Author's Note: I can't believe this is chapter six! The longest I've stuck with trying to write a fanfiction. I hope this is satisfactory for everyone who is reading. I'm thankful for all the love I'm getting in the reviews! Enjoy it, and it would be lovely if you could review it!

Chapter VI

Deacon looked out his office window into the lobby area as he thought about the months leading up to the steamy exchange between Ilse and him a couple of days ago. He predicted that this moment would come sooner or later, but wished for a better outcome than what he got. Deacon always had this feeling of attraction whenever they were in the same room together. Still, he was glad that the moment finally confirmed that Ilse reciprocated the feelings. The only problem was her relationship with Jedd. He was so distracted that he didn't even notice the family who entered his office moments earlier.

"He looks a little dazed." The male voice said, full of concern.

"Do you think he's drinking again?" The female voice answered back, matching the voice in worry.

"No, but I do think something's troubling him if he's this in thought." The male spoke up once again. "Hey, Deacon...buddy... it's me, Avery. You okay, man?" The younger man shook him out of his thoughts.

"Damn. I'm sorry, Avery. Lots going on in this brain." Deacon smiled. "Juliette, it's nice to see you." Deacon felt embarrassed as he stood up, welcoming the family in.

"How about we get a coffee with the kiddos. We've been trying to get out and about with the littles since the baby was born." Avery smiled as he looked at Cadence playing with her toys. "It seems like you need one."

"That would be nice, man." Deacon moved back to the desk to organize his things. "I'll be right back. I just need to tell the receptionist where I'm going." He headed out of the office, and as soon as he did, he heard footsteps approach him quickly.

"Hey, D." A voice called out from behind him. This voice was as sweet as honey that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

"Ils. What's up." His tone of voice changed as he got all nervous.

"Oh, I just needed to drop off this paperwork with you." Ilse tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Glad I caught you... it looks like you are about to head out." She motioned to the coat that was in his hand.

"Yeah... Hey? Can I introduce you to some people real quick?" Deacon asked by looking down, and then the focus was back at her face.

"Of course, Deacon. I trust you when it comes to introducing me to people." Ilse gave his arm a rub and squeeze as she followed him back to the office; Deacon noticed Juliette quickly turn around like she hadn't been watching the two flirting.

He slightly shook his head and smiled because of the little spy. Deacon opened the door for Ilse to enter his office.

"Avery and Juliette, This is Ils, uh Ilse, DeWitt. Ils, this is Avery Barkley and Juliette Barnes." Deacon turned to face Juliette, who was cradling the couple's newest addition, EJ, to Ilse, who had this face of awe as he looked at her. The couple noticed the spark, but both kept it to themselves for now.

"It's a pleasure to meet y'all," Ilse said a little starstruck. It wasn't the fame, but it was the talent that was shaking her. "Oh, this is just embarrassing," Ilse said as she regained composure.

"It's a pleasure to meet, and don't be ashamed; we became fans of your work when we rooted for Daphne on Nashville's Next." Avery took Ilse's hand to shake while Juliette gave a short nod and smile.

"Well, I'll let you go. I bet you have a lot to catch up on, and I have to get back to work. I shouldn't be slacking off, especially in front of my boss." As she made a joke that made Deacon smile. "It was nice meeting you." Ilse beamed and gave a small wave to Cadence as she exited the office and back through the building.

"What...was...that?" Juliette smiled as her eyes shared a mischievous glint. "As I live and breathe, Deacon Claybourne looking like a love-struck teenager."

"What no...I don't know what you're talking about…" Deacon nervously laughed, trying to blow off the situation. "Avery?" Looking at his friend for an excuse to get out of the conversation.

"I can't help you, brother. I agree with Juliette. You were smitten, man." Avery put his hands up in the air and then lifted Cadence into his arms.

"It was that obvious?" Deacon looked ashamed as the group headed out the door.

"Let's just say you're not hiding it," Juliette smirked. "But I see why...she's very attractive, and she's totally into you."

Deacon mentally agreed with Juliette, but what he truly loved about Ilse was her kind heart.

A week had gone by, Ilse was walking and giggling with the girls as they headed into a local business to find a dress for the upcoming charity event. They discovered this adorable little boutique right outside of Nashville to shop for their big night. As the group began their search, it was Scarlett who was the first to find a dress. It was this beautiful, whimsical cream dress that just screamed Scarlett's name.

"I'm gonna repurpose this dress for concerts." Scarlett bounced around the shop while Maddie and Daphne were going through dresses that they found for each other.

Ilse was walking through the shop as the girls tried on their picks, but she wasn't finding anything that she was interested in.

Time passed, and the girls all had found their dresses. Maddie found this black spaghetti strap dress that fell to her ankles that fit her perfectly. Daphne picked out this cute winter floral dress that made her smile even brighter. But Ilse was still without a gown.

The girls began helping her search, trying to pull dresses that she could possibly like, but nothing struck her when she tried them on. Maddie was the one who pulled out her phone and started pulling up keywords on Pinterest that might help narrow down a dress possibility. She wanted something that wasn't too over the top but still made an impression. Ilse may have also wanted to find something that could impress not only Jedd but Deacon.

"I actually just got this dress in yesterday, and I haven't even had time to put it on the floor yet. I think it might be perfect for you." The shopkeeper smiled. "Let me go grab it."

Ilse looked at the girls all giggling at their dress choices; they seemed so happy. The shopkeeper came back out with this gorgeous dress that was a deep blue, scattered with gold stars. Ilse entered the dressing room to try it on, and she couldn't believe how it fit her body perfectly. She exited the changing room to find all three girls with wide eyes and Daphne's jaw hanging.

"Ilse, that dress is simply stunning on you." Scarlett approached her and helped her adjust the dress so it could lay correctly.

"Ilse, you are gonna be the center of attention at the ball." Maddie squealed. "Jedd will be so lucky."

"You're gonna turn heads, and I know dad will be one of them." Daphne bounced with happiness. Ilse smiled; she found her dress.

"How about I treat you to some ice cream?" Ilse smiled after she changed back into her clothes, and as they made their purchases.

"Jeni's Ice Cream?" Maddie's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Oh, please, can we go there. That's our favorite place!" Daphne gave a little pout.

"Guys, that place is out of our way. Maybe somewhere closer?" Scarlett reasoned.

"If you guys aren't busy? I don't mind making my way to get some of that Ice cream." Ilse smiled as they exited the shop with dress bags in hand.

A half-hour later, the girls found themselves with ice cream in hand, just chatting. Daphne and Scarlett had decided to find a spot for the four. This left Ilse and Maddie together with their orders.

"How's the music going?" Ilse tried to start a conversation with Deacon's eldest child.

"Good." Maddie politely nodded. "Were very close to announcing a release date for the album. I'm very excited."

"That's amazing." Ilse beamed. "Let me know if there is anything I can help you out with."

"Oh, you don't have to help me. That's very kind of you. But you must be very busy with producing, releasing your own work, and being Daphne's mentor."

"Maddie, it's no problem. As an artist, I understand that you need all the input you can get, and as a mentor on a song competition, I have to go in with little bias as possible and come in with an open mind. So if you ever need someone who isn't a friend, family, or co-worker. I'm here."

"Well, thank you." Maddie smiled as they felt a better one on one connection than before, and then there was a hesitation to Maddie's facial expression.

"There's a question you want to ask. It's okay." Ilse tried to see what was troubling the girl.

"Do you like my dad?" Maddie turned to face her, looking for an answer.

It had just rained earlier that morning, so the grass was still relatively soft as he walked across the cemetery lawn. He arrived at the plot and began cleaning off her headstone.

"Hi, Ray." Deacon spoke softly, hanging his head in shame. "It's been a while. I should have been here sooner, but it's been pretty busy with Highway 65 and the girls." He placed the lovely bouquet of wildflowers that he brought with him, at the head of the grave.

"I've also been needing to talk to you one on one without the girls…" Deacon hesitated as he fiddled with the band on his finger that she gave him on their wedding day. "I've been in love with you, Rayna, since I laid eyes on you for the first time over 25 years ago. Since you've been gone from this earth, which I can't believe we're coming up on almost two years…I want to say nobody holds a candle to you, but I have met someone extraordinary to not only me but the girls too."

He paused again.

"I think...well, I know we are both attracted to each other, but I think we're both too afraid to act on it." Deacon just looked up at the clouds. "I know for me it's the fact that I am moving on without you by my side. It's just hard to picture having someone else in my life but you, but when I met her, I started picturing a life where I could move on. It's weird because I could never have thought it would happen, but it just did. She makes my heart happy as you did and still do."

"I don't know what her hesitation is. It could revolve around loving a widow, but it could not." He wiped the tears from his eyes as he pictured Rayna's smile as she did when listening to him talk. "I miss you so much, Ray. I wish it were you having to make these decisions, not me."

He knew that he probably was only talking to himself, but some days he could feel that she was there listening to him. Deacon found it therapeutic to visit her grave from time to time and talk to her. He and the girls usually celebrate their significant events with her and spend time with her on her birthday and Mother's Day.

"But, I lost my chance, as of now, because she's been seeing someone else." Deacon just furrowed his brow; he didn't want her to know that he wished she could pull some strings up above. "I hope you can meet her someday. I think the two of you would have been thick as thieves." Deacon chuckled at the thought of the two being friends.

"I think you would like her...I hope you understand. I just miss you and wish you were here with me." Deacon kneeled and placed a hand on her headstone. "But, you can't." That's when he noticed the snow beginning to fall.

The silence fell for just a moment.

"How about I tell you about her." Deacon shared a soft smile as he fixed his bundling so he could feel a little warmer. "Her name is Ilse De Witt. She's beautiful inside and out. We've actually been writing an album together."

"How did I meet her? She was actually Daphne's mentor and coach on Nashville's Next. Your death hit Daphne pretty hard, and she made some pretty problematic choices, like an audition for Nashville's Next behind my back. Still, I'm glad she did because our family wouldn't have met Ilse if she hadn't...I'll tell you some more details later, but Ilse is a wonderful female mentor in her life. She challenges Daphne as an artist and as a person. And when Daphne doesn't listen to me. Daph sure does listen to Ilse."

The snow was beginning to beat down harder, "Since Maddie isn't always around. She hasn't said much about it. But don't worry. I won't put any relationship before our girls." Deacon placed a kiss on the headstone and said his goodbyes.

Ilse was meeting the girls at the Bluebird, where Deacon was playing for the night with several special guests. The snow had picked up just a tad; the three girls entered the Bluebird through the back and found their table. This would be her first time seeing him play since he was at the Ryman, almost four months ago. She couldn't even believe that they had known each other for just under a year when he attended Daphne's rehearsal for Nashville's Next, and when they officially met at Highway 65 where they hit it off.

The group sat down at their reserved spot after greeting some other friends and watched the Bluebird staff setting up for the night. She watched the employees open the door and see the people pile into the intimate holy space of the cafè. People were finding their spot pretty quickly, with conversations filled with excitement.

They were in the round tonight, so it felt even more intimate than usual. The concert was filled with all of his hits and many new tunes. They were halfway through the set when he introduced this new love song he wrote. Ilse swore that his eyes were set right on her through most of the piece. She thanked her lucky stars that the audience was distracted by the performance even to notice his focus. It was played off well by Deacon, and Ilse did her part to act like she didn't see any of his glances. She realized that most of the songs about love, he tried connecting his eyes with hers, which made her eyes look elsewhere.

The only person who caught this act that went unbeknownst to Ilse and Deacon was Maddie, who quietly noticed the two trying their best to avoid eye contact. She finally got her answer from earlier with this moment since Ilse attempted to avoid the answer. It wasn't that Ilse wanted to lie; she was just still in denial about the truth that she loved Deacon.

Ilse began questioning herself about what was going on.

Why was he doing this? And how was he doing this? Why was this making her face turn warm? Why was she reacting like a love-struck teen? And that was an insult to teenagers because she bet that Daphne nor Maddie acted like this. They were probably more mature than her at 15 and 19. She began wondering if she looked composed in front of the almost 90 people in The Bluebird. Her heart was in trouble now...

But somehow, even though she wanted to avoid them, the two pairs of eyes would find each other in the crowd.

Daphne and Maddie joined their father for his final song leaving the table to sit in two empty chairs in the round. The chords began to play a familiar tune, "A Life That's Good." The music played out, and as they sang the last notes, his eyes were, again, on hers. She returned the smile before Deacon snapped back into a charming stage presence.

Many fans we're approaching Deacon, Scarlett, and the girls as the show ended for pictures and autographs. Many of them were fans of Rayna, who always came out to support the family whenever they played. She just watched them from a distance as she moved to the barstool.

"Miss De Witt?" A young fan approached her. "May I get your photo? I've been watching Nashville's Next, and you're my favorite coach. I hope to audition next year." The girl smiled.

"Of course." Ilse pulled the girl in for a hug as the mom snapped a picture of the two.

Thank you!" The girl beamed as she skipped off with her family. Ilse looked up to see Maddie and Daphne's eyes on her as they finished meeting with people. And even though Deacon was still with people, he would always set his sights on her before snapping back to engage with the fans.

The group gathered as the final crowd headed out for the night.

"Well...I should go." Ilse said as she began backing up since she only drove her vehicle here because Deacon had to arrive a little earlier. "I'll let you guys have some family time."

"No, stay. Please?" Deacon held her hand as his eyes searched hers for a yes.

"Yeah, stay." Daphne pleaded.

"Okay." Ilse gently smiled as the unit walked out of the building."If it's alright with Maddie and Scarlett." Both Maddie and Scarlett said that they didn't mind and so they were off headed towards both vehicles. Maddie and Scarlett at Deacon's. Daphne at hers.

"I'm thrilled you came tonight." Deacon said as they reached the halfway point between cars. "It meant a lot for me by having you here. I almost thought you wouldn't show, especially with everything that went down."

"I almost didn't. But I'm glad I did too." She said as she rested a hand on his chest. "Thank you for inviting me." She turned, heading off to her car, but she did glance back at him, getting into his as they headed off to his house.

The group finally got back to the Claybourne household as the girls all began running inside, claiming the first choice of music to play, leaving Ilse and Deacon behind heading in together. They watched the girls enter the house full of chatter, and the two shared a small flirtatious smile as they followed the girls into the house.

TBC