Cordelia Marilla

C.M.B.

Anne's screams filled the house as birth got closer and closer. Everything needed was set up and Marilla sat behind her daughter, cradling her head in her lap.

When Gilbert finally burst through the front door, Marilla sighed and started crying in relief.

"Hurry!" She urged. "She's close."

Without a word, Gilbert sat down at the other end of the woman who held such a special place in his heart.

"Anne," he spoke to her and only her. "You need to breathe. You are brave, you are strong."

"It hurts!" She shrieked, grasping Marilla's hand tighter.

"I know it does, love, but it'll be over in a few minutes." Gilbert stood and ran to the wash bin, where he disinfected his hands. When he turned back around, Anne had a strange sort of peace on her face, a large contrast than a minute before. "Anne?"

She looked at him and smiled weakly, sweat glistening on her forehead, her gorgeous red hair sticking to her scalp.

She was the most beautiful Gilbert had ever seen her.

"Are you ready?"

Her face set, she nodded.

Gilbert took a deep breath, not able to wait a moment longer to see his child, and went back to his wife.

***

"She's gorgeous," is all Marilla could say, and Gilbert wasn't sure if she was talking about his wife or his daughter.

"She sure is," he agreed, talking about both.

Anne was taking a well-deserved rest and, cradled in Gilbert's strong arms, was their daughter; little Cordelia Marilla Blythe.

When they announced the name to the new grandmother, she burst into tears, hugging both of them tightly before leaving them to soak the cloths that had been used.

The couple had two names prepared; one if it was a girl, and another for a boy. Had Cordelia turned out to be male, he would be John William Blythe, named after both of their fathers.

But Gilbert couldn't be more joyful than he was now, Anne by his side and Cordelia in his arms. He felt such explicit love for the two ladies in his life that suddenly he felt unsure.

Sure, he had assisted in multiple childbirths, but never had he had to care for a child before. He would rely mostly on Anne while he learned. They both agreed to be co-parents. They were already equal when it was just the two of them, there was no reason why that shouldn't carry on into their children's lives as well.

After about a half an hour, Cordelia started to fuss, and Gilbert knew she was hungry so, with great guilt, he woke Anne and reluctantly handed her over, his arms painstakingly cold after she was gone.

Gilbert stood and walked into the kitchen where Marilla was sweeping the teacup shards into a dustpan.

"Thank you for everything," Gilbert said, getting three intact cups and starting the tea kettle.

"It should be more me thanking you," Marilla chuckled. "You've made me a grandmother."

"And what a wonderful one you will be."

She flushed and engulfed him in an embrace. When she finally pulled away, he noticed a tear spill out of the corner of her eye, but decided to keep quiet about it.

"Gil?" A soft voice calls from the other room, and, with the signature tip of his hat, he exits the kitchen to dote on his remarkable wife.

And from that day on, their future began.