Chapter Three

Turtles & Their Shells

"When did he propose?"

"Last night, it was so romantic! He took me to this amazing restaurant, and then after we had received or dinners, he got up from the table, and went down on one knee and asked me to make him the happiest man in the world by becoming his wife!" Rory gushed, her eyes were bright and a brilliant smile was on her lips.

The sun was bright and warm despite the 30 something weather, and matched Rory's mood perfectly. 'Nothing can ruin today'. She thought as she and her mother entered Luke's.

Lorelai walked briskly behind the counter, and found herself two large coffee cups, one red and one aqua. She set them on the counter, as Rory sank onto the tall barstool; a blissful smile upon her lips that reached up into her shinning ice blue eyes.

"Coffee please." She said, as her mom filled her cup with the steaming liquid. The rich aroma engulfed her senses. "I have a wonderful fiancé, and a cup of coffee, nothing can bring me down today."

"Let's not forget that giant rock on your finger."

Rory glanced down at the ring. It was certainly beautiful. The band was white gold; the two bands were entwined where the giant heart shaped diamond sat. Both bands were wrapped with tiny little diamonds; the ring sparkled brilliantly in the diner's florescent lighting. The ring was beautiful, but it was a little over done in Rory's mind…

"Get OUT from behind the counter!"

Rory jerked out of her thoughts as she looked up at Luke's scowling face. He was gently pushing her mother out from behind the counter.

"But I'm the girlfriend!"

"The insurance company doesn't care if you're the girlfriend or not if a jar of relish falls on your head."

"You're keeping relish in some pretty strange places if you're worried about it falling on peoples' heads."

Luke only shook his head and picked up a ready plate to serve to the patron at the end of the counter. The man had his face in a menu, but his jacket seemed familiar to her somehow…

The young man set the menu aside. Large sunglasses covered half of his face; but she knew the black curly hair, the strong jaw that wore a five o'clock shadow. The leather jacket he wore had it's collar turned up so that he could hide like a turtle in it's shell.

"Jess."