Life continued on for Scarlett, day to day living. She had come to realize that it was her turn to understand the hurt caused by selfish acts. She had caused misery for Charles, Frank and Rhett by marrying them without giving her heart to the marriage. She had thrown away so many opportunities for happiness and for nothing. Nothing but to waste her life pining for a man who would never give into her lusts. This was her turn, and she now accepted that there would be no apologizes passed, no forgiveness given. She had lost that hope as time slowly passed. Her Tara was now restored and beautiful. Her small family still growing closer and perhaps she had grown up in the process. The healing of Tara and Scarlett had happened.
Standing on the porch she looked out over her Tara, her Pa's Tara and allowed herself to smile. She thought of Rhett, but this time no tears came from that loss, she had shed too many to count "Lost Cause" she whispered to the night breeze as the sun began to set. A year had come and gone, seasons had changed, life had changed and she had changed. She had plotted to get him back and cried at the unfairness of losing him, but now would settle with the knowledge that perhaps he was happier away from her. Yes, she had finally realized the damage she had done to him, to everyone around her. She just held some wonder in the back of her mind as to why he had not contacted her further or pursued the offer of divorce, his freedom from her. As the sun finally set she turned to enter the house, but stopped short at the sound of an approaching rider. Scarlett strained to see the person, but with the fading light could not make them out. Then just as they made the clearing she saw his face. Her breath caught. She felt faint at the sight "Rhett" she managed in a weak whisper as she grabbed the column next her. Her mind raced back to the dream "is he really here or is it the dream again" she thought as she shook back that thought. Then another thought came "Oh God he is here to claim his freedom once and for all" she felt a tear fall, one that she had swore she would never shed again as one word ran through her mind "divorce" and end of all ends for their marriage. Somehow she managed to straighten herself as he causally dismounted and turned to approach her. She could see by the light of the house his expression was that of cool and disinterested. Her heart cried at the sight, thus confirming that he was here to settle the divorce "Well I won't give him the satisfaction" she thought to herself "I groveled once begging for another chance, but he won't see me do that again" she decided as she smoothed her dress down and began the battle once again "Why Rhett what brings you all the way to Tara?" she asked in a calm steady voice, lacing a sickening honey tone for effect.
Rhett didn't know exactly what to expect when he arrived at Tara, but perhaps he had hoped to see Scarlett yet begging him to take her back, but this was not the case. She stood atop the stairs defiant as ever, almost daring him to pick the fight, but then he had not come here to fight he wanted to make right the wrongs in their relationship and perhaps start anew. Clearing his throat he took the first step, something he was not truly accustom to "Mrs. Butler I did not come here to argue you with" he let his mask of indifference fall just a bit to express a sly smile "I would however like to possibly sit down and discuss this situation as adults." He noted the slight shock in her eyes as he continued "I followed you half way around the world trying to talk to you and missed you by days each time" he paused as he extracted a cigar from his inside coat pocket and lit it. After a couple puffs he continued after taking in the silence he had received from the rather shocked Scarlett "I felt I had left things poorly between us." He looked at her again, and knew in his heart he had made the right decision in coming here.
Scarlett sat back on her heals debating between hugging him and strangling him "How dare he" she thought as her Irish temper began to get the best of her. Swallowing hard the comments that almost flew off her tongue she focused on what he had said "he had chased after her."
Rhett took advantage of her surprise and advanced toward her. She still remained silent as he reached the stair below her. Their eyes met, the walls were set aside. Rhett smiled as he bent to one knee, taking her small hand in his "My dear Mrs. Butler" he began in a soft almost loving tone "I once promised you that marriage to me could be fun, but I have failed in this promise" he took note of her mouth opening "Let me finish" he stopped her "it is not only your fault but mine as well. I have loved you since the day I first saw you at Twelve Oaks, but I would not let you know this because of my stupid pride and it was my stupid pride that took me away from you almost a year ago" he stood taking her other hand in his "I realized my mistake as soon as I saw you at Melanie's funeral" he paused letting his gaze fall from hers "I should of ran to you then, but I couldn't" he again raised his eyes to hers "I love you Scarlett. I love you more than anything in this world and I hope I have allowed you enough time and perhaps we can begin again." He stood back slightly still holding her hands, waiting for a response.
Scarlett took in the words he had professed. No bargains, no deals, just honest feelings. "He loves me" her mind screamed. A tear again fell, moistening her face again. She forgot the old arguments, the old feelings. Ripping her hands from his, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. Her eyes glistening with more tears, tears of happiness, she finally found her voice "Rhett I think I have loved you since I first met you and I am so terribly sorry for all the pain I have put you through" she pulled him to her. The kiss was soft but soon became demanding. She had missed him so much and needed him.
Rhett broke the kiss. As he pulled back he saw no defenses in her flushed eyes "I take that as a yes" he said in a slight mocking tone.
Almost breathlessly Scarlett answered "Yes" as she pulled him to her again.
