April 13
"Hey sweets, are you sure you're feeling alright? You look pale- not your normal, glowing porcelain doll limoge pale, but just pale- like Spike and Drusilla just came and feasted kind of pale."
"Gee, thanks Mom- you really know how to make a Maid of Honor feel better about standing up in front of 300 people."
"Aww, come on, you know I don't mean it like that, I just think you're working too hard! Can't that Senator Obama take a few weeks off so my daughter can get a break, maybe some rest?"
"Oh, sure, well I'm guessing right now the status of my health is his number one concern, it's probably on today's staff meeting agenda."
"But you're all famous now- practically a movie star!"
"I had two interviews on a morning cable show- so that's an impressive 3 minute and 42 second reel at the moment, I'm not exactly on the wish list for The Daily Show."
"Oooh, do you think Jon Stewart would date me?"
"Mom! Today is your vow renewal, wedding party thingy- to my dad! Can we not talk about your inappropriate crush on Jon Stewart?"
"Fine, wanna hear some inappropriate things about your father instead?"
"Mom, no more talking until I get a cup of coffee!" Rory moved into the kitchen, grabbing her favorite mug from the cupboard and crossed to the coffee maker, all the while trying to figure out why Lorelai was looking so weird and bothered.
"What about the coffee from Luke's? Your dad brought it over special for you this morning- he actually went into Luke's, for you, his beloved first born daughter, I mean, he must like you or something. You can't upset Daddy by spurning his gift."
"Come on Mom, that was gone within 20 minutes of waking up- you've got a full pot over there- I'll just have some of that."
"But we got you two cups this morning, that wasn't sufficient? Aren't you worried about your caffeine intake?" Rory looked at Lorelai as though she had two heads.
"Yeah, Mom, two cups- I had them already, both of them. I didn't get in until past midnight after all and you were singing Get Me To The Church On Time since 7 am- which was especially annoying because you're not going to a church… What the hell is going on? Why are you acting so weird?" Rory poured herself some of the hot, dark liquid- adding a splash of cream from inside the fridge door while her mom refused to meet her eyes, what in the world had her mother acting this squirrely? She took a big sip of the sweet nectar of the gods, waiting for it to slowly warm her… "What the hell is this?" She yelled as she spat it out immediately.
"Oh my God- is this… is this decaf?" She looked up at her mother, what alternate universe was this?
"Yeah, well, see hon- your dad and I were going to talk to you last night but your flight was in so late and you fell asleep in the car on the way back from the airport and…" Rory's eyes went wide as she realized what was going on- what her mother was trying to say. She put down her mug of the offensive imposter and ran to her mother, squeezing her tightly as they jumped up and down, shrieking with excitement.
"Oh my god, you're pregnant! You guys are pregnant! Wow, my mom and dad are having a baby- together! Oh this is just so amazing! I mean, I didn't know if you wanted another kid or anything, but this is so great, I'm going to have another sibling, I can be the awesome big sister who buys them beer and sneaks them into R rated movies- it's going to be awesome!"
"I know, it's crazy, right? I mean who waits until they're adults, financially stable and married before having a kid? I don't know if I know how to do it this way!" Lorelai was joking, her eyes shining with unshed tears and one of the biggest smiles Rory had ever seen on her mother.
"Oh my god! How far along are you? Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? Does Grandma know?"
"Whoa, hold on there, one question at a time please."
"I'm sorry, I just… wow, it's a lot mom, I'm trying to process. Ok, so, how far along are you?" Lorelai sat down as Rory moved around the room, dumping the disgusting decaf but grabbing poptarts and mallomars for them to snack on as they talked.
"About 7 weeks- we just confirmed it two weeks ago and wanted to wait until you were here in person to tell you. So no- we do not know the gender, but we definitely plan to- did you know that when I had you that was impossible to do ahead of time, but now you can do these crazy 3D sonograms to let you see everything like it's baby doll inside, it's really freaky but also kind of cool."
"Wow! So you're due like, when? I guess around Thanksgiving?"
"November 8th- so one month exactly after your birthday."
"Oh that's perfect! I'll be done with the election by then and can take some time off, come here, help out!"
"With what?"
"You know- be there for you when you're in labor, help watch Gigi, help with the baby."
"Uh, babe, everything about childbirth disgusts you and you're totally freaked out by babies."
"That's not… well, it's not entirely true."
"Sweets, you passed out when Lane thought she might be in labor, you almost threw up when trying to read What to Expect with her and you wouldn't hold Steve or Kwan until they were like six months old."
"Well, ok, true… so… I can help watch Gigi… and I can do runs for diapers and formula and stuff! Not to mention someone has to keep you in trashy magazines and intercept Grandma and Grandpa when they're becoming too much- not to mention Babette and Ms Patty… oh, and Kirk- I can help get rid of Kirk when he applies to be nanny and home babyproofer and when he tries to get you to let him be your midwife."
"Ah, yes, that sounds much more up your alley. And to answer your final question, your grandparents do not know yet- so I'm going to need help today. I don't want to tell them until after 3 months- I'm a little bit older than I was last time I did this, it's not exactly a zero risk situation. So all drinks today need to look real, ok? Your grandmother knows I'd never willingly do a party like this totally sober- so club sodas with lime, cranberry juice with lime- those look like legit drinks… and for the toasts you're going to have to smuggle me some sparkling cider in my flute, got it?"
"No problem, I'll get the fake drinks, you act like an insufferable drunk and Grandma never needs to know."
"Aww, you're the best girl a mom could ever have- definitely setting the bar high for this new kid…" Suddenly she got an evil Lorelai look on her face. "Oh, wow, I can't wait until I can make you two compete for our love and affection- the battle of the best kid… oh, it's going to be so much fun!" Rory just rolled her eyes as she stood up to go put on shoes- this was a day that was going to need coffee- the real stuff.
Four hours later they were at the venue- the same place where Richard and Emily had renewed their vows a few years prior- a thought that made Rory smile when she thought about what this location had meant to her and Logan's relationship in the first place, somehow it seemed totally appropriate that they were back here now.
Rory was putting the finishing touches on her makeup as her mom came out from behind the screen in her gown.
"Oh, wow, honey- you look absolutely… just… oh my God, I know, I'm crying and I promised not to cry, but you just look so… and you're just such a good… and I love you so much… I'm so happy for you…" Sookie just couldn't get a complete thought out as she teared up, looking at her stunning best friend who was finally getting her perfect wedding day- she was finally a sadie! Rory turned at that, taking in her mom totally.
"Oh my God, Mom, wow!" And there wasn't much else to say. Lorelai stood in front of Sookie, Rory and Emily in an absolutely stunning ivory Ines DiSanto gown. It was a light and airy taffeta ball gown with intricate beadwork in an abstract floral pattern around the natural waist and matching crystal beadwork at the neckline for a whimsical, asymmetrical off the shoulder look. Lorelai's hair was down and curly with a simple but sparkly headband and long, dangly diamond earrings, the same earrings Emily had worn at her wedding to Richard.
"Oh, Lorelai, you are just… well, you're even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined." Emily leaned in and hugged her only daughter close to her, whispering to her, "Thank you for letting me do this for you." As they separated they both had unshed tears pooling in their eyes and they turned their attention to Rory.
"Wow Kid, you look pretty great yourself- Logan is definitely going to want another meeting in the dressing room, if you know what I mean." She winked at Rory who blushed, yelling at her mom to shut up while Emily looked at Rory laughing.
"Oh, please, Rory- do you really think that I haven't heard that story before? It made the rounds of the DAR years ago! You two being walked in on by Luke, Christopher and your mother? Sneaking out of the back window half dressed? It'a classic!" Emily, Sookie and Lorelai only laughed harder as Rory blushed deeper, wishing that the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
"Oh, don't be mad at us Rory, we're just teasing. And besides, you do look beautiful in that dress." Emily noted before Rory got truly upset. "It's a bit sexier than I would have preferred for a wedding…" She glared lightly at Lorelai over that who just shrugged.
"Yeah, your father is going to be really annoyed that I picked that dress once he notices the slit- I just thought you could use something with a little more oo lala than your usual." The dress was gorgeous- a deep red in a soft, silky, drapey chiffon. It was strapless with a gathered sweetheart neckline and a beaded empire waist, the skirt just flowed from the beading naturally- it looked classic and elegant and demure.
"Mom, it's not that bad." She moved towards her mom, the dress seemed so innocent- until she stepped forward and noticed that the slit of the dress went about 8 inches above her knee! "Ok, Mom, I did not think the slit was that high!" Lorelai beamed back at her.
"What can I say hon, if you got it- flaunt it. Especially when a certain young Huntzberger is in the room." She winked again, and Rory left the room to Emily, Sookie and her mother laughing, mumbling about being too sober for this. She wandered through the maze of hallways and doors, trying to remember where exactly the bar was, desperately needing at least a glass of champagne to take the edge off- she had a headache, she was tired, she'd only had like four cups of coffee today and that insane itch on her foot was back and making her crazy- no matter how much lotion she put on it. She was so focused on trying to remember where she was going that she almost didn't notice him right by the distracted by the itch on her foot in fact that she almost didn't notice who was standing right next to the bar.
"Ace- wow! You look… wow, you look absolutely incredible." Whether it was not having seen her for almost a year or just the fact that the dress was one of the sexiest things he'd ever seen her wear- she was somehow more stunning than he remembered- and he remembered her being one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. Her long dark hair was curled and fell down her shoulders, some of it pulled back with sparkling clips holding it in place. And while she looked a bit paler and thinner than he remembered, her collarbone was a bit more pronounced, and her skin a bit more translucent, he just chalked that up to the challenges of being on the road all the time. God knew that with his grueling work schedule and lack of interest in sleeping much over the last year he'd easily lost 10-15 pounds himself.
Her eyes went wide as soon as she noticed him, as soon as she heard that voice, almost as familiar as her own, and looked into his chocolate-caramel eyes she had always been able to get so lost in.
"Logan, oh my god- it's you! It's really you! You're here and I'm here and we're both here- in the same room at the same time!" She paused, not moving for a minute, like she couldn't quite believe it, but then all of a sudden she was throwing her arms around his neck and he couldn't remember ever feeling better in his life than when he caught her to him, picking her up at the waist and spinning her around. He breathed in her scent- the smell of rich coffee and that coconut shampoo she loved, the way she felt amazing in his arms, like they just fit together- and they did, they just belonged together and he wouldn't ever let her go again.
"So, can I take it you're glad to see me?" He put her down and she could see that smirk again, she had missed that smirk over the last 10 months- it was cocky and arrogant and sometimes obnoxious, but she had genuinely missed it all the same. Before she knew what she was doing she just pulled his lips to hers- for the first time in almost a year she felt comfortable and at home. He apparently felt the same way because before she knew it he was deepening the kiss, pulling her as tightly to him as she could, one hand running up the thigh that had just exposed itself through the slit in her gown and she moaned into him, giving him the chance to run his tongue along her lips and it was taking absolutely everything in him to not advance the hand higher, up the slit, to her hip…
"Umm, Rory?" There was a very awkward cough behind them. Oh shit. Turning bright red, biting her bottom lip, ducking her head as she turned to face the owner of that voice, Logan refusing to let go of her hand, intertwining their fingers firmly- squeezing it in comfort.
"Dad- hi! I was just uh, I was just… saying hi to Logan. Logan, you uh… you remember my dad, Christopher Hayden, right?" FUCK, how was it that her dad caught them, like this, again? And in the same damn place? Why were the gods so cruel? Although, at least this time her dad was sober… and knew who Logan was… and that Rory and Logan had been… intimate, before. Wait, was that actually helpful here? She shook her head, realizing that Logan had ducked his head behind her, trying not to laugh at the situation, her dad was avoiding looking either of them in the eye, but she could swear that he had a strange combination of freaked out by what he just saw and actual amusement at the situation. Finally deciding to let them off the hook he stepped forward to shake Logan's hand.
"Yeah, of course, hey Logan, how are you doing?" Logan stepped forward, without releasing Rory's hand, or even moving further than six inches away from her.
"Yes, it has been- I think the last time we saw each other was Ace's graduation." Silence. That wasn't the best reference to make right now- Christopher had always liked Logan, but he hadn't been such a fan that particular day- watching his daughter sobbing as Logan walked away after she said no to his proposal. But, then again, if there was anyone who knew the power of second (or third or fourth or fifth chances), it was the man standing in front of a thoroughly embarrassed Rory. Not to mention the fact that his daughter just hadn't been herself since that day- he and Lorelai had spent hours talking about it, worried about her- about how she was working too hard, how they worried she was on the verge of a breakdown, refusing to take vacations, barely coming home for the holidays- it was all too much, no one could handle that relentless pace; that much time on the road, with strangers, without an anchor, without a home base.
"Well, Kid, I think it's about time we got some pictures and then the ceremony will start in about twenty minutes so, Logan, you may want to find your seat and Rory, we'll be in the side garden, alright?"
"Yes, of course, good. Umm, let me just…" indicating she needed a second with Logan. Her dad chuckled and shook his head as he walked away. Rory turned back to Logan who was smiling at her- he took a lock of her hair in between his fingers, twirling it, soaking in her presence, pressing his forehead to hers- it felt warm, but he figured she must be hot and more than a little stressed- she was never one to crave even a little bit of the spotlight.
"So, after this thing is over- what do you say- feel like a late dinner and some drinks? I'm sure the food here is all Emily Gilmore approved, but I've actually lived the last 10 months of my life without a salmon puff or a mushroom cap and I think I'd just prefer a cheese burger more than anything else." Well, not exactly anything else- there were a few things he'd much rather enjoy tonight than a burger- but her company over a meal would more than do.
"Yeah, uh… Mom says I have to stick around until cake and then I'm all yours. I mean, if you want…" He just pulled her to him one more time in another searing kiss, pulling her body flush against his until they both needed air, then he rested his forehead against hers, holding her at the shoulders, just wanting to drink in her presence for one more moment.
"Don't tease me, Ace- all mine is all I ever wanted." She just smiled, almost shivering at it.
"Ok, well, I better get back to mom- and pictures and all that. Just… I'll see you in there? After the ceremony?"
"Trust me, I'm not going anywhere." One more kiss and they parted- she walked away, smiling- throwing a look back over her shoulder to see his smile again, needing to know this wasn't a dream, he was here, they were together and it might be just for a night or two, she didn't know, but for the first time in so long she was just happy- she felt… whole… complete… it was amazing.
The ceremony was short but lovely- Reverend Skinner officiated and Chris and Lorelai wrote their own vows- they were unique, she would give her parents that much. Lorelai had one about trying not to yell only when angry and not because she was just hungry. Chris had one about never denying coffee or asking her to eat a salad. Gigi read a short poem (with Rory's help) and it was just adorable, Gigi had the slightest lisp these days and tripped over some of the words, but had a smile the size of her entire face.
But all in all, Rory knew there were two images she'd carry in her mind forever: one was her mother walking down the aisle on Richard's arm- he was so clearly thrilled to get the chance to give his little girl away, to share this moment, this tradition; and then when Rory saw her mom and dad take hands at the altar, so happy and so clearly ready for this- it may have taken them almost 25 years to make happen, but this was right. It was good, they were happy, they were having another child together, they were finally getting their happily ever after.
After the ceremony Rory stood for pictures for what felt like forever- Emily had pretty much hired a documentary film crew and probably every wedding photographer in the area- everywhere Rory turned was another flashbulb, another video camera or microphone. Finally, after a million years had gone by, the couple was introduced and took to the floor for their first dance- in a nod to their shared love of certain music, they had settled on a surprisingly gorgeous, slow and romantic rendition of Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - and Rory could see them mock fighting while they danced, most likely about how Dad had lied about stealing her mom's Synchronicity concert t-shirt all those years ago.
As soon as that song ended they sat for dinner- a perfectly Emily Gilmore kind of meal- some precious salad with at least 17 different kinds of lettuce, followed by an overly delicate fish in some kind of french sauce (Lorelai's request for carnival food had been wholly dismissed by her her mother, what would people think after all?) Before she knew it, Rory was sneaking Lorelai a glass of cider instead of champagne and clinking her glass as her grandpa stood to give a toast.
"As many of you may know, my daughter Lorelai is not famous for doing anything in the traditional manner." There was a bit of laughter at that one, that was a kind way to describe her. "She was not as much into the Disney Princess culture we see these days- I remember specifically that my granddaughter Rory had a certain crush for Sleeping Beauty's Prince Charming for quite a while." Rory ducked her head blushing a bit, but caught Logan's eye at that one as he raised an eyebrow in question at her.
"But Lorelai was always a fan of the old, classic movies- Casablanca, An Affair to Remember, Sabrina, Roman Holiday - sometimes when she was sick I would stay with her and we would watch these classic love stories and whenever I asked her favorite she would always say Casablanca or An Affair to Remember. When I asked her why, her response, at the age of 11, surprised me in a way that only she ever could. "Because, Dad, sometimes true love is messy- sometimes it works, sometimes it takes time. Imagine loving someone you let them go, for their own good- maybe with a hope you see them again… it's about faith that love is the strongest thing." He was choked up, perhaps he was thinking of how he had needed that faith and hope for his own marriage only a few years ago. Lorelai's eyes were completely brimmed with tears and Christopher leaned in and kissed her, holding her tight and whispering in her ear.
"And so, today, we all see what that 11 year old girl knew- that sometimes, true love is messy- it can be a long and winding road, it can take years with nothing more than hope to go on… today we have seen Lorelai and Christopher's love story finally reach that long awaited happy ending, that fulfilment of the hope and promise that began when they were 8 years old. To true love, Christopher and Lorelai- may you never lose sight of the beauty you have found together." He raised his glass and everyone echoed his toast.
After Richard's toast- a toast that had Lorelai, Emily and Rory crying messes, Rory stood up- taking a deep breath and trying to wipe her tears away, coughing a few times, knowing her voice would be a bit shaky. She searched the room, looking at her parents, so happy and so in love, holding hands and giving each other googoo eyes. Then she scanned over and saw her grandparents, after almost 50 years they were still so in love- and positively beaming with happiness to see her mom so happy- finally. And then, finally, she met Logan's gaze. His chocolate eyes were deep with emotion as they met her's- he smiled, and she stood up straight, a new found confidence in what she wanted to say.
"Ladies and Gentlemen- I don't know if you are all aware, but we are sitting here today amidst a love story that is more than 25 years in the making. For those of you who don't know, I'm a writer, I parse my words in a way you would not believe, so for today, I spent hours debating my word choice here- should I say this is the culmination of their love story? The peak? Pinnacle, apogee, zenith or meridian? No- those words each imply this is the high point of their relationship, that no matter what happens after today, this is the best it ever was or ever will be. And I just don't think that's true- my parents fell in love at the age of 15… well, actually that's my mom's story- Dad says he was 8 when he knew he would marry Lorelai Gilmore, but I've never known if that's because he wanted to be romantic and sweet… or look like he was a player in the 3rd grade." Everyone laughs at that joke, especially Lorelai, who knows there is more truth to that theory than Christopher feels truly comfortable with.
"But, no matter what happened between them since then, the tough times, the scary times- whether it was her acid wash jeans and side pony tail phase or his 90's boy band bowl cut and goatee period; no matter the miles apart, the job stresses, the many times they lived wildly different and almost opposing lives- they've always had this magnetic energy- an inability to truly stay away from each other. Aristophanes hypothesized that originally humans were actually merely two halves of one whole- that we wander the earth looking for that person who completes us- "Love is born into every human being; it calls back the halves of our original nature together; it tries to make one out of two and heal the wound of human nature. Each of us, then, is a 'matching half' of a human whole…and each of us is always seeking the half that matches him."
"I think that anyone who knows them, or just sees them here tonight, can agree that my parents are exactly that- two halves of one whole- and they spent 38 years of their lives looking, searching for the other half- because, after all- who finds that second half to their whole at the ripe old age of 8? Who CAN be that for another at 8 years old? So, while my parents may have taken a circuitous route, but ultimately, they found each other and they realized what they are to each other. And now, it's their job to claim each other, to be together, to love each other and take care of each other- luckily they have practically a lifetime of doing so to have become used to it." More polite laughter- it was true, they had spent a lifetime caring for each other, whether officially together or not.
"And so today, I'm thrilled to stand here and celebrate the fact that they finally figured it out- finally got their shit together and realized that they are, truly, two halves to one soul and no one could possibly love them, or if we're being honest, me, quite the way that they do." And with that, as everyone in the room laughed out loud, she held up her glass and looked down at her parents to her side.
"Thank you Mom for always being the best friend a girl could ever have, and Dad- thank you for finally understanding and giving into what it means to be Gilmored. To the bride and groom!" And with that she held up her glass and toasted to the couple with everyone in the room- but in truth, she had no eyes for anyone but Logan, who held his glass up only to her, and she knew it as he toasted back.
Once dinner was over and dancing had truly begun, Logan found his way over to the table that had Chris, Lorelai, Rory and Gigi.
"Lorelai, I have to say, next to my sister, you're the most beautiful bride I have ever seen in my life- I don't know how you do it, but I'm honestly beginning to suspect some sort of pact with the devil."
"Watch it Logan, I like you for the most part- don't make me change my mind now, not when we were getting along so well." Chris joked, putting a protective arm around his wife (it had been almost a year and he was still so thrilled to be able to call her that- would that ever go away? It just felt too good to be true sometimes).
"Understood." Then he turned to Gigi- the adorable 5 year old blonde with her hair in a perfect bun and tendril curls at her forehead, wearing a dress in the only color she usually allowed anyone to put her in- pink. "Now, Lady Georgia- would you do me the honor of dancing with me?" Gigi looked up at the man, her big blue eyes wide, her jaw dropped- he looked so much like Prince Charming! A tiny bit shy, but knowing this was a friend of Rory's- her idol in all things, she nodded, her eyes cast down shyly. Logan took her hand and lead her to the dance floor where he proceeded to pick her up and waltz with her to the song playing.
Rory, also at the table with her parents looked on, dreamily, as Logan picked up her half sister and twirled her across the floor making her shriek from happiness and he smiled back at her. And the best part was that he wasn't looking at Rory, he wasn't doing it to score points- she had never really seen this side of him before- this potential dad side before. She must have had a goofy look on her face because Lorelai kicked her foot under the table.
"Wow, kid, need a napkin to wipe up the drool? Just, let me ask you a favor ok? Be careful, it would be a little to Father of the Bride 2 if you got knocked up right now- I cannot be a Martin Short movie- I'm sorry, I just can't."
"Mom! I'm not drooling, nor am I getting knocked up anytime in the near future, ok? I'm just happy that my little sister is having so much fun- she looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Chris and Lorelai shared a look- that "oh, yeah, I'm sure that's what it is" look, but Rory missed it because she was too busy looking at Logan putting down Gigi as a fast song came on so they could both "get down" with the music. It made her laugh to see Gigi dance along to AC/DC, her arms waving in the air as she did more jumping than actual "dancing", but Logan was just laughing and smiling, trying to keep up with her 5 year old exuberance and lack of coordination by, from what Rory could tell, meant a lot of spinning her around and around and around until she had to worry about Gigi getting motion sickness.
After a few more dance numbers the band announced it was time for a break, meaning it was time for the DJ take over and play the Father Daughter dance, Lorelai had felt very strongly about this song being specifically by the original artist- Unforgettable, by Natalie and Nat King Cole came over the speakers and Richard pulled his only daughter close to him to dance, unshed tears in his eyes, but a brilliant smile that overtook most of his face. In all honesty, he wasn't sure he would ever get this moment with Lorelai- the heart attack a year ago had been a profound wakeup call to all that he could miss. He had been genuinely happy when Christopher and Lorelai married, even if it was an elopement in France, but that he had still been given these moments- walking her down the aisle in a beautiful bridal gown and the chance to have this dance with his baby girl… it was more than he could have ever hoped for.
Across the room, Christopher leaned over to his own daughter, "Rory, what do you say- dance with me?" She smiled at him, excited at the chance, for the first time since her cotillion, to be have the chance to dance with her father. She nodded but as he took her hand felt she had to warn him- "Just so that you know, I'm basically the worst dance in the world, your toes will end bruised and possibly broken."
"Well, lucky for you, Francine Hayden made me take ballroom lessons from when I was about 6, so that should be enough to keep me out of the hospital tonight, ok? We'll keep it simple, I promise." They moved to the dancefloor and Lorelai had the chance to spot them and smile- it did her heart so much good to see Rory and her father like this- they didn't have a typical father-daughter story, but he knew that they loved each other, very much, and all she had ever wished for her daughter growing up was this kind of relationship.
"So… Logan's back?" Chris was not one for subtlety. Surprisingly, Rory didn't blush this time, or duck her head- she simply looked up and smiled brilliantly at her dad.
"Yeah, I think he is." After that, she just rested her head on her dad's shoulder as they danced, enjoying being close, enjoying this moment of normalcy.
"You know, your mom and I were thinking, since you can't stick around very long this visit, maybe for Christmas- you know, almost two months after the baby is born, we could all go away for a while- we could get a villa in Greece or the Caribbean or something for a few weeks- the election will be over, Gigi will be out of school, what do you think? And before you ask, Logan is welcome, of course. We could all use the time away, you know, as a family."
"Wow, really? Mom signed off on a non-Stars Hollow Christmas? What about the snow?"
"She also thinks that with a two month old infant and your ending your time on the campaign trail, a few weeks of sun and pampering is probably the exact thing we all need. She did try to talk me into the Swiss Alps briefly, but seeing as how none of my girls ski, snowshoe or even snowmobile, I believe we'd genuinely get bored. But crystal blue waters and perfectly white sandy beaches- cabana boys and massages? Those are all things that Lorelai Gilmore can seriously get behind."
"Uh, I mean, I'm going to be applying for new jobs as the trail starts to come to a close… I mean, I think we're getting to the point where the Senator is going to take the nomination, and he seems to like me well enough, I think I'm safe in a job past the primaries, but it's all a big open ended question. And, I don't know… I'm not sure I want to stick with the trail after the primaries- I like what I'm writing, I like the exposure, it's been much bigger for my career than I would have ever imagined if I was a fact checker and occasional writer at the New York Times… but writing about politics is getting a bit exhausting. But no matter what, if I can get away, if I have the time- if I can make the time-" she noticed the look in her dad's eye at the idea that she may not try- "then I think it sounds like a pretty amazing way to celebrate our first Christmas all together." She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I love you dad- and I don't think I've said this yet, but thank you- thank you for waiting all of this time and for loving Mom the way you do. We Gilmore Girls have always needed you in our lives, I hope you know that."
"I love you too, Kid, but this song is ending, and I'm pretty sure if I don't deliver you to the blonde guy who hasn't stopped looking at you since we stood up here, I'm going to be in trouble. Not to mention, I think your mom is ready for a little bit of a rest- apparently pregnancy at 39 is a bit rougher, physically, than pregnancy at 16." He kissed her cheek and gave her hand over to Logan- having danced them in that direction for the last few moments without Rory realizing it- what could she say, the man was good.
The band picked back up and Logan smirked as the opening strains played- Rory smiled as she shook her head. "So, how much did you have to pay the band to make this the next song on the list?" He smiled back, knowing he was caught.
"Come on, Ace- this hall, me and you, this song? It was necessary wasn't it?" The strains of Moon River washed over them- the first song they had ever danced to, when she had finally asked if he liked her, if he was ever going to ask her out. She pulled herself in close to him, one arm behind his neck, a palm on his chest and her head resting on his shoulder.
"May I say, one more time, you are the most stunning woman I've ever seen- that dress is… wow, you look absolutely amazing tonight." She smiled into his chest, not wanting to move, not wanting to be more than a ½ inch away from actually touching him- physically connecting with this man she had missed for so long- much too long. He kissed the top of her head as they swayed to the music- Logan was an amazing dancer, and Rory had learned to somewhat keep up over their time together, but for now, swaying to the music was more than enough for the two of them.
"Logan, I missed you so much- I missed this so much. This, this right here and now is the first time in so long that I've felt anything even remotely like I'm alright, that I'm normal and going to be ok. I love you, Logan- and I just hate the idea of ever having to let you go again." He could tell from her voice that she was fighting tears, but she kept her face buried against him, loving him so much and needing to smell him and feel his heart beating, his breath against her hair. Using both hands he pulled her face up, needing her to see him- to know with absolutely certainty exactly how he felt.
"Oh, Ace- Rory… I haven't stopped missing or loving you from the day I made that idiotic ultimatum and let my pride make me walk away- I can't believe what a jackass I was. I honestly don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive myself for that- we lost out on so much time together, so many amazing memories we could have had." There were tears in his eyes, but it was difficult to really see him through the tears in her own.
"Can we just… not tonight? I mean, I know that we have a lot to talk about, there is so much to go through, to hash out, to share. But, right now, can we just be here , in the moment- young and in love and at my parents pseudo-wedding renewal party thing and not think about the rest? I'm not saying we should ignore tomorrow- we can't do that, but we'll get there. Because don't doubt me for a second, I want a tomorrow, and that is going to be with you. But right now, for this minute, can you just hold me close and dance with me?" She could practically feel his smile as he kissed her head, pulling her closer and they danced- ignoring that the song had changed to something much more upbeat- they were in their own bubble.
Their bubble lasted about another two songs before they were interrupted finally- no matter the love they felt, the need to be together, social graces could not be truly ignored. She was whisked away to dance with with her grandfather, ("that's a fine man there, I'm sorry how things happened, but I'm glad to see you two working it out"), chatting with Emily and some of the DAR women she had befriended during her lost semester, even exchanging brief pleasantries with Constance Betterton. After what seemed like forever, Sookie's absolutely epic s'mores and espresso wedding cake rolled out, the couple happily feeding each other- only a tiny swipe of marshmallow icing made it to Lorelai's nose, which Christopher happily kissed off- giant smiles on each face- from more than the sugar high. Finally, Logan and Rory were able to make their exit, quietly after she hugged her dad and kissed her mom- wishing them well on their honeymoon to Positano- the perfect, quiet and romantic getaway for the two of them- after a quick stop in Paris to both drop off Gigi, enjoy another private and romantic meal at Jean Georges and another stroll through that romantic city, Giverny.
It was a quiet drive to Logan's hotel, he had made sure to stay nearby- not thinking that Stars Hollow or his occasionally used penthouse in Manhattan were good choices. By the time they made it into the elevator they were at each other, Logan kissing his way down her collarbone and running his thumb up her thigh, so easily accessible through that damn slit that he thought would kill him so many times that night. Meanwhile she was tearing at his tie and trying to open his collar and the rest of his shirt as she kissed her way to that spot directly above the hollow in his collar bone- she was amazed that all this time later that spot still made him moan so deeply, not to mention the way that she could feel his arousal strengthen against her thigh as she did so.
By the time they made it into the room his shirt was entirely unbuttoned and his belt loose, he quickly removed his shoes and dropped the slacks while she helped him shrug off his jacket, kissing his neck and sucking on his earlobe in the process. Realizing she had him at the disadvantage, he began to spend more time working on the spot just below her earlobe while running his hand all the way up the generous slit in her thigh to his discovery that she was wearing a particularly minimal and bare g-string under it, paired with thigh high stockings to just about guarantee this was the woman who would kill him someday- and he would die the happiest man.
"Fuck, you are kidding me, Ace. You've been wearing this all fucking night?" She wanted to make a smart comment in return, but he deftly moved his fingers beneath the almost pointless g-string and massage her incredibly wet, slick folds. He stroked against the lips, not looking to insert himself inside of her just yet. She moaned at the pleasure and then, when he brushed himself against her clit,
"Oh, Fuck, Logan- fuck me!" Ace swearing like that was the ultimate turn on for him, he responded in kind.
"Fuuuuuck." He groaned loud and low. They were right by the bed and it was time for him to unzip her dress and push her back, gently, onto the large bed. He unzipped her gown, watching the dress pool at her feet and took a look at her in a black lacy bra, g-string and the lace topped silk thigh highs, with her lacy Jimmy Choos that must have been on Christopher's credit card- God, she looked amazing, and he had no idea how he was going to make this last- at all. But she sensed his hesitation- she grabbed his hand, pulled him towards her, kissing him fiercely-
"It's ok, Logan, we have all night. Just come be with me. Please." He looked in her big, beautiful, trusting blue eyes and knew it was just them, nothing else mattered now- he could just let go and be with her, and it was like being home.
Hours later an exhausted Logan was brought out of his sleep- he looked at the clock and realized he had only fallen asleep about 45 minutes ago, but he had been jarred from his dream- a very good one, by the way starring the stunning brunette next to him- by her cough. A deep hacking, cough that made him concerned she was about to hack up a lung. He instantly turned to her- she was sweating, the bed sheet soaked through by her, sweat beading on her forehead- and as he placed his hand on her forehead it was scorching, he had to pull back.
"Ace- hey, what's going on? You're burning up!" She just continued to cough, her eyes seemingly glazed in front of him. She wasn't really answering him, she was in a haze, just coughing. Without thinking, at all, he jumped, tossing on his boxer briefs, a tshirt and fumbled for his cell phone, hurriedly dialing 911.
"Hello, I need an ambulance, my girlfriend, she's coughing and she's not talking, and I know that may not sound too scary at 4 in the morning, but trust me, it's not good. And she's sweating and her forehead is scorching hot, I don't have a thermometer, I'm at a hotel, so I don't have a way to take her temperature, but I can tell you that it's high, she's just… she just isn't right, please come help!"
"Sir, I need you to please calm down, where are you?" He started filling in details as he scrambled for jeans to put on and then realized that she was naked- she hadn't put anything on after they had finished- what was it, round five? He tore threw his luggage, finding a pair of sweats that he quickly put on her and a yale t-shirt that was much too big on her- when had she lost so much weight? They had always joked about her absurd metabolism and how it should be studied, but she had always been healthy- just enough curves and skin on her bones, but now, as he looked at her- she was all bones- how had he missed it the night before- he could see her ribs poking through, her hip bones jutting out. What was the going on?
Within five minutes there were EMTs crowding inside the room, taking her pulse, asking him questions- is she allergic to anything? Has she been sick lately?
"I don't know- ummm, I don't know about medications, but i know that she had mono in January I think? She's been complaining about a cough for a while, she, uh, she had an upper respiratory infection and something like an inflamed sternum I think? But they gave her antibiotics and that was awhile ago, she's supposed to be fine by now."
"And you are…"
"Oh, I'm Logan Huntzberger, I'm her… I'm her boyfriend… um, her parents just got married and they're on their way to Italy right now… well, France, and then Italy I guess."
"Ok, well, we're going to take her to the hospital with us, it looks like she may be having some kind of complications to the infection- her fever is 105 degrees, so you did the right thing calling us- we're going to work on getting that fever down, stabilizing her breathing, don't worry about it- now that we have her she's going to be just fine, ok? Would you like to ride with us?" At this point, she was on a stretcher and they were moving to the elevator and he was grabbing her purse and his phone and wallet.
"What? Yes, of course I'm coming with her- Hartford Memorial? I need to call her parents and her grandparents, I want to know where to send them.
They just nodded as they lifted her into the ambulance and Logan jumped in behind them, holding her hand and whispering to her as they got to work and the ambulance was on its way.
