Something in the Water

Good Together

"Happy birthday beautiful," I woke up to Hunter's embrace, "the kids made you breakfast. Don't worry, the kitchen is still standing and I helped."

"Thank you sweetie," I rolled over to kiss him, "I can smell the pancakes." I got up and threw my hair in a bun and got dressed before heading downstairs to see my tribe with cards and a table full of delicious breakfast foods. They sang happy birthday before giving me cards, gifts and diving into the food. "Thank you guys! I love you."

"Thirty eight looks good on you," Hunter whispered before handing me a card, "happy birthday beautiful." I opened the card and I slip of folded paper fell out. I held it and read the message first.

"Jenna,

Wishing you all the best for your birthday. You are incredible, strong, and loved by all who have the pleasure of knowing you. I am so excited for everything this year has to offer you.
Xo forever and always, Hunter."

I looked at him with a smile before unfolding the paper. Within it was a photo of a purple Martin electric guitar with Hunter's writing that said 'Yours on April 5th'.

"Stop it," I was speechless, "are you serious." He nodded, smiling. I hugged him, "That's incredible, thank you."

"I'm also taking you out for dinner tonight, my parents will sit."

"You're amazing. Thank you." I gave everyone another hug before we started our Saturday with Beckett and Easton's soccer class, some homework and a long walk to the park with Millie. The late March air was a little cool but the sunny day was enjoyed by all. Five o'clock rolled around which brought Lynette and Leo to our doorstep to watch the kids while Hunter treated me out to dinner at 32 Bridge.

"Cheers," he raised his drink, "to another year wiser, and more beautiful."

"Cheers," I sipped my drink, "you're make me blush." I smiled as he reached across the table for my hand. "How's everything? I know we have both been up to our eyeballs in work and tour prep..." he nodded.

"I feel good about what we have planned. The album comes out next week, your tour starts basically in a month...."

"It's a busy time." I said, scanning the menu, "I'm surprised that this place has been here like ten years and this is only the second or third time I've come." I looked up at Hunter, "Do you know what you want?" He smiled and nodded, closing his menu. The waitress took our order and we talked more about the tour, the opening acts and so on. "Any chance you wanna pop up on stage with me when we have some time together?"

"I would love that." He smiled, "Have you put your set list together for the tour?"

"Yeaaaah, kind of." I shrugged. Rehearsals start on Monday and I had five songs in mind to start but then it kind of fizzled out. "I'll get cracking on it with the band come Monday." We enjoyed our dinner and walked out of the restaurant hand in hand to some TMZ reporters.

"Jenna! Hunter! How's it going?" One said, following us to the car.

"Good thanks!" Hunter said with a wave.

"Jenna the new album is awesome. Hunter we cant wait to hear your new songs!"

"Thanks guys!" I hopped into the passenger seat and we drove off, "I don't remember being hounded like that, even five years ago."

"There's no privacy anymore." Hunter shook his head as we carried onto the freeway, and I noticed we weren't headed toward home. I looked over to see Hunter had a sneaky grin on his face and he reached over for my hand. I wasn't even going to try to ask but I had a hunch.

"Babe," I laughed as he scored around the car to get the door for me, "I had a feeling." He took me by the hand and guided me toward the artist entrance and the Opry. "Who's playing tonight?"

"Dustin, Vince and Carly." He and I walked through to catch Dustin at his dressing room. "Knock, knock." Hunter said, rapping his knuckles on Dustin's door.

"Hey y'all," Dustin opened his arms, "Jenna happy birthday. You still look like the day I first met you."

"You're too kind. How are you?"

"I am doing well. Excited for the tour." We got talking, catching up before finding seats to enjoy the show. It was nearing ten pm when Hunter and I headed back home.

"It's so nice to be able to just walk in those doors and feel welcomed." I said, sitting back in my seat, "I had fun tonight. Thank you babe."

"Any time sweetheart." We made our way home to relieve Hunter's parents, checked on the kids and climbed into bed. I kissed Hunter's cheek and he was fast asleep.