"Scarlett are you out here?" Rhett had just returned home from the bank. "Scarlett?"

Scarlett had been reflecting on the days events when she heard Rhett call, "Yes Rhett. I'm over here."

"What are you doing out here all alone?" Rhett was still very protective and concerned about Scarlett health even though it had been nearly four months since she had began her recovery.

"I was just taking the time to think about things. It's so nice and peaceful out here." Scarlett was referring to the beautiful gardens that were located behind their new house in Savannah. The gardens were the selling point for both Rhett and Scarlett.

Rhett took a seat beside Scarlett on the wrought iron bench and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. "Well what have you been up to today?"

Scarlett smiled as she thought of the secret she held, "Of nothing much really. I had a wonderful tea party with Ella. Then Wade and Beau joined us when we went to Andrew's house for lunch. See nothing exciting. Oh I almost forgot I saw Mark today too. He stopped by for about an hour. What about you?"

"I believe my day was even less exciting than yours. You know I can think of a couple of things to liven up both our days." As Rhett said the last of this a devilish smile crept to his lips.

"Oh you can, can you?" Scarlett replied as she leaned into Rhett, claiming his lips with her own. They stayed in the garden for quit a while, enjoying each others company.

After a while Rhett finally realized how cold it was outside, "Scarlett we should go in, it is freezing out here."

"But Rhett I have you to keep me warm." Scarlett said this with a phony pout.

They went in to find all three kids in the parlor full of merriment. The preparations for a party had started and they were now mesmerized by all the different colorful steamers and other decorations. The next night they were going to have a birthday party for Rhett.

"Oh momma did you see the decorations? Aren't they?" Ella ran to her mother giving her a big hug.

"Yes it is wonderful darling. I'm glad you like it."

Wade walked over to his mother and pleaded, "Mother can't Beau and I stay up for the party, please? We are old enough."

"Oh me too, me too." Ella desperately wanted to attend the adult party.

Wade looked at Ella, "You can't you're not old enough."

Scarlett saw Ella preparing a come back and decided to stop the whole thing, "Now children I believe we have discussed this. None of you will be attending the party, you are all too young. And that my dears is the end of it. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes ma'am." All three kids said in unison.

Rhett saw the disappointment in their faces, "Maybe we could have our own party during the day. This will be only for the kids of the house?" He looked at Scarlett as did the children awaiting an answer.

"All right that would be fine." Scarlett couldn't resist their pleading faces.

Happy with Scarlett's answer the children ran off to play, leaving Scarlett and Rhett alone. Rhett sat down in a down in his favorite chair and Scarlett climbed into his lap, a custom they had become accustomed to when no one was around.

"Rhett Beau is so quiet around us. Do you think he will ever feel completely at home here Rhett?" Scarlett was worried about her beloved nephew. While they were in Charleston Beau had became a member of the family. It had been decided with Ashley's consent that Beau wouldn't be sent back to his school, but he would live with the Butlers and attend a different school with Wade. Beau loved living with the Butler and he really thought of them as his true family. Yet he was still very reserved and shy towards Scarlett and Rhett.

Rhett shared Scarlett's concern for the boy, "He has been through a lot in his short little life. More than some people ever have to face. He was born during a war, grew up with death and destruction all around, he lost one of his close playmates, then his mother, and to top it off his father sent him away. All of this happened before he was even 11 years old. I think he is dealing right now. He seems all right when he is with the children, I think he blames adults for what has happened and has a hard time trusting then. Give him time, hopefully he will pull out of it."

"I hope you are right." Scarlett snuggled closer to Rhett.

Rhett decided changing the subject would be a good idea, "So my pet, what did you get me for my birthday?"

Scarlett looked into Rhett's eyes and smiled, "I'm not telling. You will get it in due time."

"Oh come on, give me a little hint, please." Rhett hated to admit it but he was anxious.

"No." Scarlett stated as she got up and left the room, leaving Rhett completely baffled about his gift.

The next day went by wonderfully. The party with the children was very fun. They had cake and ice cream and each child gave Rhett something they had made. The adult party was pleasurable. Rhett and Scarlett had become quit popular in Savannah and had made many new friends. Their new friends were members of respectable society, but they also knew how to have a good time. The night was full of dancing, laughing and joking.

"Come on Scarlett how about another dance?" Rhett was enjoying himself immensely.

Scarlett on the other hand was growing tired, but trying to hide the reason why, "No Rhett I was just about to go speak with Mark. Maybe in a little while."

"Suit yourself." With that Rhett went on to ask another lady to dance.

As Scarlett approached Mark a smile grew to both of their faces. "Taking it easy I do hope Scarlett?" Mark asked.

Scarlett gave him a secretive look, "Of course I am, though Rhett is making it hard on me."

"I suspect you haven't told him yet then." Mark knew the answer already.

"No not yet. I am going to surprise him with it later, when we are alone." Scarlett gave him another glance before she moved on to talk to other guests.

When the last guest was gone Scarlett walked back into the living room and collapsed onto the couch. "I never thought they would leave."

Rhett plopped down beside her, "I must say that this has been one of the best birthdays I have ever had."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself darling." Scarlett patted his hand.

Rhett turned to her quickly as if he had just remembered something, "I do believe you are forgetting something Mrs. Butler."

"And what might that be." Scarlett had a feeling she knew what he wanted.

"I don't believe I have received a present from you yet." Rhett couldn't hardly stand the wait any longer.

Scarlett pretend to be shocked, "Oh no was I supposed to get you something. It must have completely slipped my mind."

"Oh no you don't I know you have something for me. Now where are you hiding it?" Rhett began to tickle Scarlett in the stomach.

Scarlett laughed not only at the tickling but at the irony of him looking for it and tickling her stomach. "Hold on just a minute." Scarlett walked down the hall to her office only to return a moment later.

Scarlett handed Rhett a small box and a card. "Here you go. Read the card first." Scarlett was smiling from ear to ear.

Rhett read the card but didn't exactly understand what it was implying. When he read it the second time it all registered.

Dear Rhett,

I have a wonderful present for you but I'm afraid that it couldn't make it here in time for your birthday. I know that you will love it. If you can be patient and wait, your present should arrive in about eight months.

All my love,

Scarlett

Rhett looked at Scarlett with disbelief. "Open the gift Rhett." She wasn't sure that Rhett had actually understood the note.

When Rhett opened the gift there was no doubt left in his mind at the meaning of the note. In the box was a small silver baby rattle. He held it up and looked at Scarlett. His eyes were teary and he was speechless. They hadn't talked much about having more children, both weren't even sure if Scarlett could have any more children since the fall.

When Rhett finally snapped out of his trance, he threw his arms around Scarlett kissing her face all over. "My god Scarlett! I can't believe it. When did you find out?"

Scarlett was thankful Rhett was this excited over the baby. She wasn't sure how he would feel about the news. "I just found out the yesterday. I told you Mark came over. I hadn't gotten you a gift yet and then this seemed like the perfect thing."

"It's beyond perfect Scarlett, it's…it's. Oh I can't believe it." Rhett's mind was full of images of Bonnie and how happy he would be with another child. "So that is why you didn't dance much tonight. I was afraid you weren't having a good time. You must be exhausted, we should go to bed." Instead of walking with Scarlett back to their room Rhett picked her up and carried her even though Scarlett protested a bit.