Just the Way You Are

Hell of A Night

"That's it Jenna," Dann said into the speaker, "congrats - that was the last track." I smiled and hugged him. Stephanie sat on the couch, smiling, a magazine in her lap.

"Can I keep this?" she laughed, showing me a picture of her and I at Starbucks last week.

"If you live in this town, there's a lot more of that coming." I high-fived the team and we called it a day. I wanted to celebrate being done the fourth album and picked up pizza on our way home. Leo and Lynette were life savers getting the kids from school today since we ran a bit late in the studio.

"That song, Take You Away," Stephanie said quietly as we walked into the front door, "is that about me."

"Would you be mad if I said yes?" She shook her head.

"I always wanted to be your Abigail." I laughed at her Taylor Swift reference.

"Mommy!" The kids shouted and ran toward the door. We got situated with pizza and enjoyed a big dinner together. Leo and Lynette headed home after dinner and they assured me they would be back Sunday for the award show.

"CMAs on Sunday, Halloween on Tuesday." I said, scrolling through my calendar. Easton and Beckett decided to be police while Sutton wanted to dress up as a movie star. We spent the day Saturday gathering what we needed for costumes.

Sunday rolled around and as soon as I got back from taking the boys to soccer, we had hair, make up, wardrobe and Alexis running around the house with Lynette and Leo.

"Thank you both," I said hugging them, "ya'll be good. I love you." I kissed each child and Steph and I headed out to the car awaiting us. "This is the first award show I'm going to without Hunter." I texted him a picture of my dress, a coral  hi-lo dress be BCBG outfitted with strappy silver heels.

J: Wearing heels tonight. Never been so afraid of falling

H: You look smokin' kinda jealous I'm not there. Best of luck

J: Have fun at your show. Love you.

H: Love you!

I closed my phone and slid it into my clutch. I smiled seeing Steph with her hair and make up done, wearing one of my dresses. "I like that one on you." She smiled, smoothing out her lap. It was my long sleeve black lace dress. She outfitted it with black heels and a matching clutch.

"I'm so nervous." She said, twirling her hair, "How do you do this?"

"I'm honestly nervous too. Always." We arrived and were escorted out of the car to the red carpet. Alexis followed closely guiding Steph to a space where she can wait for me. Photographers were shouting my name left and right and I was ushered over to the CMT talk booth, afterward Stephanie and I were guided over to our seats. Dustin Lynch was co-hosting with Cole Swindell and the show opened with performances from Dan & Shay and Maren Morris. Several amazing artists went up to the stage to collect their awards and the one I had my eye on was being announced. I held Stephanie's hand while Dustin and Kacey Musgraves announced it.

"This year we have seen many artists come together to grace us with incredible music and talent beyond comprehension," Kacey started, and she listed off the nominees. With the envelope in his hand, Dustin opened it to reveal the winners.

"The award for Musical Event of the Year goes to Hunter and Jenna Hayes: Two Hearts Tour!" He said, a smile broke across his face. I jumped up hugging Stephanie and I headed down to gather the award. Dustin stepped down to help me conquer the stairs, "You never wear heels." he laughed.

"I never come to these things alone." He hugged me and I hugged Kacey, receiving the award.

"Wow, first off, I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for Hunter. He is away on tour but I am going to call him tonight and tell him this good news." I took a breath and admired the award in my hands, "Honestly I wasn't prepared for this but I need to thank our families for their support, our children Sutton, Easton and Beckett - we love you and everything we do is for you. Our friends and fans - the people buying the music, going to the shows. We are grateful beyond measure. Thank you all!" I headed back stage with Dustin and Kacey.

"You came alone?" Dustin asked, I shook my head.

"Stephanie is here." He nodded. "She still has the same phone number." Dustin blushed, "Actually though, she is staying at my house and she's focused on figuring out her life. Dont distract her." I winked.

"Well, I'm settling down with someone. I won't be a distraction anymore." He said quietly.

"Forget I said anything. You're a good man." He gave me another hug before I headed back to my seat.

"Jenna I am so proud of you." Stephanie said, squeezing my hand.

"Thank you. I'll have to tell Hunter." The show wrapped up and we made our way to back to the car when I heard a familiar voice.

"Stephanie," we turned and I saw Dustin, his hat in his hand, "hey."

"Hey," she said, "Just a sec, Jenna." I nodded and made my way to the car, taking the opportunity to text Hunter.

J: We won! <3

H: So proud! That's fantastic news!!

I slid my phone into my clutch as Steph came up to the car. "Ready to call it a night?" She nodded and we headed home.