Between the Sun and the Stars

Rising

January turned into February, and again into March. I made my way home from the studio downtown with a USB in hand ready to share my twelve song album with Hunter. We decided to self title it, and while album art works was being decided, I had the track list in hand, ready to share with Hunter.

I was so proud to have written or co-written ten of the twelve songs on the album. Thomas Rhett, Chris Young and Florida Georgia Line co-wrote the other two songs we took off of the shelf. I pulled into the driveway, unlocked the front door and walked into the house to see a trail of rose petals toward the kitchen. "Hunter Easton," I called out, half laughing, "where are you?"

Silence. I followed the trail to the kitchen, and on the table was a cupcake with a candle in it. "Surprise," Hunter said, holding Sutton on his hip, "happy birthday to you my love." He kissed my cheek and lit the candle, "Make a wish!"

I thought for a moment, and blew out the candle. I outstretched my hands to receive Sutton, and handed Hunter the USB, "Surprise for you!" Once I told him what it was, he opened up his laptop and plugged it in, allowing the iTunes to import the songs.

 I sat with Sutton as we listened to the music. Hunter almost had tears in his eyes. "Jenna, you did amazing." He kissed my head and we split the cupcake before packing up to go out to dinner. We talked about the album artwork, and what's next.

"Probably a tour," Hunter said, "all the terms would be in your contract."

"Yeah, I gotta re-read that," I laughed, looking at the world go by as we drove into town to meet up with the guys for dinner. Pinewood Social was our favourite, but I hadn't been since Joelle and I went quite some time ago.

"Inside or out?" The hostess asked.

"Inside please, maybe over there?" I pointed toward a corner area over looking the city, "And can we get a high chair please?" The hostess sat us and brought over a highchair for Sutton. I got her settled and the guys arrived. They greeted me with hugs and cards. "Ya'll are so sweet, thank you." Dinner was nice, Sutton was trying to keep it together but she was starting to cut her top teeth so she was a little miserable. 

"I would like to raise a toast," Hunter lifted up his glass, "Wishing a very happy twenty seventh birthday to my amazing wife, the mother of my child. You deserve the world. I also want to be the first one to share that Jenna has completed her first full length studio album."

Cheers erupted, beer bottles and glasses clinked. We enjoyed dessert before heading home. "Happy birthday Jen." Hunter said handing me a card and a black jewelry box.

"Oh Hunter you didn't have to.." my voice trailed off as I read the card. 

My dearest Jenna, I am wishing you all the best for your special day & every day. I am in awe of you, blessed beyond belief that I get to share my life with you. Your beauty, your natural way with our daughter and embracing your talent. You have worked so hard and you deserve every opportunity that comes your way. I love you to the moon and back. Forever and always, Hunter.

I looked at Hunter, smiling. Speechless. I opened the box to find a pretty silver heart shaped necklace with a red garnet, Sutton's birthstone, in the middle. "That's precious. Thank you Hunter." I kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you, babe."

In the following weeks, Hunter and I went to meet with Byron. "My look at you," he said, leaning his slim frame over the big desk toward Sutton, "Jenna, I have had a listen to your album. I like it, we have album  artwork, good." He pulled the first CD out of an envelope. "This is yours, congratulations."

I held it in my hands, my album. I looked it over, in total shock, and completely happy. "What's next on the agenda?" Hunter broke the silence.

"Well," Byron looked over my contract, "the advertised release date is May first, but we have sent a copy to all of the country radio stations in the state, and we will probably look at doing a summer tour - just July and August." Perfect, I thought. Byron pulled out a calendar, Boots and Hearts new artist stage, and Cavendish were on the list, among twenty other US dates. Hunter and I looked the dates over. "This isn't a headliner of your own - yet," he said, before buzzing his assistant, "You will be touring with Dan and Shay."

"Oh wow, that's great." Hunter squeezed my hand, and Byron added that another artist was being negotiated to open. We finished up our meeting, Hunter and I drove home, discussing what a tour would mean for our family right now. "I am a little scared to be honest." I squeezed Hunter's hand.

"You have nothing to be scared of, I promise. I will be there for you every night, Sutton will be fine. We will have her first birthday party before we go so we can the have our families with us at the house." I nodded, he was right, we can do this.

 Hunter went to a writing meeting for a few hours while I spent the afternoon cuddling with Sutton, she was miserable, cutting a few more teeth. "I'm sorry baby girl," I sang to her until she finally calmed down enough to sleep. As she slept, I had a power nap as well, trying to digest all of the information that was thrown at me today.