Where Love Grows

For You I Will

"I think a ten pm curfew is acceptable for Friday's and Saturday's." I said, sitting with Hunter and Sutton, "Just know that it's gonna be ten pm for a long time." She smiled. Since the play a few weeks ago, Hunter and I realized we should probably lay down some ground rules with Sutton around dating.

"We were both your age once and we know that you might go to parties and on dates." Hunter said, adding, "Just know, if you're out and you need us, no matter what, you can call or text us. If something is happening and you're uncomfortable or you need an out, we will be there."

"Okay, well this is good we are talking about this. Jake asked if he and I could go to the movies tonight." I looked at Hunter and he nodded.

"Sure, I would be happy to drive you." Sutton smiled. "I don't want tell you what you should and shouldn't do but when it comes to stuff like holding hands or kissing, don't do it because you feel like you have to. You don't have to do anything." Her cheeks reddened and she averted her gaze from Hunter.

"Sutton," his voice was quiet, "it's not weird to want to be affectionate. I know your mom and I show each other affection in different ways. What your mom is saying is that it is okay to say no if something doesn't feel right."

She nodded, "I get it," she paused "can I have some money for the movies?"

Hunter let out a little laugh, "Did you use your allowance money?" She nodded. "Okay." He pulled out his wallet and gave her thirty dollars. She hugged us both and headed upstairs. "I have all these plans in my head about what I want to say but then I look at her and I see that little girl in braids again."

"I know it's hard. Like how am I supposed to talk to her about sex, peer pressure and drugs. And drinking." I rested my head on Hunter's shoulder. "We have to have this talk two more times." I chuckled thinking about the boys.

"I know," he said, shaking his head, "I wish they were still babies."

"If only I could go back and freeze time." I kissed Hunter's cheek and we tackled some chores around the house.

Saturday afternoon crept up which brought Easton and Beckett home from their grandparents before I took Sutton on her date. She looked pretty in jeans and a long sleeve shirt with her naturally wavy hair falling down her back.

"I can't believe you're going on your first date."I said as we pulled out of the driveway, "What movie y'all gonna see?"

"We are going to see the new Jurassic World."

"Oh cool. Is it just you two?" She nodded. We made small talk about as I pulled up to the front of the theatre. I saw Jake come down the steps with a bouquet of daisies.

"Hi Mrs. Hayes, thank you for driving Sutton. You look lovely." he opened the car door for her, handing the flowers over.

"Thanks, you look nice." She accepted the flowers, "Hey mom can you get these in a vase for me?"

"Absolutely hun, you guys have fun. Let me know what time to come back. Jake I could give you a ride home if you need."

"Oh wow, thanks. That'd be great." The kid was so nervous, I felt for him. They headed into the theatre and I headed back home.

S: Movie finishes at 9:30

J: thanks - have fun. I'll be where I dropped you off.

I pulled up to the house and walked in to find the boys playing Mario Kart with Hunter. "Nice flowers." Hunter said, taking a break from the game.

"Jake got them for Sutton." I said, "He opened the car door for her. Very sweet guy." I put the flowers in water and joined the boys in a few races of Mario Kart. Hunter and I tucked the boys in, Easton was full of questions.

"Where's Sutton? Is she on a date? Does she have a boyfriend?"

"Eas, these are all questions you can ask Sutton tomorrow but she might not want to tell you. I think she's figuring it all out." I kissed his head, "Sweet dreams buddy."

"Love you Hunt, be back soon." I kissed his lips, grabbed my keys and stepped out the front door. Hunter was right behind me and placed another kiss on my lips before I headed out.

"Drive safe." Hunter whispered and I nodded, walking to the car. I locked the door, started the car and drove to go get the kids.

"Did you guys have fun?" They told me all about the movie and we dropped Jake off.

"Thank you very much Mrs. Hayes, Sutton, it was a pleasure. Have a great night." He smiled and exited the car. I waited to see he got into his front door okay and we headed home. Sutton sat back and she sighed. I turned the radio down and began to sing.

One look, dark room
Meant just for you
Time moved too fast
You play it back
Buttons on a coat
Lighthearted joke
No proof, not much
But you saw enough"

Sutton looked over at me, smiling and joined in. We sang the whole way home and as I pulled up on our street, I had to ask, "Do you like him?"

"I think I want to know him better but yeah, he's definitely a good friend."

"I'm glad," I parked the car, "try and be quiet getting to bed sweetie. Your brothers should be asleep by now."