Chapter 5

"Sunshine"

Rhett and Scarlett slept like they hadn't in years. They were in an easy slumber with their bodies wrapped around each other and smiles on their faces. For years their sleep patterns were disorientated and erratic. Rhett drank too much and Scarlett…well she wasn't innocent either. Both let their pride consume them and were unable to climb over the wall each had built, however; their public display of dysfunction awoke unrest in both that slowly ate away at their pride and walls. They could no longer deny their feelings for each other. Three little words were all that stood between Rhett; Scarlett and their happiness. This happiness was a soothing balm on old wounds although it wasn't a cure it worked fast on healing their broken souls. Rhett and Scarlett both secretly hoped that their promises will hold up in the sunshine and not just shadow.

The sunlight refracted off the diamond and emerald studded wedding band. That single band which united Rhett and Scarlett on paper now represented the bond in their hearts. The band suited Scarlett's slender finger although many of the "old cats" insisted the engagement ring, a two carat emerald jewel, was simply gaudy; a selfish display of wealth not to mention the matching band. The Old Guard didn't realize how true the original intention of the ring and band actually were.

"Oh Rhett, it's simply beautiful and every woman will be craning their necks to get just a quick glance." Scarlett laughed loudly at the mere thought of the shock on everyone's' faces when she showed off her audacious engagement ring! Rhett gave Scarlett a sly grin and knew exactly what she was thinking. She loved to show off Rhett's wealth no matter what way it was earned. Scarlett liked the idea of money but not how it was gotten. He laughed to himself, his Scarlett, a selfish woman but God help him he loved her more than she would ever realize. With that thought Rhett refocused on Scarlett before she noticed his quietness.

The sunshine awoke Rhett from his content slumber. He took a deep breath and smiled. Scarlett and Rhett had communicated from deep within their souls, a deep level of which Rhett had never even fathomed they would reach. Rhett slowly inclined his head towards his sleeping wife. His eyes glossed over as he remembered looking at Scarlett so many times before but it wasn't the same. Years before Rhett would gaze at his wife with tremendous longing and determination. Rhett had wanted to share with Scarlett his thoughts, his values, his ideas but he knew he had to keep the most sacred of them; private. Scarlett could crush someone with a single look and or glance and he wasn't about to let that happen to him. His pride and ego was too tall for humiliation; but, now everything was different. He wasn't the same man and she wasn't the same woman.

Rhett extended his free hand and began to lightly stroke Scarlett's cheek. She was beautiful even with her hair slightly tangled and askew. Her breathing was constant and deep and behind those shut lids were the pair of most captivating green eyes. Those eyes had entangled Rhett from the very first time he met her at Twelve Oaks. The Twelve Oaks barbecue felt like a lifetime ago to Rhett but he knew at that moment he was determined to claim Scarlett as his wife. She gave up a fair fight but in the end Rhett's "charms" roped her in. He laughed silently to himself… his charms! Ha! He had to catch Scarlett between husbands and even then she was reluctant. All he had to do was dangle his mass amounts of money in front of her face for her to finally relinquish to his request but all that was behind them. They were finally in the same place in their lives and together they would conquer all.

Rhett stopped his musing when he realized Scarlett was waking from her slumber. She slowly opened her emerald eyes and moved her head to gaze upon Rhett's smiling face.

"Good morning darling," Rhett said with a light tone.

"Good morning Rhett," Scarlett said as she stretched her limbs like a cat and once again returned her waking eyes to Rhett.

"Did you sleep well, my pet?"

"Splendid, how about you?" Scarlett purred reaching up to lightly touch Rhett's face.

"Quite content myself, I didn't wake you did I? I just couldn't help but stroking your cheek. You looked so beautiful; I couldn't keep my hands off you!" Rhett said that devilish grin.

Scarlett turned a light shade of red; "You are horrible Rhett Butler! But don't stop putting your hands on me!" Scarlett giggled as Rhett was clearly shocked by her declaration.

"I aim to please…"