Something in the Water

For You

"Welcome to the ACM awards! Jenna you look amazing. Who is this stunning young lady beside you?" The reporter asked.

"Thank you, this is my daughter Sutton. Hunter is out of town for his tour so I thought she would make the perfect date!" The reporter turned to Sutton.

"Are you excited your mom has five nominations?"

"Yes! Really excited." We thanked the reporter and carried on down the dark blue carpet. Sutton walked down the carpet with me and Courtney waited while I took a few more questions from reporters before heading inside. We were lead to our seats, and the show began. Hosted by a Florida Georgia Line, the show opened with a performance and dove right into the awards. Sutton held my hand in excitement as Chase Rice and Cole Swindell announced the award for female vocalist. I leaned over to Sutton, reminding her I am giving out the award for New Male Artist and that Courtney will come sit with her soon.

"The nominees for ACM Female Vocalist are Kacey Musgraves, Jenna Hayes, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell." Chase Rice said, passing the envelope to Cole Swindell.

"The winner is, my girl Jenna Hayes!" I jumped up and hugged Sutton before walking down to the stage. I hugged both Chase and Cole before accepting my award and turning toward the mic.

"Wow, this is wonderful. Thank you to everyone who helped me get back on track and getting my music back out. My family, Hunter I know you're out playing tonight, but thank you for everything. My kids - my inspiration, my daughter Sutton is my date tonight. I love you. My label, management, my band. The fans who made going on tour so, so much fun. I can't thank you all enough - God bless!" I headed back stage, did a swift costume change and headed out with Lindsay Ell to present the new male artist of the year. It went out to a young guy name Matthew Grant and I headed back into my seat beside Sutton. The night was enjoyable, mostly watching her expression and her smiles. I accepted Hunter's Male Vocalist of the Year Award before I swooped up both Album and Single Record of the Year, but lost songwriter to Chris Stapleton. I was floored when my name got called for entertainer of the year. Once again I made my way down to accept my award from Dustin and Kane Brown.

"Thank you all. This one is for the fans who filled the arenas and stadiums and made performing hands down the easiest and best part of this job. I couldn't have made the tour what it was if it wasn't for the forty seven amazing friends and fellow artists who came out from Halifax to Salt Lake City to surprise the fans with me. Thank y'all so much!" I lifted the trophy before heading backstage and taking a the typical post show photos with my four awards. Eventually, Sutton and I made our way back home to find Leo up as Lynette had turned in early downstairs. I thanked him and he headed down to sleep. Sutton was barely awake but as we made our way into the kitchen, Hunter called her on her cell phone.

"Hi dad! Yeah she did. She brought yours home too. Four! Yeah, I had so much fun. I'm so tired, yeah here she is. I love you too."

"Hey babe, thank you and congratulations. Yes it was fun. She was so good. I wish you could've seen her face light up. Yes, I didn't get songwriter but it was an honour to be in the same category as Chris. Yes he did. Very much so. I love you too. Yes absolutely. Good night babe." I hung up Sutton's phone and followed her up to bed.

"Thanks for coming with me sweet girl," I tucked her in and gave her a kiss, "I love you."

"I had so much fun mom, thanks for bringing me."

"You are very welcome." I went to the bathroom and washed my face clean before climbing into bed. My Instagram and phone were blowing up with alerts, tags and congratulatory texts. I read the only two that mattered.

H: proud of you babe. Sweet dreams xox

A: congrats on the big wins sis! Mom would be proud. Cade begged me to stay up and watch. I'm glad I did. Tell Hunter we say congrats.