Long Distance Love Letters

Something Resembling Lemonade

Life went on.

It was difficult at first for the whole community, but somehow, everyone was able to keep living.

This was even true for Anne and Marilla. They would love and miss their beloved Matthew always, but they knew how much he would want them to be happy, so, with the help of Gilbert, Bash, Miss Stacey, and an ever-growing Delphine, they tried their best. Jeannie even came one day and cried with the women.

Anne's and Gilbert's studies began almost immediately. Anne did most of her work at night considering she was with Miss Stacey for a good majority of the day. As for Gilbert, he spent much more time on his studies than his wife due to his major, but he still found time to head up and see Dr. Ward occasionally to resume his apprenticeship.

And through all of this, the couple still made time to spend together. They spent most weekends exploring the woods like they used to during their courtship and engagement.

They managed to find happiness again.

•••

Anne had just come home from her day at work and was cuddling with her husband on the couch when Marilla walked in, an odd smile playing on her lips.

"Marilla?" Gilbert asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Oh, yes," she answered in her usual Marilla way. "I just have a surprise for you both."

Anne furrowed her eyebrows together in confusion. "What is it?"

"Come with me," Marilla simply said before walking out.

Anne and Gilbert shared a bewildered look before standing and following her.

At her request, they climbed into the carriage that was waiting for them outside. Together, the three rode out of Green Gables.

Gilbert put his arm around Anne and kissed her temple as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Where are we going?" Anne asked, quite confused.

"I can't tell you yet," she answered, unnaturally giddy.

Finally, they arrived at a quaint yet very pretty house.

Anne looked over at Marilla. "Whose house is this?"

Marilla smiled. "Yours."

Suddenly, for once in her life, Anne was speechless.

"But, Marilla, what about you?" Gilbert asked, clearly also in shock.

She waved off the question. "I will be fine. Besides, the two of you deserve your own home. Your own house of dreams."

Anne felt tears come to her eyes as she looked over at her mother.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Marilla smiled for a moment before saying, "Well, go on and take a look around."

Anne and Gilbert climbed out of the carriage and walked up to the front door.

"I can't believe this is our new home," Anne said softly.

Gilbert smiled and opened the door. Before Anne could walk in, however, he swooped her up into his arms, making Anne squeal.

"What are you doing?" she asked in surprise.

"Carrying my wife over the threshold," he replied cheekily.

Anne giggled as he set her down in the foyer. They grew silent as they looked around their new home.

"Wow," Anne breathed as Gilbert wrapped his arms around her from behind.

The house was nothing extraordinary: 1 story with a small kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, a bathroom, and two bedrooms. It was much smaller than Green Gables. But it was cozy and gave off a home-ish vibe.

Anne smiled as she pictured her and Gilbert cuddled up in the living room at night, the fireplace crackling happily and her heart filled with bliss.

The couple toured the house, falling more and more in love with it. Finally, they reached the bedroom that would be theirs.

"I love it," Gilbert commented softly.

Anne smiled. "I do, too."

He moved to stand in front of her and took her hands in his before kissing them.

"Welcome home, Anne," he said happily.

Anne's smile softened. "I've been home for a long time now."

At her husband's confused gaze, she pulled him in and pressed her lips against his.

———
AN: hey guys! i'm soooo sorry it took me so long to update! i've been having some health problems that have kinda been taking up a lot of my time 😂

got my chapter title from this is us again lol