Sorry about the delay in updating the story. Christmas is a crazy time for all, plus I'm currently caught up in all things X-files (my first fandom love). But I finally got to finish this section of the story. I have broken it up into a couple of chapters, just to make it easier to read. Enjoy, and hopefully the next part won't take me so long!
After saying good bye to everyone at the bar, Deacon and Scarlett finally hit the road back to Nashville. He was glad that he had chance to see a side of his sister that she kept hidden. Glancing over at his niece sleeping, he was glad that she got to see that side of her mother as well. Their relationship with Beverley was so convoluted and complicated that it was good that they were able to see what her life was like away from them. Returning his focus back to the black road ahead of him, Deacon willed the highway markers to decrease faster. Now that he was heading back to Nashville, he didn't have the patience to wait to see Rayna again. He didn't think it was possible for him to miss her so much. Scratching at his tired eyes, he smirked to himself as Coleman's words sprang to mind. Maybe he was right, maybe Rayna was his addiction. The way his body was feeling at the moment he could almost believe it was an addiction.
If he could have physically made the car travel faster to get to her, he would have. He longed to be lying next to her, his arms wrapped around her with his face buried in her hair. Watching her wake up was one of the joys of his life, her blue eyes blinking in disbelief as she slowly recognised that he was lying next to her. The slow smile that graced her face as she realised she wasn't dreaming made his heart swell until he thought it would burst from his chest. He loved the tender kisses he bestowed on her as way of a morning greeting. Deacon knew that if he had died on that operating table, he would have died a lucky man. Knowing that Rayna loved him, that would have sustained him into the next life and the one after.
The miles blended into one another and he breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled the truck to a stop in front of his old house. Looking up at the dark building, he was startled to realise that he no longer considered this his home. He honestly never thought that he would consider the Belle Mead mansion his home, but that was where his family was. Gently shaking Scarlett awake, they both made their way up the steps to the house. It was too late for either of them to go to their respective home, besides they needed to be back here later on to unload the trailer. Yawning Deacon fumbled to find the light switch as Scarlett swayed against him. It had been an emotional couple of days as they attempted to heal a life time of hurt. Deacon kissed her forehead and gently pushed her in the direction of her room. Scarlett waved a tired arm at him as she shuffled to her old room. Deacon gave her retreating back a tired smile before he staggered into his bedroom.
Rayna ushered the girls into the Stageshow rehearsal space. The look on Maddie's face indicated that she wasn't happy with being forced to come along today. Rayna glanced at her younger daughter, as she placed her hand on her back to gently guide her forward. She was worried about Daphne. She had been unusually quiet. Daphne was usually a happy child, always cheerful and full of life. This last week she had been withdrawn, Rayna could hardly get her to tell her about her day at school. Rayna ran her hand over Daphne's long hair as they entered the studio. She smiled down at her daughter, hoping to see a glimpse of joy. Daphne looked up at her mother with sad eyes,
"This should be fun; don't you think Daph?"
Daphne gave her mom a brief smile, before looking back down at the ground. Rayna's heart ached seeing her like this. She had asked Maddie what was going on with her sister, but she replied with her now familiar sass and walked out on her. She had tried to get Daphne to open up and talk to her about what was bothering her, but she insisted that she was fine. Rounding the corner, they came upon what could only be described as organised chaos. There were various musical instruments scattered around the studio interspersed with wrappers from fast food outlets. Markus was on stage holding court while the session musicians had a slightly bored look on their faces.
Rayna ushered the girls over to the couch, which was surprisingly clear of rubbish. Markus sensing the band's distraction turned around and watched as Rayna settled her daughters. His eyes roamed over her while she was distracted. His eyes traced over her long legs, caressing her womanly curves before halting on her face. Her blue eyes sparkled warmth as she greeted the band, many who had worked with her on various projects over the years. Her eyes held that warm as she turned towards Markus. Jumping off the stage, he rushed over and folded her into a hug. He was a naturally an exuberant person, but whenever he was around Rayna he felt equal parts of nerves and desire.
Rayna pulled back, releasing Markus' hold on her before turning to introduce him to the girls. For the first time in ages, Maddie's face showed something other than annoyance at her mother. She was practically bouncing on her feet with enthusiasm. When Markus mentioned that he had seen her performance with Juliette, she threw Rayna a 'told you so' look. Daphne was polite to Markus as he asked her some questions, but as soon as he turned his attention back to Rayna, Daphne retreated onto the couch.
Rayna moved closer to the stage, listening carefully to the song Markus was playing. It was a good song, but it sounded like all his previous music. When Rayna signed him to Highway 65 they had both agreed on the direction they wanted to take his music, this was not that vision. Markus bounced off the stage, pleased with his performance. Rayna smiled at his excitement, before replacing it with a slight frown. She knew that she would have to tread carefully if she was going to persuade Markus to return to the vision they both had for him.