Hi guys. For those of you who are thinking …wait didn't she already post chapter 7...the answer is yes…BUT…it didn't feel it flowed properly. I edited the beginning, then added a whole scene in the middle with Ben and Scarlett. Please take the time to reread it and tell me what you think. The next chapter will have more interaction with Scarlett and Rhett. P.S. Rhett is still in this chapter!
Oh and I do not own GWTW this is my disclaimer.
Chapter 7
Scarlett stared out of the large window with a smile on her face. She'd slept well that night not waking up once and surprisingly without needing a nightcap. She walked slowly towards the window, unhitched the metal latch and pushed it open. Immediately she felt the warm wind whip across her face and smelled the sea's salty brine. The sounds of seagulls and the gentle lull of the waves below were therapeutic. As the sun rose slowly over the ocean, it's bright rays tickled the water's surface. The warm red hues morphed into oranges and caressed her face with various colors. Scarlett sat on the bench by the window with her head against the sill enjoying the pleasantness only the morning could bring. She had brought her knees to her chest, hugging them as she thought how right she had been in coming.
Although this was a vacation she also had an agenda. It had been several years since she had last seen her sister Careen. After the war Careen had given her life to god and joined the convent in Savannah. She hadn't come to Savannah on a whim. She intended on forging a sisterly relationship with her no matter what her current status with the church was.
The deep hated past between her and Suellen gave her renewed strength in her endeavors with Careen . After all, with no other family left, she found she needed strength from others more than she had in the past. Her outlook in life had always been, "think about it tomorrow." The older she got the more she realized what happened to things if she left them till tomorrow. They didn't get resolved. If they did she had not the control she strived for and they somehow resolved themselves without the wanted outcome.
It was a humbling experience to rely on others. Giving up control was new for her and she struggled with it more than she would ever admit.
A soft knock on the door startled her. She hurriedly pulled on her wrapper and morning shoes. The lady who met her at the door seemed indifferent with her appearance. Slightly ashamed, Scarlett smoothed out her hair as best as she could.
"These arrived for you miss," she replied in a friendly tone.
"Thank you," she smiled back as she took the notes.
After closing the door, she examined the three envelopes in her hand. Only one stood out amongst the rest. It's bold slanted writing made her heart skip a beat. It was from Rhett.
She didn't realize how tightly she was gripping the letter till she realized the edges had become crumpled. The address he'd sent it to was the peach tree house. Henry must have forwarded it there. Though how would it have gotten here being that she had switched hotels? With great care she opened the letter, almost afraid of what it might say. Inside were three sheets of paper, one addressed to each of them.
The first was addressed to Ella. She skimmed it, not surprised with any of it. Nothing jumped out. She already knew Rhett loved and missed them. Scarlett rolled her eyes and went on to the next.
The second was of course Wade's. It was more of an update on what he was doing. The last paragraph though surprised her.
Wade, I know both your mother and I don't give you enough credit. You have become a man at such a young age. It was wrong of me to put you in a situation where you felt like you had to step up and be the man of the house. I do commend you for doing such a great job at it. I know right now you have mixed feelings toward me. It was not my intention to hurt any of you. Please look after your mother. She doesn't like to admit that she needs someone to support her, but emotionally I can't be there for her. I look forward to seeing you soon, though I'm not sure when that will be. I have several business endeavors that need my attention in Savannah.
Scarlett checked the date on the front of the envelope noting it's date. It was sent over a month ago and she hoped that his business had finished and that there would be no chance meeting. If they did indeed meet, most likely Rhett would think she'd followed him there.
When she got to the last page it was addressed to herself. She almost couldn't bring herself to read it. She felt her heartbeat quicken as she began.
Scarlett,
I have indeed reflected back to your thoughts on the role I should play in the children's lives. It took a lot of thought and I have come to understand the meaning behind what you said. Truth be told you were right. In as much as I love Wade and Ella, I never should have pushed them aside as though their feelings didn't matter.
I know you can't understand why I left as often as I did. It was a dark time of which I am profoundly ashamed of and can only come to blame one thing, jealousy. Although this may not seem like an adequate excuse, this is all I have to offer.
You were right when you said I abandoned them when I left and with that comes extreme guilt. I care for both Wade and Ella dearly. They are an important part of my life and I regret that I wasn't there when I should have been. They deserve better than how I treated them. Please accept my apology.
Having said this I understand your concerns with me being in their life. When we separated that legally ended the fatherly role I have played, though I must argue that legalities mean little to the responsibility I feel toward them.
Please give these letters to the children. I know this is asking a lot. If you wish for me to stop writing to them I will respect that. My only wish is that you give them the choice of whether or not they want me in their lives.
Respectfully yours,
Rhett
By the time Scarlett got to the end she was at a loss for words. She'd never expect any sort of apology from him and she knew how out of his element this was for him. He would have to prove to them by his actions how serious he was and respect her boundaries. The children needed a father in their lives. She had no intentions to replace Rhett right away. There was a spacious hole in her heart she was trying desperately to mend. Having Rhett around would hinder the healing process.
She was at a point in her life where she had realized that life wasn't just about her. If Ella wanted him around, who was she to deny her what she needed. Being a single parent was difficult role to play. She never realized how much she had learned from each parent. Her mother taught patience, kindness, meekness, and a certain devotion to genteel manners and respect. Whether she used these was beyond the point. Her father had been there and taught her order and commitment. His role was necessary for all aspects of their life to run smoothly. He had a loyalty to that which was important, and that was his family and their plantation. He was the protector, someone who she could turn to when she needed to. She would not be the person she was today had it not been for both of them. She was well aware she could do it on her own and play both rolls, but given the choice she didn't want to.
Rhett had helped her raise them. But they way they had turned out was largely due to a person she couldn't thank, Melanie. She wondered what Melanie would think of their current situation. She would be shocked and saddened and disappointed. She had a feeling that Melanie would have done all she could have done to repair the damage between the two of them.
She was willing to let him play a part in their lives on her terms and her terms alone; but she was not willing to let him have say in what they did or did not do.
With much resolved Scarlett looked over the other two remaining great care she opened the larger one, discovering an invitation on elegant paper to the summer festival. The addressee was no one she recognized and she disregarded it by putting it aside.
The last one plainly said her name. Shrugging she opened it and smiled as she read the name at the bottom. It was from Ben.
Dear Scarlett,
I wish to thank you for your pleasant company yesterday. I find it quite refreshing to be in the company of such a lady. I hope my forwardness didn't scare you off. I look forward to seeing you again hopefully sooner than later. In the mean time I hope you enjoy Savannah and it brings you the comfort you're searching for.
Sincerely, Ben
She knew she'd see Ben soon for he had promised to tell her the truth behind the ending of his and Rhett's friendship. He wasn't going to get away that easily.
It had been a last minute decision to leave all of her hired help behind. Of course she was expected to rely others to dress and do her hair. Bringing them along would hinder what she was trying to learn and that was her children. She had set a goal to prove Rhett wrong, that she could and would gain the respect of her children and be able to answer any question others asked about them. As stubborn as she was, she was determined to do it regardless of any scandal that could arise.
Scarlett's new found patience could only be stretched so thin. Ella wasn't the easiest person to dress. She found her child very unmotivated and whiny.
"Why can't we just send for Pansy? She would know how I like it." Ella moaned. Scarlett stood her ground and gave her daughter a pointed look.
"Ella, I'm not sending for Pansy. We will just have to make due." He tone made her daughter back down slightly. Ella sat on the edge of the bed with a scowl on her face and her small arms folded.
"But why can't…."
"Stop! You're not four any more. There's no need to throw a fit just because you don't get your way. Now come get dressed. We'll have no more discussion about it."
Ella held strong, staying fixed in her spot. Scarlett wasn't sure what to do. She felt frustration rise and her first instinct was to yell at her to make her do it. She bit back heated words and walked towards the window to regroup. Her hands made fists at her side as she tried to calm down. A new tactic would be necessary and reasoning was worth a try.
This time she spoke with a more softer, sincere tone. "Ella please get dressed. I know you like the way Pansy does it but couldn't you just…."
"No!" She replied not moving. Scarlett turned around furious at her child's defiance.
"How dare you talk to me that way!" By this time she was done. She was stupid to think she could blindly handle parenthood with no help. She needed guidance. One could not expect knowledge to appear in her head over night. The self control part was challenging. How could she expect her children to have self discipline when she herself was trying to learn it at the same time. Lifting her hands in the air in surrender, she walked towards the open door.
"I give up."
She stomped out of the door, slamming it on her way. As she passed Wade, she saw his body tense. He was very aware of the oncoming storm and knew the best way to handle it was to steer clear.
"I'll be right back please watch Ella for a few minutes." She didn't give him time to answer before she left.
It took less than a minute to make her way to the lobby. Several guests looked up as she swiftly passed. Once outside, she took a deep calming breath and took hold of the porch railing for support. She wasn't the only one out there and she felt ashamed to show emotion in front of others. The porch wrapped around to the back, and she followed it to find a quiet secluded area. Three steps led off the porch onto a rocky path. The rocks crunched loudly under her as she walked towards the fragrant colorful gardens surrounding the rear of the building.
Mixed emotions swirled around her and she found herself fighting to keep afloat. She felt like such a failure. How was she going to do this by herself? It was overwhelming and it made her want to scream.
The rich scent of lilac bushes permeated the air. She followed the pleasant scent, finding it's source and picked several flowers to bring back to the room. She continued through the well groomed gardens until she came to the edge where the garden stopped and the beach began.
Scarlett leaned back against a thick tree and stood mesmerized as the waves steadily crashed onto the shore. Each wave thundered down with immense power, then cascaded smoothly onto the sand. She envied the way they released their energy wishing she could do the same.
"This is sort of like a deja vu." Ben's deep voice teased behind her. She hadn't expected anyone to follow her, let alone him. Her head whipped toward him as she painted a skeptical look on her face.
"Are you following me?" He stopped smiling when he noticed how tight her jaw was set and heard the slightly annoyed quality in her voice.
"Would you believe I crave your company?"
Scarlett shrugged turning her face back toward the sea. She wasn't in any mood for flattery or games.
"Is something wrong?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"You forget I have a sister. I know all the signals, though usually when I realize something is upsetting her I steer clear. Why don't you just get if off your chest. You'll feel better."
She eyed him quizzically. She really didn't know him very well and even though they had a common acquaintance, she felt she should keep private matters private. After all she wasn't sure yet if he any other motive than to just be friends. Her trust with men was one of her weaker points at the moment. Not that she didn't want to trust them, she had been burned and it came harder now.
"Actually, I appreciate your concern but I'd rather not."
Ben opened his mouth to say something then thought better of it. Scarlett seemed complicated to him. She had a certain vibrance in her most women were lacking. But underneath it all he felt sorry for her as though he'd found a stray dog. He didn't understand his new feelings but knew that he wanted to help and protect her. Maybe if they found some kind of common ground she'd open up to him more.
"Can I ask you something?" Her glare made him inwardly smile, as he admired how really beautiful she was when she was upset. He still asked his question despite her reaction. "Do you miss Rhett?" Ben asked honestly after several uneasy silent moments. He wasn't sure how she'd respond but knew it was worth a risk. Maybe bringing up her husband when she was upset was the wrong idea.
Scarlett took a deep breath then sighed. She took her time in answering as though she wasn't sure how to respond.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't." She answered in also a whisper. She felt his eyes on her but she couldn't meet them. "It took me a long time to realize my true feelings for him."
"If you love him so much why'd you let him go? I don't want to over step boundaries but didn't you sign the papers too? " Her gaze turned to him abruptly as her eyes narrowed.
"I see you've done your homework." She snapped crossing her arms angrily. " I was trying to show him that I wasn't as immature as he made me out to be. I thought that if I gave him what he wanted that he'd see how unselfish I'd become. I never dreamed he'd actually file the papers nor did I deem it possible that he could even have it granted."
"So you're saying that you did it because you thought he'd see that you'd changed?" His eyebrows raised in a questioning look.
"Why are you asking me questions all of a sudden?"
"I'm trying to figure you out. You're sort of an enigma to me. Most women….and I am generalizing…would do anything they could in their right mind to save their failing relationship. You took the road less traveled. You took the bull by the horns and instead of leading it to a new pasture, opened the gate and set it free expecting it to turn around and grovel at your feet. You had something to prove and he….well I can't speak for him, but if I were him I'd feel terribly stupid right now knowing I'd given up the most valuable thing in my life." A blush rose to her cheeks.
"Well the last time I saw him he was very sober and very unpleasant to be around. So obviously he's not that sad. If he were he'd be nursing a bottle of brandy."
"Maybe he realized being drunk wasn't the answer. It hardly is and let me tell you, I know that from experience. I'm thinking him being sober is his way of dealing with it."
"Ya…" she laughed unconvinced. "How well do you know him?"
"I don't think you're understanding my thinking. Let me explain. You and Rhett have a long past. Maybe what drove him to drinking was him not being able to figure out what was wrong with his relationship. Maybe it numbed him into not caring."
"I'm still confused."
"Let me put it this way. Rhett finally got what he wanted and that was you. Once he had you he underestimated his feelings for you and figured if you found out how much he cared you'd laugh at him."
"Why would I laugh at him? I told him I loved him and did that change anything? No, he turned around and apologized saying it was too late. Who's side are you on? I thought you weren't friends anymore."
"I wasn't aware I was choosing sides. I just know Rhett very well….well I used to. I figured I might give you a different outlook."
"He was rude to me last time. I don't think that I deserved it."
"Maybe not but if you say he was drinking a lot and then he came home sober, it was probably the effects of the alcohol wearing off and had nothing to do with you."
"So now you're making excuses for him?"
"No, I've made a lot of mistakes and I realized in the long run that alcohol was a contributing factor. I'm sure you've gotten a little over indulged at one time and done things you're not proud of, am I right?" He threw her a non believing look.
"Are you suggesting that I drink?"
"Come now let's not stand on formalities."
"I don't think I like where this conversation is heading." Scarlett had only taken several angry steps away from him when she heard his plea.
"I was just teasing." She kept walking ignoring him. "Scarlett please!"
She stopped dead in her tracks, hands on hips and faced him straight on.
"What do you want from me?"
"I'm just trying to be your friend."
"Why? You don't even know me." He walked very close to her his head towering over hers. She looked up almost intimidated by the short distance between them. His voice lowered as he brought his hand up and raised her chin, forcing her eyes to connect with his. She felt nervous and vulnerable at the same time. He painstakingly examined every feature on her beautiful face, enjoying their closeness. He could see her chest rise and fall, and hear her breath quicken at their closeness. A smile touched his eyes and finally reached his lips.
"Because I think you need one. You need someone to talk to. You need the weight you've been carrying to be unloaded onto someone else. Everyone has problems don't be ashamed to admit that you do. Asking for help is not a weakness Scarlett. There are those of us who are willing to be there for you." He let go of her chin slowly but her eyes remained locked with his. He had answered truthfully and it even surprised himself.
"I…" The sincerity of his reply was unexpected. Her brain struggled for a barbed reply but she found nothing. Who was this man before her and could she relinquish some of her control long enough to let him in? She weighed the pro's and con's quickly in her head and struggled for an out come.
"Alright prove that you're not on his side and tell me what I want to know. A real friend would be honest." She backed up slowly widening the gap between them. Ben ran a hand through his hair as his lips pursed in frustration.
"You drive a hard bargain but, alright what do you want to know?" A sly smile etched her face as the wheels began turning in her head.
"Why don't you start from the beginning." Ben had once again misjudged the power this woman had over him. There was something in her that made him want to please her. It wasn't an all together bad thing, though something in the back of his mind told him to run. He began walking and she met his steps with her own.
"As you know Rhett and I have been friends for a long time. After we had staked that claim Rhett grew frustrated with the amount of work he put into it and the small yield it procured. He mentioned to me that he had a few other ideas that seemed like they would bring in a bigger profit."
"What were they?"
"At the time vast amounts of people from all over the world flocked to this location hoping to find luck and get wealthy. He believed that there was more money in supplies for the men coming then digging for gold itself. You see once treasure seekers staked a claim they were hesitant to leave it. They were worried someone would claim jump their claim. As travelers arrived, the harbor became stock piled with abandoned ships. Rhett's interest in foreign trade increased with the opportunity at hand. He purchased several of them and built a very, very successful shipping company. He would have made my father proud for it far succeeded his own."
"I'm betting that you were very upset with his success."
"Yes, very much so. I was so jealous I couldn't see straight. I knew that his break could be a very profitable one for me as well. I eventually tucked my tail between my knees and apologized. He unsurprisingly wanted nothing to do with me." Scarlett shook her head.
"Honestly after all that I don't know how forgiving I'd be either. I don't blame him."
"Really well who's side are you on?" he laughed teasingly. "Well, anyway, I was down on my luck by that time. I'd hit rock bottom. Annabelle avoided me because my drinking had become out of hand, and well after what I'd done to Rhett she was less than forgiving." He paused searching her eyes, wondering if he should go on. "I held a grudge and wanted my revenge. It took a long time to regain his trust and I'd let up off the alcohol but only when he was around. I didn't want him to suspect my secret. I eventually earned back part of his trust and talked him into letting me work for him. He would be in charge of bringing in the supplies and I would run the stores in various towns."
"I didn't know he owned stores."
"It was an ingenious plan for he was spot on. Business was booming and the cash was rolling in. Sadly enough I made some stupid decisions."
"Which were?" He looked to the ground kicking at a rock.
"He was away for months at a time and I thought I could use this to my advantage. I….I'm ashamed to admit that I ….well I swindled people, charging them more than I should have. I kept the extra money and didn't tell Rhett." She looked at him curiously as if she wasn't quite understanding."
"Wait, you mean to tell me you stole from him?"
"Yes but more so when he finally confronted me I denied it." He grew quiet as if reflecting back. Scarlett processed all she'd heard in silence.
"Ben, what ever happened to you and Belle?" He looked up slowly and she caught a hint of regret in his features.
"Nothing…. I haven't talked to her since. Well, I tried once but she wouldn't hear of it. She told me I'd disgraced her."
"Do you still have feelings for her?"
"No, that was a long time ago. I was at a different place in my life and things are different now. I do care as a friend but nothing more." She couldn't imagine him liking someone as flamboyant as Belle. It irked her that she and Rhett had known each other for so long. She hated that he freely chose to spend his time with people like that. She had known that woman was trouble from the first time she had laid eyes on her.
"Where are your children?" He asked pulling her out of her reverie.
"Oh…um they were getting ready for the day. I just thought I'd take a minute to myself. It's such a beautiful day today."
"You my dear are one stubborn lady." He retorted unconvinced.
"So I've heard."
Their walk had taken them back to the porch of the hotel. She could hear his footfall on the wooden boards below her. They seemed louder in the silence.
"Thanks for cheering me up Ben. I didn't realize how much I missed talking to an adult."
"Anytime I enjoyed it as much as you. Hopefully we will meet again soon."
She watched him walk away feeling as though maybe she wasn't alone. A light of hope lit her eyes as she geared up to face her children. He was right having a friend was just what she needed.
After her time with Ben she realized they needed some bonding time. Maybe this little outing would help. Fifteen minutes later they could be seen walking the dirt trail towards the beach. Ella carried a basket in hopes to collect sea shells, while Wade carried a blanket to lay down on the sand. It was a beautiful clear day but one they knew would get hotter as the day progressed.
It had felt so good to have the sand between their toes. The blue grey water lapped at their feet as they tested the temperature of the water cautiously with their toes. Once they were sure it wasn't as cold as they thought, Wade dove in. The look on their faces when they splashed in the waves was priceless.
Ella, although conscious of her dress, put her feet in and ran through the waves. She kept her eyes peeled for others on the beach who might be looking. It was a great plan until her brother decided that she wasn't wet enough. He ran up to her giving her a big hug which of course set off her temper. Scarlett could sense an oncoming fight and walked towards them to stop it.
"Wade that's enough."
Wade ignored his mother's warning and pulled his sister down into the surf with him. Ella gasped as the cold water hit her. She couldn't stand up in time as the next oncoming wave hit her. She stood up coughing and spitting out the water she had taken in.
"I can't believe you." Ella yelled. "That's another dress you've ruined." Ella glanced up at her mother realizing what she'd just said.
"Are you ok?" Scarlett asked sincerely concerned. "Wait, what do you mean another dress?" Ella threw hot looks at her brother and he rolled his eyes.
"It's nothing." she murmured under her breath while trying to wring her dress out.
"It doesn't sound like nothing to me." Ella threw her brother a look of help and he nodded back then advanced forward toward his mother.
"Mother, you look overheated are you ok?" Scarlett sensed all too late the mischief her children had planned. Before she could stop them they double teamed her and the next thing she knew she was in the cold sea with them.
"Wade, Ella I…..," her shock and anger turned to laughter as she watched a huge grin encompass her son's face.
"Alright, it's my turn," she retaliated. Both children took off wildly as they watched their mother try to run after them, her layers of clothes clinging to her body in a very indecent way. She felt mildly ashamed but knew no one else was out on the beach yet. Besides, she was having fun and so were her children.
Several hours later, after they had cleaned up they found themselves walking towards town. Scarlett hadn't mentioned where they were going because she had wanted it to be a surprise.
Scarlett ignored the children's banter as she admired the boats they passed as they walked through the harbor. Their tall masts stretching out like luminous trees overhead. Hurried men loaded and unload cargo, their shirts damp from sweat.
As she passed each one she read the name on the hull. Nothing stood out until she came to one reading "Bonnie." Her steps faltered as she scanned the ship for it's owner, hoping it wasn't Rhett.
A familiar voice drifted to her ears. His deep voice made her chest tighten. He was engaged in a deep rooted argument with the harbor master. His white shirt was rolled up at the sleeves, and the front partially unbuttoned exposing dark hair below. Sweat glistened on his large body as though he'd been laboring for a while. Scarlett found herself staring at his large toned arms. How she wished they were wrapped around her at the moment. As soon as she thought it she chastised herself for thinking it.
"What do you mean it hasn't docked yet? It was suppose to arrive last week."
"I assure you Rhett I haven't seen it."
"There hasn't been foul weather this last week I'm sure of that. The only thing foul around here is John. He's not going to be very thrilled by the time I get through with him. Let me know the minute he arrives."
"Of course Rhett."
Rhett turned back towards the boat but looked their direction when he heard Ella call his name.
"Uncle Rhett!" She called, letting go of her mother's hand. A warm smile played upon his face and it carried to his eyes. He bent down and forcefully hugged the Ella as she ran into his embrace.
"Ella, seeing you is the best thing that's happened all day." Rhett looked out toward the other two. Wade hadn't the enthusiasm his sister did. He remained next to his mother as though he were there to protect her.
Rhett took Ella's small hand and led her back towards Scarlett. He couldn't read the expression on her face. It was somewhere between annoyance and discomfort. He had to admit how much happier she looked. He could see the redness on her cheeks as though she'd been in the sun and forgotten to wear a hat. It didn't hinder her beauty just enhance it. Her eyes also had more life, more joy. He felt a sense of relief wash over him as it calmed some doubts he'd had of her.
It was good to see her out of Atlanta. One could only stay there for so long before feeling the pressures of society. He sensed that she had needed the freedom and stress relief. It seemed a vacation had done them all a bit of good.
"I didn't know you'd be here." Scarlett volunteered.
"I'm sure you didn't." He replied knowing the truth behind her words. "Hello, Wade."
"Hi Rhett." he answered softly.
"What brings you to Savannah? Of all the places you could have visited, I am surprised you chose here." Rhett asked.
Scarlett was quick to answer. "I thought I'd visit Careen. Ella's never met her before and Wade was so little. I was hoping that maybe…"
"She'd realize her family was more important and denounce god." His voice was laced with humor though he'd been completely right. Scarlett's eyes widened with shock. He'd always known what she was thinking and it bothered her.
"I wouldn't put it that way." she snapped back. "I just thought maybe I'd see if she were happy there."
"My you do find yourself in the most precarious situations. Are you sure you're not taking on more than you can chew?"
"What?" ask asked annoyed at his choice of words.
"I mean don't you think you should just say hello and be happy with that? The more you think about it the more you feel like you have to save her from the situation she herself chose to be in. No one is forcing her to be there. It is to my understanding that she can leave whenever she would like."
"I'm not here on a rescue mission. I would just like to see my sister." Rhett ranked a hand through his dark hair and shook his head. Wade smiled knowing how set his mother could be when she put her mind to something.
"What brings you to Savannah?" she questioned trying to change the subject. He loved how she threw the conversation back towards him.
"Business my dear, always business."
"Is that your boat?" Ella wondered.
"Yes, maybe one day I'll take you on it. Perhaps another day. I'm guessing your mother has already made plans for today." He looked over to Scarlett. He'd put her on the spot. He knew she couldn't say no in front of Ella without her asking uncomfortable questions. Ella turned towards her mother waiting for her answer.
"I suppose we could arrange that but not today." She answered trying to brush away the annoyance in the situation.
"See, all set." Rhett answered happily. Ella's face beamed with excitement. "Are you headed towards the church?" Scarlett nodded. "You do realize it's the other way. Might I escort you there?"
Scarlett threw him an annoyed look. "Are you going to be nice?"
"Aren't I always." he replied laughing softly.
Once again hope you liked it…!
