Chapter 6

The wedding took place a week later. The war had been declared, and all the men were in a hurry to marry their sweethearts before rushing off to fight the Yankees.

"It's war, Scarlett," Maxwell had said as the young men whooped and cheered. "It'll be a month before they call me."

"That's… that surely enough time to get married," Scarlett had replied.

"I agree. Catholic or Protestant?"

"I know you're a staunch Protestant… but my parents are quite Catholic. Why not both?"

"I can work with that. Be warned, though. Our children won't be forced into Popery."

"We can worry about our children when they arrive," Scarlett had answered. "This is about us."

Maxwell thought back to the barbecue as he rode with his new wife to Imperial Terrace.

"Tired, Max?"

He nodded. "I think the wine's comin' back to haunt me."

"Well, my back hurts. I swear, these silly corsets…"

"You realize we don't have to tonight."

Scarlett smiled. "Doesn't mean I don't want to."

"Mmm… I don't think I'll be at my best. Too much to drink. But believe me, I definitely…"

"I know you do," said Scarlett with a wink. "But my back hurts."

"I can fix that."

When they got home and were finally in their bedroom, Max smiled as Scarlett undressed.

Scarlett eased herself onto the bed and groaned as she settled in.

"Just relax, honey," Max whispered, starting to massage the base of her spine.

"Mmmm…". Scarlett closed her eyes. "Mmmm, those damned whalebone corsets…"

"Shhh, Katie…" he whispered, his hands traveling to her upper back.. "Shhh…"

Scarlett sighed blissfully. After a few minutes, she rolled over, smiling and sitting up, taking her new husband's hands.

"Put your hands on me, Max…" she said softly… longingly.

Maxwell cocked his head. "Y… you're sure? It's my first time, y'know."

"It's mine too, darling… what are you afraid of?"

"I… what if I don't please you? God, worse… what if I hurt you?"

Scarlett smiled as she undid her laces. "You won't hurt me… but…". She gave him a long, sensual kiss and pulled him on top of her. "Please be gentle…"

"I love you…" Maxwell whispered as he kissed and caressed Scarlett gently.

"I love you…"