Hearts & Rockets

Curtain Call

"Welcome to the ACM awards." Luke Combs and Kane Brown were hosting this years award show and I was popping at thirty three and a half weeks. Christian worked some kind of designer magic and created a gorgeous navy blue jumper with delicate lace accents for me that really highlighted the bump. Hunter and I walked the red carpet before being ushered to our seats. I had nominations for female artist, female album, and Hunter was nominated for male album and entertainer of the year.

I was so glad we didn't have to perform, Sam and Amy were babysitting Sutton for us and the night was buzzing with talent inside the Bridgestone Arena. Hunter's category for male album was up first. It was a tight category between him, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown and Thomas Rhett. The winner was announced by Lucy Hale and Miranda Lambert, "Make album of the year goes to Hunter Hayes 'Six'" Hunter turned to kiss me and jumped to his feet to go accept his award.

"Thank you all so much." He took a breath before continuing, "there are so many people I want to thank starting with my gorgeous and glowing wife, Jenna. She has allowed me the greatest privilege in life of being a father, and her support means the world to me. To my family, and the fans who've supported my journey, thank you. I would also like to thank my little girl Sutton, she is such an incredible inspiration. Thank you again - God bless." I applauded Hunter, teary eyed. 

He went back stage and the first female category was being announced by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton. "We have a number of lovely looking ladies in the room tonight. And several of them have released some great music over the past year. You nominees for female country album are Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Jenna Hayes and Meghan Patrick."

"The winner for female country album is Jenna Hayes - Wildflower." I froze and didn't even realize Hunter was back, helping me stand up. I waddled up the stairs with Hunter's assistance and graciously accepted my award.

With tears in my eyes, I started, "Thank you so much. I can't begin to describe how much this album means to me and to have had the honour of sharing it with you all, I'm at a loss for words. Thank you, Hunter," I turned and looked over my shoulder, "to everyone who helped this album happen, Alexis, Sam Hunt, Taylor Swift, Kyle, Josh and Danny. Also, to my little wildflower at home, Sutton. Mommy loves you - this is all for you sweetheart." The night finished off with a bang, literally pyrotechnics during FGL's performance. I snatched up the female artist award and Hunter lost the entertainer award to Chris Young. We made our way home to find the house asleep. Sam and Amy took us up on our offer to stay over. Hunter and I put our awards away, and found ourselves in bed, putting cream on my belly and Hunter was so sweet to massage my legs for me.

"Thank you baby," I said sleepily, "I love you. I'm so proud of you."

Hunter flopped down beside me, "I'm so proud of you - did you see who you beat out in your categories - it's amazing Jenna. You should be proud of yourself. I love you too....sweet dreams."

Following the award show, I was finding it harder and harder to get around, and out of concern, Hunter pulled me into the doctors office."Your baby appears to have turned downward." Dr.Goderich said my body is basically trying to slow down and prepare for labour. "Your body knows what's coming and its trying to conserve energy. I noticed you haven't put on as much weight as you did with your first pregnancy Jenna. Its not a bad thing, but I want you to make sure you're consuming the proper amount of calories. You could really have this baby at any time now." 

Hunter was wide eyed as he looked over the nutrition pamphlet from the doctor. We headed home and Hunter ordered I lay down while he made lunch. I recently had gone through our baby needs list and ordered a few things for pick up, and all that was left was to pack my hospital bag. "I will pick up that order when I go get Sutton. Let's pack your hospital bag after we eat." He handed me a tray with a soup and sandwich.

"Don't let what the doctor said freak you out," I smiled as he was folding a pair of track pants into my bag, "part of the reason I gained less weight was because I've been chasing Sutton around. Motherhood is exercise. The difference was only like, ten pounds. And technically if this baby shows up now, he or she would be almost a month early." 

Hunter hugged me, "I was wondering, did you want to do anything for our anniversary this year. Its the big five." I smiled and nodded. Last year between my album release and the shoe deal with Ked's, Hunter and I just did the cliché dinner and movie. "This would kind if be like a babymoon anniversary combo." His eyes were sparkling.

"I would be delighted. Part of me thinks you already have a plan..." My voice wandered off as he smirked, zipping up the bag.

"You are right." He sat down beside me and explained that Sam and Amy would look after Sutton Friday til Sunday and we are going to a hotel just outside of the city for the weekend. "Massages, peace and quiet, no obligations." 

"Sounds perfect."