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Chapter 35

Saturday morning, as they had breakfast, Gilbert drank his coffee silently as he watched Anne. She seemed pensive, and had been for all of the previous evening, but she'd had a relatively good night sleep with no nightmares that he was aware of. He had been the one to wake every couple of hours to check on her, just to make sure she was sleeping fine, and had found her peaceful and relaxed face every time.

"What, Gil?" Anne finally asked. His stare was putting her on her nerves.

"I'm just concerned about you," he confessed.

"What, about yesterday?"

"You've been quiet… Pensive… You can talk to me, you know?" he offered gently. He would never pressure her, but sometimes talking helped. She let out a long sigh and he gave her time, drinking some more coffee and looking out to the sunny morning.

"I do, Gil," she finally conceded. Because she knew that, but she was still reluctant. Gilbert was too close to the matter for her to talk about it in too many details. Or… maybe not? She had been able to talk with him about everything. This shouldn't be any different. She bit her lip, considering for a moment what she should tell him. If she should tell him anything, that is. "I've just been thinking about everything we talked about yesterday. What it actually means to me," she finally said in a quiet tone.

"What do you mean what it means to you?" he asked.

"It's… I don't know how to explain it, Gil. But I did get your point yesterday. And Jerry's. And Diana's. Rationally, I understand that. But it's like my mind is having a hard time to reconcile all that with my experiences… With how I got caught up in that. How did I allow it, and the meaning of allowing it, you know?" she explained, correcting her voice as she felt it turn shaky.

"I would suggest that you're kind with yourself, Anne-girl. I can't possibly imagine going through what you did, so for all I want, I can't relate. But you're no longer in the same position as you were when you were seventeen with a newly broken heart," he said, still feeling guilty about that. It must have shown some in his expression, because Anne extended her hand to hold his. She didn't want him to feel bad about this business, because really, it wasn't his fault. It went way before that. "No… Don't make this about me, dear. I did that, and I will regret it my whole life, but it is what it is. I'll just do everything I can to make it better. I'm still afraid I inadvertently sent you down that road."

"You didn't," Anne said softly, shaking her head. He wasn't innocent, the same as she wasn't. But he wasn't guilty about her getting caught up in an abusive relationship. Not really. Gilbert looked at her, frowning. She took a deep breath before explaining, as he looked confused. "I've been thinking hard about all this since yesterday, Gil. Trying to ask myself the questions what Patel would, going over what we have talked, trying to see… what he would say," she explained. Because she had been doing that since they had gotten to the apartment the previous evening, after hanging up with Diana. She had done some yoga to give time for her mind to calm down, and had thought. And journaled. And meditated a bit. Gilbert had been around, but hadn't interfered. He waited patiently for her to continue. "And yes, our fight I'm sure has many things to do with what happened next, but it wouldn't have affected me nearly as much if I had a healthy mental health by then. So it wasn't really you. More likely, it was the orphanage and the foster homes who set the foundation upon which all this happened. You actually helped me a lot back when we were teens… Which is why I could keep afloat. But don't blame yourself for this, because I really don't and it doesn't make sense. So I understand… Kind of understand where it came from. But I remember, back when we were teens… I fought so hard about injustices, about sexism… Remember the editorial?"

"I do, actually. That's… a fond memory of mine, Anne. Which is why I was so surprised yesterday," he replied honestly, a bit surprised by the sudden inflow of information Anne was giving him. She hadn't been mulling, as he had feared. She had been actively thinking about everything, and he was equally impressed and relieved. Anne nodded, uncomfortable.

"So… That's what I can't reconcile. It's like I had all this… I don't know, sick foundation from when I was a kid and I was actually managing to overcome it somehow, and then I was sad and lonely in college, and the first guy… first straight guy, because Roy talked to me from day one, that pays any attention to me manages to undo all that without me noticing," she continued. Now that she had started talking, she wanted to keep going, because it was helping her verbalize and organize what she had been thinking, and it made more sense. She shook her head, at how unbelievable everything looked so much time later. "I kind of admire him for his level of manipulation, what kind of sick talent do you need to have to do that?"

"I'd rather not know. Probably Fred can give you an answer, if you really want it," he offered, not knowing what to say.

"I really don't," she replied. Because she didn't want to get more caught up in that. "I remember it was little things first. Condescending stuff. Bad jokes. And I would actually call him on it and he would say something like he wasn't being serious, to stop taking everything to heart and kept on being his charismatic and charming self. And… I have no other explanation, other than it grew from there." She was frowning, looking at her cup, and Gilbert could see how hard it was for her to actually voice what she had inside. She sighed again before continuing. "I stopped taking it to heart. I… let him lead me on, because I felt like he was so experienced in everything, and took his word without questioning because he was such an intellectual, you know?"

"Was he? I just picture him like a git, Anne. I'm sorry." Because he couldn't picture this Lincoln being both intelligent and abusive. But apparently, he was? No one had mentioned that before. It was twisted, but it kind of explained how Anne had heard a word he had to say.

"Top of the class. He really was bright, Gil. Didn't have a stupid hair in his head. Which made believing him actually easier, because if he was… I don't know, like Billy Andrews, then I would have brushed him off. But this guy, all the teachers asked for his opinion. Highest GPA. Head editor of the faculty newspaper. So charismatic. I felt lucky to go out with him, if you can believe it," she huffed. "Like he couldn't be mistaken about anything. And yet…"

"And yet, as intelligent as you say he was, he was still an abusive git, Anne-girl," Gilbert said, as she trailed off, her voice breaking, and didn't continue, her eyes lost and shiny with unshed tears. She nodded, sadly, remembering how impressed she had been with him. How silly. How she had dismissed Roy's comments, and then Diana's, and Jerry's, and Marilla's. They had never cared about any of his achievements or intelligence. They had seen right through him, she understood now. "You were in a vulnerable position, Anne. With all the baggage you just told me about. It wasn't your fault or something you have to hold against you. Again, be kind with yourself."

"It's hard to be, sometimes," she said in a soft voice, looking into her empty mug. He held her hand and she looked up to him.

"It is hard. And you probably won't do it today, because I understand it's a process. But I'm sure you will get there. Will you talk about this to Patel, as Jerry suggested?"

"I will. I think he will be proud, to be honest," she said, smiling. And he could see it was a genuine smile. "He's been very happy with my progress, and has been trying to get me to reach conclusions, and… I just feel like I'm on the right road with this, you know?"

"I'm glad, Carrots," he smiled as well. "You feel better after talking?"

"Much better, thanks. It really helped to put everything into perspective. I think Monday's appointment will be much more fruitful thanks to this," she confessed, still smiling. And feeling like she had lifted a weight off her shoulders. Talking did help. She still had to learn, as Gilbert said, to be kind to herself… And she knew she would have to make a conscious effort to put things into perspective once she ran into a guy like Jones, at least for a while. But she wanted to believe she would get there and would be stronger for it.

"So how was she last evening after the whole Jones thing?" Fred asked Gilbert as they walked some meters behind Ella and Anne, who were talking animatedly. Bear was on a leash, walking calmly next to Anne, his huge form seemingly protecting her.

"She… Goodness, Freddie. She thought Jones' behaviour was normal. It took me and Jerry all of half an hour to make her understand that she was being harassed and she should always defend herself. Jerry suggested she take it up with Patel, see another perspective, because he thinks it has to do something with self-esteem," Gilbert explained, still annoyed after the discussion. They hadn't touched the subject anymore, but just to think of it made his blood boil. Fred shook his head, but didn't seem as surprised as Gilbert still felt. "Diana called her later as well."

"I understand. I honestly think taking it up to HR is the best course of action, I just hope they don't call her to testify. I don't think they will, as I told you yesterday," Fred answered. "But she slept well and all?"

"No nightmares, at least," Gilbert confirmed. "They are getting… more manageable. She's been having some good nights lately. And we talked about it this morning, because I felt like she had been too quiet and started concerning me. I'm just so impressed with her resilience. "

"So everything is going well with her?"

"More than I could have even thought possible, Freddie. I know we've not been together for much… But honestly? It feels like we've always been together forever. I can't even picture my life before she came to live with me."

"I can. You were a hollow shell of a man. Sad. Workaholic," Fred started enumerating and Gilbert shoved him playfully. "Especially after you decided to move out."

"Stop it, Wright. You're exaggerating. And you know better than anyone why I moved out."

"I'm so not exaggerating. Ask Ella if you want a second opinion. And well, yes, I didn't say I didn't understand the reasons. Anyway, what's next? I know for a fact you're always a planner."

"Convincing her to study again, if that's what she wants" Gilbert smiled, not even denying what Fred was saying. "Or well, writing… I just want her to feel fulfilled."

"That shouldn't be too hard… The study or writing thing, am I wrong?"

"We're talking about Anne Shirley-Cuthbert here. The main obstacle is convincing her that I absolutely won't allow her to spend any of her savings on anything related to regular expenses and should rather invest that in herself."

"She has to know how much you earn by now and how ridiculous it is for you to live in that tiny flat," Fred chuckled. Gilbert looked at him, shaking his head.

"She's never asked me. I don't know if she's asked Diana, but even she can't have much of an idea… Anyway, she keeps insisting on paying for something. Like schedule. Every time I come back with envelopes or with the groceries," Gilbert said. "And I really don't want to rub it on her face, you know?"

"I don't think telling her you really don't mind because you earn more than enough for the two of you is rubbing it on her face, Blythe," Fred said, frowning. Gilbert shrugged, still undecided.

"I don't know, Fred. Maybe? I guess I'll try to talk her into studying and then, if nothing else works, then I'll mention it. I just don't feel comfortable with the whole idea."

"Well, start getting there, mate. If you plan to live with her and eventually marry her, because I know you're a romantic like that, it's a discussion you both will have to have at some point," Fred insisted and Gilbert didn't say anything, because he knew how right he was. "Come to that, how did you explain the wife business?"

"I told her the truth, Fred. What else could I do?"

"So your ring, everything?" Fred asked, doubtful.

"Everything. Well, not all the details about Lottie, but… Yes, pretty much everything. Why I bought it, when, how…. How come everyone in the hospital assumed it was her… She actually knows it's thanks to you," Gilbert chuckled. Fred laughed, shaking his head. "You did lead them on. I could have said she was a friend."

"You could have said a number of things to correct them, as well. So… She took it well, from what I'm understanding?"

"Surprisingly, yes. I think it would have been different if it had come out in, say, April. But right now, she took it fine. Only warned me against getting the story bigger than it already is, but I honestly believe the warning should be directed at you," Gilbert explained, looking pointedly at Fred, who was just snickering. "I'm actually serious here, Wright."

"I know. And it's so much fun to see how your ridiculous token got a life of its own."

"Just shut up," Gilbert replied.

"How have you felt? With the pregnancy and all?" Anne asked Ella, who seemed her regular smiley self.

"Like shit, honestly," she said with a great smile. "It doesn't make sense. I smell some things and I just want to puke. And then I get these weird aches all over… If it wasn't because the prize for being sick for months on end is a tiny version of Fred, I wouldn't do this."

"Ouch. Sounds bad," Anne commented. "I brought some hummus and snacks, I hope you can stomach something."

"Don't worry about it. I'm not even hungry most of the time, the concept of eating just puts me off… For some reason I just want sugary things and Lucky Charms around the clock. It's a bit ridiculous and puts Fred on edge, but…" Anne laughed, trying to picture the idea.

"How did you two meet? I've never asked Gilbert, now that I think of it."

"Uni, first semester. Only Fred didn't want to date…" she shook her head, as if remembering something. "I dated a bit around, because… Well, it didn't make any sense to be hung up on him if he had been quite forward in telling me we would never date, you know? He actually introduced me to a guy who I ended up dating for months. In the meantime, he slept with… anyone who would, until suddenly he seemed to stop. I couldn't quite believe it at first, but Gilbert was pretty insistent about it, so… I kind of opened myself once again to the idea of dating him. I always liked him, but I was determined not to be pinning on him and live my life, so it took a while. But one night, he asked me out just to show Gilbert that being direct usually works best."

"What?" Anne asked, confused. Ella smiled.

"So, Gilbert had this really obnoxious girlfriend at the time. I felt super guilty because I had half-coerced him to date her. But she was obnoxious, Anne, you have no idea."

"The one that called him Bertie?" Anne asked, remembering Gilbert's story from the day before. Ella laughed again.

"That one. We used to call her Bertie between us… Fred and I. Anyway, Gilbert was even more miserable with her than he was without her, which was saying something at the time…" Anne made a face and Ella bit her lips, as if afraid of having said too much. Then she sighed. "I'm sorry, Anne… I know you were miserable at the time as well."

"It's fine… We're working through stuff, and it's… it's much better," Anne explained. And both Gilbert and her had to come to terms that the past years had been difficult in general. Hiding behind it wasn't going to help, as Patel used to remind her. "What happened then?"

"Well… Fred told him that he should be honest with himself and go for it. And as a way to lead by example, I guess, he asked me out. He's told me since that he had been planning on doing it anyway, but that he was waiting for me to finish a project. I don't even remember what it was, just the windows," Ella told her. They walked in silence for a few meters, Anne thinking about how different Ella and Fred's story was from her and Gilbert's. Ella seemed lost in thought, as if thinking. "It was without any fuss or anything. Nothing with him has any fuss… And I actually appreciate it. He's very direct. We use to joke that we're boring, but we actually like being boring. I know he gets me, and I get him. We encourage each other. It works. I can call him off when needed, and he does the same with me. There's no need to complicate things if you can just talk them through."

"It sounds amazing," Anne said. Ella smiled at her.

"It is for us. But I know it's not for everyone, being like we are" she explained. Anne looked at her as if she wasn't making any sense. Ella seemed to think about it for a moment. "We don't do… How to say it. We're not cheesy or romantic in the classic sense, I guess I could say. So probably many would call us cold or something. I know my parents think so, at least, but dealing with them is another thing altogether. But… this is us, and we do we, you know?"

"It does make sense. I wouldn't trade what I have with Gilbert for anything, and I know the past few months can hardly be considered how a conventional relationship starts."

"It'll be a great story in a couple of years, you'll see. Maybe even something you can tell your kids. I mean, if you want to have them, of course," Ella clarified.

"I do. I want kids. I don't know when, really. How do you even decide when to have them? If it's not too much to ask… How did you and Fred decide? It just seems like such a momentous decision in life I can hardly think of it being taken lightly," Anne asked, looking at Ella, who chuckled.

"We talked it through, like we do with everything else, Anne," she explained. Anne frowned. "So… I always knew I wanted to be a mum at some point. It was a subject that came on pretty early, because I wouldn't waste my time going out with someone who was decided not to have kids, which is also a valid decision. But it was a breaking point for me. However... as much as Fred agreed to the having kids idea, he also was very on board about waiting for a good time."

"And how did you even decide when that was? I mean, how long to wait?"

"I wanted to have a solid career, which finally I feel like I have. Well, I've felt it for a bit, already, but that's besides the point. We wanted Fred to finish residency, so he wouldn't have crazy schedules. And we wanted to have a house," Ella explained, lost in thought. "There can be a series of other factors to consider, I guess, but those were the ones for us. So… Once we met our three goals, we talked about it again and decided to try and see what happened. That was… late spring last year, after I got a promotion," she recalled. Anne thought about what she had just said. Which would be the factors Gilbert and her would consider? "I've been second guessing having waited for so long for the better part of the last year," she finally added, a tint of sadness in her voice.

"What do you mean?"

"Well… we had these goals, you know? And I still think they are valid. But it never occurred to us that it would take this long to conceive. Some months, sure. But when we were around the tenth or eleventh month trying... I know Fred was already looking for a good fertility specialist because we were on the verge of trying for a whole year without anything happening. And I was already tracking my cycle, we bought those ovulation tests… Nothing seemed to work. But all the time I kept thinking, if we had tried as soon as we got the house…" she trailed off.

"Well, those were the things that are important to you, as you said, and it's really valid," Anne replied, trying to support her somehow. What goals did she want to achieve before becoming a mom? Was there anything in particular? At least, something to support herself and contribute to the house, she guessed. A serious career of sorts, even if Gilbert insisted she took the time to look at all the options.

"At least Fred is as supportive as he is. I have no idea how I would have made it otherwise. And it was important to me to achieve what I wanted, as he keeps reminding me. I would regret it if it had been the other way around and well, I am pregnant now. We booked the first consultation with the fertility doctor and I got pregnant in the weeks leading up to the appointment."

"Wow, what a welcomed surprise!" Anne exclaimed. She couldn't imagine herself in that position. It had to be so hard, to want a kid and keep seeing negative tests over and over. Ella smiled.

"It was the best. I still wanted to see Emily before telling anyone, you know? Just in case. But when she confirmed it… I just wanted to tell everyone."

"I guess your parents are elated?" Anne asked. Ella winced, uncomfortable.

"With them… It's complicated. Don't get me wrong, they're my parents and I love them, but… I'm not really close to them. Haven't been for years. They have a very different way of thinking than I do and are judgemental and manipulative," she explained. Anne winced. She suffered not having her parents, or Marilla and Matthew, but she had never considered what it would be like to have parents such as these. " Don't worry, Anne, it's all good. I came to terms with it years ago. I couldn't see it for years, but… It has become more and more evident the more time goes on. They hate Fred and everything he represents and he can't stand them. But his parents? Oh my god, they're about the happiest set of grandparents to be. They've kind of adopted me, I guess."

"That has to be so nice. It's lovely to have new families pop around where you least expect them," Anne said. She had so many families now, as she had slowly realized over the past few weeks. None of them conventional, but all loving nonetheless.

"I know. I had no idea of what I was missing until I lived with Fred and Gilbert. When he went it was almost like a void around the house," Ella said. She chuckled. "I didn't want him to leave, but Fred told me it was really his decision and that it was probably the best for him. But anyway! You look great, now," Ella commented.

"Oh? Thanks, I guess," Anne answered, not really understanding. She had grabbed the first pair of shorts and t-shirt she had seen that morning.

"You look happy, Anne," Ella clarified. "More relaxed. It looks like finally clearing things up with Gilbert did both of you some good."

"I would say so, yes," she smiled. "Fred has helped a lot, as well, contacting me with Patel and helping me that night last month."

"Oh! I'm so glad! He never comments on anything that's even remotely work related or that has to do with any emergencies… Privacy thing or something, so I didn't know if you were up to talk about it. But I'm glad he could help!"

"He did. I honestly don't know what would have happened if Gilbert hadn't called him. But tell me more happy news! When do you know the sex?"

"I honestly have no idea. I think in a month? I just do whatever Fred tells me. I don't even care if it's a boy or a girl, I just want to hold it in my arms. Now that it finally worked… I really don't care, Anne," she confessed, and given what she had just told her, it made sense. "I'm remembering to do or not do everything dr. Oak and Fred have told me to. I have a hard time with food, but I'm staying away from the constructions as much as I can... Which I think is a great advance. And we're getting more walks with Bear rather than just watching him run on the dog park." Anne laughed. They were approaching the river that crossed the park. "We used to go hiking every weekend, and somehow… We stopped. We're trying to bring it back, now. Look! That place looks nice. We could eat there, what do you think?"

"Yes please!" Anne answered, loving how the light filtered through the trees' leaves to a patch of grass. They went over there, sure that the guys would follow, and extended the blanket they had been carrying. Soon Gilbert was taking food out of the backpack, same as Fred. Ella was looking curiously at the tuppers Gilbert was taking out and examined them closely.

"Well, they seem to pass the smell test," she laughed. "What's this?"

"Those two are hummus to go with this bread… Pink one is beet, the other regular. Oh, and some guacamole as well. And we also brought some quinoa salad… Gil, you packed the forks?" Anne asked him, and he took them out of the front pocket of his backpack along with a bag full of nuts. Ella tried a bit of the hummus and her face lit up. "You have to teach me how to do this, Anne!" Fred looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course! Whenever you want, you know schools still don't want me…"

"What about you teach me, Anne? That way there's a chance of us actually having it one day?" Fred proposed, trying to contain his laughter. Ella shoved him playfully. "You know I'm right, Ella. You'll just make a mess and put sugar instead of salt like last time."

"That's true… ok, Anne, please teach Fred? I promise to provide entertainment and drinks!" they all laughed and soon were eating and sharing all the food, Bear sleeping soundly giving them his back. They were speaking about nothing and everything, relaxing in the shadow the trees provided while they ate the banana bread Anne had brought to share and she weaved a flower crown for the dog. She was petting Bear, scratching him behind the ears, when she suddenly sit back straighter to look at Gilbert with shiny eyes.

"Gil! I just had the best idea ever!" she said excitedly. He looked at her, always curious to hear her newest occurrence. Fred and Ella looked up as well. "Now that we are really living together, we should get a pet!"

"What?" Gilbert answered, stunned. A pet? Fred bit his lips, evidently trying not to laugh out loud, and Ella frowned slightly as she smiled.

"Yes! A dog. Or a cat? I'm really more of a dog person… You are as well… Oh, let's adopt a stray, Gil? What do you say?" her eyes shone so much, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"You definitely should, Blythe!" Fred said, mischief on his eyes, his silent fit of laughter controlled. Ella was smiling as well.

"Anne, I don't think it's the right moment," he said slowly after a few seconds, a careful tone in his voice. Anne looked at him with the biggest puppy eyes she could muster. A dog would be so nice! She wouldn't be alone the whole day! She would have company! And they could help a lovely animal…

"Please, Gil? It would be so nice…" Anne insisted. Fred chuckled and caressed Ella's leg softly, communicating silently with her. She gave him a stern look and he smiled like a kid in a candy store. "Pretty please? He could be friends with Bear and they could play together!"

"Carrots… we live in a tiny apartment, there's no space…" he insisted, almost feeling he was explaining to Delly why he couldn't quite gift her the rabbit she kept dreaming of. Anne smiled. She really wanted a dog, now that she felt stable enough… But Gilbert did have a point. However, his explanation as if she was a toddler was almost too good to let it pass.

"Come on, Blythe, you can always move to a bigger place. Close to ours. There's bound to be something for sale," Fred winked at him and Gilbert sent him a stern look. He didn't need Anne to be encouraged with this. They would have a pet. Several pets if she wanted. Just not now. Ella shook her head.

"But, Gil! Just imagine! You would come back from work and he would go out to greet you and… Oh, come on, Gilbert, it would be the cutest!" she spoke, trying to sound full of illusion. It wasn't that hard (she did want the dog even when she got Gilbert's point) and she just wanted to mess with him. Which seemed to be working. He could picture it, in the house he wanted for them. Close to the forest. More than one room. A big yard.

"Anne, no. We live in a one-bedroom. We don't even have a balcony, let alone a yard. It's just not the right time. I also want a dog, just not like this," he explained, trying to be the voice of reason because someone had to be.

"Anne… Gilbert has a point, here," Ella tried, clearly not noticing the teasing undertone in Anne's words.

"I can get him out to pee! We don't need a yard! I will take him on walks and he will be happy and…" Anne argumented, still playing, aware that Fred was as on board to tease Gilbert as she was. She looked at Bear, who had sat and was looking curiously at them, and got sidetracked. "Aw, just imagine him playing with Bear! They would be best friends like you and Fred!"

"Anne-girl, no. No, we're not getting a dog now. And I don't quite think the friendship I have with Fred can be compared with one between a dog and Bear," he explained calmly.

"Because you don't want to see it! Bear, would you like a playing buddy?" she asked the huge dog, who clearly understood she was speaking to him in a playful, endearing mode, and moved his tail, barking excitedly, the flower crown falling to cover his eyes.

"Apparently Bear is of the same opinion as Cordelia," Fred snickered, following along before not being able to contain his laugh any longer, leaning against Bear, who started licking his face. Ella laughed. Gilbert looked at the whole scene speechless. It just wasn't the time!

"Of course he is! Come on, Gil!" she pleaded. "Pleeeeease?" she tried her best imitation of Delly.

"Not yet. Look, it's too soon," he declared, looking at her in the eyes as kindly as he could. She purposely made a pout, trying hard not to smile, and he chuckled. "You're not convincing me that way, Carrots. Don't even try it," he warned, but her pout didn't bulge. He sighed, and spoke in what he hoped came across as gentle and kind… but stern. "Anne-girl… I want a dog as much as you do. But I honestly don't think it's the right time. When we live somewhere bigger… Hopefully not in a cookie-cutter house but something with character that you like, in a place that you love, we can get a dog. Or two. As many as you want. But I think it's too soon, and above all that we don't have the space and the poor animal will suffer. What do you say we talk about this later at home, eh?" he looked at her, who was still smiling, and then at Fred. "You two are toying with me, aren't you?"

"You're still the easiest tease, Blythe," Fred replied, trying to control his laugh as Anne laughed beside him. Ella shook her head, smiling.

"I still want that dog, Gil," Anne said when she finally calmed down. Still, even if she had insisted just to tease Gilbert and she understood all the rationale on not getting a dog now… she did want to have a pet and sighed, looking at Bear. Gilbert looked at her, the expression she had on her face, and moved over to hug her. She buried her face on his chest and Fred, who was finally able to breathe again in between laughs, gave him a look. Gilbert nodded. This was Anne: going from super excited and teasing and crashing when she got in too deep.

"We'll get a dog, darling girl. Just not quite yet. Let's hunt for a house first, ok?" he said softly on her ear. She inhaled his unique Gilbert scent that seeped through the linen of his chest and nodded as he kissed her head.

"More than one dog! All strays!" she told him, sitting straight again. "And I'm being serious, now. I do know we can't have them yet…"

"All strays, yes. We can fill our house with orphan dogs so they never go lonely, ok?" Gilbert proposed and she smiled. He nodded and then turned to look at the others. "Should we pack up? If I remember correctly you have some sort of family thing?"

"Oh yes! Dinner with my parents. Mom's been asking about you, Blythe, saying you forgot her, thinking we fought, you have a terminal disease, have covid…"

"Are you serious?" Gilbert asked as he put back empty tuppers on the backpack. He looked at the half eaten hummus. "Ella, you want this?" She nodded, smiling, and Gilbert handed it to her.

"Of course I'm not. But give her a call some day so she stops drilling me with it?" Fred insisted. Gilbert nodded, putting the rest of the stuff in the backpack. Fred seemed to remember something. "Wait! Before we move! I want a picture of all of us! It's not fair that I never get to appear on your instagram, Anne!"

"Absolutely! I will for sure post about the whole day, it's been so nice! Can you take one of me with Bear? Since dr. Rational here won't allow me to adopt one?" she motioned toward Gilbert, her voice teasing. He didn't comment anything and just shook his head as Ella put a hand on his arm.

"I really understand you," she said to him as Fred snapped pictures of Anne with Bear and then a selfie of the three of them. "Even if they were teasing, because apparently Fred met his match. It makes no sense to put a pet in your apartment. How big is your place?"

"About 600 feet? 700? I don't even know, Ella. It's tiny for a dog," he said. She nodded.

"Haven't you considered moving?"

"Well it was perfect for me, before. You know I prefer simple and I didn't need much. But I have been thinking more and more about it, to be honest. I have this idea of an old house in the mountain, by the forest?"

"You're such a dreamer, Gilbert. You do know old houses come with all kinds of problems?" she asked. He nodded. "I mean, they all can be corrected, obviously, but just so you know what you're getting into… I know how overly rational and perfectionist you can be with this stuff."

"I don't even care. Well, I actually do care about some things like asbestos and… Anyway, we can hire you if it comes to that. I just want something with character that she loves, but I have to get her onboard with the idea first," he commented just before Fred called them to snap a photo of the four of them with Bear. They were looking at it when her phone started ringing and Cole's face replaced the picture of them. Fred had insisted they used her phone.

Incoming FaceTime videocall: Cole

"Oh, sorry!" she excused herself. "Cole! I was just thinking about you the other day!" she greeted as she went some meters away, following them as they finally started walking, talking animatedly to the screen of the phone she held on one hand, taking Bear's leash on the other. She pointed the phone to the trees and to the river as if she was showing the whole area.

"Same Cole?" Fred asked him.

"Her best friend. Cole MacKenzie. He had an exhibit last fall in a gallerie? I think I actually invited you guys but you couldn't make it. The same one I've told you about."

"Oh…. That Cole MacKenzie!" Ella exclaimed.

"She loves him. I was actually jealous for months when we were teens until it became too evident there was a higher chance of him taking an interest in any guy in the locker room than on her. She introduced him to Roy when they were in college and they've been together ever since. He is just about the sweetest with her but keeps her on her toes."

"Does he?" Fred asked, interested.

"Gilbert! Cole wants to talk to you!" Anne called him.

"I'll be right back?" Gilbert said to Fred, walking to where Anne was puting the call on speaker. "Hey Cole, what's up?"

"Why won't you get your girl a dog? Honestly, Gilbert, if anyone deserves a dog, it's Nan," Cole said, his tone a fake serious that had Gilbert laughing.

"Seriously, Carrots? That desperate that you are trying to get Cole to convince me?"

"You know I'm just teasing!" she defended herself, smiling. "Cole, but you have to see Bear! That way you'll get my point, because I do want to adopt a dog at some point. Say hi, boy!" she insisted, squatting next to Bear who started licking her face as Gilbert took the phone.

"That's not helping you case any, Nana. Yuck," Cole said, clearly disgusted at the scene in front of him as Anne giggled at the ticklish kisses of the dog. "Gilbert, get her a pet? She won't stop pestering otherwise and it's me who has to deal with it?" he said, although he had a big smile on his face, clearly enjoying teasing Anne. "A fish! A plant!"

"We have like thirty plants, Cole. And each has a name," Gilbert said and Cole started laughing uncontrollably.

"Nan, you are living your best life!" he exclaimed. Anne smiled at the camera, happy and careless, and Gilbert just marvelled at how good she looked with no worries on her expression. "Gilbert, by the way, thanks for being oblivious to Anne's keen lense. Here with Roy we're thoroughly enjoying that photo she sent us for the bet," Cole continued.

"Cole!" she exclaimed, scandalized. "You're not supposed to talk about that! Ever! Again!"

"Anne, I know about the picture as well. Diana sent it to me, remember? And hey, I aim to please, Cole. But you should be thanking the photographer and not me, she's the one that was sneaking around when we weren't even together," Gilbert teased, winking at Anne, who was blushed as a beet.

"You both! Shut up! Now! We are forgetting this conversation! Can we go back to the important matter at hand?"

"Anne, you're not getting a dog. I've been to Gilbert's apartment. It's either you and a dog or you and Gilbert, but there is not enough space for the three of you."

"Thank you, Cole!" Gilbert said.

"It's not that small! Yours was a basement and smaller and still you got cats! Plural!" she defended her point, just as Fred was walking with Ella to her.

"Sorry to intrude, but I just need to meet Cole," he said, smiling, getting into the video range and waving his hand. "I'm Fred! Let's tease these two, I can get a second voice!"

"Absolutely! Do you know about the photo?" Cole said, not losing a beat.

"Shirtless Gilbert in the kitchen photo?" asked Fred, snickering, as Anne blushed a deep red.

"How do you know about that?! Gilbert!" Anne asked, completely mortified.

"He was looking at my phone when Diana sent it. You shouldn't be sending those things if you don't want them going around," Gilbert smiled at her. She groaned in frustration and resigned herself to hear the easy banter between Fred and Cole as they gave both sides of various situations, laughing at how risible and oblivious Anne and Gilbert seemed to be.

"We have to do this more often!" Fred said after a few minutes.

"Lucky we're moving to Toronto in August, then!" Cole said. "Gilbert always mentioned you, but I can't quite believe it took so long for us to meet. So glad we did, Fred, so glad. Oh, you have to meet Roy!" he said, looking out of frame and pulling a startled Roy into the range of the camera. "It's Fred, Gilbert's friend! He has a first hand account on the best stories!"

"Leave the poor couple alone," Roy said, although he was smiling thoroughly. "Nice to meet you, Fred. I'm sorry to cut this call short, but we have to go… family lunch."

"Nice to meet you too, Roy! Let us know when you arrive in Toronto!"

"Oh, don't worry, we will. I'll ask Gilbert for your number," Cole assured him. "Nan, talk to you soon? I want your opinion on something, it was the actual reason I called."

"Sure thing, call me tomorrow!" they hung up and she turned to look at Fred. "So, there was this tiny thing I wanted to talk to you about…."

"Was there?" Fred asked, smiling.

"Know anything about this guy over here magically becoming my husband in the hospital?"

"Fred, you didn't!" Ella said, looking at him with wide eyes. "We went over it!"

"He put himself on a silver platter, Anne. And you can't say anything, you enjoy teasing him as much as I do," Fred replied to her, winking, before turning to see Ella. "Sorry, love. I just replied to a question when prompted."

"And they believed you?!"

"Gilbert didn't deny it, that's not my fault," Fred said. Gilbert shook his head.

"Can we just drop this whole subject?"

"So, you're sure you don't have to take that pill today?" Gilbert asked her as they went back to the car after a quick stop at Shoppers to buy the prescription.

"Yes, Gilbert. She said that on the day my period comes," she explained. He nodded.

"And when is that? More or less?" he asked, just so he wasn't asking obnoxiously for the next few weeks. She took out her phone and checked the app where she tracked her period. The same one that she had took out in Montreal after they had recklessly half attempted to have sex. He turned on the car and pulled off the parking lot.

"About two weeks?" she said. He nodded as he incorporated into the road. Anne stayed in silence for a moment. "I… told Emily about Montreal. She seems to think our calculations were correct and that we shouldn't worry too much."

"That's still on your mind?" he asked, surprised, because he had let go of the topic when they had realized how slim the chances were of Anne getting pregnant. He saw as she bit her lip next to him and extended his hand, covering the one that she was resting on her leg. He caressed it reassuringly. "Nothing is going to happen. You had had your period just days before. Nothing will happen. And if it did, what I told you stands true: there are many options and it wouldn't be the end of the world."

"I know, it's just…"

"You don't have to control everything, Carrots," he insisted, looking at her. He felt that was what was mortifying her the most. "The chances are so slim that if it happens it has to be for something. So don't fret about it, ok?"

She nodded, looking at his hand effortlessly covering his and felt her chest go warm inside. If anything happened, it wouldn't be ideal. She still needed a job. The situation was less than ideal. They had been together for so little time. But at the same time, she could tell he loved her as much as she loved him and was sure that everything was going to be alright. Her mind wandered back to the conversation with Ella. As far as she knew, Gilbert did want kids. What did he want to do before they had them? What did she want to do?

If only they got a dog.

"Gil?"

"Yes, Carrots?"

"About the dog…"

"We're not getting a dog. I was serious," he said, before she could elaborate more on the subject. "We can have as many as you want when we have more space. Not in this apartment."

"I know. And I was seriously teasing you. But it got me thinking… For real, I want a dog," she insisted. "It would add so much happiness to our home!"

"I think it's happy enough for now, Anne-girl," he smiled at her. "For one, I can tell you also look so much more relaxed than I even remember you. I've never been happier… Let's revisit the idea in a couple of months, what do you say?"

"I know what I want," she said.

"Let's revisit it, Carrots. In October. Three months. Please?" he insisted. Probably she would warm up to the idea of a house by then. "We can offer to take Bear out sometimes, what do you say?"

"Do you think they'll lend him to us?"

"Positive. I take him out for runs quite often, Anne-girl," he explained. "We could even exercise with him, didn't you say the other day you wanted to do something more other than yoga?"

"I'm not running! I hate running! I will only run the day you do yoga!" she said, because Gilbert had been very clear on how he was not going to go down on a mat to stretch with her. He looked at her.

"Well, pick your runners, Carrots, as I'll do yoga with you tomorrow morning," he declared. As much as doing yoga was the last of his exercise interests, being able to watch Anne do it seemed like enough of a consolation. And she seemed distracted from the whole dog thing. Anne looked at him, mouth open. "And I am being serious. We do yoga and then we go for a run. You're not getting out of it."

"I don't believe you! Until you're on a mat for at least half an hour following a yoga routine I won't believe you!" she insisted, laughing at the hilarious idea of Gilbert in a yoga pose.

"You know I keep my promises. Anyway, I'll text Fred that we'll pick up Bear… around eleven sounds ok?" she nodded, still skeptical. But at the very least, she got a walk with Bear and he was the kindest and cuddliest dog ever.