Here is the final installment... Sorry for the time between my last update, July was a crazy month! I picked up at the very end of the chapter...Hope you all enjoy my epilogue. And thank you so much for reading!

"I don't want sunbursts or marble halls. I just want you. You see I am quite as shameless as Phil about it. Sunbursts and marble halls may all be very well, but there is more 'scope for imagination' without them. And as for the waiting, that doesn't matter. We'll just be happy, waiting and working for each other-and dreaming. Oh, dreams will be very sweet now."

At her words, Gilbert could wait no longer. Perhaps it spoke of the bond they shared that until this point they had not shared their first kiss. Or perhaps Gilbert's patience had held out for the perfect moment, when the setting sun was casting a beautiful glow over Anne's face and her hair shimmered in the glorious moments before the sun tucked itself down beyond the trees. He pulled Anne close to him until their bodies were almost touching. He was nervous, feeling that so much rested on this first kiss and it needed to be perfect. But then he again looked into her eyes and saw the love she offered him. His hand trembled only slightly as he gently caressed her cheek. Then, with all the anticipation of a man irrevocably in love, he gently bent down and brushed his lips to hers. Their kiss began gently, but after a few moments it turned into a passionate one that they both had been waiting for their whole lives.

At the touch of his lips to hers, Anne's whole body trembled. Her heart raced and she felt almost dizzy. Her heart was so full she could hardly believe her own happiness. This was the kiss she had waited her whole life for; this was what all the fuss was about. Never had she felt more increasingly annoyed about thinking she ever had felt real love for Roy Gardner. The thought fleeted in and out quickly and she surrendered herself to Gilbert's touch, finally surrendering to the love she had denied for so long.

To Gilbert, kissing Anne was his dream come true. He felt alive and loved. She was so perfect and touching her sent an amazing jolt through his entire body. As their lips danced in a happy rhythm, he gently moved his hands to caress her cheek again and then slowly slid both of them behind her as he pulled her even closer, their bodies now touching.

How long the kiss lasted neither of them could tell as they were lost in each other for a long while as they explored long held desires and dreams with the innocent hope and promise for their future sealed with their first kiss.

When Gilbert finally managed to pull away both of them were breathless. "Anne," he said between ragged breaths, "tell me this is real. Tell me this isn't one of my fevered dreams again."

"It's real Gil!" Anne replied in a whisper as she gently pulled him into another passionate kiss, trying to make sure he knew the reality of her love.

Again they broke apart as Gilbert struggled to hold on to his self-control. He quickly realized that controlling himself when he was unsure of her feelings had been the easy part. Knowing she returned his love and sharing those passionate kisses was already testing his patience in a way he never even allowed himself to consider before.

Anne rested her head on is chest and he held her, both lost in happiness.

"Anne, can I ask you something?"

"Anything, Gil!" she sighed contentedly.

"Would it be okay if I asked Marilla for your hand, for her blessing to marry you?"

At that moment happiness shown on every feature of her face. "Oh, Gilbert of course! Marilla is like a mother to me and I just know she would be so happy to speak to you!"

"Then let's go now, I don't want to waste another minute." Gilbert couldn't say why he was so impatient, just that his honor dictated that she should ask for Anne's hand properly.

Anne laughed at his eagerness as she said, "Gilbert, aren't you forgetting something?"

"And what would that be?" He asked perplexed.

"Well, before you apply to Marilla, don't you think you ought to ask me first?" Anne flashed him a teasing smile as she saw his face fall.

"But, Anne, surely….I…I thought….I mean, I thought we understood each other?" he stammered but quickly remembered that while he had asked if her answer would be different, he never actually asked the question. Panic filled him briefly and he berated himself inwardly… all his thoughts of a perfect proposal had been for nothing. In truth, he had done little else in the last two days but plan out exactly how he would propose to her. He would take her to Hester Gray's garden and he would tell her what was in his heart. It had started out well enough, but the moment she looked at him after he asked if her answer would be different this time, he was rendered quite speechless. Everything he had planned to say left his brain when he saw the look of love and happiness in her eyes. At that moment, they were beyond words. But Anne had longed for her perfect proposal from the man of her dreams. That was finally him!

Anne smiled at him and took a measure of pity, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Gil, we do understand one another, better than we ever have."

"Anne, this whole time I endeavored to give you your perfect proposal. But when you looked at me, I could see the answer in your eyes. I was speechless. But you're right, I haven't asked you properly. Can I, now?"

"Of course, Gil. But you know I was only teasing you. We do understand each other."

"I know Anne… just promise me that you will make good on your promise from the other night." He said playfully.

Anne was somewhat confused, "And what promise would that be?"

"To finally say yes!" With that, Gilbert dropped to one knee, holding Anne's hands in his. "Anne, I don't know that there is much more to say than what we have already said. I have spent the last eleven years hopelessly loving everything about you. I love your smile, your frown, your delicious red hair, the fire in your eyes when you are upset with me, your generous and radiant spirit, your beauty, your wit, your kindness and your passion. I love the lost soul you were when you came to Avonlea and gave purpose to my life. I love the fiery girl who cracked the slate over my head, the brave girl who walked the ridgepole, the determined girl who competed with me at Queens and won that scholarship. I love the loyal daughter who postponed her dream to take care of those she loved. I love the beautiful woman who studied for hours with me so we could both realize our dreams together. But mostly, I love the woman standing before me who gave me the one thing I wanted most for the past two years, my best friend back. For that's what you are to me Anne, and always will be. You are my best friend, the person I love most in this world and the woman I want to share my future with. Marry me, Anne! Please, say you will be my wife." Gilbert finished his proposal as Anne hung on every word, clearly affected by their sincerity. Happy tears leaked from her eyes. For a moment she could not speak. Gilbert was looking at her so intently, waiting patiently, as usual, for her answer. It was a moment before she could calm herself down. She briefly thought back to the horrible moment in the Patty's Place orchard, when Gilbert had walked out of her life. But now he was here, having never given up on her, it was almost too much happiness to bear!

For a man who was rather sure of a response in the affirmative, Gilbert was somewhat calm as he watch a hundred different emotions play across Anne's face.

"Gil, before I answer you can I ask you something?" Anne asked sincerely.

Gilbert just laughed lightly. It was just like Anne to keep him on tenterhooks even when he already knew the answer. "You can ask me anything Anne, as long as my response won't change your answer."

It was Anne's turn to laugh, "You seem awfully confident about answer in the affirmative, Mr. Blythe. I don't know if I like that sort of vanity."

"Well, Miss Shirley, I have to admit I am quite convinced of a positive reply, unless of course you go around letting all the men you reject kiss you like that before you send them on their way. I can't say I remember THAT from my last proposal!"

"Perhaps you should have kissed me back then, I might have come to my senses sooner!" Anne shivered at the thought.

"How about I kiss you now." It was not a question, rather a statement of intent. Gilbert rose from his knees and once again pulled Anne into a passionate kiss. It had all the sweetness of their first kiss, with a note of excited impatience on Gilbert's part for Anne making him wait for an answer. She clearly had no idea the affect that had on him, and he meant to show her he knew the affect he could have on her as well. He succeeded. His strong arms enveloped her and Anne was left breathless and slightly weak-kneed as she finally managed to pull away.

It was a moment before she could speak clearly, "Gil, I have never been kissed like this before, I honestly didn't know it was possible in real life to be kissed like this, to feel so much love. I never knew love until I came to Avonlea. I had imagined so many times what it would be like to be loved and feel loved and to love someone in return. When I finally found it with Marilla and Matthew, I loved so fiercely with all my heart, I knew no other way. You can't imagine the disappointment I had when I thought I loved Roy in a romantic way. It was nothing like the glorious feeling I thought should have. In truth, I knew deep down that the way you loved me, was the way I had always dreamed of being loved, not as a daughter or a friend, but as woman and wife. And when I realized I loved you, it wasn't like I was falling in love little by little, I was so wrapped completely in it before I even realized it. I love you so absolutely that it honestly scares me because I know no other way to love you. I only know how to give my heart to you entirely. So this is my question… Do you love me like that? And if you do, will you promise to love me that way until the end of our days?" Her voice was slightly shaky, as she laid her feelings and fear bare to Gilbert. She knew his answer, as he did hers, but she needed to hear the words. She wanted to put the last vestiges of insecure orphan Anne Shirley to rest.

Gilbert was somewhat stunned by her speech. To hear her say how much she loved him almost brought him to tears, so long had he waited for that declaration. But the thought of Anne ever existing in the world unloved tore his insides apart. And now, he was the one who would heal that last part of her soul that hungered still for an enduring and unwavering love.

Gilbert brushed Anne's face gently with his hand and pulled her close for a moment, looking into her eyes intently. "Anne, you have no idea what it means to hear you say those words to me. To hear you tell me you love brings me joy I never thought I could feel. But in order to answer your question, I have to be completely honest for a moment. I know we have danced around this all summer, but here it is. Your rejection almost destroyed me." He paused as he heard Anne intake a sharp breath. He knew his words hurt her, but he had to continue. "Fool that I was I didn't even realize just how much my entire future depended on you until you told me you could never love me. I was shattered. Sadly, it only made me love you more because I knew what I had lost. But I meant it when I said before that I tried to stop. I saw no future, especially when Roy showed up. It was physically painful to see you with him. Not because I was jealous, even though I was, but because I didn't know how to reconstruct my life without you in it. So I did the only thing I could, I threw myself into my studies. It was the only way to get you out of my head. I succeeding in doing that for awhile, content enough to study hard and try to make some future life for myself. I put on a mask of indifference and fooled myself into thinking I could exist like that. I concentrated on the far off future, knowing my life didn't have to truly start without you until my education was complete. It sustained me for awhile and I was proud of what I had accomplished. But whatever success I had at getting you out of my head, removing you from my heart was an entirely different matter. You are permanently etched on my soul, Anne. Like I said before, I gave you my heart eleven years ago. And since then it has been yours irrevocably. You have me, all of me. With every fiber of my being I love you, Carrots." Anne was crying again, tears of happy joy streamed down her face as Gilbert's words seeped into her heart and soul.

Gilbert could finally stand it no more. "Marry me, Anne! Please let me hear you say you will be my wife!" Anne looked at him with such love in her eyes, he again needed no other answer. But this time, he got one. "Gil, I would love nothing more than to be your wife, of course I will marry you!"

The happiness they both felt was overwhelming. Gilbert again wrapped her up in a kiss, not just of her lips, but her face, and eyes, and neck. He placed so many tiny kisses in dizzying succession that Anne needed to lean on him for the strength to stand. He finally came back to her lips and placed a long passionate kiss on them before pulling away.

"We should get going, it's going to be completely dark soon." Gilbert said reluctantly.

"You're right, Marilla will be starting to worry."

"Well we can't have that, now can we? Especially if I am going to ask her for her blessing to marry you, I wouldn't want to start off on the wrong foot."

"I think we will shock her, Gil," said Anne as the left the garden and started the walk home.

"Really, Anne? We have been spending a lot of time together. Don't you think she might suspect something?"

Anne thought for a moment. "I suppose, maybe. She is obviously aware that we are back on good terms. Maybe she's more insightful than I give her credit for. How about your parent's, will they be surprised?"

"My mother might be, but my father already knows quite a bit. He won't be a bit surprised that I come home engaged, he's been expecting it for two days." He saw the surprised look on Anne's face and answered her unasked question. "I sort of confided in him about some things, and well let's just say that when I realized you loved me, I wasn't exactly shy about sharing it with him."

"Someday you will have to tell me how you came to that conclusion, Mr. Blythe. I am interested to hear all about it. I still can't believe Phil wrote you a letter. How strange."

"I don't think it's all that strange, Anne. Phil knows you well and she knew me enough to know I still cared for you. Phil likes people to think she's full of nonsense, but she's really a very insightful girl, and a good friend."

"I can't wait to write her with the news and thank her for her interference. Bless that girl! Oh and I can't wait to tell Diana. She will be so surprised and happy!"

Gilbert laughed, "She will definitely be happy, but I am not so sure she will be all that surprised."

"What do you mean, why wouldn't she be surprised?"

"Let's just say that if you want to know how I truly decided to try again, you can look no further than Diana Wright."

Anne stopped short, "Gilbert Blythe! You can't mean that Diana told you about-" But Gilbert held up a hand and stopped her. "Of course not, Anne! You know Diana would never betray you like that. To be honest, before I talked to Diana, I had faith that your feelings might have changed. After all the time we spent together and all the things we talked about, I had hope. But it wasn't until I talked to Diana that I realized what you were holding back from me."

"Holding back, what do you mean? What did Diana tell you exactly?" Anne asked blankly.

Gilbert smiled and took Anne's hand playfully in his, "I believe I am supposed to tell you that she didn't tell me anything that she promised not to! But she did make me see that you thought I was engaged to Christine. And once I figured it out, I knew it was time to declare myself again."

"Oh…So I guess there won't be too many people who are surprised." Anne said, happy that Diana had a hand in her joy.

"Maybe not surprised, but definitely happy, Anne. Everyone we love will be happy for us and that's better than being surprised.

They talked lightly until they reached the gate of Green Gables. Before entering, Anne asked Gilbert if he thought about what he would say to Marilla, he just smiled down at her and placed a gentle kiss on her nose. "Don't worry, Carrots, I think Marilla likes me," he said as he winked at her.

At Green Gables, when everyone had there fill of yet another one of Marilla's pies, Gilbert finally had the opportunity to speak with Marilla alone. The twins went to bed and Anne asked Rachel to show her some stitching she had been working on. Gilbert hung behind in the kitchen with Marilla and helped her clear plates.

"Gilbert, you can go sit with Anne, you don't have to help." Marilla was quite certain he would be happier in company with Anne.

Gilbert swallowed, suddenly a bit nervous. "Actually Miss Cuthbert, there's something I would like to speak with you about if that's okay."

Marilla stopped what she was doing and looked at Gilbert. He looked so much like his father.

"Sure, Gilbert, why don't you sit and I can get you a cup of tea."

"Thank you, Miss Cuthbert."

The tea was served and they both sat at the table waiting for Gilbert to begin.

"Miss Cuthbert, I am sure you have known for a long time how I have felt, how I feel about Anne." Gilbert was far more nervous than he had imagined for reasons he could not understand. He hoped Marilla would think he was good enough for Anne. He stopped talking briefly to try to read her face. It was stoic as always and she said nothing. So he continued. "I have loved her since we were kids. And I have worked hard to be worthy of her, to be the man she deserves. Tonight I asked Anne to marry me, and she said yes!"

Marilla suddenly released a loud breath she had been holding as a small smile threatened the corner of her mouth. She suddenly felt years younger. Gilbert continued, "Miss Cuthbert, I would be honored if you would give me your permission, your blessing to marry Anne. There is no one on this earth who loves her more or will work harder to make her happy than me. I will take care of her, Miss Cuthbert, everyday for the rest of my life." He stopped abruptly as he saw Marilla's eyes glisten with tears that she fought back admirably.

Neither of them spoke for a minute. Marilla Cuthbert, usually a woman of few words and reserved manners looked at Gilbert. And with a heart full of feeling, she said, "Gilbert, before I say anything else you can rest assured you have my blessing to marry Anne, although goodness knows you don't need it. I also know that you are probably the one person who I don't need to tell just how special Anne is, you've always known." Gilbert was surprised when she continued on, "When Anne came to me, she was a love-starved child looking for a home. I had never loved a child before and I knew I was in over my head. But it wasn't long before I came to love her as though she was my own daughter. Matthew always understood her a little better than me, but in time I learned to appreciate all that Anne has to offer. Matthew and I tried to give her the love she always needed, the home she always needed. I am sure I didn't live up to her storybook nonsense, but I know Anne has been happy here." Marilla stopped for a moment, almost overcome with emotion that she fought against. Gilbert dared not speak, for his attention was riveted on the usually stern, composed woman who was opening her heart to him, he was entranced. "When I see the way you look at Anne, the way you love her, I am gratified to know that she will know what love is the rest of her life. It's as much as she deserves. I couldn't think of anyone more worthy of Anne's love and devotion than you, Gilbert Blythe. I am just glad she finally realized what we've all known all along."

Marilla ended her speech by giving Gilbert a soft smile, still fighting the emotion that threatened to break through her facade. "Miss Cuthbert, thank you! I will always take care of Anne. She will never want for love and affection, I promise."

"I know Gilbert. And since you're to one day be my son-in-law, I would be happy to have you call me Marilla," she said as she stood, indicating the conversation was nearing its end. It was all Gilbert could do to not step up and hug her. It would have been inappropriate, but in that moment he loved Marilla Cuthbert fiercely. He loved her for bringing Anne into his life, for loving her and helping Anne change from a lonely unloved girl to the beautiful, confident, intelligent, fiery woman who would become his wife. His wife! Emotion now threatened his own countenance and he looked at Marilla and for the first time he saw a trace of Anne in her eyes. He realized as much as she helped shape Anne, Anne had done the same for her. Marilla and Gilbert now shared an unbreakable bond, their love for Anne.

"Thank you, Marilla. Thank you for bringing Anne into my life." Was all he could say. She nodded as Anne appeared in the door with an eager grin. She saw raw emotion on both of their faces and was slightly concerned for a moment. "Is everything okay?" she asked, stepping into the room. They both smiled at her and she walked in and stood by Gilbert side, taking his hand in hers.

"Oh nothing's wrong Anne. I am sure you knew that I would give Gilbert my blessing. Congratulations, to both of you. I can't say anything has made me this happy in a long time."

Tears instantly formed in Anne's eyes. Where Gilbert had been able to show restraint, Anne failed. She closed the distance between herself and Marilla and embraced her with such force and feeling that Marilla was momentarily stunned. "Marilla, I am so happy. Thank you! Thank you so much for everything! I know my own mother could not have loved me more than you and Matthew." At this Marilla lost the fight she had waged against emotion and a single tear rolled down her cheek as Anne hugged her as though she would never let go. Only Gilbert saw the tear, before Marilla quickly brushed it away, her eyes still glistening. He gave Marilla a knowing smile and she returned it before she lost herself in Anne's embrace. Gilbert quietly left the kitchen, giving Anne and Marilla a few quiet moments together.

On the way back home, Gilbert thought about the day in its entirety. The lantern Marilla insisted he take with him guided him home as his thoughts swirled around Anne. The memory of her kisses, the last one shared as they said goodbye at the Green Gables gate, tender yet passionate, so full of promise. Gilbert could hardly believe it was a reality, that he was kissing his long sought after Anne Shirley. He would be the one to kiss her all the days of her life, he would be the one to love her as a husband, he would be the father to her children. As the reality of his future shined before him, he couldn't help but think just how long three years would be. But three years of patient waiting was infinitely better than a lifetime without Anne.

He thought back to Marilla's reaction and was still touched by her words. Her reaction was quite exactly the opposite of Rachel's, whose effusive happiness practically smothered them in praise. Gilbert shuddered to think what would have happened had she been displeased. But he laughed to himself. Although he wasn't too sure Anne would agree, he saw the makings of a kindred spirit in Rachel. Anyone who could be that happy for them would always have Gilbert's good opinion, even if she had claimed she knew it was a matter of time, and even is she had insisted it was her prayers that had been answered.

It mattered not to Gilbert, all that mattered was Anne and their happiness. And while it took him a long while to be calm enough to sleep, that night Gilbert Blythe slept better than he ever had, in content peace and blissful happiness that when he woke in the morning, he would still be the one to whom Anne Shirley had finally said yes!

In the day that past after the engagement, Anne and Gilbert had happily told his parents, who were overjoyed at the news. Mrs. Blythe insisted Anne call her Caroline and further insisted on throwing an engagement party for the couple. Neither Anne nor Gilbert were keen on the idea, but the happiness it brought to Mrs. Blythe was not to be undone. They agreed readily. Gilbert's father said little, but offered his sincere congratulations and expressed his delight in welcoming Anne to the family. Everyone was overjoyed.

In a private moment with his father later that day, John Blythe hugged his son tightly. "You finally, won her, Gilbert. Now just be sure you always cherish her, everyday of your life." Gilbert assured his father he would do just that.

That same day Anne and Gilbert made their way to the Wright's. They barely made it in the door before one look at the happy couple gave away their secret.

"Oh Anne, Gilbert! We are so happy for you! I can't believe it's finally happened! Tell me everything, Anne, I can't wait to hear it!" Diana beamed

Anne looked at her friend and smiled, "Diana what's to tell? From what I understand, you already know a good deal!" Diana looked at Anne guiltily but still with a smile on her face.

"And I am forever grateful to Diana for all of her assistance in this matter!" Gilbert said laughing. "Engaged to Christine Stuart, what nonsense!" he said to Anne teasingly. Anne blushed as Diana rushed to defend herself. "Anne, I promise I didn't say anything you asked me not to."

Anne waved her arm and hugged Diana, "Oh Diana, how can you think I would think that! Besides Gilbert already exonerated you most diligently. You are safe from me. But honestly, I am so happy I would hardly care if you had told him everything! I am lucky to have a friend like you, Diana!"

Gilbert then brought forth the flowers he brought for Diana, a small gesture of thanks for her friendship. "Oh Gilbert, you're too much, you didn't have to do that."

At this gesture Fred finally made his way over to the couple to express his heartfelt congratulations. It was a joyous moment and the couples spent an afternoon in delightful company and at Diana's insistence, they relayed the details of their engagement, of course leaving out the more private moments.

Fred had to grudgingly admit that a little well timed interference was apparently just want Anne and Gilbert needed to find their way back to each other. He had to hand it to his wife, although he would never it admit it to her, lest she become a meddler like Rachel Lynde. Fred could tolerate many things, but that would not be one of them. He had no cause for worry, however, Diana was pleased with what happened, but even she had to admit that they would have worked it out eventually, even without her help. She merely helped move up the timeline. But both Fred and Diana both acknowledged to each other later on that evening that neither of them had ever seen Anne or Gilbert so happy.

The very next day, Gilbert had promised Anne a walk through the Haunted Woods, to the apple tree he found there so long ago. It was the place where he had helped put Anne at ease about leaving for Redmond and facing all the changes in life. Today she wanted to go revisit a place that was all their own, where no one could intrude in their world for while. He could hardly argue with that. When he arrived at Green Gables, he found her sitting under the oak tree a book in hand, lost in whatever world she was reading about. He simply watched her for a few moments before he made himself known. He spent precious moments drinking in her beauty, wondering just what she was thinking.

"I heard a rumor in town today." He said coming up behind her. Anne looked up as a smile spread across her face.

"Oh really, and what rumor would that be, Mr. Blythe?" Gilbert reached down and pulled Anne to her feet. "I'm not sure you really want to here about it, it's about you, ya know."

"Hmm, I can't imagine what Avonlea might be gossiping about me for. Is it because I broke a slate over someone's head or tried to walk a ridgepole? Did I dye my hair green? Gossip just won't die in this town will it?"

"Well actually rumor has it, and I mean the entire town is talking about it, that you recently became engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors on the Island." Gilbert was grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh am I? And who might that be?"

"Not sure, I never heard his name, but I am told he's very handsome," he stopped and placed a lingering kiss on her mouth.

"Intelligent," he placed another warm kiss on her neck.

"Charming," Another kiss met her cheek.

"And desperately in love with you." His lips moved back to her mouth and captured them in a passionate kiss that left Anne quite breathless. Not to be outdone however, she recovered and replied, "I can't imagine who they could be talking about. My fiancé is indeed all of those things… but he's also impertinent," Now it was her turn to kiss him, she reached up and placed a kiss on his lips.

"Stubborn," she kissed his cheek next.

"Teasing," she kissed his neck ternderly.

"And shockingly improper." She pulled him into a kiss on his lips again, upping the ante by wrapping her arms around him. He responded in kind, attempting to tease her back by making her shiver again at his touch. He moved his hands to her face and continued to kiss her, then slid his hands down her back, pulling her even closer as they both became lost in each other for several moments.

Gilbert managed to pull away and said with a ragged breath, "I would love to meet this fiancé of yours, he sounds positively perfect."

"Oh that he is, but only for me. For you see, I am also desperately in love with him."

His heart burst once again at her words, as he thought to himself how he would never tire of hearing her say them. He thought back briefly to his fathers words, and the promise he made to him, Always cherish her, everyday of your life. It would be the easiest promise he ever kept.

And that's the end… Thank you, thank you, thank you dear readers for following me through this story! It's been such a pleasure to write and even more so knowing it was enjoyed by so many. I may have a little Anne and Gilbert left in me if I think of any other great ideas for a story, so perhaps you will see another story from me in the future. Anyhow, much love to everyone here! You're all great!