Deacon
It was his first regular Thursday showcase at the Bluebird since he and Rayna had gotten back together. She had the kids and hadn't been able to come with him. It's okay. There will be plenty of other times for me to go. He would have loved for her to be there, but she was right. There would be other times. Since it was the holidays the room was not completely full, but he recognized a number of regulars in the audience. He was always grateful for those who came to see him time after time. At this point in his career, he had many songs to choose from and could typically perform songs the listeners hadn't heard before, in addition to a handful he knew were audience favorites.
Just before he started he spotted Watty at the 2-top near the sound board. He knew Watty liked to come out to listen to new artists as well as those he liked, but he didn't come out as often as he had even 10 years earlier. He'd met Watty through Rayna, early on, and had always valued him as a mentor and as a friend. He hadn't seen him in a while, so he hoped to get the chance to talk to him at the end of the night. It wasn't unusual for Watty to leave a little early, so he hoped he would stay.
The reception for his set was very positive. Afterwards he posed for photos, gave autographs, and talked to many of the members of the audience. When the room emptied he was glad to see Watty still around, having moved to a table in front of the bar, sipping on a glass of bourbon he was sure, Watty's drink of choice. After he'd packed up his guitar and put away his things, he walked over and sat across from the other man. One of the servers brought him a bottle of water.
"Hey, Watty," he said. "I was glad to see you here tonight."
"Hey, Deacon." Watty reached across the table and they shook hands briefly. "I saw you were performing and thought I'd stop by. Haven't seen you in a bit." He took a sip of his drink. "You're sounding good. It sounded like you had some new material."
He nodded. "I do." He'd performed some of the songs he'd written recently, including the song he and Rayna had worked on together during Thanksgiving.
Watty smiled. "At least one of 'em sounded like something you might have written with Rayna. Rivers Between Us?"
He chuckled. "You're right. We did work on it together. And we've worked on a few more."
"I'm glad to hear that. I always thought the two of you were better together than separately." He waved his hand in front of him. "Not that you don't both write great songs on your own but what you write together is magic. Always has been." He sat back in his chair. "I was also glad to hear the two of you were trying to work things out. How's that been going?"
He smiled. "Good. We're taking things a little slow, maybe slower than I'd like, but you know, we got the kids, and it seems like the right thing to do to take it easy kind of moving into it. We did all go to the cabin for Thanksgiving and that was great. And we're going up for Christmas too."
Watty tapped his fingers on the table. "That's great." He finished his drink. "Rayna sounds happy. I wondered what would happen when she brought you out on tour together."
"Well, to be honest, it was hard. We butted heads a good bit. It was great as far as the kids went, getting to be with them. I just wasn't sure we were ever gonna see eye to eye." He breathed in. "We'd been apart for so long and, you know, I'd really made a mess of things, but I think in the end it was good for us. I just gotta be careful to not make the same mistakes and appreciate the second chance."
"I'm glad it's working out. I could tell right from the beginning that the two of you were destined to be together. Not just professionally. I know you worked hard at the solo career and I'm sure it was disappointing in the end, but you and Rayna have a good thing. You'll make her even better. It's a good partnership." He smiled. "All the way around." He put his palm down on the table. "Listen, I need to get going." He glanced out the window. "Looks like the rain has let up, so I'm gonna take advantage of that." Watty stood and he did as well. "It was good to see you, Deacon. You sounded great." He reached his hand out and they shook hands.
"Thanks for coming, Watty. Always good to see you." He watched as Watty pulled on his jacket. Then, after a pat on his arm, the other man pulled his keys from his pocket and made his way out into the night.
Rayna sounds happy. It was good to hear that confirmation. Watty could always see through her guardedness. Not in the same way as he could, but she respected Watty and he knew her well. He got his guitar and his bag and headed for the back door.
Rayna
She was sitting at the kitchen island when Tandy walked in the back door. She turned as her sister hustled up to where she was sitting. "Hey, babe, I'm sorry I'm late," she said, sounding a little breathless.
She smiled at her sister. "You sound like you're in a rush."
Tandy rolled her eyes. "Never ending meetings. And meetings that run late." She sat on one of the other stools. "It's the holidays. It's supposed to be winding down, isn't it?" She nodded, thinking her sister always seemed like she was in a rush. "So I'm at a loss for why everything is such a fire drill right now, but" – she spread her arms wide and smirked – "I'm here."
It was not surprising that Tandy was their father's favored daughter. She was smart as a whip, incredibly efficient, incredibly business-savvy. In so many ways, they couldn't be more different, but she had always relied on Tandy. Her sister had been the one who had helped her navigate the years after their mom had died and, despite the 4 year age difference, had been someone she had always turned to for support. "Yes, you are. I hope you can still stay for lunch."
"I can." She looked around. "Deacon's not here?"
She made a face. "No, he's not. He's actually picking up the kids after school and taking them Christmas shopping. Then he'll stay for dinner when he drops them off."
"So he's still living in his house." It was a statement, not a question.
"That's right." She frowned. "Look, I don't want to have this turn into..."
Tandy shook her head. "I'm not. I promise. I would, however, like to know how it's going. Are you still seeing your therapist?"
She got up then to get the food she'd ordered for their lunch, which meant she didn't have to look her sister in the eye. "Things are good. And we decided to take a therapy break during the holidays and pick things back up after New Year's." She took the food to the kitchen table, where she'd already set their places.
"Whose idea was that?"
"We both decided." Tandy sat. "The holidays are hectic enough." She went to get the pitcher of iced tea, pouring them both a glass. Then she sat as well.
Tandy sighed. "I hope this isn't just a way for Deacon to get you to stop doing it."
She frowned. "Why would you think he would do that?"
"You did tell me that he walked out of the last session you had." That was true. She had told Tandy. In an obvious lapse in judgement.
"We talked it out. And we're in agreement now. And I don't want to talk about that anymore." She took a sip of her tea. "So, what's new with you?" She really wanted to change the subject.
"Just working. And, of course, the Wyatt Industries Christmas celebration is coming up."
"Oh? When is that?"
"The week before Christmas. We're doing it at the Frist this year." She smiled. "You should come."
She screwed up her face. "I'm sure I'm busy that night."
They were quiet for a few minutes while they ate. The citrus salmon and mashed butternut squash were excellent, she thought. Not too heavy but definitely an early winter meal.
"So what's next for you and Deacon?"
"Tandy..."
"Rayna, you're my sister. I'm interested in your life."
"Well, I told you we're taking things a little slower. We're spending lots of time together with the kids." She shrugged. "Stealing a little time here and there for ourselves."
"Are you really sure this is what you want to do? I know you want me to stop asking, but like I said, you're my sister. I feel like I need to watch out for you. For Mom."
She felt a tug at her heart at the mention of their mother. It had been nearly 25 years since their mother had died. She'd been gone twice as long as the age she was when she had died. Tandy hadn't been a replacement mother, but she was the older female person she had counted on to get her through the rest of her growing up years. Even after their father had kicked her out and she had Deacon to be her support, she'd still needed Tandy. She put her fork down on her plate. "I went to see Mom a while back. Trying to get some clarity around what to do. Deacon had told me he wanted us to try again but I wasn't sure. I thought about how I wished she was still around, but I think I knew what she would have told me. To listen to my heart. So I did. Tandy, I love Deacon. I've always loved him. That really wasn't ever going to change. I knew I needed to try to put the pieces back together. So I am."
"Are you confident it's going to work?"
She sighed. "Can I say I'll never wonder if we're doing the right thing? For ourselves and for our children? I think I'll worry some, but I also think that as time goes on, I won't as much. I think we both know now what's at stake. And why it's important to do the work to make sure it lasts." She could see the look on Tandy's face that said she wouldn't easily give up her doubts. "We've been through a lot, together and apart. 5 years ago, I couldn't have seen us being in this place. Deacon is still all the things he's always been, but he's also done a lot of work to try to find his way back. You don't have to like him, but I need you to respect my choices. If you can't do that, well, I think you and I are going to have a tough road ahead."
Tandy took a second, laying her fork down on her plate. "Rayna, I've been through all of this with you. I was there when you had to send him to rehab. I was there to help you pick up the pieces. I was there when you were pregnant with Levi and needed support he wasn't providing. Of course I'm going to worry and of course I'm not going to let it go as easily as you would. But I promise I will keep my feelings to myself and I hope Deacon proves me wrong. But I will always have your back and I will always be there if or when you ever need me. I'm not going away."
She could see a hint of tears in her sister's eyes, something she didn't often see. Tandy held herself close to the vest. One thing she didn't doubt was her sister's love for her and she hoped Tandy would keep her promise. "I'd be awfully sad if you went away, so I'm glad to hear you say you'll give him a chance. He's the man I love, the only man I think I've ever truly loved, and I believe in him. We're both older and wiser now and I feel like we're on the same page for our future." She reached across the table and Tandy took her hand. "But I need you too." She smiled and squeezed her sister's hand. Although she knew it would take a long time for Tandy to even start to come around, she appreciated the fact that she could count on her to be in her corner.
Deacon
He woke up early. He thought about going ahead and getting out of bed but decided to just stay put for a few more minutes. He was picking up Rayna and the kids at noon so they could head up to the cabin for Christmas. They would stay until the weekend, then come back to Nashville. He thought back over the past almost 6 weeks since he and Rayna had reconciled. Thanksgiving at the cabin had brought them closer and he had sensed Rayna was moving closer to the idea of them moving in together instead of keeping separate houses. He was spending most of his time at her house anyway when it wasn't his time with the kids. And even then he would often go see her after he'd dropped Maddie and Levi at school. He'd broached the subject right after Thanksgiving, but she hadn't wanted to do everything all at once. It chafed at him some, but she didn't mind him being around and they were even scheduling things together with the kids. It was feeling more like they were putting their family back together and the kids were really thriving. And after the debacle at Dr. Jensen's office, they had come to an agreement to wait until after the holidays to start back.
The holidays had been jam packed. They had gone to one of the drive thru Christmas light displays a couple weeks earlier. At the end of the drive they went to Santa's Village, where the kids went to see Santa – although Maddie had seemed less enthusiastic about it, which made him wonder if she was starting to not believe in Santa anymore – and they had hot chocolate and s'mores afterwards in the concession area. Afterwards they had gone on some of the rides and then he had taken the kids through the petting zoo. At one point he had noticed Rayna watching him with the kids and wondered what she had been thinking. But the best part of that outing had been that she had stayed overnight with him and the kids at his house.
"This was a good idea, staying the night here," she said when they got in bed. "It's always farther away than I remember."
He didn't say anything at first, just ran his hand up and down her arm. "You know, we could just do this every night, either here or at your place. It's not like the kids don't know we're sleeping in the same room."
She looked up at him. "I admit it would be easier, but I just feel like we don't want to move too fast. Or get their hopes up. Don't you think?"
"What I think is that I love you and you love me. I think Maddie and Levi are comfortable with us together. I get why you think you gotta be cautious, but I think that's you trying to play both sides. And you're not letting yourself just go all in." He kissed her forehead. "I know you're scared. But I thought you trusted me."
"I do. It's just... I don't know. I guess I just feel like I need to be sure. And maybe that's not fair. I mean, when is anything a sure thing? None of us has a crystal ball."
"Then why don't you just rip the band aid off, baby?"
"I want to, but I still don't feel completely ready. Would you be mad if I said I want to see how we get through the holidays first?"
"I ain't mad. I don't think we need to do that, but I ain't mad." It was true, he wasn't mad. He was ready, but it was important for her to be ready as well.
She put her hand on his cheek. "Thanks, babe." She tucked in a little closer and then put one arm around him. "And you're right. I do love you." He smiled and then kissed her. "I really loved watching you with the kids tonight."
"I love spending time with them."
"It's obvious the feeling is mutual. Especially Levi." She looked up at him. "I remember you were nervous about ever having a son, but you've been a really good father to him."
"He's a good kid."
She nodded. "I had such a good time tonight. I'm glad we all went together."
"Me too." She laid her head back on his chest and sighed, a satisfied sound. He reached over and turned out the light and they soon fell asleep.
More than once he'd felt overwhelmed by the emotions of getting to be a family again for the holidays and getting to be a part of all the fun. He longed for the day when Rayna would be certain enough about their future to take the next step. Maddie had said something to him about that the last time she and Levi had spent the week with him. I'm so glad you and Mom are dating. I just wish you would move in with us so you're there all the time. He had wanted to tell her he felt the same way, but he'd just said something along the lines of, after having been apart for as long as they had, they just wanted to take things slowly. That was what Rayna wanted, certainly, but he was definitely in Maddie's camp.
He got up then and took a shower, then got dressed and packed for the week ahead. He stopped for coffee before he left East Nashville and then drove across the city towards Rayna's house. He was looking forward to spending the week with his family.
Rayna
Maddie and Levi had been waiting, not patiently, at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning. But they were all smiles when they finally ran into the great room and squealed over their presents. Levi ran and slid down on the floor in front of his stash and Maddie stood with her hands over her mouth as she looked at hers. She and Deacon sat on the floor with them as they checked out everything they'd gotten. Her heart felt full as she watched Deacon with their children, happy that they had this chance to spend Christmas together. She remembered feeling a little empty as she'd driven away the year before, but it had been the right thing to do and she still felt that the intervening year had allowed them some growth.
She and Deacon looked at each other and smiled. Then Levi walked over and sat in her lap and she turned her attention to him. She wrapped her arms around him. "You having a good day, sweetie?" she whispered in his ear. He looked up at her and nodded, then focused back on the spectacle in front of them. He was growing up so fast, both of them were. This was just like what she'd always dreamed of when she'd thought about her future. She had often imagined birthdays and holidays with her kids and she was glad this one included Deacon.
She looked over at her daughter. "Maddie, honey, what's your favorite present?" she asked.
Maddie put a finger to her lip as she pondered that. "Two things," she said finally. "I can't pick just one."
"Okay, what two things?"
She reached for something and held it up. "This," she said. "My iPod." She apparently had been badgering Deacon for one, so they had gotten it for her, adding some of her favorite music. "And... this." She held a box that was open to show a beautiful necklace – a delicate gold chain with a small diamond pendant stone. It was her birthstone. She had gasped when she'd opened it, surprised by it but also enchanted. It wasn't something she'd asked for, but it was clear that it was an unexpected pleasure. She and Deacon had picked it out together and hoped she would love it. "But I love everything!" she cried.
She moved her head to look down at Levi. "What about you, buddy? What's your favorite Christmas present?" she asked. He thought for a minute. Then he turned in her lap and put his arms around her neck.
"You!" he cried out.
She hugged him and smiled. "Aw, sweetie. Why me?"
"'Cause you stayed this time."
She pressed her cheek against the top of his head. "Well, thank you. Anything else?
"Trucks. And dinosaurs," he said.
"That covers pretty much everything, don't it?" Deacon asked, with a grin. Levi laughed and nodded his head. Then he got up from her lap and went over to get back in the middle of his toys.
Deacon caught her eye, and they smiled at each other. He nodded towards the kitchen and they both got up from the floor and met behind the kitchen island. "You want coffee?" he asked. She nodded. He got down a couple mugs and poured coffee he'd made when they first came downstairs. He put 2 packages of sugar in hers, just like she liked it, and handed it to her.
"Thanks, babe," she said softly. She looked over at Maddie and Levi and then back at him. "I think it was a good Christmas for them, don't you?"
"I think it was a good Christmas for all of us," he said. "You're my favorite Christmas present too." She smiled. Then he put his arm around her and kissed her temple. "I'm just glad we're here together."
She nodded. "Me too," she murmured.
It had been a long but fun day. After all the presents were opened, Deacon made breakfast, declaring a new tradition of eggs, bacon, and cinnamon toast, along with hot apple cider. They took a walk on the path that wound around the lake, going halfway and then turning around to come back. They turned on the TV to the A Christmas Story marathon and then fell asleep while they watched. The sun was beginning to set when they woke up and started working on dinner.
She was afraid the nap would keep the kids from being able to go to bed, but they both fell asleep pretty easily. As she and Deacon came down the stairs, she tried to stifle a yawn. "You tired?" he asked. "Or just giving me a hint?"
She looked over her shoulder and smirked. "Maybe both."
"Well, there's no rule says we gotta stay up." He was grinning.
"No, I don't guess there is." When they got to the bottom of the steps, she turned to face him. "Let's not stay up then."
He kissed her. "I like the way you think. Let me make sure the fire's out and you can go ahead and start getting ready. Takes you longer than me."
She made a face. "Well, taking some time to lotion up gives me soft skin."
He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "I do like your soft skin," he whispered into her ear.
She put her arms around his neck and smiled. "I guess I'll see you in the bedroom then."
"I guess you will." He turned her around. "Scoot."
She laughed and headed for the bedroom. She entered the room and changed into shorts and a t-shirt. She brushed her teeth and ran a comb through her hair, then picked up her lotion. She walked across to the bed and hopped on, going through her nightly routine. It had been a wonderful Christmas, spending it with Deacon and both kids. The first time they'd done that. The first of many times to come. She thought back to her conversation with Maddie as she was tucking her in and telling her goodnight.
"I'm glad we're all here together," Maddie said as she snuggled under the covers, then turned on her side.
She smiled. "Me too." She reached out and pushed Maddie's hair back.
"When did you meet Dad?"
She didn't think Maddie had ever asked her that, but she wasn't surprised she was doing it now. She'd noticed Maddie watching her and Deacon when they were together and wondered what she was thinking. "Well, the first time I saw him was at the Bluebird. I thought he was so handsome and he sang a really beautiful song. I didn't get to meet him that night but it wasn't too long after that when I did." She smiled as she remembered. "We were performing at the same place and he was watching me from across the room. I got up the courage to introduce myself and he told me that I had a pretty voice and that he loved listening to me sing." She smiled and sighed a little. "Then he told me he wrote a song about me, that first time he saw me, at the Bluebird. On a napkin."
Maddie smiled. "What song?"
"A Life That's Good. Have you heard him sing it?" Maddie shook her head. "It's a really sweet song. I'll ask him to sing it for you."
"That's so romantic, Mom. Did you fall in love with him right then?"
She smiled. "Actually I did." She put her hand over her heart. "We've written a lot of songs together but I think that one will always hold a special place in my heart."
It did too. Every time he went into rehab, he would sing it for her, wanting her to know it was the life he wanted with her. She thought they'd finally managed to make it all come true and then came all the heartache and drama that had led to them splitting up. She wanted to believe that now maybe that song could truly be the story of their lives going forward.
Just then the door opened, and he walked in. "Hey," he said.
"Hey," she said, smiling at him.
"What were you thinking about?"
She looked down for a second, then back at him. "Um, I was thinking about that song you wrote for me. A Life That's Good."
"I wrote it about you."
She nodded. "I haven't heard it in a long time and I mentioned it to Maddie when she went to bed. Maybe you could sing it for us tomorrow?"
He smiled. "I'd love to." After a moment, he went into the bathroom and she heard him brushing his teeth. He came back out and undressed before getting into bed. He reached over and took the lotion from her, setting it on the table next to his side of the bed. He lifted the covers and she crawled under them, snuggling up to him. "You're gonna have to take those clothes off," he murmured, after he kissed her.
She smiled. "I was thinking maybe you'd like to do it for me." And he did.
Deacon
Christmas week at the cabin had been fun and he'd enjoyed being there and getting to see the kids with their presents. He couldn't help but think about the year before, after Rayna had left, when it had felt a little like the air had been let out of a balloon. The kids had felt it too, wishing their mom had been able to stay. So it made this time feel more special. And then the best part of all had been after he and Rayna had made love Christmas night, she had told him she thought she was ready, that she wanted him to think about moving in with her and the kids. She had brushed away his tears and shed a few of her own. Then he had dreamt that night about the wonderful life they would get to live. He thought she did too.
He let his fingers lightly graze her skin, trailing down from between her breasts to her abdomen. Then he brought them back and cupped one breast. He leaned over and ran his tongue around her nipple, then sucked on it, letting his teeth gently raze it. She caught her breath as he repeated that several times. Then he moved her onto her back so he could work on her other breast. It wasn't long before she was moaning, her body moving. He lowered his hand, pressing lightly against her lower abdomen as he moved his mouth from breast to breast and back again. He could tell she wanted him to touch her, but he was enjoying the tease. She threaded her fingers through his hair, making little breathy moans.
He finally touched her between her legs, feeling how wet she was. She moaned more deeply and drew her knees up slightly. He then moved on top of her and her eyes opened part way, a tiny smile crossing her lips. He brushed his lips against hers. "I love you, Ray," he whispered.
"I love you too," she whispered back.
He kissed her more deeply and she ran her hands up and down his back, then down to his ass. She drew her knees up a little more, pressing herself against him, as the kisses grew deeper and hotter. He finally couldn't wait any longer and pushed inside her, moving slowly so he could feel every inch of her. She arched her back and wrapped her arms around his neck. When he was completely inside her, she crossed her legs over his back, pulling him closer. He pulled his mouth from hers and raised his head, watching her face. With every thrust, he could hear a tiny moan coming from her lips. Her head tilted back slightly and he let his lips trail over her neck and shoulders. His hands moved to her waist and gripped her there as his movements became more forceful and faster. It wouldn't take long for him to go over the edge and just then she cried out, her pelvis pressing against him and he could feel her pulsing around him. That was all it took for him to let go.
After a few minutes, he rolled onto his back, breathing hard, his arms spread out. She turned and moved towards him, curling into his side. He let out a breathless laugh as he put his arm around her. He turned his head to kiss her forehead and at the last second she looked up and he got her lips instead. He chuckled and smiled at her. "I kinda like doing that," he said.
She smiled at him. "I kinda do too." Then she sighed and her face turned more serious. She put her hand on his chest and looked deep into his eyes. "I've been thinking, um, maybe it's time."
"Time for what?"
"Time for us to make this more official or something." She reached up and ran her fingers over his cheek. "Like you maybe moving in. If you want to, that is."
For a half second he thought maybe he hadn't heard right, but then he decided not to overthink it. "I want to," he whispered and she leaned in and kissed him.
He smiled to himself. He wasn't sure he'd ever stop thinking about that moment. It still overwhelmed him sometimes to think about it. So much had happened in the past 6 years. At one point they were about as far apart from each other as they could possibly have been. Now he was on his way to pick up Maddie and Levi and then he would take them home, to the place where they all now lived. It had felt right, moving into Rayna's house. They'd tried not to make it more than it was, but he'd broken down that first night, overcome with the emotion of finally being able to put their lives back together.
She had held him, whispering soothing words. And then they had talked about the future, about making music together again and spending time at the cabin. About their kids and their dreams for them. About growing old together. About making it through the good times and the bad, standing together and weathering those storms. They made promises to each other – to laugh and love and talk and be kind. They promised to work together to create the home they wanted, the life they wanted. It's going to be tough sometimes, babe, but if we promise to make sure the love is always there, we'll make it. The work included continuing to see Dr. Jensen, but they would do it together to make themselves stronger.
He had known the very first time he'd seen her that she was the one. It would have been easier probably to have let each other go, but he was glad they'd worked through it and got back to the place they'd started from.
The kids were staying with their Aunt Tandy. He had made a reservation at a nice restaurant in downtown Nashville, not one that was too fancy, because that wasn't their style, but one that was romantic. They had lingered a little bit over dessert before they headed out. He'd also made a reservation at the Hermitage Hotel for the night – Valentine's night. First though he'd talked her into a walk along the pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland River. It was a little cool and a little breezy and he put his arm around her and held her close as they walked to the apex of the bridge. They walked into one of the observation decks and looked back towards downtown Nashville, all lit up with lights that reflected back from the water. She stood nestled in his arms, leaning back against him.
"It's so beautiful here," she said. "And quiet." It was a Saturday night and it was Valentine's so there was a lot of activity downtown, but she was right, the sound didn't carry all the way out to the center of the river.
"Do you remember the first time we came here?" he asked.
She turned in his arms and looked up at him. Her hair fluttered around her face in the breeze and he thought she'd never looked more beautiful. "I do. It wasn't long after they made it a walking bridge and Until You Kissed Me had gone platinum. And we saw this same beautiful view. Except we came from that end." She pointed toward the east end of the bridge, near the stadium.
"Lot of special moments here," he said. She nodded. "How about one more?" She looked a little confused and then he let her go, going down on one knee. She gasped and put her hand over her mouth. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box containing the ring he'd bought for her just a week earlier. He had kept it in a guitar case which he knew she wouldn't open, but had been afraid she would anyway. Luckily, he'd been able to surprise her. He looked up at her and smiled. "Baby, I love you so much. Will you marry me? Again?"
She smiled and laughed a little. "Yes," she said, and he could hear her emotions in her voice. He slid the ring on her finger and then stood, taking her in his arms. She put her hands on his cheeks and pulled him to her for a kiss.
He was the happiest man in the world.
April 2009
Rayna
They had talked a lot about where to have the wedding. First it was the cabin, but Deacon wanted to do the honeymoon there. She thought about the land her mom had owned, that she'd passed down to her daughters, but when she and Deacon went to look at it, it didn't seem quite right. It was beautiful, but it was where they'd gotten married the first time and she thought it was best to do everything fresh. Neither one of them wanted to do it at a courthouse. That was too sterile and boring. Tandy had suggested the country club and she had just laughed. Ultimately, they decided the place didn't matter as much as the mere fact they were doing this. So they decided to do it at her house – their house – in the little garden in the backyard.
She looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a white dress, sexy and fitted. It was cocktail length, so a little formal but not too much. She had on white stilettos and a simple gold necklace with the birthstones of her children. It was early spring, but it was already warm, so they were going to be able to do this outside on the patio. Tandy had her flowers, a small bouquet of white roses. She reached out and picked up the ring that was on the vanity table. It was the ring she'd given Deacon when they'd gotten married the first time. She breathed in and then let it out slowly. They had talked about the rings and whether to use the ones they first married with, but in the end they decided they wanted new rings. Another fresh start. She opened one of her jewelry cases and dropped it in one of the compartments, closing it. Tandy had the new ring she'd gotten for him, the one she'd had engraved with the words 'Forever and Always'. She checked her hair again and then walked out of the room.
When she walked down the stairs, Tandy and the kids were standing there waiting for her. She smiled and turned in a circle in the foyer. "What do y'all think?" she asked.
"You're beautiful, Mom!" Levi cried.
"You do look beautiful," Tandy said, with a smile.
Maddie was standing with her hands clasped just under her chin. "I love it, Mom," she said, her voice soft and breathy. Maddie had seen it all as something of a fairy tale and, because she liked that imagery, she had not discouraged her daughter from thinking so.
"Well, thank you all." She hugged each one for a moment, lingering a little with Maddie, then smoothed her hands down over the dress. She looked at Maddie, then Levi. "Is your dad ready?"
Maddie nodded. "He's outside already." She grinned. "He looks very handsome."
She laughed. "I'm sure he does." She was pleased that the day had turned out to be warm and sunny. It was mid-April and sometimes the weather could be tricky. But Maddie's birthday was coming up in less than a week and then she'd be going out on tour. Deacon was officially back in her band. He had also reworked her setlist to include many of the old songs, the ones that were most special to them and that would also be to her fans. It was the best time for them to do an outdoor wedding and gave them a few days for a second honeymoon, so she was glad it had all worked out.
Tandy handed her the flowers and she took them. Then her sister reached in for a hug. "I know he makes you happy," she whispered. "I just hope he knows that if he ever hurts you again, he'll have to answer to me." She stepped back.
She gave her sister a side eye, then looked at her children. "I think I'm ready," she said.
Deacon
He was tying his tie for the third time and getting a little irritated about it. He didn't wear ties much, but he also was nervous, and his fingers felt like they wouldn't work correctly. He finally got it right and smoothed it down over his chest. He was wearing a suit, something he never did, but he would do it for Rayna. He smiled involuntarily, thinking about her. When he had woken up that morning, she was watching him, something she had always liked to do. He'd reached out and pulled her close and then they'd made love. It had felt affirming. He put his hand in his pocket and, feeling the ring, wrapped his fingers around it and pulled it out. It was a simple band, surrounded by diamonds, engraved on the inside with the words 'Forever and Always'. He smiled to himself. That's what this was. Her and me, we're just meant for each other. Always have been. He put the ring back in his pocket and walked out of the guest room.
When he walked downstairs to the kitchen, Maddie was there. She was wearing a cute short sleeved dress with a flower print. She'd been counting the days until the wedding ever since he'd asked Rayna to remarry him. Levi didn't really understand it all, but everyone else's excitement had gotten him excited as well. Rayna thought it would be something they both would remember and he was glad they would get to see it.
A huge smile crossed his daughter's face when she saw him. "Dad, you're so handsome," she said, running into his arms.
He hugged her close. "Thank you, sweet girl," he said. "And you look beautiful. Is your mom still getting ready?" He thought she probably was since the door to their bedroom was closed. They didn't stand much on traditions, but she did want the first time he saw her dress to be when they actually recited their vows.
Maddie nodded. "Yes. Her dress is so beautiful." She had a dreamy look on her face. Maddie was at an age when everything was so romantic and he thought she had almost been more excited about this ceremony than he and Rayna were. "Have you seen it?"
He shook his head. "No. She wouldn't let me. Your mama don't have many superstitions but that was one thing she didn't want to spoil."
Maddie got up on one of the stools at the kitchen island. "What was it like the first time you two got married?" she asked.
He sat on the stool next to her. "We got married by the river on some land your grandma owned and passed down to your mom and your Aunt Tandy. It's a really pretty place and it was real special to your mom." He smiled. "She looked beautiful. Like a princess." He nodded at her. "You were there too, but you were sound asleep."
Maddie wrinkled her nose. "I was?"
He nodded. "You were a baby. Your mama wanted to wait until she could wear a pretty dress, so we had you first." He remembered how annoyed he'd been when Rayna wouldn't get married before Maddie was born. But now it didn't seem to matter much. "You were about 4 months old then, so real little."
She smiled. "And now I'll be at one I will remember."
He grinned. "Yes, you will."
They had set the time for the ceremony for noon and got started about 15 minutes late. But it was worth it. Rayna looked beautiful in her beautiful dress. Maddie and Levi stood with them while the officiant presided. He slid the ring he'd bought for her on her finger after he told her what she meant to him and what their marriage meant to him and that it would last forever. This time. And then she gave him the ring she'd bought for him and told him how much she loved him and how happy she was they were getting a second chance and that she was his forever and always.
A/N: I'll be posting an epilogue, just to wrap everything up. Thanks for reading!