Gilbert was more nervous than ever as he neared Green Gables. He had been weighing this in his mind for weeks now. It was now or never. Now or he would always wonder 'what if?' Yes even after having his heart crushed by a certain red head repeatedly, he was about to ask her the ultimate question again.
His heart almost beat out of his chest when he saw Anne sitting on the porch. So beautiful was she in his mind that his jaw nearly dropped when she looked at him.
"Hello Gil. What brings you here?" She asked with that sweet voice he felt was more intoxicating than liqueur.
"Just thought I would ask you to go on one of our ol' rambles through the woods." He said as steadily as he could. God why did she have to be so pretty?
"Oh that would be lovely, but only for a moment. Marilla will be cross if I'm not back by supper." She consented.
"I'll be sure to bring you back before next dawn." He said mischievously.
"You better!" She bounded toward him and tripped at the last step landing in his arms.
"I think your safe with me." He could smell lilies of the valley emanating from her hair.
"I suppose you are right." She faltered.
"Are you okay?" He looked at her concernedly.
"Yes I am." Anne tried not to notice how nice it felt to be in his arms. He was after all, engaged to Christine Stewart. There was no chance now.
"We should get going." He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Maybe." Was that reluctance?
"We don't have to go for a walk if you don't want to."
"Could we just stay like this a little longer?" She found herself saying to her horror.
She was still in his arms.
"Just like this?" He looked deep into her gray green eyes.
"Just like this." She said softly.
"Can I change this just a little?"
"If you want." She said fearing he would let go, but what he did shocked her to her core.
He kissed her.
"Marry me." He whispered huskily in her ear.
"But-but Christine." She stuttered.
"She's not the one I love. You are."
"Everyone said..."
"I never said so. Please say yes." The intensity of his voice mounting with every word.
" You're sure?"
He kissed her again.
"You're sure." She breathlessly stated.
"I love you." He breathed.
"I love you." She whispered.
She timidly brushed his lips with her own.
"Is that a yes?" He asked.
"Yes."
When Gilbert returned home he could not wipe the smile plastered on his face off. This of course was explanation to his parents as to why he came home at midnight. Anne had said yes.