Devoted To You || Gilbert Blythe

LXIV

Bash nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. "I guess disappearing runs in your family." He teases once more.

"I suppose so," I roll my eyes at him, before offering a grateful smile as I tucked back into my breakfast.

Gilbert strolled into the kitchen, a bright smile on his face.

"Morning, Bash!" Gilbert greeted warmly, clapping a hand on Bash's shoulder as he passed by. "Making a feast, I see." He made his way over to Delly's high chair. With a mischievous gleam in his eye, he scooped up Delly, causing her to squeal with delight.

"Good morning, little lady!" Gilbert exclaimed, lifting Delly high into the air as she giggled uncontrollably. "Ready for a flying adventure?"

Delly's laughter filled the room as Gilbert spun her around, her tiny hands reaching out in excitement. Watching the two of them, I couldn't help but smile.

"Careful you don't send her into orbit, Gilbert," Bash teased, a grin playing on his lips as he flipped a pancake on the stove.

"Don't worry, Bash. I'm an expert pilot," Gilbert quipped back, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he continued to twirl Delly around.

"More like an expert troublemaker," I chimed in with a laugh, shaking my head at the playful scene before me.

Gilbert shot me a mock-offended look, feigning hurt. "And here I thought you were enjoying the show, Ada. I'll remember that next time I decide to take Delly on a thrilling flight."

"Maybe just keep her grounded for now," I replied with a smirk, unable to resist joining in the banter.

Gilbert finally brought Delly back down to earth, settling into a seat next to me with Delly still in his arms. The warmth of his presence beside me was comforting, and I couldn't help but smile as I glanced over at him.

Delly, for her part, seemed perfectly content nestled in Gilbert's arms, her chubby cheeks flushed with excitement from their impromptu flight.

"It is so good to see you two together," Bash remarked, flipping another pancake onto his plate.

Gilbert glanced over at me, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, what can I say? Delly and I make a pretty good team," he said, his gaze lingering on mine for a moment before returning to Delly.

"I wasn't talking about the baby, but I suppose that I agree." He shrugs before handing us a plate of pancakes. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of warmth in my chest at his words.

We sat together, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company until it was time for Gilbert and I to leave.

***

"You didn't have to walk me all the way to the train station, Gilbert."

"Of course I did." He declares as he swings our hands. "What kind of man would I be if I let my lady walk unaccompanied to the train station?"

"I suppose I appreciate your company." I shrug cheekily.

"You suppose?" He snaps before turning to me. I let out a surprised giggle as Gilbert's fingers find their way to my sides, the sensation sending shivers down my spine.