A/N: I apologize if I've caused any confusion with the changing of chapters and splitting of stories. This is a brand new chapter, and hopefully the final replacement for Chapter 4. Thanks for reading!

…..

The days passed by uneventfully in the Butler household. That is not to say that the atmosphere was not riddled with anticipation. It was simply uneventful for the simple fact that nothing ever happened.

Nothing, save for the mounting tension crackling in the air whenever anyone was within the immediate presence of both Rhett and Scarlett.

They studiously averted their gazes as they passed each other through the house. But that didn't stop them from throwing searching glances when they thought that the other wasn't looking.

Their reasons were simple.

Scarlett couldn't bear to meet Rhett's eyes. The last time he really looked at me was during that night of passion and had left at his earliest convenience. She couldn't meet his unwavering stare knowing that he had seen her both at her most uninhibited and vulnerable states yet he refused to share even a little part of himself.

Rhett couldn't bear to meet Scarlett's eyes. The way her piercing stare changed from angry to wounded right before they rolled back into her head would never leave my memory for as long as I live. Every time he saw her, he would be reminded of that split second and he did not want to see her eyes that lifeless ever again.

They barely spoke unless it was in conjunction with their daughter. Every move they made around each other was measured, short and precise. It was as if they were afraid that the cloak they, together but separately, unintentionally threw over their latest shared ordeal would fall and force them to deal with the unsavory matter.

And on one fateful afternoon, it was inopportune that a very unassuming Mrs. Melanie Wilkes had been subjected to that awkward attempt at civility that the Butlers extended to each other.

…..

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Wilkes," Rhett said as he entered the drawing room and gestured toward the divan.

"Good afternoon, Captain Butler," Melanie said, taking a seat.

"Mrs. Wilkes, if I have yet to express my gratitude for you watching over Scarlett during her recovery, then I am doing so now."

"Please, Captain Butler. Scarlett is a dearest sister to me. Nothing could've kept me from her during her time of need," she said compassionately.

Her words had hit Rhett much deeper than she knew.

"As you are aware, she stayed for me the night I had my Beau and if it wasn't for you, then we'd surely never have made it out of Atlanta. What I did for Scarlett was nothing short of what she would have done for me if our roles had been reversed."

He nodded solemnly but the moment had ended when Scarlett entered.

"Hello, Melly," Scarlett greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

Melanie noticed from the corner of her eye how Captain Butler looked over his wife before moving towards the table for refreshments.

After accepting the offered tea cup with a grateful smile at Rhett, she looked towards her sister in law, "How are you feeling, darling?"

"I'm healing quite satisfactorily Melly, thank you," she answered, taking her own proffered tea cup without glancing at her husband and then setting it aside.

Scarlett sat next to her on the sofa; a soft smile adorning her face, back rigid, and hands delicately folded in her lap. Melanie thought that it was a good sign of her recuperation.

Rhett, however, sitting in an overstuffed armchair directly from the ladies thought otherwise. He studied her profile. Forced smile, stiff posture, wringing of hands, those had to mean something, right?

"Ashley sends his love," Melanie said kindly.

To which Rhett scoffed and promptly covered with a cough.

Scarlett shot him a withering glare and it was the first time their eyes made contact in weeks.

They were caught unaware by the depth of emotions they had so far been successful at keeping from each other. And if they had seen their own expressions while they searched the other for questions or answers, for they weren't quite sure of what they had been expecting to find, then they would've noticed the similarity between their probing looks for longing, need, and assurance.

Even Melanie, schooled in the ladylike arts of ignoring that what must be ignored, couldn't help but flush at the immediate change in mood brought about by this connection.

Fortunately for her, the chime of the grandfather's clock seemed to break the couple from their stupor.

"Speaking of Mr. Wilkes," Rhett spoke to Melanie, "Please inform him that I would like request his audience regarding certain business matters. He can visit me at the bank at any time."

"Of course, Captain Butler."

Melanie saw Scarlett pale and attributing this to her health, she said, "Dear, I wouldn't mind taking my leave if you'd feel like resting."

Rhett was startled by her words and began to move in Scarlett's direction.

"Don't be silly Melly, we haven't seen each other in days and you know how much I enjoy your company. Don't you worry, I'm completely fine," Scarlett replied with honest sincerity.

Her odd look towards Rhett's sudden behavior stopped him in his tracks.

"I'm glad. Forgive me for being so forward, but when I had heard the news, I had gotten the biggest shock of my life! Dear, Scarlett, I'm so very happy to see you well. You see, I myself had been hoping for a baby of my own, but sometimes," she said softly, "sometimes, it isn't just meant to be."

Scarlett imperceptibly turned to Rhett before lowering her head.

Melanie was alarmed, "I apologize for upsetting you, darling!"

But it was already too late. Tears had already begun to roll down Scarlett's cheeks.

Melanie took Scarlett in her arms and for the first time, Scarlett finally received the comfort she needed after the horrible accident.

"I'm so glad you're here, Melly!" She managed to choke out between sobs.

Feeling quite useless with Melanie being able to accomplish what he had longed to do since the beginning of this whole mess, Rhett quietly excused himself and fled for the safety of his study.