Better in the Long Run

Loving You Easy

"So good to see you guys," Courtney said, "The folks for the magazine are on their way."

"Perfect." I looked around the house and spent the week frantically cleaning with Hunter. We even went as far as to have a maid come in to help us. The people for the magazine arrived and we did the interview portion first. We sat in the living room and discussed everything from our parenting style to taking the kids on tour, making music and travelling.

"When I have to go somewhere for work, it's always hard. It was so different before kids or when they were really young because we could just up and go. Now we have to consider school obligations. It's definitely shifted the perspective on touring and doing those big trips."

"I feel the same way, I mean I will try to take the kids if possible, like last year we were in New York for spring break so I could promote my album. Their well-being and education is first and foremost."

We discussed the expectation as a celebrity couple, what we should and shouldn't do, and how our public status affects our kids.

"I think it is so important our kids understand how lucky they are. They will always have what they need, but we don't over indulge them." I said and Hunter added in.

"They have seen what goes into our work, the crazy hours, being together and apart, late nights, long drives. We make sacrifices but always have their best interests at heart. They love to visit parks and museums when we are on tour and we try and make to fun but also a learning experience. All three of them such adventure-hungry kids. It's really awesome to share that with them." Hunter explained.

"As for their friendships, our daughter has the same few friends from school since grade one. The boys are a little closer in age and they've always been two peas in a pod." I smiled, reflecting on our kids.

The best question the interviewer asked was, "Fifteen years later, what in your relationship has changed? What has stayed the same?"

I looked at Hunter, "Even after all this time, I still get butterflies. Not only has he loved me when I have been happy, successful and smiling, but when I've stubborn, tired, cranky, pregnant, stressed or sad. He never stops loving, guiding or encouraging me." I smiled as he squeezed my hand. "What has changed? A lot and nothing. The way I feel is the same way I felt since day one. Life has changed, kids, work highs and lows, wins and losses, but we're still here."

"I'm speechless." He chucked. "Wow, um, yeah you know life is always changing and we have had our own road blocks and curve balls - individually and as a couple. It's been hard at times. But she said it right, the emotions, the love, it's all there. Daily. We always make a point of communicating and I think that has been so huge for us. Open lines both ways, always. Every night before bed we make sure to talk, just anything that crossed our mind or if the kids did something sweet or funny. We just make sure we stay open and connected."

The kids joined us for photos and we took Millie for a walk along the trail. They were candid shots for the most part, but there were a few posed ones. The crew left and by the time they did, I was wiped. "Would anyone be against going out for dinner?" I laughed.

"I am totally fine with that." Hunter smiled. "I think that interview went really well. I'm so in love with what you said. You've never been hard to love, you know that right?"

I shrugged, "I've had trouble loving myself some days, I wouldn't be surprised if you ever felt worn down by me." He wrapped me up in his arms and shook his head.

"No, babe, never." He kissed my nose.

I looked into his eyes and smiled at how the slight wrinkles formed around his eyes when he smiled. "I love you so much."

"I love you."

"I love you guys too but where are we going to eat." I looked over my shoulder to see Easton with a silly grin on his face.

"Come here you," I laughed and broke away from Hunter to hug Easton, playfully tickling him, "boy when did you get so big. Stop growing." I laughed and kissed his head. At ten, Easton was my shoulder height, I had a feeling he would be the same height or taller than Hunter.

"Olive Garden okay guys?" I asked as we piled into the suburban. They all agreed and we headed out. The clouds were dark and heavy, looking like a storm was coming our way. I saw a flicker of lightening. "Keep an eye out for lightening," I told the kids, who all love thunderstorms." We enjoyed dinner and as usual, the kids filled up on salad and bread before their entrees arrived. "Guess what y'all are getting for lunch tomorrow." I chuckled as Hunter and I packed the take out boxes and paid the bill. We headed home and got everyone ready for the week ahead.

"What's next on your agenda," I asked Hunter as I massaged his shoulders, "I'm so excited about the UK."

"Me too. This week is pretty laid back, just few radio things. I got asked for us to go play the Opry next week. We should bring the kids. It's a Friday."

"Oh absolutely." I continued massaging him, working on a few of the knots.

"I got a few festivals lined up after the UK." His voice quieted, as if he was hesitant to tell me.

"Where abouts?"

"Australia and New Zealand."

"Hunter!" I exclaimed, "That is so cool! I'm a little jealous but that's awesome."

"I wish it would be something all of us could do but it's the first week the kids go back to school."

"If you're going literally down and under the other side of the planet I hope it's not just a week."

He sat up and turned to face me. "Two weeks."