Finally, an epilogue! Took me long enough, but creativity finally struck me. Anyway, this is more like a set up for a sequel since I realized the 'epilogue' I wanted to write would have been longer than 10,000 words. I won't be uploading the sequel any time soon because I'm still not crazy enough to believe I can update 3 stories regularly, but it is coming.

September 1878

It was the Butlers' tenth wedding anniversary, and Rhett was taking Scarlett back to New Orleans to celebrate and recapture the magic of their honeymoon. Although it wouldn't be their first trip back to New Orleans, it would be the first time that they would travel back without children hanging on their arms or the thoughts of a pending pregnancy on their minds. After giving Rhett three children, Scarlett had put her foot down and refused to have anymore. In reality, the only reason they'd tried for another child three years after Bonnie was born was because Scarlett had been desperate to give Rhett a son. Unfortunately and much to Scarlett's chagrin, they had another pretty little girl with the jet-black locks of her father and the dark gentle eyes of her grandmother Ellen, named Leila, who somehow received the nickname, Lily.

Two years after Lily's birth, the couple had tried once again for a boy. It was more a matter of pride than a need to have another child because Scarlett had felt that she had more than enough to deal with without five children clinging about her skirts, but there was still this desire to prove that she could give Rhett a son. Deep down, it was also a chance for her to make up for the lack of affection and attention she'd paid Wade when he was younger. Although their relationship had improved over time, she would never get back those years or have the kind of bond with him that he shared with Melanie. Therefore, when they had finally been blessed with a son, a perfect miniature of his father and his dark pirate-like looks, Scarlett had seen and taken it as an opportunity to start from scratch. They had named him Ryan Kendrick, which had been chosen specifically because Scarlett enjoyed the fact that Rhett's son would share the same middle name and the same initials, not to mention that Ryan was also a Gaelic name selected in memory of Gerald. After his birth, Scarlett had vowed never to have another child, and Rhett had agreed immediately because the house was chaotic enough as it was.

Melanie was more than happy to unload the burden whenever she could be of use, watching the children during the afternoon while both their parents worked or tending to them and Scarlett during the times when she had been in the family way. Melly had lived vicariously through Scarlett's pregnancies, even while she'd been inwardly wishing to have another child of her own. Regrettably, having another child had proven to be an impossibility, especially after an unfortunate and terrible accident at the mills which left Ashley unable to reproduce even if he'd wanted to. The man simply had no luck at those mills. Whether he was slamming into fists or running into doors, he just couldn't catch a break. However, it was the couple's infertility and Melly's eagerness to mother and nurture children which allowed the Butlers to go on numerous excursions alone, something they undoubtedly appreciated and desperately needed at times.

When they finally reached New Orleans for a getaway they both had been longing for, Scarlett found herself swept up in the charm and romance of the city that captured her heart ten years ago. Rhett had gone to great lengths to recreate the events of their honeymoon, so much so that Scarlett felt as if she were reliving that time in her life, once again the young careless belle, attending balls and drinking too much champagne. It was easy to be enraptured in the glamour and to forget reality, especially when surrounded by enchanting people and encouraged by one's husband to so. In Rhett's eyes, there was nothing more exhilarating than seeing that his wife was incandescently happy, and he wanted to ensure she stayed that way for the remainder of the trip by showering her with various gifts and simple tokens of affection. But as far as he'd gone to secure her happiness on the first few days of their visit, there wasn't anything which would surpass what he had planned on the actual day of their anniversary. Ten years of marriage was certainly something to celebrate. Even with mutual affection, their marriage had been far from smooth sailing, which wasn't a surprise given their stubborn and passionate natures. On more than one occasion, Rhett had packed his bags with the full intention of leaving until Scarlett's temper cooled, always finding a reason to stay at the last minute, while she had thrown a number items in his direction, only once striking him with a vase. Yet, despite the occasional turbulence, marrying Scarlett had turned out to be the greatest gamble of Rhett's life, the last ten years unparalleled to even the reckless bachelorhood of his youth or blockading days. Who knew that marriage, something he once had a strong aversion to, would turn out to be the most thrilling and long-lived adventure he would ever experience and come to appreciate.

On the morning of their anniversary, which was more like mid-day since Scarlett had slept in, Rhett snatched the bed covers and began ticking her bare feet, and she opened her eyes with a scowl on her face.

"Rhett, let me sleep. It's too early and my head aches," she muttered then closed her eyes again.

"And that couldn't possibly have anything to do with that last glass of champagne you consumed? You do remember that I had to carry you to bed? You were hardly fit to get there yourself."

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson at the memory, as hazy as it was at the moment.

"Whose fault is that? You pushed me to have that glass!"

Chuckling softly, he leaned in and brushed the gentlest kiss across her lips. "I don't deny it, my love. Now you need to wake up because I have a lot planned for us today. I have coffee and your breakfast tray with me."

"Breakfast?" she said sitting up, her green eyes sparkling.

"Ah, so it is the thought of food and not my charming self that persuades you to wake. I suppose I should have known."

Scarlett giggled and watched Rhett bring over the breakfast tray, they way he had often done the first time they had honeymooned in New Orleans. It was hard to imagine ten years had passed, and as she observed her husband, Scarlett couldn't help but think that he hadn't changed a bit. There may have been a slight graying at his temples and the beginning of a few extra wrinkles, but he was still the same mocking devil she had met at Twelve Oaks, the comforting confidant she had leaned on after the war, and the tender lover she had grown to know during their marriage.

Sitting the tray atop Scarlett's legs, Rhett scrutinized her face, thinking that the light in her eyes was no longer due to the idea of breakfast.

"What are you thinking about, my pet?"

"Only my charming husband," she answered plainly with a hint of a smile playing at her lips. As much as she tried, she could never acquire the skill of feigning indifference. Her emotions were always near the surface, clearly visible on her face and easy to read.

Rhett picked up Scarlett's left hand, his thumb moving over the soft surface, at times grazing the edge of the emerald and diamond gem.

"And what is it about me that has you so aberrantly in deep reflection?"

"Are you fishing for compliments?"

"Ah Scarlett, we may be similar creatures but—"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," she interjected swiftly. "If you want to know, I was thinking that you haven't changed very much, although you are a lot kinder than you were."

"Kinder?" he asked with a raised brow.

"Well Rhett, you weren't always very nice to me, you know. You never really showed that you cared very much about me, and I never would have guessed that you loved me until you told me so."

"Let's not forget why I hid my feelings."

"Oh, I know, but don't you think I might have realized I loved you much sooner if you had only been kinder?"

"Scarlett, there was only one thing on your mind during that time, and I don't think there was anything I could have done to open your eyes. I tried," Rhett said as if he were stating a fact, his voice devoid of all the bitterness that used to accompany his words when Ashley was somehow involved in the conversation. Of course he still enjoyed throwing flippant barbs Ashley's way whenever it suited him, but it was more out of sport than out of any remaining resentment. That time had passed when he'd finally come to believe and trust that he was the only one who held any place in Scarlett's heart.

"However, I won't deny that there were times where I should have behaved differently," Rhett continued. "The day I proposed comes to mind. I've made it up to you though, haven't I?"

"You have," she replied with a genuine smile, and Rhett brought her hand up to his lips, his touch as electric as ever.

When placing her hand down, Rhett remarked, "My dear, have you ever taken off your ring? Other than the times when you launched it at my head, along with a number of other things I seem to recall."

"I've never thrown it at you head!" she denied adamantly.

"No? If memory serves, you've thrown it in my direction on a number of occasions."

"When?" she challenged.

"When you were pregnant with Ryan and I assured you that he would be a girl."

"Well, you deserved it! You knew very well that I wanted a boy!"

Rhett laughed, "Would you like me to continue, or would you prefer to admit that I am right?"

"I'll never admit it, but let's not discuss this any longer. In any case, I should be getting dressed. You did say that you had something planned for me this evening?"

"I did, and don't even try it darling. It's going to remain a surprise," Rhett said with a devilish grin, restraining the urge to laugh at her pout.

Rhett made sure that the remainder of their day consisted of only the things Scarlett loved. Their afternoon began with an extravagant shopping trip, which wasn't all that different from the way they'd spent their other days in New Orleans, but this time he'd agreed to enter a jewelry shop, a serious risk when it came to Scarlett even when one has veto power. Luckily, nothing in the shop seemed quite ostentatious enough to hold any appeal, but it was an altogether different story when Scarlett was searching for luxurious frocks and silk delicates. The remainder of their day was spent dining on divine Creole dishes at Antoine's and was followed by an evening of dancing, much to her delight. If there was one thing Scarlett enjoyed more than shopping it was dancing, and she reveled in floating across the floor in Rhett's powerful arms. It still amazed her how such a stalwart man could dance so gracefully, and she couldn't have been more proud to have him as her handsome dance partner and husband. Because he wanted the night to be a memorable one, Rhett took pleasure in giving in to all of her fancies, but he also made certain that she did not overindulge in champagne this time around. There was still something waiting for Scarlett back at the hotel room, and he wanted her completely lucid for it.

On the carriage ride back home, Scarlett snuggled up closely to Rhett and laid her head on his shoulder, ready to doze off to sleep at any moment.

"You aren't falling asleep on me now, are you darling?"

"Oh no," she lied, sitting up.

"I didn't say you had to move."

Rolling her eyes, she retuned her head to his shoulder, relishing the feel of the strong frame pressed to her side. When she felt his lips brush across the top her head, she smiled. The man could certainly be a sweetheart when he wasn't behaving like an infuriating devil.

The carriage stopped in front of the hotel, and Rhett helped Scarlett down, draping his arm over her shoulders as they walked to their room. When they reached their suite, Rhett unlocked the door, and the room that should have been pitch black was aglow with dozens of the tiniest candles in glass hurricanes, the flames flickering brightly in the darkness and casting shadows along the walls. Stepping into the room, Scarlett gasped, not inured to surprises, especially pleasant ones.

"Rhett, how did you…" she began then trailed off when she realized there was a path of candles leading to the bed, following it.

"I have my ways," he replied with a light laugh.

On the plush claret-colored comforter lay a white and violet iris resting atop a jewelry case. Picking up the flower, Scarlett turned to Rhett who stood a few paces behind her.

"You remembered," she breathed.

"Honey, it's hard to forget when you went about saving the flower. Don't you want to open your gift?"

The emerald eyes glittered in anticipation like those of a young child on Christmas day, and she nodded, taking the case into her hands. As moved as she was by the iris, the gift was beckoning to her, asking to be opened, and Scarlett lifted the lid, eagerly waiting to see what Rhett had picked out. All that she found resting on the white satin interior was a folded piece of paper, and her face fell evidently. Unfolding the note, Scarlett realized it was a poem and she looked up at Rhett.

"A poem?" she asked, disappointment coloring her tone, which made Rhett laugh lightly.

"You could try reading it."

She grimaced then began reading, hoping this wasn't one of his jokes.

Tell me not (Sweet) I am unkind,
That from the Nunnery
Of thy chaste breast, and quiet mind,
To War and Arms I flee.

True, a new Mistress now I chase,
The first Foe in the Field;
And with a stronger Faith embrace
A Sword, a Horse, a Shield.

Yet this inconstancy is such
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not Honour more.

Starring blankly at the poem then back up at Rhett, she wondered if this was supposed to mean something to her.

"Don't tell me this doesn't bring back any memories? You do remember the pat speech I gave you before I joined the army?"

She reread it quickly. Oh yes, she remembered, but there were hardly any fond feelings evoked from the memory. For a moment, Scarlett had to suppress the desire to throw down the useless piece of paper and stomp on it vigorously.

"I do, but I'd rather forget," she answered stonily.

"Ah Scarlett, I should have known you wouldn't understand," he said as he gently took her hands. "That was the first time I confessed to loving you. It was also the first time I allowed myself to truly acknowledge my feelings for you and accept my fate, something that would make any man fearful."

"If you loved me, why did you leave? You never would explain it to me."

Rhett sighed, dropping her hands and running his own through his hair. "It's not something easy to explain, I hardly understand it myself. I suppose it was that I always knew you could never really respect me if I hadn't joined. How could I have expected you to love a man who doesn't even respect himself?"

Pausing, he took a seat on the bed and rubbed a hand over his hard cheek. "I believe I felt ashamed for idly sitting back and watching as more and more men died in pursuit of a lost cause or badge of honor, fools though they were. It was something I felt I needed to do, and as much as I question my motives until this day, I will never regret it when it's what allows our children to be accepted in decent society."

"You could have gone after you took us home to Tara, instead of leaving us there where anything might have happened. I could have died," she added dramatically, still unsatisfied with his response.

"And I never would have forgiven myself, but I had faith in you, my dear," he said as he seized her hands in one quick motion and pulled her onto his lap. "Scarlett, I loved you too much to stay and take you home. I was already beginning to realize how deeply you had your claws in me, and I knew that I couldn't have brought myself to leave if I'd stayed much longer. As it was, I knew you didn't need me, not really, and you never wanted me. Perhaps I was also hoping to forget you, to loosen this chain you had around my heart. But alas, not even the harsh realities of war could erase you from my mind."

Scarlett couldn't help but smile. Even though she still hadn't managed to full-heartedly forgive him for abandoning her that night, it was still satisfying to know that she had completely captured his heart so early on and that he couldn't succeed in forgetting her, even when he'd wanted to.

"You really loved me that much?"

"Yes, and as I declared my deep and undying love, you couldn't even be bothered to realize it. I don't believe you absorbed a word I'd said."

"I did have other things on my mind at the time," she retorted, on the verge of annoyance.

"Yes, it was also the first time I kissed you," he replied with a smirk, purposely misconstruing her words.

Scarlett giggled then looked down at the poem she still held in her hand before meeting his gaze once again.

"Well Rhett, I never knew you were such a sentimental fool."

"Surprising isn't it?"

"Very," she answered as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "So, do you have anything else for me?" Scarlett asked hopefully.

"Aren't I enough?"

She laughed lightly at his playful smile. "Oh yes, but you know Rhett, I wouldn't say no to a gift."

"Haven't you had enough spoiling for one day?"

"Not possible."

Chuckling softly, Rhett opened the left side of his jacket and motioned for her to examine the inside pocket. Anxiously, she slipped her hand into the pocket and squealed when she pulled out an emerald and diamond drop pendant necklace, reminiscent of the engagement ring on her finger. In the excitement of the moment, Scarlett threw her arms around Rhett so fiercely that she knocked them both backwards onto the bed. Lying across his chest, she smothered him with light kisses before sitting up to admire the addition to her collection of jewels.

"Oh Rhett, it's beautiful! Did you have it made just for me?"

"Of course. Who else would wear something so vulgar?" he teased.

"You must be joking! It's precious," she said, clutching it to her heart protectively as if his words would somehow etch away at some of its beauty.

"Here, why don't I put it on you," Rhett said as he put out his hand, and she handed it to him reluctantly, not wanting to let it out of her sight for an instant.

Warm fingertips grazed the smooth edges of her collar bone and the sides of her neck before lingering at the back to tie the clasp, causing the tiny hairs to stand on end.

"I thought you'd like it. I suppose you deserved something special after ten years of marriage," he murmured before teasing her soft skin with his lips, the warmth of his breath searing the exposed skin.

"Oh Rhett, stop saying that. It makes me feel so old. Ten years is such a long time to be married."

"Indeed. An aeon," he replied with a smirk, not that she could see it with her back to him.

Scarlett could have sworn she'd heard someone use that word once before, but the meaning still escaped her.

"Although," Rhett continued in the same vein, "it is remarkable with your track record, my dear. It's a wonder I'm still alive."

Scowling, she turned to face him and swatted his chest. "Keep talking like that Rhett Butler and you won't be for much longer."

"Do you really want to bury yet another husband?"

"Rhett!" she reprimanded as she pulled herself out of his arms. "You know very well how horrible that day was for me. How can you joke about something like that?"

"I was only teasing, darling. Surely, you must have some pleasant memories of that day. It was, after all, the day I proposed, and did you not tell me you knew you loved me then?"

"Well…yes," she wavered, "but I was worried that you'd find out."

"Terrifying, isn't it?"

"Oh no, it's not so bad. I certainly wouldn't have run off to war to escape you," she quipped with a saucy grin.

"You'll never let me live that one down will you, my pet?"

"I don't know. It's much too fun having something to hold over your head."

"Indeed? So you can pray on my guilty conscience and susceptible heart whenever it pleases you? You are a heartless creature."

"Well, look what it's gotten me. I'd be a fool to let it go," she replied, leaning in and resting her hands on his shoulders.

"And what is it that you have for me? Don't I get something for being a devoted husband for so long?"

"I gave you three children. That should be more than enough I should think."

"And I gave you my sanity, so I suppose we are on equal ground."

She rolled her eyes. "You know nothing of child birth."

"And you know nothing of the trials a man goes through when married to you, but I wouldn't change a thing," he added with a grin then snuck his arms around her waist, drawing her back onto his lap.

"I will remind you Rhett Butler that there were many men who would have died at the chance to marry me."

"Yes, and a few quite literally."

"Would you stop bringing that up!"

"I couldn't resist, my dear. You should choose you words more wisely. As it is, I won't deny being grateful for their deaths. If Frank hadn't died when he had, I might have taken the matter into my own hands. I don't believe you know how it killed me to watch you with him, to know you'd lain in his arms at night, that he touched you, that you were carrying his child. It drove me crazy that I couldn't be the one to protect you and give you everything you wanted."

There was a cloud of darkness that came over his face as he spoke, obscuring the mischievous dancing light that had played in his eyes only moments before.

"Sometimes I needed to leave Atlanta just to rid myself of the consuming thoughts of you," he continued. "Seeing you every day was only a constant reminder of my own helplessness."

"You never told me all that," Scarlett whispered gently, unaccustomed to Rhett speaking so freely about his feelings.

Even though he had improved over time, he always seemed to carry around a protective shield for fear that someone might get too close, even his wife. For a man whose parents never loved him unconditionally for who he was and not the façade of a gentleman they had wanted him to be, it was challenging for Rhett to wholeheartedly believe someone could love him for himself. There was always a lingering fear that a hidden corner of his mind would be revealed and could somehow convince Scarlett that he wasn't worth loving. This was why Ashley's love had always been such a slap in the face. There he was, desperately in love with a woman so much like himself, selfish, stubborn, passionate and fiery, and who was she pining over but the perfect docile gentleman his father would have admired and wished for as a son. There's nothing quite so damaging as failing to measure up time and time again, which was why Rhett had gone about testing Scarlett's love for him throughout their marriage, needing the constant validation. Over time this need had waned, but he was always more than ready to put up his guard and mask his true feelings.

Rhett shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny, suddenly realizing how much of himself he'd exposed. "No, I don't believe I have. Are you surprised?"

"I'm always surprised when you tell me things like that. I feel like such a fool for not noticing how you felt. You know, I did miss you whenever you left Atlanta. I always wondered where you were and when you'd be coming back."

"Did you really?" he asked with chuckle, grateful for the change in mood.

"Yes. I really did need you, Rhett. You were the only true friend I had to talk to openly."

"Do you still need me?" he murmured silkily.

There was a dreamlike quality to Scarlett's face as she loving ran a hand through Rhett's hair before circling her arms around his neck. "I'll always need you. I love you Rhett Butler, even when you don't deserve it."

"How much do you love me?"

She thought about it a moment. "I love you as much as this necklace."

"I'm beyond flattered," he said with a laugh while leaning in to kiss her, but he was suddenly stopped with a push of Scarlett's hand.

"You could have the decency to say it back to me you know," she demanded.

"Say what exactly, my dear?"

"Rhett!"

"I love you darling. Much more than would be considered prudent let alone sensible. Are you satisfied?"

"I don't know. Can you take out that last part? I'm not sure if that's a compliment."

"It's not," he teased, adoring the fact the he still held the power to ignite that charming temper when he saw how her green eyes blazed fiercely.

But before she could protest, Rhett whispered, "I love you Scarlett," and then pulled her in for one of his dizzying kisses that made her heart race wildly and left her shaky and breathless. The man certainly did have a way with women, well, at least one woman in particular.

Later that night, when the soft glow of the candles had dimmed with only the waves of the moonlight peeking through the curtains and lighting the darkened room, Scarlett revealed and gave Rhett the gift she'd been saving, smugly proving that he wasn't the only one with surprises.

This was supposed to be updated on Valentine's Day, as you can see RL had different plans for me. I have to get back on schedule now…

On a side note, you'll notice that I used Kendrick as Rhett's middle name. I always thought that this was his middle name, and after reading MW's amazing story, The Bride, it's pretty much cemented that name for me, which is why I didn't come up with a different middle name.

Also, the poem Rhett partially quotes in GWTW and the one that I borrow in this chapter is:

'To Lucasta, Going to the Wars' by Richard Lovelace

I hope you enjoyed this surprise :)