Disclaimer: Any use of the title, dialogue, and plot is strictly prohibited. Anne of the Island belongs to L. M. Montgomery.
As Anne and Gilbert wended their way toward Green Gables, both felt a thrill in their hearts which once represented suppressed feelings. Gilbert could not believe the girl he had loved since he was fourteen was now his fiancée; he kept glancing toward Anne to make sure he wasn't in a dream. Perhaps it was the realization that came over Anne when she received the news of Gilbert's fever, or it could have been the question he had asked moments before, but now she knew what love was for certain. She was unable to keep herself from smiling as she walked gaily beside her beloved.
"Isn't the evening lovely, Gilbert?" Anne questioned, gazing around at the woods around her which were bathed in what was left of the sun's glow. It had seemed eons ago, but the memory of sharing that Evening under the apple tree with Gilbert filled her with a thrill she now knew to be her devotion and care for the young man standing beside her. It could not have been a more perfect afternoon and the evening crept quietly, casting her own spell of enchantment upon the island.
In his mind Gilbert knew it was a lovely evening. The sky was taking on a navy blue hue and the moon was beginning to make an appearance, but the most beautiful thing of all was Anne. He noticed the way in which her red hair glinted in the moonlight with words that he could not utter because she took his breath away. He studied her closely and felt his heart flutter, looking into the depths of the starry gray eyes which had enraptured him from the moment she had broken her slate over his head. He could spend eternity looking into them and discovering the many secrets they held.
When he did manage to speak, his voice was soft. "Yes, tonight is exceptionally lovely."
By this time they had stopped on the bridge that led across the Lake of Shining Waters. Both lovers stood in silence, each thinking a million thoughts and taking in the beauty around them so it would later be remembered as a fond and pleasant recollection they'd reminisce about for years to come.
"Look at how the moon paints the water," Anne observed, watching the moonlight dance across the lake's surface. "It's as if she's painting a perfect scene for two lovers enjoying a romantic walk with her lighting the way."
"And who might these lovers be?"
"Me and you," Anne responded softly, not wanting to ruin the fragility of the picturesque moment. She was afraid it would disappear if she did not take a mental picture. "It reminds me of something I told Matthew the first time we met."
"I don't think you've told me that story."
"When Matthew picked me up from the staition, I told him I'd sleep in a wild cherry tree if something prevented him. I asked him if it'd look lovely in the moonlight, and that's what the water makes me think of—"
She broke off suddenly, and Gilbert could see tears filling her eyes. He gently wiped them away with a handkerchief he had in his back pocket.
"I'm sorry, Gilbert," Anne apologized, "I shouldn't be crying after the wonderful day I've had. It's been years since Matthew died, and—"
"Sweetheart." Gilbert pulled her close into a comforting embrace. "It's okay to feel distraught. Matthew was kind to you, and I know he'd be glad to know you're going to be taken care of. I promise to always be here for you."
Feeling reassured by Gilbert's comforting words, Anne hugged him tighter and dried her tears.
"I wonder how Marilla and Mrs. Lynde will react," she said after a while.
"I'm sure they're going to be thrilled."
Once at the house, Gilbert and Anne found the door unlocked. They quietly entered and saw a light coming from the kitchen.
Marilla, who had been busily patching a hole in Davey's trousers, looked up when she heard footsteps.
"Oh, Marilla!" Anne exclaimed ecstatically, hugging her tightly. "Gilbert and I have some wonderful news!"
"What sort of news?"
"Anne and I are engaged."
The weariness Marilla felt moments before was now replaced with mirth and joy. She hugged the young couple and gave them her congratulations.
"I wish you too nothing but happiness," she said, trying to keep her voice from quavering with emotion. Here was the little girl she had come to love over the past few years, engaged to a man who resembled his father in many ways. Marilla was glad to know that Anne would be cared for by Gilbert; she knew Matthew would have been proud had he been present.
After a few minutes Gilbert spoke. "I suppose I should go and tell my parents the news."
"Today was wonderful, Gilbert," Anne told him softly once they were outside. "I think this day shall be known as the Day of Romantic Dreams."
"I think the title suits the occasion."
He leaned in and kissed Anne on the cheek, and she watched as he blithely made his way down the lane, whistling as he went.
She sighed contentendly and made her way upstairs to her bedroom where she soon fell asleep, the images of the day's events replaying in her mind.
The next day at breakfast Anne told Mrs. Rachel the news of her engagement, to which the older woman responded by hugging the girl.
"I always knew they'd end up together," she said to Marilla later that afternoon, "I had a feeling Gilbert would ask her eventually."
"You were always known for your matchmaking, Rachel."
"I tell you, Marilla, the two were meant for each other. I always knew Gilbert was smitten with Anne from the very beginning. I can't believe it's finally happened, but better late than never I always say. I'm just glad we're alive to see it."
"Anne and Gilbert have grown up to be fine young adults. They will have many happy years together."
It had certainly been a day of romantic dreams for Anne and Gilbert; it was a day both would later remember as the first day of their forever. It was a day where young hearts burned brightly from the sparks which had caused the inferno of their love that was unwavering, faithful, and true.