Chapter 1

Rayna lay with her head on Deacon's shoulder in the back of the dimly lit limousine. She could feel a hint of his stubble against her forehead and his fingers gently stroking her hair. The feeling of happiness and contentment was overwhelming. There was no need for words at this time. The fact that they were finally man and wife after so many years was still unbelievable to them and they were both savouring the moment, deep in thought.

Rayna and Deacon were on their way to spend a short two days in the cabin that he'd bought for them 17 years earlier. An overseas honeymoon was planned for the following week with Maddie and Daphne included. The trip had been organized solely by Rayna and the location was a mystery to Deacon and the girls.

Deacon, sensing how relaxed she was after such a hectic few weeks, leaned forward and tapped on the glass separating them from the driver. "Hey buddy, take us the long route to the cabin. Thanks." As he lay back against the seat Rayna reached up to grasp his jaw and pull him over to her for a long slow kiss. She traced her tongue teasingly over his lower lip.

"What'd you do that for babe?" she whispered, confused.

"I think we need to take a 'lil minute to wind down before we get too wound up at the cabin. I've got something very special planned for you and you'll need all your energy," he replied huskily. "And I just want to sit a bit longer and think about our day. Fuck Ray, you looked so damn gorgeous walking toward me today. I've never seen anything so perfect or felt so emotional about anything in my life. I couldn't help but cry."

Rayna kissed him again with adoring love in her eyes. "Deacon, I can't believe how well you can read me. This last hour has been so beautiful, being here with you, my husband. And you were like a vision to me today. So damn handsome that it took every inch of will power I had not to drag you off in to the nearest closet. I'm so damn happy right now, but also a little sad that this took us so long to get around to." Rayna sighed and closed her eyes while pressing her forehead to his.

Deacon wrapped his huge hands around her face and stared lovingly in to her eyes. "Darlin, the way it all happened is the way it's meant to be. Do you honestly think we would have lasted the distance if we'd got married before Maddie was born? I don't know that we would've appreciated this moment half as much if we'd done it years ago. We were kids Ray, and I was nothin' but a drunk. I didn't deserve you back then."

"I hate to admit it but you're right." Rayna laid her head back on his arm and ran her fingers through his hair. "I've loved you my whole life but I don't think our love has ever felt as powerful as it feels right here, where we are right now. I wouldn't change a thing babe."

"I know baby, I know. This overwhelming feeling of love for you scares me but excites the hell out of me at the same time. We finally have the rest of our lives together! Forever and for always babe. Wasn't this the most amazing day? Our girls singing to us gave me goose bumps. Our family and friends… And how 'bout Scarlett and Gunnar? Shit they've got talent!"

"They sure have. I'm so lucky to have them at Highway 65. And I was so proud of those girls of ours. We are seriously the luckiest parents in the world. And they totally have the hottest Dad on earth." Rayna laughed and kissed him again.

"Oh is that right?" said Deacon smiling. "Their Momma is pretty fucking hot too! And all mine. I'm the lucky one. No more talking. Let's relax babe."

"Can I kiss you then?" Rayna asked, lifting her face to his.

"Okay, just for a minute," Deacon murmured.

For a full 60 seconds Rayna teased Deacon by sensuously running her tongue around his mouth and slowly nibbling his lips. As things started to get heated, she broke away and snuggled back against him, basking in the thought of what the rest of the evening had in store for them. She didn't need to feel him to know that he was almost busting out of his pants because she had the exact same feeling in her loins. They lay peacefully together with their heads resting back against the seats, hands entwined as the limousine slowly made its way to the cabin. Deacon brought their joined hands up to his face and kissed the back of hers.

"I love you more than anything my beautiful wife. Not long now til I can show you just how much." Deacon whispered in her ear.

"Oh sweetheart, I can't wait. I love you so much too. More than you will ever know." She kissed the back of his hand and studied their fingers. She twirled his new wedding band around, kissed it, and proceeded to do the same to each of his fingers. When she got to his thumbs, she paused and he could sense a slight smirk on her face.

"What are you thinking about Babe?" Deacon enquired,

Rayna grinned up at him. "I'm thinking what big thumbs you have. You know what they say about big thumbs right?"

Deacon's eyes are alight with curiosity. "No Rayna, I ain't heard that. How 'bout you tell me what they say?"