Author's Note: I started writing this story just a couple weeks after the finale originally aired, intending it as a one-shot with a final conversation between Lorelei and Rory. That turned into a multi-chapter fic with conversations between the girls during Rory's first summer on the campaign trail. However, I never finished it. With the demise of the BWR (where this originally appeared), I found the original file and decided to dust it off and bring it over to FF, with a few extra chapters to finish it up. Enjoy!
"OK, spill," Rory said the second they got back into the Jeep.
"About what?" Lorelai asked innocently, although the grin on her face gave her away.
"About the googily eyes you and Luke were giving each other in there and the necklace that he obviously gave you," Rory clarified. "Did something happen between you two?"
"Something may have happened …"
"Mom!"
"We kissed last night."
"At the party?" Rory asked.
"Yes, at the party, outside the diner."
"Where on earth was I and why didn't you tell me?"
"Last night was your night, hon, I didn't want to take away from it."
"But this is huge! How did it happen? Did he say something to you? Did you go up to him? Are you two together now?"
"Slow down speed racer. I said something to Sookie about how great the party was and she said that it was all Luke. She said that it was his idea, he planned it and he stayed up all night putting together the tent when he found out it was going to rain. And that was it. That was the sign I needed. I found him and thanked him and he tried to be all 'aw shucks it was nothing' about it, but I knew. And then he looked at me and said he just likes to see me happy."
"Oh, Mom …" Rory said, nearly tearing up.
"I know. And then we kissed and we talked a little and he gave me this necklace."
"And you said you were over him," Rory teased.
"I talk a good talk don't I?"
"I'm so happy for you, Mom. The two of you looked so happy in there."
"I think this is it, kid. I think we're finally going to make it this time."
"I hate that I'm leaving right now. I'm going to miss everything," Rory said sadly.
"That's what cell phones and email are for," Lorelai argued.
"I want regular updates and you tell Luke that he has to ask my permission before he proposes," Rory ordered.
"Whoa, hun, it's way too early to be talking about proposals. We've barely had any time to talk—I have no idea where he stands right now."
"But you are together, right?"
"Yes."
"And you do want to marry him, right?"
"Yes," Lorelai replied grinning.
"Then that's all I need to know. For now."
"I'm just saying, don't expect a call from Luke next week or anything," Lorelai added.
"I won't."
"Or from me. I mean, I'll be calling you for other reasons, but not that."
"OK."
"I am the one who proposed in the first place."
"I remember."
"But there's no timeline. We're going to do it right this time."
"I have no doubt," Rory said with a smile.
"And now maybe we should start heading to the airport before Luke wonders why we're sitting out here and you miss your flight."
"Are you sure we have to go? We could just start our roller coaster trip right now. Or we could go shopping. Wouldn't you rather go shopping?" Rory asked nervously, feeling a fresh wave of panic over the new life she was about to start.
"If you really want to know my feelings on you leaving …"
"I know. It's time."
"You're going to do great," Lorelai reassured.
"So are you," Rory added.
With that, mother and daughter smiled at each other and Lorelai started the car. For the first time, they left Stars Hollow not knowing when they would be reunited.