Three days of travel, finally brought her home again. Wearily Scarlett and her children climbed the stairs of her childhood home. As she reached the last stair the front door opened. Sullen stood before her, glaring "Well, well little miss money bags has shown her face again" she snapped "So where is your wonderful husband Scarlett?" A smile creeping across her face Sullen began "Did he have better things to do than be with you?" she finished coldly.
"Sue I am not here to fight" Scarlett began "I came to make a deal with you about Tara."
Sullen was a little taken back by Scarlett's reaction, or lack of reaction to her comments. Usually a comment like that would send Scarlett's temper flaring. She stared at her older sister and noted how tired she looked and the lack of spirit in her usually bright eyes "what happened" Sullen thought to herself. Composing herself "What is there to talk about?" she questioned.
"Look Sue" began Scarlett "I am going to cut to the point. I have already taken care to reclaim Careen's portion back from the church and I want Tara" she raised her hand to stop the protest that was about to begin "I am going to be more than generous to you and yours. I offer you and your husband this" she paused as she calmed herself, being around Sullen always brought her temper up. Clearing her throat she began again "Like I said I had Uncle Henry take care of the church and I now own two-thirds of Tara. Before you start in I offer you this, I will build you a new home on Tara, but I want the main house." She finished and prepared to hear Sullen's complaints, but none came.
Sullen stared at Scarlett and noticed something different about her, not only her look but her tone and voice. Scarlett sounded and acted as calm as Mother had when they were children. Whatever could of happened to Scarlett to bring about such a change. Finding her voice "We will have our own new home?" she asked. Scarlett nodded "And Will will still be in charge of the land and the crops?"
"Of course Sue, but I would like to increase the production and bring on hired help to meet the needs of the increase" Scarlett noted the disgusted look she was now receiving from Sullen "You needn't worry Sue, I will work with Will on that and you only have to worry about taking care of your home and family."
Sullen smiled at the thought of a new home and getting out of the mess that the Tara home had become. She didn't know why Scarlett would want to claim the family home and live in the fallen glory, but then she didn't care, she would have a brand new house "Scarlett I will have to discuss this with my husband, but I really don't see any problems in agreeing to your terms." For the first time Sullen noticed Scarlett's children standing behind their mother and she also noted they looked exhausted "Well come on in" she said with a light smile as she gestured to the open door.
Scarlett climbed the final stair, walked the short distance of the porch and entered her family home, her home. She turned to Wade and Ella and smiled "We're home children" the smile never reached her pale green eyes. Wade was the only one to notice.


In Charleston a tired Rhett found his way to his Mother's home. He had failed in catching Scarlett and felt that it was hopeless. Their entire relationship was based on missed chances and opportunities. The hour was late and he knew no one would be about as he let himself into the Butler home. As quiet as possible he made his way down the hall to the library. He stoked the fire and lit a cigar. Soon the fire lit the room and he poured a brandy. Holding the glass in the air, he toasted "To my darling wife, wherever you may be" he downed the drink and poured another. As the brandy worked it's way through his blood, he finally began to relax. He knew in the back of his mind he would find her, they would argue, he would admit he was wrong and they would work things out, or at least that is how he planned it. The weeks of sea travel had left him with time to contemplate their relationship and he found she was not the only one at fault. He had protected his damn heart and pride for so long, she must of had no other choice than to believe that he did not love her. His voice broke the air "This line of thinking will get you nowhere" he mumbled as he poured another brandy "She will eventually go to her beloved Tara and I will follow" he smiled as he thought of Scarlett and how she was going to enjoy him groveling before her "well perhaps the sacrifice of my pride will be enough" another brandy downed. He set the glass down and went to light another cigar to find he had no more on his person. Knowing his Mother, he knew she kept a box in a cabinet in the entry hall. With the brandy slightly effecting him he made his way to the cabinet and located his cigars. As he turned and lit it he caught sight of a letter on the entry table. He froze, match mid-air, as the writing and the name scrawled across the envelope front registered "Scarlett" he whispered. The match burned to his finger tips "Damn" he swore as he flicked the match to the floor. He grabbed the letter and returned to the library.

After pouring another brandy and lighting the lamp he sat down, letter in hand. He opened the letter and sat back to read what she had to say. He knew that she hated writing letters, so whatever this held, it was important for her to say it.

Dear Rhett,

Let me begin by apologizing for the pain and anguish I have put you through these last few years. I did not believe in my heart that you hated me, but after much thought I can see your reasoning. The only bright spot in our marriage was our Bonnie and with her gone, I find I must agree with you that there is no reason to continue this marriage. I must tell you that my heart is breaking as I make this decision, but I find there is little else left for me to do.

I do love you Rhett, with all my heart, but I will not put you through anymore pain because of my selfishness. I will not fight you on a divorce, if that is what will bring you happiness. You may contact Uncle Henry on that matter. He will handle the any paperwork for me.

I am going home Rhett, as I too need time to heal as well as you do.

Love,

Scarlett

Rhett stared at the letter in disbelief. It did not sound like the Scarlett he had known for the past twelve years. He set the letter aside and rose for another brandy. He held the glass up and stared at the dark liquid with the light playing against it "You have never run from anything before Scarlett" he paused as he downed the drink "and I will not let you start now." He set the glass down, turned down the lamp and went to bed. "I am going to need all the rest I can get if I am to beg for my wife to forgive my ill behavior" he chuckled to himself "and to think I left her begging for my love" he paused as he opened the door to his bedroom "and it will be me begging for hers." Shaking his head he entered the room and collapsed onto the bed.