I was so excited that so many of you were so happy with where I took the last chapter with Diana's "interference". I had to laugh at one reviewers note that Diana was almost lawyerly, I had to reference that in this chapter:)
Here is the final chapter (epilogue will follow). What happens now that Gilbert knows Anne loves him? I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. Having to write around the original canon proved a little tricky, but I think it worked.
Anyhow, Let me know what you think...Enjoy!
Gilbert was unsure how he arrived home. Had he walked or floated? Anne loved him! Of that he was now sure. He didn't know how or when she had realized it. Had she arrived at it slowly over time, or had it hit her like it did him, with a thundering crack. If Gilbert had been jubilant the day Anne finally took his hand at the Blythe gate in a gesture of truce all those years ago, a new word would need to be christened for the feeling he now held over his entire being. Finally his mind and heart were in happy rhythm, one not pulling at the other in a tug of war. For all his joy, the feeling of peace was most welcome. For that's what he now felt, peace in every fiber of his being. With that peace came a happiness he could never hope to explain.
Diana had led him down a path of discovery that he would always be eternally grateful for. He was actually quite impressed by the way she led him to such a natural conclusion. For a moment he felt bad for future twelve year old Fred. His mothers' interrogations of future mischief would have him in more trouble than not.
Smiling, he turned his thoughts back to Anne. The entire summer made sense now. He felt a pang of regret about the time they had wasted over the past weeks, when only several more remained before they both once again left Avonlea. Only this time they would be going separate ways. But the regret was fleeting when he remembered that what he and Anne rebuilt would indeed serve as the foundation for their future. Perhaps the stolen kisses and moments of romance they could have had would have been nice. Indeed, just thinking about them made Gilbert long to make them a reality. But it wasn't only this that Gilbert now sought. Together they rebuilt what they let break. In doing so, Gilbert became the best version of himself and finally a true friend to Anne. He had to work in order to win her love, rather than just accept it as his due as he had tried in the Patty's Place orchard. In light of the revelation of Anne's love, Gilbert finally accepted his folly. It was more than just seeing what he wanted to see back then. In a way, he had felt entitled to her love, a reward for the years of exile he suffered at her hand. As deeply as he loved her then, he wasn't worthy of her. He thought he always appreciated Anne because of the lengths he had to go to win her friendship. For all the humility she had knocked into him with a slate, a part of that old Gilbert had still remained. The Gilbert that loved her back then was a boy who had not yet learned what the love of a woman like Anne truly meant. He thought only of himself and the happiness she would bring to him. The blinding revelation of Phil's letter and Diana's lawyerly examination brought him to a new understanding. He owed Anne more than just the fulfillment of his desires. He had to put her happiness before his own. He would work his entire life to make Anne happy. But even more than that, he would work to make them both happy in a marriage of love, respect, and admiration. That's the only way Anne could ever truly be happy in a marriage. He determined to give that to her all the days he drew breath.
These thought swirled through is mind as he cleaned up and changed his clothes. He knew he would be bound for Green Gables after dinner. But just what he would do when he got there he wasn't sure.
At dinner, both John and Caroline noticed a change in their son from the moment he sat down. They also both knew just who the cause of his spirited mood most likely was. As he left for Green Gables, John smiled and said to him, "So it seems you finally figured it out then." Gilbert was only slightly shocked at his father's words. He smiled brightly and responded, "Yeah, Dad, I think I have."
John Blythe only nodded briefly and slapped his son affectionately on the shoulder. He did not, nor did he need to, say anything more as the smile that played on his lips and reached his eyes communicated his sentiment. Gilbert delighted in the fact that his parents held Anne in such high esteem.
Once again on the familiar road to Green Gables, Gilbert's thoughts went again to Anne. He thought about what he might say or do when he saw her. He wanted to at least let her know he wasn't engaged and never had been. He couldn't bare the thought of Anne thinking he loved another woman. The entire thought was so abhorrent to him that it made him feel slightly ill. Then he gave a slight laugh at the realization that it was the same ill feeling he had whenever he had seen Anne and Roy together. It seemed a lifetime ago.
The sun was lingering low in the sky as Gilbert arrived at Green Gables. He was surprised to see all the occupants outside. Marilla and Rachel were sitting on the porch chairs, while Anne and Dora watched from the steps as Davy did a strange march around the grass. Anne's laughed rippled through the evening and reached Gilbert's ears. Just hearing it stopped him in his tracks, she was perfection. He looked at her and finally saw their future together.
Dora was the first to see Gilbert walking through the gate. "Gilbert!" she shouted, "Gilbert you have to come help us!" Dora grabbed Gilbert by the hand and led him to the porch steps.
Gilbert was barely able to give a proper greeting before he was pulled into a rousing game of charades with Anne, Dora, and Davy. Marilla and Rachel abstained from the game, preferring instead to watch the exploits with mock disapproval from the porch.
Marilla sighed as she watched Anne steal glances at Gilbert for an hour and wondered when her girl would come to see what was so very obvious to her. Of course, the more Marilla thought about it, she had never before seen Anne look at him quite that way before and they had spent a good deal of time together lately. Marilla had loved once long ago herself so she knew only a little about matters of the heart. But for the first time since her prideful mistake all those years ago, a small hope began to creep into her heart that perhaps her actions could be rectified through Anne's own happiness. It would be enough for Marilla to no longer have regrets if the girl she came to love as daughter could find her happiness with John Blythe's son. Her own history could not be rewritten. But the lens through which she viewed it could be materially altered. That Marilla had hoped for it she would not deny. But looking at the pair now, she felt there was now more than a blind hope.
A delightful hour passed in laughter and a fair amount of teasing. Davy's attempt at mimicking a turtle had everyone laughing as he tried to use his shirt as a shell, popping his head in and out. Anne enjoyed herself as much as everyone else but had to stop herself once or twice from imagining her and Gilbert one day playing games with their own children. Stop these thoughts she did, but it proved futile when the next thought popped in right after.
Marilla broke into Anne's thoughts as she offered the group apple pie. They all agreed readily and retreated inside as the sun peaked low behind the trees. Gilbert stood and offered his arm to Anne to escort her inside. It was the first time he touched her since knowing that she loved him. Their eyes met briefly and Gilbert had to catch his breath as his heart raced. How had it taken him this long to realize feelings she now seemed to share in every look? He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. How could you ever think I could love anyone but you? He wanted to whisper those words in her ear as they walked inside. He almost did, but the touch of her hand resting on his made him somewhat speechless.
Another pleasant hour passed in conversation, mostly between Anne, Gilbert, Marilla, and Rachel. Dora and Davy floated in and out of the room with ceaseless energy before Marilla told them it was time for bed.
"Well, Gilbert, it sure is nice to see you back to your old self again. I'll never understand why you young people feel the need to almost kill yourselves over your education," said Mrs. Lynde.
Gilbert smiled at Rachel, "Mrs. Lynde, hard work doesn't cause typhoid." Anne looked at Gilbert and shrugged her shoulders as she rolled her eyes. Gilbert would have been content look at Anne and the sparkle in her eyes for the remainder of the evening.
"Well I suppose you know better than I do, but your mother did tell me how run down you had been. If you want my opinion, you need to find a wife to take care of you, that's what!"
Gilbert was about to make a cheeky response about taking her advice into consideration when Marilla broke in. "Rachel, the boy is studying to be a doctor. He needs the education. He doesn't need you ordering his life around." Marilla was often exasperated at Rachel's 'advice.'
"Oh Marilla, I am not ordering anything, just giving my opinion. Gilbert is a good man who needs a good woman by his side." Gilbert listened to the exchange and laughed to himself.
"Rachel, leave the boy alone, he has enough to worry about."
"It's okay, Miss Cuthbert. One day I do hope to have a wife and a family. Once I finish medical school I fully intend to marry." Gilbert responded to Marilla, but could not stop himself from looking directly at Anne while he spoke. Anne, however, did not like the direction of the conversation so she sat looking down at her hands.
Neither older lady missed the direction of his eyes or the tenderness in them as he looked at Anne.
If Marilla had a small hope before, it was becoming bigger by the minute. It was clear to both of them who Gilbert intended to make his wife after medical school. Rachel shot a knowing glance to Marilla, whose countenance never changed from a look of indifference.
"Well I am glad to hear that, Gilbert." Rachel exercised surprising restraint in not pressing the matter that she knew to be touchy subject with a lengthy history. When Rachel said nothing more, Marilla let out a sigh of relief.
Gilbert wished Anne would look at him. She looked everywhere but his eyes. Now that he knew what she was thinking, it pained him that he was unable to put her at ease. Gilbert decided it was time to take his leave of the ladies in the hopes of having a few minutes alone with Anne. "Thank you for the pie, Miss Cuthbert. I really ought to be getting home."
"You're welcome any time at Green Gables, Gilbert," Marilla replied.
"I'll walk you out, Gil," Anne said as she grabbed her wrap from the chair.
Gilbert finished his goodbyes and Anne escorted him to the door and out into the night air. It had turned chilly when the sun finally set and Anne shivered slightly. Gilbert immediately placed his hands on her arms and rubbed them gently, as he tried to take some of the chill away. This time when Anne shivered again, it had nothing to do with the night air. Gilbert was so close to her and his hands on her body made her tremble. Sensing the effect he was having on her, Gilbert smiled widely.
"Can I ask what is so funny, all of a sudden?" Anne asked when she saw the look on Gilbert's face. She may have been affected by his touch, but she remained able to carry a conversation.
"Nothing, Anne. Nothing is funny. I just had a nice time tonight, that's all." It was the truth.
"Well no doubt Davy and Dora will be talking about this all day tomorrow. They are both quite taken with you Gil. I think Dora may even have a slight crush." Gilbert blushed at her words, his natural modesty getting the better of him.
"I have no doubt in a few years, little Dora will be breaking hearts all over Avonlea and beyond," he responded.
"I am sure you're right. She's certainly not as expressive as her brother, but she's an intelligent girl with a big heart."
"I am sure you are a great influence on her, Anne. If she takes after you in any measure, no boy's heart will be safe."
"Gilbert! You are making me out to be some sort of heartbreaker!" Anne feigned offense. Although, what he said wasn't exactly not true.
"Well, Anne, aren't you?" Gilbert continued in his playful tone. "Exactly how many marriage proposals have you turned down now?"
Anne laughed, "Oh you aren't going to make me rehash all that are you?"
Gilbert just looked at her with his wide expressive eyes and she couldn't deny him his fun. "Okay fine, if you must know, if you include yours, the total is five." It amazed her that they were able to talk about his marriage proposal as part of joke. She wasn't sure she liked the implication of that.
"Five!" Gilbert was incredulous! "Anne Shirley, you turned down five proposal?" Gilbert gave out a low whistle. "Geez, I am in good company I guess!" Gilbert didn't notice Anne give a slight shudder at his words.
"Well I only really count four, the fifth was by proxy."
"Proxy? Who proposed to you by proxy?" Gilbert was fascinated.
"Oh I can't tell you Gil, I promised."
"Anne come on, it's me. I promise I will never breath a word to anyone." Gilbert made a cross over his heart to indicate his sincerity to secrecy.
Anne trusted Gilbert implicitly and felt there would be no harm in revealing what happened so long ago. "Okay, fine I will tell you. Jane Andrews proposed on behalf of her brother Billy. It was along time ago. I found the whole thing ridiculous and told Jane absolutely under no circumstances would I marry Billy. And I don't count it because it was never really a proposal." Anne could look back on this particular proposal and laugh a little now.
"Billy Andrews by proxy! That's too much Anne! Was Jane cross with you?"
"I think she had a hint of resentment. But she already knew I would never say yes. She did inform me that Billy probably wouldn't suffer too badly from my rejection because he liked Nettie Blewett pretty well too." Anne remembered the night with clarity. "Although, I should have been the one cross, Jane and Billy Andrews perfectly shattered my dreams of what a marriage proposal would be like."
"Wow, I had no idea. Don't worry Anne, Billy's secret is safe with me." Anne laughed as she remembered wanting to share the story with Diana, but she never did because she was a bit bitter that Diana told everything to Fred. She now realized that was unfair to Diana. She also realized that if she were ever lucky enough to marry Gilbert, she probably wouldn't hesitate to share secrets with him, in fact she just had! "So that counts for four, who was the fifth?" He refused to let her off the hook.
"Oh Gilbert, this one by far the strangest one of all. It was the summer I taught at Valley Road. The neighbors had a hired boy named Sam, who proposed out of the clear blue sky by asking if I would 'hev' him. I had honestly only met him once. He said I had a 'right smart way o'stepping,' what ever that was supposed to mean, and that he didn't 'want no lazy woman!' I, of course, declined!"
At this, Gilbert laughed heartily. He could picture a flustered Anne soundly declining a ridiculous proposal from a ridiculous man. By this time they were walking side by side down the path to the front gate. "Anne, honestly, I really had no idea you were such a heartbreaker! What a trail of broken hearts you have left behind. Just think of how many other men there must have been who never got up the courage to ask! Or are you still hiding a few, perhaps Moody or Fred?" Gilbert was still laughing as she accidently grazed his hand with hers as they walked. In response to her touch, he gently grabbed the hand by his side as he spoke. He hadn't realized what he had done until he felt himself caress her fingers gently with his thumb.
Anne's heart was in her throat at his familiar touch and she almost couldn't respond to his jest. "Gilbert, you are being ridiculous! Perhaps it is my fate to only be proposed to my men who I can't accept. Although in my defense, other than yours and Roy's proposals, the rest were absolutely absurd. To think I ever gave encouragement to Charlie Sloane!"
"Are you saying you gave encouragement to me?" Gilbert couldn't resist asking.
Anne was flustered by his question and wanted to come back at him with a pithy response, but he continued his infernal distraction with her hand, drawing small circles on her palm with his thumb. If Gilbert had asked Anne her name at that moment, she might not have been able to respond.
Recognizing the effect he was once again having on her, Gilbert gave her a reprieve, "You know what, don't answer that. I am not sure I want to know." Gilbert's tone remained playful and Anne was relieved she was spared supplying an answer she didn't have.
"And don't be too hard on Charlie, Anne. Who can really blame a guy for falling in love with you, encouragement or not?" What started as a joke, turned serious as Gilbert turned to face Anne as they reached the front gate. Anne blushed at his words, thankful for the darkness that hid her face.
Not really thinking about what she was saying until after the words left her mouth, so distracted she was by Gilbert's continued ministrations to her fingers, Anne said, "Perhaps one day I will be lucky enough to get the proposal of my dreams from the man I love."
Gilbert's heart stopped, or at least it felt like it had. Any thought he had of declaring himself then and there vanished in that instant. He wanted to drop down on one knee right then and there more than he had ever wanted anything. But if Anne wanted a perfect proposal he would endeavor to give her one. It wouldn't be rushed in the darkness at the gate of Green Gables. "And when that happens, Anne, what will you do?" he asked breathlessly, almost in a whisper.
Anne took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, "I guess I will do what I have never done before and actually say 'yes'."
She looked directly into his eyes as she spoke and a familiar feeling flooded her stomach. She couldn't place it, but she knew she felt it before. It was as though a veil had lifted from her soul and she stared into her future. Could Gilbert still love her?
Gilbert could say no more, without saying something he was not yet ready to say. After all his years of patient waiting, it was sweet torture to be so close but not yet claim Anne's heart. "I should get going, Anne. Thanks for a lovely evening."
Anne felt the disappointment immediately and her heart sank. But it rose again when Gilbert bent down and bestowed a warm and gentle kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight, Carrots," he whispered softly in her ear. It took all his strength to pull away, but he managed to, although not before his hand gently caressed the spot his lips had just been. With that, Gilbert walked away, leaving Anne standing in the moonlight with the feeling of Gilbert's warm lips on her skin. Anne, who was confused as ever about Gilbert's intentions, could not deny that he must have felt an attraction to her on some level. But did he still love her? And what about Christine? Anne's thought swirled as she walked inside with the memory of Gilbert's lips on her skin. Perhaps there was a chance after all…
Once again, Gilbert had no idea how he arrived home. He had to credit his success with the familiarity of the road, despite the darkness that surrounded him. Thankfully, the almost full moon illuminated the night enough to show the way. But he thought nothing of his surroundings. He thought only of Anne…beautiful, wonderful, intelligent Anne! Seeing her for the first time since he was aware of her feelings was everything he had hoped. Her feelings were in every glance, every smile. Blinded as he was by his fear of a second rejection, Gilbert hadn't allowed himself realize what Anne had been trying to tell him all summer, but for her own fear of rejection, they might already be engaged. Gilbert laughed out loud. It was a fitting situation they were in for a somewhat tumultuous relationship over the years. Gilbert wanted to tell Anne about Christine, he wanted to let her know he was not and would never be engaged to marry anyone but her. But he knew as soon as he did, he would be unable to stop himself from going farther. He would have declared himself then and there, at the gate of Green Gables. Anne had suffered through five disastrous marriage proposals, she deserved one that was done at the right place, at the right time, by the right man. Gilbert was finally that man! He would be the one to hear Anne say her fateful yes. Perhaps he wasn't thinking that Anne would have welcomed his proposal no matter the time or place. But the thought of proposing and then hastily leaving her as night claimed Avonlea was untenable for him. He had waited this long, another day would not harm his suit. And while it never factored into his decision, Gilbert silently contemplated the shoe being on the other foot. For years Anne had held all the cards, while she unintentionally led his heart around on a string. But now, finally she understood the longing he had endured. Finally she understood the pain of believing the person you love was meant for another. Gilbert didn't relish these thoughts, but he realized that they too would strengthen their bond to one another. They both would understand what living without one another meant.
He hoped he left her with enough evidence of his regard that she would be able to discern his intentions. She couldn't possibly be thinking of Christine now! His lips still burned hot from his kiss on Anne's cheek. He started to imagine how he would feel when he finally had the right to claim her lips. The excitement he felt was almost overwhelming. When he finally arrived home, his mother had long been asleep, but his father was up sitting in a chair seemingly waiting for him.
Gilbert could not hide, nor did he care to, the wide grin that played on his mouth as he greeted his father. An answering smiled alighted John Blythe's own lips as he greeted his son, "And how did you find Anne this evening?"
"I found her just as wonderful as always."
"And is there something you need to share with your mother and I?" John asked slyly.
"Not officially, yet. But soon, perhaps maybe even tomorrow. She loves me, Dad! I know it now."
John just nodded slowly, "I thought she just might, Gilbert.
"You'll be happy for us, won't you?"
"Gilbert, nothing could make me happier. Anne has been your dream since you were a boy. I won't say I always thought you would be successful in winning her, especially these past couple years. But I admire you for not giving up on her. You will both be very happy." John Blythe was not an overly emotional man. Through the whole of Gilbert's illness, even when they thought the worst, he shed not a tear. The only thing that held back the floodgates was that he knew if he started, he might not be able to stop. He had to be strong for Caroline. But seeing the smile and happiness in Gilbert's eyes, John blinked back a single tear. It was a tear of relief and happiness. Gilbert had one his battle against death, and now he won the battle for Anne's heart.
Gilbert became similarly emotional as he hugged his father tightly. "Thanks, Dad!"
"Now get some sleep son. I understand you might be having a very big day tomorrow."
Sleep came shockingly easy to Gilbert that night, as it hadn't in a long time. His sleep was mostly dreamless, other than sporadic visions of Anne popping in and out of his subconscious.
He awoke the next morning in eager anticipation; he finally had the courage to try again. It was time to make both their dreams come true. Taking the same path he had hundreds of time before, Gilbert went over what he had wanted to say to Anne. How would he tell just how much she meant to him? Poor Gilbert didn't remember Anne was to go to a wedding today, all he remembered was her trembling at his touch and the way her hair glistened in the moonlight. It wouldn't matter to him if his proposal happened today or the next. He was secure in Anne's love. He had waited eleven years, the difference of twenty-four hours would not likely vex him too greatly. Or perhaps he had reached the end of his seemingly limitless patience…
When Gilbert walked around the porch corner of Green Gables, he came upon Anne sitting on a stone step, her lap full of fabric with a determined look on her face. Gilbert felt almost stupid for thinking it, because he honestly felt it every time he looked at her, that she had never looked so beautiful. He spent a minute taking in her beauty before he broke into her quiet concentration. "I've come to ask you to go for one of our old time rambles through September woods…"
And here I link you back up with "Love Takes up the Glass of Time." I promise there will be an epilogue to this story as well, so I am not quite done yet. Thanks to all for following me so wonderfully on this journey as I wrote this. Your reviews, favorites, and follows were truly what inspired me to keep going!