I've had a hard time determining exactly where to end a chapter. Anyone else struggle with that? I originally thought that I would make this the final chapter, but as I got going I was struggling to finish the story. I finally decided to end it where I did and just do another chapter. I think the next chapter will be the last. Tell me what you think and offer any suggestions.

Chapter 5:

Gilbert laid his head on the seat back and rested his eyes for a moment. It had been a long couple of weeks but his patients were finally stable enough for him to leave and he was now on his way to Avonlea to get Anne. "How in the world did I ever sleep without her?" wondered Gilbert as he drifted off. He had not had much sleep these past few weeks and he was happy to have a small break. He needed Anne back. As the train pulled into the station at Bright River he looked out the window and saw his parents waiting on the platform.

"Dad, it's great to see you," Gilbert smiled as he greeted his father. The two men patted each other on the backs as they embraced. "Thanks for coming to get me, I really didn't want to have to worry Anne over it."

"Nonsense!" replied the elder Mr. Blythe. "Your mother and I wouldn't dream of missing the chance to spend some time with you. Besides, with you staying at Green Gables it just might be the only time we get you all to ourselves," he added with a wink that left no doubt as to where Gilbert got his roguish looks from. "Is that all you brought?" he added looking at the small bag Gilbert carried in his arms.

"Yes, I'm only here a couple of days and don't need much," responded Gilbert as he handed the bag to his father so he could give his mother a proper hug. "Besides, I need to be able to get Anne's trunk taken care of when we go home, so the less I bring the better."

The ride from the station at Bright River to Avonlea was a pleasant one. Mrs. Blythe had insisted on accompanying her husband to the station and she now sat in the back of the buggy with her son. Although Gilbert had always been good at writing to his parents while he was away at school, he always found plenty of reasons to meander up to Green Gables when he was home. They were used to his longing to be around a certain red-head. The day was not unlike the one in which he had sent Anne away. With lightly falling snow and a crunching sound beneath the horses' hooves they made their way up the road. But instead of a feeling of dread that he had carried with him that day, he found himself gaining in excitement the closer he came to his old home. His mother and father enjoyed the ride with him immensely and loved hearing of the patients he was looking after and how the community was taking to him. It was no secret that they were proud of their son.

"Do you want to stop by home for a quick bite before we bring you over to Green Gables, son?" Mr. Blythe asked from the front of the buggy.

"Well, actually..." Gilbert began slowly.

"Oh, I can see you're anxious to see Anne. Don't worry, we'll bring you right over. She was looking good the other day. Appreciated that she came over and spent some time with us. You picked a real fine woman for a wife, son. We sure are proud of you."

Mrs. Blythe enjoyed hearing how her son was adjusting to life as a country doctor as a whole and more specifically how he was adjusting to married life. "I can tell Anne is beginning to move past the loss of Little Joyce, expecting another little one is helping with that I believe. But what about you Gilbert? I know it's different for the men, but I know that you had your hopes up about being a father, you said as much in your letters. You really haven't mentioned anything of the kind since."

"Oh, I know. And I'm sorry about that. I suppose my working so hard has been a way for me to move on. We were both so happy last winter. And we're excited again of course. But I'm terribly afraid of what Anne might have to go through come the time. That was a terrible night and I'd rather not dwell on it. I've had a hard time getting over it and I'm trying to be brave and upbeat for Anne, but I'm afraid I'm more worried over this next one than she is. Anne has a way with dreams and I'm more planted in reality. The reality of last time is still too fresh in my mind and it haunts me at every turn. What will six and a half months from now bring? Another heartache or the fulfillment of a dream?" Gilbert questioned with a look of worry on his face.

Mrs. Blythe was sympathetic to her son's worries. "You just keep taking good care of her the way you are, son. I have a feeling everything will turn out just fine. But you do what you need to to ease your mind." She gave Gilbert a pat on his arm and then added in an excited tone, "I've already started my sewing for the little one."

... ... ...

"Hallo Gilbert, ain't it good to see you!" said Davy as he was shoveling the path to the front door. Mr. Blythe had just let Gilbert out at the lane and Gilbert had to wade through a few steps of deeper snow before getting to the path which Davy was clearing.

"Looks like you needed to start a little earlier Davy," Gilbert chuckled as he gave an affectionate push to the sixteen year old boy who was fast approaching his way to catching him up in height.

"Aah, that's just cause I had to wait to get out of doors until Dora mended the hole in my coat. I ripped it yesterday while doing the milking."

"How so?" Gilbert questioned the boy.

"Well, ya know that collection of old hay rakes up in the hay loft?"

"Yes, but I thought you were milking the cow."

"I was. But then Mr. Boots came along - he'd been missin' an awful long time and I was worried he'd up and died in a fight - and I just had to go after him. He's the best mouser we've got! Anyway, he ended up in the rafters and just started to meow to high heaven so I climbed up to get him and then on my way down I kinda got caught in one of the hay rakes lying around. Marilla said it wouldn't have been a problem if I would just put things back in the proper place. But I did know where it was. How was I to know that cat would go and get stuck? Anne said she'd mend it for me, but she wasn't feelin' too good last night so Dora said she'd do it only she didn't get to it till this morning. I tell ya, a man in a house full a women can get a little lost in all the hustle and bustle. I'm sure glad you're here," concluded Davy in a somewhat sombre tone.

Gilbert went in through the kitchen door and was greeted by Marilla and Mrs. Lynde who were both working on some form of dessert and Dora who was working on preparing tea.

"Gilbert! I thought that was you I heard. We're all glad you got here safe. I know Anne's been looking forward to it," Marilla said as she pulled him into an embrace. "My goodness you look tired. I imagine you could use a nap yourself. You can bring your bag upstairs to Anne's room if you'd like. She's asleep just now but should be awake before too long."

"She'll be mighty glad to see you, that's what. We've had a time keeping her off her feet. She always wanted to be in here making something for Davy. She spoils that boy and I'm glad you're here to set her straight, that's what. Well, go take your things upstairs. Tea will be ready before too long, right Dora?" Mrs. Lynde chatted as she bustled around the kitchen.

Gilbert was quiet as he slowly opened the door to Anne's room. As much as he wanted to see his wife he didn't want to interrupt her sleep. Anne was in bed resting on her side with the covers up to her chin. Her dress was hung on the end of her bed with her corset draped on top. Gilbert studied her for a moment before he turned to place his bag on a nearby chair. The movement was enough to rouse Anne.

"Gilbert?" Anne mumbled groggily from the bed.

"Sweetheart," came Gilbert's soft response. "I didn't mean to wake you," he said as he quietly crossed the room and knelt down by Anne.

She reached for him with one hand and he clasped hold of it while caressing her face with his other. "I was on my way out of dream land anyway. I was wanting to be up before you came, I must have slept longer than I had planned," Anne said while returning the caresses to Gilbert's face with her free hand.

They smiled into each others eyes and slowly Gilbert closed the space between them. He let go of her hand and placed it around the small of her back, lifting her from the position she had been in. The hand that had been caressing Anne's face slowly moved over her shoulder and down her chest until it rested around her waist and he pulled her in tighter. Soon Gilbert had both arms wrapped tightly around Anne as he gently parted her lips with his. Anne's arms wound their way around Gilbert's neck and she ran her fingers through his hair as she demanded a more passionate kiss from him. Gilbert was only too willing to oblige as she pulled him on top of the covers and deepened the kiss further.

"Hmmm, what was you're dream about Anne?" Gilbert wondered as Anne explored his face with her gentle kisses and he moved his kisses down her exposed neck.

"We're getting very close to making it a reality," breathed Anne into his ear, "But I do think we should wait until tonight," she added regretfully.

"Yes, the household will wonder what's taking me so long. I understand tea will be ready soon," Gilbert raised his eyebrows and gave her a crooked smile. "Come, I'll help you get dressed," Gilbert added as he helped Anne out of bed. He was true to his word and helped her dress, stopping to kiss areas such as her neck or ear as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "I've missed you, Anne. More than I could ever say through a letter. It's good to have you in my arms again."

Anne turned to face him after her last button was closed and threw her arms around Gilbert's waist and rested her head on his chest. He encircled her with his arms. "It's good to be in your arms again, Gilbert. I love the feel of your skin on mine. Hold me close tonight?" Anne asked quietly with her face upturned as she looked into Gilbert's hazel eyes that were filled with a look of longing and desire just for her.

Gilbert gave a small chuckle and kissed her nose, "In that bed? I'll have to."

... ... ...

AN: You've probably guessed by now that I'm a hopeless romantic. ; )