"But he's so much older than her." Deacon argued.

"I know, I know, babe. But I mean, she's right, I was just about her age when I met you and we know how trying to keep us apart worked out for my daddy." Rayna countered.

They were driving around Nashville together, running a few errands here and there, simply enjoying the day. He had his hand in hers resting on the console between them, the radio playing in the background. They'd been discussing song ideas for their album, Scarlett and Gunnar's video, and had finally moved onto Maddie's new relationship with Clay.

"She's always gonna use that one on us huh? Oh mom was my age when she started, mom was my age when she met you…..I swear that girl is way too smart for her own good." Deacon replied exasperated.

Rayna laughed, "You're right about that one. She already got the whole sneaking out to shows and running away to start her music career down so I guess we really should've seen this one coming," she joked with him.

"Ughhh!" Deacon grunted, "And of course he's got his own set of problems too. I mean he's bipolar and not treating it with medication. That worries me."

"I'm right there with you, hon. But we learned that we can't lock her up to protect her from the world. She's gonna have to go out there and get hurt and we'll be there waiting to pick her up again."

"You always know the right thing to say, Ray."

"I knew you kept me around for something!"

"Next up, we got the hit single from last year "Ball and Chain" with former power couple Rayna Jaymes and Luke Wheeler here on Country Countdown"

Rayna slightly winced at the announcement coming out of the stereo and reached her hand out to change the station.

"Oh just leave it, Rayna."

"C'mon I know you don't wanna hear this, hell I don't even wanna hear it."

"Hey, it's a good song. After all, Scarlett and Gunnar wrote it."

"IT'S SO COMPLICATED, IT'S DRIVING ME INSANE, IT'S JUST A BALL AND CHAIN!" Deacon belted out, doing his best to lower his voice and exaggerate his southern accent.

Rayna was caught in a fit of laughter as he continued his solo.

"Your turn now, Ray!"

She sighed and gave into his fun,

"All those little games you play babe

used to be fun

Baby we were flying higher

close to the sun

But you're tearing me apart now

All the good is gone

There's a shadow hanging over us

What was right is wrong"

Then he jumped in and they sang the last chorus together.

"You're crazy, Deacon Claybourne. And for what's it worth, I'd take our duets over this any day."

"Doesn't matter to me, Ray, as long as I'm singing with you."

"Well, I'm your ball and chain now, so I guess you're stuck with me," she said with a wink.