This is my first attempt at fanfiction. Chapter 1 starts off at the end of episode 7.20 when Logan asks Lorelai for permission to marry Rory. Each chapter is written from a different POV. As per usual, I own nothing.
Many thanks to my beta, Emma, who has done wonders editing this tale.
Chapter 1 - Lorelai & Logan
His question is still sending shockwaves through my mind. Her hand? In marriage? I continue to stare at him, trying to plan my next move. He looks slightly apprehensive, but underlying this is a quiet confidence in how I will answer him. After all, this question only has one socially acceptable answer, and my parents would be cracking open the champagne now if they knew. It is, by all accounts, a very attractive alliance between an established couple of comparable social standing. This thought is quickly followed by a shudder – surely, my upbringing is catching up with me when I consider how socially advantageous my daughter's marriage would be.
But I know that this is not right. I know Rory. Logan does too, and yet, in this he will not see clearly until he is told explicitly. Unless realities and options are clearly laid before him. Taking another close look at him I can see desperation starting to cloud his eyes. He opens his mouth to plea…
"Lorelai,"
"Stop," I cut him off, holding up my hand.
"Please, I have to tell you, to explain myself and my answer. And the only way this will work is if you stay quiet and let me say it all," I rush on. He smiles at me, a knowing smile, as if he is familiar with this tactic. He has had it from Rory, I see. Well she is my daughter. The look on his face is a curious mix of amusement and fear. He gives a slight nod, waiting for me to continue.
"Logan, you know Rory well. But understand this. I am her mother, yes, but I am also her best friend. I know things, see things, and am privy to things that you haven't been witness to yet," I begin, and he nods at my opening statement in agreement.
He, I think, understands better than most that Rory and my relationship is more than one of a mother and daughter or two best friends. I imagine living with my daughter would quickly illuminate just how freakishly close we are. He has witnessed the late night phone calls, the quick fire consultations via text message. He knows about our traditions and the Gilmore girl rulebook. Hell! He knows more of the rules than any man should.
"A while ago, Rory and I were talking about our 'ones'. You know what I mean," I state, cocking my head to see if he understands. Logan nods, slightly perplexed with where I'm going.
"Rory admitted that she thought you were 'it' for her. The one that she would someday marry. Now admittedly at the time this left me more than a little freaked out. You have always been different from her previous boyfriends. Even when you two were just casual, it was more… intense and raw than previous relationships," I give him a knowing smirk when I bring up their casual beginnings and he has the decency to blush slightly in remembrance.
"But Rory has me for a mother. I'm the perfect case study in how to run away from a good thing. You and I both know that Rory is a sponge… she's learned her 'flight' tendencies from the best. If you go all Tomkat on her now, declare your intensions from the rooftop and whisk her across the country, Rory may stay true to form and run like her dear old mother always has.
"Rory is young… she has barely lived. Baring her brief sojourn into DAR wonderland, Rory hasn't had a real job or even a regular income. You have had a year to experience what life on the outside is like. She is still trying to grasp what life will be like without regular tutorials and midterms to study for," I explain. Looking at Logan I am beginning to see comprehension of my point, yet is it marred by a look of selfishness that still fails accept what I'm saying.
"What I'm trying to say is that you need to give Rory a chance to experience grown up life before bringing her into married life. Not getting the New York Times internship has thrown her off. For the first time she hasn't achieved what she aimed for. She is so scared at the moment and so daunted by the options and possibilities in front of her that adding additional life choices and major decisions concerning the rest of their life may not work in your favor.
"Know that Rory loves you and that she sees herself marrying you. Know that I'm telling you as her best friend. She is not ready yet. Go to San Francisco. Invite her to come with you as one of her possible options. But be open to letting her live away for a while. She waited while you were in London and she has supported you while you decided what you wanted to do with your life after leaving your Dad. Now it is time for you to extend the same courtesy to her," I tell him.
Logan looks at me thoughtfully, but with a look that shows he's still waiting. Waiting for the socially acceptable response. With a voice tainted with hesitance, I give him his response.
"So as Rory's mother I am saying yes, because we both know that it is the only answer. But I'm asking you to give her time. She told me that you promised to 'factor her in' to your career plans. Well you have chosen your career and the way I see it you have three ways of factoring her in. You can leave her out and break it off completely, tell her you're going and invite her to come if she wants to stay with you, or you can invite her to join you there when she is ready and give her some 'London time'.
"The best friend is saying give Rory options. Because when the pro/con list comes out, giving Rory options will tip the balance towards San Francisco and you," I finish my speech with a nod and wait for a reply. I don't have to wait long.
"I just don't want to live without her. Being away from her is so hard," he responds with pain in his voice.
"I want her with me in San Francisco," he states, almost pleading and with an edge of force in his voice.
I feel for him. This is hard for me too. If he wins, Rory will be on the other side of the continent.
"I know Logan. I know what it's like to loose half of your heart," I reply.
He stands, nodding his head. He looks me in the eyes and whispers a thank you before walking out to his car. Now all I can do is pray that he makes the right decision.