Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

LXXI

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Betrothal. A noun, meaning formal
engagement to be married.
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The day before the wedding dawned with clear skies and a gentle breeze, perfect for an outdoor celebration. I have been busy since this morning, meticulously setting up the wedding shower under the sprawling branches of the Willow Tree, just a stone's throw away from where the wedding would take place tomorrow morning.

With the help of Gilbert, Diana, Anne, and a few other friends and family members, I have transformed the area into a charming and cozy setup. White lace tablecloths adorned the tables, delicately arranged bouquets of wildflowers graced each centerpiece, and colorful paper lanterns swayed gently in the breeze.

As the afternoon approached, guests began to arrive, greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly brewed tea and an array of delectable treats spread out on tiered cake stands. Soft chatter filled the air as friends and family mingled, sharing stories and laughter.

"I can't believe they're getting married tomorrow." Diana says as she and Anne assist me.

"It's going to be so romantical." Anne sighs dreamily.

I take in a deep breath. "Truthfully I can't wait for it to be over with." I rub my grumbling belly. "I also can't wait for them to arrive so that I may eat."

The girls laugh and Aunt Jo strolls up to the dessert table. "My, you girls have outdone yourselves once again."

"Thanks, Jo." I offer her a macaroon which she gladly takes. "I think they will love it— the party that is." I snicker.

Gilbert runs down the hill, nearly knocking me down. "They're here." He huffs out making me laugh. I brush his messy hair down and kiss his cheek. I turn to face the guests and call out, "Places everyone!" to which they sit down.

Daphne and Alexander walk out of the house, their faces lighting up in surprise and delight at the sight of the party. As they get closer I see that Daphne's eyes welled up with tears as she took in the scene.

"Surprise!" We all call out.

"Oh, this is absolutely wonderful," Daphne exclaimed, embracing me warmly. "Thank you so much for organizing this." She looks out to the guests and yells, "And thank you all!"

Alexander hugged me gratefully, his expression mirroring Daphne's. "Thank you."

"Of course, bub." I gave him a tighter hug before releasing him. "Now go interact with our family so I don't have to." I reply making them laugh.

I found a moment to step aside with Anne and Diana. We settled on a blanket under the shade of the willow tree, watching the party continue around us.

"Everything looks beautiful," Diana says, her eyes scanning the decorations. "You really outdid yourself, Ada."

"Thanks, Diana," I replied, smiling. "But we all worked hard on this. It's a team effort."

Anne nodded, her eyes bright with excitement. "It's going to be such a lovely wedding. I can already feel the magic in the air."

I sighed, thinking of the wedding and the future beyond it. "Speaking of the future, how are things going with your plans for college, Diana?"

Diana's smile faltered a bit, and she glanced down at her hands. "My parents still haven't changed their minds."

Anne's face fell in sympathy. "That's so unfair, Diana. You deserve to go just as much as anyone else."

"I know," Diana said softly, her voice tinged with frustration. "But they believe my place is here, getting ready for marriage and helping with the family. They don't see the point in further education for me."