"Why did you request we all meet for dinner?" Emily asked the Friday of that week as she Richard, Lorelai, Luke, Allie, Lia, Rory, Tristan and his parents sat at the Gilmore's table.

"Because we have news, Grandma," Rory answered.

"What's your news, Rory?" Richard asked. Tristan and Rory nodded at Lia who sat between them and she stood up showing her t-shirt to the table.

"You're going to have another baby?" Tristan's mom whispered.

"Yes we are," Tristan answered.

"That's wonderful, Congratulations, Rory, Tristan," Emily said happily. Everyone took turns hugging the expectant parents.

"Are you excited about becoming a big sister, Lia?" Richard asked his great-granddaughter.

"Yeah!" Lia cried bouncing in her seat.

"How far along are you?" Emily wondered.

"About a month along. I'm due September 8," Rory answered. The rest of dinner went well and was filled with lively conversation.

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"I wish I didn't have to leave you and Lia for a week," Rory complained a few days later as she packed a suitcase in their bedroom.

"We'll be fine, Ror, this is an assignment for work. It's better for you to do it now and not when you're further along," Tristan argued.

"I know, I've just never been away from Lia this long before." He could see tears starting to gather in her eyes. Walking over to where she stood folding a shirt, he took it from her hand and pulled her into his arms. He knew most of this was pregnancy hormones, but he also knew she'd never had to be away from Lia for more than a night or two so it was going to be really hard for her.

"Shh, don't cry, baby. She'll be fine, and so will you. I'll have her call you every night before she goes to bed, okay?"

"Okay," Rory replied through her sniffles. Leaning down Tristan kissed her gently. A smile crossed his face when Rory deepened it. After a moment oxygen became a necessity and they pulled back reluctantly. Giving him one last peck on the lips Rory went back to her packing feeling better about leaving her husband and daughter for a week. The Gazette had assigned her to cover a week long trip the president would be taking in New York. He would be speaking at various engagements and attending a political rally. It was a fantastic opportunity for her, but she would miss Tristan and Lia terribly.

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

"Have a good week at school and listen to Daddy, okay, Li Li?" Rory told her daughter as she prepared to leave.

"I will, Mommy. I'll miss you and baby," Lia said hugging Rory tightly.

"We'll miss you to."

"Mom's taking her to the zoo on Saturday," Rory reminded Tristan.

"I remember, she's picking her up at 11:00 Saturday morning. Have a safe flight and let me know when you get there, okay Mary?" Tristan requested.

"I will, love you, Trist," she said kissing him.

"Love you to," he responded kissing her back. Just then Rory's flight was called and he released her.

"Let's watch her plane take off, what do you say kiddo?" Tristan suggested to the seven-year-old. Lia nodded as she drug her father over to the windows overlooking the runway and stared intently at the plane her mom had just boarded.

"It's taking off, Daddy. Look there it is," she cried.

"I see it, sweetie," Tristan answered. Both of them waved and smiled as Rory waved back. They stood there watching until the plane was just a tiny speck on the horizon. Grabbing his daughter's hand Tristan headed out of the airport and back to their car ready to have a fun-filled week with the little girl.

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Rory had been gone for three days and so far things had gone well. She'd talk to Lia and Tristan on a daily basis and her mom twice since she'd left. It was now late Wednesday night. The former Army sergeant was sound asleep when he heard his name being called.

"Daddy? I don feel good," Lia whimpered as she walked into her parent's room. Mumbling something incoherent, he tried to burrow deeper under the covers and go back to sleep. "Daaaddy," the young girl whined. Groaning Tristan cracked one eye open.

"Mmm?"

"I feel sick," Lia moaned just before she doubled over and threw up all over the floor beside their bed. Bolting straight up Tristan reached for Lia and lifted her into his arms. Carefully stepping around the mess he hurried them towards his and Rory's bathroom. They were about halfway to the bathroom when she started to heave again.

"I'm gonna throw up again," she announced miserably.

"Hold on just a second, baby. We're almost there," Tristan coaxed. Running the last few feet he reached the toilet just in time to lift both the lid and the seat simultaneously and to place Lia on the ground. The moment she was in front of the toilet Lia began vomiting and couldn't seem to stop. Turning on the overhead light Tristan grabbed a ponytail holder of Rory's off the counter and put his daughter's hair back the best he could. While he was doing this he rubbed her back trying to soothe her. After what seemed like forever, Lia stopped throwing up. Standing up Tristan got the thermometer out of the medicine cabinet and placed it in his daughter's ear. When it beeped he removed it and frowned at the reading. She had a fever of 101. Turning green once again she leant back over the toilet and started throwing up again. Thankfully this most recent bout of vomiting didn't last nearly as long. He knew he could care for his sick daughter but that he'd be better off if Lorelai was there. He wasn't quite sure what all to do for Lia. Rory usually took care of her if she was sick.

"I'm gonna call Grandma, be back in a minute. Just stay still, okay?" Lia nodded as she whimpered. Her tummy really hurt and she was hot as well. She really wanted her mommy, but since she couldn't be with her, she wanted her daddy and her Grandma Lorelai. They could make anything better.

TBC?

A/n, please read and review! Lorelai to the rescue in the next chapter.