Second Chances

AN- Takes place during Anne of Green Gables: the Sequel from Gilbert's perspective

I always wished that we could have seen more of Gilbert in all of the Anne movies. I do not own any dialogue quoted from the movie, or characters from the Anne of Green Gables series. This was written for fun and entertainment, and to answer "What was going on in Gilbert's mind?" Enjoy!

Chapter 1: The Proposal

"Hey, Blythe, did you hear that they posted the list of delegates going to the physicians convention?" Will, Gilbert Blythe's roommate, asked.

"No, I was going to check it out after dinner."

"I'm sure you're on the list. You're practically at the top of the class."

Secretly, Gilbert didn't want to know whether or not he made the cut for the Royal Academy physician's convention next month. The convention would be held in Kingsport and there was something, or rather someone that was stopping him from wanting to go. That someone was Anne Shirley.

Anne Shirley—the woman that he was forever in love with. The woman that shattered his heart into a million pieces. For the first time in several months, Gilbert thought back to that fateful day. He remembered the fear Anne had in her eyes and the tears that started to form. She ran off leaving Gilbert alone and confused. That was almost seven months ago. Gilbert hadn't heard from her since. They both moved on. Gilbert heard from his mother who heard from Mrs. Sloane, who heard from Rachel Lynde that Anne was seeing a forty-year-old millionaire from Boston. To hear that stung Gilbert, but at least it was a sign that if she moved on, he could too.

"Aren't you supposed to be meeting Christine soon?" Will asked interrupting Gilbert's thoughts.

Gilbert looked at the clock. "Oh! Look at the time." Gilbert grabbed his coat and headed out the door. Christine! In the midst of walking down memory lane, Gilbert almost forgot about the one person who did make him happy these days. Christine Stuart. She was sweet, kind, and nurturing. Gilbert could see a future with her. He would work at her father's practice in Halifax for a few years and she would stay home with the children. After getting enough experience, he would take Christine and the children back to the Island and set up his own practice by the sea. Their life together would be perfect. He checked his coat pocket to make sure that the ring box was still there.

Gilbert made his way to the Stuart residence. Before he could even knock on the door, the door flung wide open.

"Gilbert! I'm so glad you got here early!" Christine grabbed Gilbert's hand and nearly dragged him inside.

"Whoa! What's—"

"Did you not check the posting?"

"No—"

"You're one of the five medical students going to the convention in Kingsport! Which means you're definitely one of the top of the class! Isn't that thrilling? My father has Doc Cooper here right now, and as you know, he's on the Board of Physicians and will be at the convention. Father wanted to personally introduce you." Christine kept rambling as she led him to the back porch. "Father, look who's here."

"Gilbert, my boy!" Doc Stuart and Doc Cooper stood as Gilbert went to shake their hands. "Andrew, this is Gilbert, and Gil, my colleague, Doctor Andrew Cooper."

"A pleasure, sir." Gilbert said.

"So, you are the famous Gilbert Blythe." Doc Cooper eyed Gilbert up and down, making him feel a bit uncomfortable. "Graduated first from Avonlea School, Winner of the gold medal at Queens, PEI's teacher of the year, and now in the running for the Future Medical Leaders Scholarship. You're quite accomplished for being so young."

"Yes, sir." Gilbert was at a loss of words. He didn't feel comfortable that Doc Cooper knew his entire scholastic history, and he especially didn't feel comfortable talking about it. Gilbert liked to keep a low profile.

"Very good. If you are as determined as you seem, you'll be an excellent doctor one day."
"Thank you, sir." Gilbert glanced at Christine who was positively glowing.

"We'll see you at the convention in a few weeks."

"Yes, sir. I look forward to it." Gilbert said. Doc Stuart and Doc Cooper sat back down as Christine and Gilbert walked down the porch steps and into the garden.

"Isn't this so exciting, Gilbert? You're already making a name for yourself despite having three years left at medical school." Christine gushed.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves now." Gilbert chuckled. "A lot can happen between now and then."

"Don't be so modest!" Christine lightly nudged him. "You'll take us far in life."

"Us?" Gilbert asked taken a back. Christine looked slightly hurt. "I didn't mean it to come out that way, Christine." He took her hand again and led her to one of the garden benches. They sat down. Gilbert looked into Christine's dark blue eyes. "I care a great deal for you. I want you to know, as the days go on, I'm falling in love with you."

"Really?" Christine's eyes twinkled. "I love you, too." Gilbert got up and knelt down on one knee. He pulled the ring box out of his pocket. Christine's eyes grew.

"Christine Louise Stuart, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" Gilbert grinned.

"Of course! Yes!" Christine flung her arms around Gilbert and they shared a sweet kiss. Gilbert slid the ring onto her left ring finger. "Oh my!" Christine stared at it in awe. "It's beautiful, Gilbert."

Gilbert smiled. "You're beautiful, Christine. Inside and out."