~Tandy Wyatt Hampton~

Tandy stood in her closet, wondering what the appropriate outfit might be for her sister's funeral. She somehow never thought Rayna would go before her, that she would end up as the last one left from their family. She ran her fingers over some of the dresses as she considered how full of life her sister always was. Whatever Rayna Jaymes had set her mind to, she typically achieved. Whether it was riding a bike or learning to swim or forging a chart-topping country music career. Rayna had been laser-focused on being a country music star and she hadn't let anything – or anyone – stop her. Even when their father had kicked her out of the house for following her dream, Rayna hadn't faltered once.

It didn't mean she'd always made the best decisions, or the right ones, but she had always been steadfast in looking forward and she usually came out on top. Tandy had always been proud of her little sister, watching her hard work pay off. She supposed this was really not any different. Rayna had lived for twelve years without the love of her life – her husband, Deacon Claybourne – and enough was enough. It was just one more thing she had set her mind on.

Rayna had gotten sick just after Christmas and couldn't seem to shake it. The morning after she'd gone out to the symphony with her granddaughter Lily, she hadn't been able to get out of bed. The doctor had sent her to the ER and she'd been admitted with pneumonia. At first it had seemed like she was recovering, but she relapsed, and then she seemed to have given up the fight. Tandy remembered that last night in the hospital. It had been late and Rayna had mostly been sleeping, but she'd opened her eyes a little after ten.

Tandy smiled at her sister. "Hey, babe, how you doing?" she asked.

Rayna smiled back, but her eyes looked weary. "I'm tired," she whispered, her voice thready and weak. "So tired."

Tandy reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "Your doctor was telling me you should be getting better. What's going on?" She was pretty sure she knew what Rayna would say.

Her sister looked at her sadly. "I'm sorry. Don't mean to disappoint you." Her voice was still weak.

Tandy sighed a little and felt a lump in her throat. "But I'm just not ready to lose you," she said, her voice catching.

Rayna slowly nodded. Her hair was still golden red, with a bit of gray mixed in, and wispy around her face. "I know," she said, smiling sadly at her sister. "But…you know."

Tandy bit her lip. "Yeah, I do."

Rayna looked straight ahead, a dreamy look on her face. "I dreamt about him last night. Or this morning maybe. I felt like I was with him, Tandy." She looked back at her sister. Tandy could see tears glistening in her eyes.

"You know the girls still need you." They all did. Rayna was the strong one, always had been. Had gotten them through all the obstacles of life.

Rayna shook her head. "The girls are fine. They have someone to take care of them. It's you. I know that."

Tandy sat up straight and gave her a ghost of a smile. "Okay, yes, it's me. I need you. And I would miss you terribly. I've gotten used to you, you know."

Rayna brushed her fingers against her sister's palm. "I know. But it feels like it's time." She closed her eyes for a second and then reopened them, and they looked clear and bright. "He's waiting for me. And I need him."

There hadn't been much left to say. Tandy had sat there as Rayna drifted back to sleep. She watched her and held her hand. A little after midnight, it felt like something had just quietly pulled away. She looked at her sister's face and she saw peace there. She realized then that Rayna had stopped breathing and she had quietly cried for a bit. When she was able to regain her composure, she had gotten up from beside the bed. She had first called the nurses' station and then she had called first Maddie, then Daphne.

She sighed and then she looked back at the dresses in her closet. She ended up pulling out a beautiful orchid colored dress, with long sleeves and a high neckline. Rayna would not have wanted everyone dressed in black and sad. Tandy knew her sister was happy now and she would expect all of them to celebrate with her, even though she would also know that might be hard at first.

It was going to be hard to say goodbye.


Tandy was dressed and ready thirty minutes before her great-niece Lily would be by to pick her up for the drive to the church. She sat in her living room, overlooking a beautiful downtown Nashville view, as well as the pedestrian bridge across the Cumberland River, sipping on a cup of tea. The day had dawned clear and sunny, but still chilly. She thought back to the day they had buried Deacon. It had been cold but overcast and the sky periodically spit out bursts of snow flurries. It had seemed appropriate for her sister's almost always brooding husband and it had matched Rayna's mood that day as well. But this day was practically picture perfect, as though Rayna had planned it, along with the rest of the service.

The service and burial would end the three days of sadness that seemed to hover over all of them, although she knew they would all still miss Rayna and would continue to have moments of grief, for weeks and months to come. It had been comforting to see all the people, over the past couple days, who had loved Rayna. She was still struggling with the idea that she wouldn't see her again, at least not in this world.

As she thought about the various guests they'd had, her thoughts landed on Teddy Conrad. It really wasn't surprising that he was there and yet she'd found herself unexpectedly pleased he'd made the effort. She and Teddy had known each other since graduate school, although once he and Rayna divorced, she had little occasion to cross paths with him. She'd seen him at Deacon's funeral, of course, but had not really thought much about him since then.

"I'm really glad you came, Teddy," she said with a warm smile, when she saw him at Maddie's.

He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the cheek, smiling back. "Daphne called me," he said. "But I would have come even if she hadn't asked me."

Tandy took a deep breath. "I'm glad you could be here for her," she said, thoughtfully. She knew, even though Daphne hadn't said anything, that things weren't quite right between her niece and her husband. For two people who'd been so much in love when they'd gotten married, it seemed as though it had been a long time since she'd seen that connection between the two of them.

Teddy looked at her knowingly. "Are things okay between Daphne and Nick?" he asked her then.

She raised her eyebrows. "Why do you ask?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Something just seems, I don't know, different. But then I'm not around enough to really know for sure." He paused for a moment. "I just want her to be happy."

She reached out and touched his arm. "I'm sure it's just everything with Rayna passing," she said. "Nick was crazy about Rayna and I think it's just been tough for all of them."

He smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you're right," he said. He shook his head then. "I still can't believe she's gone. It seems impossible."

"I know." She looked at him. "When was the last time you talked to her?"

"Probably when she called to tell me Lily was getting married." He sighed. "Maddie didn't really include me in her life, but Rayna always made sure I knew what was happening." He looked sad then. "I know I'm not really their grandfather, but I still think of Maddie as my daughter."

Tandy felt an ache in her heart. She reached for Teddy's hand and said, "Teddy, you were a good father. And a good husband. I know Rayna always appreciated everything you did for her when she really needed it. Always know she cared about you."

She sighed. Teddy had come into her sister's life at a real crossroads for her. She knew Rayna often questioned her decisions back then. It had cost her both physically and emotionally when the truth of Maddie's paternity had come to light. It had taken time for the wounds to heal for all of them and it was hard not to second guess. But Teddy Conrad had been a port in a storm for Rayna and Tandy knew she'd be touched that Teddy was here for their daughter.

Just then a knock came at the door and she pushed up from her chair to go let Lily in.


Tandy settled herself in the backseat, behind Jack, so she could see Lily. She had never played favorites between Maddie and Daphne, but she thought, with the skip in generation, she could get away with it now. And Lily was definitely her favorite. She was the one who reminded her so much of Rayna. She smiled to herself, thinking she looked more like Daniel than she did her Wyatt-Claybourne roots. But she was really all Rayna – creative, upbeat, high energy. She was a performer, just like her grandmother, but she leaned more towards the arts. She'd been a ballerina as a young girl and moved into painting and finally decorating, which she'd turned into a very successful career. In fact, Lily had decorated Tandy's apartment when she'd moved in and she couldn't be happier with it.

Lily turned in her seat to look at her great-aunt. "Mom said you were going to do a eulogy," she said.

Tandy made a face. "Oh, I hate that word," she said. "It sounds depressing." She reached into her purse and pulled out a sheet of paper she had folded neatly in thirds. "I might not be a songwriter like your grandmother was, or your mother, for that matter, but I think I can write a nice tribute." She smiled and then tucked it back in her purse.

Lily reached back for Tandy's hand and squeezed it. "I know it will be lovely," she said. She paused a moment. "What was she like as a little girl?"

Tandy smiled. "She was always happy and full of joy," she said, remembering the days before their mother died. "Our mom, your great-grandmother, was always making every day full of fun. We would go to the lake when the weather was warm and we'd play guitar and sing." She chuckled. "Or I should say Mom would play guitar and she and your grandmother would sing. I was never the singer in the family. But we would have fun and laugh and then we'd dance in the water." She looked at Lily. "You've always reminded me so much of her. Full of life and spunk and determination. Always looking for the good in others and making others happy."

Lily's eyes glistened with tears. "Thank you, Aunt Tandy. That really means the world to me," she said softly. She turned back to face out of the front windshield and they drove the rest of the way to the church in contemplative silence.


When Tandy entered the church, she saw Maddie up front. She made her way to her niece and then ran her hand up and down Maddie's back. "You doing okay?" she asked.

Maddie nodded. "Yeah, I guess." She sighed. "Everything's set." She reached out and hugged her aunt. "I feel like I can't breathe."

Tandy hugged her back. "I know." She stepped back then and took Maddie's hands. "These things are never easy. But it will be over after today."

Maddie bit her lip and looked away, then back at Tandy. "I feel like I disappointed Mom."

Tandy frowned. "Oh, sweetie, of course you didn't. You might have done things she didn't agree with, when you were young, but she was not disappointed in you. You were so much like her, you know. And she knew that." She paused. "I'm going to tell you this, but I need you to understand that she loved you and your sister the same. You both came from her and there's no difference. But you? You were always special. Because you came from Deacon. And because of how she felt about him, she had different hopes and dreams for you."

Maddie raised her eyebrows. "I didn't think you really liked Dad much."

Tandy smiled. "Well, he was definitely an acquired taste. And it took a long time for me to see him differently. But he always loved your mom. And after they were married, I could see how happy he made her and that made me happy." She rubbed Maddie's arm. "I know she wanted to be with him and she knew you girls were taken care of. And she was ready. We'll miss her, but she's with your dad. I believe that."

Maddie nodded. "I do too." She hugged Tandy again. "Thanks, Aunt Tandy."


It was still more than forty-five minutes before the service would start, so Tandy took a seat in the first pew to wait. Others were milling around, checking on the arrangements and the flowers, or talking in small groups. She sat back against the hard mahogany wood pew and closed her eyes, her hands folded on top of the purse in her lap. For the briefest of moments she thought she felt a hand on her arm, as though Rayna were sitting next to her, telling her it would be okay. She breathed in deeply.

She had come back to Nashville almost ten years after she'd left. In the aftermath of Lamar Wyatt's death and the aborted Federal investigation, along with the revelation that their father had had a hand in their mother's death, Tandy had escaped Nashville. She'd told Rayna she needed to find out who Tandy Hampton was, and that was true, but she really needed to put all the darkness in her life behind her. She'd felt herself spinning out of control and she had come close to losing herself in the process, so moving across the country and making a clean break with the past had seemed like the right choice.

It was a healing time and she had truly not planned to return home, but when Rayna had called and asked her to come back and take on the financial reins at Highway 65, she'd decided she was ready to go back to Nashville. Much had changed since she'd been gone – Maddie and Daphne were both grown up, Rayna was ready to take on a different role in her company, and she wanted more time with her husband – and Tandy had decided to make a fresh start when she returned. She promised herself to have a more open mind, about everything. And that had included making peace with her sister's marriage.

What she'd found, when she returned, was that both she and Deacon were ready to put the past behind them and build on the present. She learned to appreciate how he took care of Rayna and how happy he made her sister. When Maddie and Daniel had Daisy, she'd watched him become a loving and devoted grandfather, and got to watch him be the father that Daphne had needed, in the absence of her own. It had surprised her when, over time, she and Deacon actually became friends. Perhaps they would never be best friends, but she learned to genuinely like him and enjoy his company, and she believed he felt the same about her.

She was happy she'd come home and happy she'd had all the years she had with her family. She and Bucky had tried to reignite the passion they'd once had with each other, but while it was pleasant and comfortable, it really never was the same. When he retired from Highway 65, he had moved to Florida and then she'd heard, a couple years later, that he'd passed away from heart failure. She'd been sad to lose him in her life, even more so now that Deacon and Rayna were gone as well.

"Aunt Tandy?" She opened her eyes and looked into Daphne's worried face. "Are you okay?"

Tandy blinked and then she smiled. She reached out and patted Daphne's hand. "Of course. I was just thinking about your mother," she said.

Daphne slid in next to her. "Are you sure?" She still looked concerned.

Tandy frowned then. "Oh, for heaven's sake. Old people nod off every once in a while. No need to worry." She smiled then. "You really don't need to worry, sweetheart. I promise."

Daphne breathed out. "Okay then," she said. "Just let me know if you need anything." She hesitated just a moment and then stood back up.

Tandy looked up at her. "I'll be fine," she said. "Thanks for checking on me though." She watched Daphne walk back over to Maddie. You raised good girls, Rayna. They certainly are your legacy. Just then, Teddy walked up and sat down next to her. She slid her arm through his and they sat together in companionable silence as they waited for the service to start.


Tandy walked slowly up to the pulpit. Lily had started to help her, but she had frowned and waved her off. She might be eighty-six years old, but she was still able to get around without a problem. She looked out over the full church, which brought tears to her eyes and caused her to breathe in deeply. She took a moment to unfold her paper and smooth out the creases, buying herself a little time. When she had regained her composure, she smiled sadly. "Rayna Jaymes was always the star in our family and not just because she was a giant in the music industry," she started.

She cleared her throat then, feeling her emotions well up again. "Rayna never did anything by half – she dreamed big and she loved the same way. She fought for her dreams and she fought for love. She succeeded as an artist and as an executive and has a wonderful legacy to show for it at Highway 65. Her dream was to be a mom and have a family, even though she had a busy life that wasn't always conducive for that. She had two daughters, Maddie and Daphne, whom she loved beyond measure. She was so proud of both of them" – she smiled at Maddie and Daphne – "and she succeeded in having the family she so wanted. She was a loving grandmother to Daisy and Lily and Michael and was proud of all three of them. But most importantly, she finally succeeded in having the life she always wanted with the love of her life."

She looked down at the casket sitting at the front of the church and swallowed over the sudden lump in her throat. She was determined not to cry, at least not here. "Love and family were the most important things to my sister. She was just twelve when we lost our mom and I think she lost a lot of her sense of family then. She was always trying to find that again, first with Deacon, then with Teddy, and finally with Deacon again. She wanted her daughters to have the kind of family life we didn't have and I think she mostly succeeded at that. She wished, more than anything, for Maddie and Daphne to have that kind of love and family for themselves. And they do – Maddie with Daniel and Daphne with Nick." She glanced over at Nick then, hoping he understood her message. "Love and family – that's her true legacy."

She paused for a moment. "The scripture we heard today, I believe, speaks to how Rayna was feeling at this point in her life. She had gone twelve years without her husband and she was weary. The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. If you believe in God and heaven – and I do – then you know, like I do, that Deacon was waiting for her and that they are together for eternity – the way they always planned. So while we here on earth may be sad at losing her, she has eternal joy. She is no longer weak and no longer weary." She took a deep breath. "My sister is soaring with the eagles. Godspeed on your journey, Rayna." She choked on the final words and willed the tears away as she looked out over the crowd gathered that day. Farewell, my beautiful sister. I will carry you in my heart always.


Tandy walked into the den at Maddie's house. It was mostly just family and very close friends. She stood at the door and looked around, thinking about how Rayna would have loved this type of gathering. Maddie and Daniel were talking to Juliette and Avery. Cadence was holding court with Daisy and Lily, while their husbands huddled close to the television, watching a muted football game. She smiled as she watched Daphne, Teddy, and Michael sitting in one of the small conversation areas that were the hallmarks of Maddie and Daniel's entertaining style. Daphne and Teddy were listening as Michael was animatedly telling them some story.

Then her eyes lit on Nick, over by the French doors that led out to the courtyard, talking into his phone, waving his free hand wildly. She watched for a moment, frowning, and then she walked over to him, just as he finished the call. She smiled and slid her arm through his. "Hey, Nick," she said congenially. "What are you doing over here all by yourself?"

He gave her one of his most charming smiles, which would have annoyed her if she hadn't seen that it was genuine. She had adored him almost as much as Rayna had. "Just waiting for you, Tandy," he said. He took a deep breath. "I can't believe Rayna's gone," he said.

She nodded. "I know. I've been able to sort of put it out of my head the last couple days, with everything going on. But now that we have to go back to living, I know I'm going to miss her terribly." She smiled up at him. "You know who else is going to have a hard time?" He raised his eyebrows. "Your wife."

"Yes, I know. I think it already is hard on her."

She gave him a knowing look. "She's really going to need you, Nick. She always tries to be strong, just like her mama always did, but she needs someone to lean on." She raised her eyebrows and decided to just say what was on her mind. "Whatever got you two off the rails, you need to fix it. Be there for her." She slid her arm back out and took a step back. "Okay?"

She could see a flicker of pain in his eyes and she hoped he took her words to heart. He just nodded without saying a word and she gave him one more look and then turned and walked away.

A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews. Much appreciated.