Better in the Long Run

Road Less Travelled

"Hey Toronto!" The crowd roared as Hunter and I walked along the pink carpet hand in hand as MMVA guests arrived. People lined the streets and were shouting and cheering as we walked. "We are your hosts," I started.

"I'm Hunter Hayes." He smiled.

"And I'm Jenna. It is a pleasure to be hosting Toronto's biggest music event of the year." I smiled and we continued making our way down the busy street, my hand sweating around the microphone I was holding.

Hunter read the disclaimer, "We will see you all shortly but we want to remind you this is a live event and everyone here will do their best to avoid incident but we can't guarantee something crazy won't happen. We are going to pass it over to Shawn on the pink carpet. Who's arriving Shawn?" We stopped walking and the camera man gave us a thumbs up to let us know we were off. I removed one of the ear pieces and handed my microphone off to an assistant. Hunter and I were ushered back behind the main stage to await the beginning of the show. I looked at my watch and we had almost an hour.

"How was Australia and New Zealand? We haven't been able to catch up much." I asked and he nodded.

"It was fun, very busy. I think in a few years we gotta bring the kids. And you, get you going down there because people were asking where you were."

"No they weren't." I chuckled. He begged to differ and assured me that there were fans down there who wanted to see me in concert. "Let's put it on the list of things to look into. For now I want to get cracking on the rest of our album."

We were directed to the main stage and the crowds roared as we walked out. "Hello Toronto!" Hunter waved. "It is amazing to be here tonight, are you ready to get this party started?" The crowd continued cheering.

"Perfect! Well, this opening artist is someone I remember seeing on YouTube many years ago and now he's here performing on iHeart Radio Much Music Video Awards! Toronto, put your hands together for Charlie Puth!" We got cleared and stayed in place as this award show was outside and had several stages across two and a half streets. We could hear Charlie but couldn't see him from where we were. Things moved along and we were handing out awards, we did a costume change and the night winded down to an after party that was rivalling the Grammy awards.

It must have been close to two am by the time we crashed into the hotel bed, "That was so much fun," I whispered, "I'm excited to see the kids tomorrow."

Hunter chuckled, "It is tomorrow." He kissed me goodnight and we fell asleep very quickly.

"Mom!" I heard Beckett shout as we entered the house. "Dad!" He ran and hugged us, his siblings trailing behind.

"Last night was awesome!" Sutton said, "dad, how was Australia?"

"We have a lot of time to talk about it, and I have pictures to show you guys. Where's papa and Steph?"

"In here!" I heard my dad call from the kitchen. "Breakfast." My dad and Steph made French toast, eggs and bacon.

"This is perfect thank you." We spent the morning together and by three, we had to pack up to catch our plane ride home. "I wish I could've caught Ali but please tell her to call me." My dad nodded and we headed to the airfield, boarded our plan and set off for Nashville.

"What was the favourite and least favourite part of last night?" Steph asked as Hunter sat with the kids showing them photos of Australia.

"Favourite: being on that stage, doing it with Hunter and being the first country couple to ever host was cool. Least favourite: not knowing as many of the artists. Like at all. Who is Lincoln Sloane? He won like three awards." Stephanie shrugged. "Exactly!" I laughed. "Thank you again for coming out. How did my dad seem to you?"

"All things considered, really good. I think being around Cade and Alex has helped him a lot. Alex is so big, and Cade has to be the same height or taller than you by now."

"I believe it," I sighed, "Ali is taller than me and Jon's family is tall too." She nodded and told me a few different things that occurred - mostly all good. After a few short hours, the plan landed and we parted ways with Stephanie.

Hunter wheeled the last suitcase into the front door and sighed, "Home sweet home." He headed up to shower while I started the laundry.

L: Let us know when you're home and we can bring Millie back

J: we just got in. You can bring her whenever you like. Thank you!

Within the hour, I showered and Leo brought Millie back home. "Thanks so much for taking care of her." Hunter hugged his dad and they caught up quick while I started dinner.

"Leo, are you staying?" He politely declined as he and Lynette had a show to go see. We thanked him again and for the first time since Dublin, we sat down to enjoy a family meal together.

"I cannot believe that school starts in a week and a half. I hope you guys enjoyed your summer. What was your favourite part?"

"The castles in Scotland and visiting papa." Sutton smiled.

"The bridge in Manchester and playing with Cade. We got to go on a lot of airplanes." Easton chimed in.

"I like that we got to go far away together. I liked the UK." Beckett smiled, "I missed you dad. I'm glad we are all together again."

"Trust me buddy, so am I."