Where Love Grows

Attention

After Toronto, we ventured to Cavendish Beach before travelling down the east coast. We celebrated Sutton's fourteenth birthday in New York. "Today is your day babe," I said, waking her up gently, "what did you want to do?" We enjoyed a room service breakfast before going shopping at Macy's and as a family, we enjoyed a boat tour of the Hudson River and got to explore Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Sutton donned a smile all day as we soaked up as much of the city as possible before our show tomorrow night at Madison Square Gardens.

"Did you love New York?" I asked Sutton as we piled into the hotel. Hunter jumped into the shower while I got the kids ready for bed.

"It's crazy here. But yeah, I like it. It's definitely never boring." She got distracted by her phone, "One sec." She stepped into the adjoined room to answer it. "Hey, yeah. Thank you. You too. Umm, I am in New York. Yeah, all the yellow cabs..." I got back to shoving clothes into suitcases as we were heading out the door right after breakfast tomorrow. Sutton returned and stood in the doorway, a smile rested on her thin, pink lips.

"Who was that?" I asked quietly, pretending not to know.

"I feel like you know," she squinted, chuckling, "it was Jake, wishing me a happy birthday."

"That's sweet." She nodded and grabbed her pjs and changed in the other bathroom. She climbed into bed and I wished the kids sweet dreams before grabbing a shower myself.

Afterward, I climbed into bed with Hunter. We had our usual pillow talk, he had to ask, "Is Sutton okay?"

"Yeah, she is." He wrapped his arms around me and whispered.

"You're such a good mom. I hope you know that."

"Thanks babe. I try to remind myself, even on the hard days." I cuddled into his body, breathing in his scent. "You're the best dad they could ever have. They love you so much."

The hustle and bustle of New York turned into the beachy views of Virginia Beach as we made a tour stop to sing for the military and families stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. Hunter was a proud supporter of the military and their sacrifice, which made this trip a no-brainer for us. On route, Hunter told the kids all about the military, what they do and how we can thank them by providing them with a concert since many of them are away from their families.

The kids had a chance to check out some of the jets that were onsite as Hunter and the band did a quick sound check. I stuck with the kids while Hunter tuned up my guitars, joining us once the stage was set. "Would you three like to sing with us tonight?" I asked the kids about singing a song we all knew and the happily obliged. We ate a meal with the military men, women and their families before we hit the stage as the sun sank along the coast.

I took the stage with my acoustic guitar in hand, "Hey everyone, I must say it is truly an honour to be here tonight. I cannot thank you enough for the hard work and sacrifices each and every one of you have made. Tonight, we are celebrating our family and loved ones and I thought what better way to embrace that than bring my family on stage. Please welcome to the stage, Sutton, Easton and Beckett." On cue, Sutton walked up with her acoustic guitar in hand, followed by her brothers. The audience applauded as the boys took a spot to a mic and I started by playing A Life That's Good. I peeked side stage to see Hunter videoing us as we moved onto a few other songs before I let Sutton take the stage and sing Everything Has Changed with her brothers. The kids bowed and departed the stage as Hunter emerged bearing his guitar. We played a few more songs before I thanked the audience again.Hunter switched to his electric guitar and the band joined him to play their set. We wrapped up our visit and boarded the bus destined for Greensboro.

North Carolina blended into Kentucky and in no time, we were back in Nashville, but only for forty eight hours. "Dad, was there ever a time you went somewhere far just to play a show and then went home?" Easton asked as we sorted laundry and repacked the suitcases.

I looked at Hunter before he answered. "Well yeah, but it wasn't a show. I took an airplane to Toronto to surprise your mom at her graduation and we spent about six hours together before I had to come back to Nashville."

"Have you always been super romantic?" Sutton asked point-blank.

"He has." I answered.

"What's the most romantic thing you've ever done, mom?" Beckett asked, and I looked at Hunter.

"Your mom got me a watch for our very first Christmas and it is the only one I wear when I'm away from her." He smiled, "For fifteen years, your mom has always encouraged me to tour, do music and do what I love no matter what. That to me, is super romantic." I leaned into Hunter, speechless.

"That's very sweet." I kissed his cheek. "Alright my loves, I will finish this. I want you all showered and in bed by ten." I took care of the last of the packing just as Sutton finished her shower. The boys were clean and in bed, tucked in and heading off to sleep.

"Love you Sutton," I said, poking my head into her room, "sweet dreams."

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Do I have an hour tomorrow to go talk to Jake?"

I sighed, "Our flight to Wisconsin is at two pm."

"Ten AM. I will be up and ready. I just need thirty minutes. The other thirty is allotted driving time." He blue eyes were hopeful.

I nodded, "I'll be up and ready if you are."

"Thank you."