I have been busy the month of April doing camp nanowrimo, it was exciting and yes I won: 50,000 words in 30 days! Look for my new crossover, that im editting now and will be posting, I have had this WBG chapter in my head while writing in APril, enjoy enjoy! another one will be coming along next week!

Atlanta was covered in ice for what seemed like a week, but it was barely 4 days until the sun gradually warmed the city, and made puddles of slush and mud in the roads. School had been closed, and so was much of downtown. Families gathered in their homes, with the fireplaces warming the children, who were bored, and the parents who were frustrated.

The mansion on Peachtree street was no different.

It was the second day of the storm, after the initial romp in the ice and an attempt to make miniature snowmen with their Uncle Rhett, had been escorted upstairs for a warm bath. Their mother had closed her books from the store, and joined them in the backyard smiling a strained smile as gloved hands formed misfitted, tiny snowmen. As soon as it was declared too cold to stay outside any longer, Scarlett called Prissy down to bring them upstairs, and she returned to the library to complete her books before dinner.

Rhett took off his scarf and gloves and watched as she sloughed off uninterested to the library, and closed the door. He sighed, he didn't know what to do, he had come back, and they were at a stand still. He feared breaching the subject of their marriage, because he felt the draw to be here for her and his stepchildren, who were like his real children, but his need to protect himself from her cruelty wouldn't allow him to reach out, as well as his need to protect her from him. How many times did someone have to get hurt or even killed before they realized, their love was toxic? He wanted to go to her, and tell her he would leave, but he couldn't go through the sleepless nights, the dreams and anxiety of not know where she was and what she was doing. This was better on his psyche, but harder on her. What they needed was a compromise.

Rhett felt trapped, he couldn't go anywhere in the remnants of the ice storm, and it was too cold to sit outside, so he was trapped in the house. He stood by the french doors leading to the backyard, where they were just playing, and stared at the graying grass and bare trees, it was bitter cold, and the ground was covered with ice, and he thought about his Bonnie. His eyes stung, as he wished her in his arms warm in the house, instead of under the hard frozen Earth, and then the heaviness gripped his heart, her death was nonsense, if Scarlett and he could have reached an amicable relationship, maybe Bonnie would still be here.

Rhett took a deep breath, and he yearned to run, to get on his horse and run, until the horse dropped, but he couldn't, so he settled for standing on the veranda, watching the dry grass and frozen mud, the track the pony had made to the hurdle who stood solitary and broken, nobody had the heart to move it, he was surprised Scarlett hadn't bullied Pork into taking it down, she hated to remember the past, but even she couldn't do it, it seemed.

Scarlett sat at the desk, the ledger showing lines of increased sales before the bouts of bad weather, and then blank lines as the store was closed. It all evened out, she had figured it in her head before Wade had called her outside, but she couldn't stand to be around Rhett, especially they had been cooped up in the house for two days already, and his silence unnerved her. He stayed in her house, and portrayed the figure of the happy family man, and father, but didn't give any attention to his wife, yet he would let his jealousy and temper flare whenever another man was involved.

How many times did she had to tell Rhett, that she didn't love Ashley? She had told Rhett she loved him, and he was so cruel, and the rejection she had faced, was too damning, for her to try it again. Rhett had tried to breach her sanctuary, once since he was home, and she had pulled a gun, she wanted him, but not because he had to prove to himself that he could have what Ashley couldn't. She felt the pang of hate in her chest for Rhett, and just when she thought she could never see him again, the anxiety that made her heart race and her palms sweat gripped her, and Scarlett banished the thought. She couldn't chase Rhett away, she needed him, but his presence as the cool stranger was wroughting her nerves, and the jealous husband was infuriating her.

This standstill was wrecking her esteem and vanity, how did she, Scarlett O'Hara come to such a miserable existence with her husband. She placed her head on the ledger and closed her eyes, and whispered, "What if he was a real husband? Would it be better?"

Her mind flashed back to the early days of their marriage, and it was so much fun, especially their trip to New Orleans, and then the National hotel was lavish and exciting. Moving in the house was stressful, but still Rhett's smile and eyes filled with mirth and adoring, and then Bonnie.

Scarlett covered her mouth to muffle her cry, her baby, her Bonnie who's smile lit up a room, and her blue eyes, a gift from Gerald looked back at her father with such playfulness, and now she was gone. Had her birth been happy? For Rhett it was a miracle, and for Scarlett it was another inconvenience, but after the darling girl was here, Scarlett found that she captured her heart in a way that Wade and Ella hadn't. Yes, Bonnie was a happy occasion, and then she was gone. Scarlett cursed herself silently for looking back, she hated to look back, it only made her depressed, but then she couldn't put her baby away in that dark space in her mind, the child's precious face still resonated in her mind. Scarlett felt her skin crawl, and she had the urge to run and suddenly popped up from her chair, and walked over to the window, and looked out on her front garden, dry and dead in the icy, and her warm breath fogged the window. Tears streamed from her eyes, as she tried to imagine her future, what would Rhett do five years from now? Would they still live in this huge house, quiet strangers silently cursing the state of their marriage, but neither willing to do anything for better or worse?

Scarlett sighed, and the opening of the door, made her wipe her eyes, and turning, Rhett stood in the doorway.

His face was tight with tension, and he bowed his head, looking back at her he said, "We need to talk."

Scarlett folded her arms and met his eyes, agreeing, "Yes, we do."

Scarlett passed Rhett going into the dining room, which was set with two places. Rhett closed the door, and started talking before he turned to look at her, "I asked Mammy to feed the children upstairs. I told her we would like dinner alone."

Scarlett stood by the table, waiting for Rhett to pull out her chair, but said nothing.

Rhett pulled the chair out and smirked, "I hope it is alright with you."

Scarlett's eyes were still blurred and wet, and she nodded, "Yes, it's fine."

The food was set out on the table from soup, to entree to coffee and dessert, so nobody would be coming back to disturb them, her stomach clenched, as she thought, 'Is he going away, again."

Rhett ladled out the thick beef soup, and placed the bread on each of their plates, and he gave Scarlett a glance, "You are quiet today, do you feel well?"

Scarlett was ready with a flippant answer, but she said, "I'm well."

"You must be hungry, then."

Scarlett nodded, this small talk was grating her nerves, and she blurted out, "You wanted to talk, just tell me, what you want to say."

Rhett shook his head, "Impatient, and tenuous, Mrs, Butler. I wanted to talk, not to merely tell you anything in particular. I think we need to talk about our situation, which requires a conversation, to express thoughts and ideas. Really, Scarlett, you are such an impatient child."

Scarlett's nerves were soothed by his expressed desire for a conversation, but her temper flair, "Don't call me a child."

"Then, grow up!" Rhett's voice was harsh, and he replaced the bread basket, "I have soothed your vanity for too long. Last time we spoke, you pleaded, and I complained, we never had a conversation. This is long overdue, and you cannot always hear wonderful praises, this marriage has been quite ugly, and we need to discuss it, and like you said decide whether I'm your husband or a house guest."

Scarlett's feathers ruffled, he used her words against her, but she sighed, "Very well, start conversing."

Rhett laughed, "In time, my pet, enjoy your meal, first."

"Hmm, enjoy my meal, so then you can break my heart."

Rhett swallowed his food before he smirked, "Or perhaps, you will break mine, again."

Scarlett glared, and the rich wine tinged soup, lost it's flavor, but she kept herself in control, she would not resort to hysterics with Rhett.

They ate in silence, the sound of the soup spoons, was all that could be heard, for what seemed like hours. Scarlett watched Rhett from under her lashes, and his face was still tense, but he ate in his usual relaxed manner, and he looked up at her with a smirk, when she diverted her eyes, and her spoon fell with a clank.

"Scarlett, I'm finished playing games, no more jokes from me at least in the next few hours, is that agreeable with you?"

"Yes, I would appreciate it, if you would refrain from your usual joking manner, maybe we can come to an agreement."

"Good," Rhett swallowed his wine, "And for your part, I would appreciate it, if you would not interrupt and take offense at anything I say."

Scarlett glared at him, and pursed her lips.

"Scarlett, I'm giving up my barbs, it's the least you could do. WHen you take offensive and storm off, the conversation will be over, and nothing is going to be resolved."

"We are going to fix the problems of the past twelve years in a few hours?" Scarlett laughed,"SUre, I promise not to get mad, will that suit you?"

"Yes," Rhett nodded and started on the second course.

Scarlett watched as he dug his fork into the flaky potato souffle, and she lost her appetite, pushing hers away, and exchanging it for the cherry pie. Rhett watched from his plate, and shook his head, he knew she could eat more than him, she was seething or scared out of her wits, 'Good,' he thought, 'about time she doesn't get her way.'

Rhett cleared the dishes and stacked them on the buffet, Scarlett enjoyed her steaming cup of coffee, warming her face and hands, that were ice cold. He sat next to her, and poured himself a large cup of black coffee, leaving the cream and sugar for Scarlett.

"Well, let's just say, we have had quite a trying year, and we have both hurt each other, instead of helping each other. I for one, have tried to get away from it, but I'm not as content as I am here."

Scarlett smirked, "You are happy here?"

"I didn't say, happy, I said content, at ease. I'll be honest, ever since I knew you, and every time I'd go away, I had this gnawing feeling, that I had to see you, and I worry about you."

Scarlett digested the words, and wanted to snap about leaving her that night to Tara, but she had to control her tongue, and it had seemed ages ago, so she asked, "So, you want to stay here?"

Rhett knew this would be a long conversation, with him translating his words for Scarlett, "I'm saying, I want to stay with you and the children, wherever that may be."

Scarlett nodded, "Now, that is what I can understand."

Rhett touched her arm, that was clothed in her dark wool shawl, "Tell me, what do you want from this marriage?"

Scarlett blushed, and then she said, "I want you back, but I want you to be nice."

Rhett smirked, "I don't think, I will be afraid of you, ever, if that's your definition of "nice"."

Scarlett scowled, "Was that a joke?'

"A fact, now tell me, what do you want me to do that's nice?"

Scarlett looked him in the face, "I once told you, that I loved you and you were cruel."

"I didn't believe you, and I'm starting to believe you now, you have been tempted quite a bit by Mr. Wikes, and you have stood your ground, is that just because I'm being nasty or are you just on good behavior ?"

Rhett watched her, and then the green flare of temper flashed in her eyes, "Don't bring him up, ever."

"Pardon?"

"That's how you can be nice, don't bring up Ashley, he is in my past, and I want to keep him there."

Rhett nodded, "I won't bring him up, unless you give me reason, is that the only condition to be nice?"

"No, you need to stop laughing and making fun of everything I do and say."

Rhett smiled, "You amuse me, that is why I fell in love with you. You are unique, and I-"

Scarlett's eyes was huge, "WHat are you saying, Rhett? I entertain you?"

"Remember our agreement, you can't storm out."

Scarlett settled in the chair, and gulped a mouthful of coffee, wishing it was whisky. She looked away, and she felt extremely foolish, and tears stung her eyes. She felt the warm hand clip her chin and pull her face to him and Rhett say the armor down, and the fragile esteem of Scarlett, who controlled everything, yet was embarrassed to think herself a laughing stock.

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Scarlett. I was trying to explain why I joke with you."

"It's not funny," Scarlett wiped her eyes, "Why can't you be like you were in New Orleans?"

Rhett held her hand, "We can't live on a honeymoon, forever. And on our honeymoon, I thought you would see how much I loved you, and would realize yourself, and tell me you were mine. But, you didn't, you treated our marriage like a business agreement. You spent my money, and then curled up every night in bed with me. I didn't want that, I wanted your heart."

Rhett looked away as he said the last word, and Scarlett's chest was heavy with regret and sadness, how could she have been so blind? She studied Rhett profile, and his eyes were moist, and he heard the slightest whisper, "I'm sorry, Rhett, that I didn't see it," and wet tears splashed on his hand. He looked in her eyes, and they were sorrowful and sincere, for perhaps the first time in her life with him.

Rhett wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, but he had promised himself, not to make this physical, this was not how he wanted the afternoon to end. She leaned in, and he touched her shoulder, "Let's not. We have much to discuss."

Scarlett pulled away, as though she was stung, and her shield of metal on her eyes held strong.

"I forgive you, for being unaware of my feelings for you, and on my part, I should have made them better known."

Scarlett's eyes twinkled, as she agreed,"I mean you constantly started fights and slung barbs at me, how could I have confused that with love?"

Rhett put his finger up, "Careful, my pet, you're treading on the dangerous ground, you almost sound mad."

Scarlett sighed and pulled her shawl around her shoulders tighter, "And another thing, don't call me pet or sweetheart or sugar, I want to be called by my name, Scarlett."

Rhett smiled, and nodded, "As you wish, Scarlett."

Scarlett looked over and gave him the sweetest smile, and lowered her voice, "What are your conditions for me? I'm sure you have a list."

Rhett played with her hand and kissed her palm, her wrist and turned it over to kiss her hand again, and toyed with the ring on her left hand, he looked her back into her eyes, "Remember that night on Pitty's porch?"

Scarlett reddened and watched the door, "Yes?"

"I was a fool, but I was in love. I don't want anything to ever come between us again, no man, no joke, no fight."

Scarlett gulped as she heard her heart beat in her ears, "Rhett, you want to come back in my room?"

Rhett nodded, "That's not all I want, I want your heart and your soul to be mine, to never allow anything or anyone to steal you away."

"I told you,"

"You say so much, i want you to act, to show me."

"I want to show-" Scarlett ran her right hand through his hair and reached for his neck.

"Scarlett, you don't need to show me with your body. You need to love me with your heart."

Scarlett dropped her hand, and pouted, "I don't know what you mean. I can't-"

"You do know, you love everybody with a fierceness that would rival a mother bear. You fought for Melanie and Beau to bring them to safety, you fought for Tara, and for your family. I want you to love me like you do Tara."

Scarlett looked at his eyes that flickered in the glow of the late winter afternoon, and she nodded, "I see, but that isn't love."

Rhett took her face in his hand, "It's devotion."

And his lips touched hers for a second, and then he pulled away, and her eyes seemed softer, when they opened and stared at Rhett, it was like she saw him for the first time in years. His eyes were dark, but alive and his face was relaxed, and he was hers.

Rhett passed his thumb across her lips, and whispered, "I'm sorry, too. For that whole fiasco with your accident and the events leading up to it."

Scarlett felt a fear in the pit of her stomach, was he not wanting to touch her because of what had happened, she started, "But, Rhett."

He hushed her, "Let me finish, that night, I took you, it wasn't love."

"But you said-"

Rhett's eyes were large with shock, "You heard me?"

Scarlett fluttered her eyes, blushing, "Yes, I heard you, and then you came to my room so hateful. Oh! Why can't we just forget about all that unpleasantness."

"No, Scarlett, no." Rhett was up, and lighting a cigar by the window, looking out on the icy fountain, "It's part of our history, a history I never want to repeat."

Scarlett turned in her chair to watch him, looking out the window at the grayish, darkening sky, "YOu didn't love me?"

"I wanted to hurt you, and by hurting you it was to defile you in a way, I knew "he" never would."

Scarlett sighed, "Well, it wasn't like a fought you off."

"But you were fighting, in the beginning, but then you gave up."

Scarlett closed her eyes, and felt her face redden to her hairline, "I didn't give up, I wanted it."

Rhett didn't turn around, "I should have never, and I'm sorry."

Scarlett felt awkward discuss their bedroom, and fidgeted with her napkin, and then said, "I forgive you."

"Do you? After I came back, and the baby-"

"Please!" Scarlett shouted, "I don't want-"

Rhett turned and saw the weakness in her eyes, that far off look she had in the days of her convalescence, and he couldn't blame her for being angry. His eyes met hers, and she stopped talking and lowered her voice, "I wanted the baby, but it wasn't meant to be. I have put it behind me."

Rhett almost laughed, "You wanted a child, from that night? I'm not making fun of you, I just don't understand."

Scarlett wiped a stray tear, the old hurt she kept in check surfaced and stung her heart with the pain of lost, "With my other children, I was always preoccupied with my own selfish wants and everybody else's needs, and then Bonnie, you had her, she wasn't mine. I have time now to devout to a child, and I was going to claim him as mine."

Rhett's eyes lightened up, and look at her, as though he was seeing her for the first time, and then the realization that she didn't think of their darling daughter as her own stung him, "I'm sorry you felt that way about her."

"I didn't love her any less-"

Rhett raised his hand and sat next to her again, "I know you loved her, and I'm sorry she's gone."

"I miss her, too. I was thinking about her this morning." Scarlett smirked, blowing her nose on the offered handkerchief.

Rhett decided best not to voice his anxiety, instead he put his arm around Scarlett's shoulders,and his touch struck a chord in Scarlett's heart, and she bent her head and cried into his handkerchief. She felt it well up in her throat, and she couldn't control it. The sobs and cries welled up and released in waves, and as she cried she thought of Bonnie and Melly, her fight with Rhett, and her baby, she would never see, and it all gushed in her mind at once, as hard as she tried to hold it back, it was an uncontrollable force that surfaced, as numb as she felt as she cried, Rhett's strong arm holding her shoulders was like a light in the dark, a figure in the mist that pulled her through, as she gasped to catch her breath.

Exhausted and weak, Scarlett laid her head on Rhett's shoulder, and his smell of cigar and whiskey he held to her mouth, calmed her nerves, as she sipped the amber liquid that slipped down her throat.

"Do you need anything, else?"

She shook her head, negative.

Rhett replaced the glass of whisky next to her coffee cup, and brushed her hair with his lips. It was dark outside, and the room had become stark and colder, for all but one gaslight on the buffet. They sat, silhouettes in the darkened room and held each other, unable to speak, not wanting to speak.

Scarlett was the first to lift her head, "Rhett?"

He looked at her red rimmed, dark circled eyes, and smiled, he was always listening.

"Are we finished our conversation?"

Rhett chuckled, "For now, yes."

"So? WHat are we going to do?" Scarlett's eyes were beautiful as ever, the red rims intensified the green.

"Well, I'm going to stay, and be "nice" under your strict definition."

"And what am I supposed to do?"

"Well, you are going to be my devouted wife."

"Oh?" Scarlett blushed again, "I see."

Rhett's eyebrows knitted together, "No, I don't think you don't."

"What?"

"Scarlett, has anything sunk into your wooden head?"

"Yes, I've been listening to you for two hours!"

"And, you think that tonight I'm showing up in your room, is that true?"

SCarlett's mouth opened, "Yes, I guess you are."

"No, I'm not. We are both too fragile for that."

"I've been fine for months-"

Rhett took a deep breath, "Scarlett, I'm not ready and neither are you to start back a full marriage. Now that I have decided to stay and be your husband, we need to start over again. I'm not coming to your bed tonight or any time soon."

SCarlett's jaw squared, "SO, now you are going to punish me?"

"No, I'm saving you and me from the mistakes of our past. WHen we set out to marry for my money and your company, we were doomed. We are going to start over, this time to love each other, not mistake love and devotion with material things. If I wanted that, I'd be at Belle's."

"Oh?"

"I love you, and now I need to learn to respect you. You love me, and now you need to learn how to be devoted to me. You admitted you didn't know how to love, and I admit that the only women I ever respected was my mother and Mrs. Wilkes."

Scarlett laughed, "We have a lot to learn."

Rhett took her hands in his and kissed them, "You have no idea."