Well, here it is… the end. When I started this story, I had never imagined that so much time and so many words and so many keystrokes would pass before I would be writing this final chapter. But, the day has finally come so without any further adieu, on with the show….

Epilogue

Rhett quickly walked along the street that led to their home, warm lights in the parlour window drawing him like a beacon. They had been living in the house on Greene Street for just over six months now, yet he still felt the newness of arriving to a home of his own. The holidays had helped to cement the feeling of belonging when they had hosted a yuletide dinner. James and William had been in attendance along with Carreen and Gerald who had both remained in Augusta after the wedding. The Wilkes had visited for the holidays as well and Scarlett had commented that this was the first time that Christmas had actually felt like Christmas since before the war.

Rhett had ensured that there were presents for everyone under the tree but had practiced restraint. It had been difficult. This was their first Christmas as a family and he wanted to spoil his new wife and son; both had suffered so much over the past few years and he wanted to make up for that suffering. But, he had to be cautious not to flaunt his wealth. Gerald still had his lucid moments and he needn't have his father-in-law questioning the source of his ill-begotten funds. There was also the Wilkes to think of as well. Although he still held little regard for Ashley, he did hold his wife in high esteem. He had been especially careful when making purchases for Wade, and most-notably those that had been brought by St Nicholas, so he could get matching gifts for Beau without making Melanie, or Ashley, uncomfortable.

The only caveat to his humble holiday design had been his gift to Scarlett – a long overdue honeymoon to Paris. He had given her the ship passes in a gift box and the memory of the sparkle that had lit up her eyes once she realized what the gift was still elicited a flutter in his heart. He chuckled to himself when he recalled the almost childish pout that emerged when she realized that she would have to wait until near spring to actually receive her gift. Although, he was quite certain that a winter voyage across the Atlantic would have not been quite so well received. He had to admit that although he had travelled the world over, he was more excited about this upcoming voyage than any of his previous journeys.

It was because of this trip that, when the Wilkes had returned to Tara, Carreen and Gerald had returned also. Rhett felt certain that Carreen would be making a trip back to Augusta soon however. A connection had formed between the youngest O'Hara daughter and their doctor friend and he was certain that if he and Scarlett hadn't been leaving that she would never have returned to Tara in the first place.

Their ship sailed in three weeks' time, but they would be leaving in the morning for Charleston. It had been far too long since he had paid a visit to his mother and sister and he had to admit that he was anxious for these important women in his life to meet his wife. He had written them both, of course, and had been certain to continue the tale of their marriage that was almost becoming a truth for them it had been repeated so often. He was certain that his mother would be sharing the story with Scarlett's aunts and he wouldn't want any inconsistencies should they choose to write to Tara upon hearing of the news.

His sister had seen holes in the tale that his mother chose to ignore. She was able to see there was something in the story that didn't fit with the brother she loved. Certain details that didn't line up with the timeline she knew of his life after the end of the war. She became the only person other than William and James to know the full truth. So, he told her the full truth - pages and pages of history between himself and his new wife and begged her to burn the pages once they were read.

He told of Scarlett's declaration of love for the sad Mr. Wilkes and how he had let that prevent him from actively pursuing her when she had first arrived in Atlanta. He then went on to give the reasons why he was certain she no longer harboured those feelings. He told her of the many times he had left her to fend for herself not realizing how truly bad her circumstances would be. He wrote with embarrassment of the time he had left her to find her way home between the two armies in a misguided sense of obligation that he was sure should be attributed to their father.

He wrote of the offer she had made him while he had been jailed and how his pride had led him to fail her in yet another great time of need. For the first time, he put into words, the feelings of wrongdoing that had niggled on the edges of his consciousness with each meeting after she had become wed to Kennedy. An instinct, a gut reaction that he had ignored even as it persisted over time. He explained that when he had returned to Atlanta after their father had died, she had been clearly hurt more visibly than any of the times previously and his instincts took over, resulting in their ultimate escape from Atlanta.

He wrote of how consumed with rage he had been when he realized the extent of her injuries and his very real battle with wanting to exact revenge. With blurred lines, he told her of his injury and Scarlett's tireless nursing, sacrificing her own health for his. He told her of the lost baby and how he worried over her ever getting with child again for fear that it would endanger her health in the future. He proudly wrote of how Scarlett had threw herself into harm's way when Kennedy had threatened him and how if that didn't show him how much she loved him, he didn't know what would.

He asked her to love and accept his wife despite her imperfections. He needed her to understand all that she had been through so she wouldn't judge their relationship unjustly. He knew Scarlett tried. There were times when she seemed so content and relaxed and he could caress her cheek or steal a quick kiss and she would lean into his touch. But there were other times, too many times, when she would instinctually jerk away from him; when she would stiffen with fear, holding her breath, waiting for the impact of a fist or worse. Nights when, in the midst of love-making, she would shut down completely; eyes screwed shut, tears streaming down her face and he would lose all desire completely.

He thought of that first night, when he had been able to bring her back to him and she had enjoyed their relations. The sex had been like no other he had ever had, before or after. Those moments after they had both orgasmed and the warmth had spread through him, filling him with love for the woman beneath him. He had dropped beside her, pulling her against him, luxuriating in the feeling of her softness against him. They had lain together for a few quiet moments until suddenly, she had sobbed brokenly and no matter how he had tried, he couldn't seem to soothe her tears. Since that night, even if she managed to stay wholly and fully with him, he found he couldn't find the same sense of completion as he waited once they were finished to see if she would fall to tears once again.

He wrote to Rosemary and told her to be patient with his wife – telling her so that he might remind himself. It had been less than a year since she had last suffered at Kennedy's hands and he knew it wasn't fair for him to expect her to mentally recover when truly she hadn't fully physically recovered yet. She still suffered from severe headaches that would land her in bed for a full day if not longer. And the cold damp winter had brought aches to her injured bones that she tried to hide from him but he could easily detect in her movements. He refused to purchase her a proper corset, only allowing the lacing of her outer dress – a precaution which William had readily reinforced. Her health had improved greatly from the time when he had first whisked her away from Atlanta, but she still looked as though she was lacking in sleep and wanting for some food and it pulled at his heart knowing there was little more that he could do about it.

It was the only reason he had hesitated regarding their trip. A lengthy discussion with William had reassured him that his intentions were in the right direction. Although the trip to Charleston (and all its rigid traditions) might be taxing, the time to rest before taking on the sea travel would do Scarlett well. And, although the time on the ship might tax her, he felt certain that the change of scenery and excitement of Paris would help to lighten her soul.

He climbed the steps to his home and let himself in quietly. Pork had served as their butler for the first few months in their home, but had returned to Tara with Gerald and Carreen. Knowing that the family was headed for an extended trip, Scarlett had opted not to interview for a replacement until they returned. Rhett was sure that secretly she hoped that the trio would come back to Augusta when the trip ended and with the growing relationship between the doctor and Carreen, Rhett thought her hopes might very well come true.

He entered the parlour and for a moment stood to admire the homely scene. Scarlett was completing the finishing touches on a cap she had knitted for Wade while the young boy was studiously stacking building blocks into a small community. A fire blazed cheerfully and he was once again reminded of how nice it was to have a home filled with a loving family waiting for him at the end of his day.

"Good evening, Scarlett, Wade."

"Oh, hello Rhett. I didn't hear you come in," Scarlett greeted him with a small smile.

"Papa!" Wade called, jumping up and bounding over to him, wrapping his little arms around Rhett's legs.

It was moments like this one that made Rhett consider having a conversation with William about Scarlett's health and the likelihood of them adding more children to their home.

"Come up here and give your papa a proper hug," he said, easily lifting the boy into his arms and relishing the feel of his tiny arms squeezing him.

Scarlett put her knitting aside and slowly rose, grimacing slightly as she did and it was moments like that one that stayed Rhett from having that same conversation. She walked across the room and stood at his side, placing her hand on his forearm.

"What about your wife? Shall I give you a proper hug as well?"

"I think I would much prefer a proper kiss," he replied, bending slightly so she need only tilt her chin up to meet his lips in a kiss. Wade made sounds of protest, leaning away from the couple as they kissed briefly.

Rhett chuckled. "My son, there will be a time when you will grow to appreciate a wife that greets you with a proper kiss."

"Well, Rhett, I don't know if I would call that a proper kiss, but we don't have time for much more," Scarlett quipped, a faint blush colouring her cheeks beautifully. "I'm certain Cook is holding our supper. You are much later tonight."

"Ah, yes, my dear. There were quite a few tasks that required my attention at the bank, especially since we will be gone for such a lengthy time. I did manage to wrap up the sale of Kennedy's Emporium for you and have the proceeds tucked away into an investment fund for the time being. I also met with James one last time and he assured me he will check in on Hugh to ensure that all is going well with the mills."

He paused and lowered Wade to the floor. "How about you both? Have you completed all of your packing?"

"Yes, papa," Wade answered dutifully. "Mama said I could bring my blocks and books on the train, but that I had to leave my jacks and soldiers for the trunk that's for the big boat."

"Yes, that's a good idea. And, I trust you packed the papers from Miss Lucy, too. You wouldn't want Baldwin to get ahead of you on his letters, would you?"

"Oh no, papa. I packed them for Char'ston. Mama said Auntie Rosemary was very smart and she could help me so I will be even better than Baldwin with letters."

"Yes, Auntie Rosemary is very smart, but so is your mother although she does have a much better head for numbers than letters. Alright Wade, let's get your blocks together and up to your room so we don't forget them. You need to wash up for supper, too. We'll eat as soon as the table is set so we can have a good night's sleep. We have a long day of travelling tomorrow."

Wade quickly collected all of his blocks into the small carpet bag Scarlett had sewn together when it proved too challenging to return them to their original box. His toys collected, the boy raced up the stairs to wash up. Rhett turned his attention to the woman standing at his side.

"Are you ready, my love?"

She nodded her head yes and moved to tuck her hand in his offered elbow, but suddenly put a staying hand on his chest.

"Rhett, thank you so much," she said softly, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

"Scarlett, this trip is a gift to myself as much as it is to you and Wade. You've thanked me for it quite enough already."

"Not for the trip," she clarified, "although I truly am excited for our new adventure. Thank you for… for… well, for this." She waved her arms around, indicating the room. "For our home, our life." She put a hand on his chest. "My life. All of it." She took a deep breath and continued: "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I realize every day that I wouldn't have any of this if it hadn't been for you and I don't know if I would even have wanted it – any of it – without you. I don't say it enough and I don't show you enough and you deserve so much more, but I just wanted to say thank you."

Rhett swallowed the lump that had formed with her words. She hadn't said that she loved him – to be honest, he didn't make it a point to say that he loved her very often either - but he could see the love shining in her eyes and for him, and for now, that would be enough. He wrapped her in his arms and held her against his chest tightly.

They stood like that, hearts beating together, breathing in sync, wrapped in each other's warmth until Rhett lost all track of time. Finally, Wade called from the hallway with an exasperated "papa" and reminding them both that it was time for dinner. The couple separated briefly, laughing at the boy's enthusiasm before following him, arm in arm, into the dining room for their meal.

The End.

I admit that I am a little sad to see the end of this work, but being completely honest, I would also have to admit that I am happy to see the end of this work. As many others here, I have aspirations to be a writer and I have worked on multiple creative works (including this one and a novel idea I have) at the same time. At some point, I chose to put my novel aside so I could "just wrap this up"… imagine my surprise when I checked the dates on my laptop and it had been a year since I had even made the slightest change to my novel! So as much as I am sad to say good-bye to Scarlett and Rhett, I know that the time has come. Sure there is more to tell but isn't there always? The story really never does end… there just has to be an ending. Hopefully this ending gives a little more satisfaction then MM's great work – although as much as I hate to admit it, the ending is really one of the reason's GWTW is so revered.

Thank you to everyone who has come along this very lengthy journey and even more so to those who have taken the time to let me know that they were with me. I know that I have not been the most dedicated author and I definitely have been lapse in replying to reviews, but they did so help to encourage me when interest in this story had waned. I truly appreciate the feedback and now that I don't have this great task before me, I might actually be able to reply to it (and not feel guilty for taking the time to reply instead of writing the overdue update). Hey, I might even be able to find the time to read a few fics as well (although true hypocrite that I am, I tend to stay away from WIP's ).

Thank you thank you thank you. Until the next time. SS.