"Come with me, when I go back out on tour, Ray?" Deacon asked after a long afternoon lovemaking session. They were still wrapped in each others arms, lying in bed wasting Deacon's first day home away. Neither cared. They'd been apart a month, and only wanted to be alone together.
"I'd love to, Deacon, but I'm not sure I can get away from Highway 65. What about Mason, Clay and Scarlett?"
"We'll hire a damn nanny to take care of Mason and Clay. Scarlett's gonna be fine. Bucky can handle Highway 65. Isn't that why you got away from Edgehill? You wanted to call the shots, do what you want to do? Come with me, baby? It's only gonna be a couple months. We'll be back by September. Come on, finish this with me?" he begged
"You're awfully cute when you beg." Rayna laughed and ran her fingers through his hair
"Come on, Ray. I miss you so much when I'm gone. I want you with me this last time out."
"OK. I'll come."
"Really?" his face lit up. He pulled Rayna close for another deep kiss as they slipped back under the covers.
"Thank you, for lovin me more than I deserve. I can't wait to have you with me out there again."
"I'm happy to have you right here, now! This bed has been so lonely the past month without you, Deacon." She said as she planted gentle kisses down his chest and twirled his chest hair with her fingers
"No more time apart, Ray. You'll be with me on the last stint of the farewell tour and then I'm semi-retired and home every night." He smiled and nibbled her neck
"Make love to me again, Deacon?" Rayna asked as she continued the chest kisses
"You really did miss me, huh? Did you miss this?" he asked as he traced her neck line gently driving her crazy
"How 'bout this?" he whispered as he moved slowly down her chest, and stomach for oral sex planting gentle kisses all the way
"I missed everything about you…your smile, your laugh, your kisses, your touch…"
"Not half as much as I missed you, Ray. I hate waking up alone in hotel rooms. Never did get used to that part of bein away." He said as he worked his way back up to her lips for a few more deep kisses before gently inserting himself for a long, slow, gentle love making session
"Slower…I never want this afternoon to end, Deacon."
"Is that slow enough, Ray." He asked as he gently took the time to kiss every inch of her neck and chest as he continued slow, gentle thrusts driving her crazy
"Not a bad welcome home." He smirked as he finished and gently rolled to his back pulling Rayna to him to rest her head on his bare chest
"We've been in here a few hours. Does Clay always nap this long?" Deacon asked
"Yeah, he sleeps great during the day. Not so much at night." Rayna laughed
"Great!" Deacon replied sarcastically
"I hate to leave this bed, but it's almost 3. I've gotta pick up Mason." Rayna said starting to get up
"No ya don't. I'll go pick him up, Ray." Deacon said as he pulled Rayna back to him for a few more kisses
"OK, but you've been warned. He's in mourning over Kiera."
"I'll see if I can snap him out of it. What is it he's been playin over and over, Megadeth? What the hell kinda name is that for a band anyway?" Deacon asked as he started to get dressed
"I dunno. He's into this heavy metal grunge thing lately." Rayna sighed
"What the hell is grunge?" Deacon asked
"I'm not sure. That's what he calls it. To me it's just a bunch of loud crazy electric guitar, yelling, growling…"
"Growling? That's not music. Are you sure he's ours? The girls were never into any of this weird shit!" Deacon asked disappointed that Mason isn't into country music
"I dunno, babe. Kiera was into the whole goth thing. He's been weird since he met her. I hate seeing him so upset, but I'm secretly kinda happy she dumped him." Rayna admitted
"Guess I should be happy I haven't been around for most of this, huh? He's not like wearing white makeup or painting his nails black, is he?" Deacon asked sarcastically
"No, that was Kiera. Luckily he didn't get that into her interests." Rayna laughed
"Thank god! I'll be back later. Maybe I'll take him out, let him drive the truck in the country. He's been buggin me to drive it since I got it last year."
"You're gonna let him drive your brand new truck? You've barely been home to drive it."
"Would you prefer I take your new Escalade or Rose?" Deacon laughed
"Truck's fine. He has been hinting about giving him Rose when he gets his license." Rayna laughed
"NO, Don't even think about it, Rayna! He is not driving a Corvette. A 15 year old kid does not need that kind of power. In fact maybe we should get rid of it to take away the temptation. You've had it 15 years. You barely drive it anymore." Deacon suggested
"I love Rose. She has sentimental value. She was from you. The 12th Rose in my Mother's day dozen."
"OK, but I don't want Mason driving it." He repeated firmly
It was a beautiful June afternoon as Deacon drove the streets of Nashville, on his way to pick up Mason from his private school. He was happy to be home for a month. He found himself missing Rayna more and more as the tour came close to an end. He knew he'd miss the excitement and fans, but he was ready for a simpler life at home. The past 15 years of heavy touring had taken a toll on him. He was tired, and didn't always feel so great anymore. He'd missed most of Mason's childhood, and didn't have the close relationship with him that he shared with the girls.
Deacon had always found it easy to connect with the girls. They shared a love of country music. Mason was different. He had no interest whatsoever in anything country. The only thing he and Deacon really shared a love for was fishing at the cabin, which Deacon had little time for with touring.
In recent months while Deacon had been away, Mason began dating Kiera. Deacon had only met her once on a quick weekend home. He immediately was less than impressed. She was quiet and seemed completely uninterested in anything the Claybournes had to do with. She was dressed in all black from head to toe. Her long hair had been dyed black. Her facial makeup was a pale white which made her black eyeliner and lipstick stand out. Rayna had invited her to stay for dinner that night.
She was Mason's first real girlfriend. Deacon and Rayna were both at a complete loss for what Mason saw in the girl. Maddie and Scarlett were also completely surprised at their baby brother's interest in the girl, but nothing seemed to sway Mason. He was completely and totally enamored with Kiera. He'd never been into country music, but when he started seeing Kiera his rock interests changed to heavy metal and grunge type music with dark lyrics. His usually OK grades slipped. He had been close to Rayna, but more often than not now he spent most of his time alone in his room.
"Where's mom?" Mason flatly asked as he slumped into the passenger seat next to Deacon.
"Great to see you too, Mace!" Deacon sarcastically said as he started the truck and pulled away from the curb.
"How was school?" Deacon finally asked after 10 minutes of awkward silence as he drove towards the country.
"Fine, where are we going, dad?" Mason asked confused as Deacon passed the road to the house.
"Thought you might like to get some driving hours in now that you got your permit."
"I'd really rather just go home. I have homework."
"Oh, you suddenly care about your grades again, huh?"
"What would you know about it? You haven't been around in years. Now you're gonna retire and play dad all the sudden?" Mason sniped catching Deacon completely off guard
"Lose the attitude, Mason! I'm sorry I haven't been around much, but I have been home a couple times a month until this last stint, and I've ALWAYS been available for you by phone if you needed me. Not that you've wanted to talk to me much lately." Deacon snapped back hurt by Mason's remark's
"Whatever!" Mason sniped again and put in his ear buds as Deacon drove further into the country
"You wanna drive?" Deacon asked as he pulled over and yanked Mason's ear buds out
"I said I wanted to go home!"
"Fine, drive us back home. You need 50 hrs behind the wheel before you can get your license. Slide over." Deacon said as he got out and went around to the passenger side
"C'mon…slide over there! You been buggin the hell outta me to get your hands on this truck since I bought it last year. Now's your chance." Deacon said as Mason still sat in the passenger seat not moving.
"I've never drove before."
"I know. Give me this, alright? I know I haven't been around much, but I'm here now. I wanna teach you to drive. Slide over. You'll do fine. Just take it slow." Deacon finally talked Mason into sliding over
"OK, adjust the seat forward a little, seat belt on, adjust the mirrors so you can see both sides and behind you." Deacon said as he climbed into the passenger seat and put his own seat belt on
"Alright, ready?" He asked as Mason nodded yes
"Foot on the break, shift to drive, nothing comin, slowly pull out…"
"See, nothin to it. You got this." Deacon smiled as Mason slowly drove down the country road for the first time
"Why don't you turn around in the driveway comin up? We'll head back home."
"You did great, Mace. It wasn't so bad spendin an hour with the old man, was it?" Deacon asked as Mason pulled into the driveway
"No. Can you put the truck in the garage, dad? It's a tight fit."
"You can do it. Slow, watch the mirrors. You've only got a couple inches on each side." Deacon cringed as Mason barely missed the door frame with the passenger side mirror, but cleared it.
"Not bad for your first run!" Deacon said climbing out of the truck
"Thanks, dad. I've missed you." Mason finally lightened up with Deacon
"I've missed you too, kiddo. I've got a month home. After all this wedding crap, why don't we go to the cabin and do some fishing? What do ya say?" Deacon asked
"OK." Mason smiled
"Is that actually a smile?" Deacon jokingly punched Mason's shoulder and pulled him into a hug
"I love you, bud. I'm sorry about Kiera. Mom told me."
"I don't wanna talk about her. I've got homework." Mason teared up a little at the mention of Kiera and broke the hug
"OK, well, when you're ready…I'm here."
"Dinner in a half hour!" Rayna yelled as Mason skirted through the kitchen without saying anything
"Is everything OK?" Rayna asked as Deacon wrapped his arms around her from behind at the stove as she fried chicken in a pan
"Yeah, we went out and drove in the country. I let him drive home. He's not bad." Deacon said kissing the back of Rayna's neck
"Why so quiet when he came in?"
"I mentioned Kiera. Guess he's not ready to talk about it."
"You didn't…" Rayna sighed
"I just told him I'm here if he wants to talk….What?" Deacon asked as Rayna rolled her eyes
"Is Scarlett gonna be home for dinner?" Deacon asked as he picked up Clay who had started to fuss in his swing nearby
"Should be home anytime. I sent her down to HighWay 65's writing division today to work on some of her music. She still doesn't want to perform, but seems to like to write. Keeps her busy."
"I told you last year when you sent her out on tour with Juliette she wasn't ready for that." Deacon reminded Rayna of the disaster, and Scarlett's melt down onstage.
"I know, and you were right. I'm not pressuring her for anything. I just want her to stay focused and in the business. Writing seems to do that for her."
Scarlett had joined Rayna's label early last year and quickly went out on tour opening for Juliette Barnes, one of HighWay 65's biggest tours. Deacon had warmed Rayna that Scarlett was too sensitive and he didn't think she was ready for the fame and pressure of such a large tour. He'd been right. Only a few weeks in, Scarlett had a melt down onstage. She'd spent a few days at a mental health center before checking herself out.
She hadn't really been the same since, but she'd rekindled a romance with a former flame Gunnar Scott. He was someone to talk to and seemed to make her happy. Things had gone too far one night, and Scarlett ended up pregnant with Clay. Gunnar was thrilled, although the timing wasn't great. He'd just signed on for an 18 month tour opening for Will Lexington. Scarlett was less than thrilled with an unplanned pregnancy, but she and Gunnar had decided to get married and raise the baby together.
Things appeared to be going pretty well. They'd bought a house and settled into a life together. All through the pregnancy Scarlett had seemed happy, but since Clay's birth and since Gunnar was back out on the road she'd become depressed and distant. She loved Clay, but often seems distant and unaffectionate with him.
Gunnar had asked that Scarlett and Clay stay with Rayna while he was gone. Rayna noticed right away what he'd meant by odd behavior. Scarlett just wasn't affectionate with Clay. She'd hold him and feed him, but rarely hugged or kissed him. Often at night Rayna got up with him when he cried. Scarlett either slept through his cries or ignored him. Rayna wasn't sure which.
"Hey, dad! So glad you're home. I've missed you." Scarlett said to Deacon as she breezed in after work barely acknowledging Clay in Deacon's arms
"C'mere…How's my baby girl?" Deacon asked pulling her into a tight hug with Clay between them
"Good, got some writing done today. I'm really kinda tired. Think I'm gonna take a nap. Are you OK watching Clay?" she asked Deacon
"uuhhhh…yeah, sure…" he said as Rayna shot him a dirty look and Scarlett bounded off up the stairs
"I'd have made her take that baby. He needs a bottle. This is what she does." Rayna irritatedly told Deacon
"I got it, Ray. I'll give him his damn bottle." Deacon said as he warmed a bottle in the microwave for Clay
Fifteen minutes later. Clay was asleep in his pack and play after Deacon, fed, burped and changed him. Mason came down for dinner, and sulked barely speaking through most of it, before running back to hide in his room for the night. Scarlett hadn't been seen since running off for her nap hours earlier.
"So, this is pretty much how things have been going?" Deacon asked Rayna as he helped her clean up the kitchen after dinner
"Yep, pretty much!" Rayna laughed
"Great, two outta 3 kids run off to hide and sulk. The one that's happy is marrying a Wheeler!" he laughed as he finished loading the dishwasher
"Why don't we just run off to Mexico, or somewhere alone? The kids can keep the damn house. I just wanna retire and relax alone on a beach with you." Deacon suggested as he pulled Rayna in for a long, deep kiss against the kitchen counter.
"They'd just find us." Rayna laughed and playfully sucked on his neck
"We'll change our cell numbers and not tell anyone where we are." He replied as he undid the top few buttons of her shirt and planted kisses along her neck line.
"Wanna take a long, hot shower and go to bed early?" Rayna asked
"Best offer I've had all day." He smirked as he led her to their master bedroom
"Three times today. That's a pretty damn good welcome home." Deacon laughed as Rayna drifted off to sleep against his chest after a steamy shower together.
Deacon drifted into a deep sleep. Happy to be home in his own bed for the first night in over a month with Rayna peacefully sleeping next to him. They'd been asleep a few hours when both were rudely awakened by a slamming door and the security system alarm going off a few minutes later. Deacon got up to investigate.
Maddie was hysterically crying and trying to silence the alarm on the keypad near the front door as Deacon came into the foyer pulling a T shirt on. He quickly entered the code to stop the deafening sirens.
"Hey, baby girl what in the hell are you doin? Mom told me you'd be back tomorrow, but we weren't expectin you at 3am!" he smiled and pulled Maddie into his arms for a hug
"What's the matter, baby?" He asked as Maddie sobbed against his chest
"The wedding is off! Colt and I just had a big fight. It's over!" she sobbed more hysterically as Deacon held her tighter
"What happened, sweetie?" Deacon asked wiping tears away
"I don't wanna talk about it now, dad. Can I please stay here? I just wanna go to bed right now."
"Of course, sweetheart. This will always be your home. Scarlett is in your old room, but the upstairs master bedroom is empty. Stay as long as you need to."
The commotion had woke Clay who was now screaming. Rayna had just managed to get dressed and stumble out to the foyer sleepily.
"What in the world is going on out here?" she asked Deacon
"Maddie's here. I just sent her upstairs to the guest room. She's really upset. Says the weddin is off, but wouldn't tell me why." Deacon sighed
"I'll go talk to her." Rayna said climbing the stairs
"Can you do something with Clay?" Rayna asked as his screams became louder.
"Doesn't Scarlett hear him, and get up?" Deacon asked
"You can wake her, but it's easier to just feed him yourself." Rayna sighed as she got to the top step
Deacon slipped back into bed after feeding, burping, and changing Clay again. He was exhausted and drifted quickly back to sleep. It had been a long day of travel and adjusting back into home life. He felt Rayna slip back into bed next to him after some time had passed.
"You've been up there a while. Everything OK?" he asked sleepily as Rayna rested her head against his chest again
"Not exactly!"
"The Wheeler weddin is off! As far as I'm concerned that's a good thing." Deacon joked as he stroked Rayna's hair.
"No, no it isn't a good thing, Deacon."
"Why, what the hell happened?"
******silence**********
"Rayna! What the hell's goin on? Tell me."
"Maddie's pregnant!"
