Ok it has been a little while, but here is the next and last chapter of this story. It is a long one. There may be an epilogue at some point in time. The end of this chapter I must warn you is a little naughty. I hope ya'll like it.
I of course own nothing.
As the time went by the enormous house on Peachtree St. lost it's gloomy, sad feeling and took on one of love, and fun. When one passed the house on the street they could tell that the family inside were happy. And they were. For the first time maybe ever the entire Butler family was happy. With all the new love and happiness Wade and Ella flourished. They became more open to their parents and were able to just be kids. Rhett had slowly but surely mended his relationship with Wade and Scarlett's relationship with both children strengthened. They were now an actual family.
It was now nearly six months since Rhett return and RJ's birth and Christmas was soon approaching. The house was in an uproar of decorating and preparing. Scarlett was very excited; not only was this RJ's first Christmas, but also their first real Christmas as a real family. She made sure that every room in the house was decorated. Scarlett was putting some last touches of decorations in the parlor when Rhett walked in.
"It looks very festive in here." Rhett couldn't believe the amount of decoration that had been put up.
Scarlett turned and walked over the Rhett, "Don't you like it?"
"In my opinion just a few decorations would have been fine, but I wouldn't want to take away you style, Scarlett." Rhett teased pulling Scarlett to him for a kiss.
Scarlett resisted, "What style are you talking about?"
Rhett laughed see that Scarlett hadn't understood his joke. "All I meant, my dear, it that when Scarlett O'Hara does something she goes all out. You are never one to be out done."
"Oh, well why shouldn't I? Besides it's fun to do things in a big way." Scarlett then leaned in and gave Rhett his kiss.
As they pulled apart Rhett spoke, "I wanted to talk to you about something." He took her hand and led her over to the love seat.
"This seems serious. What is it you wanted to discuss?" Scarlett was startled by his tone.
"I have been trying to think of the perfect thing to get Wade and Ella for Christmas. I may have come up with something, but I have to know what you think about it." Rhett's voice gave away his apprehension.
Scarlett was quit curious as to what he was thinking, "What did you have in mind Rhett?"
"Well Scarlett, I was thinking about how close we have grown as a family. I think of Wade and Ella as my own children and I have thought of them as such since they were very young. I have practically been the only father they have known. When I left I had every intention of writing them and keeping in touch with them." Rhett paused wondering if Scarlett was getting his point.
Scarlett obviously wasn't, "What are you trying to get at Rhett."
Rhett cautiously continued, "I thought that maybe I could make Wade and Ella really a part of the Butlers family. They are just as much a part of it as RJ. I want to adopt them Scarlett. I want to be their real father and for them to have the Butler name."
Scarlett was in shock. She hadn't seen this coming. "Rhett I don't know what to say. I think that is a wonderful idea. The only problem would be the children themselves. I believe Ella would be more than happy to call you daddy, but Wade I'm not too sure. He has been told many things about Charles and Wade look to his father as a hero. Maybe we should talk to him."
"I don't want to upset Wade in any way. Maybe it would be best if you talked to him. If it sounds like your idea he might be persuaded easier." Rhett was silently praying Wade would give in.
"All right I'll talk to him." Scarlett saw the hope and fear of rejection in Rhett's eyes. "He looks up to you, you know, and he loves you. If he says no, it won't have anything to do with you. It would be because of his admiration for his real father. You need to know that."
Rhett smiled at Scarlett, "I do know that, my pet. I just hope he will say yes."
Later that day when the children returned from playing at Ashley's house, Rhett went to play with Ella while Scarlett asked to speak with Wade. They were sitting in the same spot were Scarlett and Rhett had spoken earlier.
After asking how everyone was at Ashley's Scarlett broached the subject she was really thinking of. "Wade darling, I need to ask you something very important and I need you to be open minded about it."
Wade was surprised that his mother would need to speak with him about something so important. "Of course mother, what is it?"
"Rhett and I were talking earlier about what to get you and your sister for Christmas. I think I may have come up with something, but I need to ask you first. I was thinking that Rhett could adopt you two and make you a real part of his family."
Wade's eyes grew big at the news, "Mother I don't know. What all would change if this happened?"
Scarlett could see Wade was doing what she asked and being open minded, "It would change much darling. Rhett has always been around you since you were very young. At times he has been the only male figure for you to look to. In a way Rhett has always been a sort of father to you. If we went threw with this Rhett would legally be you father and you would legally be his son."
"That means that my name would be Wade Butler instead of Wade Hamilton, doesn't it?" Wade sounded unsure.
Scarlett was afraid she might have lost him, "Yes it does."
"I don't want to sound as though I don't like the idea, but what about my real father. If I change my name no one will know I am really his. I am his only son and my grandfather's only Hamilton grandson. Who will be left to carry on the name?" Wade was very conflicted inside. He love Rhett, but respected his father and family.
"I know it is a hard decision Wade. I can't tell you what to do here. I can say that I would love for all my children to have the same last name and the same father. Also if honoring you father is what you worried about remember that you are named after his commanding officer which in turn I think would be a tribute to him. Besides you don't really have to drop the Hamilton name, you could just add Butler to the end." Scarlett hoped he was being persuaded.
Wade still felt as though he would be betraying his family, "I don't know mother. Would it be alright if I talked to Uncle Henry before I made a decision?"
"Of course darling, you take all the time you need, just remember that we were hoping for it to be a Christmas present and that is only a week away. We can go see Uncle Henry tomorrow." Scarlett gave Wade a hug and then Wade stood up to leave. "Oh and Wade Ella doesn't know so keep it a secret all right."
"I will mother." With that Wade left to room. Scarlett sat back and let out a sigh of relief. Wade wanted this to happen she could tell, but he was conflicted with family loyalty. She could only hope Uncle Henry would agree and encourage Wade to go through with it.
To both Wade and Scarlett joy Uncle Henry thought Rhett adopting the children was a wonderful idea. Henry was one of the few people who had been allowed to visit the house over the past month and he knew that they had become a close family. He also knew that this was the last step to make them a complete family. Henry not only consented, but he also insisted that they use his services.
On Christmas morning the entire household had been awoken very early to Ella's yelling and running. She was too excited to stay in her room another minute and she figured everyone else would be as excited as she. Slowly they all trickled into the parlor, Ella of course the first one there followed by Wade. Eleanor who had not left Atlanta since she first arrived was third down. She tried to calm the children and insisted that they wait for their parents before they tore into packages. Rhett came down after a few minute with a large smile and Christmas greetings for all. Rhett told them Scarlett was getting RJ ready and would down momentarily. When Scarlett finally got to the door way Ella started for her presents. All the adults laughed at her eagerness. There were tons of presents for the children. It took then nearly an hour to open them all and when the last one was opened Wade looked a little confused.
"But mother what about…"He was cut off as Rhett reached behind the tree and pulled out two envelopes.
"I believe there are two more here." Rhett gave them to the children and sat back close to Scarlett grabbing her hand. He was nervous to see their reaction. He knew Wade had said yes, but he still hadn't talked to him about it.
Ella tore into hers. She seem a little disappointed that it was only paper. "What is it?" She asked waving it in the air.
"Why don't you try reading it, darling?" Scarlett smiled at her daughter.
Ella began reading her letter out loud, "Dear Ella, Mommy and Uncle Rhett want you to be more a part of this family. They have de…de," Ella paused and looked up at Scarlett. Ella hadn't yet mastered the art of reading.
"Decided." Scarlett helped her.
"They have decided to have Rhett, uh. Momma what is this word." She ran over to Scarlett showing her the letter.
Scarlett pulled Ella into her lap, "Adopt."
"They have decided to have Uncle Rhett adopt you. Momma, what does adopt mean?" Ella was completely confused. Why did she get such a confusing present?
"It means make you his child." Scarlett hoped her explanation helped.
Ella's brow wrinkled, but she continued with the letter, "Uncle Rhett is now going to be you father and your name will change to Ella Lorena Butler. Love Always, Mommy and Daddy." Ells finished and looked at Scarlett, "So Uncle Rhett is really my daddy?"
Rhett decided to jump in, "I am now sweet heart."
"Can I call you daddy instead of Uncle Rhett?" Ella had moved over to Rhett lap.
"Of course you can. I want you to." Ella hugged Rhett tightly around the neck and squalled with joy.
When Ella pulled back she said, "I love you daddy."
"I love you too, sweet heart." Rhett was so grateful for Ella reaction.
"Are you Wade's daddy too now?" Ella hoped so.
Before Rhett could answer Wade answered for him, "Yes he is, Ella." Wade walked over to where the three of them sat. He gave Rhett a hug and said, "I am very happy to be your son Unc…I mean dad."
Eleanor was sitting slightly away from the family holding RJ. No one had informed that this was going to happen. She was overjoyed that the children she had grown to love so much were now a true part of her family. Tears were flowing down her face.
Rhett looked over to his mother and smiled, "It's seems as though you have just gained two grandchildren mother."
"No Rhett you are wrong." She paused for a moment. Rhett and Scarlett looked at her confused by her statement. "I gained those to as grandchildren the moment I walk in the door."
The Butler family spent the rest of the day together. They sang songs, enjoyed a wonderful meal, and all listened intently as Rhett told the story of how he met St. Nicholas one year.
"Daddy you really met St. Nicholas?" Ella was in awe.
"You bet I did. It was on ChristmasEve many years ago. That day had been very cold and nasty. There was a foot of snow on the ground and it was still falling. I was on my way home from town when I came upon a small man dressed all in red. I told me that his sleigh had gotten stuck in the snow and he asked me to help him. When I saw his sleigh there were eight small deer hitched to it. I thought that was quit odd, but I said nothing. After a short time of pulling and tugging I freed the sleigh and the man thanked me immensely. He said, 'you have know idea how much you have helped me,' 'You have saved Christmas.' Naturally I thought he was over exaggerated. When I got back on my horse to ride away, I turned back to say good bye but he was gone. I looked all around and didn't see anything. Just before I started back on my way I saw what looked like a shooting star going up and heard a very faint laughing, ho ho ho." Rhett imitated the laughter and left the others laughing loudly.
Ella couldn't believe her ears, "Was he really short and chubby, with red cheeks and white hair."
"Yes he is." Rhett was glad that Ella completely believed his story.
Wade who was a bit old to believe in St. Nicholas couldn't help but believe this story. "Did he really have deer pulling his sleigh?"
All the adults stifled a chuckle when they realized Wade believed the story, "I don't know how he did it but yes."
Scarlett looked at Rhett and couldn't help but let out a small giggle. With laughter in her voice she said, "I think it is past time for bed children."
"But momma I want to…" Ella had to pause as a yawn escaped her, "hear more about St. Nicholas."
"You can hear about him some other time. Come on let's go." Scarlett took Ella's hand and began to lead her to the stairs. Wade followed close behind.
Rhett saw his mother was tired and so he took a sleeping RJ from her, "I think we should allgo to bed."
"Yes, you are right son." Rhett held RJ in one arm and supported his mother on the other as the climbed the stairs. At the top of them Eleanor said good night, kissedRhett on the cheekand went to her room. Rhett went to Wade's open door.
"Good night son." Rhett said very quietly not wanting to wake up RJ.
Wade smiled back at his now father, "Good night… Dad."
With that Rhett moved on to Ella's room. Scarlett was helping her get ready for bed. The task was made more difficult because Ella was barely awake. When it was finally completed Ella climbed into bed.
Scarlett leaned over and kissed her forehead, "Sleep tight Darling."
"Night momma," Ella mumbled, "Night Daddy."
Scarlett joined Rhett at the door for a moment watching their daughter sleep. They moved on to the nursery and put RJ to bed. After also watching him for a moment they went to the hall and closed the door.
"Let me just say good night to Wade and then I'll come to bed." Scarlett started to Wade's room, but Rhett took hold of her hand.
"He is already asleep." Rhett pulled Scarlett close to him.
Scarlett smiled seductively up at him, "Well then I guess we can go to bed right now then." That said they made there way to their room.
Once both were inside the door Rhett shut it andpinned Scarlett up against it. He kissed her passionately on the lips and then his lips traveled down her neck and continuously lower.
Scarlett pushed Rhett away slightly, "Wait a minute Rhett I have another present for you." She escaped Rhett and scampered to the dressing room. Somehow she change without help and appear back in the room only minute later. Rhett had his back towards her looking out the window. "Well what do you think?"
Rhett turned to find Scarlett standing in the doorway wearing a very revealing, seductive nightgown. "My, my Mrs. Butler how scandalous, if I didn't know any better I would think you were trying to seduce me."
"You know very well that is what I'm doing. Is it working?" Scarlett was slowly making her way closer to Rhett.
"Yes, I do believe it is working very nicely." Rhett took two large steps and close the space between them. He took her into his arms and kissed her. They slowly made their way to the bed their lips never leaving the others. Scarlett helped Rhett out of his shirt and began caressing his chest with her hands and then her lips. Rhett lay back on the bed letting Scarlett do as she pleased. It was a rare occasion that Scarlett would take the lead. She continued to hover over him trailing kisses down his torso. She stopped when she reached the waist of his pants. She looked up at him and smiled, her eagerness to go lower showed in her eyes.
"Did you want something?" Rhett teased knowing exactly what she wanted.
Scarlett didn't answer she simple began to unbutton his pants and tug them downward. Rhett gave in and hurriedly pulled the off. When they were off Scarlett continued to kiss his stomach, but her hand went to his inner thigh stopping just before she reached his manhood. There she squeezed it tightly and Rhett let out a soft moan. She also felt his desire grow with her touch. Slowly she began to raise her head back to his lips, as is saying it was his turn. He caught on very quickly. As their lips stayed together, Rhett slipped his hand into her nightgown and gradually started to bring it upward. They broke their kiss when it reached her neck. She sat up quickly and threw the gown to the floor. With the nightgown gone Rhett was free to explore all of her. He rolled the over so he could be on top. His mouth began to explore her breasts while his hands wondered her lower regions. He was bringing to highs that had become so familiar over the past few months, but every time felt like never before and this time was no exception. After a while of this Scarlett could take no more. She place her hands on his lower back and silently begged him to take the next stepped. Rhett willingly complied and entered her slowly taking time to enjoy the entire process. When he completely filled her they began to move as one. They were both getting pleasure they desired to greatly. When they reached their peak Scarlett let out a loud scream and Rhett moaned almost as loud, neither of them thought about the others in the house hearing them.
After catching her breath Scarlett muttered, "I love you Rhett Butler."
"I love you too Scarlett O'Hara." Rhett whispered back. They continued to explore each others bodies long into the night.
And with that my first completed fanfic is done. Please remember to tell me what you think. Tell me if you think I should write an epilogue or not.