"How are you feeling today, babe?" Rayna sleepily asked as the morning sun brightened their bedroom waking them on Maddie's wedding day
"If I get another 22 years of waking up with your head on my chest, I'll be a happy guy." He smiled and gently kissed her forehead
"Are you ready for today?"
"I don't think any father is ever really ready to give his little girl away." He sighed
"She's happy, Deacon. That's all that really matters, isn't it?"
"I guess."
"Don't you feel a little better about everything now that we've talked to the Wheelers and kinda cleared the air a little?"
"Oh is that what we did last night?"
"I thought so. Does Luke still bother you after all this time, Deacon?"
"I dunno, Ray. Not like he used to. I just…seein him again kinda got me thinkin. What if you'd chosen him all those years ago? You wouldn't be stuck waitin for a liver with me now."
"Deacon, STOP IT! Please…I don't have any regrets about choosing YOU! It's Maddie's wedding day. Can we just not think about cancer or liver transplants today?"
"I'm sorry, baby. I just…nothin! You're right. We've got big day. Guess we should probably get up, huh?"
"Well…we could lay here a little longer." She smiled running her fingers through his chest hair and planting kisses on his neck
"That all you wanna do, lay here?" he smirked and quickly rolled on top of Rayna
"You don't want me to do this?" he asked gently planting kissed along Rayna's neck line
"How bout this?" he smirked as he moved down and gently kissed her stomach sending shivers up her spine as his scruff brushed her bare right hip
"I guess we could do a little more than lay here." Rayna laughed as Deacon slowly kissed his way back up to her lips for a slow, deep, passionate kiss as he gently inserted himself
"You're gettin pretty good at this multi-tasking, babe."
"Only took me 24 years to perfect my technique." He laughed and deepened the gentle thrusts while nibbling her right earlobe
"Not too bad for a sick, old man, huh?" he asked as he finished making sweet, gentle love to Rayna and rolled back to his own pillow with her head on his chest
"You're not old. You're perfect. …and you're gonna be fine." She tried to hide the tears that were threatening
"I'm gonna take a shower and start getting ready for the wedding" she said quickly pulling away from Deacon's embrace to hide her emotions, feeling a break down coming
"Hey…can I join you?" Deacon asked as he slipped into the shower with Rayna, after giving her a few minutes. He knew she cried alone in the shower every morning since his cancer diagnosis.
"Deacon…I…really need….I'm meeting Maddie and the girls in a little bit to get our hair and nails done for the wedding….I…." she couldn't hide her emotions anymore. She collapsed into Deacon's arms sobbing as he held her tight.
"Shhhhh…it's OK. I shouldn't have asked you not to cry around me. I know this whole cancer thing is just as hard on you and the kids as it is on me. You need to get your feelings out and express things however is best for you and….." he swallowed a lump trying not to break down himself as he held his sobbing wife
"Come on…our little girls getting married in a few hours. You got a lot more cryin to do later when she walks down that isle." He smiled and held Rayna's chin in his hand forcing her to meet his gaze
"Feel a little better now that we got that out?" he asked after several minutes of breaking down in each other's arms as the hot water cascaded over them
"No…I can't lose you, Deacon. I can't…I don't think I can go on if…" she broke down again as he held her as tight as he could
"I'm here now, OK? I wish like hell I could promise you I'll beat this thing, but I can't, baby. All I can do is make the best of today and pray we get a tomorrow."
"Dad…is that you in the shower?" Mason asked popping his head into the steamy bathroom
"uuhhh….yeah, Mace. What do ya need?" Deacon asked trying not to sound like he'd been crying
"Are you OK? You sound funny."
"I'm fine, Mace. What is it you want?" Deacon asked again
"I just need some help with my tux."
"OK, give me 10-15 minutes, alright? I'll be out to help."
"Where's mom?"
"I'm here too, Mace. We'll be right out. Can you just give us a little bit, here?" Rayna asked getting irritated
"Ohhhh…sorry." Mason quickly closed the door
"Well, that was awkward. Thought we were past the bathroom interruption years with the kids." Deacon laughed as he helped Rayna out and wrapped her in a plush towel and a hug
"No more cancer talk today, OK?" he said pulling away from the hug to brush her cheek
"OK…I love you, Deacon…a little more everyday."
"Me too, baby."
"Can you handle tux detail with Mason, Gunnar, and Clay?" Rayna asked as she grabbed her purse and garment bag to head out with Maddie to get their hair, makeup, and nails done for the wedding
"Yeah, I got it, Ray." Deacon assured her as he buttoned his crisp white dress shirt
"OK, see you in a couple hours at Cedarwood. Bye, babe. Love you." Rayna said as she rushed for the door
"Love you too. Relax, Ray. Deep breaths." He smirked watching Rayna get all nervous and worked up over the wedding preparations
"OK, what was so important you had to interrupt my morning shower?" Deacon asked turning to Mason
"I can't get this bow tie right, dad?"
"…since when do you care if your tie is straight?" Deacon laughed as he fixed Mason's collar and tie
"I dunno…I just wanna look good today, I guess."
"Oh you do, huh? This wouldn't have anything to do with Sage Wheeler, would it?" Deacon asked with a smirk on his face
"Dad!" Mason whined embarrassed
"haha…Look…it's OK. You obviously like each other after that make out incident last night. So…she you're date for the reception, or what?"
"Kinda." Mason admitted looking away
"Glad to see you're venturing out there again…and Sage is a nice girl…aside from the Wheeler part. Besides, the look on Luke's face when he saw you kissing his daughter was priceless." Deacon was laughing now
"So, you're OK with me dating Sage?" Mason asked
"Mason, if you like her, and she makes you happy…Yes, I'm fine with you dating Sage. It's just kinda the icing on the cake that it irks Luke Wheeler." He laughed again
"C'mere…you clean up pretty damn good, kid. Sage has one hell of a handsome date." Deacon said as he straightened Mason's lapels and looked him over
"Thanks, dad."
"Here. Why don't you drive us over to get Gunnar and Clay and then out to Cedarwood." Deacon handed Mason his truck keys
"Are you OK, dad? I didn't think you'd ever let me touch your truck again after…"
"I'm fine, just a little light headed. Don't tell your mother, OK. I don't want her to worry today."
Deacon took a deep breath as he approached the bride's dressing room at Cedarwood.
"Come in!" he heard Rayna say as he knocked
Maddie turned from the mirror to face him as he walked in. His eyes immediately filled with tears as he saw Maddie in her wedding dress for the first time.
"You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen, baby girl!"
"Ahem…" Rayna cleared her throat from the corner
"Next to your mother on our wedding day, of course." He tried to smile as Rayna wrapped her arms around him
"…and you are amazingly handsome in that tux." Rayna said on her way out of the bride's room to take her seat with the other wedding guests, leaving Deacon to walk Maddie down the aisle.
"You're absolutely glowing today, Maddie. I'm happy for you, sweetheart. Colt's a good kid. You're gonna have a great life together." Deacon said tearing up again after Rayna left
"Don't cry, dad. You're gonna make me cry again and ruin my makeup." Maddie tried to smile watching Deacon tear up
"I'm sorry, baby. Emotional day!" He swallowed the lump in his throat and took Maddie's arm as the music began
"This is it. You ready?" He asked as the doors opened to a few hundred guests watching them
Colt's face lit up as he got a good look at Maddie in her wedding dress for the first time. Deacon was having a hard time controlling his emotions as he let go of Maddie near the alter.
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" The minister asked as Deacon and Maddie reached Colt waiting at the alter.
"I do." Deacon responded and quickly took his seat with Rayna.
Rayna could tell Deacon was struggling. She squeezed his hand and smiled as Maddie and Colt began their vows.
"…and you thought I was gonna be the emotional one." Rayna quietly whispered in his ear
"Shut up!" he finally cracked a smile towards the end of the ceremony
After 45 minutes of pictures, Deacon and Rayna were finally seated across from Luke and Stephanie in the Cedarwood reception hall, just in time for the bride and groom's big entrance.
"For the first time ever…Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Colton Lucas Wheeler." The band leader announced as Maddie and Colt made their big entrance to around 300 applauding guests
The guests immediately began tapping their water glasses signaling the new couple to kiss each time. The caterers were quickly buzzing around the room filling drinks and preparing for the salad delivery. The champagne glasses were being filled to get ready for the toasts and speeches.
"I guess I'll start the speech portion of the evening off." Deacon announced standing with his champagne glass.
"I don't think any father is really ever ready to hear that his little girl has met "the one." It's kinda funny as your daughter starts dating. You get the endless barrage of boyfriends through the years. The ones you secretly like cause you know there's no way in hell it's ever gonna last. Yeah…I see a lot of you fathers out there nodding yes.
…but, inevitably the day comes when she brings "him" home. Yeah, THAT "him." You know you're screwed when you see your little girls face light up when she talks about "him." She's gone more and more…undoubtedly out with "him."
A year passes and they're still dating. At this point you grudgingly accept that this "him" isn't going anywhere. Next thing you know you're payin for a weddin.
Well, I'm there, and Colt is Maddie's "him." My little girl is a married woman now. I have a new son in law, and I only want the best for both of them. I see the same light and love in their eyes tonight that I saw 22 years ago when I married Rayna.
It hasn't always been easy, but 22 years in, I can honestly say it's been worth it. So, my advice to them tonight…Never stay angry for long. Life is too short. Always try to show patience, compassion, and try to see it from their point of view. Whatever goes wrong, no matter how wrong, or how big the mistake might have been "forgive."
"I love you, baby girl. I have a song I wrote just for tonight. I'd like to play that now." Deacon had tears in his eyes as he finished his speech and a band member handed him his Martin
"Colt..welcome to the family, but always remember "I loved her first"
Lyrics by Heartland:
Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love your alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way
But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it still hard to give her away
I loved her first
How could that beautiful women with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time
But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But its still hard to give her away
I loved her first
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first
"That was beautiful, Deacon. Just when I think I can't possibly love you anymore you amaze me again." Rayna was beaming with love and a teary eyed smile as Deacon reclaimed his seat at their table.
"That was nice, Deke. Not sure I can top that, but guess I'm up." Luke squeezed Deacon's shoulder as he stood to make his speech to the happy new couple
"Ahhh…well, I haven't had to give a daughter away yet, but I feel like I gained one tonight. Maddie is a beautiful, talented young woman. My son Colt is a lucky guy to have married such an amazing person.
Seems like just yesterday I was holding my new baby boy at the hospital. Next thing I knew I was gettin angry calls about broken windows from neighbors through the baseball years.
16 years was gone in the blink of an eye. I'll never forget the first dent, Colt put in my brand new Lincoln Navigator. He was afraid to come home that night. Called Steph from the Sonic parking lot cryin about backin into a pole.
I missed a lot with my kids. I was busy workin, tourin, makin music and money. I loved life on the road, but a life changing accident about 10 years ago really opened my eyes to everything I was missin at home.
So my advice to the happy new couple tonight is while the music business is fun and non-stop, every once in a while…slow down, take stock of what you have, the special people in your life. Make sure they know you care. Be there for the special occasions.
Success is a powerful thing, but don't let it go to your head. Remember what you have waitin at home. That's what really matter in the big scheme of things.
I've heard these two sing together and I have no doubt they're destined for greatness in the country music business, and I couldn't be prouder.
I wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and lots of grandbabies for me to spoil." Luke took his seat and draped an arm around Stephanie.
Dinner was served as everyone laughed and chatted. Maddie and Colt smeared cake all over each other followed by a kiss as the happy couple returned to their table.
Maddie had asked Deacon to sing the same song he wrote and sang for Rayna on their wedding night as her and Colt's first dance song.
"I wrote this one 22 years ago for one of the most special nights of my life. Performed it for the first time for my lovely new bride as we opened for Mr. George Strait in 1992. It's an honor to sing it for my baby girl and Colt tonight." Deacon said as he started the intro watching Maddie and Colt on the dance floor.
"I Do (Cherish You)" Mark Wills
All I am, all I'll be
Everything in this world, all that I'll ever need
Is in your eyes, shining at me
When you smile I can feel,all my passion unfolding
Your hand brushes mine
And a thousand sensations seduce me 'cause I,
I do, cherish you
For the rest of my life
you don't have to think twice
I will, love you still
From the depths of my soul, it's beyond my control
I've waited so long to say this to you
If you're asking do I love you this much
I do
In my world, before you
I lived outside my emotions, didn't know where I was going
'til that day, I found you
how you opened my life to a new paradise
In a world torn by change
Still with all of my heart until my dying day
I do, cherish you
For the rest of my life
you don't have to think twice
I will, love you still
From the depths of my soul, it's beyond my control
I've waited so long to say this to you
If you're asking do I love you this much
I do
If you're asking do I love you this much
I do, oh, I do
Deacon finished the song and joined Maddie on the dance floor for the father / daughter dance. As he cut in and took Maddie from Colt, the band broke into a familiar tune. One Maddie often requested at bedtime as a little girl, and one Deacon could never say no to singing for her. His eyes misted over again as the band began.
"Butterfly Kisses" Bob Carlisle
There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
and I thank god for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning And butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember...
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy,
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right
to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said
"I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over
Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses...
"I love you so much, dad. Thanks for everything tonight." Maddie teared up a little as she hugged Deacon and kissed his cheek
"I love you too, sweet girl. You make a beautiful bride. Colt's a hell of a lucky guy." Deacon smiled as he let Maddie go back to the wedding party table
Rayna was in his arms on the dance floor before he realized it, as he watched Maddie go back to Colt at her table beaming as she fell into his arms for another kiss.
"You doin OK, babe?" Rayna whispered as Deacon pulled her close
"I'm great, baby. You're right. You were always right. She's happy. I'm glad she has Colt. She's gonna need him." Deacon sadly said feeling guilty about keeping his cancer diagnosis from Maddie.
"We'll tell her soon. Letting her have this day without any worries was the right thing to do. She'll understand." Rayna assured him as the parents dance began.
Luke and Stephanie joined Deacon and Rayna on the dance floor as the parents dance began.
When I said I do – Clint Black
These times are troubled and these times are good
And they're always gonna be, they rise and they fall
We take 'em all the way that we should
Together you and me forsaking them all
Deep in the night and by the light of day
It always looks the same, true love always does
And here by your side, or a million miles away
Nothin's ever gonna change the way that I feel,
The way it is, is the way that it was
When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That's what I had in mind when I said I do
Well this old world keeps changin', and the world stays the same
For all who came before, and it goes hand and hand
Only you and I can undo all that we became
That makes us so much more, than a woman and a man
And after everything that comes and goes around
Has only passed us by, here alone in our dreams
I know there's a lonely heart in every lost and found
But forever you and I will be the ones
Who found out what forever means
When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That's what I had in mind when I said I do
Truer than true, you know that I'll always be there for you
That's what I had in mind, that's what I had in mind,
When I said I do
The night came to an end. Birdseed littered the ground as Maddie and Colt were whisked away by limo towards downtown for a night in the Omni Hotel's honeymoon suite. They were flying to Paris for a week the next morning.
"You ready to go home?" Deacon asked as Rayna sniffed on his shoulder watching the limo carrying her little girl disappear into the dark.
"Yeah, it's been a good night. Where's Mason?" Rayna asked as the crowd dissipated towards the parking lot.
"My guess would be somewhere dark with Sage Wheeler." Deacon smirked watching Luke and Stephanie scan the crowd for an also missing Sage
"You're finding this whole Mason / Sage relationship pretty amusing, aren't you?" Rayna asked playfully smacking Deacon
"Hell yeah! The look on Luke's face last night when they were makin out couldn't have been better." Deacon laughed
"Yeah Luke seemed less than thrilled tonight watching them on the dance floor all touchy feely too."
"I must've missed that…dammit!" Deacon smiled and wrapped an arm around Rayna as they walked back towards the reception hall for Rayna's things and to find Mason
Deacon called Mason's cell number as Rayna gathered her purse and other things from the bridal dressing room.
"Hey, where's my chauffer? Mom and I are ready to go, and you still got my keys." Deacon said as Mason answered
"Down by the lake." Mason answered
"…with Sage?" Deacon asked
"Yeah, Dad. Can I go to the movies with her tomorrow afternoon?" Mason asked
"uuhhh….I dunno, Mace. You're on probation. We'll talk about it, OK?"
"…but, Dad! I've been good. Please?" Mason begged
"I didn't say no. We just need to talk about it with mom, and probably the Wheelers, alright? I'm tired and ready to go. Kiss her goodnight, and meet me at the truck in 5 minutes, OK?" Deacon asked
"Did you find Mason?" Rayna asked as Deacon helped take some bags from her
"Yeah, he'll meet us at the truck."
"Sage?" Rayna asked
"uh huh…I think we have another budding Wheeler / Claybourne relationship." Deacon just laughed seeing Luke on his own cell phone with a scowl on his face across the room. No doubt talking to Sage.
"You are just way too amused by this, Deacon." Rayna smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek as they made their way to the truck