Take It From Me

Shine

The month of April  brought us plenty of rain, cozy writing sessions and Sutton's news of being cast for Lady McDuff in the school rendition of Macbeth.

"It's kind of nice not being the lead," she sighed, "but I am disappointed that Jake didn't even try out." She scrolled through her phone as she sat with her feet over my lap in the living room. Thunder rumbled across the sky and she looked over her shoulder, her blue eyes brightened.

"You still love your thunderstorms." I smiled, "I always have too." She nodded, recalling the many occasions where I would cuddle up with her on the tour bus, hotel or at home and we would sit in darkness, watching the storms pass. Our moment of peace was interrupted as Beckett, Easton and Millie bounded through the front door, Hunter closely behind.

"Poor dog hates thunder." Millie headed on to her bed, curled up and let out a big sigh. Hunter and the boys grabbed seats in the family room as another big crack ripped through the Tennessee sky which made the room darken. The kids squealed, "I'll go get a candle," Hunter got up and headed over to the kitchen, "Jen where is that barbecue lighter?"

"Umm," I got up to search the kitchen, "oh, here." I slid the cabinet shut and handed the lighter to Hunter. When we returned to the living room, the kids pulled out a board game.

"Monopoly anyone?" Sutton smiled and we obliged. The power returned part way through the hour long game and tummies began to grumble.

"Dinner guys?" I smiled and they nodded. "Well, I will get working on that so I withdraw from the game." I got up and made my way to the kitchen.

"Hey mom," Sutton interrupted my search through the fridge, "would I be able to go to the movies?" I looked at her before looking to Hunter.

"What time? And with who?" He asked, his voice calm.

"Umm," she checked her phone, "seven. And with Olivia....Tyler and Matthew."

"Olivia Hubbard?" Sutton nodded, "who are Tyler and Matthew?"

"Boys from school... well, Tyler is in grade nine at NSA but Matthew is in my math and Spanish classes." She interlaced her fingers and furrowed her brow, "pleeeeease mom?"

I sighed, "If it's okay with your dad.. he will be calling Olivia's dad." Hunter nodded, a smirk resting on his lips.

Sutton embraced me and raced across the kitchen to her dad, "Thank you guys."

"So Mrs. Hubbard will be bringing you home, have fun sweetie." Sutton hopped out of the car and walked up the steps to meet with her friends. Hunter and I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to take the boys golfing.

"Wow Becks!" I smiled, "Nice hit."

Hunter stood back, smiling, "I told you, he's pretty great." He gathered the boys attention, "How would you guys feel about coming on a golf trip with me in a few weeks? Just us guys?"

"Where? And what about mom," Easton inquired, "how long?"

"It's in Georgia, mom and Sutton have a girls weekend." Easton considered it, saying how it would be fun to just have time with dad and his brother. There was no need to sell the idea to Beckett, he couldn't see a better way to spend his weekend.

"Thanks Hailey!" I waved from the front porch as Sutton hopped out of the car and up to the house. She thanked Hailey and Olivia before coming inside. "How was it?"

"It was alright. Tyler actually asked Olivia out and she didn't want to go alone...."

"So you were just a buddy?" Sutton nodded, "that's okay. Better than her possibly being uncomfortable on her own." We headed upstairs together to unwind for the day, "Hey sweetie, what do you say we go camping in a few weekends - just you me and Millie?"

"That could be a lot of fun." She smiles and we said our goodnights. I wandered across the hall to see Hunter sitting with the boys watching golfing videos on YouTube.

"There are my three favourite guys," I said quietly, "Y'all about ready for bed?" They nodded and Beckett got up to give me a hug before going to his room. Once everyone was in bed, Hunter and I had time for our evening catch up. "While you go to Georgia, I'll take Sutton and Millie camping in the mountains. I think it would be good... rent a little cabin, play some music."

"That sounds amazing Jen." He brushed my hair over my shoulder, "by the way, you look gorgeous. Every day, you amaze me."

"Aw babe," I leaned forward for a kiss, "you are amazing."