Wife and Mistress (Wife or Mistress Trilogy)Part 3 Completed

[Sw]

Wife and Mistress

Author's note: I do not own Gone With The Wind and am not making any money off this story, I just wrote it for fun. Please do not post this anywhere without getting the okay from me.

Well here is the first chapter it's a little sad after all this time it's done, but I'm happy I finally finished it. Please leave me feedback let me know what you think of this story.


Chapter One

The noise of a carriage had gotten young Wade Hamilton out the door before anyone could stop him. His Mother wasn't as fast as she had once been, and Aunt Melanie was busy feeding Beau something to eat. Grandfather Gerald was out of the house doing who knows what.

Uncle Ashley was working in the fields all day long, and Wade had overheard his Uncle telling Aunt Melly just yesterday about a job offer he had up north. That they would be moving up there as soon as he had enough money to get the train fare. Wade had also heard Uncle Ashley saying something about taking Wade, himself, with them. But that was just silly, Wade wasn't going to leave his Mother and the new baby that was coming. Aunt Melly had said the same thing to Uncle Ashley that Wade belonged with his Mother.

Wade hoped whoever was visiting stayed longer than just a few minutes. They hadn't had company for many months now that stayed longer than a few minutes. Wade wasn't sure why, though, but it always made his Mother sad after someone stayed for a few minutes.

Aunt Suellen was always angry, she would look out the windows of the house as if she expected someone to be coming up. When that did not happen, she would be extra mean to his Mother as if it was her fault no one came to see them any longer.

It was all too much for a young child Wade's age to understand. He just knew that something had changed, he wasn't really sure what. Wade kept hoping that Uncle Rhett would return, when he was around things were a lot more fun. And his Mother smiled a lot more, too.

So a smile so wide it seems to take up all of Wade's small face appeared as he had seen the carriage stop in front of the house and Rhett Butler stepped out.

And Wade yelled out at the top of his young lungs “Uncle Rhett”

Scarlett heard Wade's yell and froze in her step, as she had been making her way to the front window, so she could see who was coming to call on Tara. Something that hadn't happened in many weeks, no one it seemed wanted to visit with the O'Hara's any longer.

It wasn't like they had any good friends that lived close by, all of them had lost everything during the war or after the war when they couldn't pay their taxes any longer. The only reason Tara was still in O'Hara hands was because Rhett had paid the extra taxes.

Scarlett forced herself to move towards the window, wanting to see if it was truly Rhett. Had he returned after all these months? Slowly she made her way to the window and her breath caught in the throat as she saw her husband holding Wade in his arms. He was carrying her son towards the house.

Panic filled Scarlett, along with happiness that the man she loved had finally come for her. What would Rhett think of the addition to their family, she thought as she looked down at her very extended stomach. Would he be happy about the baby?

Rhett always got along very well with Wade, so Scarlett hoped he would welcome the news that he was to become a Father soon.

"I had hoped to never set eyes on you again" were the words Rhett heard spoken behind him.

Bending down to let Wade feet hit the porch of the house, Rhett said softly to his step-son, "Why don't you go inside and see if you can find your Mother, let her know I am here"

"Okay, Uncle Rhett" Wade replied, not liking Uncle Ashley's words at all. Why didn't Uncle Ashley want Uncle Rhett around? He was always fun to have around, Uncle Rhett told the best stories and played the best games. And even gave Wade candy when no one was looking. He couldn't see how anyone would not like Uncle Rhett.

-*-*-*-*-

"Mother, Mother" Wade screamed after entering the main house of Tara. He didn't have to go far, as he found his Mother standing by the setting room window. He ran to her as fasted as his little legs would carry him.

"Mother, Uncle Rhett is here" Wade informed his Mother even though Scarlett had already seen that for herself out the window she was setting in front of. "And Uncle Ashley is being mean to him"

Now that Scarlett hadn't known for sure, but when she had seen Ashley walking up behind Rhett, she wasn't holding her breath for the two men to get along well. Ashley had made his point of what he thought of Rhett very plain to his sister-in-law.

In fact, Ashley had made his point about what he thought of said sister-in-law as well. He wasn't very happy with her at all. Scarlett thought perhaps some of that was because her childish love for Ashley Wilkes had worn off, and he didn't like that at all.

Without her childish crush blinding her to Ashley faults, they really didn't have anything to talk about. Ashley was such a bore, how dear Melanie put up with him, Scarlett wasn't sure. That man could quote things for old books, but didn't have the ability to count numbers correctly at all.

Scarlett knew she should go out and stop the conversation between Rhett and Ashley, but she wasn't wanting her husband to find out he was going to be a Father in front of Mr. Wilkes. Scarlett wasn't confident that Rhett would be happy about the baby, and she didn't need an audience for that. On the off chance he was happy, Scarlett wanted to enjoy that alone with her husband as well.

Still deciding what to do, she was surprised to feel a hand on her shoulder "I'll go and get Ashley, so you can talk to Captain Butler alone" Melanie Wilkes gently told her sister-in-law.

"How did you know?" Scarlett tried asking but saw Wade in the doorway with a guilty look on his little face. Just how long had she been standing here, Scarlett thought to herself. If Wade had left the room and went upside, and I hadn't even noticed?

"Scarlett," Melanie said kindly smiling at her, "everything will be okay. I'll tell Captain Butler to meet you in here. So you can talk to him alone"

Nodding her head, Scarlett softly replied “Thank you” as she slowly took a seat on the sofa, trying to decide if she should wrap a blanket around herself to try to hide her enlarged middle or not.

"Come along Wade, let's go get Uncle Ashley" Melanie said as she took her nephew's hand. Knowing the conversation between Scarlett and Rhett was something Wade did not need to be a part of.

“Alright” was the small reply the young boy gave as he turned to look at his Mother. Whatever happened next, Wade hoped that Uncle Rhett would be staying with them and not go away again anytime soon.

[Sw]

Chapter Two

Melanie Wilkes had tried to stay out of the mess that was Scarlett and Captain Butler's relationship. She had by accident learned of their secret marriage, and she had felt guilty ever since. It had happened during Captain Butler's first visit to Tara. It was not her fault, she had returned to the setting room to retrieved Beau's blanket for his nap. And as she was about to make her presence known, when she was about to enter the room, she had overheard Captain Butler and Scarlett talking.

Scarlett asking Rhett "What are you doing here?" and his reply of "My pet, is that any way to treat your husband? Who you haven't seen in a week?"

Hearing that had shocked Melanie so much, she had frozen in place for a few seconds before she turned and walked quietly away. Why hadn't Scarlett told anyone she had married again? Melanie was angry that her sister-in-law was playing them all for fools. She had a mind to go in there and yell at the both of them to come clean with their secret.

And she might have if Mr O'Hara hadn't of passed by her and entered the room ahead of her. Hearing the poor dear man asking for his departed wife, Melanie made her way upstairs, deciding she would confront Scarlett with what she had overheard later.

But it just seemed that later never materialized, Scarlett was always busy running Tara, and she herself was busy taking care of Beau and Wade. Plus, asking someone why they were hiding a marriage wasn't something that just came up in a normal conversation.

Because Melanie was sure after thinking about it that Scarlett's grandfather had not saved Tara from being sold for taxes. And that new wedding ring sure took on a new meaning knowing that Scarlett was likely married to Captain Butler.

Also, Scarlett O'Hara was not known for hiding things she liked to show off, always had. It was something Melanie thought Scarlett was still like a child with wanting to show her pretty dresses and hats off. No, Scarlett would not keep her new marriage a secret if it was up to her.

So it had to be Captain Butler wanting to keep it a secret for some reason that eluded Melanie. Yes, she had heard all about the tales that hung to Rhett Butler that he was not a marrying man. And yet it seemed he had done just that. Maybe he didn't want the world knowing he was married to kept his reputation as a gambler and scalawag intended. Why, he would do that, Melanie had no idea.

It had been so hard to keep this secret when Scarlett's reputation had been torn apart, because of her relationship with Captain Butler not being known. But what if she had been wrong and Captain Butler had just been joking and he and Scarlett weren't married?

Melanie would have confronted Scarlett asking if they were, but her sister-in-law was living in Atlanta at the time and Ashley hadn't shared just how bad Scarlett's reputation had gotten. Trying to protect his wife from news that would surely upset her so.

Ashley had behaved as a brother would, he had gone and gotten Scarlett, bringing her back home. Melanie had tried talking to her then, but Scarlett was too upset and wouldn't talk to anyone. Then as time pasted, Melanie didn't mention it because the house had finally settled down. And she didn't want to upset anyone with news of what she believed to be Scarlett's marriage, because what if she was wrong?

When it became appeared that Scarlett was with child, Melanie knew she couldn't confront her then, afraid she might cause her to get upset and lose her baby. Plus, at that point all Melanie wanted to do was be there for her sister-in-law like Scarlett had been there for her during her pregnancy.

Poor dear Scarlett, who if she loved you would not abandon you for anything. So Melanie would not abandon her as well. No matter how much Ashley begged that they needed to leave Tara for Atlanta and Aunt Pittypat's. To save their own reputation for the stink of Scarlett's.

The argument they had over that, thank goodness they had been outside in the fields away from everyone. Melanie had never yelled at Ashley before that day, and she hoped to never have to again. She would never leave Scarlett alone to face having her baby without anyone but Mammy.

Melanie had been praying and hoping for Captain Butler to appear, and take responsibility for his Wife and future child. She knew how good the man was with children, Wade was a testament to that. The little boy loved his 'Uncle Rhett' so much.

Knowing that made Melanie feel much better about Wade having him for a step-father. It was such a shame that her brother Charles had not lived, so he could be raising his own son. But life was as it was and no one could change that. If only Charles had lived, poor Scarlett would not be in this mess she was in either.

What Scarlett saw in Captain Butler, Melanie knew went beyond looks and yet, she herself could not see it. Well, yes, Captain Butler had a heart when he allowed himself to show it. He had after all brought back her wedding ring, got them out of Atlanta when the Yankee's were coming. He was always respectful when he was around her. But Melanie had her suspicious that he was not respectful around Scarlett.

After all, if he had been her, poor dear sister-in-law would not be in the shape she was in now. Scarlett was shunned by everyone, no one would come to Tara unless absolutely necessary. And poor Suellen who was heartbroken because Mr. Kennedy had broken off their engagement. For Melanie herself knew if Mr. Kennedy had asked Suellen to disown Scarlett and the rest of her family to marry him, the other woman would have done it in a minute's time.

Instead, Mr. Kennedy had just written a letter, more like one paragraph saying he couldn't marry Suellen any longer. Her family reputation would taint his business, and he couldn't have that. No words of love are heart break were written. Not even a let's wait a year for this to scandal to pass by then will get marry. No, he just washed his hands of poor Suellen.

Melanie thought very little of Frank Kennedy after that, how could a man who courted a woman for years just up and walk away not caring , leaving his southern belle heartbroken? All Melanie could think was Mr. Kennedy never loved Suellen in the first place. What an awful man he was to play with Suellen's feelings like that.

Opening the front door, Melanie could hear the raised voices of her beloved Ashley and Captain Butler. Hoping to stop then for an all out shouting match, she pulled along Wade as they exited the front door.

“Ashley” Melanie said softly, seeing that wasn't working to get his attention she said much louder "Ashley, let's take Wade on a walk around Tara"

Ashley Wilkes looked up surprised to see Melanie before having all his attention focused on the Butler man instead a moment before. When had she arrived and with their nephew in tow? Was Melanie trying to escape with Wade? That was a good idea, but where was Beau if so?

"I'm sorry dearest, but I'm in the middle of important business with Mr. Butler here" Ashley replied to his wife.

"Mrs. Wilkes, it's so good to see you again" Captain Butler greeted as he took off his hat and made a little bow with his head.

"Good afternoon, Captain Butler" Melanie said, keeping her voice even toned. When she really just wanted to take Captain Butler over her knee as one would a child to chasten him for his behavior towards her sister-in-law.

"I hope all is well here at Tara?" Captain Butler asked, looking past Melanie. She knew who he was truly looking for.

"As well as can be expected at a time like this, Captain Butler" was the answer he received back. "Scarlett is waiting for you inside, I think you two need to have a long talk"

Wade who had been silent since returning outside dropped his Aunt's hand and ran to Rhett.
"Please don't leave again" the young boy said as Ashley grabbed him from behind pulling him away.

"Let's go on that walk, Wade" Ashley said, not liking leaving Rhett Butler alone here at Tara for a moment but knowing it was true Scarlett did need to give the Butler man a chance to made things right. Even if, Ashley thought things could never truly be made right again.

Rhett watched as the trio walked off the porch and headed away from the main house of Tara. Taking a deep breathe, Rhett knew it was time to face the music, he had to find out just what Scarlett truly felt for him. If he was a fool for loving her, or had he been cruel to the woman who loved him?

[MissTricey]

I was honestly hoping to find chapter 3 on here hahaha but I guess I’ll just read older stories

[Sw]

Author Notes: MissTricey I do update here sometimes ahead like I am doing today lol. Thank you for letting me know how much you enjoy this story. Feel free to leave reviews here if you want.




Chapter Three

The entryway looked even more rundown than it had the last time he was here, Rhett thought as he entered the house. He was unsure how Scarlett would receive him, so he put on his devil be there face. Trying to show no emotion as he entered the setting room. He could see Scarlett was on the sofa, she looked up and their eyes met.

She looked tired was the first thing Rhett noticed about his wife, she wasn't all dutied up like he knew she enjoyed being. The second was the look of anxiety on her face, well, at least he wasn't the only one who was worried about how this conversation would go.

Because if this conversation didn't go the way he hoped for, it would mean the end of their marriage. And Rhett did not want that, at the same time he wasn't really sure what being a married man entailed. He knew he could take care of Scarlett and her family financially, no it was more the emotion side of marriage Rhett was afraid he would not be any good at.

Scarlett and He were alike in that they both wanted their own way, and did not want to listen to others. But Rhett himself knew he had a cruel streak to those that hurt him or burned him. He did not like to be made to look the fool in his own eyes or other peoples.

Wasn't that one of the reason he had left Scarlett all those months ago now? Because he didn't believe she loved him. He couldn't believe she did, and he would not be led around by the nose by a wife would loved another man.

The few words he had with Mr. Wilkes outside on the porch had showed the man did not think highly of him, and dare he hope Scarlett as well? Rhett hoped that Mr. Wilkes thought of Scarlett as nothing more now than a burden on his good name. That he would take his family and leave as soon as it became appeared that Rhett would be staying.

Because one thing Rhett knew for sure, if he's going to live at Tara, Ashley Wilkes would not be. That was going to be his one demanded of Scarlett, that she would have to kick the honorable gentlemen out. If she truly loved him like she claimed that wouldn't be too hard to do at all.

Running his eyes over the rest of his wife's figure, Rhett stopped mid-step, noticing the enlarged middle section of her stomach. He opened his mouth only to close it as he looked at Scarlett then back towards the doorway. He tried to say something again, only to find his voice was lost to him completely.

Scarlett couldn't help but laugh at the look of shock and confusion written all over Rhett's face. It was the first time she had seen the confident Rhett Butler without words.

Hearing her laughter, Rhett forced himself to walk the few feet left, until he was standing next to the sofa Scarlett was setting on. He had never imaged his returning to find Scarlett with child. It just wasn't something his mind had pictured. Seeing her now, though, Rhett couldn't believe he hadn't thought of the consequences of their time together.

“Why” Rhett started but stopped, already knowing why Scarlett hadn't told him of her pregnancy. He hadn't left her any contact information, so how could she get in touch with him?

"How long until you give birth?" Rhett asked when he finally found he could complete a sentence. Knowing if the child was his, it could be anywhere from three months to any day now.

Scarlett was happy Rhett hadn't lashed out for her laughter, he seemed to be trying to comprehend her pregnancy. Which was good because one of Scarlett's deepest fears, of late, was Rhett not wanting a child of his own. Or worse yet, denying the baby was his.

“One can never exactly guarantee” Scarlett started with her answer to Rhett's question, noticing his left eyebrow raise with her words, “but I believe only two more months”

Scarlett herself wasn't exactly sure just how long until the baby came, two months was a close guess for how long she had missed her monthlies before she felt the baby move. She supposes it could be as long as three months. One truly was never sure when a baby would decide to come into the world.

"Yes one can never truly know" Rhett responded with trying not to sound cruel. Because more than likely with how big Scarlett was, this was indeed his child. But seeing how he had been gone from Atlanta and Scarlett for six months it was not impossible for the baby to be Ashley Wilkes, after all the man was living at Tara.

Of course, Rhett knew he couldn't accuse Scarlett of infidelity because he had no proof she had been. And if this was his child it was already going to have so much to live down, not adding her or his Father not believing they were these before birth.

Scarlett was remaining quiet because she did not want to get into an argument with Rhett over the baby. She needed him to accept responsibility for their child along with being open about their marriage. And she knew the more she talked, the more likely it was they would get into a fight. They always seemed to argue, sometimes Scarlett thought Rhett did it on purpose to get a rise out of her. He enjoyed it, she promised. Men, were such strange creatures, who could understand them?

"Are you happy about this, My Pet?" Rhett asked as he motioned to Scarlett's stomach.

"God's nightgown Rhett" Scarlett couldn't help slipped out at his question. "I would be happier about this if everyone knew you are my husband"

Rhett did laugh at her reply, so the baby itself wasn't the problem for Scarlett, everyone thinking she didn't have a husband was. She did have a point there though, it had to be hard being seen as a fallen woman, when you truly weren't one.

"Yes, well I'm here now, and we can take care of that little problem of yours" Rhett jestly spoke as if announcing their marriage was an everyday occurrence that needed little fanfare. Like, he hadn't forbidden Scarlett from telling anyone they were married before now.

Honey, thought Scarlett as she tried to keep her temper in check, you attraction more bees with honey than vinegar. Oh, but how she would like to give some vinegar, to Rhett right now. Instead, she smiled and sweetly ask. "When will you take care of that little problem of ours?"

"As soon as Mr. Wilkes finds other living arrangements" Rhett answered curtly, wanting to see if Scarlett would shield Ashley from having to go out into the cold world on his own to fend for himself.

"Fiddle-dee-dee, if it was that easy to get rid of him I would have sent him packing months ago" Scarlett came back with "He has no money to go anywhere else. And while I don't care if he starves to death, after the whole fuss he made of finding us together. I will not turn Melly and Beau out."

Rhett took a seat next to Scarlett on the sofa knowing she was right on the point of Melly and Beau, they could not in good conscience put them out. One really couldn't throw out the husband and keep his family, could they?

"What about Miss PittyPat's house? Couldn't they go live with her?" Rhett inquired, thinking he had found the answer to their problem.

"She can't afford to take them in" Scarlett counter "She wrote Melly that while she would love for them to live with her, she doesn't have the allotted funds at the moment"

Rhett found that answer hard to believe, how much more money would it cost for food for just two more people? Beau was too young to be eating much if not still breastfeeding at the moment. And wasn't that house half Scarlett's as well. So sending the Wilkes there wouldn't even need the older woman's approval.

Rhett gave Scarlett a look like he didn't believe the answer she had just given him, so she informed him "Pittypat doesn't want anything or anyone close to me around her. The scandal of our relationship is just too much for her."

"So she would rather her niece and nephew live with you and the scandal, then take them in?" Rhett asked, skeptical of Scarlett's answer.

"Yes," Scarlett mumbled back, "it seems out of sight, out of mind works well for Pittypat."

"Really?" Rhett questioned.

"That, and Melly has made it clear to everyone she will not be disowning me. Or hear anyone talk bad about me." Scarlett shyly smiled at Melanie's faith in her. "She says I'm her sister and she will not abandon me"

Hearing just how much Melanie defended Scarlett and wouldn't leave her made Rhett feel like a heel for wanting rid of the Wilkes family. Mrs. Wilkes truly loved Scarlett and would not allow others to treat her poorly, not even her own Aunt.

"We will have to think of someway to get rid of him" Scarlett stated, "Perhaps you know of someone who could offer Ashley a job?"

"Trust me My Pet, even if I did know someone your dear Mr. Wilkes would not welcome my help" Rhett unceremonious retorted knowing the man thought himself above the likes of Rhett therefore looked down on him for his tower of righteousness. It didn't matter if Ashley had to relay on the charity of his sister-in-law and her family, as long as he didn't have to accept help from a reprobate.

As a sly smile formed on Rhett's face, he could almost imagine the look on Ashley Wilkes' face if he had to thank him for his help once more. It would truly be worth helping the insufferable gentleman, just to see that look of contempt he had to swallow back.


"I think you mean Melanie's, dear Mr. Wilkes" Scarlett fired back with not wanting any claim on her former love, having outgrown that childish infatuation. Also, she tired of Rhett's insistence that she cared for Ashley when she did not.

"Of course, isn't that what I said?" Rhett posed, daring his Wife to correct him.

"You know what you said" Scarlett returned with as she noticed Rhett's lips forming a smile. He was enjoying this back and forth between them, she was sure.

"Well I'm sure I meant Mrs. Wilkes', dear husband" Rhett riposte. He then turned his head away from Scarlett, so she could not see the all out smile on his face. He loved to tease Scarlett, it was such fun to get her all worked up.

"I'm sure you did" Scarlett sourly replied, "forgetting all that. We still have no way to get Ashley out of this house. Unless you have money to give the southern gentleman"

"Money you say?" Rhett ask, turning to look at his wife once again. Rhett noticed how her face was rounder than when he was last in Atlanta, he supposed her pregnancy was the cause of that. It made her look softer than he remembers, as well as making her more beautiful.

If money was all it took to get rid of Mr. Wilkes, Rhett would give him buckets full to never have to see him again. And think every penny spent getting him to leave was worth it.

"Yes, money" Scarlett returned as she looked into Rhett's eyes wanting him to know she wasn't trying to trick him. "He had a job offer up North some months ago, but did not have the train fare"

"My Pet, didn't you have the money for fare for him?" Rhett asked, thinking of the funds he had given Scarlett for the upkeep of Tara.

"That money is for keeping everyone at Tara fed and clothed" Scarlett hotly defended her actions, "I didn't know how long you would be gone. I had to make sure it lasted until the cotton crop was in"

"And you didn't think using it for three train tickets up north for the Wilkes' would save you money in the long ran? Of not having to feed them?" Rhett fiery questioned.

"Ashley wasn't going to take Melly and Beau yet. He was only going and would have needed more than just train fare." Scarlett voiced, "He also needed money for a rented room and food. Besides, he never asked me for the money"

"Not that you would have given it to him" Rhett countered, "You're really mad at Mr. Wilkes aren't you?"

"Of course I am" Scarlett answered as she tried to stand up off the sofa, but her large stomach wasn't cooperating, and she slipped back down. Rhett stood up and then offered Scarlett his arms as support for her. She gave him a dirty look as she stood up with his help.

"He looks down on me," Scarlett continued with, "and the lecture I got on the way back to Tara from Atlanta."

"Was it very bad?" Rhett questioned as he walked with Scarlett to the window, both of them looking out to the front yard.

"God's nightgown Rhett it was awful, the worse talking to I've ever gotten" Scarlett admitted, "Don't think for a minute I've forgotten your part in all this"

"My part, I wasn't even there" Rhett justify thinking Scarlett was losing her mind.

"No, but if you hadn't had made me keep quiet about our marriage, I could have told Ashley to go to hell." Scarlett threw back at Rhett, seeing understanding in his eyes.

"I didn't really think you would keep quiet" Rhett admitted as he took hold of Scarlett's hand, "I have to say I'm shocked when you discovered your condition you didn't just tell everyone the truth"

"What good would that have done," Scarlett said as she smiled up at Rhett shyly, she could never understand how Rhett's mind worked. She did what he asked, and he was shocked, well what did he expect? He had threatened to take Tara away if she told anyone, plus she wanted to prove her love for him. "You weren't here, No one would believe me, they would think they were just words from a desperate woman"

Rhett knew Scarlett reasoning was right, no one without him there would believe Scarlett was actually telling the truth about their marriage. Even now, with him here, Rhett knew there would be some who would never believe they had been married this whole time. But they had a better shot that some would believe the truth with him there telling it. Also, Rhett knew he would have to talk to the Priest that married them, let him announce it in a service that he had married them last year.

'Oh what a tangle web we weave' Rhett thought, knowing this would follow Scarlett and him the rest of their lives. Hopefully it wouldn't blacken their children's lives too badly. People could overlook a lot of things if you were wealthy enough.

"Do you think Ashley's job offer is still available?" Rhett asked, deciding they need to get back on point of how to get rid of Mr. Wilkes. The last things they needed was to get into a screaming match about who had more fault in the situation they found themselves in. Because Rhett had a feeling that was one fight he would not win, as much as he wanted to be right.

"He got a letter a few days ago from that friend, so I think so" Scarlett informed Rhett, acting like she hadn't gone in search of the letter after Ashley had read it. It hadn't been that hard, she just waited until Ashley and Melanie had left their room and went in and found the letter in a bedside drawer. She had only to read a few lines to know Ashley's job offer still stood. If Scarlett hadn't been so worried about money, she would have given him the train fare that very day.

Rhett supposed that was a good sign that Ashley did have a job offer. Now all he had to do was get the gentleman there. Rhett just hoped once they told Ashley of their marriage, he would feel bad enough for his wrongful treatment of Scarlett that he would take the money Rhett would offer him to leave.
You just never knew with a southern gentleman, would his fallen pride not allow him to accept help from Rhett or Scarlett?

"Hopefully the job is still available" Rhett noted, wanting to get this whole Wilkes business over so that he could concentrate on his marriage to Scarlett. They needed to have a long talk about what they both wanted. Rhett knew once Ashley was gone, he would feel a lot better about Scarlett's attentions being solely for himself.

He could see Scarlett was angry at Mr. Wilkes, but once that past would she fall back into her infatuation with the man? No, it was better that Ashley Wilkes live far, far away. So they never had to see the gentleman again. Plus Rhett would be sure to remind Scarlett every chance he could what a judgmental man Mr Wilkes truly was, well perhaps not every chance it would be better if Mr Wilkes was just forgotten over time.

The only downside to that was they would have to cut ties with Mrs. Wilkes, which Rhett would have thought something Scarlett would rejoice to do. But her fuss about not turning Miss Melly and Beau out, that might cause a problem for Scarlett.

After all, Melanie Wilkes was little Wade Hamilton 's Aunt, and she most likely would want to keep in contact with her late brother's only child. If only Wade was older, he could correspond with his Aunt by mail. But the boy wasn't old enough to even read yet, at least Rhett didn't think he could, much less write a letter.

Rhett promised himself he would hire a tutor as soon as possible to learn Wade his letters along with his numbers. After all, the boy was about to become an older sibling, he would need to know those things to help teach his younger sibling.

'A baby' was soon to become part of his life, Rhett wasn't sure how to feel about becoming a Father. But he knew one thing for sure, he would not turn his back on his child no matter what. For that matter, he thought looking at Scarlett, he wouldn't turn his back on the Mother of said child either.

[Sw]

Chapter Four


Oh, what a night, Rhett thought as he laid next to his sleeping wife, who was snoring softly. This was not how he pictured this night ending at all. He had thought it would go one of two ways, he would be at Belle's passed out drunk after having his heart broken by Scarlett's rejection. Or have his arms wrapped around his wife, after they had both declaimed their love with one another.

Of course, neither one of those had happened. Instead, after a very long afternoon explaining to the residence of Tara that he was Scarlett's husband, and they had been married for a year. They then had to give a reason for not disclosing said information a year ago.

Scarlett had not been any help at all, clarifying why their marriage had to be a secret. Rhett had try to get his reasons, one being he just wasn't sure how the whole of Atlanta would treat his wife, so he thought it best to let everyone think Scarlett was still a widow. After all, most of Atlanta avoided him unless they needed something from him. He did not want that for his wife and step-son.

Rhett could see Ashley had to bite his lip a few times when he was giving his explanation. And if Rhett hadn't of stopped by his lawyer who had kept the legal paper work of his marriage to Scarlett, he was sure Ashley would have called him out as a lair.

As it was, Mr. Wilkes still had asked more than it was appropriate, why he had let Scarlett's named be blackened when all Rhett had to do was tell the truth? Rhett of course didn't really have a good answer he could share in mixed couple. He couldn't in good conscience shout out, as he wished too, that he hid his marriage because he thought Scarlett was in love with another man. Now could he, not when the other man was setting at the dinner table with him. And not in front of Miss Melly, who had taken the news as a Lady she was just overjoyed for her sister-in-law.

In fact, Rhett wasn't sure who was happier for Scarlett and he, Melanie or Wade? Wade was beyond happy that his 'Uncle Rhett' would not be leaving again and would say with them forever.

The rest of Tara, Rhett guessed, was relieved it turned out that Scarlett wasn't a fallen woman. Mammy kept giving him dirty looks, something Rhett was sure he was going to be receiving from her for many years to come. Pork who had helped him get his suitcase situated for the night had treated him cold, but Rhett was sure given time the man would warm up to him. After all, Gerald O'Hara himself had treated Rhett let an old friend. The older man didn't know what year it was or why his wife wasn't attending dinner, but none the less was nice to him.

His new sisters-in-law were opposite of each other, one was sweet and kind to him, the other was worse than Scarlett when she was in a temper. Careen had been very kind and tried to make sure he felt welcome. Suellen wanted to kill him, he was sure. She had a scowl on her face every time she looked at Scarlett and him.

Rhett let out a breath when he married Scarlett, he knew she came with a lot of baggage, he just hadn't truly realized until tonight that all her responsibilities now were his as well. Now it was Rhett who would have to look after Gerald O'Hara and his two unmarried daughters. Not to mention this once he was sure booming Plantation that was now nothing more than a farm. The servants were his as well to take care of. At least Mr. Wilkes had the good sense to asks if Rhett could lend him train fare tonight, so hopefully soon the Wilkes would be out of his hair.

It was kind of a let-down, though, when Ashley asked for money. Because of all the plans, Scarlett and he had made that afternoon on how to trick Ashley into taking their help. And then in the end, he just asked for help. At least he would be leaving that is all that really mattered.

The only good thing about focusing on Mr. Wilkes when Rhett arrived was that Scarlett and he had a common enemy, so they didn't have to dig deeper into their own situation. Scarlett wanted him to stay, of course she did, she was pregnant and needed her husband by her side.

If she truly loved him, Rhett wasn't sure, and now that didn't seem as important as it once did. Because no matter how Scarlett truly felt, they were both trapped into this marriage for the time being. Rhett wanted to believe Scarlett loved him as he did her. She had said she loved him before he left for London. But not since he had returned, but he hadn't mentioned love either.

Rhett couldn't help but wonder if Scarlett had the same fears of him not loving her as he did of her not loving him? That fact right there of no knowing if your spouse loves you was most likely the reason people courted before they married.

Scarlett and he had courted kind of before the siege of Atlanta. But he had never made known his affections for her were beyond just wanting her body. Because Rhett himself hadn't been genuinely certain they were beyond that. His feelings for Scarlett had grown over time until he couldn't just tell himself it was just her body he wanted. Rhett wanted Scarlett's heart all for himself, he killed him that she loved that wooden headed Mr. Wilkes.

Turning his head to look at his sleeping bride, Rhett smiled, at least now she seemed to be over Mr. Wilkes, she certainly seemed angry at him. Rhett would feel better once she just was indifferent to that gentleman. Because love and hate were the two sides of one coin, after all. Sometimes you took the love you had and fueled your hate with it. So once Scarlett scarcely thought of Mr. Wilkes, that better Rhett would truly feel on that subject.

A moan came from Scarlett as she shifted in bed, opening her eyes slowly, Rhett waited to see if she would return to sleep again. Instead, Scarlett turned as if to get up, but only got halfway before she was back laying down. She tried again, but ended up right back where she started.

Rhett couldn't help but chuckle at the difficulty Scarlett was having getting out of bed. Her larger stomach seemed to make it hard on the southern belle. "Need help?" Rhett asked as he got out of the bed without any problem, then walked around to Scarlett's side Rhett turned up the lamp on Scarlett's side of the bed before helping her up.


“Thank you” Scarlett softly said then looked embarrassed as she looked around for the chamber pot. "You can go back to sleep, I just need to relieve myself, and then I will be going back to sleep myself."

This was something Scarlett had never had to do before, use a chamber pot with someone else in the room. But she could not hold it any longer with the baby. When she was this far along with Wade, Charles was dead already.

Rhett could see Scarlett's face was turning a deep shade of red. He knew she was uncomfortable with having to use the chamber pot with him in the room. "I think I could use a glass of water" Rhett said as he headed for the bedroom door to give Scarlett the privacy he knew she wanted. "Do you want one as well?"

“No” Scarlett happily replied, "thank you. I don't want to have to wake any more tonight"

Rhett nodded understanding, then left the room as he found himself on the other side of Scarlett's bedroom door into a dark hallway. Trying to make as less noise as possible, Rhett made his way towards what he hoped was the staircase. Finding it where he guessed it would be, it took him a few minutes to get down it in the dark.

Once he had reached the bottom, Rhett realized he had no idea where the kitchen was, and knew in the dark it wasn't a good idea to be searching the house. So instead he found the front door and opened it, deciding getting some fresh air would do him just as good as any glass of water would have.

He sat on the front step and looked around, the moon was out, so he could see the stars. It reminded Rhett of being in the middle of the ocean, somewhat the quietness of the night. So much in his life was changing, they were not bad changes though, Rhett thought, just changes that were going to make him have to be the gentleman had had been raised to be. He was going to be a Father, of course he already was a step-father. He was going to have to straighten up his act, no more playing cards until dawn, or deciding to pack up and leave a city on no notice.

Rhett didn't know how long he had set on those steps, but decide enough time had passed that Scarlett should be back in bed by now. So he made his way as quiet as he could back up the staircase and was proud of himself as he found Scarlett's room at the end of the hallway.

Opening the door slowly as not to wake his sleeping Wife, Rhett was surprised to see that Scarlett was setting up in the bed the lamp still burning bright. She looked up when he entered the room, smiling at him, happy to see his return. She had been worried he had gotten lost in the dark house.

“Hi” Scarlett said as Rhett closed the door himself.

"I thought you would be back to sleep by now" was Rhett's reply as he walked towards the bed.

"The baby had another ideas" Scarlett said as she rubbed her stomach where baby Butler was kicking her.

"May I?" Rhett asked, holding his hand out as he set on bed next to Scarlett. Rhett would love to feel his baby kick, it would make this whole thought of soon being a Father real to him if he could feel the baby kick.

Instead of answering with words, Scarlett gently took Rhett's outstretched hand and moved it over to her stomach, where the baby was kicking. They both laughed a little when a strong kick was felt right where Rhett's hand laid.

"I think the baby is saying Hello Daddy" Scarlett lovingly spoke with a smile shining bright on her face.

"Hello baby, it's time for you to let your Mother get some sleep" was Rhett's reply to his baby, as he gently rubbed Scarlett's stomach. As if baby Butler was listening, the kicking stopped.

"Oh, where were you these last few months?" Scarlett declared, thinking of all the nights lately she was up with the baby kicking her. "If only the baby would listen to me like that"

Rhett laughed but stopped when he saw the scowl on Scarlett's face, she was being serious, he perceived. "Well, let's hope from now on the baby will keep obeying me, and you can get some much-needed rest"

"I'm sure I will need it once your son is born" was Scarlett reply, thinking of all the trouble a dark haired little Butler boy could get himself into.

"You mean once our daughter is born" Rhett rebound with. He really didn't have a preference, a son, or daughter would be fine with him. He would like to be able to spoil the baby, and a girl would be easier to spoil without causing the child to be too rotten. But given the details of how their marriage wasn't commonly known, a boy would weather the scandal better.

"Oh fid·dle·dee·dee, Rhett, this baby I'm having is a boy" Scarlett proclaimed just knowing she was right. This pregnancy was different from her first because during the time she was pregnant with Wade she had no idea if he would be a boy or girl. This time, Scarlett felt in her bones she was having another son.

"Far be it from me to know better than the Mother, My Pet" Rhett mockingly relented then asked. "Does our son have a name yet?"

"Well I have thought of a few, but I'm not sure, you will approve" Scarlett informed her husband as she shifted in bed, so she could slide down fully into the bed now that the baby wasn't kicking any longer she was ready to sleep once again.

"As long as the name doesn't start with A and ends with a Y. I really don't see having a problem with any name you chose my dear" Rhett jokey stated as he slid under the covers on his side of the bed. Never in the years he dreamed of sleeping in the same bed as Scarlett did he think he would one day share her childhood bed.

"God's nightgown Rhett, will you ever forget my childish infatuation?" Scarlett bitterly questioned. "Yes, did I think I loved Ashley Wilkes, but now I see I just loved the idea of him"

"What idea was that?" Rhett urged her to continue.

"Oh you know the dashingly young man just returned from his trip aboard" Scarlett had a far away look on her face thinking back to the time before the war. Had she really ever been that naive? To think that was what she truly had wanted in a husband.

"He's very boring you know, all his talks of books and such" Scarlett shared with Rhett as he laughed at her thoughts on books. "It's true he could put anyone to sleep with his talking"

"I'm sure that's not true, My Pet" Rhett uttered, "Mr. Wilkes I'm sure is just too involved in books verse the real world."

"He thinks he's better than little old me" Scarlett announced, letting a breath out. "I never noticed before because I was always using it to my advantage, but Ashley truly thinks he knows better than me"

"Most men do" Rhett acknowledged, knowing men of his time did not like women being smarter than them. "I happen to think having a smart wife is something to be proud of."

"You only say that because I'm your wife" Scarlett noted but was trying to hide a smile Rhett's words brought to her face.

"No I'm not" Rhett replied, "I think having a simple wife would be awful, in fact that's why I'm not received in Charleston if you remember."

Scarlett did smile openly at his words, that was true. Rhett did not want a stupid wife he had run away from that once. So he truly did think she was smart, which made Scarlett very happy. She did not want her husband looking down on her. She knew she didn't know all there was to book learning, but she had common sense, which now at days meant loads more than books learning did.

"Yes, I remember you being an outcast" Scarlett stated as a yawn escaped before she could stop it. "Ashley looks down on me being Irish, I never would have been good enough for him"

Rhett turned to look Scarlett straight into her eyes at her proclamation, he could see the hurt in them. And suddenly Rhett knew Mr. Wilkes would not be a problem in their marriage any longer. No, Scarlett would never forgive her once love for looking down on her Irish side, not when that side came from her much beloved Father. Ashley Wilkes had done what Rhett Butler had thought impossible, he had turned Scarlett O'Hara against himself.

"I have to say I admire your Father, Scarlett" Rhett admitted he saw Scarlett's eyes go wide at his words "He came to this country with nothing, and he worked and possible crooked his way unto having a Plantation and family"

Scarlett had to laugh at Rhett giving praise to her Father for his less than honorable way he had obtained Tara. Only someone who had also been sent out into the world with nothing could truly appreciate another who had overcome and made a success of themselves.

"Truly, Scarlett, your Father should never have been looked down upon by anyone." Rhett informed his wife. Gerald O'Hara was a loving Father, something Rhett himself never had and Rhett found it a tragedy that Gerald's mind had betrayed the elder man. Even now when he didn't know what was going on, he still showed love to his daughters.

"Thank You for saying that Rhett" Scarlett tearfully replied, knowing that he truly meant what he said made Scarlett feel like Ashley was even more mollycoddled then she originally thought. Ashley Wilkes had to be told what to do in the fields, how to do it, and when to do it. He was almost useless here at Tara if it wasn't for Melanie having to explain everything to her husband in a way the southern gentleman could understand. How poor dear Melly had the patience to put up with him, Scarlett truly had no idea.

"Do you think your Father will remember tomorrow about our marriage?" Rhett asked, knowing that Mr. O'Hara would not and hoping Scarlett could handle keeping her Father from injuring him if he finds them together in her bedroom.

"Don't worry about Pa" Scarlett answered, knowing her Father would not remember the announcement of her second marriage, most days he didn't remember her first. He asked at least once a day who Wade was. "He takes things easy now at days. Unless you're a Yankee, then he wants to kill you"

"Well seeing as I am not a Yankee I guess I will be safe then" Rhett retorted hoping Scarlett was right and Gerald paid no minded to him living at Tara now.

Scarlett bite her lip, she had been just so relieved when Rhett had finally returned and said he would stay as long as Ashley left. That Scarlett had not brought up a very important point that she and her husband needed to talk about. It seemed they were getting along so well, at least agreeing on the vital things, that it was easy to just go along with the flow all afternoon and evening.

But Scarlett knew going along with the flow was how all of Atlanta thought she was Rhett's Mistress. No, they needed to talk about their feelings for each other, get them out in the open. No more Rhett thinking she loved Ashley Wilkes. No, more thinking that Rhett just wanted her for her body. No, Scarlett knew they needed to have a very momentous conversation. She was just so tired with the baby, having been keeping her up with all the kicking.

But Scarlet knew that tomorrow Rhett would be escorting Ashley to Atlanta to announce their marriage to the whole of the town by placing an article in the paper to celebrate their one-year anniversary of marriage. Rhett had told her as much in whisper words before she had retired for the night.

The running of Tara always kept Scarlett busy. So she knew that it would be days before she would get time to talk to Rhett about this, after he returned from Atlanta, if then. It seemed to Scarlett, she always liked to put things off for tomorrow if she could. But not this, tomorrow was another day, but she needed and wanted her answer tonight.

"Rhett, why are you staying here at Tara?" Scarlett finally asked, requiring the answer to be because he loved her.

"My Pet, I'm your husband and as such it's my duty to take care of you" Rhett informed his Wife, not really wanting to get into this topic at this time of night.

"Take care yes" Scarlett mimic back, "but not live at my families Plantation. So why are you willing to stay at Tara?"

Rhett sighed, he wasn't going to be able to weasel his way out of answering the real question Scarlett was asking. What were is feelings for her?

"Why marry me, when you never wanted to marry?" Scarlett asked as she felt their unborn child shift inside her. "You now know I do not love Ashley, and if you don't, you should know I love you"

Rhett's breath caught at her declaration of love, his heart felt fuller than he could ever remember it feeling before. Scarlett O'Hara loved him, looking at her, he could see she wasn't lying. A smile lite up Rhett's handsome face as he leaned in to kiss his bride.

"I love you" Rhett whispered as they parted from their kiss "and if you weren't so far along I would show you just how much"

Scarlett laughed at that, she had been longing for Rhett's touch for so long. But at last it just wasn't meant to been right now. In fact, all, she wanted to do at the moment was close her eyes and sleep. Everything was right in her world, Rhett was here, and he would take care of things from now, on. She didn't have to worry any more about money or food on the table. All she needed to do was grow this baby and then deliver it. Yes, things were looking very good for her.

"Love you, Rhett, goodnight" Scarlett barely got out before she had fallen to sleep. Rhett couldn't help but laughed at his very exhausted wife.

[Sw]

Chapter Five: The Epilogue



Being at Tara was something Rhett had gotten use to over the years as his money was sunk into the former Plantation, now at days it was a large working farm. The main house was if Rhett had to give a guess in better shape than it had ever been. It was white as Scarlett always demanded, he had jokingly offered to have it painted black once, and she hadn't spoken to him for two whole days until she had finally cooled down.

They had added an entire new wing onto the house for their growing family. Wade was in Scarlett's old bedroom, wanting to have a little distance from his younger sisters. Gerald Butler known as Gerry, their eleven-year-old son and eldest together, had begged to be able to share Wade's room, wanting away from his little sisters as well.

Rhett hadn't given in to his son's cries, Wade was becoming a man and at the age of sixteen needed his own space away from the nursey floor. Gerry would be getting his own room soon enough, another year in the nursing wouldn't hurt the boy. He had too much of his parents in him, and Rhett wasn't sure what he would be getting up too if they let him board in another part of the house just yet.

Wade was a responsible young man who in a few short years would be leaving them for college. He wanted to study law as his Father had, mostly Rhett thought it was just something Wade felt he had to do to honor the Hamilton family. His Uncle Henry would send for Wade a few weeks every summer to show him the ropes of being a lawyer. Wade was expected to go to Law School, Rhett hated that and wasn't going to force him to go if he didn't want to.

Wade though wanted to go, to carry on his family's name. But Rhett knew the boy would more than likely end up back at Tara, running the farm with a law degree. Perhaps he was wrong through and Wade would make a great lawyer and love practicing the law. It wasn't beyond expectations that Wade could both run Tara and practices law.

Gerry Butler so far did not show the love of Tara that both his Mother and older Brother did. He loved running around the former Plantation and getting into all type of mischief. He was indeed his Father's son, if it wasn't for the years between them, you would promise they were twins. The only difference Gerry had from his Father was he had inherited his Mother's green eyes. He did not want to learn about farming at all. He liked playing cards, which Rhett had taught him when he was four, just to pass the time on a train trip they had taken to visit with Rhett's Mother.

Gerry was taking after his Father and namesake grandfather with his love of cards. He would beg both men to play a hand with him all day long. He even got his Uncle Will to play with him a few times just to get the young boy to shut up about it.

Will Benteen had been a Cracker before the war, but had shown up at Tara during the time after the War when the soldiers were making their way home. He was a good worker and never complained about anything, although he was left with a wooden peg for one leg. Before the war he never would have married one of the O'Hara daughters, they were too far above his class. But things changed after the war, there were not enough men who returned.

Suellen marrying Will came as a surprise to the household of Tara at first. They became engaged when Gerry was a year old, right after Carren had left for the Convent. Everyone knew that Will was sweet on Carren for the longest time. But the young woman had her heart set on becoming a Nun, Mr O'Hara even in his state of mind did not want his youngest to become a Nun. But Carren would not hear a word against it. So off she went to the Convent.

Suellen had been heartbroken by Frank Kennedy, and everyone knew she just wanted a husband of her own. So the pair married and seemed happy, as a wedding present Rhett had a small house built for them on the other end of Tara. So the two O'Hara sisters remaining at Tara did not have to see each other every day. It made both sisters very happy to have time away from each other.

Suellen and Will have two daughters and were expecting again, hopefully this time Will would get the son he so wanted.

Rhett found Will to be a good man who was hardworking, and he didn't mind his sons' to be around their Uncle, he was hoping some of that would rub off on Gerry, but it had not yet. Wade enjoyed learning how to work the fields from his Uncle Will.

Scarlett also got along well with Will, way better than she did with Suellen. The two of them could set down in the office at Tara to talk about what needed doing they would agree or sometimes argue, but they got everything sorted out. Will respected Scarlett, he listened to her, only spoke up if he didn't think her ideas had merit. Rhett couldn't help but think that respect they both had for each other was born when they worked the fields of Tara together after the war.

Suellen treated them both we cool disinterest since her marriage, before that she wined to Scarlett all the time about how unfair it had been for the Butler's to have kept their marriage secret and cause Mr. Kennedy to abandon her. If there was one person Suellen disliked above her sister in brother-in-law, it was her former love. She had never forgiven the man for breaking her heart. When news of his death came, Suellen had almost smiled claiming to Mammy, who then told Scarlett that Suellen had said that Frank would have still be alive if he had married her. Not out on the street so late at night returning from his store to get robbed. He would have been home with his family instead of a bachelor.

Rhett had been so relived when Scarlett had agreed to leave Tara for a few months every year. As soon as Gerry had been six months old, they had taken their first trip. Rhett would have liked to go across the ocean, but Gerry had still been too little at the point, so they settle for visiting his Mother in Charleston. Will was left in charge of Tara for the few months they were gone, they took Prissy with them as a nurse mate. Mammy would not leave her younger two lambs unchaperoned, with Will coming in and out of the house.

Melanie Wilkes and Beau had also departed Tara the same time as their first trip away. But she was going up north to join Ashley, he had settled in and had gotten them an apartment to live in. Ashley it seemed was a better banker than a field hand. Melanie always wrote along with her and Beau visits. From her letters they learned the Wilkes had brought a small house and were happy mostly. Melanie did dislike living in the north. Which is why she visited Tara and Atlanta every year. Ashley could not make the trips, so it was only Mother and son.

Every time Scarlett wrote of her additional pregnancies, Melanie made sure to come stay to help with delivering the babies and for Scarlett's recovery. The two were still close, Scarlett hated writing letters, but for Melanie she would bear it. Rhett chuckled at that thought, how far Scarlett had come from hating Melanie Wilkes to loving her dearly.



Those two even with the distance still were as close as sisters, well closer than Scarlett was to any of her blood sisters. And it was because of this closeness that Melanie was coming to visit with them, but also because Rhett had written Mr. Wilkes and asked if Melanie would stay a few weeks longer than she usually did. If she were wiling to watch over the Butler children for those few weeks?

Ashley had replied that Melanie would love to spend more time with her nephews and nieces. So with that information in hand, Rhett got to working on the long overdue Honeymoon, he and Scarlett had never taken. It was always something that came up, and they couldn't leave Tara without the children with them.

One of the most often reasons being there was no one there to watch all of them. If it was just Wade, Rhett knew Mammy could take care of that young man just fine. But not his three rascals, they were always up to something. Well, his little Bonnie mostly just wanted all the attention in a room and would throw a tantrum if she didn't receive it. She had gotten better with sharing attention with her siblings, because Rhett wasn't going to ignore his other children to please her. Scarlett was of the notion that Bonnie needed a spanking for that behavior, and he had to keep an eye out for that.

Scarlett had said she had been spanked by Mammy a few times when she was younger, and it did her all the good. Of course Mammy only spanked her because Mr. O'Hara had told the older woman too, he couldn't force himself to spank his little girl. Mrs. O'Hara only had to look to disappoint in Scarlett, and it made Scarlett feel worse than a spanking ever could.

Bonnie took after her Mother in that respect and cried her eyes out if Scarlett looked cross at her. For that reason alone, Scarlett had never spanked her daughter.

Their youngest, who had just two three Katherine nickname Cat, was into everything she loved being outside with her older boy Gerry. She would follow him around everywhere, and he was teaching her to play cards, something Rhett kept warning his son not to do.

But that boy, oh if one of their children need spanking, it was definitely Gerry. He thought he was his own boss and would not listen to anyone. Scarlett rarely ever saw any fault with her younger son, she thought all the things he did were amusing.

His wife would just laugh and tell him she was sure that Rhett himself acted the same way as a child. Of course, he had, but that didn't mean he wanted Gerry acting that way. Rhett knew from beyond the grave his Father was laughing at him. It was not easy to handle a Butler boy.

*-*-*-*-*-*

It was not easy to handle a Butler girl, thought Scarlett O'Hara Butler. Who's two daughters were like night and day. And both looks and temperament. One was everything a little girl should be, Bonnie loved shopping and dressing in the prettiest dresses she could fit in. She looked in all the world like a mini Scarlett with her grandfather's blue eyes. The other Cat hated dresses with a passion, if she could, Scarlett knew she would rather wear britches. She had once caught the youngster trying on a pair of her brother Gerry's pants, thank goodness they were too big for her. In looks she took after her Father, but Cat like her older brother Gerry had gotten her Mother's green eyes.

Scarlett just hoped Cat grew out of her hatred of dresses soon. It was an everyday battle to get the little girl dressed. Mammy and she were each taking turns having to dress the girl. Bonnie was just so easy to get dressed, she loved looking her best. Cat hated to stand still for any length of time, brushing her hair was also a nightmare. Of course, Rhett did not see this, all he saw was his baby girl wanting to play outside with her brothers.

Scarlett knew she had her work cut out for her in the future to get Cat to become a proper young lady.

Bonnie, while was all girl, she was also very spoiled by her Father who let the little girl have anything she wanted. All she had to do was pout her lip out and Rhett would buy her whatever dress, doll, candy she wanted.

And whenever Rhett had to tell his little angel 'No' she threw tantrums that would break your eardrums. Scarlett had tried to spank her once over it and Rhett would not allow it. He had threatened to spank her instead if she touched his angel child.

Scarlett had tried to explain to Rhett more than once that a spanking would not harm Bonnie. She wasn't going to abuse the little girl, she just thought a slap or two on the little girl's bottom might stop her tantrums.

Scarlett herself had been given a few spankings during her childhood and was fine. Mammy had not hurt her, just a late tap really to get her attention. It had worked somewhat, Scarlett learned which behavior she could get away with and what was not allowed.

The only good thing Scarlett learned from Bonnie's tantrums were that if she spoke up to the little girl, Bonnie would stop, not wanting to disappoint her Mother. Scarlett had been shocked by this, to know her little girl looked up to her had put a smile on Scarlett's face to brighten the room up.

Scarlett had never thought about her daughters looking up to her, as she had to her own Mother before that. Now though she knew that at least Bonnie did, and she wanted to keep that. It was wonderful knowing her child wanted to be like you.

Unless you were Rhett Butler and you did not want your son to be like you. Scarlett had to laugh at that thought. Poor Gerry, he could just do no right in his Father's eyes. The boy was so much like his Father and why Rhett found fault with that Scarlett did not know.

Wade of course was the best behaved child they had. Scarlett thought perhaps that was why Rhett was so hard on Gerry. Because Wade listened to Rhett, they could talk and Rhett would even take Wade on business trips with him. They had a close father-son relationship, one that Scarlett hoped would start to include Gerry.

It wasn't fair to Gerry that he was trapped still on the nursery floor away from his brother who he looked up to so much. Scarlett had tried to talk Rhett into letting Gerry have his own room by Wade's, but he would not hear of it.
"That boy would be running to Jonesboro and back before we would know he was even gone"

In all fairness, Gerry did like to run around Tara all the time, but so had Scarlett when she was younger. Cat was his tag along, the two got along so well, Gerry adored his baby sister. Bonnie and Gerry did not get along very well. Gerry loved to tease Bonnie and steal her dolls, when he wasn't playing cards.

He had even talked Scarlett herself into playing a few hands with him from time to time. She just could not tell her baby boy no. Cat who couldn't read yet was getting pretty good at cards through. Scarlett knew Rhett did not want his baby girl playing, but she didn't see the harm in it. Besides, it kept the little girl from mudding and tearing her dresses all up.

Scarlett knew Rhett was planning something, he always got a certain look in his eyes when he was. Usually it was something he wanted to surprise her or one of the children with. Why he just could not tell her when it was for the children, Scarlett never understood.

Sometimes she felt he wanted to surprise her as much as the children with their gifts, or he just didn't want her approval of his gifts. Like how he had brought all the children ponies when they turned three, Cat loved hers, but more for a companion to play with then ride. Bonnie loved riding and would live on her saddle all day if Scarlett would let her. But the little girl refused to learn to ride sidesaddle, because Gerry did not have to ride that way.

And no matter how many times Rhett and Mammy explain why Gerry did not have to ride sidesaddle, and she did, Bonnie would not budge on the topic. So Rhett had instead of letting Bonnie ride on her pony started taking her on carriage rides. Bonnie now was demanding to learn to drive a carriage herself.

Gerry thought the whole thing was hilarious and egged Bonnie on, telling her he did not blame her about the whole sidesaddle issue. Wade of course tried to get Bonnie to listen, but all she did with her oldest brother was batted her eyes at him, and Wade just couldn't be too firm with his little sister. Not with something like sidesaddle.

Wade could be firm, if he thought any of his younger siblings were doing something dangerous, he would be the first to either stop them or tell on them. He took being the oldest serious and showed his siblings a lot of love. Scarlett knew he got his good nature from his Aunt Melanie, for Wade showed no jealousy of his younger siblings. In fact, Wade tried to get Rhett to be less strict on Gerry.

Wade was sometimes too good to be true, Scarlett was sure there had to be some of her in him. She was just waiting until it came out one day. He had to be selfish in something, it made no sense if he wasn't.

What Scarlett couldn't see was that Wade was selfish all right, but it was with his family. He loved them beyond anything, and would not allow anyone to hurt them. Wade had the courage of his Mother and the heart of his Aunt Melanie. And the charm he learned from his Uncle Rhett.

Scarlett's days were filled with running, Tara, trying to keep track of all four of her children. Not to mention keeping an eye on her Father, Gerald O'Hara's mind still refused to accept the death of his Wife. He had come over time to remember Rhett and Will as his sons-in-law and the additional grandchildren, but nothing else.

Scarlett always tried to keep Pork with her Pa, she did not trust him to not try to jump that fence again. The last time he did he was thrown from the horse and broke his arm, thank goodness it hadn't been his neck. Bonnie, who had been following after her grandfather on her pony, had been scared silly and cried for hours, thanking her Grandfather was going to die.

That had stopped the little girl from wanting to jump herself. Which Scarlett counted as a blessing, she did not need to worry about more than one person getting hurt or killed jumping. She was relieved that Wade and Gerry did not find having their horses jumping fences fun.



But Scarlett's nights they were filled with the most delightful loving from Rhett. He was always so passionate. The days might be for her family, but Scarlett knew her nights belonged solely for her husband. Not long after Rhett had moved into Tara, a new door handle with a lock had to be installed on their bedroom door. It was not used until Gerry was five months old and spent some nights in the nursery.

That's not to say they had not been intimate before after the Doctor had given her the all clear. But it was different when they did not have to worry about a baby waking up. It was even better than their short honeymoon. Rhett's kisses seemed to make the whole world disappear, and all Scarlett's troubles seem just forgotten.

That's not to say over the years they haven't fought, oh they had many times. But the making up was just so much fun. Of course, that only came after all of their angry had been spent. Scarlett knew that she was usually was madder longer at Rhett than he even was at her. She tried not to be, but sometimes that man could just say the rudest, silliest things, that seem to just set her temper off.

Scarlett sometimes promised he did it on purpose just to see her Irish flare up. Rhett could be so hard to understand at times. He spoiled them all rotten, but yet he expected them to all behavior as if they weren't. Only Wade passed that test if it was one of Rhett's.

Scarlett's mind wondered to what she and her husband would be doing together tonight. She couldn't help but sigh and take a big breath, imagining being in her husband's arms, and having him all to herself for the whole night.

Not having to share Rhett's attention with anyone else, that brought a smile to Scarlett's face. She did not like having to share Rhett, but one could not ban a Father from spending time with his children. Besides, if they weren't with Rhett then they were wandering all over Tara, getting into all types of trouble.

Just last week, Gerry had tried talking his namesake into taking him into Jonesboro . To do what, Scarlett wasn't sure, she was just glad she had caught them before they could leave. If it had been Rhett who have caught them, she was sure his stance on spanking would have changed.

Scarlett had let the topic slip her mind when she was with her husband. She had told Will though to keep an eye out for the two Gerald's not to be allowed out by themselves or with Cat tagging along. The work of a Mother was never done.

*-*-*-*-*-*

“Rhett” Scarlett uttered as she entered their bedroom, happy to be on a floor without children. The last hour spent trying to locate Gerry and Cat, who had decided hide and seek before bed was a great idea. Also, Scarlett had kept Rhett in the dark about said game, because she knew Gerry would be in a world of trouble from his Father if he did not appear when he called for him.

So Scarlett, Wade, Mammy and even Bonnie had spent the hour looking for the two little troublemakers. Finally, finding them in the nursery of all places, Gerry reading Cat a book, a book Scarlett had thought she had taken and hidden in her bedroom from Gerry a few days ago.

The book had been taken from Gerry because he would rather read it than do the lessons his tutor wanted him to do. He must have sneaked into her room and gotten the book early today, because Scarlett was sure it had been there this morning.

Rhett looked up from their bed he was laying on, from a book he had been reading, looking all the in the world like Gerry had when she found him a few minutes early.

"So you found the kids at last?" Rhett asked, laughing as he saw the shocked look on Scarlett face from his question. "Did you really think you could keep the secret of Gerry and Cat missing from me, my Pet?"

Scarlett bite her bottom lip, not knowing how to answer that without Rhett coming out on top of that conversation. So she just walked towards her walk in closet to get her nightgown and other things she needed to get ready for bed.

"Come now, you can tell me. Did it really take you an hour to find our two wayward children?" Rhett egged on. Hoping this would teach Scarlett a lesson in not keeping things from him. Especially things concerning their children and their whereabouts.

Scarlett with her nightgown in hand walked out of her closet. Now, instead of shock on her face, a look of anger replaced it.

"They were up here with you the entire time, weren't they?" she accused her husband, who just smiled in respond. "Why didn't you let us know, the whole house had been searching for them"

"Why didn't you let me know they were missing?" Rhett answered back with.

Scarlett opened and closed her mouth, knowing she did not have a good excuse for not telling her husband. But she tried anyway with "I didn't want to worry you, knowing it was just a silly game"

"Nice try my Pet" Rhett stated as he got off the bed and walked towards her, "Why don't you try telling me the truth this time"

"How do you know that isn't the truth" Scarlett offered back, smiling her most southern belle grin. "You are getting up there in years Rhett, I didn't want to give your heart such a scare"

"Is that so?" Rhett asked, trying not to laugh at Scarlett ridiculous reply. "It had nothing to do with you wanting to keep Gerry from getting into trouble again?"

"Of course not" Scarlett said, playing with the nightgown in her hands to keep from looking into Rhett's eyes. He always could tell when she was lying if she looked him into his dark, dreamy eyes.

"You're still a terrible lair, my dear" Rhett retorted as he took the nightgown from her hands. "Gerry doesn't need you trying to protect him from me"

“But Rhett” Scarlett started but was interrupted by Rhett leaning down to kiss her making all her thoughts on defining Gerry gone with the wind.

Pulling back, Rhett silently laughed at the pout Scarlett gave him as she leaned up to try to claim his lips again. She was more a temptress than any mistress could ever be. First, before he gave in to his Wife's demands, Rhett had to get his point across.

"I want a promise right now from you, Scarlett" Rhett demanded, "That you will not keep things about the children from me"

Scarlett pulled away from Rhett, looking so much like Bonnie. When she was not getting her way, he had to force himself not to smile. It was times like these, Rhett knew why he did not have time for any other women in his life. His Wife and daughters kept him extremely busy.

Rhett had feared after Gerry was born and before Bonnie came to be that he would grow tired of just being a one woman man. Scarlett herself had asked him once why he had never taken a Mistress on her. He had just laughed and told her he had, it was just she also happened to be his Wife. Scarlett had not found that respond funny at all.

Because there were still those in Atlanta who believed that Scarlett truly had been his Mistress before they were married. The good people of Atlanta still gave him the cold shoulder most of the time, but Scarlett was received along with the children. Miss PittyPat let them visit and even help her out financially from time to time.

"Scarlett, I'm waiting for you to promise" Rhett said, knowing getting her to keep her word once given had improved with time. If she promised him, she would keep it. The problem was going to be getting her to promise in the first place. Rhett thought as he noticed Scarlett start to unbutton her dress.

"Really Rhett, is that important right now" Scarlett asked as she slowly unbuttoned a few more buttons, "Wouldn't you rather help me get undressed for the night?"

God help him, this woman was going to be the death of him, Rhett thought. Taking a deep breath he replied slowly as he walked towards his wife "You know I would my love, but first the promise"

“Ugh” Scarlett screamed as she pushed pass Rhett into her dressing room.

Rhett couldn't help but laugh at his Wife antics, only she would try to seduce him in order to get the topic of her promising not keep things from him about their children dropped. He laughed again when Scarlett appeared a few minutes later in her nightgown, looking ready to kill him.

It didn't look like he would be getting any loving tonight, so he got into his side of the bed under the covers and waited for Scarlett to join him. It took a few minutes and Scarlett's pout grew wider, but she finally got into bed with him.

Dimming the lamp, Rhett turned to Scarlett and whispered "Goodnight"

Scarlett looked defeated for a moment then turned her head to Rhett gently and said "I promise to tell you if the children are missing again. But you have to promise me the same thing"

Rhett opened his mouth to remind Scarlett that wasn't what he had wanted her to promise too. But seeing the look on her face he knew that was the best he was going to get this evening, so as any smart man would, he took the deal.

"Of course my dear, I promise as well" they then sealed their promises with a kiss that was more passionate than their early kiss had been. When they parted, Scarlett whispered, "I've missed you all day"

"Let me make that up to you, my pet" Rhett replied before kissing her again and all thoughts of anything but each other forgotten. Yes, their marriage was going to be a long, happy one, Rhett knew as he closed his eyes that night. He was so glad he had taken Scarlett up on her offer of marriage. It was the best deal he had ever made.

The End.