When Scarlett came into his arms, Rhett scarcely dared to breathe. He had finally found the courage to risk his heart again, and he felt awfully vulnerable. Could Scarlett really remain true to him for the rest of their days? It was a question he had asked himself over and over. It was obvious that she believed herself in love with him at present, but he could not forget that she had believed herself in love with Ashley for many years. And that love had dried up into nothing at the very moment when it could have come to fruition! Would she do the same to him? Would her love again dry up now that he had offered himself to her? She was such a child, so selfish and wilful, so unaware of other's feelings. How she had wounded him, over and over, heedless of her own cruelty!

Abruptly he reined himself in. He had not been fair to her. He realised that now. He had goaded her and belittled her when she had needed his protection and guidance. He had hidden his love for her behind cruel taunts. How could he expect her to love him for that! And yet over the last two years she had been constant in her affections towards him, in a way that had confused and astonished him. He was honest enough to realise he was not easy to love. He was too guarded, too selfish, too turbulent to be easily loveable. He would have to be careful.

He wanted to crush her to him, to hold her and never let her go, but, aware of his own strength, he held her gently, his lips buried in her hair, his broad hands gently caressing her back. How he had missed her! He loved her for all the things society despised her for; her intelligence, her cunning, her perfect figure and expressive emerald eyes, her outrageous flamboyance, her Irish temper, her courage, her strength to rise above all of life's problems. 'Scarlett,' he whispered. 'Scarlett, my dear. I never want to be parted from you again.'

Scarlett's heart was so full she could not find any words to reply. Instead she pressed herself into him tighter, clinging to him as if he was the only solid thing in the whole world. She pressed in so close that she suddenly became aware of his firmness against her. Hastily she pushed herself away from him, her cheeks flaming. Surprised by her sudden movement, Rhett's eyes sought hers, afraid of what he might see in them. When he saw only embarrassment, his sudden anxiety eased, and he smiled at her – a warm, loving, open smile which took Scarlett's breath away.

'What a virginal blush, my dear,' he teased. Then he leaned close and murmured in her ear, 'I am very much looking forward to renewing our intimate acquaintance.'