To the Moon and Back

The Rest of Our Lives

"Cheers Jen," Joelle clinked my glass. We were having a lunch date while the guys were at work, "I can't believe it's been two whole months that you've been here." 

I sipped my sangria and we chatted, enjoying our lunch on the patio. I tipped my head toward the river. Joelle cocked an eyebrow. "We are being watched," I laughed, "thank you though, for being such a good friend. I couldn't have moved here and not known anyone." I noticed more paparazzi and photos popping up on Instagram since I've moved here. I was afraid that it would compromise my job, but I explained the situation to my boss and she was extra cool about it. 

"What's new and exciting?" she asked, twirlling her straw in her drink.

"Not too much," I shrugged, "Hunter has a week off and we are going to visit my parents."

Joelle nodded, "It's been a while hasn't it?" I nodded. I haven't seen my parents since I moved out. We Skype weekly but that wasn't the same. "Your parents are so cool." She smiled, "My mom lost her mind when I bought a one way ticket here."

"My parents have always been so easy." I finished off my sangria, "I'm lucky for sure." Joelle dropped me off at Hunter's. Aside from seeing my parents, we were going to drive my car down to Nashville, as well as a few boxes I neglected to pack previously.

We headed out early the next morning, Toronto bound. My dad picked us up and brought us to my parents house. Later that weekend, we had a BBQ planned, so I was helping my mom plant some flowers while Hunter mowed the lawn and my dad cleaned up the pool. I stood back and observed the garden, "I definitely miss being able to garden. Not something that I can really do in the condo." My parents both had dopey smiles on like they knew something I didn't. 

Friday came around and my mom and I went to the grocery store to get hot dogs, hamburgers and sides. "So, are you liking being down there? How's work?"

"It's good, I am loving my job, it's not a lot of work but it gives me time to work on a few other projects with Hunter..." my voice trailed off.

"Projects?" I explained the three part video and music story Hunter just finished, as well as some other recording stuff. She didn't press, but she had a particular twinkle in her eye, and it was that expression of 'I know something you don't'.

The next day, Hunter and my dad excused themselves to go get propane. Slowly, Steph, my sister and Jon as well as family trickled in and my dad and Hunter returned. With no propane in hand, and out of complete surprise, Leo and Lynette arrived behind them. I welcomed them with open arms and everyone was mingling when I heard my dad, "Ahem, can I get everyone's attention?" We all stopped and turned. "You know I'm not one for making speeches, but I just want to thank you all for being here as we celebrate Jenna's new job in Nashville." My dad turned toward Hunter, "I also want to introduce you all to Hunter, he also wanted to say a few words to Jenna."

Hunter waved me over and I stood beside him. "Jenna, we are all here to congratulate you. I've seen firsthand how determined you are, how strong you are and what a caring person you can be, as many people here have watching you grow up. I don't want to ramble, but I want to let you, and everyone here know that I love you, and I promise to keep loving you." He paused and bent down on one knee, opening up a turquoise ring box, "Will you marry me?"

My stomach dropped and I burst into tears, "Yes! A thousand times yes!" Hunter stood up and kissed me, his eyes welled as he slid the gorgeous Tiffany ring on my hand. Everyone cheered and we were receiving hugs left and right. After the BBQ, Hunter and I helped my parents clean up. We were due to head back home the next day, but I had to text Joelle.

Jenna: Hey! I feel like you may know already, but I'm coming back tomorrow an engaged woman!

Joelle: YES! Congratulations you two

Jenna: Thank you. <3

We hugged my parents good bye and packed up my car, heading back to Nashville. I plugged  my ipod into the auxilary, my cover of All Too Well filled the car and I looked over at Hunter as he scribbled in his song book. In that moment, I decided that doing music would be a privilege, especially doing it with the love of my life.