter squeezed my hand. "First stop, lunch. Eat in or take out?"

I looked at my watch, "Umm, let's take it to go – the security company is comping in an hour to install the system." Hunter nodded as he pulled into the Panera parking lot. We ordered our sandwiches and some sweet tea and headed home.

The security company installed an easy to use system that would protect the garage and house, as well as three cameras that we could access from our phones. "You will find this system easy to use whether you're across the country or downtown," the installation expert said, "This key pad will arm the house, so if you're gone for an extended period of time, and someone comes into the house through a door or window and doesn't deactivate the system within 2 minutes, it will alert police." Hunter nodded, he was impressed but furthermore, he felt that I would be safer.

"Can the house be armed and someone still be inside, like if he's away – I'm home and arm the home before I go to bed..." I asked.

"Yes, so you can set it at night, go to bed and disarm it in the morning, as long as you don't leave the house while its armed. If you arm it before you go out, there's a five minute window that you can leave without the sensors going off."

"Thank you so much for your help." We shook hands as the team finished the installation and headed out. Hunter and headed I to the kitchen.

"I feel really good about that," Hunter hugged me, "I feel like you will be safer when I'm not home."

"Speaking of which, do you have anymore away dates before the wedding? Three months next week."

"Yeah, oh man it's coming quick." He smiled, his shirt hugged the curves of his muscles and he tapped his foot on the ground scrolling through his calendar. "Country Thunder in Alberta next week, then I come home to do two dates at the Opry. I think that's it for now."

"Lucky! You will love Alberta – it's gorgeous." I smiled thinking about the time I went to Banff.

"You will love it too – because you're going."

"What about –"

"I already looked at your calendar – it's a four day weekend. You're coming with me. And I emailed Stephanie because I want to fly her out too. I can't go to your homeland and not bring you!"

"HUNTER!!" I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck, "I can't believe it." I started tearing up, "I'm so emotional," half laughing, half crying. Hunter laughed as he wrapped me up in a bear hug.