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Chapter 50

Sunday was a leisurely day. After spending the afternoon with Fred and Ella, they had gone back home and spent the night curled in the sofa, a light blanket over them as they watched a movie. Anne felt tired, even if she couldn't pinpoint what was the cause, and Gilbert was happy just to have her in his arms.

They woke up slowly. She really didn't want to get out of bed and just snuggled against him until he had to disentangle himself to go to the bathroom. He went to do some exercise (he started to get angsty if he stayed still for too long) and then he was revising for the class he was going to present on Tuesday when Anne appeared in the living room, wrapped in a throw.

"It's not even cold, Anne, are you ok?" he asked, concerned. She nodded and snuggled against him.

"Yes… It's just cozy, you know?"

"If you say so…" He wrapped his arm around her.

"I was thinking about knitting something for Alicia… like a blanket, you know? Or something different?" she said.

"I'm sure they'd love that," Gilbert replied. "I know Ella has a blanket her grandma made for her when they were kids, and I know Alicia having something that special would mean a lot to Ella as well. Do you know the colors and everything?"

"No idea…" Anne replied. "I was thinking more like neutrals… and then maybe dusty rose or something. From what I've seen, their house is not very big on bright colours, and if they're going to have the blanket around I'd rather have them like it."

"Your plan make sense, then. I know Fred really doesn't care either way, but Ella has always tried to keep things warm, but simple," he explained. Anne nodded. "So, when do you want to get the yarn?"

"I was thinking about today? We don't have any more plans… Not that I can recall… And look at this pattern, it's interesting enough to have some visual interest, and could be perfect for a baby," she showed him her phone, where she had been comparing patterns for the best part of an hour.

"It looks nice. I still don't get how you can do that with your hands," he said, trying to make sense of the blanket and then looking at the coded instructions. "Or read this."

"Well, you cure cancer… so to each their own, I guess," she shrugged.

"So, where can we buy yarn today? Have you checked that?" he asked. "Don't you want some breakfast before?" he asked. He had had something a while ago, convinced she was still sleeping and not wanting to wake her.

Soon after they were outside, once she had eaten something and they had a shower. Gilbert just followed her along the aisles of colorful yarn, knowing she would find the perfect thing for her new project. He sometimes suggested a color, by then knowing what Ella's tastes were like by heart, wondering at the same time if Anne would knit a blanket for their future kid… Or what colors she would choose, rather, because he knew there would be a blanket. And probably a flurry of knitted stuff.

He remembered Marie as a newborn, wrapped in a warm blanket, the beanie and booties also knit by Anne. He had felt a knot in his throat that had taken way too long to go… And had eventually wandered to Amazon looking for something to stop all the dating nonsense and the questions he was sure he was going to get in the new hospital. The ring arrived some days later. He played with it on his left hand as he touched some silky yarn with his right one.

"Anne? What about this? Or is it too thin?"

"Let me check the yield…" she said, looking at the side of the label. "It actually works. And this is such a pretty beige."

"There's plenty of options as well," he said, and Anne nodded.

"You found the perfect one, Gil," she replied, smiling brightly at him.

Gilbert had left for work, leaving Anne on the bed. She was feeling out of sorts and hadn't made any move to get up when Gilbert had suggested he could take care of breakfast by himself. He had gone to prepare some coffee and toast and had left some on her nightstand, giving her a kiss on the forehead as she snuggled on the blankets. She had assured him, once again, that it was nothing. She was tired and achy but that was it. She certainly didn't need to take one of those covid tests, she didn't have any of the symptoms. Other than fatigue? Was that one? And a stomach that wasn't liking the idea of having coffee. Even if it was decaf, as they had switched a couple of weeks back.

She read in bed for a while, ignoring the coffee but eating the toast. Just the smell of the coffee made her a little nauseous. This period needed to come soon or else she was going to die, she decided, kicking off the blankets and getting up. When was that thing due, anyway? She had been so sure she would get it over the weekend, when she started feeling down and they went out with Fred and Ella, but it was already Wednesday and nothing. Just the occasional cramp.

She took her phone from the table to check that app where she tracked her period and usually received some pretty decent predictions as to when it was supposed to come.

**Gil (9:04): How are you feeling, Anne-girl? I'm a bit worried. Are you sure it's just your period?

**Bosom Friend (9:28): Dearest! When do you have time? We need to catch up! I need to know everything about you being a godmother! Because yes, Gilbert told me before you and that, my dear Anne, is plain wrong.

**Anne S-C (9:39): Has to be, Gil. Stop fretting. Tend to your patients, they're the ones who need you now.

**Anne S-C (9:40): You tell me, I'm not the successful friend out of the two of us. I just write and read, all day long. Well. And I might be starting a new project.

She opened the app and blinked. Refreshed it. Closed it and opened it again. What the… She had thought her period was supposed to come over the weekend. Yes. Between Thursday and Saturday to keep with her kind of regular periods. But it was Wednesday. She felt her heart race with anticipation and bit her lip. Could this… Was this even possible? It was supposed to take months of trying!

**Bosom Friend (9:40): Stop saying stuff like that about you. And tell me what project! What about midday? Can you talk then? Or before, if you want. I just have a meeting in the afternoon, but I'm free the rest of the day.

**Gil (9:41): I'd rather take care of you than them. Let me know how the day goes, ok? You've been feeling off for a few days and I'm concerned.

Feeling off. Right. She swallowed, trying to think what to do. What were the steps in this? Was she supposed to wait for Gilbert? Tell him to get a test? Get one by herself and then break out the news when he got home? Did it even matter? Could she actually be pregnant? Could she have the patience to wait until 5:30 until Gilbert was back?

Going over to the closet, she looked for any pair of jeans and a hoodie. She was not waiting. She couldn't possibly, now that the idea was on her head. And she had been feeling weird for a couple of days. Not sick, per se, but… weird. And it would be so, so amazing. They had talked about it. Several times. They were looking for a house. Gilbert was even worrying about being an overprotective dad (and considering the messages he was sending her that day, maybe his worry did have some solid ground).

She walked quickly to the pharmacy, buying the same test she had the last time. Well, pack of three tests. But she'd rather have some to spare. Just to be sure, right? Going back to the apartment she held the box in her hand, already wanting to pee as she hadn't gone when she had gotten up. But she didn't quite like the idea of finding out alone. And she couldn't possibly text Gilbert to come now. Could she? What if it was all for nothing? No, better to surprise him when he got back home… But maybe...

"Di?" she greeted tentatively. Her bosom friend could be there for her. Even thinking back to her conversation with Gibert, she knew this was right: she wasn't hoping Diana would somehow fix anything. She just wanted support. And then, hopefully, to surprise Gilbert.

"Anne! So, godmother? New projects? Tell me all!" her bosom friend greeted excitedly.

"I will, I promise! Just… Bear with me?"

"What's going on? You sound anxious. Is everything all right? Please tell me you guys are not fighting again."

"We're not. I promise. But…" she sighed. Maybe this wasn't the best of ideas. Although Diana was a mom. She had to know how this felt. Right?

"Anne?"

"When you found out about Marie… How was it?"

"What do you mean, how was it?"

"Well, how was it?"

"I peed on a stick like every other woman does. Or the majority of them do, anyway," she replied. There was a silence on the line. "Anne? Why are you asking this?"

"Because I'm about to pee on a stick and want you to be with me, even if virtually?" There was another pause on the other side of the line. "Di?"

"Are you being serious, Anne?" her tone incredulous.

"Well, yes! I just don't know the mechanics of this! Is it too wrong that I don't wait for Gilbert? He's not coming until later and I'm nervous and excited and I can't possibly wait another seven hours for him to be back!"

"But you want this?" Diana asked. Anne could tell the uncertainty from the other side, and it kind of made sense. It's not like she had been telling around that they were trying.

"Want what?"

"To be pregnant, dear," Diana said.

"Well, yes! It's been the goal for a bit now!" Anne said. "What, did you think it was some sort of mistake? Gilbert is a doctor, he knows better than to not take precautions… And I'm not completely daft either, you know?"

"I don't need every detail. So! Facetime!"

"You're not seeing me pee, Di. Wait a minute. I'll pee, then we switch while these things… do their magic," Anne said, going to the bathroom and putting her microphone on silent. She peed, laid the three tests on a row and unmuted the call.

"Done? I'm too excited!" Diana said. Anne laughed nervously and switched to video call. "Did you took the time?"

"Yes, we still have a little bit before the first one is done, it's supposed to be a quick one," Anne said. "How could you bear this wait, Di?"

"With Jerry holding me," she said, matter of factly. Anne smiled, actually imagining her brother doing so. "How long?"

"Still a bit," Anne said, tapping and trying to look everywhere but at the sink. "Shit, I'm too anxious, Di."

"Too anxious for what, sis?" said Jerry, coming suddenly to the frame with a cup on his hand.

"Don't you work, Jerry?" Anne said, her tone more annoyed than not. He really was the noisiest brother ever.

"I do. From home, today. What's got you anxious now?"

"Nothing! Go! This is between Diana and me!"

"Anne, now?" Diana interrupted, completely ignoring Jerry as he sat next to her.

"Now what? What are you two doing?"

"Nothing that concerns you, Jerry…" Anne mumbled. She looked at the time. Well, it was time. And it was probably nothing? She looked at the first test. Well. What she thought was the first test, but it didn't really matter. They all said the same, each in its own terms. She inhaled shakily, feeling how everything was changing so, so quickly.

"Anne?" Jerry asked, his voice slightly worried. "You're ok? You're a bit pale."

"I'm… fine, I guess?" Anne stammered, looking back at the screen and locking eyes with Diana. She started laughing and hugged Jerry, who looked over them both completely astounded.

"Will you both tell me what is going on?" he asked again, more exasperated.

"What do you think about being an uncle, mon amour?" Diana finally said, as Anne couldn't form any more sentences, her mind a whirlwind. Jerry frowned and looked at her. Then at Anne. Then at Diana again. His eyebrows shooting up.

"Shut up, you two. This is not a joking m…"

"It's not," Diana assured him, holding his hand, and Jerry looked back at Anne, wide-eyed.

"Sis, you got knocked up?"

"Jerry!" Anne scolded him, finally reacting. "I didn't get knocked up, we want a kid so we did our best! And look, it worked!" she said, showing the three tests to the camera. Her words seemed to relax Jerry, who now was smiling like a fool.

"I'm going to be an uncle, then?"

"You better teach the kid french, because she'll be translating what you two say behind my back," Anne said, smiling as well. She bit her lip, feeling her eyes well up as the realization that this was actually happening started to sink on her.

"Of course I will. Marie as well. Were you actually taking the test? Blythe doesn't know?"

"He doesn't," Anne giggled. "How on earth should I tell Gilbert?"

"That's where I take my leave, I actually do have a meeting" Jerry said, getting up. "Sis, I'm honestly overjoyed. And you know? Marilla and Matthew would be, as well. Just imagine them with a kid from you, the happiest grandparents that ever existed."

"They would be," Diana said, as she watched Jerry go away. "Matthew and Marilla."

"They totally would," Anne said, smiling sadly.

"Sometimes I can't believe how much Jerry misses them as well."

"We were all a family, Di. Dysfunctional, but so close-knit. I know Jerry is close with his parents and siblings… But this was different and you could feel it. And Jerry's heart has room enough for having all the families he wishes, to be honest. Even if he tries to be all nonchalant and sarcastic about it. I was so glad when you finally worked it out after college."

"We were just kids the first time, Anne. There was no way it would have had any future then. But that's not the topic at hand! It's you! Anne the mom! How are you telling Gilbert? You should totally do a surprise of some sorts!"

"He actually thinks I'm sick."

"Why?"

"I've been feeling off for a few days. Tired. Out of sorts. Funny stomach but nothing much. And I've been waking up to pee every night. It's annoying."

"Oh, Anne. You're in for a ride," Diana chuckled, and Anne bit her lips worriedly. She was so not looking forward to this.

"Maybe I could do something?" she said, thinking out loud and trying to distract herself from the memories of Diana telling her all about the pregnancy symptoms from which she suffered for months. Maybe she could surprise Gilbert. She knew he wished for this as much as she did. He would be elated.

"You could knit something! A sweater! You're all… craftsy like that, I would just go buy a nice outfit or something and add the tests"

"If I knit a sweater he'll find out before I finish it, they're tedious to do. And take forever. But I like your idea. Like a little package, right?" Anne said, her mind in a rush. She had the yarn she had bought for Alicia's blanket, and she could probably use some of that and, in need be, buy some more later that week. She had added a terracotta in the end, thinking it would give a nice contrast color. To knit what? Something tiny. Something quick. A hat?

"Yes! One of those you do so nicely. The… whatever you do, and a test, and a little extra… I don't know, Anne, you're the one that's good with the details. But it sounds nicer than just shoving a pregnancy test to him when he's back home."

"I'll call you later, Di? I just have to look for a pattern and do this, otherwise I won't finish it and I will literally shove the test, there's no way I can keep silent about this."

"Anne? You're home?" Gilbert called as he entered, taking off his shoes. She hadn't written anything else during the day, or answered any of his messages with more than a few words, and he had run off to the apartment as soon as he could, fearing her being actually sick.

He went to wash his hands and then directly to the bedroom and sighed, feeling a weight on his stomach as he saw her curled with a throw. He went and sat next to her, caressing her hair. Anne opened her eyes slowly. When had he come? How long had she been asleep? She had hoped to doze off for a few minutes, but it had been four in the afternoon when she had laid down for a nap and he never came in before five.

"Anne-girl? How are you feeling? You don't have any fever…" he said, his brow furrowed. She yawned.

"What time is it? I was just having a nap…" she said.

"About a quarter past five. Carrots, please. Tell me how you're feeling?" he asked again as she rubbed her eyes. He stopped her gently. "Don't do that. You'll hurt yourself."

"I'm fine, Gil," she assured him, sitting on the bed and resting on his chest, his arms drawing her close. "I was just tired, so I came to lay down for a bit. But I'm not sick, I promise."

"If you say so…" he said, not convinced. She inhaled his scent, relaxed, but sat up straight suddenly as she remembered what she had been doing the whole day. "Anne? You're ok? Do you want me to grab something?"

"No! It's just, I have something for you!" she said, struggling to get up as her legs were tangled in the throw. Gilbert steadied her as she stood, even more confused.

"Anne?"

"Wait here!" she said, running out of the bedroom. Gilbert stayed where he was, not understanding anything that was going on that afternoon. He took off the bowtie and undid the first button of his shirt, sliding the suspenders off his shoulders as he moved his head from side to side. Anne appeared in front of him, flustered, slightly flushed, a small package on her hands.

"Why is this?" Gilbert asked, his eyebrows shooting up as he received the package. But she had given him a birthday present and anyway, that had been almost a month ago, and why on earth did she look so nervous if she was giving him a present? What on earth could it be? "Anne-girl?"

"It's a surprise!"

"Why are you so nervous? Come, sit with me," he said, leaving the package to the side, more concerned about her than about whatever trinket she had gotten him. Her eyes trailed off to the package as she bit her lips, but sat next to him anyway.

"I'm fine! Gilbert, open it!" she insisted. "I don't need a reason to get you anything, just open!" he frowned, even more confused, and picked the packet again, putting it on his legs. He tore the paper dutifully, looking at her. She urged him to continue with a gesture, why was he taking so long?! She had been able to hold the news for the whole day, but it was so close he had to hurry now or else! He looked at the box he had uncovered, adding to everything he didn't understand. It was exactly like the one where Roy's gift had been packed.

"You got me another razor? I honestly don't go through those so quickly. And the blade is supposed to be replaceable."

"Open the damn box, Gilbert, please?" she insisted, her patience growing thin. She had used the box from Roy's present, not one to waste unnecessarily. He sighed. Whatever made her happy, honestly.

So he lifted the lid, left it on the side… And found green tissue paper folded over something, a sticker holding it in place. He swallowed, feeling his heart go faster in anticipation. Anticipation of what? He actually had no idea. But Anne had put together some kind of elaborate gift and was pressing so much for him to open it, that he just knew there was something to it. Something life-changing. Her nervousness as well. The eagerness. The impatience. She noticed the change in his demeanour and knew she didn't need to press any more. He had gotten the idea that this was important. And not a quick gift done on a whim.

She rested her head on his shoulder as he took the sticker off carefully (where had she gotten that?) and lifted the tissue, finding a folded paper on top of something else. He took it out with almost shaky hands but didn't get around to unfolding it when he noticed what it was on top of. She had to be kidding. His heart was about to go out of his chest, that was the only thing he had cleared in the moment. He tried to clear his throat of the giant knot that had appeared there.

"Anne?" he asked, his voice shaky and barely audible.

"Gil?" she replied, her voice soft. He swallowed.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice still shaky, cracking as he spoke the words, a low tone, because he honestly couldn't handle it otherwise. It was too big.

"I wouldn't joke with this," she whispered.

Gilbert left the box and the paper to the side, not even caring about what was in there, and turned to look at her, a hand going to her cheek. She smiled, nervous, her eyes shiny. He remembered the dream. A little, curly red haired girl. Joy. Her sweet, sweet smell. Anne, a mom. He, a dad. He inhaled shakily, his throat closing in a knot as the reality of them becoming a family of three dawned on him. He swallowed, trying to contain the tears as Anne started laughing shakily as well, her hands going to his cheeks to clean the tears that were inevitably coming down. He put his hands on top of hers for a second and she brought him closer, his arms going to hug her tightly as they rocked together, only slightly. He inhaled into the crook of her neck, trying to ground himself, and parted after some minutes to look at her, his hands holding her face now.

"We're truly going to be parents?"

"That's what the tests say, Gil," she replied, smiling brightly. He kissed her quickly, softly, and looked softly at her shiny eyes once more.

"Goodness, Anne, how…?" he cleared his throat, hugging her again, chuckling. She curled on his chest. "Pass me that, I didn't even see it properly," he said after a few minutes, motioning to the box and the paper he had left just out of reach. She extended her arm and passed it to him. He left the box next to him, wanting to read the note first.

Gilbert.

Remember those long walks in the forest, that spring so many years ago? When we talked about everything and nothing, and how you felt you could never live to be as good a dad as your father had been? I remember telling you how you had no reason to worry: you would be just the best. I knew it then. I know it now. You will be the best dad for our kids. For our family.

Meeting you again this year had been the absolute best gift I could ever receive. I don't know how I lived so long without you, when I always knew you were the only one with whom I would ever feel at home. It's time for us two orphans to start our own, little family. So full of love, Gil. So, so full of love.

Our little fox is on the way, dad.

He smiled once again, hugging her even tighter with the arm he had around her back, her words bringing him back to Avonlea's forest and to the conversation she was mentioning. How she could still remember it was beyond him. But that she trusted him to be a good father gave him all the confidence he could ever need. If she trusted him as much as he trusted her to be the very best mother he knew she would be, they were set. He folded the paper again with one hand and left it on the side, taking the box once more and resting it on his thighs. The pregnancy tests greeted him once more.

"Three again?"

"I just bought the same package," she giggled, and he laughed, letting some of his nerves find some release. He took them and left them on top of the paper to fish something that was half hidden in between some shredded tissue paper. Of the same green one that was covering the whole thing.

"Oh my god, Anne. Where… Did you knit this?" he asked, astounded. He had the most perfect and tiny little knit booties in between his fingers. The nice terracota with some beige on the lower part. With tails. And tiny black eyes. Ears. They were tiny foxes, the cutest thing he had ever seen. She nodded against him. "When…? How long have you known this?"

"This morning? I actually realized my period should have come days ago and I just ran for a test… I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you," she said, laughing. "Once I realized my period was nonexistent I needed to know."

"I don't mind you didn't wait, I just wish you weren't alone, Anne-girl. It must have been…"

"I wasn't… exactly alone," Anne interrupted him. "I was actually on a call with Diana. Because I couldn't fathom calling you here for this in case it wasn't anything and she has some experience, being a mom and all…"

"Makes sense. I'm glad. So, Diana knows?"

"And Jerry, who is just a nosy brother," Anne said, half annoyed, but he could also tell, half glad. Or very glad. As much as she made it appear like she couldn't stand Jerry, she depended so much on him he would be jealous if he didn't know how she considered him a brother. That reminded him of a pending call he had to make.

"So you took that test and then knit this? Do you have super powers or what?"

"Gilbert, they're tiny. Super quick. And I used some of Alicia's yarn, I just got out for the paper. It took way longer to think of how to wrap it and then I got that wrong because you didn't even look at the booties before knowing what was going on," she said, annoyed. He laughed, so overtaken with joy he couldn't help it.

"So… you're actually not sick," he said after a moment. They were still in the same position, just enjoying each other's warmth and presence.

"I'm not sick. As I told you. I just feel off, but not really sick."

"Ok… I'll talk with dr. Oak, set an appointment? If you're fine with that, of course," he proposed. "Maybe she has an idea of how to manage whatever you're feeling. How do you feel now?"

"Just tired, Gil. Annoyed of peeing. Speaking of which, I have to go again," she said, disentangling herself from his embrace. "Honestly, I had no idea this would happen. But set that appointment."

"Every body is different, Carrots. Not all react the same way. Look at the bright side, you don't have morning sickness or something more yucky."

"Yet, Gil. Yet. Diana told me she thought she was safe from it not happening, and then it hit her weeks later. And coffee looked positively nauseating this morning."

"So when was your last period?" he called as she walked out of the room.

"August 28. When Cole and Roy arrived," she said from the bathroom. Gilbert took out his phone and opened the calendar app. "Why?"

"You'll be five weeks this Friday," he said, letting his phone to the side and grabbing the booties again, watching the tiny details Anne had made on them. Would they have a girl? A boy? God, he hoped the baby would have red hair like her. Please. Red hair. He smiled. Anne would be the best mom. He just knew. She came back and sat next to him.

"They're nine months, right? How much is that in weeks? I know Diana always pestered me about that, but I can't remember…"

"Between 38 and 42. It depends on the baby. Get used to the week thing, anyway, because it's all you're likely to hear from now on. And trimesters… You're almost halfway through the first one."

"Just two and a half to go!" Anne said, excited. "So, what's that? May? June?"

"About that, yes," Gilbert said, smiling at her. "Now we just have to find a place to live, Carrots."

"I keep telling you, let's fix up a house. We have months and months," she said. Gilbert sighed.

"Let's focus about something else?" he proposed. He didn't want to think about houses right at that moment. Not when he had just found out he was going to be a dad. He turned slightly to look at her and brought a hand to her cheek, caressing it softly, making Anne lean into his hand. He smiled softly at her relaxed expression. "It's a relief to know you're not actually sick."

"Gil, just drop it," she whispered, just relishing on the feel of his hand on her skin. He chuckled softly and leaned towards her, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead, before resting his against hers.

"I just love you, Carrots, and I worry because that's what I do best," he said softly. She giggled, almost like a whisper, and he caught her lips with his, kissing her slowly, savouring every bit of her, of the woman who was now growing their kid. She melted into the kiss, the feel of him expected and welcome, and leaned back so she was resting over the mattress. He followed her, not letting go of her lips, and separated just to look at her into her eyes. "You're incredible, Anne. More than you know."

"You're pretty amazing too, Gil," she smiled, a bit uncomfortable at his praise. He shook his head slightly.

"You are. It's not up to discussion and I'm not fishing for compliments," he said as he trailed kisses along her jaw and down to the hoodie she was wearing. One of his, that already smelt more like her than him. "May I?" he asked, resting on his side and holding the edge of the cotton fabric. She nodded and he helped her out of it. She was in a simple, soft t-shirt, and he didn't lose a moment to caress her waist underneath the fabric. She looked at him, completely relaxed.

"Gil?"

"Yes, dear?" he asked, seeing as a yawn escaped her.

"Is it normal that they hurt?"

"That what hurts?"

"My breasts? I mean sometimes they're tender around my period sometimes… and I thought it was just a bad case of that… But seriously, they hurt," she said, leaning on the side to look at him and resting on her arm. Gilbert frowned and looked at her boobs, flushing immediately as suddenly he noticed the change. "Gilbert?"

"I… Yes, Anne. It's normal," he stammered, chastising himself. Was he a teen or what? Honestly! I mean, they were slightly bigger, yes, but he should be able to keep himself together!

"You have a really weird expression."

"It's nothing," he assured her. She lifted an eyebrow. "Ok, they're growing. And I just noticed. And that's why they hurt. It's one of the changes in your body preparing for the baby… Your breasts take all your pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding the baby. A whole lot of hormones around."

"Honestly? Growing?"

"Why on earth would I joke about that? They are growing, Anne. Believe me. I know that as a medical fact, but also because by now I know your body as well as I've ever wished to do, and they are bigger. Wait, that's why..." the past few times they've had sex she had ushered his hands of her breasts, claiming the were tender, and they had just tried something else. And her orgasms had been stronger than usual lately, or so it would seem.

"I believe so," she admitted, flushing. He caressed her face lovingly.

"Well, good to know now… Anything you feel, you know you can talk to me, right?"

"I do, Gil. Which is why I'm doing it," she whispered, turning to snuggle against him.

They stayed in silence, just enjoying each other's company. He held her tightly and she felt at home, content with all the situation but also overwhelmed with how happy she was about the situation, about having shared the news with Gilbert. About how clear and honest his reaction had been and how his eyes were so full of joy. But she was also a little bit scared. What had they gotten themselves into?

Galloping Horses: Seems you were right in your past comment! ;) Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, we always appreciate it!