Long Time Coming pt. 2
"Good afternoon Josie," Gilbert greeted her politely.
"Good afternoon Josie," Gilbert greeted her politely. Anne did her best not to glare and as she wordlessly looked at Josie.
"Gilbert, are you sure you want to marry her?" Gilbert glanced down at his fiancée and smiled.
"Positive," he replied, putting an arm around her shoulders and giving her a slight squeeze.
"Well then, I'd like to offer my congratulations. Can we put this childish behavior behind us?"
"I think it's about time. Anne?"
"Yes," she answered almost reluctantly, not because she wanted to remain childish, but because she was not sure of Josie's motives. While she had ultimate faith in Gilbert, she was not sure what Josie was capable of, nor what thoughts she entertained.
"I don't trust her," Anne said when Josie was out of hearing distance.
"Don't worry about her. I wouldn't have stayed long with her even if you hadn't come around. She's just a jealous old cat."
"Do you mind if we make a stop at the graveyard?"
"Not at all."
The couple sat down at Matthew's gravestone.
"I wish you were walking me the down the aisle," Anne whispered tearfully. "You were the closest thing to a father that I can remember having." Gilbert took her girlish hand into his. She laid her head on his shoulder. He placed his cheek upon her head. "It's not going to be the same without you, but at least I'll have the groom of my dreams. And I know you'll be watching from Heaven. I still remember being a young girl and talking with you about how much I hated Gilbert Blythe." Gilbert could not help but chuckle. "Oh how wrong I was. I'd rather have his as a lover than an enemy any day."
"Thank you," Gilbert whispered, kicking himself as soon as he had said it for interrupting Anne's time. She gave no response but to squeeze his hand. He lightly kissed the top of her head.
"Marilla's going to walk me down the aisle, since I can find no one else more fitting. It may not be the wedding I dreamed out, but. . .I know it will hold it's own magic. Things like that always do. And besides, I'll be with the people I love most dearly. Wow, I can't believe I'm going to be getting married soon. I don't feel old enough and yet. . .I do feel a sense of readiness. I feel it every time I look at Gil. I'm sure we'll fight like cats, but in the end, I'll never regret it. I know I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with him." Gilbert could not help but smile.
"Okay, I'm ready," Anne said after a silent moment, turning towards Gilbert.
"So I'm the groom of your dreams, eh?" Anne laughed.
"You might not be the carbon copy of the man of my dreams, but how I feel about you is more than I even dreamt about."
"Do you regret not marrying the man of your dreams?"
"You're so much more than he could ever be."
"I'm glad, because I would hate to think that your dreams weren't fulfilled."
"We all have to have some unfulfilled dreams. What else would we have left to dream about?"
"Okay, but I think who you're marrying should be a fulfilled dream. What love feels like should be a fulfilled dream."
"Fair enough," Anne answered, with a laugh. "So, am I the girl of your dreams?"
"You have no idea."
"So you've always dreamt about marrying a redhead?"
"I didn't really dream about marriage until I met you."
"The exact moment you met me, you dreamt of marriage?"
"No. You know what I meant," Gilbert laughed, playfully swatting his fiancée.
"Gilbert Blythe, hitting the girls again," Anne said in mock disappointment.
"Yeah, but this time I can make up for it."
"Oh how so?" Gilbert stopped walking, and pulled Anne toward him so he could kiss her.
"Yes, yes I think that would make up for it. Just try not to use that trick too often," Anne replied with a wink.
"Oh, I can handle you. If I can handle having a slate broken over my head, I can handle anything."
"I love being with you Sweetheart, but I'm pretty sure we're late for lunch."
"Race you back!" Gilbert challenged. Before she could react, he ran as hard as he could for the Green Gables front fence.
"Gilbert! Where's Anne?" But before he could get a word out, Anne came into view.
"Cheater!" she shouted at him.
"Anne, you're late for lunch. I hope you'll have more sense when you're married.
"I hope she won't." Marilla could not help but smile as she shook her head.
"Will you be having lunch with us?"
"I'd love to, but I should be getting home. Thank you for the offer."
"Bye Gil."
"Bye Anne." He snuck a quick kiss before leaving.
Before anyone knew it, the day of the wedding came.
"How do you feel Gilbert?" his mother asked helping him tie his tie.
"Nervous. With a bit of excitement."
"Perfectly normal. No regrets?"
"No regrets."
"You're growing up so quick! I can hardly believe it."
"I'm taller than you now."
"Don't push it if you want to live to see your marriage." Gilbert only smiled playfully as his mother.
"I'm proud of you, son."
"Thank you Mom. That means a lot to me."
"You look very handsome." Just then a knock came at his door, and his father came into the room.
"You doing okay, Gilbert?"
"Yes. Extremely nervous, but okay."
"It's funny that we're nervous when we're about to get married. I mean, we're already engaged. What is there to be nervous about?" Anne asked as Diana, Marilla and Mrs. Sommers helped her get ready.
"I know I was nervous because engagement isn't the big step that marriage is. That's the sign you're completely on your own, and you have many more responsibilities."
"My husban' told me he was a-worried that he wouldn’t be good 'nough for me and that I'd regret a-marryin' him," Mrs. Sommers said, a nostalgic smile on her face.
Anne had her own smile, and Diana knew why.
"Is that what Gilbert's thinking?" Diana teased.
"I wouldn't be surprised."
"It seems so ludicrous that you're marrying Gilbert Blythe."
"Do you approve of him now?" Anne teased Marilla.
"Yes, you blessed girl. I was just bitter towards him. The more I saw him grow and the more I saw you two together I knew you two were meant to be. I'd be disappointed if you didn't marry him. You two are making up for the mistake I made with John. You're lucky he held on like he did."
"This whole town would be disappointed if they didn’t marry!" Diana added.
"Anne Blythe," Anne said aloud, unable to prevent herself from smiling as she did so. Diana too had a glimmer in her eyes.
"And you told me you didn't like him," Diana teased. Anne shrugged laughing.
"How do I look?"
"Gilbert's lucky he's marrying you, because I don't think he would be able to handle it if you looked like that for another man."
"Anne, here, I have something for you." Marilla clasped a gold locket around her neck. Anne opened it up, and noticed pictures of Matthew and Marilla.
"Oh Marilla," was all she managed to say before the tears started to come. Marilla gave her a quick hug before saying,
"Now, now you don't want red eyes for your wedding. Besides, tears aren't lucky at weddings." Anne quickly dried them.
"They're signaling that they're ready for you," Diana said from the window.
"Everyone sure I look okay?"
"Youse be the bride of everyone's dreams," Mrs. Sommers said in reassurance.
"Especially Gilbert's," Diana added, a playful glimmer in her eyes.
Walking towards Gilbert, Anne could not help but feel giddy. She was going to be married to him in only a matter of time. She could not have dreamt up anyone more perfect than him. He looked so handsome, so perfect, standing there waiting for her. She could not help but grin as she walked up to him. He could not help but to grin back.
She was beautiful. She was beyond beautiful. She was going to be his wife. There had been a day when he thought such a thing was impossible. And now. . .now he could only desperately hope it was not a dream. Anne Shirley was about to vow to become Anne Blythe. He had dreamt of this day for so long. And now, now it was finally becoming real.
"The couple has chosen to write their own vows."
"Anne. . .you are everything I could ever want in a wife. I know that I can face anything now with you by my side. I can't believe we're finally doing this. I'm so glad you changed your mind about me. You are the most wonderful woman. I can't picture myself marrying anyone but you. This is real, right? This isn't just a dream? I love you so much. I hope you know that." Anne had tears in her eyes as she laughed.
"Yes, this is real. I grew up thinking dreams did not often come true. Then all of a sudden all of my dreams started coming true. I almost made a mistake and married Roy. I'm so glad I didn't. He couldn't have made me as happy as you do and will. I've never loved anyone as I love you. You are my strength. I don't know how I ever thought I could live without you. I may have broken a slate over your head, but I hope I never will again break your heart. I love you too. You truly are my knight, even if you don't wear shining armor."
"Well, if you can find some. . ." Gilbert teased, causing everyone to laugh. Reverend Allan gave his blessing and it was with giddiness that the newly married couple heard,
"I know present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Blythe. You may now kiss the bride." Gilbert raised her veil and gently kissed her lips. He then wiped the tears of happiness from her cheeks unaware that he too had began crying until with giggles, Anne wiped his tears.
They stood outside of their new house looking at each other.
"This is it," Anne said.
"This is it," Gilbert agreed. He swept her into his arms and like many newly married men, he carried her across the threshold and up the stairs to their bedroom. He looked at her with all his love showing in his eyes. He cupped her cheek and gently kissed her lips. When he began to pull away, she caught his shirt and pulled him towards her, leaning back until she laid on the bed and he was on top of her. This was their moment. They had both worked for so long and so hard to get to this moment and it was now upon them. They both wanted to enjoy it as long and as thoroughly as possible. As Gilbert laid a series of small kisses on her neck, Anne sighed, her eyes closed, a smile upon her lips and the words "Thank you" in her mind.
"Good afternoon Josie," Gilbert greeted her politely. Anne did her best not to glare and as she wordlessly looked at Josie.
"Gilbert, are you sure you want to marry her?" Gilbert glanced down at his fiancée and smiled.
"Positive," he replied, putting an arm around her shoulders and giving her a slight squeeze.
"Well then, I'd like to offer my congratulations. Can we put this childish behavior behind us?"
"I think it's about time. Anne?"
"Yes," she answered almost reluctantly, not because she wanted to remain childish, but because she was not sure of Josie's motives. While she had ultimate faith in Gilbert, she was not sure what Josie was capable of, nor what thoughts she entertained.
"I don't trust her," Anne said when Josie was out of hearing distance.
"Don't worry about her. I wouldn't have stayed long with her even if you hadn't come around. She's just a jealous old cat."
"Do you mind if we make a stop at the graveyard?"
"Not at all."
The couple sat down at Matthew's gravestone.
"I wish you were walking me the down the aisle," Anne whispered tearfully. "You were the closest thing to a father that I can remember having." Gilbert took her girlish hand into his. She laid her head on his shoulder. He placed his cheek upon her head. "It's not going to be the same without you, but at least I'll have the groom of my dreams. And I know you'll be watching from Heaven. I still remember being a young girl and talking with you about how much I hated Gilbert Blythe." Gilbert could not help but chuckle. "Oh how wrong I was. I'd rather have his as a lover than an enemy any day."
"Thank you," Gilbert whispered, kicking himself as soon as he had said it for interrupting Anne's time. She gave no response but to squeeze his hand. He lightly kissed the top of her head.
"Marilla's going to walk me down the aisle, since I can find no one else more fitting. It may not be the wedding I dreamed out, but. . .I know it will hold it's own magic. Things like that always do. And besides, I'll be with the people I love most dearly. Wow, I can't believe I'm going to be getting married soon. I don't feel old enough and yet. . .I do feel a sense of readiness. I feel it every time I look at Gil. I'm sure we'll fight like cats, but in the end, I'll never regret it. I know I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with him." Gilbert could not help but smile.
"Okay, I'm ready," Anne said after a silent moment, turning towards Gilbert.
"So I'm the groom of your dreams, eh?" Anne laughed.
"You might not be the carbon copy of the man of my dreams, but how I feel about you is more than I even dreamt about."
"Do you regret not marrying the man of your dreams?"
"You're so much more than he could ever be."
"I'm glad, because I would hate to think that your dreams weren't fulfilled."
"We all have to have some unfulfilled dreams. What else would we have left to dream about?"
"Okay, but I think who you're marrying should be a fulfilled dream. What love feels like should be a fulfilled dream."
"Fair enough," Anne answered, with a laugh. "So, am I the girl of your dreams?"
"You have no idea."
"So you've always dreamt about marrying a redhead?"
"I didn't really dream about marriage until I met you."
"The exact moment you met me, you dreamt of marriage?"
"No. You know what I meant," Gilbert laughed, playfully swatting his fiancée.
"Gilbert Blythe, hitting the girls again," Anne said in mock disappointment.
"Yeah, but this time I can make up for it."
"Oh how so?" Gilbert stopped walking, and pulled Anne toward him so he could kiss her.
"Yes, yes I think that would make up for it. Just try not to use that trick too often," Anne replied with a wink.
"Oh, I can handle you. If I can handle having a slate broken over my head, I can handle anything."
"I love being with you Sweetheart, but I'm pretty sure we're late for lunch."
"Race you back!" Gilbert challenged. Before she could react, he ran as hard as he could for the Green Gables front fence.
"Gilbert! Where's Anne?" But before he could get a word out, Anne came into view.
"Cheater!" she shouted at him.
"Anne, you're late for lunch. I hope you'll have more sense when you're married.
"I hope she won't." Marilla could not help but smile as she shook her head.
"Will you be having lunch with us?"
"I'd love to, but I should be getting home. Thank you for the offer."
"Bye Gil."
"Bye Anne." He snuck a quick kiss before leaving.
Before anyone knew it, the day of the wedding came.
"How do you feel Gilbert?" his mother asked helping him tie his tie.
"Nervous. With a bit of excitement."
"Perfectly normal. No regrets?"
"No regrets."
"You're growing up so quick! I can hardly believe it."
"I'm taller than you now."
"Don't push it if you want to live to see your marriage." Gilbert only smiled playfully as his mother.
"I'm proud of you, son."
"Thank you Mom. That means a lot to me."
"You look very handsome." Just then a knock came at his door, and his father came into the room.
"You doing okay, Gilbert?"
"Yes. Extremely nervous, but okay."
"It's funny that we're nervous when we're about to get married. I mean, we're already engaged. What is there to be nervous about?" Anne asked as Diana, Marilla and Mrs. Sommers helped her get ready.
"I know I was nervous because engagement isn't the big step that marriage is. That's the sign you're completely on your own, and you have many more responsibilities."
"My husban' told me he was a-worried that he wouldn’t be good 'nough for me and that I'd regret a-marryin' him," Mrs. Sommers said, a nostalgic smile on her face.
Anne had her own smile, and Diana knew why.
"Is that what Gilbert's thinking?" Diana teased.
"I wouldn't be surprised."
"It seems so ludicrous that you're marrying Gilbert Blythe."
"Do you approve of him now?" Anne teased Marilla.
"Yes, you blessed girl. I was just bitter towards him. The more I saw him grow and the more I saw you two together I knew you two were meant to be. I'd be disappointed if you didn't marry him. You two are making up for the mistake I made with John. You're lucky he held on like he did."
"This whole town would be disappointed if they didn’t marry!" Diana added.
"Anne Blythe," Anne said aloud, unable to prevent herself from smiling as she did so. Diana too had a glimmer in her eyes.
"And you told me you didn't like him," Diana teased. Anne shrugged laughing.
"How do I look?"
"Gilbert's lucky he's marrying you, because I don't think he would be able to handle it if you looked like that for another man."
"Anne, here, I have something for you." Marilla clasped a gold locket around her neck. Anne opened it up, and noticed pictures of Matthew and Marilla.
"Oh Marilla," was all she managed to say before the tears started to come. Marilla gave her a quick hug before saying,
"Now, now you don't want red eyes for your wedding. Besides, tears aren't lucky at weddings." Anne quickly dried them.
"They're signaling that they're ready for you," Diana said from the window.
"Everyone sure I look okay?"
"Youse be the bride of everyone's dreams," Mrs. Sommers said in reassurance.
"Especially Gilbert's," Diana added, a playful glimmer in her eyes.
Walking towards Gilbert, Anne could not help but feel giddy. She was going to be married to him in only a matter of time. She could not have dreamt up anyone more perfect than him. He looked so handsome, so perfect, standing there waiting for her. She could not help but grin as she walked up to him. He could not help but to grin back.
She was beautiful. She was beyond beautiful. She was going to be his wife. There had been a day when he thought such a thing was impossible. And now. . .now he could only desperately hope it was not a dream. Anne Shirley was about to vow to become Anne Blythe. He had dreamt of this day for so long. And now, now it was finally becoming real.
"The couple has chosen to write their own vows."
"Anne. . .you are everything I could ever want in a wife. I know that I can face anything now with you by my side. I can't believe we're finally doing this. I'm so glad you changed your mind about me. You are the most wonderful woman. I can't picture myself marrying anyone but you. This is real, right? This isn't just a dream? I love you so much. I hope you know that." Anne had tears in her eyes as she laughed.
"Yes, this is real. I grew up thinking dreams did not often come true. Then all of a sudden all of my dreams started coming true. I almost made a mistake and married Roy. I'm so glad I didn't. He couldn't have made me as happy as you do and will. I've never loved anyone as I love you. You are my strength. I don't know how I ever thought I could live without you. I may have broken a slate over your head, but I hope I never will again break your heart. I love you too. You truly are my knight, even if you don't wear shining armor."
"Well, if you can find some. . ." Gilbert teased, causing everyone to laugh. Reverend Allan gave his blessing and it was with giddiness that the newly married couple heard,
"I know present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Blythe. You may now kiss the bride." Gilbert raised her veil and gently kissed her lips. He then wiped the tears of happiness from her cheeks unaware that he too had began crying until with giggles, Anne wiped his tears.
They stood outside of their new house looking at each other.
"This is it," Anne said.
"This is it," Gilbert agreed. He swept her into his arms and like many newly married men, he carried her across the threshold and up the stairs to their bedroom. He looked at her with all his love showing in his eyes. He cupped her cheek and gently kissed her lips. When he began to pull away, she caught his shirt and pulled him towards her, leaning back until she laid on the bed and he was on top of her. This was their moment. They had both worked for so long and so hard to get to this moment and it was now upon them. They both wanted to enjoy it as long and as thoroughly as possible. As Gilbert laid a series of small kisses on her neck, Anne sighed, her eyes closed, a smile upon her lips and the words "Thank you" in her mind.