Rayna stands out in the hall outside of her daughter's hospital room. The doctor wants to fill her in on everything, without alarming Maddie. After making sure that the door is completely shut, the doctor turns to Rayna and starts to talk to her about Maddie's condition.
"So when will she be able to go home?" Rayna asks, hoping that they will be able to leave sooner rather than later.
"I'm sorry Miss Jaymes but we'd really like to keep her here for a few more days. She seems to be doing a lot better but since the test results were inconclusive we need to monitor her to make sure everything is back to normal," the doctor explains.
Rayna sighs. She looks through the window at her daughter and sees her smiling brightly at Deacon. They are chatting happily together, enjoying each other's company. She wishes that they didn't have to have these bonding moments in the hospital. She wants them to get a chance to build their relationship as father and daughter in a friendlier environment.
"Okay, thank you," she replies, trying to act grateful towards the doctor.
She is disheartened by the news but she always strives to keep her emotions in check when she is in public. In all honesty, it upsets her that they have been unable to figure out what is wrong with Maddie. Her daughter's health is at stake and she feels like the doctors have failed them. On the bright side, Maddie has not shown any symptoms in over twenty-four hours and she is acting like her old self again. Rayna tries to think optimistically but she is extremely worried. She takes a deep breath, attempting to gather herself together. When she feels like she is ready, Rayna turns and reenters her daughter's hospital room. Deacon and Maddie look up at her and smile brightly. She smiles in return as she walks towards them. She sits in the chair next to Deacon and immediately reaches for his hand, while using her other hand to feel Maddie's forehead in traditional motherly fashion.
"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Rayna asks in concern.
"I'm feeling great, Mom. When are they gonna let me out of here?" she replies.
Rayna tries to appear cheerful as she tells her daughter the news.
"They want to keep you here for a few more days, babe. They want to make sure that you're doin better before they let you go home," she responds.
Her heart aches as she watches her daughter's face fall in disappointment. She wishes that she could do more but she feels like she is helpless in this situation.
"Oh... I want to go home now. I want to spend time with you guys while you have a break from the tour," Maddie says sadly.
"We won't leave your side, sweetheart," Rayna tells her.
Rayna's response seems to calm Maddie slightly because she knows that they have been here for her every minute since they returned to Nashville.
"And maybe when you're feeling better, we can fly you out so you and your sister can spend some time on tour with us," she adds.
Maddie likes the idea. She loves being on tour with her mother and getting a chance to see Juliette Barnes. It is her dream to have her own tour one day and to be a famous musician.
A moment later, Deacon excuses himself, saying that he needs to use the restroom. Rayna watches him as he walks out the door. She doesn't like being away from him at a time like this but she knows that he won't be gone for long. She returns her attention to her daughter, stroking Maddie's hair softly. They sit together in comfortable silence. After about fifteen minutes, Rayna realizes that Deacon still hasn't returned.
"Do ya think Deacon got lost?" she asks her daughter jokingly.
Maddie laughs.
"Maybe he fell in the toilet," Maddie replies.
The two girls are suddenly hit with a fit of the giggles at the thought. When Deacon walks into the room a few minutes later, they burst out laughing again. Deacon smiles. He is happy to see that the girls are enjoying themselves. He loves that they are laughing.
"What's so funny?" he questions.
His question only makes them laugh harder. Deacon shakes his head at them, pretending that he thinks they are being silly. In reality, the sound of their laughter warms his heart. When Rayna finally composes herself, she notices that he has been holding his hands behind his back the whole time he has been in the room.
"What's that you've got behind your back?" she asks him curiously.
"Just a little something I got for my two favorite girls," he replies.
They look at him expectantly, wondering what he is hiding. Deacon smiles as he pulls the gifts out from behind his back. He hands Rayna a Hershey's bar and a beautiful bouquet of flowers and gives Maddie an adorable teddy bear and some chocolates. He loves the way that their faces light up at the gesture.
"Thanks, Deacon! You're the best," Maddie responds enthusiastically.
Deacon is happy that Maddie seems to like her gifts. He knows that she is upset about being in the hospital for so long. He wants to make the experience better for her. He pulls his eyes away from his daughter and turns to look at Rayna. She looks at him with an intense gaze. He sees the gratitude and love in her eyes. He also senses the desire and passion that his gesture has ignited in her. She is so immensely grateful. She doesn't know how to thank him for all he has done during this crisis.
"Thank you, Deacon," Rayna says.
She then stands up and gives him a tight hug. She leans forward so that her mouth is next to his ear.
"I love you so much," she whispers, her voice breaking with emotion.
"I love you too, Ray," he whispers back.
They hold each other for a moment longer and then return to their chairs, focusing their attention on Maddie.