I wanted to write this chapter just to kind of show how Rayna's marriage to Deacon was so fundamentally different from her's to Teddy or Luke and after rewatching the episode where Rayna and Luke discuss a prenup, I was inspired to write this.
"So, how are you feeling? Nervous? Excited?" Tandy asked as they sat down at Rayna's kitchen counter.
"No nerves," Rayna stated firmly, "I'm only worried about the press ruining our day by finding out the details. I never felt this way before, with Teddy or Luke. I'm just so…sure. It feels so right with us, just took us awhile to figure out. But it's about damn time we did."
"I'm happy for you, Rayna," Tandy said.
"Yeah, but I don't think you're happy about it."
"I'm happy that you're happy. And that's all that matters to me, hon."
"Well, thank you. For coming out early and helping get everything ready. It means a lot that you're here."
"Of course. So, have you and Deacon figured out the papers?" Tandy asked.
"What papers?"
"For your prenup agreement. You guys have a prenup agreement, right?"
"No, Tandy. Me and Deacon do not have a prenup agreement."
"Rayna, are you kidding me? You have to be smart about this. Prenup agreements are to protect you both, to protect the girls' futures, and Highway 65, and your artists. Everything you've worked so hard for. I'm not saying you guys are going to break up, but if you did, you're putting all of that at risk."
"Tandy, this is not just anyone. This is Deacon we're talking about. You really think after all this time, everything we've put each other through, that he's in this for the money? C'mon now! Me and Deacon are not splitting up, not now and not ever."
"Rayna, you can't say that for sure. It doesn't mean you love each other any less. It just means you're being cautious and prepared. This could affect your business. And if you have such faith in your relationship, why not just do it anyways?"
"I'm going to say this once and then we are never speaking about this again. This relationship and this marriage are not some business deal. The only contract Deacon and I are entering is the contract of marriage. The only conditions we are going to be bound to is our vows. And it's about principle, about what a prenup even represents. This conversation is over."
"So, how was your day, darlin'," Deacon probed gently as they were getting ready for bed.
Rayna was sitting in front of her vanity performing her nightly moisturizing ritual. Deacon could tell something was off with her the whole night. The way she was vigorously rubbing the lotion into her skin, like it'd done something to her.
"Fine."
"You sure? Seems like something is bothering you."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because I've seen you put that bottle of lotion up and down three times by now and I'm pretty sure you've used enough of it to be wrinkle free for life. Just tell me Ray, what is it?"
"It's just something Tandy said today. She brought up a prenup agreement and we kind of got into a fight about it. I told her no way in hell we were having one and that was that."
Deacon was pretty surprised by this. He knew Tandy didn't like him or approve of him for Rayna. He understood why. She'd seen the roughest sides of him and she'd seen the hell he'd put Rayna through. But he never thought that she could possibly think he was after Rayna's money.
In fact, it made Deacon laugh just thinking about it.
"Well, if I really wanted to find a rich wife I'm sure there would have been easier ways that could've save me a whole lot of time," Deacon joked.
"I told her pretty much the same thing. She went on and on about protecting Highway 65 and what I've worked for, like this wedding was about business and not us beginning our forever."
"I mean I understand where's she's coming from. She wants to protect you, from me. And baby, I'll sign whatever you want me to sign. It's doesn't matter because to me because, you and me and what we've got going isn't ending anytime soon. As long as I get to make you my wife at the end of it all, I'll be the happiest man alive."
"Well, that's real sweet, babe. But, it's about even the idea of a prenup that just makes my blood boil! This marriage is about our love, our family, and everything we've been through and our commitment to our future. The thought of drawing up some contract with some lawyer discussing our assets and conditions for our separation, makes me sick. So, Tandy can take that little prenup of hers and shove it where the sun don't shine for all I care. It's not happening."
"Well then, my rich and extremely hot soon-to-be wife, is also very very bossy."
"Damn straight, she is. And she's ordering you to come to bed with her right now."
"Better follow those orders then if I know what's good for me."
"Mhmmm. And I promise, it'll be very, very good for you."