Chapter 4

Scarlett O'Hara was conflicted. Maxwell had been courting her for two months now, and was away fighting the Indians, leaving Scarlett to ponder. His letters had been so sweet… so romantic! And yet… she had to go out and live! Oh, this was so confusing! So here she was, talking to the one person who could help her sort it out: her mother.

"I know it's hard… I know you want to go back to flirting with the young bucks… being the center of attention… but the fact of the matter is…". Ellen smiled. "He loves you, Scarlett."

"Yes I want to have a good time, but… but…". Scarlett scarcely believed that her next words would come from her lips. "I can't… I can't hurt him like that."

"Katie Scarlett," said her father, surprised. "It's not in love you are, is it?"

"It… it is but… oh what's this doing to me?!"

"Darling, it's quite natural," said Ellen. "You love him… so you're changing. And you're changing for the better, I'd argue."

"Agreed. Better to be steadfast than plain old fast." Gerald leaned back in his chair.

A blushing Careen entered the room. "Scarlett, you didn't tell me how sweet he is! Thank you… here's this back."

Scarlett opened the letter and sighed dreamily.

"If you love someone," said Ellen, "it changes you."

"I can't break his heart," said Scarlett as she smiled, "because he stole mine."

She sat on the porch of the house a few moments later, only to stand when a figure rode down the driveway.

The figure dismounted and walked towards the house, and Scarlett gasped.

They'd hurt him.

A new scar on his previously unmarried face told her that. It made its way from just above his left eyebrow to his nose.

Those Indians had almost taken one of his eyes… one of her love's eyes.

They hurt him…

They hurt him.

THOSE… BASTARDS… HURT… HIM!

Scarlett ran over to him, throwing her arms around him and burying her face in his chest.

"Maxwell! Darling, you're hurt! They hurt you!" She cried in rage and worry.

"It's not bad," Max laughed. He rocked Scarlett gently. "Just a little scratch. I still have two perfectly good eyes."

"The Wilkes family's having a barbecue in three days at Twelve Oaks," said Scarlett.

"Ooh! Definitely showing up to that!"

"Ashley's going to announce his… engagement to Melanie."

"You still love him," Max said softly.

"Yes… I'm grateful that… that you're with me but… but at the same time… I'll always love Ashley."

Maxwell just smiled. "I know," he said very gently. "And it hurts you…". He kissed her forehead. "The only thing that I want in this whole world is for you to be safe and happy. If you're not both of those things… then I'm failing you as a man."

Scarlett shook her head. "Max… I… what about your next tour? What if… oh my God, what if you don't come home?!"

"Just focus on us, honey. Whatever happens, I love you. But the only thing I'm worried about is what's happening right now. And right now, I've got my entire world in my arms. And if you think I'm letting go… you're insane."

"I love you…" Scarlett whispered, closing her eyes. "Please be safe out there…"

Max smiled, gently rubbing Scarlett's back. "Ain't I always?" he said, chuckling.