Chivalrous- A shirbert sTorY

-Chapter 9-

They sat comfortably against the soft wool blanket that lay upon the strands of emerald green grass.

Annes cheeks were still faintly red from the previous events and she couldn't knock off the swarm of butterflies that has overcome her stomach when he held her waist.

She watched silently as Gilbert carefully opened the picnic basket and began to set out the food from within.

Her eyes widened as she saw the perfectly cut sandwiches and the small little cakes that look specially made, one of which had a frosted carrot atop it.

A more furious blush grew on her cheeks as Gilbert gave a her a sly wink when he realised she saw how he decorated it.

He also pulled out two shiny red apples and a slices of cheese.

"Gilbert...." Anne began once Gilbert had finished.

"Yes?" He asked as he casually leaned against his elbows, staring into her eyes.

"This looks splendid, thank you so much." She smiled brightly at him and in return he gave her a heartwarming grin. He was beyond pleased that he had impressed Anne Shirley Cuthbert.

"I don't even know where to begin." Anne muttered as her eyes took in the array of delights. She meant forward slightly to get a closer look.

Gilbert, who was sat to the side of her, wriggled closer towards Anne as he admired her joyous look in pure adoration.

"Here..." he murmured as he picked up a strawberry by its stalk and held it up to her.

His heart nearly flew out of his chest when instead of grabbing it out of his hand, Anne leant forward and took a bite out of it.

Once she had swallowed it, still leaning forward- their faces inches apart, they gazed into one another's eyes.

Gilbert noticed she had a smudge of strawberry on the corner of her mouth, he gently reached one of her thumbs up to her lips and rubbed it off. Both of their faces grew even redder.

Anne let out a giggle and Gilbert's eyes shined as he let out a hearty chuckle. Soon they were in peals of laughter and they had no clue why.

"You have a beautiful laugh Anne...." Gilbert flushed brighter as he smiled cheekily.

Annes eyes widened and her sapphire irises gleamed in happiness.

"Thank you Gilbert..." she smiled nervously.

He nodded before grabbing a sandwich and taking a large bite, munching it down in satisfaction.

Anne delicately picked up the cake with the carrot shape icing.

"Nice detail Blythe." She grinned and shook her head as she stifled a laugh.

"I'm an artist I know." He puffed up his chest as he pretended to bow to a fake audience. They both laughed.

"Maybe I should hit you with a slate again, just to give you a quick reminder." Anne teased.

"It'll just make me fall in love with you all over again."

"Wait.....what?"