A/N: Apologies for the delay, I've been away. Thanks to those that have read and commented on this. I hope you enjoy it! TruckeeGal, I hope it was worth the wait.

When Scarlett went into labour, all the people of Atlanta held their breath, wondering what sort of child would come of this union. That the child would be handsome was of no doubt to anyone. The women knew that a mother loved her child no matter what they looked like, but a pretty child was easier for a father to love than not.

Suellen O'Hara Kennedy had heard this talk when her first daughter was born. Named Ella for her grandmother, she lacked any outstanding features. Ella had inherited her mother's hair and her father's sickly pallor. The second girl didn't fare much better. Her name was Susie and she possessed her father's hair and her mother's pallor.

The ladies were very polite as they were presented to the Kennedy girls.

Scarlett's child was a girl, born with her mother's pale skin and a mop of dark hair. The eyes were blue.

Scarlett had half expected a boy, given the brood she already had and was surprised to have a daughter. Not that she minded. In fact, before Hunter was born, she had hoped for a little girl to fuss and spoil.

She recalled the day she met her little nieces. They each were absurdly like their father, that she found it difficult to compose herself. Nonetheless, the children were half O'Haras and they did not need her censure.

So, she simpered over the 'little darlings' and bemoaned the fact that she had no little girl of her own. Suellen watched her girls lap up the attention whilst her husband was doing his best to 'bond' with Scarlett's boys, under the guise of asserting his authority as their main male role-model…

Rhett was delighted and would not accept any of the gentleman's condolences for his firstborn being the wrong gender. His happiness continued and he insisted on being involved in every part of the baby's day. Scarlett found it unsettling to have a husband so involved with the baby. Lord knows her first one wasn't. She recalled how he couldn't wait to get her in bed again and begin 'trying for another' after being given the go-ahead from the doctor, several weeks after Clayton's birth.

He'd given her a brief once-over before reporting the good news to the husband. Mammy had been outraged at the man's lack of regard for her Miss Scarlett.

"You seem to forget we're not in the South anymore."

That night, her husband had reclaimed possession of her body, moaning that she had neglected him for too long. She had given up trying to argue by this point and lay back, dreaming of her real home.

She did her best to drown out his grunts and when it was all over and he was passed out beside her, she gave a quick prayer that they wouldn't have another mouth to feed as a consequence of the 'reunion'.

Of course, God hadn't listened to her…

XxX

By the time Scarlett was out of bed, all of Atlanta was enamoured by little Bonnie Blue, named after the patriotic song and for her maternal Grandfather's eyes. It was easy to see that the child had her father wrapped around her finger and Scarlett had a queer feeling in her heart.

Her own father had been proud of her and found no shame in showing his affection. Much like Rhett, Gerald had worked hard to provide for his family. They were both so alike in that they had married later in life. Although, their motivations were completely different. Gerald had married for love and Rhett, well, she wasn't quite sure. At first, she had thought it was because he felt sorry for her. That reason didn't sit well as she hated people pitying her.

So, she did what she normally did when faced with an emotionally charged situation. She swore to think about it on the morrow, knowing full well that the day would never come. Rhett sensed his wife's wavering mind and did what he could to reassure her. He brought her small presents, made sure their cook prepared her favourite meals. He did everything to relieve the doubt in her mind, knowing full well Scarlett wouldn't see his motivations.

He found himself thinking that he couldn't carry on living this way. Something had to change and now that they had Bonnie, he knew he couldn't leave on one of his extended trips. But maybe they could all go on one as a family…

Rhett's mind settled on Savannah, in order to visit the O'Haras. After the honeymoon, Careen had returned to Savannah, weary of her nephews and their rambunctious ways. The sisters corresponded regularly and Scarlett was grateful to receive news of her father's health. The years with his brothers had gone some way to heal the wound left by Ellen O'Hara's death, but the family feared for their once boisterous brother.

When they were building the house, Rhett had considered inviting Gerald to live with them. The O'Haras would not agree to it. Gerald belonged with his kin. Their Irish voices reminded him of his youth and to uproot him from his family to live with his eldest and her family, whilst sounding idyllic, would not prove practical. Careen had felt it her duty to stay with her father. She enjoyed the O'Hara's brash ways and they respected her religious tenacity. In Savannah, Careen and Gerald found a peaceful existence. Atlanta was too chaotic for them and whilst industry in their new home was booming, it was a more sedate style and therefore more acceptable to the Southerners. Rhett found himself agreeing with their sentiments, all the while admiring the ambition of the Atlantans. If he had been younger, he would probably have enjoyed it more.

Rhett arranged the trip and the family descended on the one good hotel Savannah had to offer. Upon their arrival, they received an invitation from Pierre Robillard to dine at his home. Scarlett had mixed feelings. During the War, she had written him of their poor circumstances and Ellen's death but his silence continued and her heart was set against him.

The fine food and wine he offered them sat heavy on her and she plead exhaustion as their escape. She much preferred the simple fare offered by the O'Haras.

Gerald loved the boys on sight and particularly recalled the elder two. He was gentle with Bonnie and recalled how much she was like her mother.

"You were once this small Puss. I would carry you in my arms to call on the neighbours and your Mother would chide me and…" a look crossed his eyes. "Where is your Mother Puss, she should be back by now."

Scarlett looked askance at the family, who weren't quick enough to divert him. The boys whisper questioned, "Isn't Grandmother Ellen dead?"

Gerald heard this and began to sob. Quickly, Scarlett removed Bonnie to her uncle's wife and held Gerald's hand.

"Pa, you mustn't create this way. Mother wouldn't want you to suffer, she's not suffering now, Pa…"

Rhett removed the boys, who were upset by their Grandfather's tears. They hadn't meant to upset him. Surely, he knew his wife was dead…

It was a weary Scarlett who joined her husband and family back at the hotel later. Rhett had sent Mammy ahead with the boys and Bonnie, waiting for his wife.

"I'm sorry about your father, darling."

Scarlett was too weary to ponder the words. "It was hard enough before, when he would constantly ask after her. I had almost forgotten."

Rhett undressed her quickly and lay her in bed and in the few moments it took for him to change, Scarlett was asleep.