Don't own any of what belongs to the MM's estate.

It's a funny feeling going back to an old story and add to it and re-write it, but I will try to stay true to my original idea.

This chapter is far better than the previous chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter seven

Jade had a fussing night, she didn't adapt well to changing sceneries frequently, unable to sleep the little one cried every thirty minutes, that gave the poor mother no chance to sleep at all. It was, only, when Jade was in Scarlett's rocking arms she was content, but, still, wouldn't give in to sleep. Therefore, a worn-out, Scarlett paced the floor of her room humming softly to her daughter; after a few hours she gave up any hope of Jade spending the night in her crib. The loving, but exhausted, mother place both of them in her big bed, she couldn't do any more walking and needed to a moment of rest. Jade wouldn't hear any of it and insisted upon being held in her mother's arms, leaving Scarlett no choice, but to sit in her bed and stay awake.

The baby giggled at her mother; "How can I be mad at you, when you make your charming sounds and give me your sunny smiles?"

A soft knock on the door between her and Rhett's bedrooms startled her;

"Come in Rhett" she was confused; what could he possible want in the middle of the night, for Heaven's sake?

"Need some help, my dear? I see that our youngest doesn't know she is supposed to sleep like the rest of us."

Scarlett contemplated his sincerity, "I don't know Rhett. What could you do?"

"Perhaps I could keep this young lady company in your chair over by the window for a while. Would that be acceptable? It might give you a chance to get some most needed sleep"

"That sounds like heaven Rhett! But would you be comfortable?"

He chuckled, "Just as much as you are right now. I'll take advances of that thick blanket you have on your bed that you don't use right now. We will be fine. Just fine! It's okay to let people help you once in a while Mrs. Butler" Rhett had a serious glint in his eyes, when he spoke the last sentence.

"That would be nice Rhett" Scarlett agreed, "soon two other young ladies will be demanding my attention." She yarned, truly, she was dead beat, and she couldn't deny that. Lately, her working load had been overwhelming; four children were a challenge, of course she had mammy and Prissy. But mammy was getting old, she was not in shape to handle four children anymore, and Scarlett had cut her chores down to only a few tasks a day. Prissy, on the other hand, was too flighty to be of any real help, the silly girl had been with her for years and was now family, she would stay and give the little help she was capable of.

A pair of extra hands would be most appreciable. Glancing at Rhett through her thick eyes lice, she felt the oddness of this powerful, masculine man offering his help with a baby so easily and freely. But Rhett Butler had always been crazy with babies, she had considered his behavior with baby Bonnie silly and touching. In the back of her heart, she had yearned that he would turn just a tiny part of his affections towards her; it would have made her world so different. Made her so different. It was useless dreaming about a hopeless daydream; he had never helped with her burdens before, at least not, without a hatch to it. He had listened to her, most often laughed of her and belittled her, but never helped her complety. Always, stating she was strong enough to pull through by herself, claiming, he knew her better than herself, how wrong he had been. She needed help, needed love in her life! Thanks to Melanie she had that support now. For the first time since the war, she had a place where she belonged.

This night, it came natural for him to offer a helping hand, of course it did; this was his baby girl. He would move the world for his baby girls. Closing her eyes, she noticed a change in their interaction; it had been there since he showed up, they were equals now. He didn't make her feel like a silly little goose anymore. Mentally, she noted not to become too dependable on his help; Rhett Butler never stayed at her side for longer period of times.

Scarlett awoke late the next day, first she was confused, normally she was woken by one of the children, and normally, the light would be a lot less bright than it was now.

Knowing something was wrong; she pushed herself further up in the bed and reached for her table clock. Eleven! It was eleven o'clock in the morning; she couldn't remember the last time she had slept in this long, it would have been before Rhett left, the last time.

Stretching her body lazily, her eyes drifted to the chair by the window, Rhett was gone. Next, they moved to the crib where she found a wide awake, smiling Jade,

"Good morning or to you my darling. I see you took mercy on your dad. " Scarlett couldn't help but returning the smile.

With Jade on her arm Scarlett entered the dining-room; she was starving, finding her family already seated around the table, she relaxed.

"Mother! Bonnie yelled happily, "Are you sick? Daddy said we mustn't wake you" Bonnie's eyes were worried and accusing.

"No, I'm not sick Bonnie dear. Your sister just kept me up until very late. I'm fine and very hungry." Scarlett reassured the children, they were not used to an absent mother anymore.

"You came in the right time Mother, we are waiting for dinner" Ella beamed at her,

"Oh, it's my lucky day, isn't it?" She replied and patted Ella's cheek.

"A woman is always true to her nature" Rhett laughed, he got up and held the chair for his wife.

"Where is Wade?" she asked, but before Rhett had the chance to answer; Bonnie yelled. "He's at Beau's."

"Please remember, we don't scream in this house Bonnie Blue Butler" Scarlett looked sternly at the blue-eyed girl.

"Sorry Mother. I just wanted to be sure that you heard me"

"Why, there is nothing wrong with my hearings Bonnie"

Bonnie blushed from embarrassment.

Rhett frowned; he had never seen Bonnie give her behaviors any thoughts when he had been around. Had he been wrong in his handing of his beloved daughter?

"When will you be leaving Scarlett?"

"Leaving?" Swiftly, her focus moved from her plate to him.

"Yes, I assume you will have businesses to attend to?" he raised a questioning eye-brow.

"Oh Melly! I did promise the children yesterday. After our dinner we will be going, why?"

For a brief moment the old, odd, searching look was back in Rhett's eyes, then he relaxed;

"I only assumed, you needed to supervise the mills and stores Scarlett, sorry I was wrong. What time would you like me to pick you up at the Wilkes?"

Oh, you will come for us?" Narrowing her yes she quieted for a minute, "at three o'clock I think"

"Of course I will, it's not easy to manage four children on your own, I imagine Mrs. Butler. Three o'clock it will be."

"They do make you on your toes, don't they?" she giggled.

"What will you be doing Rhett?"

"Sleep," he chuckled. "No, I think I will visit the bank. At least one of us need to work," he joked.

"As long as it's you, I won't complain" she agreed, before giving her full attention to her plate. What an anomalous situation it to joke and relax in his company, something she had never been able to in any man's company. She was tired of hiding, she still had to around the ladies of Atlanta, Rhett would just have to take her as she came.