DISCLAIMER: This is a fanfiction arising from Margaret Mitchell's book "Gone with the Wind". This story has been written for recreational/leisure purposes only and now profit whatsoever has been derived.
SCENARIO: Rhett and Scarlett prior to Bonnie's birth
Scarlett waddled down the stairs at 8pm, her mood improved and excited for the night ahead.
Rhett was in the lounge, enjoying a drink by the fire while he waited for her.
"Ready?" he asked, his eyes quickly scanning her beautiful face and thickened body. Scarlett caught a look in his eyes which shocked her. His eyes were full of frank appreciation, to her surprise, obvious desire. She wondered how anybody could desire her in her current condition.
"Yes" Scarlett replied, turning her head to hide the blush of modesty which was rising in her cheeks.
"Then let's go" he said, standing up to go to her and putting gentle hand in the small of her back.
They walked out the carriage where Pork was waiting. Rhett offered his hand to help her into the carriage. Scarlett tried to hoist herself into the carriage, but her body had grown heavier and the step was simply too high.
"Never mind" Rhett said, smiling. He picked her up and deftly lifted her into the carriage.
They rode in silence for awhile, hands held, their mood pensive.
"I really hope we don't meet anyone we know tonight" she said. "I'm well over seven months gone- way too large to be seen in public".
"Who cares!"
"Rhett, how can you say that? I'll be the talk of the town."
"My dear, as I've told you before, pregnancy is one of the most natural things in the world. There is nothing whatsoever to be ashamed of. You- we- have committed no crime by having a child. To hell with what fools think. Go out whenever you like."
"Oh, I couldn't" Scarlett said, mortified. "I just hope we get away with it tonight".
"Your wish is my command, my dear" Rhett replied. "We'll arrive there by 8:20pm and by that time the theatre will hopefully be too dark to see- or gossip about- anyone".
"And what about when the play ends?" she asked worriedly.
"I've bribed the manager- one of the ushers will come get us shortly before the curtain call. Though judging by the speed you are walking at tonight, I'll have to get him to notify us five minutes earlier" he said with a wink.
"You're horrible" she said, smiling in spite of herself. This pregnancy was so comfortable with Rhett around. He didn't treat her differently, try to ignore her condition or overemphasise it. He was there whenever she needed him and had been very attentive to her needs during the pregnancy. In particular, he had helped her through the terrible bouts of morning sickness in the early months. He had looked after her, but didn't hang around awkwardly or treat her like she was from another planet the way Charles and Frank had.
Thinking this, she felt a sudden rush of gratitude towards him and leaned in to give him a spontaneous kiss.
Rhett's eyes went quickly to hers, looking suddenly joyful and curious "What was that for?".
Scarlett shrugged and felt the carriage lurch to a halt. "We're here".
…
The evening went as planned. The play was wonderful- a comedy which had Scarlett in stitches with laughter. She felt all of the boredom and frustration of the last few months melt away. She forgot about her growing stomach, her weeks of seclusion at home and her complicated feelings towards the baby. For a few hours just enjoyed herself.
Before she knew it they home, standing outside the carriage. She started to make her way towards the front door but Rhett took her arm gently, stopping her.
"Let's go for a walk" he said.
"What now? It's after 11pm".
"What better time to go for a walk without people seeing you? Don't worry, my dear, I'll protect you from any night time street thugs".
She breathed the crisp fresh night air. "That would be lovely" she said, pulling her shawl around her shoulders.
They walked in silence for awhile, Rhett's arm around her.
"Why are you so good to me?" she asked suddenly.
Rhett looked at her in frank surprise "Do you think I am so good to you, my dear?".
For a moment Scarlett didn't know how to respond. 'Well…yes" she said eventually.
"I'm glad" he said, a rueful smile on his face "Well, I told you marriage could be fun, didn't I?".
"Yes" she agreed, "I suppose you did".
They looped around the corner and found themselves back at the house again. They wordlessly went up to their room. Scarlett went immediately went into her dressing room to change into her nightgown in private. She had been doing this ever since her pregnancy had become evident. Rhett hated the habit, but she hated the sight of her growing body even more. She was reaching around to undo the buttons at the back of her dress when she felt Rhett's soft breath on her neck.
"All I ever wanted was to make you happy Scarlett" he said breathily. He deftly undid the buttons of her dress until she stood just in her chemise. Then he turned her around and kissed her passionately, as passionately as he had when he had proposed.
A surprised Scarlett felt something within her reach up and return his kiss. A strange feeling, warm and happy, overcame her as she ran her hands through his soft crisp hair. She was vaguely aware of his hands upon her, the changes to their breathing and the movements of the baby within her. Suddenly, the baby gave her stomach an almighty kick, strong enough for Rhett to feel.
Laughing, he pulled away. "I think our baby is trying to tell us something, my love. Time to go to sleep". Fascinated, he put his hands on her belly and was rewarded by another kick.
She watch him, hands on her abdomen, utterly entranced by the being within her and for the first time felt excitement for the baby.