Sorry for the delay in the last couple of chapters, for some reason writer's block has struck me...thank goodness for Nashville rewatches for helping. But stay tuned, cause I suspect that Markus will soon reveal his true colours!

Present day:

Rayna chewed her bottom lip as she paced back and forward along the pavement. She nervously eyed the entrance, while sucking in deep breathes trying to calm her nerves. Her stomach was churning as she thought over what she was about to do. She knew that she had to walk through that door if she was going to have the future she envisioned but the thought of doing so made her feel sick. She had spent years burying the pain of Deacon's struggle with alcohol only for it to come rushing to the surface upon learning about his purchase of the bar. He had apologised for buying it without consulting with her. It wasn't so much the bar that concerned her it was the fact that he was making rash decisions while grieving for Beverley. The fact that he didn't see anything wrong with his behaviour made those alarm bells within her scream. His behaviour spoke volumes of previous incidents, where he would make huge decisions without thinking through the consequences. Rayna tried to comfort herself with the knowledge that Deacon had in the past only behaved like this after he got out of rehab, but this did little to ally her fears.

Early that week:

The shock of Deacon's surprise still rang through her as she laid in bed, struggling to sleep. Staring up at the ceiling her mind refused to let go off the image of Deacon's lapse four years ago that resulted in her almost dying. She knew logically that he was stronger now than then, but the underlying fear that came from loving an alcoholic prevailed. She previously had never had cause to question his commitment to staying sober since he left rehab for the fifth time. It had completely shaken her seeing him reach for the bottle so quickly four years ago. He had shut everyone out, refusing their help and turned to the one thing he thought could comfort him. She knew she had hurt him with the knowledge that she had kept Maddie a secret from him. At the time she thought it was the best for everyone. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought about how much she had hurt him over the years, pushing him away but not letting him go and then with one final devastating blow had destroyed any trust he had in her. Rolling on her side, she reached her arm out to his empty side of the bed. It was a testament to his strength of character that he not only fought his way back to sobriety but that he had forgiven her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she thought about how much she loved him. She wanted to support him in anything he did, but at the moment the thought of doing so scared her to death. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she turned as she heard the bedroom door open.

Smiling shyly as he entered the room Deacon's eyes wandered over her as she laid in bed. He could tell that she was upset, and if Frankie was correct it was the result of him buying the bar. Laying down at her side, he laced their fingers together and kissed her hand.

"I'm sorry I bought a bar without tell you"

Glancing up at her, his eyes filled with tears upon seeing the sadness in her eyes.

"Sprung that on ya, hey?"

Rayna took a minute to choose her words carefully.

"Ye a little bit, ye. We really haven't had a chance to talk since…everything." Caressing his face, she smiled sadly at him. "You're grieving you know"

"This is helping"

Deacon kissed her fingers as she traced his lips. His eyes danced with excitement at the prospect of giving back to the city that had given him so much. Deacon's smile expressed his confidence at this new endeavour. He knew that Rayna was scared and understood why. He knew that this was the right decision for him and it was the perfect way to honour his sister. He hoped over time that his actions would show Reyna just how strong he was.

Three days ago:

The sudden silence in the studio was the first indication to Reyna that they were waiting for her response. She honestly hadn't heard anything for the last five minutes. Her mind was still focused on Deacon's bar, The Beverley. He had gone out of his way to include her in the design of the bar and if it was anyone else's bar she would have been excited. But she couldn't shake the feeling of panic that had seemed to taken up permanent home within her. She had rarely seen him all week, and the times when their schedules did cross she could tell he was happy, even though he was exhausted. Blinking back the memories, Rayna returned her focus to the expectant faces before her.

"Sorry y'all would you mind running through that one more time."

Some low level murmuring from the crew let her know of their displeasure of having today's session extended. Markus gave her an encouraging smile. Smiling back at him, her smile reflecting her apology. Pushing all outside thoughts out of her mind, Rayna concentrated on the performers in front of her. Markus was exceeding all her expectations. He had taken to country music like a duck to water. After a few teething problems, mainly to do with his confidence in this new arena, he was showing his strength as a song writer.

"Guys that was awesome"

Rayna laughed as she watched the high fives that were occurring in the studio.

"Markus we might have just found your first single. Why don't you all head on home? Once again, thanks guys."

Rayna looked up as Markus bounced into the room, his enthusiasm causing her to laugh. He had so much energy that he wore her out just watching him sometimes.

"That was amazing. That is what making music is all about."

"Yes, that certainly is what it is all about. You should get out here as well. It will be nice for you to see some sunshine!"

Laughing, Markus fell onto the couch located in the recording booth. Swinging his legs up onto the low table in front of him he watched as Rayna gathered together all the paperwork she had spread out over the booth. A small frown was the only indication that she her mind was elsewhere. Markus wonder what was happening to cause her such worry. From what he had heard about her, she was always professional, able to leave her personal issues outside the studio. Whatever was on her mind must be causing her a great deal of anguish if she was allowing it to affect her at work. Markus had noticed that her focus waivered during today's session, resulting in the band being forced to test their limits of patience. He wondered if it had anything to do with the rumours he had been hearing about Deacon.

He knew that Deacon was a recovering alcoholic so it was a shock when Tom, his base player, told him that he had seen Deacon staggering out of a sleazy bar just off Broadway. After seeing Deacon and Rayna together, Markus had grown curious. A quick google search had revealed that Deacon had trouble staying away from alcohol. First there was that incident with the Revel Kings and then the accident where he nearly killed Rayna. Rubbing his hand across his face, Markus leaned his head back on the couch as he contemplated how to broach the subject with Rayna.

Judging from her manner today, Markus was betting that Rayna already knew about Deacon. What he wanted to know was just how strong their bond was. What would it take to drive a wedge between them?

"Markus, don't hang around here too long. Go have some fun why you can. Cause once this album hits the charts your free time will disappear."

A large smile broke across his face at her words.

"I've gotta get going."

"Say Ray, how bout we go grab a drink to celebrate? We damn well deserve it, especially you. You have been brilliant. The amount of time you have put into producing this album…. you are nothing short of amazing."

Barking out a laugh, Rayna squeezed his arm in apology.

"Markus I would love nothing better, but l have meetings up my wazoo and Bucky will kill me if I don't show."

"Okay, maybe another time?"

Nodding, Rayna grabbed her bags and made her way to the door.

"Hey, wait up. Let me walk you out and see what's up with this sunshine that you are constantly talking about!"

"Ha," playfully she punched his arm as they fell in step as they walked outside.

Stopping in front of her SUV, Markus waited while she found her keys. Unlocking the passenger side, she unloaded her bags before stepping back to his side.

"But seriously Ray, thank you for believing in me. None of this would have been possible if not for your vision."

"Markus, you are welcome. It's been a pleasure. Now go have some fun. That's an order from your producer!"

"Ha, okay I promise I will."

Before she could react, Markus had pulled her into a hug. His arms wrapped around her, holding her against him as he whispered,

"I'll take a rain check on that drink"

Rayna stepped back and gave him a weak smile and nod, before climbing into the car.

Markus watched her pull away before turning towards his own car. It was only then that he noticed the photographer standing across the street. Whistling to himself, he slid his sunglasses on before he too drove away, but not before smiling to himself as he imagined the photo the paparazzi had managed to snap.

***** Continued in next chapter