Just the Way You Are

Silver Lining

I've never understood why I always woke up early after a night of drinking. I opened an eye to see the time on my phone read 7:36. I groaned and turned over hoping to fall back asleep. With no avail, I got up, found some underwear and a pair of pj shorts then headed downstairs to make coffee.

"Jen?" Hunter mumbled, "you up?"

"Unfortunately yes. Just getting coffee." I returned after a few minutes to see Hunter was up, he patted the space beside him and I handed him a mug. "Good morning handsome."

"Good morning to you, beautiful." He smiled, "Did you have a good time last night?" I nodded, smiling and sipping my coffee. He turned his phone toward me and it took a second to realize what I was seeing.

"Is that your new album in the number three spot?" He nodded, beaming, "Oh Hunter, that's amazing." I handed back his phone, smiling and proud. We finished our coffees quietly together before jumping in the shower. I was  towel drying my hair and I looked over at Hunter as he dried and styled his hair, his towel wrapped around his waist. He caught me staring.

"Jen?"

"Sorry, just admiring how hot my thirty six year old husband is," I walked over to him, kissing his cheek, "what do you say we go dry off on those sheets before we go pick up the kids?" He raised an eyebrow and I lead him over to the bed. We fooled around, taking full advantage of the peace, quiet and alone time we had until it was time for us to pack up and go get the kids.

"I liked having that alone time with you Jen. I leave for tour on Thursday." His hand held mine as we drove to Panera. "We'll meet up on Sunday night in Vegas for the award show, and my parents have everything under control."

"That alone time was pretty sweet," I squeezed his hand, "and yes, tour. I'm super happy for you, a little jelly, but I am working on my new stuff... It will fly by." Hunter was going to be away on an eight week tour to promote his album with Dylan Scott and a Canadian artist by the name of Tim Hicks.

We pulled up, found everyone and enjoyed a nice breakfast together. The kids told us all about their sleepover and how much fun they had at the party. We thanked Leo and Lynette and headed home to get the kids back into the groove for school.

"Sutton, come down here and give daddy a hug," Sutton sat at the top of the stair case, resisting letting her dad go out the door, "Sutton Joelle Hayes you get down here now or your dad will have to leave with out a hug." My tone was more firm. She stomped down the stairs and Hunter wrapped his rather rigid and grouchy daughter in a hug.

"Sutton, I won't be gone long, just eight weeks. Please be good for your mom and help out." He pulled back and examined her frown, "I wanna hear that you learned a few new songs when I get back okay?" Her frown cracked into a smile and she nodded, kissing Hunter's cheek. They boys and I sent Hunter off with hugs and kisses also.

"Okay team," I announced as the movie credits rolled, "let's go upstairs, get those teeth brushed, and we can do stories on my bed." Everyone jumped up and rushed upstairs as I tidied up quickly. My phone buzzed, it was Stephanie.

S: Hey, you up?

J: getting kids to bed, can I call you in thirty minutes?

S: yes please.

Totally weirded out, I slid my phone into my pocket and went upstairs to check on the kids. We did stories and I dispersed them into their rooms. "Mommy, can I sleep in your bed?" Beckett asked, his grey eyes were hopeful.

"I need to make a phone call Becks," I kissed his head and tucked him in.

I closed my door and sat on the bed, dialling Stephanie's number. "Hey, sorry, I'm solo parenting, what's going on?"

She apologized for falling off the face of the earth again, it had been nearly two years since we spoke or saw each other. Her voice was hard to describe. She sounded empty. She proceeded to tell me that her business had sunk, and her relationship with the doctor fizzled out. She was back in her feet financially but not in a way that she could revamp her business. "I feel like I am my best when I'm around you Jenna. Something about having you close- it centres me and I want to run a thought by you..."

"Anything."

"Can I come live with you? Not forever, but I want to go through the process you did. Except I can't sing so I won't do that. I just need a change and this boring town keeps pulling me under."

"I understand how you feel. Look, Hunter is on tour for the next eight weeks. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you came over for some time to plant some roots. There is a process and I can try and help you with that."

"I know I can always count on you Jen. I will call you tomorrow." I told her that would be fine and I had to hang up as I heard someone crying.

I opened the door to find Beckett standing with his pillow and stuffy. "Becks, baby what's wrong?"

"I can't sleep." He insisted I sleep with him so the monsters don't get him. Unsure of where the nightmares started, I let him sleep in bed with me. I texted Hunter before I turned out the lights.

J: Beckett stole your sleeping spot, bad dreams..? Also bizarre phone call from Steph. We will talk tomorrow. Sending you lots of love XO

H: oh poor kid, I'm sure it's just a phase. I'll call you tomorrow on my downtime. Love you xoxo