"Susan," Shirley brow furrowed in confusion as he opened the door. He hadn't been expecting anyone as Lillian was helping Rilla get ready for the Masquerade.

"I was not expecting you," he let her into the small apartment.

"So this is the Kingsport commune?" Susan said looking around the place.

"Most of us have lived here for various amounts of time," Shirley agreed as he watched her set down a basket on the table. "You didn't say that you would be coming?"

"Would you have replied if I did?" Susan countered back as she searched for the teapot.

"What are you doing here?" Shirley finally asked.

"I wanted to apologize," Susan sighed. "I should have never let myself go off as I did. The more I heard from your mother and father, the more I realize just how wrong I have been." She said quietly.

"How much have they told you?" Shirley stood leaning against the counter.

"They told me about Montreal. They wouldn't give me exact details saying it's not their place to tell Lillian's story but your dear mother mentioned that he had been cruel. Cruel to the point that had lost children because of him," Susan explained. "But they explained what happened in Montreal and what he did to you, and even Rilla."

"It's not entirely your fault, I should have told you from the start. I just was afraid, knowing your thoughts on Catholics and adding divorce into that as well. For that, I am sorry as well." Shirley admitted to her. "What's in the basket? Where are you staying tonight?"

Susan looked at him and opened the latch of the basket that sat on the table. Taking out a lightly covered cake covered in white frosting.

"Vanilla sponge cake with strawberry preserves for a filling. Along with buttercream frosting," Susan explained. "I've perfected the recipe over the last few weeks. It will be dense enough to hold a tier or two, yet still, be light and fluffy to be enjoyed." She explained. "It appears to be the new sort of wedding cake. I have a room at the hotel near the train station."

"You should say here tonight, the spare room is clean, it hasn't been aired out but it should be clean," Shirley told her. "Lillian is supposed to come over so we can go out for some dinner, have you ever had Chinese food?" He asked her. "It's good, and the Fong's are a nice family."

"Chinese food?" Susan looked up at him.

"It's quite good," Shirley told her. "We lived off it for a while when we lived in Chinatown," he told her.

"When you lived in Chinatown?" Susan looked at him. "Young man do I need to drag you to church?"

"She lived upstairs with my landlady," Shirley explained. "Not that it helped all the times he still terrorized her."

"How did she come to be there?" Susan asked him.

"When he found me in a pool of my blood in his small kitchen," Lillian said quietly as she came through the door. "I found myself at the hands of Yannick when he had been in a foul mood, I had gone to Shirley for help." She explained, leaving off the part she had lost a child at that time. "What is this?" She asked noticing the cake on the table.

"Shirley told me that you prefer a white cake than fruitcake." Susan stated simply as she was still processing what Lillian admitted, in the end, she sat down in the chair. "I don't know what to say, the usual apologetics and sympathy do not seem right."

"You don't need to say anything," Lillian told her passing her a glass of water. "It's in the past and I don't have to worry about him now. Shirley and I just want to look forward to our future and not dwell on the past."

"What are your ideas for the wedding?" Susan asked curiously.

"Most likely the Ingleside parlour on new years ever," Shirley spoke up. "We have the local Justice of the Peace, willing to come by in the afternoon to marry us."

"Just the same, Mr. Meredith agreed to say a small blessing prayer for us," Lillian told her. "It's the best of both worlds and as we are two different people of different faiths. It makes sense to honour both."

"What about your children?" Susan asked rather confused at the arrangement.

"If we have children, we will figure that out as we go along," Shirley smiled at the thought as he looked at his fiancée. "Maybe they will be brought up to cherish both and they can choose when they are older?"

"That doesn't right," Susan murmured. "Poor child would be confused." And Shirley frowned afraid of where this could go.

"We have more than enough time to work out details." Lillian interjected trying to smooth out something before it began. "It's not something that Shirley and I worry about. Why don't we go out for dinner and we can tell you more of our plans? When we come back I can prepare the spare room for you and we can all have a piece of cake?"

"That does sound nice," Susan nodded and agreed. Wghile Shirley went over to Lillian and squeezed her hand for a quick thank you that also showed in his eyes.


In the next weeks went by quickly as Shirley and Lillian made their plans. Whispers in the night when sudden flurries made it hard to leave. Is was one thing Shirley was glad about that his sister cared nothing about proprietary. At least when it came to him and Lillian she seemed not to care. He could only assume she would feel much different when it came to her future children.

It was Christmas when they travelled to the Island. They were tucked away in the quaint home of Jem and Faith, who was staying over at the Manse with Cecelia for the night. It wasn't large like Ingleside, but it was larger than the house that Jem had been born in.

"Now seriously Shirl, I'm not joking. Don't lose yourself first round." Jem told him leaning forward with his hands on his knees. The den was dim and the fire was slowly dying. Jem had brought out a flask of amber liquid from one of his many trips to nova scotia. Being a doctor did have its advantages even in the middle of temperance.

"Jem, if you're trying to give me bedroom advice. I suggest you stop." Shirley rolled his eyes at his brother. "I'm sure whenever it happens it will be fine, but that's still up to Lillian. I'm not marrying her to get up her skirts. Or in your case, I believe you eloped because you got up Faith's skirt."

"We eloped because—" Jem went red in the ear. "It doesn't even matter! We just wanted to be married," he corrected himself once more.

"So you ran off and eloped without a word?" Shirley explained to his brother like he was a child.

"Either way, can we just change the subject?" Jerry spoke up from his chair. "Faith is my sister and unless you wish to hear about Nan."

"Oh god please no," Jem and Shirley spat out in unison as Jerry grinned to himself as he sipped his cider.

"But seriously don't blow it early," Jem said rehashing topic as Shirley groaned. "Aren't I right Ford?" He called out to his brother in law.

"I am not answering that," Ken stated as he walked into the room from having a smoke out on the porch.

"Oh come on, I remember your Amsterdam stories," Jem ribbed him.

"Which was over a decade ago and before I was married. I will not disrespect my wife in that way to consider talking about that trip." Ken told him pointedly. "Plus, your sister is far more adventurous than any of those women." He grinned as Jem and Shirley made a face.

"Argh, must say things like that," Jem wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Your the ones constantly asking when we'll have children," Ken smirked. " and by the sounds of this conversation I would say you are all drunk."

Jem only grinned, "It's not a bachelor party without some sort of flask. I would offer it, but I have a feeling you would decline and my sister would be at my throat if you came home reeking. So here have a cigar," he offered him one.

"I'll stick to my cigarettes," Ken told him leaning back into his chair. He was never truly sure how much Jem knew about his first year after the war. Along with the months leading up to his marriage to Rilla. All he knew that Jem kept the flask away from him. Though he was sure If Rilla knew what Jem had been planning she probably would have had some choice words for him.


It was nearing midnight when the Ken made his way home. Finding Rilla waiting up for him in one of the quilted housecoats to fend off the cold.

"You stink," She wrinkled her nose he bent to kiss her.

"I know, Jem had cigars," Ken explained. "I will go bath quickly and air out my clothes. Go to bed, no use waiting up for me."

"It's fine, I rather awake at the moment," Rilla shook her head.

"Join me then?" Ken asked her.

"I never say no to that," Rilla laughed lightly as she let Ken pull her up from the couch. Shutting off the lights and making sure the door was locked they walked up the stairs.

They waited for the tub to fill slightly before settling in the clawfoot tub.

"When do your parents get in again?" Rilla asked him. Leslie and Owen were joining them this Christmas on the Island.

"They caught the evening train, so they will be here tomorrow morning," Ken thought for a moment. Skimming over her arm with his finger, disappearing down into the water.

Rilla nodded, "I'll prepare one of the rooms for them." She laid back against him closing her eyes. "Do you think it will take long?"

"Hmm?" Ken hummed his reply.

"To have a child?" Rilla asked him. "Do you think it will take long?"

"It will take however long it will take," Ken opened one eye and tilted his head.

"I know, I just thought. I don't know it would be different?" Rilla admitted.

"Rilla we've barely had time alone" Ken reminded her. "It's only been two months."

"I know," Rilla sighed. "I know I am overthinking this. Goodness, I go from worrying about getting pregnant. To worrying that it will take forever to get pregnant."

"Just means you are looking forward to it?" Ken mused with a smile.

"Or I just want to get it done and over with?" Rilla poked his leg. "Probably more than the latter, I saw Faith today who despite is happy beyond belief is just waiting for it to be over."

"Isn't she due any day now?" Ken questioned.

"Yes, she is just hoping that she makes it through the wedding without stealing Shirley's thunder." Rilla nodded. "Granted Shirley wouldn't care one bit, but Faith would feel awful about it."

"That water is getting cold," Ken noted. "We should dry off and head to bed,"

Rilla nodded as she shimmied away from him and pulled herself up on the arms of the tub to get out first. Reaching for the towels warming on the radiators near them, handing Ken one when he rose as well.

They made quick work of drying off and burying themselves underneath the covers in their bed.


Ingleside was in full swing as the preparations for Christmas and the small wedding. It was scrubbed down and polished until Susan was satisfied. While winter ferns and mistletoe were hanging from banisters and archways. The Christmas tree was up in the front window. Ken drove into town to pick up his parents, who arrived with a large trunk full of presents. Anne and Leslie joyfully embraced talking quickly about the travels and the family.

It was Christmas, it was joyful as they all met up after Christmas morning church. Exchanging gifts and cards at Ingleside which would fit them all. Christmas dinner at Ingleside, boxing day lunch at the Manse was how things went now a day.

"I think it's finally safe to say, and it being Christmas and all" Nan started with a smile. "We are expecting this spring," she spilled her secret.

"I knew it!" Di exclaimed. "I knew you looked different."

"And here I thought I was hiding it fairly well," Nan asked her twin looking down over her loose waisted gown.

"I just knew," Di shrugged. "I am so happy for you."

"We all are," Anne said as she pulled her daughter into a hug. Gilbert gruffly shook Jerry's hand in congratulations. "To think in a few years we will have a house full of grandbabies to spoil."

"Are you sure you wish to join this crazy family?" Shirley whispered into Lillian's ear as they sat on the floor. Cecelia was playing with her new doll with Lillian animatedly.

"Je n'ai jamais été aussi sûr de quoi que ce soit dans ma vie," Lillian looked up at him smiling and kissed his cheek quickly. Blushing as Shirley kissed her on the lips.

"Eww kiss," Ceci stuck out of her tongue at them causing them to both laughs.

"You look beautiful," Rilla stated as Lillian twirled in the cream coloured dress. Panels of soft lace swished around the silk of the skirt, while the sheer caplet sleeves floated. "Are you sure you don't want a veil? I have mine somewhere around here I believe or my mother does?"

"No, I have my new hat while will do," Lillian shook her head. They managed to persuade her to treat this less like a second wedding, but Lillian still insisted on cream instead of ivory. A hat with a short veil, instead of one of those long trailing ones.

"Well, everyone is happy that this is happening," Rilla tells her who was dressed in a lilac purple dress. A colour she would have rarely chosen for herself, but Lillian always had an eye for colour and clothing. "And to have another wedding here. It means something great to my family, our family," Rilla told her honestly.

"Are we almost ready?" Amelie poked her head into the room. Dressed in a similar dress as Rilla, but here had a touch more innocent sewn into hers. "The groom is starting to pace through the floor."

"We'll be down in a moment," Rilla told her as she smiled at Amelie.

"Are you ready?" Rilla asked Lillian as she carefully swiped the lipstick over her friend's lips.

"Of course, and I can only assume that you and Ken are looking forward to an empty house?" Lillian replied once Rilla stepped back from her. Capping the bullet and placing it in her handbag.

"And what will I do with my time then?" Rilla joked. Thinking about the last packet of schoolwork she mailed out before Christmas. "I'm partway ready to ask Ken to help out of the office until I have more things to fill up my time with."

"Give it time, it's only been a few months." Lillian patted her arm.

"Oh I am not worried," Rilla shook her head. "But this day about you," Rilla told her. "I will go find Ken and let Shirley know you are on your way down?"

Lillian nodded and watched Rilla leave before turning to the mirror one final time.

"Cette fois, c'est pour toujours, c'est un homme bon." She said to herself closing her eyes for a small prayer before picking up the bouquet that was lying on the bed.

Shirley met her at the bottom of the stairs, offering his hand to Lillian to escort her into the parlour. Dressed in a simple dark grey wool suit and a fresh hair cut and shave as he beamed at her.

The family as gathered waiting for them. Jem who was holding Ceci who was dressed in a pink dress as Faith sat in a chair holding her round stomach. Nan and Jerry were speaking with Di who had a rather handsome young man with her. The Doctor and Mrs. Blythe, Anne and Gilbert that told her many times to call them by their names. Now even mother or father if she wished. Susan sat in her usual wingback chair in her best dress and hair neatly done.

The Merediths with Bruce were happily chatting to the Fords who sat on another small love seat. They decided to stay for the wedding when they heard it would be on New years eve. Owen wanted to see the new division of the magazine, and Leslie to visit her own family made it an easy decision.

Rilla and Amelie stood near the fireplace with Ken across from them.

The local judge was waiting for them, already knowing what the couple wanted for a small ceremony.

"We are gathered here today—." He started, he had seen plenty of makeshift, second, third marriages in his years. But there was something in today that made him smile to himself. He was used to tears at a wedding, but there was not a dry eye at Ingleside from any woman in the room.

This had been a long time coming.

Mr. Meredith took his place as he opened a bible that was in his hands. "When Lillian asked me to bless this union, I was honoured. Two people with different backgrounds. Knowing that respect for each other and their faiths will have more meaning than any other marriage.

'Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited,

It is never rude and never seeks its advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances.

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.

Love never comes to an end'

A family meal that was held in the formal dining with the table extended to its full amount, even then it was a tight fit.

"To Lillian and Shirley! They all toasted with a bottle of champagne that Owen had brought from Toronto. Taken from his seller for the special occasion as they cleared away the dinner plates. A large white cake sat in the corner, covered in greenhouse flowers.

By nine in the evening, the bride and groom drove off. Heading towards on the seaside hotels that were nearby. One Lillian had seen from a distance and revelled in its beauty.

"Shirley, non?' She looked at him.

"Pensiez-Vous que nous aurions une lune de miel chez mes parents? Shirley said with a grin as he paid the driver and helped out his bride. The bellboy collecting their bags as they went to check-in.

"Mr. Blythe, if you would sign here," the concierge instructed as Shirley checked them in. "Please ring for breakfast in the morning, or if you wish breakfast runs in the sunroom from 7 am until 9. Lunch is 12 pm until 2 pm and Dinner begins seating at 4:30 pm."

"Thank you," Shirley nodded as he signed his name with a flourish.

"Congratulations," The man told them with a nod of his head as he handed over a set of keys. "We have the seaside view suit prepared for you if you need anything just call the main desk."

Shirley nodded and ushered his bride up towards the stairs. Neither of them spoke as they reached their door. The bellhop discretely already placed their luggage in the room. Allowing them privacy upon entered.

"Tu es si belle," Shirley told her, letting out his breath as he kicked the door shut. "Êtes-Vous sûr?"

"Je suis sûr que c'est toi et moi et si quelqu'un devrait être nerveux, ce devrait être toi," Lillian teased him.

"Je sais, je ne veux pas que tu te sentes sous pression."

"Je sais et je t'aime pour ça, mais ça fait deux ans et même si je ne sais pas vraiment comment je peux réagir. Je me dois d'essayer au moins avec quelqu'un que j'aime" Lillian caressed the side of his face.

Shirley nodded and lead her further into the room,


Translations

"I have never been so sure of anything in my life,"

"This time is forever, he is a good man."

"You expected to spend our honeymoon at my parents?

"You are so beautiful,"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure it's you and me and if someone should be nervous, it should be you,"

"I know, I just don't want you to feel pressured."

"I know and I love you for that, but its been two years and while I don't truly know how I may react, I owe it to myself to at least try with someone that I love.,"

So this chapter ended up being a fair amount of Shirley and Lily. I hope everyone like it though, I do enjoy writing them. Thank you to the people who have taken the time to review. You do make my day when I read your comments.

My apologies for the extra week it took to get this out. Work has been crazy, and I have been battling a few things as well. Depression sucks, but we should never be ashamed of knowing when we need help.

I hope everyone is well and that your life is going well.

Tina.