A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers.
Chapter 4
"Momma, I'm glad to see that you brought Scarlett with you. I was also hopin' for my sister, but I guess that was askin' a little much on my part." Deacon was in the process of picking his mother and his niece up from the airport. He was getting married in less than six hours. Between Tandy and Lamar they had been able to pull a wedding together in a week.
"Your sister wanted to be here, but she couldn't afford to take the time off work on such short notice." June Claybourne was a slim, trim blonde woman.
"I understand that she has to work. I wouldn't want her to mess her job up or anythin' like that. Plus, I know that she isn't crazy 'bout Ray." Deacon kissed her cheek.
"Uncle Deacon!" Scarlett launched herself into his arms.
Deacon caught the little girl and spun her around. "There's my favorite niece, Scarlett." He gave her a wet kiss on her cheek.
"I'm you're only niece, silly." Scarlett giggled.
"Well, that makes you my favorite." Deacon reasoned with her. He sat her down on her feet. "Let's go get your bags. I think that Aunt Ray has big plans for you." He walked with them over to the baggage claim and got their bags. He loaded them up in his truck and drove them over to Rayna's apartment.
Deacon walked them up and knocked on the door. "I was just droppin' momma and Scarlett off."
"Ok, you got them here in one piece and you can go now. It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." Tandy shooed him away.
"I can't even say hi to her?" Deacon sounded outraged.
"Yeah, you can say hi to her when she walks down the aisle to you." Tandy retorted.
"Ok, I'm leavin'. Momma, Scarlett, Tandy is gonna take real good care of ya'll." Deacon smiled at them before he left.
"Come on in, Rayna is just in the bedroom throwing some clothes on." Tandy ushered June and Scarlett into the apartment. "Rayna, you've got company."
Rayna came out of her bedroom dressed in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. "Scarlett, look at how big you are. You've grown so much since the last time I saw you." She stooped down to hug the little girl.
"Hi, Aunt Ray." Scarlett hugged her back.
"Rayna," June looked at her mid-section and then back up to her face.
"Deacon said he wasn't gonna tell you that he was gonna see if you noticed. I hope you're not very mad at us." Rayna really put a lot of stock in what June thought. Deacon's mother was one of the most genuinely sweet people she had ever met. She was kind to a fault and she just adored her.
"How on earth could I be mad at you two? I think it's wonderful. Truthfully with as long as you two have lived together I expected it to happen before now." June smiled widely.
"We had a couple of near misses, but this is the one that took." Rayna chuckled lightly.
"The only thing that matters is you two are makin' things right and you're gettin' married." June reassured her.
Rayna smiled back at her. "Hey, Scarlett, can you keep a secret?"
"I sure can. What is it, Aunt Ray?" Scarlett asked eagerly.
Rayna took her hand and put it on her almost non-existent bump. "You're gonna be a big cousin. Uncle Deacon and I are havin' a baby."
"Really?" Scarlett's little eyes got big.
Rayna had to laugh at her expression. "Really. So, I've got my glam squad comin' in and they are gonna treat you just like a little princess. You remember them from that time you were out on the road with me and Uncle Deacon don't you?"
Scarlett nodded her head. "I do,"
"Since today is a special day they are gonna make you up even prettier than you already are." Rayna rubbed her nose against hers. "I'll tell you what if you go sit at my vanity and look around there is an extra special box in there with your name on it. Why don't you go find it?"
"Ok," Scarlett scampered off to Rayna's bedroom.
"Tandy, go help Scarlett please. I need to have a word alone with June." Rayna arched her eyebrow at her sister.
"Whatever you want today is your day after all." Tandy fixed a fake smile on her face.
"She's not too keen on you marryin' my boy is she?" June observed.
"Tandy is like that with everyone that was born into a lower tax bracket than her." Rayna rolled her eyes. "You haven't asked me the obvious question yet and I thought I'd give you the opportunity to."
"Why are you and Deacon not livin' together?" June asked her.
"I tried to break things off with Deacon. I was even engaged to another man for a little while. His drinking got really bad, June. I didn't know what to do. Truthfully if he hadn't gone to rehab and done so well this last time there's a good chance that I wouldn't have told him about this baby. Actually, that's not true. I told him even before I knew that he was doin' so well. I wouldn't have let him around this baby unsupervised if he hadn't got his act together. He's on his very last chance this time has to be the time that sticks or I can't stick by him." Rayna answered her.
"I don't blame you at all. You're gonna be a momma now and that baby has to come first. You have to protect him or her at all costs even if it is from their daddy. I didn't do that and that's why my boy is fightin' his daddy's demons. I don't blame you for havin' the thought of movin' on from him or of not tellin' him, but I'm glad that you did. I think he'll surprise you at how much he can change." June replied.
"Thank you for bein' so understandin'. I hope you don't mind, but when Deacon got your dress size from you I took the liberty of picking out a dress for you." Rayna changed the subject.
"You didn't have to do that." June blushed slightly.
"I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I want you to know that you and Scarlett, and Bev are never gonna have to want for anything ever again. If Deacon and I have it then it's yours too. And don't think of it as charity I wouldn't insult you that way. Deacon and I want to take care of our family. We even hope that you will consider moving to Nashville so you can be a big part of our lives." Rayna told her.
"I'll have to think 'bout it. I'm not sure Scarlett would mind all that much, but I don't know 'bout Bev. It has to be all three of us or none of us. I can't leave Bev alone with Scarlett she needs someone to take care of her." June replied a little unsure.
"I completely understand. The offer is there any time that you want it, it has no expiration date." Rayna smiled at her.
Tandy walked back in the room with Scarlett at that moment. "Ok, ladies what do you think?" She held Scarlett's hair back so she could show off the diamond accented star necklace around her neck.
"I think it's almost as beautiful as Miss Scarlett there." Rayna responded.
"It looks perfect. Scarlett, what do you say?" June looked at her granddaughter expectantly.
"Thank you, Aunt Ray." Scarlett chirped happily.
"Uncle Deacon helped pick it out. He said it looked just like something that our little bug needed." Rayna tickled her belly.
"Rayna, your glam squad is gonna be here in probably a half hour you need to eat." Tandy interrupted.
"Babe, I need somethin' light. Anythin' that I eat these days has a tendency to come up." Rayna pointed out to her.
"You just go on and do what you need to do. I will go into the kitchen and make you somethin'." June volunteered.
"June, I can't ask you to do that." Rayna protested.
"Nonsense, you ain't askin' me I'm volunteerin'. Now, I won't hear any arguments 'bout it. You're almost one of mine and I take care of my babies. You are just gonna have to get used to that." June went into the kitchen before Rayna could put up any further protest. She opened up the cabinets and started rummaging around for something that fit the bill of what Rayna needed.
"Look at how handsome my baby boy is today." June fussed over Deacon as he stood at the altar.
"Momma, please." Deacon fixed his tie and his hair back the way he had it before June had messed with them.
"What?" June asked innocently.
"Nothin'," Deacon shook his head. He fidgeted around.
"Are you nervous?" June asked even though she already knew the answer to that question.
"Yeah, I'm nervous. She already was almost done with me once. I ain't so sure that she ain't gonna change her mind now. I'm a recoverin' alcoholic, momma. Why would she wanna hitch her wagon to that baggage for the rest of her life?" Deacon tried to make her see reason.
"Probably 'cause she loves you and 'cause she's carryin' your baby." June suggested to him.
"I see you figured that mystery out by just one look." Deacon smiled. He was pretty proud of himself when it came to that.
"Yeah I did. I think it's wonderful by the way not that you need my blessin'." June kissed his cheek.
"Thanks, momma." Deacon replied.
"Say, Deacon, it's just about time." His best friend Vince told him. He was acting as Deacon's best man. He'd been with him and Rayna through thick and thin.
"Momma, let me take you to your seat." Deacon looped his arm through June's and led her to her seat. He kissed her cheek before he walked back to the altar.
"You still got time to run if you wanna." Vince whispered to him just as the music started to play.
"Shut up, Vinny, I ain't goin' nowhere. I've been waitin' for this my whole life." Deacon whispered back to him.
One of Rayna's close female friends and Tandy walked down the aisle and took their places opposite Riff and Vince. Deacon had gotten Riff to be a groomsman at the last second. Scarlett walked down the aisle and threw flower petals before taking her seat next to June. Finally, Rayna came down the aisle on her father's arm.
Deacon went weak in the knees when he saw her. She was a vision in that white dress. He couldn't even tell from looking at her that she was pregnant. All he knew was she was the most beautiful woman that he had ever laid eyes on.
Lamar made a big show of putting Rayna's hand in Deacon's and he gave him a look before he stepped off to the side to await his cue.
Rayna shot Deacon a thousand watt smile. "Hi, handsome." She whispered to him.
"Hey, beautiful," Deacon whispered back his voice trembling.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If there are any among us that know of any reason these two should not be wed speak now or forever hold your peace." The justice of the peace paused to allow for any objections, but there were none. "I ask now who gives this woman to this man?"
"Her sister and I do." Lamar answered before he took his seat.
"Deacon, do you take this woman to love, honor, cherish, and obey. In sickness and in health in happiness and wealth for better or for worse forsaking all others 'til death do you part?" He asked.
"I do," Deacon answered his voice still shaking.
"Rayna, do you take this man to love, honor, cherish, and obey. In sickness and in health in happiness and wealth for better or for worse forsaking all other 'til death do you part?" He asked Rayna the same question.
"I do," Rayna answered and squeezed Deacon's hand.
"Now, the bride and groom have chosen to recite their own vows to each other. Deacon it's your turn." He went on.
"Ray, I don't know what to say. Only that you've loved me better than I've deserved at times. You've even loved me when I've made it extremely difficult. I promise that I will spend the rest of our lives provin' to you that you were right to love me so well. Every story I have worth tellin' starts with the words Rayna and I. My life began the night I met you and I've loved you since the first time I laid eyes on you. I will love you 'til the last beat of my heart and much longer than that." Deacon just kind of shot from the hip, but he meant every word.
"Now, Rayna, recite your vows to Deacon." He instructed.
"Deacon, I've loved you since the first time I saw you. The first time I heard your laugh and the first note I heard you play on a guitar. I've always loved you and that has never not been true. I see you for the truly great man you are even when you can't see him in yourself. You're all I've known since I was sixteen and you're the only man that I want for the rest of my life. The words to describe how much I love you haven't been invented. Just know that I will love you more and more with every passing day." Rayna recited her vows.
"May I have the rings?" The justice of the peace asked.
Vince got a panicked look on his face and patted down his pockets. "No one told me I was supposed to have the rings."
Rayna and Deacon both gave him a look.
Vince relaxed and smiled an easy smile. "I've got them right here, smile you two love birds." He took the rings out of his pocket and handed them to the JP.
The justice of the peace handed a ring to each of them.
Deacon took Rayna's hand in his and slipped the ring on her finger. "Rayna, wear this ring as a reminder that together we are stronger and can handle anythin' that's put in front of us as long as we are together. No matter what comes I will always be there by your side."
Rayna took hold of Deacon's left hand and placed his ring on his finger. "Deacon, this ring is a symbol of my devotion to you. When you look at it remember all that we've been through together to get to this point and know that I rather fight with you than kiss anyone else."
"By the power vested in me by the state of Tennessee I now pronounce you husband and wife. Son, you may kiss your bride." The justice of the peace announced.
Deacon took Rayna into his arms and dipped her back as he kissed her.
She smiled up at him her eyes full of laughter when they finally broke apart.
"Ladies and gentleman it's my pleasure to present for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Deacon John Claybourne." He announced.
"Well, Deacon, you finally finished what you started a decade ago. She's all yours now." Tandy commented to him at the reception.
"I can't imagine that you're none too happy 'bout it either." Deacon retorted.
"I've made my peace with it. She was gonna marry you with or without my blessing. You have it in you to be a decent person. I got the chance to talk to your mother and I know that you have those traits. I've seen you with your niece and let's just say I understand what Rayna sees in you now. That being said if you hurt my sister again I will make you sorry." Tandy warned him.
"I suppose that's fair enough." Deacon nodded his head thoughtfully.
"Oh and if it makes any difference to you. I'm glad that she didn't take my advice and she told you the truth. Look at the smile on her face that's all I've ever wanted is her happiness." Tandy declared a truce with him.
"That's the only thing I want too." Deacon agreed with her.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife Mr. and Mrs. Claybourne." The DJ announced.
Deacon led Rayna out to the dancefloor. "I really like the way that sounds, Mrs. Claybourne." He wrapped his arms around her waist.
Rayna wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed. "That sounds really nice. I can be Mrs. Claybourne all you want behind closed doors, but to the world I'm still Rayna Jaymes."
"That's fair enough, baby. I only want you to be Mrs. Claybourne for me anyway." Deacon held her close to him as they swayed along to the music.
"The little one that's in between us now will be Claybourne enough for me." Rayna smiled.
"That's right Baby Claybourne has got that covered." Deacon smiled back at her. He kissed her as the song ended.
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Rayna danced with her father next. "Thank you for behaving yourself today, daddy. You don't know how much it means to me to have the two men I love the most in the world getting along."
"I'm just glad that you wanted me to be here and that you wanted me to give you away. I know I haven't always shown it the way that I should, but I just want you to be happy." Lamar replied.
"I know that you care in your own way, daddy. I've always known that. You just don't understand me and that's ok. You don't have to completely understand someone to love them." Rayna placed a kiss on his cheek.
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"I've never seen you look this happy before, my boy." June observed as she and Deacon danced.
"I'm not sure that I've ever been this happy before, momma." Deacon laughed softly.
"Well, it looks good on you." June rubbed his cheek gently.
"This is all I've ever wanted and then some. I finally have a chance to make things right. I know that you did the best you could for Bev and me, but that was no way for anyone to live. It wasn't your fault though. I promise you that your grandchild is gonna have it better than that. I'm not my father and I don't ever intend to be." Deacon promised her.
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"Bug, may I have this dance?" Deacon bowed to Scarlett and extended his hand.
"Yes you can, Uncle Deacon." Scarlett took his hand.
Deacon led her out to the dance floor and twirled her around a few times. "You look so pretty today, Bug."
"You look handsome, Uncle Deac." Scarlett giggled.
"I do clean up nicely when I have to." Deacon laughed with her.
"I love you, Uncle Deac." Scarlett stood on her tiptoes and kissed his nose.
Deacon picked her up in his arms and kissed her cheek before he spun around a couple times.
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"Deacon, I'm warnin' you not to do with that cake what I think you're gonna do with it." Rayna warned him when they cut the cake.
Deacon grinned back at her. "I have no idea what you're talkin' 'bout."
"Yeah, I know better than to trust you." Rayna waved Scarlett over and whispered something in her ear. "She can keep us both honest."
Scarlett fed a both Rayna and Deacon a piece of cake, but she smashed the cake in Deacon's face.
"Oh, I see how it's gonna be." Deacon grabbed Rayna and kissed her and then he kissed Scarlett's cheek getting them both just as messy as he was in the process.
"You did not just mess my makeup up after I had to sit for that long for them to do." Rayna said in mock indignation.
"You started it, baby." Deacon laughed.
"Come here, we don't waste cake in this family." Rayna pulled him to her and kissed him deeply.
Before Rayna and Deacon left the reception they changed clothes. They both now wore jeans and t-shirts with coats. They drove up to the cabin holding hands the whole way. He carried her over the threshold and sat her on the couch. He'd had to come up and cleanup the aftermath of his last drunken rampage. He hadn't wanted her to see the place like that.
He took the time to build a fire in the fireplace. The smile never once left his handsome face. He turned around to just study his wife for a moment. That made him smile even wider.
"What's that smile for?" Rayna asked him.
"Thank you for choosin' me, Ray. I can't imagine not bein' here in this moment right now." Deacon replied.
"I can't imagine this moment with anyone, but you. It was never a choice; baby, it was a need." Rayna told him.
"God, I love you, woman." Deacon got on the couch with her and kissed her. That one kiss turned into a full blown make out session and that make out session led to them both shedding their clothes.
"I love you too, man." Rayna wrapped her legs around his waist.
Deacon took that as his signal and he slid into her slowly. They both moaned out in pleasure.
Rayna leaned up and kissed him deeply as she acclimated to the girth of his member. It hadn't been that long since they'd had sex, but still it felt like the first time.
Deacon started to pump his hips slowly wanting to savor the moment. This was the first time that he had made love to his wife and he wanted to make it last.
She raked her nails lightly up and down his back and thrusted her hips in time with his. Her lips moved from his mouth to his jawline. She knew the effect that had on him. She could play his body just as well as he could play hers.
He groaned deep in his throat and picked up the pace of his thrusts. She drove him crazy in the most wonderful and beautiful ways.
She threaded her fingers through his hair and clenched her walls around him. "I love you." She whispered breathily in his ear.
"I love you too." His voice was husky in her ear.
They continued at the pace they were going for a good while before they both felt that familiar tingle telling them that they were close to the edge. They came together with one long moan. Afterwards they lay there naked in each other's arms kissing and cuddling.
"Wow, that was wow, Ray." Deacon finally broke the silence.
"That was even better than I remembered it. And I remember it being damn good." Rayna giggled against his neck.
"That was the first time I've ever made love to my wife." His voice took on a dreamy quality as he said the words.
"And that was the first time I've ever made love to my husband." She ran her hand across the stubble on his jaw.
"I think it can only get better from here." He kissed her nose.
"I know it'll only get better. I can't wait to grow old with you." That was all she had ever wanted was to grow old with him by her side.
"We have plenty of time for that later. Right now I can't wait to raise this baby with you. You are gonna be the most amazin' momma." He replied. He could already see her with their baby in her arms.
"Don't count yourself out, Deacon. I've seen you with Scarlett. You are gonna make an amazin' daddy. Any child we have will be extremely lucky to have you." She hated it that he couldn't see just how great he was. She supposed that's why he needed her there to show him.
"I'm gonna do my best. I promise you that. I know that I didn't have the best role model, but there ain't no law that says I gotta be him." He swore to her.
"You're already better than he is. It takes a real man to change his ways when he knows that he's wrong. From what you've told me about your father he never even tried to change." She reassured him.
"What did I do that was right enough to deserve you?" He looked at her with an arched eyebrow.
"I wonder the same thing when it comes to you. I guess there's no rhyme or reason to it. We were hooked on each other the moment we met and now we have the rest of our lives together." She kissed him.
"I really like the sound of that, baby. I'm gonna be right there by your side for every part of it the good and the bad." He promised her and then he kissed her again. That led them right to another round of lovemaking. They didn't even bother to try to make it to the bedroom that night. They were content right where they were.
A/N: Here is the next chapter. As you can see I changed some things around. Vince is still alive and that's because I have plans for him. Deacon needs a guy friend. Until next time please review.