Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

XXXII

~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Birthday. A noun. Meaning, a day marking or commemorating the origin, founding, or beginning of something.
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Aunt Josephine and I were still in deep in conversation, discussing the matters of the trust. It's the late afternoon now, the warmth of the cozy living room enveloped us, shielding us from the crisp afternoon air outside. Suddenly, the rhythmic cadence of footsteps approached, and Gilbert's voice cut through our dialogue.

"Sorry to interrupt you two. Ada," he said, a playful tone in his voice, "close your eyes."

I exchanged a puzzled glance with Aunt Josephine before obligingly closing my eyes. The world plunged into darkness, and the sound of rustling fabric reached my ears.

"Don't peek now," Gilbert teased, his fingers gently securing a blindfold around my eyes. The world became a symphony of muffled sounds, and I felt a gentle tug on my arm as he guided me toward the door.

"Where are we going?" I asked, a sense of anticipation tingling in the air.

"It's a surprise," he replied, his voice full of excitement. "Just trust me."

Guided by Gilbert's steady hand, I navigated the threshold of the door, stepping into the cool night air. The scents of winter and wood smoke enveloped me as I stood on the threshold of the unknown. My heart quickened, curiosity mixing with the thrill of the unexpected.

"Okay, Ada, open your eyes."

With a hint of hesitation, I lifted the blindfold, allowing the world to flood back into view. The first thing I noticed was the soft glow of lanterns, and as my vision adjusted, I saw the flickering flames of a bonfire dancing in the backyard. The warm hues of amber and gold illuminated the scene, revealing the faces of friends and familiar neighbors gathered beneath the willow tree.

A gasp escaped my lips as the surprise unfolded before me. The willow tree, adorned with lanterns, stood as a radiant centerpiece. The bonfire crackled with life, inviting laughter and joy.

Aunt Josephine chuckled beside me, evidently pleased by the turn of events. Gilbert wore a triumphant grin, clearly delighted by my reaction. I felt a surge of gratitude for the friends who had gathered to share this special night, and for Gilbert.

He took my hand, leading me toward the heart of the gathering. The crackling bonfire cast shadows that danced along with the lively tunes of a fiddler nestled in the corner. Laughter and merriment filled the air as familiar faces turned toward us, their eyes sparkling with shared joy.

"Happy birthday, Ada!" echoed the chorus as the gathered friends greeted me with smiles and well-wishes. The surprise party unfolded seamlessly, a tapestry woven with the threads of laughter, shared stories, and the flickering glow of the bonfire.

Aunt Josephine, beaming with delight, embraced me warmly. "Gilbert put a lot of effort into making this a special night for you, my dear. It warms my heart to see such love and care."

I turned to Gilbert, who stood beside me, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the bonfire. "Thank you," I whispered, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness he had poured into this celebration.

His smile widened. "Happy birthday, Ada Faye," he said, his voice carrying a depth of emotion that resonated with the flickering firelight.

Under the willow tree's graceful branches, someone had set up a rustic table adorned with an array of delectable treats—sweets, cakes, and warm beverages. The air carried the inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked goods, adding to the festive ambiance.