Where Love Grows

You Are In Love

"Sutton, I put your NSA applications in the mail last week," I said, putting a plate of Christmas cookies on the table, "totally forgot to tell you." I sat with the kids as we enjoyed some time together. "When should you hear back?"

"I think the interviews start in February." She said with a big sigh, "It's kind of scary." I nodded as she explained her fears of not getting in. It was the first day of Christmas break and we were cozied up in the house as we just got hit with a little snow the other night.

"I don't think you should be scared," Easton said, scanning the plate of cookies, "you are really good." He smiled at her before picking up a sugar cookie.

"Thanks Eas," she sat back, "Jake applied for theater studies too."

"That's good. I hope you both do well." I grabbed a cookie before standing up, "I'm going to do laundry. Can you guys make sure what you need is in your hampers?" They happily obliged and we tackled some chores before Hunter came home.

"Are you ready for Christmas?" I asked him as we prepared an early dinner together.

"Not as ready as I would like to be." He smirked, stirring the pasta. "You ready for the Opry tonight?"

"I sure am." We talked quietly about Christmas shopping while the kids were off doing their own things. "Obviously I want to get you something for Christmas, but I also want to by pass the tangible gifts and do something together as my gift to you." I said, pulling bowls from the cupboard.

"I appreciate that. And I agree. We can enjoy experiences together, but stuff is stuff." I nodded but my train of thought was interrupted by the doorbell. I opened the front door and saw Jake, snow dusted his hat and shoulders.

"Hey Jake, come in. Is Sutton expecting you?" I closed the door behind him.

"No ma'am, this is a complete surprise." I smiled and took his coat before calling Sutton down.

"Hey, Jake how are you?" They did the cute, awkward side hug.

"I'm good, I wanted to see you before Christmas. I know you're going to Australia after..." his voice faded out, "Mind going for a walk with me?"

"Mom can I?" She poked her head in the kitchen and I nodded, reminding her we had to go out soon. She grabbed her boots and coat before heading out the door.

"Well," I sighed, looking at the table, "should we wait?" Hunter shrugged. "Boys - come eat!" As we cleaned up, we heard the door open and close.

"Hey mom, Jake had to go." She put a little blue box on the counter and within it lay a pretty Tiffany bracelet. Her eyes were sparkling.

"Is that?"

"A very generous Christmas gift." She said, "I will definitely have to bring something back from Australia."

"That's almost too generous." I said, slightly concerned at how much Jake spent on the bracelet.

"Well, he felt that his girlfriend deserved a pretty bracelet."

"Girlfriend?" I headed Hunter say as he walked into the kitchen, his eyebrows were raised. Sutton's cheeks went bright red.

"Yes." She said quietly.

"Do we need to revisit the conversation?" He said quietly, respecting that Sutton didn't want to announce her status to her brothers.

"No, we're good." She said quickly, "I should eat. We leave at six, right?" I nodded and she got herself some food before going upstairs to get ready. Hunter took care of the boys while I shopped through my closet.

"You will look pretty in anything," Hunter said quietly, "I like that one." he pointed to the deep burgundy lace dress in my arms. I smiled before shooing him to get himself ready. I met up with him in the bathroom and gave my straight hair a quick brush and set it with hairspray.

We walked up the artist entrance and I was directed to my dressing room. "Wow, look at all the flowers," Sutton said, "they're pretty."

"Aren't they?" I looked at some of the cards, bearing signatures from Keith, Carrie and Dustin. Hunter took the kids around the building while make up swooped in and I changed into my dress. I gave myself a once over in the mirror smoothing the front of my dress before grabbing my guitar and heading to the wings. I stood with my family while we watched performances by Rae Lynn and Tyler Rich before I took the stage. We started with Everywhere before tapping into A Life That's Good and Those Were The Nights. After I took my final bow, Dustin came on stage which had me thinking something was up.

"I am celebrating my twentieth year of my debut so I'm going out on a limb here and doing this my way." He smiled at me before continuing, "I have had the pleasure of knowing Jenna for close to sixteen years now, and in that time I watched you become a wife, a mother and and an amazing country music star. You paved your own way, on your own terms. It would be an honor to ask you to become a member of the Grande Ole Opry, what do you say?" His blue-green eyes were twinkling as his infamous smile consumed his face.

"Oh my gosh," my hands went right to my mouth as Hunter and the kids came on stage with flowers, the audience cheering, "yes, thank you."

The party flowed back stage into my dressing room. Hugs and congratulations all around. I took part in getting my name on the wall and had several photos taken with Opry members and staff before we called it a night.

"Congrats Jen," Hunter said sweetly as he unzipped my dress, "you deserve it."

I turned to face him, "I can't thank you enough for your love and support."