From the Ground Up

So For Now

"I'm so glad you're home." I hugged Hunter as he walked through the front door and set his guitar and bag down. The house was eerily quiet without the tapping of dog nails across the marble and hardwood floors. Hunter missed Millie's passing by a few days as he was wrapping up his tour.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be back sooner." He held me tight and kissed my head before we ventured further into the house.

"The kids went to school, but Sutton texted me saying she's having a hard time focusing." I prepared the Keurig for Hunter. "Easton is taking it pretty hard."

"I can imagine." He sighed, looking at the void where Millie's dishes were for so many years.

"There were a lot of tears." I shrugged, handing him his coffee, "But they will be so happy you're home."

"Have you had a chance to work much?" I nodded, talking to him about the songs I had been writing and the green light from Luke to get working.

"Probably gonna do some summer shows, if I can get an album out by the new year, I'll follow it up with the usual tour shenanigans," I smiled, taking a sip of my coffee, "Kyle helped a lot. I had all the words but no sound. Sutton even played a little to help me work through some stuff."

"I saw the video she posted of the two of you," Hunter laughed, "it was awesome." We allowed Sutton to get Instagram but she had to have us as followers, and it was a private account. Recently, she videoed the two of us singing together while we were making cookies. We caught up and talked about the tour. Before long, the kids came bounding in, so happy to see their dad home.

Hunter was greeted with hugs and 'we missed you's' from the kids. Easton looked at me, pausing before his brown eyes met mine, "Remember you said we were getting Millie's ashes and paw print?" I nodded, "can we frame a picture of her and put it on the mantle of the fireplace?"

"That sounds like a great idea Eas." I put my hand on his shoulder and he stepped in closer. I gave him the hug he was silently longing for, and he exhaled deeply.

"Now that dad is home, it really feels like she's gone." His words were like a shot to the heart.

"I know baby," I kissed his head, "it gets easier. I promise." He nodded before strolling into the living room to find his dad and brother. Beckett pulled out the Nintendo remotes and gave one to Hunter before asking me if I wanted to play too. "Thanks buddy but I think I'm gonna get started on dinner. I'll play with you after." With tears brimming, I headed into the kitchen.

"Mom?" Sutton walked in and pulled up a seat at the table.

"Yes dear?"

"I was wondering what you and dad think about my auditioning at the Blue Bird for their open mic?"

"Hmm, I guess they'll be doing auditions..." I recently brought up to Sutton the idea that she should get a part time job to pay for things like getting ice cream with her friends or going to the mall. "I will talk to your dad, otherwise I can always talk to Luke about you working at the label a few hours a week?"

"Sure, thanks mom." She smiled, looking all grown up with her long, light brown hair straightened to her mid back.

"Sutton, please tell me," I paused and smiled, "how is it that you grew up so fast?"

"I'm glad she wants to get a job Jenn," Hunter smiled as we get ready for bed together, "she has had it really easy." I nodded, well aware we really let our kids coast through their years with just a generous allowance for doing odd chores and house work.

"She presented doing auditions at the Blue Bird." Hunter nodded, mentally analyzing the proposal. "However," I added, "I suggested she work at the label a few hours a week... she can file, take calls, whatever."

"That sounds much more attainable. I believe in her skills one hundred percent but I think that office work would be good for her." I nodded.

"Did I mention I am so glad you're home?"