To the Moon and Back

Never Gonna Let You Go

Leaving Nashville was hard, but I had been home for a few weeks and was counting down the days until I flew back out for Valentine's week with Hunter. I worked the morning and met up with Stephanie at the mall to do a little shop for Hunter.

"He really liked that watch," I said, scanning through the racks of tee shirts, "I don't know what to get him for Valentine's."

"Can never go wrong with cologne," she said, waving a bottle and sniffing a spray stick. "How are things?"

"Like now he knows I can sing?" I said quietly, my lips turning up into a smile.

"Shut up - you told him?" I nodded and told her the whole story. "He teared up? Holy crap he is precious. He must have been moved."

"He said Taylor would've gotten goosebumps. I asked him to keep it private for now." Steph nodded and we both shopped through the colognes. I found one I liked and grabbed a few other things before we checked out. We parted ways and I did my evening volunteer shift at the retirement home.

"Jenna, thank goodness you're here." Lindy, the recreation programmer sounded worried.

"Everything okay?"

"No - the entertainment for our music night just cancelled! I can't get anyone last minute."

"I got this." I smiled. "I will be right back!" I quickly jetted home to grab my guitar and showed Lindy a few songs I knew.

"The residents will love it. Let's get you set up downstairs." I texted Hunter quick, he would get a good laugh out of it.

J: Having my first concert tonight. Special guest for the seniors bailed. Yours truly is saving the day

H: OMG! I wish I could be there. Have fun!

I slid my phone in my pocket as people filed in, walkers and wheelchairs filling up the entertainment room. "Hey everyone, it's me Jenna - I have a secret for you all - I am your special guest tonight." They cheered a little. "I will get to the good stuff, I promise. I am just gonna warm up with a personal favourite." I strummed my guitar as the thirty or so residents watched me.

 "My bags were packed from the day I was born
I knew there was something I was living for
I found my place in a runaway car and I never looked back
Never looked back
I never was much for falling in line
I had a long time fire in this heart of mine
I may look crazy in mama's eyes, but I don't mind"  

As I finished, one of the older ladies shouted,  "Who wrote that song? I like it."

I laughed, "Actually, my boyfriend is a singer. It's his song." Everyone cheered and I looked up to see Lindy videoing me. I continued, playing a few more country songs and tapped into some Johnny Cash before switching over to the piano and playing a few more songs. The residents all left with smiles on their faces, Lindy came up to me and handed me a cheque.

"No - honestly, it was no problem." I politely declined. "Instead of the cheque, can you be sure those videos don't go further than your phone or mine?" She nodded and we reset the room and headed out for the night. Lindy sent me the video of Better Than This and I sent it to Hunter.

J: I'm sure if these people could've jumped to their feet, they would have

H: Jenna that was amazing. You're a natural. I have an early day tomorrow. I love you xo

J: Good night. Love you xoxo

The next few days were another blur of work and volunteering and I was the talk of the department for the rest of the week. Thursday finally came around and I zipped up my suitcase and caught a cab to the airport. I boarded the plane, and we took off. I watched the city become smaller and smaller, eventually consumed by the clouds. I climbed three levels in candy crush by the time the landing announcement came over the PA system. I unplugged and disembarked the plane. I felt like a professional traveler, hopping on and off of planes and buses. I moved on through security and made my way out to the arrivals and found Devon holding a piece of paper that said JB :)

"Hey, hey," I smiled, hugging him. "nice sign."

"Thanks," he said sarcastically. "Hunter said he's sorry - he got caught up in something and he wants me to bring you to the studio." I had some nervous butterflies.

"Did he say why there?" Devon shook his head. "Typical crazy Hunter, full of surprises." We headed to the studio downtown, Devon parked the car and texted someone, probably Hunt, I thought.

"I'll get you in," he said, grabbing my bag and unlocking the front door. He handed me my bag, "Straight ahead. Third door on the right." 

"This is sketchy as hell but I'll trust you," I laughed, walking into the building. The door closed and I heard him lock the door behind me. There was absolute silence aside from the tapping of my boots and whirring of the suitcase wheels. I found the third door and knocked in a pattern like we used to in Myrtle Beach.

The knock was reciprocated, and the door opened. My jaw hit the floor as I found a vase of red roses, the floor covered in white rose petals. "Hunter," I said, quietly, continuing my way inside, revealing several candles lit. "this is so over the top." I looked over toward the sound desk and saw Hunter sitting with a guitar.

"Hey babe, come grab a seat." I did as I was told, and sat in the cushy chair across from him. He strummed and began to sing as song I had never heard.

  " I love this girl watching that throwback movie with a glass of wine
My real deal girl with her hair up, guard down, telling me what's on her mind
Call me crazy, but I don't think I'm ever gonna have a hard time learning how to love this girl
She's meeting all my friends, yeah
I even told my mom about her
I'm falling more and more every minute and I don't think I can live without her
I go on and on about how I could go on and on about how much I love this girl, yeah"

Time stood still as I watched this incredibly talent man sing his way into my heart. I couldn't help but smile and be in total awe of the lyrics falling from his lips. 

 "It's a one and a million chance that I would find her hand in mine
It's crazy I'm the lucky guy, the guy that gets to love this girl
Oh, the guy that gets to love this girl "

He put the guitar down, his eyes smiling, mine welling with tears. "That was amazing."

"You make me feel like the luckiest person. I feel so fortunate to have you in my life." He held my hands, kissing my lips softy. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Mmm, Happy Valentine's day Hunter," I put one more kiss on his lips. "I don't think my gift will compare to all of this." I laughed, pulling a wrapped box out of my suitcase.

"It's not a competition. I wanted you to hear that song because it's going in my new project we are piecing togehter."

I handed him the box, "You're doing a new record?! Does that mean?"

"An album, eventually and a tour - yes." I smiled and he opened the box, revealing a framed photo of us from the summer, a new travel mug and cologne. "Perfect - thank you Jenna." He  squeezed my hand and placed a kiss on top of it. "I booked this studio for the rest of the evening..." his voice trailed off as he pointed to two mics and headphones in the booth. "Even if I'm the only one in the world who hears it, I want you to record your cover of All Too Well."

I was speechless. "I don't even know what to say.."

"Yes would be a good start." Hunter laughed, guiding me into the recording booth. "I've got the track for you to hear and I did the piano earlier today."

"Yes is my only option, isn't it." I laughed, putting the headphones over my ears and Hunter nodded, kissing my nose.

"I'm not gonna let this go - even if it's just our secret."