Something in the Water

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"We are going to miss you," I said, wrapping Hunter in a hug as we were getting ready to board the plane home from Rhode Island, "have the best time." I kissed his cheek and he said bye to the kids.

"Be good for your mom, and have an awesome time at school. I want to see those first day pictures!" He turned to me before we headed to the tarmack, "I'll see you at the honors in five days, I love you."

"I love you." I headed onto the plane with Courtney and the kids back to Nashville.

"I know you have a lot going on with the kids going back to school, but I wanted to discuss rolling out the tour DVD." She handed me a business plan that outlined a few magazine articles, radio and tv appearances. "We were thinking a November release. All of the material is ready, we just need to basically burn it onto disks and do new album art."

"Yeah, I like the November release," I read through the plan, "these tv appearances, New York and LA back to back? I don't know - I gotta talk to Lynette and Leo about the kids. If it can all be done in a week I can do that. Or can we like, skype in?"

"I'll look into it."

"Not to be difficult, it's just school time and I am severely outnumbered."

"I understand, you're doing amazing." She smiled and took the plan back into her folder. "We have no other business to worry about."

"Thank you so much."

Lynette and Leo picked us up from the airport, They caught up with the kids while I started what has become a never ending pile of tour laundry.

"Hey Jenna," Lynette poked her head in the laundry room, "I didn't want to overstep but I did groceries for you. Hunter sent money, he wanted to make sure you came home to a stocked kitchen." I smiled and shook my head.

"That man you raised - he's a treasure, honestly." I thanked her and headed back out to see the kids showing Leo how to use the Wii Bowling. "Are you still sure you can watch the kids on Wednesday?" Lynette nodded. "I seriously appreciate it. It's been a busy year." We made dinner together and got everyone around the table before I made my announcement. "So this is the first time in a long time that I have worked so hard on my music and big things are happening." Lynette and Leo beamed with pride as I told them about the album going platinum, and the upcoming release for my deluxe CD and tour DVD. "I need to navigate a week of crazy press. And of course it's all before Hunter comes home."

"Jenna, we would be so happy to look after the kids." Leo smiled, "We are very proud of you. You've done amazing work." Dinner wrapped up with some ice cream and the kids swimming in the pool.

"I appreciate you both so, so much." I looked Lynette and Leo in the eyes, "I remember there was a period of time where I thought people, including you, would hate me for singing." The look on Lynette's face was pure shock. "I realize that sounds crazy now."

"I am glad you didn't let any fear stop you. You're seriously amazing Jenna. You bring something out in Hunter. You calm him, you reassure him without saying a word. You made his dreams of being a dad a reality." Leo said, "We are more than happy to be here. The more time we get with those kids, the better. We love them." The night wore down and I had to get back on track for a school sleep routine.

"My loves, we need to get showered. Tomorrow we are going school shopping. Beckett, let's get you washed up first." I directed Beckett toward the bathroom, "Eas, Sutton, I want you to find your backpacks and pencil cases from last year. I'm not gonna buy stuff y'all already have."

The next few days were filled with school prep, labeling binders, trying on clothes and fitting in wardrobe and sound check for the Honors. Wednesday rolled around and I was headed to the Ryman to meet up with Hunter. Coutney was alongside me and I was rocking a gorgeous ivory midi dress with lace overlay and long sleeves. I walked in and spotted Hunter sporting black jeans and a dark blue sport coat. "Hey Jen," he opened his arms and kissed my cheek, "you look lovely."

"You look great," I smiled, "I'm glad to see you." We made small talk with a few other people and from across the room I saw Stephanie enter, looking like a deer in headlights, "Excuse me, Steph is here."

"I didn't know you were coming to this," I hugged her, "you look cute."

"I am so not in my element." She laughed nervously, "Dustin is receiving some Icon award."

"Yeah, that's awesome. I'm performing but Hunter is getting an award tonight, the Lifting Lives award." Hunter found us and we got organized to find our seats.

I was third to perform and decided to do it acoustic. Shortly after I returned to my seat, Hunter was called up to accept his award and he made a pretty spectacular speech which had everyone in the room applauding on their feet. As the night wore down, the dreaded part was upon us.

"Safe flight, I love you." I kissed his lips, "And I miss you already."

"You did an incredible job tonight. I'll text you when I land. I love you too."

We parted ways and I headed home to find Lynette and Leo sitting on the couch with Millie at their feet. "Thank you both again." I hugged them and they went home while I checked on the kids before turning in myself.