A/N Sorry, this chapter has been so long in the making - hope you will enjoy, and thanks to CJ for proofreading.
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And so they walked up to the house hand in hand, ready to face the world, ready for a glorious happy future together. At the same time, each with a spring in their step leaving their shady, grievous past behind. Feeling in that moment and forever onwards, their love would be enough to conquer whatever they might face down the road, promising to do their best to protect and cherish each other.
Thus when the bells chimed in the New Year, their lips met in a sparkling kiss. Making the rest of the world slide out of focus; leaving only them and their love under the starlit sky.
It was a kiss serving to seal their heartfelt solemn promise to one another.
Neither noticed the ball guests streaming out of the house and onto the lawn, interrupting their solitude. Some raised an eyebrow, others chose to let it fly with an overbearing smile (after all New Years eve was a special evening, and a good start for new beginnings) as they took in the scenery with the two lovers inappropriately entwined in each others arms.
The fireworks erupting in the sky above the house thankfully quickly served to distract the onlookers from this untimely embrace between the no longer estranged husband and wife. The two implicated parties did not even notice this, and only took the sparks colouring the sky as a sign of the rightness of their choice to let the past fly away and finally be together.
Of course it needs to be stated that they lived happily ever after.
Had lots of babies, which in due time all went on to live glorious happy lives of their own.
Naaah… that would be far too easy wouldn't it…
Sorry couldn't help it. It is the warmth that is making me silly and wanting to write light fluffy stuff. Also I feel like I have written myself into too much of a corner, where there is only one path, a path which can easily turn out to be too nauseatingly cheesy.
But well here we go….
We left Rhett and Scarlett on their stone bench, one reluctant and the other heatedly admitting their feelings for one another, then enjoying a flighty embrace.
Alas this brief moment of peace is not to last! …and with that little spoiler I will slowly continue my tale towards its inevitable end.
Slowly, Rhett Butler untangled himself from the arms of his wife, putting a small amount of distance between them. A bit surprised that he had actually initiated the embrace. At the same time savouring the warm mark her body had left on his shirt front, knowing full well, that if not brought to an end, the embrace would surely lead to other things. Things, that were not really fitting for an evening such as this. After all sooner or later this evening they would have to face up to the rest of the world again, and join his guests in the celebration of the New Year. As the host he had certain unavoidable obligations to the party, the least not forgetting his mother. No matter how tiresome they seemed to him this very moment. They were sure to attract enough attention as it was with their long absence, which of course meant that turning up all crumpled and ruffled would not do. He could almost see the gleeful light in the eyes of some particular guests if that were the case. Rhett felt certain that even if his mother lived to be a hundred years old, she would have a hard time living down as delicious a piece of gossip as that would be.
To gather his thoughts he let his eyes fawn over their surroundings. Now that he had actually been forced into this encounter; an encounter which he had been so reluctant to enter into he felt strangely relieved. In a way it felt like he was seeing the world anew, the outlines of bushes and brambles partly hidden in the darkness seemed to stand out more - be somewhat sharper and clearer, and the silhouette of the tall trees against the velvety midnight blue sky seemed to shimmer lightly. To a more rational thinking and observing mind that of course might have been dismissed as something that most likely had to do with the moon edging its way out of the cloudy shadow in which it had been hiding. But as Rhett's normally keen eyes failed to notice this tiny detail he was just filled with wonderment as to the extent his anger of minutes before had blinded him to the beauty of the night.
To his own great surprise, the normally cool and controlled Captain Butler felt that this admittance of his love had set something free in him, something he could not quite pinpoint nor rationally analyse or explain. Perhaps it was a small glimmer of optimism, sparked by the fragile promise of what his future might hold.
Perhaps: what a sweet little word, so illusive, yet promising.
Though he would not, still, put words to his surrender. Deep within him he knew that he had given in, yielded to the targeted assault of his wife and mother in combination. Also, he realised, that for once he didn't immediately regret opening his heart to someone. He, who normally guided himself on such a tight rein, had released it a little, and oddly it felt more like a reward than a punishment. Perhaps it was her heated heartfelt words afterwards. She never had bared herself to him like that before, or almost never, which was ensuring in itself and provided nourishment for the small spark that had begun to disperse the darkness in which he had been treading for so long.
There had of course been the night of Melanie's death. Not that he really felt it was appropriate to count that evening. After all, that day, evening and night had just been another one in a series of days that had brought nothing but sadness and loss to their house. Such a strain had been on her then; she would probably have said anything rather than having to be alone. Sadly that had still been the outcome for her.
No, he had definitely not put too much faith in the truthfulness of her words that fateful evening. Perhaps it had been a mistake. Yet again, perhaps they had needed these months apart. Looking back he could still with every fibre of his being remember the overwhelming numbing fatigue that had been his constant companion in those days, that and his fickle deceitful, glittery golden, bottled up friend.
Even now he felt how the shadows of those days were closing in on him.
No... He imperceptibly shook his head to shove the ghosts of those days away. He didn't want to let the memories quench his newfound sense of being set free, so he closed his mind to their shadowy voices. Even the sweet floating sound of a certain fair skinned, dark haired girl with sparkly eyes that would always shine with love and admiration whenever he was near he blocked from his mind.
Delving on those aspects of the past could not be a part of the equation that he and Scarlett were to solve tonight. It would only make things more complicated than they already were. There would be plenty of time to examine and explore these things at a later point in time. After all tomorrow surely was another day he mused to himself as he chased the memories away, remembering the well worn phrase that his vixen of a wife swore by.
"So?" He raised a questioning eyebrow at her. Again feeling just a little bit like a scared adolescent. Wondering if she had more to say after her tirade of just minutes before.
"So?" She mirrored his question, her voiced hushed and surprisingly calm. Unsure as to what had been decided between them if indeed anything. Had her shouted words had any effect on him? Experience had taught her that an embrace from Rhett did not always mean as much as she hoped, or at least even if she guessed at the true feeling and meaning behind it, it didn't mean that he would be willing to admit as much. This time of course he had said he loved her prior to her finding herself in his arms which was a first, especially since she didn't think him to be blindly drunk or on the brink of going of to war, which of course was a somewhat comforting thought. Still she knew better than to get her hopes up. Love didn't necessarily equal a life spent in happy unison she feared, no matter if he believed the sincerity and depth of her feelings.
Experience had not taught her how to deal with, and what to expect from a Rhett Butler who openly admitted to now knowing. This was definitely a first for such an admission, which caused her heart to flutter with hope at the possibilities such an admission might bring with it.
She wasn't fooled though, and willed herself to restrain herself from expressing the joy she felt within.
She knew that Rhett could be so god damn stubborn and had he made up his mind to go down a specific road, she might be hard pressed to succeed in diverting him from it. Something she reluctantly admitted was not too unlike her own behaviour at times. Who was to know whether the fact that he didn't know his specific way forward would change this? Or make it easier for her to guide him where she wanted him to go.
Even if he hadn't made up his mind, as he actually lead on that he hadn't, one wrong word from her might force his hand and make him run screaming without a backwards glance. So no, Scarlett was definitely not to keen on making the first move, and chose to copy only his own insufficient word.
"So" he repeated, still not wanting to be the one to speak first as he was unsure about what exactly he wanted to say. Also Rhett was sure that only a limited number of phrases would go down well with Scarlett. He knew without a hint of doubt that if he said something not on that list of acceptable phrases, it would cause the tender situation to explode in his face as so many times before. Which was something he definitely did not feel like risking. His anger from earlier was still to close to the surface for him to control it, and a spark would set it of like the fireworks planned for when the New Year was chimed in.
She, he thought, obviously felt the same, for she didn't seem altogether too inclined to speak either, and did not volunteer further words.
Thus silence reigned except for the light rustling of the wind in the branches above their heads, the lone hoot of an owl out on the hunt, and the distant pitter-patter of tiny animal feet on the gravel.
Small signs that despite their reluctance to move on with their lives at this moment, the world had not stopped moving, their lives inevitably still ticked away. In that moment Rhett realised that if they did not actively decide what they wanted to make of it, something in that ever moving world around them would do so for them. Which he contemplated, might be less desirable than what they could come up with on their own, despite the possibility of rash words and unwanted outbursts of temper. This opportunity for them, being in the same place, with pretty much the same agenda, whether acknowledged or not might be rare and brief. After all it had taken them more than a decade to get here a first time, who knows how many years they would have to endure apart if they let it slip away.
He eyed her warily for a second, pondering how to phrase this new found discovery to her in a way so that she would see this truth as well.
All of sudden his face changed.
He felt the small sense of elation he had felt stir earlier grow. Growing and bubbling through him, searching for an outlet so as not to cause him to burst. He didn't know what had caused this sudden surge of joy that flowed through him, but he accepted it gratefully. He felt liberated anew. Maybe it was the knowledge that any action, no matter the outcome was better than letting somebody or something else decide his life for him as he had done for too long. The sense of freedom and almost erratic joy now begged very insistently to be let out. He felt a rush of adrenalin rush through him, taking him back to his blockading adventures. What a thrill, what a thrilling exhilarating feeling freedom was. He felt as if he would surely combust if he didn't allow himself to let out this feeling. Probably, not unlike how a bottle of champagne felt the moment it was uncorked, letting the air sink in, resulting in the bubbly liquid within foaming up and overflowing the mouth of the bottle after being subjected to the strict confinement of the bottle.
Scarlett, who had been eyeing him intently, was amazed at the multitude of feelings that in a flicker of a moment passed over his face.
Too quickly for her to perceive what change had come over him, he turned his face away from her. Rapidly, deciding that it might be wise to take just another second or two to gather his thoughts before he tried to share this small revelation of his with her.
This of course left her only with the option of questioningly facing his back, a rather puzzled look in her eyes. What was he thinking? She who had always been so good at directing her own destiny, was now reduced to... well she weren't sure what she was reduced to but she was sure that she wasn't too keen on whatever that role was. Oh that infuriating man, if he expected her to just sit here in meek obeying silence he had another thing coming. She was on the brink of telling him a piece of her mind, not caring for the outcome. After all, anything would be better than this limbo she was in just now. Her angry outburst was hindered by another small change in the posture of her husband.
His shoulders started shaking lightly, a low rumbling sound erupting deep within him.
Scarlett looked at him even more bewildered. These mood swings of Rhett's were happening just a tad too fast for her to catch on. Was he breaking down in tears right next to her? Her mouth fell slightly open in shook. This seemed to be a night of many firsts.
"Rhett…" She started, then paused, unsure how she should address him. Unable to divine whether his turned back was actually a sign of pending tears, a sign of anger, hurt and him pulling away from her again or perhaps something completely different.
"Rhett.." she said again, putting her one hand lightly on his shoulder urging him to include her in whatever was going on beneath his dark locks.
Slowly he turned around, looking down as if to give himself time to veil his emotions, trying to ensure his trademark mask was in place. It seemed however that for once he was not overly successful in that venture. Raising his head she realised he was trying to smother not impending tears but a wide grin that threatened to spread across his face again.
His still shaking shoulders and the deep rumbling sound escaping him helped tell the tale of a deep seated mirth.
"God damn it Scarlett, I am getting too old for this" he said a little out of breath.
He ran his hand through his hair shaking his head.
"Too old, definitely too old" Before he had to turn his head away again as another fit of laughter overcame him which he with an admirable effort tried to limit to just another muffled rumble.
One minute sombre and brooding; the next minute grinning as someone who had just escaped from a mental institution. It was enough to make her head spin. She wouldn't be altogether surprised if he actually burst into tears next.
She raised an eyebrow pointedly, not sure whether to be deeply offended, that all of the sudden he found their situation hilarious, or happy that… well happy that he was still sitting here next to her, and apparently had found something that amused him greatly in their situation.
What an unbelievably frustrating man!
She narrowed her eyes, trying to make him stop or at least include her in the fun. However, as her boring eyes didn't seem to have any effect. Her brow scrunched into a deep frown, she leaned back a little, crossing her arms in front of her chest, and decided to use her voice as a means of contact instead.
"Pardon me Rhett, but I fail to see what is so funny"
He rumpled his hair again, clearly trying to regain control over himself; but failed miserably as mirth overtook him again.
He couldn't remember the last time that he had laughed like this, neither could Scarlett for that matter had she thought about it. It must have been years, but now that he had started, he didn't seem to be able to stop. It felt oddly good. It was like a cleansing process where all the frustration and anguish he had been harbouring for the last many months where being flushed out by his happiness and laughter.
Another stern face from Scarlett urged him to put the cork back in the bottle.
"Sorry Scarlett" he coughed out, while trying to straighten his face.
"I'm sorry" He repeated, breathing deeply, finally able to control his face.
"I'm sorry Scarlett" he said again as he reached out for her hand.
"All of a sudden, it just hit me the absurdity of this situation…" How could he explain this out of the blue burst of laughter, when he didn't really know where it came from his self.
"…you and I, never being on the same page"
The frown was still evident on her face, and he stared at her pensively
"Perhaps you are right; it is not particularly funny. But Oh Scarlett, we've just spent SO much time… too much time… being miserable. Angry. Hurt. And I am so good damn tired of it. As I said I am getting to old for it."
"Isn't it better with a little laughter than this sad face" He followed his last words by gently stroking his thumb against her still scrunched up brow to even out the wrinkle there.
She cast him another disbelieving look, still not quite able to understand why he found the situation so funny. Part of her grasped that this was not a laughter meant to hurt her, and thus with a huge effort she willed herself to rein in her boiling temper, and wait for him to show his next card. Still, her insides screamed for her to tell him exactly what she thought about him and his untimely laughter, only the mischievously happy gleam in his eyes kept her from doing exactly so.
"Fiddle dee dee Rhett" she said instead, in an attempt to go along with his new humorous look at their situation, her Atlanta accent more prominent than ever.
"I believe that the last time I heard you laughing like that was when you made me get that awful sign for the store, so you must understand I am not altogether too keen on hearing it again" However she followed her words with a charming smile and a flutter of her eyelashes to convey the message that she didn't take it as bad as her words would imply. She couldn't stop a small flash of hurt that shot through her eyes as she remembered just how upset she had been back then. Still she didn't quite master the art of ridiculing one's self. Also she was struck by the fact that she indeed could not think of any more recent time where his laughter had rang as true as this. It was ages and ages ago since he had almost made a fool of her with that silly story, how could he not have laughed in all that time. Coming to think about it, when had she last enjoyed a laughter as free as this? A nagging voice told her it was perhaps way back before the war. Though, she was reluctant to let this belief settle. No she interrupted herself, that couldn't be. Her honeymoon with Rhett had been filled with laughter hadn't it? But even then, she had always been a little bit on her toes, unwilling to let herself enjoy her time with him as much as she actually had done. Feeling that by enjoying her honeymoon she was in a way betraying Ashley. Ashley, Ashley, how blind she had been. How did it even feel to laugh as freely as that? Did she even remember how it was done? In a flicker of a moment she remembered how gay and filled with laughter her younger years had been. Where had it all gone wrong? How could a person live without laughter? No wonder her life had felt so bleak, and she so alone for the longest time ever.
Her silent pondering went unnoticed by Rhett. Instead her little anecdote only served to make him laugh even harder. Finally he let go of all pretence and the sound of his laugh rang free pulling Scarlett back to the present.
"Scarlett, Scarlett you will be the death of me" He lifted her face, and took in every detail of it. She was as lovely as she had been that day so long ago when he had first set eyes on her. Only now, if you looked closer, you could see that the passing years had left their small marks on her, in his eyes only enhancing her beauty. He was only sad that so much of what had been involved in creating those marks were sad memories not happy ones. Her lips still full and red, and ooh so inviting, she had always tasted divinely...
He could easily have spent more time gazing at her face, he had never tired of observing her. Even when he had given up on her after her disastrous fall down the plush red staircase of their Peachtree Monstrosity he had from time to time allowed himself to indulge in a few stolen moments of taking in every detail of her. It had been a mixed pleasure, but he needed fresh images of her from time to time to take with him when he was away. He needed, though it always pained him immensely to know, that even when he had caught her with a small smile playing around her lips, it would never have been because of him.
"Well it would only serve you right" she said, this time succeeding better with her mocking though flirtatious tone. This time it was her turn to interrupt his train of thoughts.
"Considering how mean and hateful you've been as of late" Again she let her words follow by a well practised southern belle smile.
"My, my Scarlett, you sure change your mind faster than an old man like me can keep up" His tone was lightly mocking, but without the harsh hateful edge to it that she feared so much.
"Forgive me if it is just an old man's hearing that is failing him as well, but didn't you just minutes ago profess your undying love to me..."
"...It hurts me greatly that thine love is so unsteady, when I hold thee so dear" His face was moulded into such a convincingly sad look that shone with hurt adoration, his eyes the only thing that belied this pretend hurt, that she couldn't help but giggle.
"Oh Rhett, stop it. I haven't changed my mind... yet" she said playfully giving him a swat on his shoulder.
"Mock me not. Oh my fair lady, for thou do not know what joy that springs to my fragile heart with those words, and to have such hope ignited only to be extinguished is sure to kill me" He finished with a theatrical tone in his voice, he was clearly enjoying the performance.
Nimbly he glided off their bench, and before she realised what he was doing he had placed himself on one knee, both his hands grasping hers in a tight hold.
"If you are truly serious, then hold me not in anxious waiting any longer, oh thou fairest among fair, tell me that thine heart will forever be mine to hold, and you will do me the honour of becoming my wife"
Scarlett's eyes widened at his words. Not really daring to believe she had actually heard what she thought she had heard, and the full meaning that those words believed.
"Rhett... are you serious" She eyed him rather suspiciously.
"You know I will scratch your eyes out if you are not"
He looked deeply into her eyes, trying to convince her about the absolute sincerity of his words.
"Mrs. Butler, I have never been more serious in my whole life" He looked very solemn for a long moment, and tried, but failed, to pull off a look of astonished hurt.
"My, my, Mr. Butler, what do you think that your wife would say if she knew that you went round proposing to strange girls in the middle of the night?"
"Ah, Scarlett dear, you had to bring up that small flaw in my plan" The mischief and huge enjoyment of the situation quite evident in his handsome face. How much younger he looked compared to how he had looked only a few short months ago, and even earlier tonight.
"Then I guess, there is nothing for it, but for me to simply steal you away as my unwilling hostage, I dare say that such an action on my part will not cause too much gossip. I am sorry to admit it my dear, but my reputation in these parts of the country is not the best"
He smiled at her, baring his white teeth that stood out clearly in the semi darkness, more pirate-like than ever. For a moment she could almost see herself being carried away like that. Her body being slung over the shoulder of her pirate captor, forced to face innumerable dangers at his side. What a thrilling adventure that would be. Being taken captive by such a handsome pirate as hers, would definitely not be counted as a true punishment as she contemplated losing herself in the images her imagination provided her with.
He looked at her strangely, wondering what was going on behind those pale green eyes, he had definitely expected some outburst after his last jest, instead it had elicited an almost dream like trance from her.
"So" He jibed.
"My dear Miss O'Hara, should I take your stunned silence as a sign that you are not completely disinclined as to my proposal of a hasty escape"
"What?" She looked rather dazed as his words brought her out of her reverie which featured her and Rhett as the main characters in quite a thrilling adventure on the seven seas.
"Sorry, Captain Butler, what did you say again" She unconsciously used the title that he had borne in her flighty fantasy.
He smiled at her again. The place she had retreated to had seemed to be a pleasant one. For a moment the old nagging fear of Ashley Wilkes wormed its way into his mind, but he dismissed it seeing the rather dazedly hungry look she eyed him with. He contemplated trying to get her to involve him in what had been going on in her pretty head, but felt as he had earlier that it would be unwise to tempt himself too much.
"It doesn't matter Scarlett, though I must admit that I am a bit hurt, that the plans of your future partner in crime holds so little interest for you that you can't even keep your attention directed at me for two consecutive seconds" Mock hurt laced his voice, causing her to focus her eyes on him, trying to see if he was really hurt or if it was just another outburst of the Butler humour.
Deciding on the latter she replied in kind, enjoying this playful banter that had been such an integrated part of their dealings with each other before everything had gone sour, and the playfulness had been replaced by malice and poisoned words that aimed to hurt.
A few more exchanges such as this were made, before Scarlett decided, still a bit on the edge as to how they were to move forward. For all the sweet words, nothing had been promised, and she was scared that he, her illusive husband would repeat his past behaviour and suddenly decide that he didn't need her after all and run away. Something she was sure she wouldn't be able to bear after coming so close to finding true common ground. Her merchant mind, not quite seeing that even though nothing had been signed and sealed the deal from Rhett's point of view was already closed.
"Rhett, please Rhett, do be serious"
"Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Butler, you hurt my heart when you fail to see how serious I am" He brought his hands to his heart in a melodramatic gesture. His face moulded into an expression that matched this gesture, and could surely have earned him some theatrical renown; had it been performed before a more appreciative audience.
Acknowledging that she was still not quite deriving the intended meaning behind his words he swept himself back at her side, muttering something about the gravel and him being too old to stand on one knee for extended periods of time.
"Scarlett, I am serious, I am very serious."
"I know that I said earlier that I still had some residual doubt about the advisability of us venturing back on the path of twosome-ness. But you must believe me when I say that my doubts have been dispersed"
He paused momentarily before continuing in a soft almost inaudible voice.
"It still scares me you know, scares me so much, that a part of me wants to run away. I am sure, it will not all be smooth sailing, and we are bound to hurt each other terribly from time to time."
"But you know what I am just as sure of?" He gazed at her with such tenderness that her breath caught in her throat even if his previous words did jab a little at her heart.
"I am completely one hundred percent sure that none of that will be worse than living without you."
"Something just clicked back in their rightful place for me sometime during our little chat, and I know it would be a terrible mistake if I turned my back on you right now. Do you believe that?"
He removed a few stray tendrils from her face in a tender intimate gesture that made her heart skip a beat. Something in his whole demeanour, much more than his words convinced her that Rhett Butler, for once, was completely sincere. She was rendered momentarily speechless by the blast of emotions that was let loose within her so she simply nodded, her eyes staring unwaveringly into his.
Not able to resist the temptation anymore Rhett Butler leaned in to claim his prize. With his lips meeting with hers--in a sweet tender kiss-- savouring the feeling of her soft cool lips against his own. How good she tasted, how good she smelled. As the tip of her tongue met his, he almost gasped in surprise as lust and love mixed and hit him with the force of a lightning bolt, with the small hairs on the back of his neck standing erect at the intensity of the feeling. By the slight pulling back of her mouth from his, he guessed that she had felt the force of the electric current running between them as well. He closed his eyes, losing himself to the sensation. Never had a kiss tasted so sweet, and held such great promise.
He could have abandoned himself to her forever, but after the longest moment they both pulled away, sensing that if they didn't break away, other things were sure to follow.
For the third time within a surprisingly short time span Rhett under his breath cursed at the fact that they had to go back to the party.
"My, my, Mrs. Butler you surely take my breath away"
How unbearably tempting she looked, he wanted nothing but to lose himself in her yet again. Her eyes wide open, a spark such as he had never seen in them before was ignited in their depths. Had he held any lingering doubt about her feelings they were surely melted away by that loving glance she gave him.
"Dare I say the feeling is mutual Mr. Butler" she said, in a quick surprisingly witty response. She too was mesmerised by the feelings this simple kiss had generated in her.
Slowly coming back to planet earth the concept of the ongoing party and the waiting guests snuck back into her brain.
"Do we really have to go back" She questioned innocently, despite already knowing the answer. She didn't want to go back under the scrutinizing glances of Charleston's finest, though she knew it was inevitable, unless they really did as he had suggested and run away. Even as her heart formulated that desperate plan she knew she would never suggest it to him, Rhett had fought too long and hard for his respectability to throw it all overboard for such a silly whim. Also she considered, going back to the party on Rhett's arm being lead onto the dance floor by him, might not be the worst thing ever. She knew how good they looked together, and would attract many admiring glances from the other guests. After the rather strenuous emotional affair this evening had been up till now, admiring glances stroking her vanity might not be all together bad. It would she decided greatly outweigh the annoyance that the old peahens and the disapproving glances would stir in her. Also, dancing with Rhett would mean her being in his arms when the New Year finally knocked on the door. Which in turn would result in her being on the receiving end of another kiss from her husband's inviting lips, in full visibility of all the women who had cast lustful glances at him all evening, leaving no doubt in their minds as to whom he belonged to. No, returning to the party might not be a bad idea after all.
"I shudder to think what is going on in that devious mind of yours" Rhett commented, rather amused by the devious smile playing at his wife's mouth.
"What can you, I wonder, be plotting at, now that I have sworn you my unwavering love?"
She didn't feel like granting him an answer, fearing that he would already be very close to guessing at the true meaning behind her smile.
Instead she hastily got up took a few small steps back towards the house, then paused, turned around and stuck out her hand to him.
"Stop your silly musings Rhett, and let's get back to the party" she smiled sweetly at him, her white gloveless hand a tempting invitation for him.
"Why the sudden rush to get there my dear, can't wait to flaunt your new conquest to the world" seeing the annoyed look that passed over her face, he congratulated him self on having guessed correctly. It felt very assuring to know that he had not completely lost the touch to read her feelings and thoughts correctly.
"Never mind" he hastily added, feeling that it would be nice if more than five minutes passed before enjoying their first fight.
"Before we go back however I suggest that we do something about your rather ruffled look" he took one long step placing him self right in front of her. With slow almost caressing movements he skilfully refastened the stray tendrils that had escaped from her elaborate hair do. Lightly caressing her face, in order to remove the salty marks her tears had left on her face, pausing just a couple of times to steal a quick kiss from her well shaped lips. Something she willingly indulged him in, though ensuring that she pulled away before he could undo the work he had just done. Finally, he straightened her bodice, and removed a few out of bound leaves from the wide skirt of her dress. His coat still hung from her shoulders, where he thought that it belonged quite nicely. Though it would be a good excuse for him to hold her in a warming embrace, he feared that it would lead to nothing good if they were to join back in the festivities in the main building.
"Aaah my dear, now you look good enough to eat, no one will suspect what illicit business you have been up to tonight"
She raised her eyebrow mockingly.
"And you Mr. Butler, the epitome of a gentleman would be the correct person to answer me truthfully on that question. I might have grown to love you, but I haven't grown that naïve, I will have to ask you to take me to a mirror before venturing inside"
His only answer was a slow rumbling laughter. How good it felt to hear him laugh. She was happy to know that she had rediscovered this ability, and planned to use it as much as possible.
He stretched out his hand to her, and she elegantly with a sweet smile placed hers in his. Almost stumbling as Rhett pulled her in for another embrace.
After another quick kiss, they started up the garden path towards the gaiety that was going on behind the tall glass windows filled with light that could just be seen in the distance. Hand in hand, enjoying their new-found closeness in silence.
A/N Thank you all so much for reading. It has been a fun challenge to actually get a more or less complete story out of a spur of the moment idea.
I have an epilogue mapped out, but otherwise I feel that I am almost done with this story.
Thanks to all for reading.
M