The good news is that I've found a cure for a summer cold! Well, not really, but your reviews sure did help me feel better and kept my fuzzy brain working and my fingers typing…most of the time. There was that one time when I took my Nyquil and then fell asleep over the keyboard. Anyway, thank you all so much for you're very kind words. I've neglected my usual inclinations to respond to each one separately because I've been trying to stay focused on the story itself. I hope you'll forgive me. And now…on with the story.

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"I'm telling you, I saw him with my very own eyes," Mrs. Elsing related to the others gathered in her parlor for tea. "His face was horribly disfigured, ugly burn scars covering the right side."

"Oh my," Pitty-Pat Hamilton fanned herself. "Oh how terrible. He can be rather crude, you know…but I don't think he deserved to have such a fate…" Her hand was waving rapidly as it moved her fan through the air next to her face. "What a pity…"

"Why, Dr. Meade told me that from the looks of his face, it's a miracle that he survived at all," added Mrs. Meade. "And he said he saw Captain Butler's arm when he was in shirt sleeves on one of the doctor's visits. Dr. Meade said the arm is even worse, the skin so taut at he elbow that it impairs his movement."

"Oh Dear," Pitty Pat exclaimed as she fanned.

"How can he show his face in public?" questioned Mrs. Merriweather. "It just doesn't seem proper…"

"Since when has that Butler man been proper?" India Wilkes said scornfully. "He's as repulsive as that wife of his…"

"Now India," Pitty began.

"Oh Auntie, you know you agree with me. After the way she threw herself at Ashley all of those years…"

"Oh India, I don't know," chimed in Mrs. Bonner. "If she really had been that interested, don't you think she would have done something after Melanie died? But she rarely even sees Ashley now that his dear wife is gone."

"Well, I should hope not," India sneered. "After the way Mellie protected her… Of course, she only did it to mollify Ashley. After all, he is fond of Scarlett because of our childhood."

"Well, whether Scarlett was after him or not, it didn't matter," soothed Mrs. Bonner. "The poor man was devastated by Melanie's death; it is plain to see that he still isn't over it."

"Yes, of course," agreed Mrs. Merriweather. Then turning to Mrs. Meade she asked, "And when does the Doctor think Scarlett is due?"

"Oh, he says her time is coming…another month or so."

"Well, I can't understand how the child was conceived. I mean…to lie with a man who is so… mutilated. I know I wouldn't have the stomach for it," added Mrs. Elsing.

"Oh dear," gasped Pitty.

"Oh Auntie, you must not think of it," cajoled India. "We didn't bring your salts…"

Meanwhile, in the large mansion on Peachtree, Rhett was eyeing his wife suspiciously. His mood was wearing on Scarlett and although she believed she knew the source, she was growing impatient. "God's nightgown, Rhett, would you stop staring at me? Whatever is on your mind…just say it."

Can't a man admire his wife?" Rhett asked sarcastically.

"Of course, and if that was what you were doing, I would enjoy it immensely."

"Really my pet, as much as the attentions of the charming Mr. Wilkes yesterday?"

Scarlett winced inwardly. It seemed the specter of Ashley Wilkes was still with them. "It was good to see him again. He seems to finally recovering from Mellie's death. But I wouldn't call him especially attentive and I wouldn't enjoy such attentions if he were. As I've told you before, Ashley holds no charm for me any longer."

"You seemed cozy enough when I returned to the room…" he drawled.

"Balls of fire…we were passing the time in cordial conversation." Anger ignited in her green eyes as she glared at Rhett. "You are the only man that holds any charm for me, but at the moment…I'm not finding you particularly charming either!"

Rhett became agitated when he saw how upset she was becoming. "Now my dear, please…"

"Please? Please what? I wanted to have a nice day with you, especially after last night and you are spoiling it. "

Rhett smirked as he saw her redden at the mention of the previous night. While love-making had become a challenge these days, he's been up to the task last night and the memory of her moans and coos of satisfaction stirred him still. "I'm sorry, my dear. I…suppose that after so many years of living in the shadow of the charming Ashley, I am having a difficult time with him in such close proximity."

Scarlett glared at him, somewhat mollified but still angry. His old smirk was back, the one he'd used so many times in previous conversations about Ashley. At the time, his expression had infuriated her but now she understood that it was his way of covering his feelings. He was still hurt and threatened by the idea of her spending time with Ashley. Slowly her anger drained as she watched him and an impulse grew within her. "Well, now that you've spoiled my day," she pouted, "you're going to have to be especially attentive. After all, my time is nearing and I mustn't be upset." She fluttered her eyelashes at him in what she hoped was an outrageous display.

Rhett burst out laughing, merriment shining in his eyes. "And pray tell, Mrs. Butler, exactly what attention are you seeking?"

She stepped towards him and as she closed the distance between them, her hand reached for him, seeking that part of him which brought her the greatest pleasure. Squeezing his manhood under the fabric of his trousers, she held him securely. "I'm sure you can think of a way to please me," she whispered huskily. Shock and surprise stopped his laughter but his eyes glittered as he looked down at her. "Yes, my dear, I am sure that I can," he said as he caught his breath. And as he led her upstairs, he became very, very attentive.

The latest addition to the Butler household decided to make an early appearance. Dr. Meade laughed as he answered the call, "well, you were always the impatient sort, Scarlett, and it seems this child is taking after you." True to her word, she delivered a boy, a son for an agitated Rhett Butler. He'd nearly driven everyone in the household crazy with is constant questions and uneasiness as soon as her labor had begun. Mammy had chuckled as she remembered similar antics over the birth of their beautiful Bonnie. "He gonna wear a hole in dat ca'pet," Emma said shaking her head as they watched him pace the hall outside Scarlett's door. "Mammy's large frame shook with glee, "aw, dat ain't notin'…ya shuda seen him da first time…" The two women walked down the hall, hoping for news soon, just as eager as Rhett.

Rhett handed out glasses of whiskey and cigars when the new arrival was announced and when the sex of the child was revealed, he passed a gold coin to each member of the household. "But Mista Rhett," Mammy exclaimed, "I dun heard you tell Miz Scarlett you don' care what kind it is…"

"I don't, Mammy," Rhett exclaimed, "But Scarlett wanted a boy and by god, she got one…" he paused, a tear in his eye, "she wanted to give me a son, Mammy…" and then he stopped, unable to say more.

Mammy nodded. "Yes suh, she gots a will, my lamb does. She said she wanna gib you a son and dat's xactly what she done. I pity de town when dis boy gits older, 'Lanta ain't never seen the likes of a boy dat both you an' Miz Scalrett made…" she chuckled.

Rhett laughed with her. "You're right, Mammy. This boy will be a handful…nothing but trouble…just like the two of us…"

"Only mo'e, cause it be da two ob you togeder…"

Wade was excited to have a little brother and Ella, well; she had visions of dressing the baby, just like her dolls. Finally, Dr. Meade emerged from the room and told Rhett that he could go in. He shot past the doctor and was beside Scarlett instantly, his dark eyes merry with excitement. "Scarlett," he whispered, in awe.

She opened her eyes and smile at him sleepily. "It's a boy, Rhett," she beamed.

"Yes, yes it is, my pet. Mammy has him. She'll bring him back in a minute…"

"Mmmmm," she purred. "So tired…"

"Yes, of course." He took her hand and clasped it between both of his. "You rest for now. I'm just going to stay here and…well, look at you."

"Oh Rhett…I'm a mess, I'm sure…"

"You've never been more beautiful, my love," he grinned.

After a few minutes, Mammy shuffled into the room, carrying the small bundle. She handed the baby to Rhett, who looked into the face of his son and smiled gleefully. Then very carefully, he slid onto the bed next to Scarlett, cradling the bundle in his arms. She moved the blanket further away from his face and saw a small version of Rhett's eyes peering back at her. She smiled as tears gathered in her eyes. "He has your eyes, Rhett."

Rhett looked closer at the small face and grinned. "They are dark like mine, but I don't know that the shape is mine. I think I see a little of your father in him…" Scarlett looked again. "Then he'll look like my two favorite men and every time I look into his face I will see the both of you."

Rhett glanced over at his wife. "Thank you, my love. This is a most precious gift."

"He is, isn't he? But this time Rhett Butler, you must share…" she tried to look at him crossly but a smile broke out instead. "Now, I really am tired," she sighed. "You spend all the time you wish with our son, but I need a nap."

"Yes, but…we don't have a name for him yet."

Scarlett yawned. "We'll discuss it when I wake up. But now I am just too tired."

"Yes you are," he cooed at her as he made faces at his son. "You have a rest and then we'll have a most serious discussion about this child's name," he said in an almost sing-song fashion. Baby Butler, like his mother, yawned, his open mouth filling his face. And then his sleepy dark eyes closed as he drifted to sleep, safe in his father's arms. Rhett continued to watch his son and Scarlett, his dark eyes studying them both intently. Scarlett really did seem very tired and he was concerned. Bonnie's birth hadn't seemed to take so much out of her. Inwardly, he resolved to take very good care with her as she recovered. Then he smiled as he looked back at the baby, "This is my last chance, son. I have to get this right, for her and for you." But his little chance wasn't listening. His eyes were shut tight with his little fists balled up next to them, sleeping.

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Okay, this is where you get to be a part of the fun. I'm having a terrible time deciding on a name for our little bundle of joy, so I am asking for your help. Use the little button to review and include your suggestions. I'm not sure what criteria I will use in the final selection, but I do need some fresh ideas. Then tune into the next chapter to see the result.