Author: PGGF
Summary: Extremely AU. Rory lives in Hartford, Connecticut with her mother and step-father. Rory's never met her biological father so she refers to Chris as her dad. Chris and Lorelai are very wealthy and kind of stuck up. They've never really shown Rory much affection and keep her shipped off to boarding schools and ritzy summer camps so they don't have to deal with her. Richard and Emily live in Loretto, Kentucky on a farm. Lorelai basically cut them out of her life when she got married and they haven't actually seen Rory since she was very young. They still talk occasionally on the phone, but that's about it. Jess lives with his grandmother and works on Richard and Emily's farm. The backgrounds will be further explained throughout the story. Also, some of the other characters will be featured, but as this is an AU they'll be Kentucky as well. The story is mainly going to focus on Jess and Rory and I'm planning on it being fairly fluffy.
AN: I had this chapter ready to go a couple of days ago, but I changed it at the last minute. I wasn't entirely happy with it before. I like the way this one turned out. I didn't get a chance to edit it before posting so I apologize in advance for any errors. I'm planning on going back and correcting some mistakes in all the other chapters as well.
Chapter 6
Rory couldn't keep the grin off her face when she awoke the next morning. She and Jess had finally kissed and it was amazing. They had kissed for a long while at Dean's and then for several more minutes in the driveway when Jess was dropping her off. She practically floated down the stairs as she recalled the way his lips felt pressed onto hers. The warmth of his mouth and the wetness of his tongue caressing hers. And the quick pecks as Jess helped her out of the truck and walked her to the door. And the last gentle kiss as he whispered he'd call her the next morning.
"Good morning, Grandma," Rory said cheerfully giving Emily as hug before pouring herself a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "Would you like some?" she asked, still smiling.
"Sure, Sweetie," Emily said with a smile. Rory sat the glasses down at the table and began filling her plate as Emily chuckled next to her.
"I take it things went well with Jess last night?"
Rory grinned again and nodded. "Things went very well. We're together now."
Emily saw how Rory could hardly contain her joy and hugged her tightly. "I am so happy for you, Honey."
Rory smiled gratefully. "How do you think Grandpa will take it?"
"Oh don't you worry 'bout him. He'll be tickled to pieces. I just know he will."
"I hope so. Will he be joining us for breakfast?"
"Not this mornin'. He's gettin' ready to set tobacco and couldn't sleep a lick last night. He always gets like this 'bout this time of the year. The Farmer's Almanac is callin' for a dry summer and he has so many acres he's plantin'. He wanted to go out and get another look at the fields and make sure they're fertile and all. If the weather's too bad this summer the crop may not raise right. I expect he'll be back soon and he's lookin' forward to spendin' the day with you so you best eat up before he gets back."
Rory nodded and took her plate to the table. "So this summer is going to be dry?"
"That's what they're sayin'. I sure hope not though. That kind of weather ain't really good for the garden or other crops either. It does make the lake more enjoyable though."
"I can imagine. I guess I better stock up on SPF 15 now, huh?"
Emily laughed. "I reckon that wouldn't be a bad idea at all, Dear."
The phone rang just as Rory was rinsing her dishes in the sink.
"I'll get it!" She exclaimed and practically ran to the phone. "Hello?" she answered a little out of breath.
"Mornin'," came Jess' southern drawl.
"Good morning to you too."
"Last night, did you really mean what you said? You know, 'bout wantin' to be with me?"
"Yes, definitely. What about you?"
"I for sure wanna be with you. I was just makin' sure you still felt the same this mornin'. Early mornin' paranoia, I guess."
Rory chuckled. "Well, rest assure that I haven't changed my mind."
"Good. So...how are you?"
"Full. I just ate a whole stack of Grandma's waffles. How are you?"
"Just fine. It feels good to have they day off. Gives me a chance to catch up on my readin'."
"Yeah? So do you have any plans for later? I'd like to see you," she finished shyly.
"Um, well, actually Grandmama was wonderin' if you wanted to come over tonight for Sunday supper? She's goin' nuts wantin' to meet you."
"Sure. I'd love to."
"Really? If you don't really feel like it I can maybe convince her to wait a bit."
"No, no. It's fine. I look forward to meeting her."
"She'll be glad to hear that. I am too. Plus, I want to see you again, too." His voice dropped slightly at that last omission.
Rory blushed. "Can't wait."
"Me either. Now is there anything in particular you feel like eatin' tonight?"
"Not really. I'm not picky," Rory chuckled.
"Alright. I'll probably come pick you up 'bout 5, if that's okay."
"Sounds great."
"Okay. I'll see ya then. And have fun with your grandpa today."
"I'm sure I will. Thanks."
"Do you know what you're gonna do yet?"
"I'm not really sure. I told him to decide. He mentioned going to see some of the sights in historic Bardstown."
"Well I'm sure you'll have fun together no matter what you do."
"Thanks. Would it be okay if I call you when we get home?"
"I'd like that."
Rory grinned. "Okay, so I'll talk to you later then."
"Sure will. Bye, Rory."
"Bye, Jess."
Rory hung up the phone still smiling.
"If you keep that up pretty soon your face is gonna hurt from all the smilin' you're doin'," Emily teased.
"I can't help it," Rory laughed. "Jess' grandma invited me over for supper tonight."
"Well that's great. You'll love Wendy."
"I'm sure I will, but will she like me?" Rory suddenly got nervous.
"Oh, I'm know she will. You are a very likable young lady."
"Thanks. I'm going to go finish getting ready. Can you tell me when Grandpa gets back?"
"Sure thing, Sweetie."
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As Rory was slipping on her flip-flops Emily called up the stairs that Richard was back and would soon be ready to leave.
"Good mornin', Rory. You're lookin' as lovely as ever," Richard said cheerfully as Rory entered the living room.
"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself, Grandpa."
Emily chuckled. "Well you two have fun today. I have some errands I need to run in town but I'll be home before you get back."
Richard held the door open for Emily and gently guided her through before continuing to hold it open for Rory and locking it behind her.
Rory smiled as she watched Richard open the car door for Emily, kissing her softly before helping her inside and making sure her seatbelt was in place before shutting the door and kissing her once more through the open window.
It was refreshing to see a couple still so happy and in love. She never saw that with her parents. She saw an occasional hug or quick kiss between them but nothing compared to her grandparents.
Richard then came over to help Rory into the truck before starting the engine and backing down the driveway with Emily following. When they reached the end of the driveway Richard turned to go left and Emily honked twice and waved before turning right.
"So how does spendin' the day in historic Bardstown sound?"
"Sounds great. I love stuff like that. I'm sort of a dork. At school while most of the girls are shopping or partying I'm in my room reading, writing, or watching the History or Discovery channel."
"You're mom mentioned once that you were smart and did good in school. Have you figured out what college you want to go to?"
Rory shrugged. "Mom and Dad want me to do the Ivy league thing, but that's just not me. You have to be involved in a lot of extracurricular activities and be so cut-throat to get accepted. I can see why, but at the same time that just really isn't where I want to spend fours years of my life. I can still get a quality education somewhere else and not have to jump through all of those hoops to get there. Does that make sense or do I just sound completely crazy for actually not wanting to go to Harvard or Yale?"
"Makes perfect sense to me," Richard nodded. "There are a lot of great schools out there that ain't Ivy league. Not everyone wants do that sort of thing and that's fine. I'm sure you'll make the most of any degree you get."
"Thanks," Rory smiled. "What would you think if I applied to some schools in Kentucky?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. Paris has mentioned a couple that she's applying to and they supposedly have really great writing programs."
"If that's what you want to do then you do it. And if you do decide to come back here and go to school you know that you always have a place to stay and we'll help out in any way we can. I can even take you to look at some schools sometimes if you want."
Rory smiled. "I'd really appreciate that."
"So how did it go last night? Ya'll get much of a chance to play any ball?"
"We played for a little bit. It just got too hot for us so Paris suggested we go to Dean's to cool off. We watched a movie and went swimming."
"I'm glad you're makin' friends. I was a little scared of how you kids would get along but I couldn't be happier that it's workin' out so well."
"Everybody's great. I haven't known Paris for long at all but she's already the closest friend I've ever had. I really enjoy being around Dean too. He's really nice. And Jess..." Rory trailed off a little. "Jess is amazing. I've never met anyone like him before."
Richard nodded. "Jess is a damn good boy. There ain't many more like him."
"Yeah," Rory agreed. She then took a deep breath and rushed out, "Grandpa, last night Jess and I kissed and we talked about it and we're going to be together now."
Richard was smiling to himself. "I was wonderin' how long it would be 'til that happened. Gotta say, I'm a little surprised it took ya'll this long."
Rory looked shocked. "What?"
"When you first met we was all sayin' that you'd get together in no time. We could just tell."
"So you're okay with it?" Rory asked unsure.
Richard took his right hand off the steering wheel and placed it on top of
Rory's. "I'm fine with whatever you want to do. It's your lives. You and Jess are both smart, respectable, mature kids. I can see why you two would be attracted to each other."
"I'm so glad you're okay with it. I never want to do anything to hurt or upset you and Grandma."
"The only way you'd do that would be if you cut us out of your life after this summer."
"Well that will never happen," Rory said firmly. "I've missed so many years with you two as it is and I don't want to miss anymore. You guys are stuck with me now."
Richard chuckled. "I couldn't be happier to know that I'm stuck with you from now on."
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Richard showed Rory around historical Bardstown. He showed her My Old Kentucky Home, the civil war museum, the Kentucky Railroad Museum, and a few distilleries. For lunch he took her to the My Old Kentucky Home Dinner Train.
Rory was delighted that as they were looking around Richard began mentioning other places he'd like to take her later in the summer. She loved the fact that he was planning even more for them to do. She was getting to know her grandpa better and was loving him more and more. He looked rather intimidating due to his size, but he had a huge heart. She found herself wondering yet again, just what had happened that made her mom want to leave all of this behind.
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"So are you and Jess doin' anything tonight?" Richard asked, pulling into the driveway.
"I've been invited for supper with him and his grandma."
"So you'll finally get to meet Wendy? That's great. You two'll get along fine. Just don't play cards with her. She'll take all your damn money and gloat about it to everybody she comes across," Richard laughed.
Rory laughed, "Dually noted." Then she grew nervous again. "I hope she likes me. I really want her to."
Richard patted her hand before shutting off the truck. "Trust your ole Grandpa on this one. It'll all be okay."
Emily greeted them at the door. "I know you had lunch already, but I just made a peach pie if you've got room."
"I've always got room for your peach pie," Richard said lovingly, kissing her on the cheek before heading into the kitchen.
"I've got room too," Rory said walking through the door.
"I've got a little surprise for you, Rory. I bought a phone to put in your room so you can have a little privacy when you're talkin' to Jess and Paris and whoever else you might wanna call. I put a notepad up there too with their phone numbers on it. I wasn't sure if you knew them yet or not."
"Thanks, Grandma, " Rory said giving her a big hug.
"You're welcome. Now let's go get some pie before that Grandpa of yours eats it all," Emily said putting her arm around Rory and walking into the kitchen.
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Rory sighed for the tenth time in a row. "This sucks!" she exclaimed.
She walked over to the phone recently put in her room and dialed Paris' number.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Babette. Is Paris home?"
"Rory? Is that you Suga?
"It's me."
"Sure, she's home. Just a sec.Paris!"
Rory had to pull the phone away from her ear as Babette's shrill shout exploded through the earpiece.
"She'll be right here. How ya doin', Sweetie?"
"Good. I'm really. How are you?"
"I'm just fine. Lots of business lately. It's gettin' so hot people are wantin' their hair cut off left and right. And of course they know I got the best gossip in town. I'm booked from open to close."
Rory chuckled. "I'm sure you do have the best gossip. That's great that business is going so well."
"Yeah. So Paris tells me you and Jess were kissin' up a storm last night. Who made the first move?"
"Mama! Have you no shame?"
Rory laughed as Paris' voice came into the background.
"It's fine, Babette. He kissed me first, but I initiated the second one."
"Well, you get yours girl!" Babette chuckled before saying her goodbyes and handing the phone off to Paris.
"Sorry 'bout her. There's just stoppin' her sometimes," Paris said as she came onto the line.
"It's fine," Rory assured her.
"So, I didn't get to ask before you left last night, how did the whole you-and-Jess-kissin' thing happen?"
"We were looking at the stars because I never get the chance to see them in Hartford and I saw my first shooting star. I closed my eyes to make my wish and then Jess just kissed me. I kissed him back and we decided to be together and kissed some more. Then he drove me home and we kissed even more," Rory said a bit dreamy.
"I'm so happy for you guys," Paris gushed. "I knew you'd be together before too long."
"Apparently, so did everyone else," Rory chuckled. "But I called because I kind of have a problem. Jess' grandma invited me over to eat tonight, but I have no clue what to wear. I want to make a good impression because now that we're together it's even more important that she like me."
"Relax. I'm sure you've heard this a lot, but Wendy is the sweetest woman in the world and she'll love you. So calm down, wear your new floral skirt, light blue tanktop, leave you hair down and have fun."
"You're a life saver, Paris. Thank you so much."
"No problem. Be sure to call me tomorrow and tell me how it all went."
"I will."
"Bye, Rory."
"Bye, Paris. Thanks again."
Rory hung up feeling a little more calm. She fought the urge to call Jess again. She had talked to him earlier that morning when he called and then again shortly after returning home from her day with Richard. Giving the phone one last long look, she walked back to her closet to grab the suggested items and set about getting ready for the evening.
---------------------------------------------
Rory gave herself a look in the full lenth mirror on the back of the bathroom door. Her skirt was black with blue flowers on it. It was made of light, flowy, silky material and fell just below her knees. Her light blue tank top enhanced the color of her eyes and showed off the faint tan she'd acquired since being on the farm. Light blue flip-flops completed the outfit. She had taken Paris' advice and left her hair down, curling it a little so that it fell in soft waves down her back. She applied very light makeup and finally satisfied with her looks, she walked down the stairs to sit with Richard and Emily until Jess arrived.
"Well Rory, don't you look beautiful," Emily said as she came into the room.
"Thanks. I tried."
"And you've suceeded," Richard spoke up.
Rory was sitting on the couch watching the news with Richard and Emily when she heard Jess' truck coming up the driveway.
"I guess I'm going. I'll be home later. Bye, Grandma and Grandpa."
"Bye, Sweetie," Emily said. "Tell Wendy we say hello."
"Bye, Rory. Don't you be nervous. You look stunnin'."
Rory smiled and walked to the door opening it just as Jess was preparing to knock. She stopped to take him in. She was used to seeing him in worn out jeans, steel-toed boots, and beaten in cotton t-shirts. Tonight he was wearing a white button down shirt and black slacks. He usually had his mop of unruly hair covered with a hat but tonight he'd tamed it a bit with a little gel.
Her eyes drifted back to his face to notice him checking her outfit out too. He leaned forward and right as he's lips brushed hers he whispered, "You look absolutely beautiful."
Jess' words and his sweet kiss made Rory weak in the knees. Pulling back she whispered in return, "And you look extremely handsome."
Jess smiled before kissing her again and helping her inside the truck. Rory smiled as he held her hand the short drive. She then noticed that the driveway he pulled into was very similar to her grandparent's but not as steep, instead it remained flat the whole way. And at the end of the drive, surrounded by trees, was a white 2-story farmhouse.
As Jess climbed out of the truck and came around to help Rory out, her nerves came back full force. "Jess," she whispered. "I'm a little nervous. I really want her to like me."
Jess turned to face her and took her face in his hands. "You have absolutely nothin' to worry about. She'll adore you. I can promise you that, Darlin'," he said before gently kissing her lips. When he pulled away he took her hand to lead her up the front steps and inside the house.
The front door opened into a hallway with the walls on either side covered in framed photos. She saw pictures of a younger Jess, Paris and her family, several of Richard and Emily over the years, and many, many group shots of people. There were also pictures of animals, landscapes, vehicles, businesses, signs. There were so many frames Rory could barely see the floral pattern on the wallpaper.
Jess opened a door on the right and it led into the living room that was also covered in framed photos.
"Grandmama prides herself on her picture collection," Jess chuckled.
"I can't believe how many there are," Rory said in awe.
"She has albums full too. She used to be real into photography, but that was back before her back started goin' out and she could stand around more without hurtin' her feet."
"Does she have ones of you as a cowboy? I really want to see you as a cowboy," Rory told him, eagerly.
"Not anywhere I know of. She kept tryin' to put 'em up, but I would keep takin' 'em down and hidin' 'em."
"Mean." Rory stuck her tongue out at him.
Jess laughed, "Come on." He pulled her out of the living room, through the dining room and into the kitchen.
The first thing Rory noticed was the woman she assumed to be Wendy standing on a chair, tiptoeing on the very edge, reaching for something in the back of a cabinet.
"Grandmama! What do you think you're doin'?" Jess shouted. "Get down from there. Let me get it."
"Oh my heavens, Jess. How many times do I have to tell you? I'm old, I ain't crippled."
"I know that. I do, but please let me get it," he pleaded, walking over and helping her down from the chair.
"I up and ran right outta flour. My extra is up in that cabinet there."
Jess grabbed the bag from the cabinet she was pointing to and placed it on the counter. He leaned over and kissed her cheek before turning back to Rory. "Grandmama, this Rory. Rory this is my grandma, Wendy."
"Hi," Rory said shyly. "It's nice to meet you."
"Oh my stars and stripes," she clasped her hands together. "You've grown to be quite the beautiful young lady," she said pulling Rory into a warm embrace.
Rory felt much more at ease. Wendy was a couple inches shorter than she was with short white hair and kind brown eyes. She was dressed in a light blue dress with a white apron over top of it.
"It is nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much 'bout you from Richard and Emily. And Jess of course." She winked in Jess' direction.
"I've heard a lot about you too," Rory said.
"You look so much your grandma when she was younger. I reckon I've known her for 'bout 40 years now. Great woman. And you sure do favor her."
"Thanks. I mostly get told I look like my mom."
"Oh yes, Dear. I can see that too. Your mom always was quite the beauty as well. How's she doin'?"
"She's good. She keeps pretty busy. She plans parties and events and stuff. Mostly for my dad's office, but for a couple other businesses too."
"She always did prefer that city life style. Not my taste, but I'm not one to judge," she said with a wave of her hand.
Rory smiled. "It's not really my taste either."
Wendy squeezed Rory's shoulder gently. "Well, kids, I expect supper'll be done in just a little bit. Jess why don't you go show Rory around and I'll call you when it's ready?"
"Okay. Do you need anything else? I don't want to come back in here and have another heartattack because my grandma thinks she's invincible or somethin'."
"Oh you get out of here," Wendy chuckled, playfully slapping at Jess with a dishtowel.
Jess ducked, laughing and took Rory's hand leading her back into the dining room.
"Okay, so that was the kitchen. Here we are back in the dinin' room. We mostly use it for Sunday supper, holidays, birthdays, and when we have company. Grandaddy made that table for Grandmama. It was his weddin' present to her."
Rory noticed the ornate carvings on the dark oak table and the backs of the chairs. "It's gorgeous," she told him, running her finger over the designs.
"And now let's go back in the livin' room."
Rory could see more now and saw worn in furniture draped with crocheted blankets. There was a small television in the corner. Jess walked over to a framed photo next to a lamp on a table.
"These is my Grandaddy, Joe."
"Wow. You look a lot like him." Rory noticed they had very similar physical features and Jess had his exact posture.
"People always tell me that. I take it as a compliment. It's even better when they tell me I act like him. He was a great man. If I could live my life to do half of what he did it'd be a great life."
"I wish I could've met him."
Jess squeezed her hand. "I know he would've really liked you."
Rory smiled. "I'm sure I would have liked him too."
Jess leaned over and kissed Rory. "Come on. I'll show you the rest of the house."
The other rooms downstairs consisted of Wendy's bedroom, Wendy's sewing room, mud room, utility room, and a bathroom.
"My favorite part of the house is upstairs," Jess said, leading her up. "Here is the guest room." Jess opened the door and Rory saw a room with a large iron framed bed with a dresser and a tv. There was also a pile of Wendy's crocheted blankets on the end of the bed.
"It's cozy," Rory smiled.
"In here's where I spend a lot of my time," Jess said, opening another door and pulling Rory inside.
"Wow," was all Rory could muster. The room was full of overstuffed, wall-to-wall bookshelves. There was a large area rug in the center of the floor and a chaise lounge and floor lamp in front of a large window. "I could live in here."
"I've lost hours of my life in here," Jess informed her.
"My collection is nothing compared to this," Rory said, amazed.
"Well, Grandmama and Grandaddy started it years ago. I just...added on."
Rory walked by the shelves, running her fingers across the spines of the books. "Some of these I haven't even heard of."
"You can borrow any you want anytime you want."
"Thanks. I'm definitely going to be taking you up on that offer."
"Um, my room is right across the hall if you want to see it."
"Sure," Rory nodded.
She took Jess' offered hand and followed him across the hall.
"It's not exactly the cleanest ever, but here it is."
Rory looked around and smiled. A double bed sat in the middle of the floor with a black and white plaid comforter crumpled up in the middle. There was a desk in the corner with a computer on it. A TV sat on a cart with movies on the shelf below it. An elaborate stereo system sat in another corner with stacks and stacks of CDs piled around it. A telescope was pointed towards a window. The walls were covered in musical posters and baseball memorbilla. Clothes and shoes spilled out of his closet. A trail of clothes led the way into his bathroom.
"It suits you," Rory squeezed his hand. "I like it. A lot."
"Yeah? I really should have cleaned up, but I started readin' and before I knew it was time to get ready and come pick you up."
Rory shook her head. "I like it the way it is," she said pulling him over to sit on the bed. "Of Mice and Men. I love this book!" she exclaimed seeing his copy on top the stack of books on his nightstand.
"I'm readin' it for 'bout the 10th time."
"What's your favorite part?"
"When Lenny smashes Curley's hand."
"Mine too!" Rory said excitedly. "I'm not really for violence, but that jerk deserved it."
"I'm really glad you're here," Jess said softly, running his thumb along the back of her hand.
"I'm really glad I'm here too," Rory said in return.
Jess slowly leaned in and kissed her. Rory pulled her hand free of his to wrap around his shoulders to bring him even closer to her. Jess lightly stroked her bare shoulder with his knuckles causing Rory to shiver. He leaned his forehead against hers. "You really do look beautiful tonight."
Rory blushes. "Thanks."
"I like your hair down. It's so soft," he murmured, running his fingers through the locks. As his fingers began massaging her scalp, Rory moaned softly.
"I'll have to wear it down more often if this is what I get."
Jess smiled and kissed her again. "I'll give you whatever you want," he whispered in her ear, placing a kiss behind it.
"Jess," Rory hissed, clenching her fingers in his hair.
Jess froze for a moment comprehending the fact that Rory was currently sitting on his bed, hissing his name as he kissed her and ran his fingers through her hair. He came out of his haze as he heard Wendy's voice yelling that the food was ready.
Rory pecked his lips quickly before pulling back and asking, "Do I look presentable?"
Jess smiled. Her eyes were a little glazed over and her cheeks were flushed. Her lips were a little reddened and puffy. "You look amazin'," he said, running his fingers through her hair. "But my bathroom is right over there if you wanna double check."
Rory nodded and walked over to the bathroom, chuckling as she saw it was in a state much like his bedroom. His sink was piled full of toothpaste, floss, deodorant, shaving gel, a razor, and a bottle of cologne. She manuevered around all that to splash a little cold water on her face to calm herself down. She ran her fingers through her hair and smiling, turned the light off and walked out of the room. She walked back over to Jess and held her hand out for him to take as they walked back down to the kitchen.
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"Rory, I hope you like tenderloin."
"I'll eat pretty much anything. I'm not picky when it comes to food."
Wendy laughed. "I can see why Jess likes you, Dear."
Rory and Jess caught each other's gaze and smiled. Jess squeezed her hand.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Rory asked.
"Oh no, Honey. You're the guest of honor. You and Jess go have a seat in the dinin' room and I'll be right in with the food."
Rory nodded and followed Jess into the dining room. Jess held out the chair for Rory and taking the seat next to her as Wendy started bringing out the dishes of food and pitcher of sweet tea. After she'd brought in the last dish Jess came around to her side of the table to help her into the seat across from him and Rory.
"Thanks, Sweetie. Rory you help yourself to whatever you want," Wendy said smiling at her.
"Thanks," Rory said and began filling her plate. She smiled at Jess as he placed a glass of sweet tea in front of her plate.
"Everything tastes great," Rory said, putting more on her plate.
Wendy smiled. "Well, thank you, Honey. I'm glad you like it. I wasn't too sure what you liked so I just made a little bit of everything."
"It's really good."
"I have to agree with Rory, Grandmama. You really outdid yourself this time," Jess said putting more food on his plate as well.
"It's nothin'," Wendy said with a wave of her hand. "So, Rory, Jess tells me you're a bookworm like him."
Rory smiled. "It's true. I love to read."
"I do too. Always have. In fact, that's how I met my Joe. I was at the library same time as him and we both reached for a copy of Moby Dick. I let him check the book out first and he bought me lunch to thank him. We married a year later."
"And they still got the urge to read the same book at the same time at least once a month durin' their whole marriage," Jess chuckled.
"Jess used to missin' for hours and we'd always find him hidin' away somewhere with his nose in a book."
"Grandmama," Jess mumbled, shifting in his seat. "We talked about this. No embarrassin' stories from when I was kid."
Rory and Wendy laughed before Rory turned a teasing look at Jess. "So I've heard stories about Jess wanting to be a cowboy when he was younger, but he says he doesn't know where any pictures are."
"Oh, Honey, I've got tons I hid from him. After supper we'll go in the livin' room and I'll show 'em to you."
"Grandmama!" Jess protested.
"Oh, hush you. It's nothin' to be ashamed of." She turned to Rory. "He was the cutest little thing. Always rippin' and runnin' in his boots and hat. Hell, most days you had to wrestle him into somethin' other than just the boots and hat."
Jess was the color of the tomatoes on the table.
"That is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever heard," Rory said, smiling at Jess.
"And the most embarrassin'," Jess said.
Rory reached under the table and patted Jess' leg. "I already told you I wore fairy wings and had a wand for years."
"Are there pictures?" Jess smirked.
Rory flushed. "I'll see what I can do."
"You do that."
As they continued to eat, Wendy realized more and more just why her grandson was so crazy about Rory. She was softspoken, but was still able to hold her own in a conversation. She made Jess smile more than Wendy had ever seen him smile. She made sure to bring Wendy back into the conversation when her and Jess got lost in each other's words. She was pretty on the outside and irrestibly charming on the inside. She reminded Wendy even more of a younger Emily.
Rory couldn't believe she had been so nervous about meeting Wendy. She had made her feel incredibly at home. She loved to tell stories of Jess's childhood, despite his pleas to get her to stop, but she also told ones of her own, of her life with Joe, and several of Richard and Emily.
"I hope you kids saved room because I've got fudge pie for desert."
"Grandmama's fudge pie has won awards in the tri-county area. People come from miles around to get a bite," Jess informed her proudly, winking at Wendy as she sat slices in front of him and Rory.
Rory took a bite. "I can see why," she exclaimed. "This is amazing."
"Thank you, Sweetie. If you'd like, I'll send you home with some leftovers and put you another piece of pie in there."
Rory's eyes lit up. "I'd love that."
Jess couldn't be happier that Rory and Wendy were getting along so well. He'd only introduced Wendy to one other girl he'd dated, and that was only because they bumped into her during their grocery shopping. Wendy never said anything directly, but Jess could tell she didn't like who he had chosen to date. She was never rude to her, but Jess could just feel that she didn't agree with his choice of a girlfriend. Rory, on the other hand, he could tell Wendy already adored her. And the same went for Rory. As he watched Rory's eyes dance with merriment as she told Wendy about the sheer enjoyment she got from learning to ride a horse, he slipped his hand under the table and rested it on her bare knee. Rory faltered for a moment in her story. Jess' skin touching hers always sent chills down her spine. She recovered quickly and slid her hand under the table to rest on top of his. Jess continued to stare for another moment before joining in on the conversation.
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"And here's another of one of Jess feedin' calves in his hat and boots."
"You can stop anytime, Grandmama."
"Aww, Jess, don't be a spoilsport. You're so cute."
Jess' blush deepend. "Well, just don't spend the whole night lookin' at embarrassin' pictures of me. There's still some stuff I wanna show you."
Wendy showed Rory a few more pictures before saying, "Alright, Honey. I've kept you to myself long enough. I'm gonna go clean up the kitchen and let you two kids have some time to yourselves."
"Thanks, Grandmama," Jess said grabbing Rory's hand, ready to pull her away.
"Thanks for showing me the pictures of Jess and my grandparents."
"It was my pleasure. You can come by and see me anytime you want and I'll show you the rest of 'em. I got more somewhere 'round here."
"I'll definitely be visting you, and not just because of the pictures. I've enjoyed spending time with you." Rory said smiling.
Wendy reached out and grasped the hand that Jess wasn't holding. "And I've enjoyed spendin' time with you. I've been dyin' to meet you for so long. I saw you a couple times when you was a baby, but you probably don't remember that. You are so much like Emily and I'm glad that Jess is so sweet on you. I couldn't have picked a better girl for my Jess if I'd tried."
Rory was speechless. She let go of Jess' hand and reached out to embrace Wendy. "Thanks," she whispered in her ear.
Wendy patted her back gently before pulling away and saying, "Well, you kids go be young and have fun. I'm gonna get in there and clean that kitchen. Rory, I'm gonna make up a plate for you take back and leave on the counter, but you come and tell me bye before you leave, ya hear?"
Rory nodded. "I will."
"Now get out of here," she chuckled and waved them away.
Jess once again reached for Rory's hand and lead her outside. "So, feelin' better about meetin' her?"
Rory gave him a bright smile. "Much better. I can definitely see where you got your sweetness from," she told him placing a kiss on his cheek.
Jess squeezed her hand. "Come on. I wanna show you somethin'."
He led her to a small building behind the house. After unhooking his keys from his belt he unlocked the door and pulled her inside. Rory tightened her grip on his hand until he found the light switch. As light flooded the room, Rory looked around. They were in a workshop of sorts. There were piles of wood along one of the walls and a table full of power tools in the back.
"This was my Grandaddy's workshop. Besides farmin' he built furniture. I took over after he died. You know that headboard on your bed? I built it after Richard told me you were comin' for the summer and liked to read."
Rory looked at him for a moment and he stared back just as intently. She suddenly reached up and pulled him to her, kissing him with all she had.
"Well if that's the thanks I get for buildin' one headboard, I'll gladly build a dozen more," he said huskily after they pulled away.
Rory blushed. "It wasn't just for the headboard. It was for you being so nice to my grandparents. And for treating your grandma so well. And being so nice to me. And just for being you."
Jess pulled her into a tight embrace. He inhaled the sweet strawberry scent of her hair and placed a kiss on her forehead and then her nose before leaning his head on top of hers. "I feel the same about you. You didn't have to be so nice to Grandmama and you didn't have to spend all this time with you grandparents. But you did and you're here."
"I'm glad I'm here," Rory whispered into his chest were her face was still pressed.
"I'm glad you're here too," Jess whispered back, echoing their earlier statements from his bedroom.
Jess held on to her for a little longer before pulling away and saying, "There's some other stuff I wanna show you too."
He took her for a walk along the beaten path around the house. As they walked they talked about anything they could think of, trying to get to know each other even more. After they made there way back around the house, Jess pulled Rory over to a tree along the side of the yard. "I used to spend hours in this tree when I was younger. I'd climb it and stay up there all day."
"My mom never let me climb trees. She always said stuff like 'That's not how a proper lady behaves.' Although I'm pretty sure if she would have let me I probably would have broken my neck. I'm not the most graceful person," she chuckled.
"Well, if you ever want to climb a tree, I'll help you and I won't tell your mom you did it," Jess said smirking.
"Good to know," Rory smiled. Then she noticed something hanging from the next tree over. "Is that a tire swing?" she asked, pulling Jess towards it.
"Sure is. I used to love that thing. Grandaddy put it up when I was 'bout 5 years old. I think Grandmama put him up to it. She never did like me climbin' trees. I think it was her way of keepin' me as close to the ground as she could."
"Can I try it out?" Rory asked shyly.
"Sure. I'll push you."
Rory immediately kicked her flip flops off and allowed Jess to help her into the swing. Wearing a skirt made getting in the swing difficult so Jess just picked her up allowing her to push her legs through the middle.
Jess waited until she was situated and pulled the tire back so that her back was pressed up against his chest. "Ready?" he asked.
Rory shivered as his breath blew across her ear. "Yep."
Jess let go of the tire and it went forward. His heart warmed at the sound of Rory's giggles as he continued to push her forward. He laughed as she held her arms out to the sides and shrieked with delight. It was great seeing her so carefree. From what she had told him about her life in Connecticut she wasn't allowed to have much fun. She was forced to go to a school full of girls she didn't really get along with and when she was home her parents made it seem as if she wasn't wanted there. He was glad that she was having so much fun so far and he was determined to make sure her summer was the best she'd ever had.
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After Rory was finished swinging she noticed how late it was getting and that she needed to get back to her grandparents house. She was reluctant to leave but she knew that Jess had to get up early the next morning and she didn't want him to be sleep deprived because of her.
She told her goodbyes to Wendy, repeatedly thanking her for the leftovers she was sending back with her, and promising to visit her as soon as she could.
Jess led her out of the house, one hand holding onto Rory's food and the other hand wrapped tightly around Rory's. He helped her into the truck, handing the food to her before climbing in his side. As he started the engine, Rory shifted in the seat to the middle so that she was right next him. As Jess backed out of his driveway she rested her hand on his knee and said, "Thanks for such a great time tonight."
Jess leaned over to peck her lips briefly before shifting his eyes back to the windshield. "Anytime. Like Grandmama said, you are welcome here anytime."
"Even if it's only to look at embarassing pictures of you when you were younger?" Rory asked grinning.
Jess groaned. "If that makes you happy then I guess it's alright with me."
"You really are something else," Rory laughed shifting as close to him as her seatbelt would allow.
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As Jess pulled into the Gilmore's driveway he wished it wasn't so late. He had spent roughly 6 hours with Rory and he wanted more. He was addicted. She hadn't been in Kentucky for long at all and she already had him and everyone else she'd met wrapped around her finger. The best part was that she didn't even realize just how wrapped they all were. He hated how she felt in Connecticut and promised himself yet again that he would make her summer very memorable.
Rory turned to Jess after he walked her to the door. "I don't tonight to end."
Jess wrapped an arm around her. "I don't either, Darlin', but it has to. Just know that you can come and see me on the farm anytime you want. And I'll see you at lunch and we'll go ridin' tomorrow evenin'."
Rory smiled. "I'd like that."
Jess tilted her face up to kiss her. "Sweet dreams, Darlin'."
Rory smiled and kissed him again. "Goodnight Jess."
Jess kissed her one more time before making sure she got inside okay and heading home himself.
Rory was still smiling to herself as she put her plate of food in the refrigerator. She couldn't get over how sweet Wendy was and how great Jess was. It was getting harder and harder to part from him. But as she was changing into her pajamas she remembered that Jess had said she could see him anytime she wanted to the next day. She hoped sleep would come quickly because the sooner she fell asleep, the sooner she would wake up and see Jess again. She couldn't wait.
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AN: Thanks for reading and please review when finished.