Disclaimer: I own nothing regarding GWTW

Author's Notes: Thank you for all the reviews and feedback.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

That night in their bedroom while Scarlett was nursing Olivia, Rhett paused in his reading of romantic poetry and said, "That is the best birthday present ever."

"What, Sweetheart?'

"Olivia's eyes being the same color as mine. Did I tell you that my grandfather's eyes were the same color as mine?"

"No, you didn't, Dear. How wonderful. It is like another connection between Olivia and your grandfather."

"Yes, it is."

"At times I think she looks just like you."

"At times I think she looks just like you."

"She is definitely ours."

"She is finished. Would you put her in her bassinet?"

"Of course."

When Rhett turned around, Scarlett was brushing out her hair. He went and sat in his now favorite chair and watched her. They chatted about nothing important. She had been giving him those shy smiles the entire time she was brushing out her hair. At last, she got up with her hair loose and walked to the bed. Rhett got up and took off all his clothes. He left them on the floor for someone else to pick up. He had other things to do, like make love to his beautiful wife.

That year Rhett didn't want a birthday party. He just wanted to celebrate his birthday quietly at home with his family. He said, "We see those people all the time. I wanted it to be just us."

"Alright, Dear."

That year at Christmas, Rhett didn't buy lots and lots of presents but he did buy a few special ones. They had been invited to Violet and Dean's for Christmas dinner and they had accepted. Scarlett had given her entire staff the day off except Mammy. It wouldn't have mattered if Scarlett had told Mammy to take the day off, the older woman wouldn't have. Scarlett and her children were Mammy's entire world.

Scarlett had a third birthday party for Gerry, a thirteenth birthday party for Wade, and a sixth birthday party for Genie. After her party Genie said over supper, "I can go to school now."

"Not until September."

"Rats."

Which made everyone but Gerry and Genie laugh.

Gerry was sitting in his own chair because Rhett had to hold Olivia in his lap now. Gerry was so proud to be sitting in his own chair.

On March seventeenth, Rhett took Scarlett out for supper to her current favorite restaurant which was Delmonico's. After they had been seated and the waiter came to get their drink order, Rhett said, "We want to order the Alaska, Florida dessert."

"Very good, Sir."

"What is that?"

"It is ice cream in between sponge cake and meringue. I have heard it is quite good."

At the end of the meal after finishing their dessert, Scarlett said, "That was very good."

"Happy celebration of the day you were born. A wonderful day, indeed, Baby."

"Thank you, Rhett."

"Now let's go dancing."

"No, let's go home. If we went dancing, we wouldn't have any energy when we got home for other activities."

"True."

Rhett spent lots of money on Olivia's first birthday party. They had a picnic on the back lawn. It was their favorite type of party. It meant the children could run around and have a good time. It also meant they could have unusual entertainment. They had circus performers and a small band. They had pony rides. They had a magician. Rhett had invited everyone they knew. A good time was had by all.

The next day, Scarlett weened the child from the breast. She finally had her body back forever except for occasional visits from Rhett. Of course, Rhett had slowed down a lot over the years so even his visits weren't that often.

Howard Lufkin got a note from Mrs. Butler. It was time to take pictures again. They always had pictures taken on their anniversary. They had the usual ones done. They were the entire family, Rhett and Scarlett, individual ones of the children, and one of Scarlett, Mammy, and the children. After the photographer had left, Scarlett said, "I wish I knew how Prissy, Pork, and Dilcey were doing."

"We can check on them when we visit Tara. Do you want to go visit Tara in June?"

"Not in the summertime?"

"I guess we can go in the wintertime."

"No, let's go some time after your birthday and before Christmas. Wade would be so mad if he missed any of the ice skating and sledding season."

"What about school?"

"They can get caught back up when we get back."

Rhett and Scarlett again talked about buying a summer home but decided against it because the children were too involved with their friends in the summer. Besides, Scarlett knew Rhett would be so annoyed if he missed any of the time he could take his yacht out.

Genie was so excited on her first day of school. She was so mad when she got in the carriage that afternoon. She had found out that she couldn't just do whatever she wanted and that she had to stay in her chair most of the day. Scarlett smiled. Yes, Genie was her daughter. Gerry and Olivia cheered Genie up when she got home. They had missed her so much during the day and they showed it. Genie soon adapted to school life, but it certainly wasn't as wonderful as she thought it was going to be.

In October, Scarlett hosted Ella's birthday party. They had a picnic on the lawn as usual. It was well attended by Ella's friends, Genie's friends, Wade's friends, and Rhett and Scarlett's friends. Even Ophelia Albright, the most powerful matron, had showed up. While talking to Mrs. Albright, Rhett did something that shocked Scarlett. He was respectful and deferential. He was almost submissive.

Rhett must have seen Scarlett's shocked face for after Mrs. Albright had walked off, he said, "Our future and our children's future depends on that woman's good will."

"Yes, it does."

"I am no longer that brash, arrogant, stupid, twenty-two-year-old who threw everything away. I have too much to lose now. Not just me but you and the children would be hurt by my actions."

"Do you now regret throwing away your other life?"

"No, I couldn't have lived that life when I was in my twenties. Or even in my thirties probably. Only you have made me want to live that life."

"I couldn't live this life without you to keep me entertained."

"And sexually satisfied."

"Rhett, hush."

"It is true."

"I'm not saying it isn't. Just don't talk about it."

"Alright."

Although Scarlett was quite happy with Rhett sexually satisfying her later that night.

Rhett had elected to not have a party again for his birthday. Instead, the family left for their trip to Atlanta on his birthday. They took Mammy, Eunice, and Mortimer with them. Two days later, they checked into the National Hotel. Their first stop was going to be Picard's French Bistro. Therefore, they went to Elsing's General Store on the north side. Fanny was so happy to see them when they walked in that she hugged both Rhett and Scarlett.

Fanny was excited to show them the store and the changes that she and Phil had made. When Fanny took a breath, Scarlett said, "Does anyone think you are not the brains behind Elsing's General Stores?"

"No. Hugh is happy running his store. Phil is happy running his store. The three of us worked it all out on who gets how much money. I think we are all happy."

"That is wonderful."

"Come to the hotel tonight at six. Have supper with us. Bring Maybelle, Hugh, and Anna Beth. Leave your mother at home with the children."

Fanny smiled, "Alright. Go ahead and mention it to Rene and Claude."

"See you tonight. We have to get some real French food now. It has been way too long."

As the family walked through the door of the kitchen, Rene saw them and came over and shook Rhett's hand and smiled at Scarlett. Rhett said, "What is on the menu?"

"Poulet Basquaise or Chicken Stew and Quiche Lorraine. Quiche is a dish made with eggs, cheese, and bacon."

"Give us one of each."

"No, Rhett, Olivia and Gerry are going to want the egg dish. I want the chicken stew. Genie?"

"Eggs."

"Ella?"

"Chicken Stew."

"Wade?"

"I don't know. Why don't we try them both, Dad?"

"Good idea."

Scarlett smiled. There was her diplomat. That was not her son, but Charles Hamilton's son and she was proud.

Rene brought Scarlett a croissant as they were waiting for the meal to be served. He said, "It is the last one we have today."

"Thank you. Rhett can come by tomorrow for some more."

"I will make extra with that in mind."

"No, I will send Mortimer," Scarlett smiled. Rhett added, "Our footman."

Everyone enjoyed their choice of entrees. Scarlett smiled as Rhett and Wade split the two dishes. As they got up to leave Rhett said, "How much?"

Claude said, "It is on the house today but not tomorrow."

All the adults laughed. Scarlett said, "You must come have supper with us at the hotel. Fanny has already accepted for everyone," She turned to Rene and said, "Bring Maybelle with you and leave your children at home with Mrs. Merriwether."

"She will not like that, but it will be nice for Maybelle and me to get out of the house without the children. We hardly go anywhere these days because we are being very frugal with our money because of the panic."

Rhett smiled and said, "If Mrs. Merriwether wants to come along, she is more than welcome."

Rene and Scarlett laughed. They both knew that Mrs. Merriwether would never sit down to a meal with Rhett Butler.

The family went back to the hotel and Scarlett sent a note to Melly telling her that the family was in town. She wrote, "Can we come to call?"

"Of course, how about two?"

"That is fine for us, but the younger children take their naps in the afternoon."

"How about tomorrow morning?"

"Of course."

"Perfect. I will expect you all at nine."

The Butler children had supper in the suite that night with Mammy, Eunice, and Mortimer. Eunice and Mortimer were happy working for the Butlers. The work wasn't that hard although the younger Butler children could be trying with their stubbornness and their defiance. The other thing that Eunice still couldn't believe was how involved with the children Mr. Butler was. It was refreshing to see a man that loving and engaged with his children.

Supper with the Picards, the Elsings and the Butlers was a good time for everyone. They talked about everything that had happened in Atlanta since the Butlers had left. They talked about the economy which Fanny thoroughly participated in as did Scarlett. They talked about what they were doing to maintain the health of their businesses during these trying times. Rene said, "Nonetheless, I would rather be facing these difficulties than the ones we faced right after the war was over."

"At least, we are not overrun by Yankees and soldiers everywhere."

"It was a struggle for everyone."

"Except you Butler."

Rhett smiled at Scarlett and said, "I had my struggles."

All too soon the evening was over. As they were leaving Maybelle said, "I would invite you to our house for a meal, but Mother would never let you through the door."

Fanny smiled and said, "Nor would my mother. She blames you Scarlett for me developing my mannish ways."

Scarlett turned to Claude and Rene and said, "Didn't I tell you that I get blamed for anything that goes wrong in Atlanta?"

Claude and Rene smiled then Claude said, "Come to the bistro on Friday. We will treat you to a meal then."

"No, we are going to Tara on Friday. We will see you Saturday."

"Excellent."

As Rhett and Scarlett walked up the stairs, they talked about their supper guests. As they got to the suite door, Rhett said, "You chose to lend your money to the right people."

"Thank you, Dear."