Between the Sun and the Stars

Chapter 1

The first few weeks of being home with Sutton and Hunter was exhausting but so incredibly precious. My parents, Hunter's parents and Stephanie stayed in town the first whole week after the birth. Hunter worked from home which was a tremendous help. When Sutton napped, so did I, and there were so many helping hands to help hold her while I showered or needed tasks like groceries or laundry done. 

"She is so incredibly adorable," Hunter and I laid on our bed with her between us, "she has my nose and your hair!" We were so tired but so mesmerized by this tiny human. It was hard to say goodbye to our parents and Steph, their help was extremely appreciated, but they had lives to get back to, and we needed to navigate this parenting thing.

"I didn't think it was possible to love someone more, but my heart could literally explode." I smiled, in total awe of her. My heart also melted at the way Hunter looked at her, his daughter, he said so proudly. "I'm going to take her to feed her and get all settled for the night." Hunter smiled as I scooped Sutton up and brought her to the other room and got comfortable on the glider. 

"Need anything?" He asked quietly, "tea, or anything for her?"

"She's gonna need a change after, can you pull down a box of diapers?" Hunter nodded and pulled a box of diapers from the closet and began putting them in the designated place on the changing table. 

He came over and gave me a kiss, "Motherhood looks good on you." I couldn't help but smile. "I'm going to grab some water before bed, want any?" I nodded and he slipped downstairs.

 I finished feeding Sutton, changed her and set her down in her crib. Before leaving the room, I sang twinkle little star, she cooed softly and I quietly left the room.

I climbed into bed with Hunter, he was scrolling through his calendar. "What's on the agenda dear?" It was the beginning of August and Hunter's greatest hits album had been out for almost a month. Most of his promotion was local radio, call in or local magazines. His performances were limited as he wanted to be around for Sutton and I. 

"Well the ball is going to start rolling." He continued scanning, furrowing his brow. "I know she doesn't need me as much right now, but I just want to be by you both as much as possible."

"I know sweetie," I looked over his shoulder, "it's fine that you're not at boots this year. I'm looking forward to doing a few things outside of the house. You should be too." Any music after my EP had been slow to develop between getting pregnant, Joelle's death and then actually having the baby. "I forgot to tell you," Hunter turned toward me, "I got a gig at the Food and Wine festival in September." 

Hunter smiled, "That's great!" He put the dates in his calendar and we turned out the lights, determined to get some shut eye.