Anne with an E The Next Chapter

Celebrations

"I can't believe this... we're married" Anne said to Gilbert as they rode away on a horse drawn buggy. It had been decorated with flowers, bows and greenery in the most elaborate and spectacular way. It was a surprise from Diana and Jerry who had spent part of the previous night decorating it. Jerry didn't have any plans at all with his father, he just wanted to make sure they had enough time to make it beautiful and fit for Anne.

"I can't believe it either. I thought we'd never get here. Last year when I proposed it seemed like a lifetime away and here we are now" he said with a laugh. To Anne, Gilbert seemed content and relaxed and this was the way she loved him best. She leaned over and kissed him affectionately.

They rode down the old lane toward the barn followed by their guests and family members and Anne felt a genuine warmth emanating from her. She could never have believed it but it was true and she suddenly didn't feel the need to pinch herself anymore. She sat comfortably in a place where she knew her life was set, as it was meant to be. She didn't need much, just a warm house, the love of a good man and the people she loved in her life. For Gilbert, it was the love and support of a bright woman who was his intellectual match.

When they reached the barn, a beautiful glow came from the open doors and many people were already filling in. A soft sound of a guitar played somewhere in the distance and a warm breeze rustled through the trees. Anne and Gilbert rushed to the door to meet the rest of the guests before the came in.

Mrs. Lynde gave Anne a bear hug and told her she was the prettiest bride she'd ever seen. "That beautiful red hair of yours is so flattering against that incredible dress. I think we did well...didn't we" she said looking Anne over.

"We sure did Mrs. Lynde. I'm so happy you were a part of it all. Thank you for your support and friendship. Now go on in and have a wonderful afternoon."

Anne and Gilbert greeted each and every guest with enthusiasm. There had been such joy and companionship to get to where they were today and giving everyone a warm handshake or a few words of appreciation was important to them. They stood side by side, as they had for years, each of them two great pillars of strength, hard work and kindness. It was a joy seeing them united as one for all of their friends and family.

A lunch of pastries, sandwiches, mini tarts, fresh salads, fruits and vegetable platters overflowed the lunch table. The decorations, food and punch made it all look like a giant feast meant for royalty. As the bride and groom took their seats, Bash stood up at the front to say a few words of welcome.

"It is a great honor for me to be the first to speak a few words for this lovely couple who have become like family for Muriel, Delli and I. For those of you who don't know, I met Gilbert a few short years ago. I saw this scrawny white boy in a sea of working men and wondered how he had landed on this ship that felt like a burning inferno to me. I admit, I was skeptical about him, but he worked hard everyday and,  over time, he became my greatest companion. Back then he was writing letters to a girl back home and I knew he loved her before he even did. I knew it because I could see the awe and respect in his eyes, and if you have that from Gilbert, you know you have his heart.  I felt blessed to be called home by him. To be true, I had never known such kindness from another human being. When Gilbert asked me to come here to Avonlea, I thought I had landed on an angel's wings, but I had no idea how he would change my life. It's through Gilbert that I met the lovely Mary, my late wife. It's because of that meeting that we had our precious Delphine. It's through him that I met all of you. Eventually, I would come to see that he would stand by me in my greatest joys and deepest sorrows and back again. It's with him that I earned a new home and it's also because of him that I met my wife Muriel and eventually, our new baby who we are eagerly awaiting. You see, anything good in my life happened because of my relationship with Gilbert Blythe. I feel I've been truly and immeasurably blessed in my life because I know him." He turned to Gilbert and raised his glass "My brother, thank you for honoring me everyday with respect and friendship."