Thanks for the reviews in the last chapter they were much appreciated. I couldn't but notice how many hits I've had compared to the number of reviews and I know some of you are hiding away so please!! Read this chapter and tell me what you think!!

Lorelai was woken up the next morning by a tiny hand hitting her face. She groaned and pulled a pillow over her head. Rory giggled thinking they were playing peek-a-boo and Lorelai removed the pillow, unable to resist her daughter's laughter. Rory started hitting her face again, laughing at her mother who was scrunching her nose up. Lorelai scooped her up and blew raspberries on her tummy making the baby laugh harder. She loved the sound of Rory's laughter; it reassured her that she was happy with how things were. She was beginning to realise that Rory had laughed and smiled more in the last two weeks than she had ever done when they lived in the Gilmore mansion. This made her think that maybe Luke was right, her mood was reflecting on Rory. Her mind lingered on Luke, how his muscles flexed when he poured coffee, how his voice was low and sexy, how his hand felt on hers as he comforted her. Her mind then drifted to Rory. She looked down at the little girl and realised that Rory was her world. The baby depended on her and she couldn't go round flirting with diner owners with hot bodies and sexy voices. Maybe she could have done a year ago, but she had other priorities now, she needed to focus all her attention on her daughter and make sure she was setting her a good example. She forced all thoughts of Luke out of her head and got up to change Rory. She bent down to grab a diaper and realised she only had one left.

"That's weird; I could have sworn I bought a new pack just yesterday." She unbuttoned Rory's sleeping suit and changed her diaper then dressed her in a cute pink summer dress as it was August and the weather was hot. She put Rory on the floor with some toys and began searching for the diapers she was positive she had purchased. She sighed as her search ended with failed results and she plopped down on the bed trying to think of where she could have left them. She went through the places she had been yesterday. There was the bookstore, but she didn't put her bags down in there. Then the newsstand but she didn't put them down there either. Then it hit her, she must have left them in the diner. She didn't want to go back there just yet. It was too soon and she would look like she was looking for a date which she wasn't, well that's what she kept telling herself anyway. But she desperately needed those diapers and she was just gonna have to suck it up and go back to the diner. She grabbed Rory and sat her in the stroller. She fastened the girl's sandals onto her feet and quickly changed herself into denim shorts and a t-shirt before brushing her hair, applying a bit of makeup and heading out the door.

Luke was stood at the counter in the diner. It was nine and the breakfast rush was now over. He sighed as the boredom kicked in and he eyed he bag that was sitting under the counter. He knew who it belonged to and he had been waiting all morning for it to be claimed. He knew it was only a matter of time before their owner realised they were missing. Diapers are an essential aren't they? He was pretty sure they would be needed at some point of the day so he stood behind the counter and waited. Then he saw her. She walked past the window, stroller in tow, with a jolly look on her face. His whole face lit up when he saw her and he suddenly felt nervous. He saw her struggling to open the door and keep the stroller steady at the same time so he immediately went to hold it open for her. She backed into the diner and turned to face the kind person that had helped her.

"Thank you." She blushed when she saw who it was and she smiled sweetly at him.

"Hey you came back," he said, clearly happy with it.

"Yeah I did." She smiled again.

"And you brought Rory with you. This is Rory right?"

"Yeah that's her." That proud parent smile appeared on her face.

"Well hi Rory," he said, leaning down to the baby's level. He didn't know what else to say, he wasn't the best person to be dealing with babies. Rory however seemed to like Luke as she smiled widely at him, and that kinda made Luke smile too. There was a short but awkward silence between them.

"Oh I think I have something that belongs to you." He went behind the counter and handed her the bag.

"Thanks I've been looking for this all morning." She took the bag from him and their fingers came into contact once again. They shared a smile and looked into each other's eyes, falling deeper and deeper. The sound of Rory crying brought them out of their dream worlds and Lorelai quickly crouched down in front of the stroller and stroked her cheek.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Luke. He wasn't good with babies.

"She's probably hungry, what time is it?" Luke checked his watch.

"Nine."

"What, nine o clock and we haven't had breakfast yet?" She turned to look at Rory. "I'm sorry baby, you must be starving." Rory calmed down a bit at the sound of her mother's voice. "Luke I should get back so I can feed her." Luke looked disappointed and was desperate to think of a way for her to stay.

"I can make something for you both."

"Do you have food that babies can eat?"

"You tell me what Rory likes to have for breakfast and I'll tell you if I can make it or not."

"Well she's really into oatmeal at the moment."

"I can make that."

"Are you sure? You don't have to just for us."

"I want to."

"Ok thanks. Can you make the oatmeal with water instead of milk please? Rory can't have cow's milk."

"Why is she lactose intolerant?"

"No babies can't have real milk for a couple of years."

"Oh I didn't know that, water it is."

"And can you put a tiny pinch of sugar in? Rory has a sweet tooth but don't put too much in cause it'll rot her teeth."

"Ok, babies are complicated."

"Tell me about it."

"Can I get you anything?"

"Do you have pancakes?"

"Yeah what kind do you want?"

"Chocolate please."

"Go sit down and I'll bring it over." She found a table and parked the stroller next to her. Luke followed her over with the pot of coffee and a clean mug. "Coffee?"

"Are you gonna make me beg for it again?"

"No you can have it today." She nodded a yes and watched as the coffee filled the mug.

"Luke do you have a high chair or something for Rory to sit in?"

"Not here in the diner. Actually, there's one upstairs cause my sister brought my nephew over last night. I'll get it for you."

"Thank you." She watched as he walked through the diner and disappeared behind the curtain. She couldn't help but admire the view from behind. A couple of minutes later he reappeared carrying the high chair. He unfolded it and set it down on the floor next to Lorelai. He watched as she lifted Rory and sat her in the chair. "So how old is your nephew?"

"A little over a year."

"Aww can he walk?"

"Yeah a little, he can't go far though."

"Bless him, he'll learn."

"Yeah. What about Rory, has she found her feet?"

"Not quite yet. She's getting there." Lorelai smiled with pride and she picked up her coffee mug. "You know this coffee is amazing."

"Caffee!" shouted Rory. Lorelai turned her head in amazement at her daughter. "Did you hear that?" she asked Luke.

"Yeah, was that her first word?" Lorelai nodded and she lifted Rory out of the high chair.

"I knew your first word was gonna be unique. You're such a smart girl Rory. Yes you are," she cooed. "Say it again for mommy."

"Mama." Rory pointed at Lorelai and she felt tears in her eyes. This was that amazing feeling when your kid first properly acknowledges your presence. When they show you they know who you are and why you are there.

"Are you ok?" Luke asked whilst gently putting his hand on her shoulder. Her body tingled at the contact between them.

"Yeah it's just overwhelming that's all." She wiped some stray tears from her cheeks. "You must think I'm an emotional wreck."

"No I don't think that of you at all. I think you're just a great mom."

"You don't mean that. You're just saying it to make me feel better."

"No I truly believe it. I've only known you since yesterday but you've already proved yourself to be a fantastic mother." He looked at Rory. "She's lucky to have you."

"Thanks," she sniffled. "Are those pancakes almost done? I'm starved."

"I'll check on them for you." He walked away from the table and she put Rory back in the high chair.

"Mama," repeated Rory.

"Yeah baby, mama's here." She smiled at her baby girl, her pride and joy and Luke came over with their food. He set their plates down and Lorelai picked up Rory's spoon and scooped some oatmeal up with it.

"Why don't you eat your pancakes and I'll feed Rory?" offered Luke.

"Oh are you sure? Don't you have a diner to run?"

"Yeah but it's almost empty at the moment and I'll just be stood behind the counter being bored otherwise." She smiled and gave him the spoon then dug into her own breakfast. Rory smiled at the man with the food and he couldn't help but smile back at the adorable baby. Everyone knew he wasn't a baby person but there was something different about Rory.

"She likes it if you pretend the spoon's an airplane," said Lorelai. Luke smiled at her and put some more oatmeal on the spoon and waved it around in front of Rory whilst making plane noises. Rory giggled an opened her mouth, inviting the spoon into her mouth. Lorelai smiled as she watched Luke interact with her daughter and was surprised at how well Rory had taken to him. She knew she wasn't a shy baby, but it still shocked her. "She likes you," she stated.

"Are you sure it's not just cause I have the food?"

"Well that's a part of the reason." They laughed at each other and Luke turned his attention back to Rory who was sat waiting patiently for the next spoonful. Luke fed her some more and Lorelai once again watched him and Rory bond. She couldn't believe how good he was with her; after all he didn't really seem like a kid person. "You know you're pancakes are really good," she complimented.

"Oh yeah? Good, I'm glad you like them."

"Everything seems good in here. The pancakes, the coffee." She smiled. 'The owner's not too bad to look at either.' She kept that one to herself. "You're cook is amazing, you're gonna see me in here quite a lot in the near future."

"Oh well that's good," he said, trying to hide his joy. "So will you be in tomorrow for breakfast? Just so I know whether to buy more oatmeal," he lied. He just wanted to see her again.

"I can't tomorrow; I have to take Rory to the doctor."

"Is she ok?" Luke somehow seemed worried for her."

"Yeah she's fine. I'm just taking her for a check up, just to see that everything's ok."

"Oh ok then. Is it in Hartford?"

"Yeah, we have to get the stupid bus that never turns up on time."

"If you want, I could drive you down there."

"You don't have to, really. I'm used to taking the bus places."

"But I want to help." He sounded so eager and Lorelai couldn't say no.

"Well ok then. Thanks for being so generous." She smiled at him again. "Shoot I just remembered I don't have a car seat for Rory, she out grew the old one."

"I have one, it's my nephew's but he won't mind sharing with Rory."

"Are you sure we're not putting you out?"

"Not at all, I wouldn't have offered if it was a problem."

"You know, I take back what I said yesterday. You're not moody, not in the slightest." She looked down at her plate to avoid eye contact.

"Yeah I take back what I said too. You're not annoying, far from it actually."

"Thanks." She looked up and they locked eyes. Neither of them said a word as they stared at each other. If Rory hadn't have been sat between them he would have kissed her there and then. He had an urge to ask her out, but resisted as he didn't know if it was too soon or not. He wanted to get to know her first and for her to get to know him so he didn't come across as needy and desperate. He broke the stare when he felt someone tapping on his arm. He looked round to see Rory looking up at him whilst hitting him with her small hand. She smiled at him when he looked at her and he realised she was waiting for the rest of her breakfast. He picked up the spoon and fed her some more oatmeal.

"She looks like you," said Luke, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

"You think?"

"Yeah definitely. She has your eyes and your smile. She's gonna be a very pretty girl when she's older." Lorelai blushed. Was that his way of saying she was pretty? She wasn't sure if he had meant it that way but she wanted so much for him to think that of her. Lorelai smiled and fell silent. Luke watched as she focussed on her plate, her expression blank. "Are you ok?" She nodded but he wasn't entirely convinced. "Is it something you wanna talk to me about?"

"It's ok; I don't wanna bore you with my problems."

"I don't mind. I like listening."

"You really wanna know?" He nodded. "Ok, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have a visit from my parents today."

"Oh yeah, would you mind telling me what happened there?"

"You mean when I left?"

"Yeah, I'm not trying to be nosy or anything. I'm just curious."

"Well my parents are wealthy, very wealthy. They live in this big house in Hartford and my dad works twenty four seven and my mom runs some charity event every other day and I got fed up of it. They never took an interest in me, never noticed me. Not until I got pregnant. Then they yelled at me and my dad gave me disappointed looks all the time cause I dropped out of high school and gave up on college so I could take care of Rory. But when she was born, my mom hired a nanny and told her not to let me help out. Whenever I tried to pick her up or change her diaper, the nanny stopped me and said she'd do it. It made me so angry how they wouldn't let me go near my own daughter. I told my mom I didn't want help, that I didn't need it but she wouldn't have it. Anyway a couple of weeks ago, my parents went on vacation and I found an opportunity to get out. I packed our bags and hid them in the bushes outside the gate to the driveway so the nanny wouldn't suspect anything. I literally begged her to let me take Rory out for a while. She finally agreed and I watched as she got her ready, then I left. As soon as I stepped outside into the fresh summer air, I felt free. I knew that Rory and I were gonna be happier. I knew we'd struggle with money and stuff but at that moment, I felt that anything was possible and I knew we'd make it through together."

Luke was mesmerised by the whole story. He couldn't believe how much faith and courage she had, she was a genuinely amazing person.

"Wow that's so moving. You must have been terrified, not knowing where to go."

"Well I was but as soon as I met Mia my fears melted away." Luke smiled.

"So why are you expecting a visit?"

"Cause today is the day their vacation ends and as soon as they check their answering machine, they'll find out where I am."

"Are you scared?"

"A little, but there's nothing they can say or do to make me go back there." Luke admired her so much, she had such strong views that nobody could change. Lorelai noticed the bowl of oatmeal was empty and looked at her baby to see oatmeal surrounding her mouth. She smiled and reached under the stroller to get a wipe. Luke watched as she wiped her daughter's face clean and she turned to look at him. "What?"

"Nothing, I just think you've done a really good job with Rory, she's a great baby." Lorelai smiled but it quickly turned into a frown.

"I didn't do anything though did I? The nanny did."

"But I don't think that's true. A nanny may have done the essential stuff like feeding and changing, but you're her mother. You gave birth to her and you're the most important person in her life." She smiled at his comforting words. "From what I've seen of Rory's personality, I'd say she's a clone of you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean you like coffee right?" She nodded. "What was Rory's first word?" She realised where he was going with this. "And may I say you both really seem to love your food? I've never seen two people eat so fast in my life. Rory's a lot more like you than you think. I can see that she really looks up to you."

"Thanks Luke."

"For what?"

"For being so supportive, you're words have really helped." He smiled at her and she got her wallet out before handing him some money. And before he could refuse, she stopped him.

"I'm paying this time."

"Did I tell you it's fifty percent off today?"

"No I think you left that out." She laughed a little.

"Well it is, for my favourite customer anyway." He smiled causing her to blush. She paid him and lifted Rory into the stroller. "What time shall I pick you up in the morning?"

"Is eight thirty ok?"

"Yeah that's perfect. I'll wait for you in the lobby."

"Ok, thanks again for giving us a ride. And thanks for giving Rory her breakfast; we enjoyed hanging out with you."

"The pleasure was all mine." They shared a smile again and Luke held the door open for her. "Bye Rory."

"Rory, say bye to Luke," said Lorelai. Rory waved her arm around as a signal of goodbye and Luke laughed at her.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said.

"Yeah, bye." She left the diner and he watched her walk away once more, admiring her brown legs in her denim shorts.

As Lorelai walked up the pathway to the inn, she felt a pang of excitement as she couldn't wait to tell Mia about Rory's first word. She reached the porch and spotted Mia tending to the plants.

"Hi Mia."

"Hey, there's someone waiting inside for you."

"Who is it?" she asked, just to confirm her fears.

"I think you know who it is." Lorelai nodded and slowly made her way through the front door, pushing the stroller in front of her, gripping the handle tightly in an attempt to keep Rory close to her. She had temporarily forgotten about the news she had for Mia but would be sure to tell her later. The moment she shut the door behind her was the moment her mother came striding up to her, with her father following close behind."

"Lorelai Gilmore get home this instant!" she shouted causing Rory to get scared and start crying.

"No," was all she could say. Emily leant down and picked up Rory, making the girl cry harder at the unfamiliar person that had picked her up. Lorelai felt a pain at the sound of her daughter in so much distress.

"You are seventeen years old. You are too young to live by yourself and you are definitely not capable of looking after a baby." Lorelai felt tears fill her eyes at her mother's insensitivity. She was tired of feeling like this, tired of hearing her mother criticise her and tired of crying over it.

"How do you know I'm not capable? You never let me near Rory. She's MY daughter and you kept her away from me."

"It was for her own good. She needs stability and a good role model; you couldn't give her either of those things."

"But she also needs love, I can give her that. Do you really think the nanny was giving her love? Cause I don't. I grew up with no love surrounding me at all and I want something better for Rory." The baby was still crying. "Give her to me."

"No you don't know the first thing about babies."

"Well I've been doing ok in the last few weeks. Rory and I left two weeks ago and we're happy here. There is no way in hell I'm going back."

"Watch your language young lady. Rory doesn't look very happy to me."

"That's because you've taken her away from her mother." Lorelai stepped over and took Rory from Emily, gently rocking her from side to side. "Shh it's ok baby, mommy's here." Rory immediately stopped crying and nestled her face into Lorelai's neck. "You see, she just wanted me."

"She doesn't know what's best for herself, she's just a baby."

"Neither do you. You've never taken an interest in your granddaughter; I'm surprised you even know her name."

"That's nonsense, of course we know and we have taken an interest in her."

"Yeah dad has, but the only interest you've ever shown is who her nanny is."

"Well it's very important."

"But I didn't want you to hire a nanny. I wanted to do all the diaper changing and feeding but you still went ahead and hired somebody else to do it. When Rory was born, I told you I wanted to breastfeed but you hired the nanny and she wouldn't let me do it. Do you know how it feels to be told you can't go near your own baby?" Richard had a look of hurt in his eyes and he couldn't believe how Lorelai had been treated. He had no idea his wife could be so cruel.

"You are too young to be taking care of a baby and there is no way you can do this by yourself," shouted Emily.

"Mom look at us. We're alive aren't we? We're well fed, we have a roof over our heads and we're happy. I don't need you and I don't need a nanny. Rory and I are together and that's all that matters."

"You're making a big mistake here Lorelai; you can't give Rory everything she needs."

"For the last time, I can!"

"Mama," said Rory happily. Lorelai looked down at the little girl who was looking back with her wide blue eyes and she couldn't help but smile. Emily and Richard witnessed the scene and a smile tugged at Richard's lips as he saw the love flooding his daughter's eyes as she looked into Rory's. He could see they were happy, even if his wife couldn't. He caught sight of Emily's face as she too watched the scene before them. However her expression was much different to his. She looked as if she had been slapped in the face.

"I don't know how long you're going to keep up this little charade but I'm fed up with it. I'm going home and Rory's coming with me." She went to take Rory from Lorelai's arms but Lorelai stepped backwards.

"You're not taking her anywhere; she's staying here with me."

"Lorelai stop being so stubborn, I'm taking Rory whether you like it or not. It's your choice if you join us." Lorelai tightened her arms around the baby, desperate to stop her from being taken away.

"Emily you're being unreasonable. Rory needs her mother and from the looks of things, Lorelai needs Rory so I think it's best we leave them here."

"Are you serious Richard? Do you really think Lorelai can handle this?"

"I think she can. I have faith in her and I have seen her become a responsible young woman since having Rory. Look at them Emily, they belong with each other and you have absolutely no right to separate them. It's obvious that Lorelai loves and cares for Rory very much and from seeing how Rory reacts when Lorelai's around, I believe that Rory loves her mother a lot. It pains me that you have this desire to destroy their happiness." Lorelai was deeply moved by his words however Emily was just shocked by what was falling out of his mouth.

"Richard I can't put up with this any longer. I'll meet you in the car." She gave Lorelai and Rory one last look before leaving. Lorelai looked her dad in eye and smiled.

"Thanks daddy that really meant a lot to me."

"Well I find it to be true. You are a fantastic mother. You never knew this but I used to watch you read to Rory when she was sleeping."

"You did? Why didn't you tell me? You could have joined us."

"I didn't want to intrude on your mother/daughter bonding." Lorelai looked at the floor.

"You understand why I left right?" she asked, almost silently.

"Not entirely, but I would like to hear the full story."

"Well, ever since Rory was born, I've been pushed further and further away. I've been made out to be useless and irresponsible and incapable of taking care of my own daughter. I just wanted it to stop. I wanted to be someplace where I was able to look after her by myself and not be judged for the decisions I make. I know I'm not the best mom in the world, but I'm trying my best. I want great things for her, things I never did or ever will get to do. Like finish high school, go to college, Harvard maybe, get a great job, get married first and then have the kids. I want her to have the best life she possibly can."

"You've thought about all those things? College and marriage?"

"Yeah. Not in great detail but they've come to mind. I just want her to be happy." Richard was amazed at how much his daughter had matured. He never thought he would say this about Lorelai, but he was proud of her.

"She already is happy; I can tell she loves you very much."

"Why can't mom be this understanding?"

"Because she's stubborn like you."

"You can say that again." Richard reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He took out some notes and handed them to Lorelai. "Dad I can't take this," she said, looking down at the wad of cash he had just given her.

"You can, I want to know you girls are taken care of. I know babies aren't cheap to keep up with so I need to know you're both gonna be ok."

"Thanks dad, I love you."

"I love you too Lorelai. Take care of yourself and Rory."

"I will. You can come by anytime to visit. It's Rory's birthday in a couple of months so you can come and see her then."

"I'll keep that in mind, goodbye Lorelai." He left through the same door Emily had just stormed through and Lorelai smiled at Rory.

"We're gonna be ok kid, it's just you and me now, against the world."

So what did you think? You know you wanna tell me!