Just the Way You Are

In A Song

Spring break went by quickly and we got back into our routine; the end of March was fast approaching. Hunter released a single song called "To Love Someone", it was instantly popular and I loved it. Hunter spent a lot of time in the studio while I was offered to write a short series of articles for Today's Parent about life on the road with three children and my husband. I was typing away when I heard a bang and crash from the kitchen, followed by a piercing scream. I jumped up to find Beckett sitting on the floor crying, blood spilling from somewhere.

"Shoot!" I ran over and scooped him up off the floor that was littered in shattered ceramic and cookies. "Beckett, where does it hurt?" I asked trying to find the source of the bleeding. My stomach churned when I found a piece of plate gouged in the palm of his hand. I wrapped his hand in a dish towel, checked for any more blood and called Hunter.

"He was climbing the counter, yes, we have to go to the clinic. I'm taking him to Tri Star. Okay, see you there." Hunter hung up and I grabbed my bag and got Beckett out the door. I parked the car and carried him into the emergency; crying and bleeding subsided.

"Alright Beckett," the doctor was a young woman, her voice was calm as she explained to me that she had to take out the piece of plate and flush out the wound, "after we clean this up I may not be able to stitch it just based on the placement." Hunter sat beside Beckett holding his good hand. I watched as the doctor removed the jagged piece of plate and wiped up the blood.

"You're doing a good job Beck," Hunter whispered, "it's almost done." The doctor flushed out the wound and used steri-strips to hold the wound closed. She wrapped it in rolled gauze and gave us instructions on how to care for it. "Thank you." Hunter and I both said, shaking her hand as we headed out.

"No more climbing counters mister," Hunter said, buckling him into my car, "you learned your lesson the hard way." Hunter kissed me and headed back to work while I headed home with Beckett.

I got him settled on the couch and went back to the kitchen to clean up the mess of plates, cookies and blood. I heard sniffles and looked up to see Beckett holding his stuffed bear, eyes watering. "I'm sorry mommy." he whimpered, breaking my heart.

"It was an accident." I got up and hugged him, "Just don't be climbing like that. If you need something, you need to tell me." He nodded, cuddling up to me. I kissed him and sent him back to the couches so I could finish cleaning up. Four o'clock rolled around and the kids bounded through the front door with Hunter closely behind them bearing dinner.

"Been a while since we had Chinese." I nodded and got plates from the cabinet. Sutton asked about Beckett's hand and Hunter took the opportunity to remind everyone that we don't climb on furniture. The evening winded down and Hunter called for me to go upstairs.

"Hey, what's up?" he patted the bed. I climbed up next to him and he handed me a card and a black gift bag. "Oh Hunter, you shouldn't have." I opened the gift bag to find a CD case and I withdrew it and read the title, 'Hunter Hayes: Family Album', I looked up at Hunter, tears stinging the corners of my eyes. I flipped it over to find twelve tracks, "Are these the songs?"

"The songs that made the most sense together," I hugged him, "I want you to hear them, let me know honestly if they're too personal. It's still a little rough, but it's a start."

"I will listen to them tonight I promise." I hugged him and opened the card.

"My dearest Jenna,

Wishing you all the best for your birthday. You are a wonderful wife, a loving mother and I couldn't imagine doing this life with anyone else. I am so proud of all you have accomplished in the past ten years, and cannot wait to see the amazing things in store for you. Forever yours,

Hunter xo"

"I know your birthday is tomorrow but I'll be stuck at work. We should go out for dinner." He kissed my cheek.

"I'd love that. Thank you babe. I want to go listen to this as soon as we get those hooligans into bed." He nodded, and on that note we tackled baths, stories and bed.

I popped the cd into my laptop, a silly smile came across my face. Hunter rubbed my shoulders as I sat and listened through each song. "Hand to Hold, To Love Someone, Changed, First, Stronger, Loving You More, Broken, Believe, Mirrors, Boy Like Me, Daddy's Daughter, Forever and a Day." The last song faded out and I held Hunter's hands as they rested on my shoulders. "Wow."

"Wow good?"

"Wow, amazing."