"I think I'm gonna head to bed, Scar. I'm just so damn tired lately." Deacon said kissing her forehead and patting Clay's soft hair as she fed him on the couch
Mason had been sulking in his room since Deacon picked him up from school. He'd forced Mason to get a haircut. Sol Jacobs, Mason's attorney had suggested it for his appearance in front of the judge tomorrow. Mason was none too pleased, but didn't give Deacon as much crap about it as he'd thought he might.
Rayna had gone to Tandy's for her girl's night. She'd said she would most likely just spend the night at her sister's. Deacon missed her already, and wasn't looking forward to a night alone in their bed. Holding her gave him some comfort and helped him sleep, but he knew she needed some time alone with Tandy.
Deacon knew Rayna better than anyone else. He knew she was trying to stay positive for him. He knew she was doing her best to keep it together, but it had been a rough week between Mason's trouble and now Deacon's cancer diagnosis. She was showing signs of cracking, and he felt horrible for being such a burden to her.
"OK, night, Dad. Are you OK? Do you need anything?" Scarlett asked worried
"No, Scar. I'm just tired, OK? You don't have to worry and cater to my every whim just cause I'm sick." Deacon irritatedly snapped
"I'm sorry. I'm just worried. I don't wanna lose you." Scarlett said as tears threatened, instantly making him feel guilty for snapping at her.
"I know, and I appreciate it. I appreciate you gettin tested today….I appreciate everyone tryin to help and be supportive, but sometimes it's just a little overwhelming." He said quickly leaving the room. Not in the mood for another emotional family moment. It seemed that's all anyone wanted to do the past couple days was cry around him.
He paused briefly at the bottom of the stairs wondering if he should go up and say goodnight to Mason, but decided against it. He could hear Mason lightly strumming his electric bass guitar.
"At least he's being respectful of everyone else in the house, and kept the amp off." Deacon thought as he padded down the hall to his own bedroom
He drifted into a restless sleep holding Rayna's pillow. Her shampoo and perfume were heavy in the room. She'd taken a long shower and gotten ready for her night out just a few hours earlier. He'd felt like begging her to stay as she dressed and got ready, but he knew she would if he asked. He didn't want to ruin her night out so he'd playfully whined instead, kissing the back of her neck as she applied her makeup at the vanity.
"Do you want me to stay home?" she'd asked as he nibbled the nape of her neck driving her crazy
"No, sweetie. You need this time away. I just want you to miss me." He laughed and continued to nibble
"I already miss you, and I haven't even made it out of the bathroom yet." She'd said spinning the vanity chair to face him for a long, slow, passionate kiss in his arms
"You know what? I'm just gonna call Tandy and cancel." She'd said pulling away from the kiss
"No, Ray…GO! I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone to get ready."
The phone rang on the nightstand startling Deacon from a deep sleep. He groggily glanced at the clock as he fumbled with the phone in the dark. Rayna's name and number flashed on the display. It was 1:26am.
"Ray…Are you OK? It's after 1am." He sleepily answered flopping back against his pillow with the phone to his ear
"I just woke up missing you. I wanted to hear your sweet voice, babe." Rayna slurred into the phone clearly inebriated
"I miss you too, baby. Someone's a little tipsy, huh?" He laughed
"Yeah, I had a few cocktails, and then a few more…..and ….I lost track."
"Sounds like you had a good time. Did you stay at Tandy's or go out?"
"We went out for dinner, and a few drinks. I think I remember Bucky bringing us home…but I'm not home. Why am I not home?" she asked clearly confused about her whereabouts
"You said you were gonna stay at Tandy's tonight, baby." Deacon couldn't help but laugh. He hadn't seen Rayna this drunk in years.
"mmmmmmmm…..but I miss you."
"I miss you more. You want me to come get you?"
"I do. Where are you?"
"I'm at home, in our bed."
"mmmmmmmm…that sounds nice. I wanna be there too."
"Alright, baby. I'll be there in 10 minutes."
"Don't hang up. I miss you." She pleaded as Deacon quickly grabbed his keys and wallet from the nightstand
"OK, I won't hang up. I'm getting in the truck now."
"Are Tandy and Buck asleep?"
"uuummm…yeah, they ditched me on the couch a while ago. I guess I was too depressing."
"Oh, I dunno. You seem pretty amusing right now." Deacon laughed again as he pulled into Tandy's driveway
"I'm at the front door. Can you come unlock it please?"
"Hey, you came. I missed you." She said as she fell into his arms extremely tipsy
"OK, sweetie….just let me get to the alarm control box before it goes off." He said quickly entering Tandy's alarm code while holding Rayna on the other arm
"We're good. Where's your purse and shoes? You had an overnight bag too."
"I dunno…maybe upstairs in the guest room."
"Jesus, Ray! How much did you drink?" he asked holding her up
"Screw the shoes and bags. We'll get 'em tomorrow. We'll have to pick up your Escalade anyway. I'm just gonna leave Tandy a note to let her know I have you." He said scribbling a quick note to leave on Rayna's makeshift couch bed
Tandy,
Picked up Ray around 2am. No worries. We'll stop by later for her car and other things.
Deacon
"You do have me. All of me. I missed you." She incoherently mumbled as Deacon led her to the front door
"C'mere…wrap your arms around my neck. I'll carry you to the truck."
"I love you, Deacon Paul Claybourne." She whispered nibbling his ear as he carried her and sat her in the passenger seat
"Am I in trouble? You're calling me by my full name." he laughed as he closed the door and came around to the driver's side
"Am I in trouble?" she asked repeating his words
"No, baby. You're just really drunk, but adorable as hell." He laughed again as he drove home
"Home sweet home with you. This is where I want to be. I love you." She mumbled again as Deacon carried her to their bed
"I love you too, Ray. Let's get you undressed and into your night gown
"Youuuuu just want me naked." She smirked
"Ya got me. I just wanted you naked." He smiled as he tried to slip her nightgown over her head
"Now that I'm naked….make love to me, Deacon?" she pleaded pulling him to her nibbling his ears again
"I don't think you're in any condition to….."
"Pleeeease, babe….make love to me right now? I need you…." She continued to beg
"OK…" he agreed and slipped under the sheets
"You're about 90 proof, baby. I'm gettin a buzz from kissin you." He smirked and deepened the kisses. He slowly dotted gentle kisses down her chest and stomach. He was just about to slip her panties off when she started snoring. She'd passed out.
"Night, Ray. I love you." He whispered gently kissing her forehead as he flopped back to his own side of the bed smiling
Drunk or not, he felt better having her beside him for the rest of the night. His mind wandered to the end of their rough years as he watched her sleep. He laughed knowing she'd be mortified if she knew she was snoring. He'd forgotten how adorable she was when she was drinking. He hadn't touched alcohol in 15 years. Rayna only drank socially, rarely keeping alcohol in the house.
Deacon had sworn off drinking entirely when Rayna cancelled the tour with Luke and chose her marriage. He knew he needed to make some changes too. He'd gone back to rehab for 3 weeks, a 21 day program. They'd gone through a couple years of marriage counseling to learn better ways to communicate. Deacon's career had skyrocketed once he'd officially gone solo and started touring. His focus was music and his family. Sadly the demands of the business forced it in that order and he'd missed a lot with Mason. Rayna had missed a lot with Maddie the years Deacon did the stay at home dad thing while she toured.
Rayna had been released from the Wine and Moonshine tour with Luke Wheeler, but still faced a couple years of court battles and a multi-million dollar settlement with Edgehill to keep all the rights and masters of her music. She'd won, but had to pay 20 million to gain all of her masters and terminate Edgehill's rights to everything she did while under contract with them. It cost Deacon most of what he made in his first solo year, but giving Rayna her dream to start HighWay 65 made every cent worth it the day they cut the ribbon on the office doors. He'd only seen Rayna so happy a couple other times. The day they married the first time and the day Maddie was born.
His eyes welled with tears as he thought about their life together and how far they'd come as a couple. He'd come soo close to losing her several times before they married and he'd almost blown it a few times after. Somehow they'd managed to stay together through the best and the worst times. He loved her more now than he ever thought possible. Thinking about not being there in six short months completely overwhelmed him as he watched Rayna sleep. He found himself sobbing uncontrollably.
He had the love of his life, his best friend, a love most people never experience. He knew in that moment watching her, he had to survive this cancer somehow. Leaving Rayna wasn't an option. 24 years together wasn't nearly long enough. Deacon wanted the retirement he'd dreamed of with Rayna. He wanted holidays at the cabin with his kids and grandkids. He wanted to see Maddie's baby, Mason graduate from high school, Clay's first words and steps.
"I'm not goin anywhere, Ray." He whispered in the dark through tears and pulled her close.
"I love you so damn much. I can't leave you. Not like this." He drifted into a deep sleep holding her tight
"I love you too, Deacon." She mumbled and wrapped her arms around him
They were still completely entangled together as the sun streamed in. It took Deacon a few minutes to free himself. Mason was at the bedroom door.
"Dad…dad…." Mason quietly whispered trying not to wake Rayna
"What, bud? Are you OK?" Deacon asked slipping out of bed
"I need your help. Which suit should I wear to court?"
"How about the dark blue one, with a crisp white shirt, and dark tie." Deacon suggested from the two Mason held up
"What are you doin up so early? Courts not till 9:45. It's barely 7." Deacon asked sleepily rubbing his eyes
"I'm nervous and scared. What's gonna happen? Can they send me away?" Mason asked clearly scared to death
"C'mon…Let me make you a good breakfast to get on the right track today." Deacon said leading Mason to the kitchen
"I dunno what's gonna happen today, Mace. Sol is a good lawyer. He got me and Vince outta some messes I never thought possible and he's gonne do the same for you. You just gotta trust him and do what he says, OK?" Deacon said as he got eggs and bacon from the fridge
"OK, but…" Mason was shaking and almost in tears
"Hey…hey…look at me. Mom and I are here for you no matter what happens, OK? I promise we're gonna get you through this. You made some mistakes, but you're young and it's not too late to fix this. C'mon….ya gotta be strong today and just be honest. Answer the questions they ask. Be polite and respectable with the judge, alright? I'll be right beside you the whole time."
"Thanks, Dad. I'm sorry for all of this. I love you." Mason said clinging to Deacon
"I know you're sorry. It's gonna be OK. I promise. You're always gonna be my little boy. I love you too." Deacon hugged Mason tight and held him against his chest kissing the top of his head
"You're awfully handsome now that we can see your face." Deacon joked about Mason's new haircut to lighten the mood just as Rayna stumbled in clearly hung over
"You are handsome, Mace. You look so much like dad when we first met. You've always been his mini me, but without all the hair we can see those gorgeous deep blue eyes." Rayna said as she wrapped her arms around Mason
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused, mom. I love you. Thanks for helping me." Mason sobbed in Rayna's arms as Deacon finished getting breakfast ready
"I know, sweet boy. It's gonna be OK. Why don't you go freshen up a little and wash your face before breakfast." Rayna suggest kissing Mason's cheek
"aaaggggg…my head is throbbing! I need coffee." Rayna whined as Deacon poured her a cup and snickered
"Why is this so amusing?"
"Do you remember anything about last night?" he laughed
"Not much after the first bottle of wine at the restaurant. I think Bucky picked us up. Wait…How did I get home? I was on Tandy's couch." Rayna rubbed her throbbing temples
"You called me around 1:30am. I came and got you." He smirked as Rayna strained to remember anything still rubbing her temples
"I'm surprised you didn't just leave me at Tandy's if I was that drunk."
"You're so damn adorable when you're drunk. You said you missed me. I came right over." He smiled and wrapped his arms around her as the bacon sizzled on the stovetop
"agh…ya know what, babe…that greasy bacon is making me nauseous." Rayna bolted away and ran to the bathroom to puke
"Ya alright, baby?" Deacon asked kneeling next to Rayna on the floor. He gently held her hair back as she got sick again
"I'm gonna go back to bed for a little bit." Rayna said as Deacon helped her up
"I can take care of this court deal today, Ray. Why don't you just rest, baby? I'll bring you some toast and tyelenol."
"Just give me an hour. I'll be OK. I wanna be there for Mace today." She closed her eyes
Deacon finished making breakfast and ate with Mason. He left water, toast, and Tylenol on the nightstand for Rayna before getting in the shower.
Deacon and Mason were both waiting in the kitchen for Rayna as she rushed to get ready. She came out looking a little tired, but better than Deacon expected after another puking episode before getting in the shower.
"Are you sure you're up for this, Ray?" Deacon asked
"I'm fine, Deacon. Let's just go." She snapped clearly not feeling the best
"You're cuter drunk than hungover." Deacon whispered out of Mason's earshot as he helped a snippy Rayna into the truck and laughed
Mason, Deacon, Rayna, and Sol waited in the courthouse hallway after Mason talked to the judge. Things seemed to go well. The judge had called a short recess to review Mason's case. He said he'd call them back in when he'd made his decision.
They only waited about 30 minutes before being called back into the courtroom. Deacon and Sol were on either side of Mason as the judge began. Rayna sat behind them. Deacon gently squeezed Mason's shoulder in support. He knew Mason was scared.
"Mason Claybourne, would you please stand?" The judge requested
"Alright son, I've reviewed your case. I'm gonna give you a one time get outta jail free card here today. However, if I see your name come across my bench again within a year. all bets are off and the charges will be revisited.
That being said…I contacted your high school. You are to report every day for the remainder of this school year and next unless you have a written valid excuse for missing class. The truancy charge has been dropped.
As for the underage drinking and drug use, there doesn't seem to be a pattern or addiction issue. I'm simply going to order outpatient counseling for drug and alcohol abuse. However, again if I see your name on my docket you'll go right to a mandatory rehab center for no less than 21 days.
As far as grand theft auto, you weren't driving at the time of the accident. Even if you had been it's considered more joyriding since it was your parent's car. Any future trouble there…you won't see your driver's license until you're 18.
I understand there was a reported phone call to the Nashville police department about you missing late one night. Since it seems to be a one time deal, I'm only gonna order a mandatory 9pm curfew for a period of 3 months unless you're with a parent or someone designated by them.
I'm gonna order that you stay away from your partner in crime, Kiera Johnson for a period of one year. That means all contact. No phone, no text, no social media, no in person. She's been ordered to stay away from you also. Any violation, she could face some serious charges seeing as she's 18 and you are still a minor.
Any question?"
"No sir." Mason responded
"Alright, I'm gonna designate a court appointed juvenile officer to monitor you over the probationary period of one year. You'll report a minimum of once per week to the officer. They will have access to your social media accounts, your phone, any devices used for internet that you have access to. They'll work with your high school to make sure attendance is kept in line with my order.
They'll also monitor your outpatient counseling for drug and alcohol use. They also have the right to test you at any time for substance use. I don't feel a tracking device is required at this time. You seem to have involved, caring parents, but if your whereabouts become an issue I will impose one.
Mr. Claybourne you are free to leave with your parents. The bailiff has your paperwork."
"Thank you, sir." Mason politely said
"How about a quick picture of my handsome guys? It's not often I get you both in suits and ties." Rayna asked as they arrived home
"Ahh, hell, Ray…you're gonna get us both in tuxes next weekend for Maddie's weddin. We'll be in picture hell that day, I'm sure." Deacon grumbled as Rayna snapped a few quick phone pictures
"Alright, go change. I'll make lunch." Rayna smiled
"You've been quiet since we left the courthouse, Mace. Everything OK? I think it went pretty well." Deacon asked as they sat down for lunch
"Yeah, I'm OK. Am I still in trouble at home?" Mason asked curiously
"No, I'll give you back your phone and laptop. Follow the judge's orders. The only thing I'm gonna ask is for some time at the cabin together both for fun and punishment. I need some help with chores and winter clean up. We'll start this weekend, OK?"
"OK, Dad."
"You wanna go, Ray? I missed you last night before you called. I don't wanna be away from you all weekend. I need my dietician and exercise coach to keep me honest." He smirked
"I'd like that, Deacon. We haven't been to the cabin as a family in quite a while. I was thinking maybe fourth of July we could have a family gathering there. Maddie and Colt will be back from their honeymoon a few days before the 4th. Gunnar will still be home on break from touring. Clay hasn't been to the cabin yet." Rayna suggested
"OK, yeah, that's a great idea, baby. We'll plan a party for the 4th at the cabin."