Just the Way You Are

Shoot Me Straight

Hunter and I had been elbows deep in rehearsals since getting back from Toronto. We tackled CMA Fest and had a number of upcoming festivals and summer appearances together including the Music City Fourth of July event. I took a break from rehearsals to pick up Ali and Cade from the airport with Sutton.

"I got the basement suite all set for you both," I said as I helped them load their suitcases into the escape, "Cade, I am so happy you're here." I looked in the rear view to see a small smile crack across his face.

"Jenna I cannot believe you still have this car." Ali laughed, "It's really racked up the kilometres." I smiled and rubbed the steering wheel. The car was new when I bought it and was approaching its eleventh birthday.

"I'll get a new one when I need to. This car has been pretty trustworthy all these years." We pulled up to the house and let Ali and Cade get settled while I started to make lunch.

"Mommy are we doing something for my birthday?"

"Absolutely love," I smiled, "what did you want to do?"

"Can we have a red carpet?" Puzzled, I asked her to elaborate, "like you and daddy get your pictures taken at the award shows right? Can I have people taking pictures?"

I nodded, "I have a few ideas. Did you want to invite some friends over for that - we will have some pizza and go swimming?" She smiled and nodded. "Perfect," I kissed her head, "how about you give me a hand sweetie and take this to wipe down the table outside so we can have lunch there." She hopped to it and I got back to cooking. We enjoyed a lunch together before Ali asked where the boys were.

"Soccer camp," I sipped my sweet tea, "Hunter will be getting them on his way back from work." Ali nodded and we tidied up lunch and let the kids swim while we caught up. I could tell Ali needed this time away and time with Cade.

"Hey," Hunter said, Easton and Beckett barreled into the yard, "you wouldn't know they were at camp for eight hours." He kissed me and hugged Ali before suggesting we go out for dinner. He washed up and we got the kids ready before heading to one of the local restaurants.

The next day was a whirlwind and Lynette and Leo came in to help watch the kids for the day. Aside from the musical performances, the kids enjoyed the games, pony rides and food. Hunter scored Cade and Ali VIP passes to hang out backstage or in the VIP seating lounge for the day. Cade was all smiles taking photos with friends including Charles Esten, Kip Moore, Dan + Shay and Dustin Lynch, along with sitting side stage for my entire performance. The evening ended with fireworks over the Cumberland River and four happy, exhausted children.

"Jenna, Hunter," Ali said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you for making today so special for Cade. He said today was the best day he's ever had." I smiled and hugged her, assuring her it was our pleasure and we were happy to make it so special for him. Hunter nodded, adding that our friends were so happy to meet him. Ali retreated to the basement for the night while Hunter and I made our way to bed.

"I'm so glad we could help Cade feel so special." I laid my head on Hunter's shoulder, scrolling through Instagram where friends like Rae-Lynn posted their photos with Cade among other events from today.

"Yeah, it's heartwarming." He kissed my head.

"Sutton told me what she wanted to do for her birthday." I explained the theme to Hunter and he smiled at her creativity, and we agreed to have a red carpet, along with a photo booth, pizza and cake. "I'll run it by her tomorrow and see what she thinks. I'll send out invitations and then come the twentieth of July we are basically on the road til the middle end of August." Hunter nodded, we were both excited for the summer festivals ahead.