Chapter 40: Nashville, Here We Come! Pt 3

SATURDAY

Mitch and Amy awoke the next morning full of energy in anticipation of attending the recording session with the blue-grass band at the award-winning Curb Studios on Music Row. To actually be in a Nashville recording studio…they both anticipated it to be a dream of an experience. After getting dressed, they ate a quick breakfast and drove the short six-minute drive to the studio.

The building was a bit larger than they had imagined. Upon entering, they were warmly greeted by the band and the staff. They started off by being given a tour of the studio with brief explanations of what the different components were. There was, of course, the computer and the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), microphones, headphones, studio monitors, cables, and special microphone stands with pop filters to soften the sound when singing consonants like "p" especially. And the microphone stands had shock mounts that basically held the microphone in mid-air to prevent it picking up excess sounds from vibrations in the studio or equipment, specifically the mic stands. It was fascinating to Mitch and Amy watching the audio engineers work in the control room with the large audio mixing console and effects units and observing the band in the studio as they laid down tracks. And, what a coveted experience they had when, after the recording session ended, the band allowed Mitch and Amy to jam with them for a bit! They even got to experience what it was like to sing with headphones on and how much better they could hear themselves when using them, and Mitch was offered a guitar to play. The band members were quite impressed with Mitch and Amy's voices and their ability to harmonize. They thanked the band profusely for the unanticipated opportunity they had given them, and the band reciprocated by expressing how much they'd enjoyed the time singing together. Before leaving, they got an autographed photo of the band to take back to share with the family, especially Lyndy and Jack.

Their plan for the rest of the day was to visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry. Suspecting food would be quite expensive at the Convention Center, they decided to lunch at Olive Garden on the way. They hadn't had Italian food yet on the trip, so it was a nice change.

As they arrived at the resort, it was far beyond their expectations. It was huge with a beautifully landscaped entrance. There were many different activity options including the Soundwaves Water Experience with a number of indoor and outdoor water activity choices; and in winter, they offered ice options including a Fire & Ice skating show. There was a golf course, numerous restaurants, bars and shops, and beautiful atriums – the Delta, the Cascades, and the Aqua – that showcased some fabulous waterfalls and fountain water shows. They also had carriage rides and special seasonal activities, escape rooms, riverboat rides, and a spa and fitness center. There was so much to do that it could be a family vacation destination in itself. Mitch and Amy spent a couple of hours self-touring during which time they came across a photo shop that provided several clothing options to dress up in and have their photo taken together, so they took advantage of it. Then they window-shopped the various shops until it was time to head to the Grand Ole Opry to catch the guided tour there.

It was a fifteen-minute walk to their destination. Just outside of the Opry, they posed for a picture with a giant guitar. Then they got some dinner from the Opry Belle Food Truck and found a place to sit down and eat. Before the tour started, they explored the Opry Shop and bought Amy and Lyndy matching rhinestone studded baseball caps that said 'Opry.' The backstage guided tour was about an hour of learning about the behind-the-scenes activities, seeing the stars' entrance and their dressing rooms, and hearing stories about country music greats. They then found their seats and enjoyed hearing eight different artists – some established and some up-and-comers – perform for about two hours with a fifteen-minute intermission. It was a night to remember!

They walked back arm in arm under the moonlit sky. Along the way, they took a detour to look out at the city lights reflecting enchantingly on a nearby lake. Mitch held Amy wrapped in his arms from behind as he whispered in her ear, "It has been a wonderful day with you, my darling!"

She hugged his arms closer to her, turning her face up toward him. Her eyes glistened in the moonlight, tears on the brink of spilling over, as she joyfully proclaimed, "I didn't think I could ever feel this happy again!"

And she completed the turn to face Mitch. He ever so gently took her face in his hands, and as blue on blue eyes met, he expressed, "My precious angel, I didn't know I could ever love like this!" and with great tenderness, he most sweetly caressed her lips. Amy responded letting him know she welcomed more, and Mitch deepened the kiss until they needed to catch their breath. He left her, once again, weak in the knees. He sensed it and drew her close, supporting her till he felt her stance become firm again. They clung to each other, hesitating to break the moment, but finally turned to make their way back to find the car.

They safely navigated their way in the dark to TDH. It was late when they returned, so they opted for a late breakfast on Sunday and would spend the day in until their evening activity, the last planned one of their honeymoon. It was hard to believe they were already nearing the end of their week together! They undressed and fell into bed, ready for a good night's sleep.

SUNDAY

Sunday morning, Mitch awoke early. He spent several moments once again gazing at the love of his life slumbering as the sun's rays just began peeking into their room and fell upon her radiant skin reflective of a nourishing night's sleep. He very carefully slid out of bed so as not to disturb his sleeping beauty and quietly brewed some coffee, having taken the small coffee maker provided in their room into the bathroom to keep from waking Amy. With his piping hot brew, he tiptoed gingerly out to the small veranda off their room to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the back yard and the morning air that smelled of jasmine and lilacs. He spent some time in thought and prayer thinking back over their week together and how grateful he felt for the way his life had been favored over the last year. It was almost more than Mitch could fathom or believe. But he thanked God for how richly blessed he was and expressed his desire, and asked for God's help, to be the very best he could possibly be for the amazing family he'd been entrusted with.

Amy began to stir as she gradually became aware of the warm sunshine on her face and the deliciously delightful aroma of coffee mixed with the sweet scents of jasmine and lilac. She was going to miss this. She snuggled into her pillow for a few more moments of bliss, then stretched her arm out reaching for Mitch. Finding his side empty, her searching eyes spied Mitch through the French doors on the veranda. Oh, how handsome he looked! She would be happy just to lay like this and stare at him as long as possible, but 'it would be even better to touch and feel him' she mused as she slid out of bed and quietly made her way to the cracked door silently pushing it open. She succeeded in surprising him as she wrapped her arms around his neck from behind and leaned down whispering in his ear, "Good morning, my incredibly handsome love! You are a wonderful sight to wake up to, and the smells this morning are glorious!"

Mitch responded by turning to look up at her adoringly as the expression in his eyes enticed their lips to meet in a tender kiss. As they parted, Mitch took her hands, crossed them and spun her around as he pulled Amy down on his lap burying his face in her hair and neck and lavishing her with soft, tingling kisses.

Suddenly, Mitch's stomach began to grumble, invoking laughter from them both, and signaling it might be time to head down for breakfast. They both pulled on sweats and went down to the dining room. There was another couple there who invited them to join them. Their names were Doug and Mary Huff from Texas, and they were celebrating their 20th anniversary. The full-on breakfast that Rich served to them smelled scrumptious and was so delicious and satisfying. Mitch and Amy knew they wouldn't need to eat again until their evening outing. They had a really enjoyable visit with Doug and Mary as they absorbed the stories about living with teenagers, knowing Lyndy would be there much too soon. The Huffs came from a musical family, too, so the couples 'compared notes' about the different things they'd experienced so far in the city of music, and it was fun for Mitch and Amy to hear their Texas accents.

After finishing breakfast, they bid the Huffs goodbye and went back to their room to get into their swimsuits to take advantage of the pool and jacuzzi again. They wanted to get as much time in the water as possible since it was something they rarely got to do back home. After about an hour, they came back up to their room, showered the chlorine off and put on their robes, and Mitch suggested they read some more from John.

They propped up on the bed together, with some of the fudge from Belle Meade, and started to read. Amy had been surprised by how different the Bible was from her preconceived idea of it. Though she wasn't really sure where her idea had come from. She was still thinking about the miracles they'd read about so far, not sure yet if she completely believed them, but Mitch seemed to. And she'd been mindful of how Jesus never allowed those people called Pharisees to entrap him, no matter how hard they tried. The wisdom, boldness, compassion, and kindness Jesus showed in dealing with different kinds of people was beyond anything she'd ever seen. Today they were reading in John the sixth chapter about Jesus feeding more than five thousand people with only a few loaves and two fish, and then speaking some hard teachings to the people and his disciples, to the point that many left. Yet that did not sway him in the authority that he spoke with. And the part that struck her most on this day was Peter's answer to Jesus' question in verses 66-69:

'At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You don't also want to go away, do you?"

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.

We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God."'*

Amy confessed, "I have a lot to ponder. Thank you, Mitch, for being so patient with me in trying to answer my questions; and for your honesty when you don't know the answer. Some things I guess we'll be learning together, and things we still have questions about, perhaps we can ask Robert or your parents about later?"

"Yes, he was always helpful the few times I spoke with him in Calgary, and Mom and Dad have always been there for me with wisdom anytime I've gone to them about anything at all, not just the Bible."

They finished reading and realized they needed to begin getting ready for their final big outing. Tonight, they would be taking a ride on the elegant General Jackson Showboat for a dinner cruise. Boarding was at 6:15pm and the cruise would begin at 7:00pm and last for about three hours. Mitch and Amy dressed up for this one, however, no tie for Mitch. They planned to leave around 5:45pm to make sure they had time to find parking and board. As they came down the stairs, Rich complimented how beautiful and handsome they looked and wished them a wonderful night.

"He's right, you know, Darling. You do look so beautiful tonight!" Mitch said to Amy as he tucked her arm under his to lead her toward the steps.

She smiled up at him, "And you look dashing, Mr. Cutty," she quipped back.

Mitch leaned down to kiss her gently before leading her to the car and helping her in. They drove the almost twenty-minute drive and were able to find free parking at Opry Mills before heading to the boarding area. It looked to be a beautiful evening with very few clouds, so the stars should be out. They boarded and walked around the decks to see all the boat including a view of the paddlewheel, and they had their photo taken at the souvenir photo booth. Then they made their way to their seats to settle in before the show began and dinner was served. It was a spectacular show with an eight-piece band and five extremely talented singers dressed in dazzling costumes that added to the energetic choreography, and the show included a sensational multimedia and light display. Once it was dark, the lights of the city along each shore were a spectacular sight! Before landing to disembark, they took advantage of the top level and the incredible views and managed several kisses prompted by the romantic atmosphere. Of course, they never needed much prompting!

As they drove back to TDH, Mitch reached down to squeeze Amy's hand and said, "Tonight was really special…and I can't believe tomorrow is our last day," he added with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

Amy agreed, "I know. We've experienced so much together this past week, yet it seems to have flown by! You know what? Tomorrow, I'd just like to hang out, maybe take a walk, but just spend as much time as possible as just us."

"I'd like that, too! We also need to be sure we are packed and rested for the trip home. Home…I like the sound of that," Mitch said as he flashed her his adoringly beloved smile. Amy leaned in even closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.

It was late when they got in, so after putting in their breakfast order for late morning, they quickly got to bed.

MONDAY

Monday morning, the newlyweds awoke slowly…Amy first, becoming aware that she was wrapped in Mitch's arms with her head resting in the crook of his neck and shoulder and her cheek on his chest. She curled into him just as closely as she could as the hair from his chest slightly tickled her, and she savored this unencumbered time in his arms. Mitch started to stir and reached his hand to cradle the back of her head as he sleepily said, "Good morning, my angel."

"Mmmm, good morning, my love. Can we just stay here all day?" Amy said dreamily.

"That would be wonderful! I'm sure we can manage at least a few more minutes before my tummy starts talking to us," Mitch chuckled softly and held her close.

They basked in the joy of each other's arms for about another fifteen minutes, and then Amy heard, and felt, a soft rumble against her belly. She giggled and said, "Well, Cowboy, it sounds like we need to get you fed."

"Ugh, I guess you're right. But I have thoroughly enjoyed these minutes together," and he leaned in to passionately and soundly kiss his wife.

"If you're hungry, you'd better be careful how much more of that you do to me!"

"Well, maybe I'm hungry in more than one way," he playfully teased flashing an impish smile.

"Maybe we both are," she bantered back, "but there will be time for that later. We'd better feed you so you don't faint away," she kidded.

They reluctantly rolled out of bed together and began to get ready. Mitch put on a T-shirt, not bothering to shave. Amy wore a comfortable top, braided her hair to one side, and they both donned ball caps. This was going to be a leisurely day for them.

They went down to a breakfast of triple meat – sausage, ham and bacon – with fried eggs, sunny-side up, and Belgian waffles topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream with a shaved chocolate garnish. They had their choice of coffee, orange juice, or fresh, ice-cold milk to drink…or all three if they wished. Rich had certainly fed them well during their entire visit, and they expressed great appreciation to him for his culinary expertise! Their stay had been filled with personal touches from Rich and the staff.

After breakfast, they decided to take a walk around the area, but before leaving the grounds, Rich had them pose for a picture in the backyard…'one more memory of your stay here' he'd suggested. They thanked him and started walking. About two blocks to the southwest, they were pleasantly surprised to come upon Gruhn Guitars, a premiere vintage guitar store, that they hadn't even realized they were close to. They spent a good hour just looking at the merchandise and talking with the owners. They allowed Mitch to try out a few of the guitars, and Amy loved listening to him and seeing the joy on his face. The inventory included some beautiful and some rare instruments, and of course, they also had some 'pretty' price tags. But it had been a treat to happen upon such an unforeseen find.

They walked back and decided to spend some time reading in the gazebo while enjoying the scents from the garden. When they went back up to the room, they discovered Rich had left them a 'movie night basket' with popcorn, chocolate, nuts and three movies to choose from – a rom-com, an action movie, and a suspense thriller. Once again, they were grateful for their lodging choice. They decided to pack as many things as possible so there would not be a lot left to do before their flight the next day. Then they got into their swimsuits, wanting to get in one more swim and enjoy the jacuzzi one last time. Upon returning to their room, they felt refreshed, and they popped the popcorn and snuggled on the bed to watch a movie together. When the movie ended, Amy jumped into the shower, and Mitch went to a Subway they'd seen on their walk back that was only a block away and picked up some subs, chips and drinks for their dinner.

He had just gotten back and walked into the room when Amy walked out of the bathroom in a lingerie set she'd not yet worn. As the week had progressed, she'd become bolder in what she chose to wear for Mitch, and his eyes popped!

"And you think I'm going to be able to concentrate on eating with you wearing that!" he exclaimed with his crooked grin that was tinged with a merry mischievousness this time.

Amy coyly grinned back, "Well, I guess I could put on my robe…"

And Mitch drew her close pulling her onto his lap, "No, no, no…Mmmm, you smell so good! I think I will suffer through it," he laughed.

Amy got up as he grasped her arm gently and their hands longingly brushed each other's to the tips of their fingers till they parted. She took their food out of the sacks and set it up on their table. Mitch held her chair as he seated her, and then as he sat, he reached for her hand and bowed his head…

"Our dear Father, what a week You have blessed us with! Thank You, Father, for the means You provided for us to have this wonderful week alone. Thank You for my gorgeous, loving, playful, understanding, and wise wife. You have blessed me beyond my wildest imagination! Thank You for this lovely place we've had to stay, for Rich and his wonderful staff who have made us feel so welcomed and cared for. Thank You for our daughter, and we pray that she has had a good week while we've been apart. Thank You for our wonderful family that we know have taken good care of her. Father, we pray that You bless this last night we have here with each other in this city so rich with history and music. We are so grateful for all we've learned and experienced, and especially that we could do it together. Grant us safety as we fly home to our loved ones tomorrow. Oh, and thank You for this food that will help to sustain our bodies.

Father, I also thank You for being patient with me as You've constantly been there, even when I've disregarded You. You are helping me to fall back in love with You and to appreciate your grace and mercy again. Thank You for being with us as we helped each other through the difficult time at the beginning of our week, and for bringing good out of it. We love You, Father. Help us to love You more. In your son's name we offer this prayer. Amen."

And Amy said, "Amen," and reached over to kiss Mitch. And she silently thought in her heart, 'And thank You for this amazing, humble man You have brought back into my life.'

They ate and enjoyed reminiscing about their week. When they finished, Mitch went to shower while Amy cleaned up, threw their trash away, and slipped the order for an early, last breakfast at TDH under the door. The action left her feeling slightly sad. She pulled out the candles and searched her suitcase to find some rose petals she'd saved from their wedding night and scattered them over the bed. There was a slight chill in the air, so she started a small fire in the fireplace, which added to the atmosphere. Then she lightly sprayed some perfume over the sheets, started a playlist on her phone and waited with anticipation for Mitch's exit from his shower. She was not disappointed when he walked out in just his boxers and damp hair with that one curl softly hanging over his forehead. She thought, 'God, I think you broke the mold when You created him! How can one man be so breathtaking!'

Mitch saw the inviting longing in her eyes and body language, and he swiftly enveloped her in his arms as they took their time expressing their love in the deep intimacy that comes with having pledged themselves to a lifetime of loving one another.

A/N: *John 6:66-69 from the World English Bible (WEB); name is trademarked, and version is Public Domain.

Links and photos from the activities will be posted on the following three Facebook groups: Kevin McGarry Fan Page Home of #McGarries and SuspendersUnbuttoned Podcast; Nathan Grant Fanfiction! Home of Sunday Night Serge; and The Heartie Analyzers: All things Kevin McGarry, KEVLA and WCTH.