Where Love Grows

Alive Again

"I like that song transition," I wrapped my fingers around the microphone, "did you want to close with Turn Right?" I looked over at Hunter as he was strumming his guitar.

"That sounds like a fine idea. You're cool with the jam between Fly and Heaven Can Wait?" He clarified.

"Absolutely. It gives me time to catch a drink and move out from behind the piano." We were four days into the ten day stretch of our radio tour. We were clocking in sixteen hour days for the most part, but we were both happy that the kids weren't here to deal with the long, tiring days. "Four days down, five to go. These press tours are always a kicker." I grabbed my jacket from the dressing room and we headed out into the snowy New York streets. We had a radio interview before dinner and our album release party at the Radio City Music Hall.

We started the show off with just our acoustic guitars. It felt like we were in our twenties again sitting on the floor of Hunter's condo surrounded by candles and take out food. We opened with With You and Cry before moving into the other songs which had me on the piano. Many of our major label reps and business partners were in the audience and they gave us plenty of applause. The night was a whirlwind of shaking hands, taking photos and making comments with the press. There was something unique and peaceful despite the crazy schedule. No band, just Hunter and I on the buses and planes, which to a degree, was very weird. After our release party in New York we headed to California for a few days and back to Nashville for a hometown show.

"Hello everyone. Thank you so much for spending your evening with us," Hunter and I stood on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, acoustic guitars in hand, "we are so happy to be out and about our lovely country and back home in our wonderful city to share our new album with you." Hunter said, beaming. We played five songs and the audience was wonderful. We headed off stage to find Lynette, Leo and the kids dressed up and clapping.

"Hey babies!" I opened my arms to greet them, "I missed you so much!" I hugged each of them and kissed their cheeks before greeting Lynette and Leo. "Thank you so much for bringing them."

"Oh they figured it out very quickly when we pulled up," Leo chuckled, "they were all amazing. As usual." We walked back to our dressing room where the kids bombarded us with hugs and stories of the past week and half with their grandparents.

"Mom, those songs, that album." She shook her head, "It's probably my favourite thing I've seen you and dad do together."

"That is incredibly sweet Sutton, thank you." I hugged her, "How's it been?" She smiled and told me things were good. School was back in full swing and she was feeling the effects of grade seven.

"There's just a lot going on between school and my friends and some days I feel like I'm just barely keeping up." I hugged her.

"I know it's tough, we will get through it." She forced a little smile and we headed home with the boys in tow, thanking Hunter's parents again for all of their support and help. Hunter got the boys ready for bed while Sutton and I worked on some of her homework in the kitchen.

"There's just a lot to do." She sat cradling her head in her hands as she stared at her agenda. Math, science, English and geography.

"What have you already started?" I asked her.

"Math, I only have a few questions left. I'll finish that and then I'll do science. English and geography are assignments I can start maybe on lunch tomorrow if I stay in the library."

"That would be a good use of your time." I sat back and talked to her about time management. "I know it's been a rough start to this term and I'm sure it's more like a party when your grandparents are here." She nodded, "We will get back on track. Get your work done, I'll make you a hot chocolate."

"Thanks mom." I made us each a hot chocolate and checked her math over as she did her science questions. I looked at the time, 10:10pm.

Hunter wandered down into the kitchen, "I thought you fell asleep down here." I shook my head as I read over Sutton's science and gave her the green light to go to bed. "Straight to bed sweetie," Hunter kissed her forehead and she headed upstairs, "we'll be up shortly."

He sat down as I cleaned up the table, "Don't get me wrong, I love your parents and their ability to be here literally any time of day but Sutton is way behind in her school work. I have to check the boys agendas tomorrow."

"Really eh?" I nodded, Hunter shrugged, "Maybe she didn't ask for help either. I'm sure it was all just a big mess and everyone was just treading the water." I put my hands on his shoulders, gently massaging them.

"I think it was probably a low key party while we were gone. It will take a few days but we will get everyone back on track." He sighed as I massaged the knots from his muscles, stretching his neck side to side. I patted his back, "Let's go to bed babe." He obliged and we said good night to Sutton before turning in ourselves.

"So good to be home," Hunter said sweetly, "I had so much fun with you on the road. It's nice to be home, with the kids."

"Agreed," I kissed his cheek, "we'll be around a few weeks before things take off again. Love you babe. Sweet dreams."

"Love you too Jenna, very much."