Rhett

Rhett Butler walked along the docks in the early morning hours. Watching the boats come in and out of the harbor had an extraordinarily calming effect on his mind. The feel of the cool ocean breeze on his face reminded him of his blockading days, when he had lived for the rush and excitement of pushing through on his boat. Even then, each time he was in England or Paris, he would look for something special to bring back to Atlanta for Scarlett. He chuckled to himself as he thought about it. When he would see her and present her with a new gift, he loved seeing her eyes sparkle as she would turn on her southern belle charm. Back then he knew exactly what would make her happy.

The Scarlett of today was different and he would need to spend more time with her and get to know her all over again. At the ball he was sure she would wear that beautiful green silk dress he had made just for her. When he instructed the dress maker on the specifics of the design, he had imagined how she would look in it. Rhett had to admit he was so disappointed she didn't wear the dress, not because she didn't look stunning in her blue dress, but because he had hoped to see her look at him with those sparkling green eyes thanking him for yet another extravagant gift, just as she did so many times before, especially during the war. But he wasn't completely wrong about her. As much as she protested, Scarlett could not resist going to a ball and dancing the night away. There was still a part of her that was still very much the belle of Clayton county...a part of her that he knew so well.

Scarlett had mentioned that he promised her fun the first time he proposed to her. She was right, in fact Rhett had promised her that and he had not delivered. Their marriage had been haunted by the likes of the honorable Ashley Wilkes, Scarlett's blind and foolish love for the man and Rhett's own jealous obsession with him. He could tell that she didn't care for Ashley anymore, but now there was this Michael. Why did there always have to be another man standing between him and Scarlett? Charles, Frank, Ashley...Michael. Rhett grunted to himself. He knew that this man was different than all the rest. Scarlett was more than fond of him and Rhett could tell that this man, this Michael was in love with Scarlett. What kind of relationship did they have? What if Michael wanted to marry Scarlett? What if he had already proposed to her? Would she? No, he couldn't think about that. Rhett knew Scarlett and he belonged together. Perhaps she had changed some, but she was still his. There had to be a way.

Rhett was sure that Scarlett still cared for him. There were moments since she had been in Charleston, where he was sure he noticed something in the way she looked at him. When he had kissed her hand at the Robillard's, he was sure he felt her shiver. Hadn't she fainted when she saw him the first day?...and she was afraid to be alone in a room with him. That's why she insisted on having tea out in the piazza. There were feelings there for him, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Rhett continued to contemplate the curiousity that had become Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton Kennedy Butler. He needed to make sure there were no more names added after the last, and most definitely not Whitney.

Rhett continued to walk aimlessly through town and eventually found himself in front of Scarlett's aunts' home. He decided that since he was already there, that he would call on Scarlett. He walked up to the front steps and knocked on the door. To his surprise, Scarlett was the one to open the door. He was happy to see her until he realized she was expecting someone else.

Scarlett swung the door open, "Michael, did you get the tickets..." She stopped as she realized it was not Michael standing in front of her.

"Hello, Scarlett." Rhett said as he took his hat off and bowed.

"Rhett? What are you doing here?"

He noticed as her emotions played out across her face. She had been happy when she first opened the door, but confusion and annoyance was evident as she realized it was Rhett and not Michael calling on her this morning.

"May I come in, Scarlett?"

She didn't want him there but she also didn't want there to be a scene outside her aunts' home. She decided to step aside and let him in. As soon as they were in the parlor and she had closed the door she turned to him to tell him that he should not be showing up so unexpected.

Rhett frowned as he looked at her, "are you so terribly disappointed to see your husband, my dear Scarlett?"

"Umm...no, well, you see, I was expecting..." It dawned on her then that he was still referring to himself as her husband. "Oh Captain Butler, I'm sure you remember that you are no longer my husband. I'll ask you to keep that in mind while speaking to me, or anyone else for that matter. The last thing I need is for anyone to think that you and I are still married or that we might..."

"Is being married to me really so bad?"

"Please, Rhett. I don't want anymore people whispering about me."

Rhett frowned agian, he didn't like this side of Scarlett but he would let it go for now.

"So you were expecting Mr. Whitney, I presume? Pray tell, what tickets were you waiting for?"

Scarlett contemplated whether or not to tell Rhett about her plans, but decided it would be better for him to know she planned to be a way for a few days should he make another unexpected visit while she was away.

"Well, if you must know, I'm planning to make a visit to Tara. I hadn't planned on being in Charleston this long and I miss the children."

Rhett looked at her skeptically, since when had she cared about spending time with her children? But there was genuine longing in her eyes as she spoke.

"You miss your children?"

"Of course I do! I told you that I've changed. So many things have changed in the last two years. You needn't be surprised. I love my children. Wade and Ella are everything to me."

"I'm sorry, my dear. I didn't mean to question you, but it's just that-" Rhett decided not to upset Scarlett anymore than she already was. He did have to admit to himself that there was still so much he didn't know about her life these past few years and that she in fact was different.

"And you're planning to go to Tara with your friend, Mr. Whitney?" He really hoped that they were just friends.

"I don't see how my travel plans are any of your business." Scarlett was fully annoyed at this point. How dare Rhett Butler question her love for her children? He was the one that had left her and the kids. She wanted to make him leave now.

"Captain Butler, I think it's time for you to leave."

Rhett stepped towards Scarlett and gently put his hand on her arm. She tried to turned away from him, but he moved his hand from her arm and placed it on her waist to turn her back towards him. He moved his free hand to her chin and moved it upwards towards him. At his touch, Scarlett felt her face blush and turn red. "You shouldn't..."

Rhett gently brushed the side of Scarlett's face with the back of his hand and in that moment she forgot the words she was about to speak. All she felt was a hot streak along her cheek that followed his touch. How could he still have this effect on her? She needed to get away from him. She tried to break free from him, but she couldn't move.

Unable to control himself with Scarlett finally in his arms again and this time her face so close to his, Rhett bent down and kissed her. At first, her lips met his with resistance, but he didn't stop. Moments later he felt her body relax as he continued to press his lips on hers until he felt her lips part, welcoming him to roam freely with his tongue. He continued to kiss her, but with more passion and urgency. Instead of pushing him away, Scarlett's arms moved up his shoulders finally meeting as they wrapped around his neck.

Rhett could feel her heart beating rapidly against his body, it's rhythm matching his own. Could this really be happening? Was it a dream? He didn't care. He finally could kiss her the way he'd been dreaming of for years. She was his.

Scarlett suddenly pulled away and Rhett tried to keep her close but she pushed herself free.

"Scarlett, I love you."

"No...please, Rhett. Stop. It...we can't..."

"I know you still want me, Scarlett. That kiss proves it. Why must you make things so difficult. We could be happy..."

Just then he felt her hand as she slapped him hard across the face.

"Don't you dare talk to me about being happy, Rhett Butler! After everything you put me through? After the divorce?"

"Scarlett, you know we both made mistakes."

He felt her hand slap him again, this time much harder.

"Get out!"