Something in the Water

Seein' Red

"Mommy!" Beckett and Easton shouted together while running toward the tour bus.

"Hey guys," I hugged them and saw Sutton was trailing behind her dad, her expression was almost bitter, "how are you all?" Hunter shook his head before the boys each grabbed a hand and dragged me to the bus to see Millie. Once everyone was reacquainted, I kissed Hunter's cheek, "I'm gonna take our daughter for a W-A-L-K." He nodded and I got Sutton out the door and we walked to the outdoor amphitheatre. "Not really the hello I was hoping for." I said, grabbing a seat beside her. "What's going on?"

"Do you realize we will be on your tour for my twelfth birthday and I won't get to have a party?" She continued ranting about how her summer was ruined by mine and Hunter's tours. For a moment I was speechless. Unsure what to say that didn't sound like 'you're being a spoiled brat' or 'stop being selfish'.

"Okay, let me make sure I am understanding you," I started, "you feel upset, maybe even a bit angry, because dad and I are working and you can't have a birthday party?"

"Basically, yes."

"Okay, so should dad and I stop working?" She shook her head and bit her lip, "or do you want to go back home with your dad, I'll see you in three weeks and then when I get back, your dad will be gone til Christmas..."

"I didn't know,"

"Exactly," I interjected, "you didn't know that your dad and I planned this time together for all of us. We have your birthday off to do whatever you like while we are in whatever city... even though I don't know where that is right now. And we would have thrown you a party when we got home but at the moment I don't think you're terribly deserving of all that." I stopped when I saw a tear roll down her cheek and she looked up at me, her eyes glossy from the tears she was holding back.

"I'm sorry." She said quietly. I wiped her eyes.

"Sutton, we are not out to ruin your life, I promise. Sometimes dad and I don't have a lot of control over our jobs, and where or when we go. Did you think we forgot your birthday?" She shrugged, "I promise we did not forget." I hugged her, "I think you owe your dad an apology for your behaviour." She nodded and we walked back to the bus hand in hand.

"Dad, can we talk?" He nodded and got up off the couch and stepped out of the bus with Sutton while I caught up with the boys. I trusted Sutton didn't mean to act the way she did but tried to remind myself that this life is hard and sometimes Hunter and I don't always explain what it is we are doing or why.

They returned and Sutton's mood was much, much better than before. Hunter waved me outside. "She apologized, and I didn't realize she thought we forgot her birthday."

"She's getting to that preteen 'all about me' phase. I am glad she apologized. How long had that been going on for?"

"Since yesterday. She was such a pleasure to fly with." He rolled his eyes, "God I missed you, everything is easier with you around." He hugged me tight and I breathed him in.

"I missed you guys too. This has been hard. I'm glad I get to finish strong with y'all here." I kissed his cheek and we stood in our embrace for a bit. "I did radio this morning. I have a friend, Dean Brody coming out for tonight's show, do you all want to come to sound check?" Hunter nodded and we gathered up the kids.

"Mom, your phone is ringing." Easton handed it to me.

"Thanks sweetie," I slid my finger across the screen, "Yes hi Dean, how are you? Oh no way! That's a bummer. Is everything alright otherwise? No, no worries. That's the good thing about a surprise I guess - nobody woulda known. No honestly keep it. Next time you're in Nashville I'll show you where it came from. Yep, bye now." I hung up the phone and sighed. "Dean can't get here. I have no guest tonight." Hunter smirked like he had an idea.

"I could always fill in... or.." his voice drifted off and he looked at Sutton. "This isn't a reward for your attitude but mom is in a jam. You wanna help her out guys?"

"Actually?" I nodded, "Well then yeah!"

I broke the new snot tonight to the band, "Change of plans everyone. Dean can't be here so I found these kids in my bus instead." The band gave Sutton and the boys high fives and we geared up. "I like to pause part way through and I play A Life That's Good and tonight I'll play some other acoustic song..."

"Wildflower isn't in the set." Kevin piped up. I nodded.

"Perfect, I'll do that one, then do you guys want to come do Everything Has Changed?" The kids nodded and I turned to Hunter, "Would you do me the honour of playing Before You as our encore."

"Absolutely." I hugged my family, killed the sound check and enjoyed dinner together for the first time in weeks.

"Hello Halifax, how are we doing this fine Friday night?" They cheered and I couldn't contain my smile, "I have some very special guests to close the show tonight. The people who are about to walk on the stage are my heart and soul, the reason I live and breathe. Halifax, I want you to welcome to the stage, Sutton, Easton and Beckett Hayes!" They walked out hand in hand, to the mic set up beside me. They sang and I strummed along. The audience was lit with cell phone flashlights and upon completion, the kids took a bow and walked out hand in hand. "Halifax, let's give it up one more time for them!" I had tears in my eyes and took a bow before going off stage. I heard the crowd rustling, waiting for the chance at an encore. The lights came back on and the crowd cheered as the band began to play.

When the sound clicked with the audience, their screams became unimaginably louder as Hunter and I walked out hand in hand to sing Before You.