Long Distance Love Letters

Just Married

As Anne joyously ran into the already-boisterous reception with Gilbert to thunderous applause and cheer, she could still confidently say that she was in shock.

She was married. She was actually married.

Mrs. Blythe. The name made her want to smile like Cheshire Cat.

Her and Gilbert had gotten to spend a few minutes alone together while they got ready for the reception, however most of them were spent in shocked yet love-filled silence. At one point while she was putting her hair up, Gilbert leaned over and kissed her cheek, making her heart light up.

Her sweet husband.

The newlyweds turned as Marilla and Matthew were the first to approach them.

"Congratulations," Marilla said warmly, hugging them both.

She pulled away and Gilbert smiled, taking Anne's hand. "Thank you, Marilla."

Matthew came over and hugged Anne, kissing her on the cheek. He then shook Gilbert's hand and the two walked off.

They spent a little longer chatting with their guests, including a lengthy conversation with Diana, Ruby, and Moody, before Rachel's booming voice settled the noise.

"Now that the bride and groom have arrived and settled in, it is time for their first dance!"

Gilbert and Anne shared a smile and he lead her out onto the dance floor as "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" began to fill the room. (ok ik this song was written in 1910 and it's only 1900 but it was their wedding song in the book i think so i'm using it anyway)

Gilbert pulled her close and Anne rested her head on his shoulder as they began to sway back and forth. Neither of them had ever been incredible dancers, but at that moment, they didn't care. All that mattered was each other.

As Anne stared up at him, she almost had to do a double take. She couldn't believe she was actually dancing with her husband.

Her husband. Thrill shot through her body every time that word popped into her head.

"I love you," she whispered to him.

He smiled and rested his forehead against hers. "I love you more."

She giggled as he pulled her closer. Typically, she would be hyperaware of everyone watching her, but at times like these, she became enchanted. Everything, especially concepts like time and space, would fade away and she would be surrounded by Gilbert, by love.

She could not wait to be enchanted for the rest of her life.

•••

Later that night, Anne sat at table reserved for the bride and groom and their families, an amused smile playing on her lips. The boys, who had all become a little bit intoxicated, were dancing together, clearly having the time of their lives.

The alcohol had been brought out shortly after Anne and Gilbert cut the cake. However, instead of feeding a piece to him, Anne had pranked him by shoving a whole piece into his face. He was shocked, but he got his revenge pretty quickly by doing the same thing to her. They had laughed for a bit before sharing a sweet, cake-covered kiss.

As Anne watched her husband laughing, Marilla leaned over.

"Boys will be boys," she stated comically. "Even when they become husbands. Don't you ever forget that."

Anne watched Marilla for a moment. "Can I ask you something?"

Marilla turned to Anne with a curious yet welcoming expression.

Anne exhaled, hoping the question wouldn't be too personal. "Do ever regret not...becoming a Blythe?"

Marilla was silent for a moment, considering the question, before finally answering.

"I suppose I used to," she said, a wistful tone to her voice. "But, I have now grown to believe that everything happens for a reason. Though I miss John and will always cherish the moments I spent with him, if I had married him, I most likely never would have gotten you. And you and Gilbert never would have found each other. So no, I no longer regret it."

She put a hand on Anne's cheek, making the newlywed smile with tears in her eyes.

Marilla smiled. "Anne Shirley-Cuthbert Blythe."

Anne giggled, wiping away a tear. "It has a certain ring to it, don't you agree?"

Marilla nodded. "I do."

Anne smiled, looking back at the boys. Gilbert turned and the two made eye contact before sharing a loving smile.

•••

At the end of the reception, night had fallen and everyone gathered outside to say goodbye to Anne and Gilbert as they head off to their honeymoon.

Anne was very excited for the honeymoon. She and Gilbert had found a beautiful hotel that was right on the beach with some highly reviewed restaurants surrounding it. And, to the couple's surprise, Matthew and Marilla insisted on paying for the whole thing.

Anne and Gilbert walked out to the crowd, receiving tons of congratulatory applause.

Gilbert went over to talk to Bash while Diana came over and hugged Anne.

"Thank you again for packing for me, Diana," Anne said to her bosom friend.

Diana smiled and waved it off. "Please. It's not as if I was going to let you pack. You would forget at least 10 things."

The girls laughed for a bit before Diana sobered, looking at Anne fondly.

"It's interesting to look back on the times where you were so nervous about getting married, and you beat me to it."

Anne chuckled. "That still shocks me. I know you won't be too far behind me."

Diana shrugged. "We'll see. Anyway, have fun!"

They hugged again and she walked off.

After saying goodbye to Marilla and Matthew, Anne joined Gilbert and the two got in their carriage.

As they pulled away, they waved goodbye to their cheering guests.

Once they were out of sight, Anne smiled and gave a contented sigh as Gilbert wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.

•••

After finally arriving at the hotel, an employee escorted them up to their room as the newlyweds looked around in amazement. Both of them had always lived humble lives; neither of them were used to being spoiled like this.

The employee opened their door for them before leaving. Anne could tell that he was exhausted.

Anne set her luggage down by the door as she looked around. The room was beautiful. The walls were tinted a calming purple and decorated with pictures of seashells. They had small balcony that overlooked the dark ocean that Anne couldn't wait to drink her morning tea on.

She walked over to the bed, smiling as she saw a pillow that read "Mr. and Mrs." This truly was a dream.

"It's so pretty here," Anne said softly.

She turned to see that Gilbert was standing by the still open door, watching her with eyes full of love. "It is," he agreed.

She gazed at him for a moment before smiling and softly sitting down on the bed, holding his gaze.

He smiled back and closed the door.

———
AN: decided to give y'all another longer chapter to make up for how long it took 😁❤️