Better in the Long Run

One Shot

Lindsay's family brought her remains back to Canada for a funeral but a celebration of life was held at the Ryman in her honour. It was tragic, sad and hard to focus when something we do on a daily basis took the life of someone so talented. After the memorial, Hunter and I headed home. "This whole thing has me thinking, what if something happens to us? We haven't updated our will in years."

"Oh Jen," he sighed, "I have been thinking the same thing. We should probably talk to a lawyer about that. A lot has changed since Sutton was born and we put all of that together." He said delicately as he unzipped the back of my dress.

I slipped out of my dress and scoured my drawers for comfortable clothing. I pulled on some leggings and a tee shirt, "Maybe we should call your parents over and talk to them this week while the kids are at school."

"Yeah absolutely." He kissed my cheek and got changed into some other clothes. "Did we decide what we're doing about the Grammys. It's next week." I shrugged, assuming either his parents would watch the kids.

"No, no we have not figured that out. Maybe you could call your parents like, now." He laughed, rolling his eyes as I headed downstairs to tackle some chores.

In the blink of an eye, we were on a flight to California for the Grammy awards. Once we got situated in the hotel, I texted Sutton.

J: Hey sweet girl, dad and I are in Cali xo

S: love you guys!

"I will not get over the fact that I can just text our daughter. She's so old now."

"Who's aging themselves now," Hunter chuckled as he got ready to take a shower, "care to join me?" He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and I nodded. The next day was a full glam day between hair, nails, make up and wardrobe. I was antsy as I hadn't been to the Grammys in quite some time. I had two nominations, Country Female Vocalist and Country Collaboration with Vocals for my duet with Dustin. Hunter was nominated for Country Male Vocalist.

I donned a black, strapless lace dress by Versace and Hunter looked extremely handsome in his tux. We worked the red carpet before heading to our seats. My heart exploded when I heard my name for Country Female. Hunter kissed me and I glided down to the stage and accepted the awards from two pop singers I didn't recognize. I turned to the mic and kept my speech short and sweet.

"Wow, this is such an honour. Thank you Hunter, my family, my band, label and management who keep believing in me. This means a little extra tonight as I think of my dear friend, fellow musician, artist, and mentor Lindsay Ell who to me, embodied what it means to be a country Female Vocalist. This one is for you, girl." I smiled and the audience applauded as I headed backstage.

"That was powerful." Hunter said as I returned to my seat. Hunter accepted the Male Vocalist award and his speech brought tears to my eyes.

"I am beyond thankful I get to share music and call it my work. It has been my life's work to make music, play music, write music and to be recognized tonight is such a blessing. God, my family, my team - you're all to thank for helping me each step of the way. Thank you."

The other category I had my eye on was being announced next and I felt a tap on my shoulder as I saw Dustin and Steph sitting right behind us. Steph gave two thumbs up and Dustin had his hand on my shoulder while I was holding onto Hunter's hand. "The winner for  Best Country Collaboration with vocals goes to Jenna Hayes and Dustin Lynch, Bulletproof!" The four of us jumped up and hugged before Dustin escorted me down to the stage.

"Wow how wonderful," I said, a smile stuck on my face, "it was a pleasure to record this with a long time friend, someone who has been a huge part of my career and furthermore my life. Thank you all." I stepped back and Dustin took the mic.

"This is such an honour, and I can really only thank Jenna for calling me up to record it. Thank y'all." We headed backstage, took photos and eventually returned to our seats. We had a lot to celebrate at the after party and back at the hotel.

"Baaaabe," I said, stumbling out of my dress, "we are amazing. You're amazing. This would've never happened if you didn't sit me down in your condo and sing with me."

Hunter laughed, "You're a cute drunk," he kissed my cheek, "how do you feel?"

"Good, I feel good," I whispered, "better if you were naked and on top of me." I reassured him and he unbuttoned his tux and laid beside me, kissing me softly down my neck, unclasping my bra and working his way further down. "Up here." I whispered, getting him to kiss my lips as my hands exploded his body, eventually guiding and encouraging him to enter me. "I'm sorry, just keep kissing me, I drank too much."

"You're fine," he whispered, being gentle and slow with me until he finished, "I love you Jen. You're gonna have a serious hang over." He found a tee shirt in his suitcase and helped me put it on before getting me some water.

"I love you." I whispered, "So, so much."

"I love you babe."