Hello all!
I cannot thank you enough for all of your support and reviews of my first story, 'Treasured!' I come to you now with a second story, this being my first attempt at a chapter story that I plan to update weekly. Admittedly, the chapters may be short as I'm still getting the hang of this, but I hope you will enjoy nonetheless! Please let me know what you think in the reviews!
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Lucy Maud Montgomery. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
They were delighting in one of their many picnics that summer. And what a blissful summer it had been; filled with the wonders of Tennyson and Keats, the smell of the woods after a gentle rain, stilling twilights, and, though one of them would not admit how glorious it was- each other.
On this day, as in any other day, he was entranced by the way the sun fiddled with the fiery hues of her hair, and she was secretly mesmerized by the amber flecks in his eyes.
'I can definitely say I called this one,' Gilbert beamed as he passed Anne a glass of lemonade.
Anne rolled her eyes with the greatest exaggeration and giggled. Though she hated to admit when he was right- he was right. 'Oh, my Diana! I still don't think Fred can quite believe his luck at finding such a perfect match right next door!'
'Well,' Gilbert paused, 'I've always believed one can find love close to home,' he finished, steadying a meaningful look at Anne.
She pretended not to notice and fixated on her lemonade. But she couldn't help the familiar warmth that was creeping up and down her body- the one reserved for when Gilbert looked at her like that. She worked to slow the beating of her heart, but a more significant force was taking over, and another thing happened that she couldn't help- her eyes slowly lifted and went to rest on Gilbert's lips, then went to linger on those eyes.
As their gazes connected, Gilbert's breath caught. He had seen glimpses of that look before, the one she believed she hid so well. What bewildered him was that this time, she wasn't looking away. Was that his passion mirrored back at him, or was that just wishful thinking? Those parted lips, that sweet blush on her cheeks, was that for him?
The world grew quiet and slowed as they took each other in.
With hope beating fiercely in his chest, Gilbert moved closer.
At his action, Anne sat straight up. Clearing her throat, she looked away, suddenly very intrigued by the cloth beneath her fingertips.
The spell broken, Gilbert reluctantly shuffled back, disappointed that they would be playing this game yet another day.