So for some reason today I got a lot of ideas and inspiration for this particular story. I have a lot planned and I hope you will continue on the ride with me :) Next few days are hectic but I hope I can find some time to write more. Enjoy this chapter for now :)

That night, Lorelai was standing in her bedroom ripping through clothes trying to find something to wear. She was frustrated as she tossed shoes across the room, Rory and Sookie were laughing as they sat on the bed watching her.

"This isn't funny!" Lorelai said with a pout, "What do I wear? God I am so stupid for suggesting dinner! I should have waited and given myself more time to prepare!"

"Lorelai you could wear a trash bag and Luke would still think you are the most beautiful woman in the world." Sookie said with a laugh, "You told him it was going to be casual. Put on a good pair of jeans, a cute top and some sandals. It will be great!"

Lorelai turned and sighed, "I haven't been on a date in forever...I don't know what I am doing. What if I make a total fool of myself?"

"Mom, Luke is crazy about you." Rory said as she snacked on a redvine, "Relax. You guys have been spending so much time together. Just pretend I'm still there, it's not that different!"

She smiled softly, "I just...I don't want to mess it up. He's...such a good guy."

"He's the best." Rory said as she sat up and smiled at her Mom, "I really like having him around. And I want to keep it that way!"

Lorelai smiled back at her, "Me too hon." The doorbell rang and she jumped, "Oh God! He's here and I'm not even dressed!" She scrambled up and started ripping through clothes in the closet again.

Sookie glanced at Rory, "You handle Luke...I'll get her ready."

Rory gave her a little salute, "You got it!" She jumped down from the bed and ran downstairs, she whipped open the door and smiled at him, "Hey Luke!"

He smiled at her, "Hey kid. I think I'm a little early…" He heard something drop from upstairs and he grimaced, "Or a lot early…"

Rory smiled and stepped aside to let him in, "She can't figure out what to wear. She wants to impress you."

He chuckled, "She could wear a trash bag and I'd be impressed."

Rory laughed and followed him towards the living room, "That's what Sookie told her…" She shrugged, "She's just nervous…"

Luke rubbed his hands together slowly, "Well that makes two of us…"

Rory smirked and sat down on the couch, "Do you know what you guys are doing?"

Luke shrugged, "No definite plans...she said she wanted something casual. I heard there was a movie playing in the square...they will have food and stuff there. I have a blanket in the truck for us to sit on...you think that's good?"

Rory's smile grew, "Sounds perfect."

Luke nodded slowly and then turned when he heard someone walking down the stairs. He smiled when he saw Lorelai walking towards him, she had a tight fitting pair of jeans on, sandals, a black tank top. She was holding a red sweater, her hair was falling down around her face in large curls and she smiled brilliantly at him.

"Hey…" She whispered as she made it to the bottom of the steps, Sookie walked around her and went over to Rory.

Luke smiled and stuffed his head in his pockets, "Hey. You look beautiful."

She blushed slightly and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "Thank you...you look really nice too."

"Awww…" Sookie and Rory cooed from the couch.

Lorelai glared at them both, "Okay...we're gonna head out now. Got everything you need?"

Sookie nodded, "Pizza will be here in a few minutes. We already picked out our movies and Rory is giving me a makeover. We are all set!"

Rory got up and walked over to Luke, "We are set. But before you go...let me lay a few ground rules."

"Rory…" Lorelai whispered in a warning tone.

Rory shot her a look and then looked at Luke, "Her curfew is midnight...any later and you'll both be in trouble."

Luke chuckled softly, "Got it...anything else?"

Rory nodded and stuck a finger out to him and glared, "She comes home crying...and you have to deal with me? Understood?"

Luke smiled softly and gave her a swift nod, "I promise not to make her cry…"

Rory smiled at him, "I trust you…" She turned towards her Mom and smiled, "And you...behave yourself."

"Yes Mom." Lorelai said with an eyeroll, she walked over to her and kissed the top of her head, "Be good for Sookie please and don't stay up to late."

Luke gave Sookie and Rory a wave as they walked towards the door. Lorelai grabbed her keys and walked out onto the porch, she shut the door behind her and smiled at him.

"So...I realize I have no plan now." Lorelai said with a laugh, "Um...do you have something you want to do?"

Luke smiled, "They are showing a movie at the gazebo. I was thinking maybe we could go? They are gonna have food and all that...I brought a blanket for us to sit on. Casual enough?"

Her smile grew and she nodded slowly, "Sounds perfect Luke."

"Great." He started to walk towards the truck and she followed, "You wanna drive? Or we could walk...it's a nice night."

She nodded slowly, "That would be nice." She watched as he grabbed the blanket from the back of the truck, he walked back to her and they walked towards the center of town, "Sorry about the third degree from Rory...she's not used to me going out much."

Luke smiled, "No big deal. I think it's cute that she's looking out for you...you guys have an amazing bond...unlike anything I've ever seen."

Lorelai smiled, "For a long time she was the only thing I had...we've become very close."

Luke nodded slowly, "Well I think it's great. She adores you...as she should."

Lorelai shook her head, "She's the best thing that ever happened to me...probably the scariest thing too but definitely the best."

"It still amazes me you were able to raise her so well at such a young age." He said softly, "I don't know how you did it…"

She shrugged, "Some days were easier than others...mostly I just focussed on trying to make her happy. I wanted her to feel secure ya know? I never had that feeling growing up...that was most important to me. Especially with Christopher not being around...I wanted her to feel wanted. I wanted her to know that she was important…"

"You think she's feeling any better about the game? I know I'm not her Dad...I can't fill that hole." He said sadly.

She shook her head, "No but you've been amazing. She was talking about how much fun she had with you when we got home. She was practically gushing." She said with a laugh, "She really likes you...which makes me feel a lot better about going out on a date with you. Her approval is important...I want her to feel comfortable about all of this and she does."

Luke smiled, "Well she's a great kid Lorelai...I had a great time today."

"The hat was a nice touch by the way…" Lorelai whispered as they continued to walk, "It was very sweet of you. You didn't have to get her a gift…"

Luke shrugged, "It's nothing. My Dad gave me my first hat when he taught me how to play. I wanted her to have one too."

She paused for a moment, it took him a second to realize she wasn't standing beside him. He stopped and turned to look at her with a nervous expression on his face, "Lorelai?"

She bit her lip nervously, "I just...I know I keep saying it Luke but…" She looked down nervously, "You have no idea how much it means to me that you are so good with her...that you accept her in my life. It's just...hard sometimes...and it's been really nice to feel like a normal person for a moment." She laughed sadly, "I love Rory...but being here right now with you...feels really good. Just to have a minute to myself...but it feels even better to know that if Sookie wasn't around and Rory was here with us you'd be okay with that too."

Luke walked towards her and leaned in to kiss her softly, "Of course I'd be okay with it. I care about both of you…"

She leaned into him and smiled, "We care about you too Luke…"

He gave her a wink, kissed her temple and reached for her hand. "Come on pretty girl. We have a movie to catch…"

Lorelai smiled and rested her head against his shoulder as they walked into town. It was a warm May night and she smiled at her neighbors as they passed by. She caught Patty and Babette's eye as Luke started to set up the blanket on the grass. She gave them both a little wave and sat down.

Luke stared down at her, "I'm gonna grab us some pizza. You want a beer too?"

Lorelai nodded, "Sure. You want help?"

Luke shook his head, "Nah. I got it. Get comfortable, I'll be right back."

Lorelai smiled and watched him walk away. Immediately after he left, Babette and Patty sat down beside her and started grilling her. "Are you and Luke on a date?"

Lorelai blushed slightly, "Um...yes. We are."

Babette nudged Patty, "I told you they'd get together!"

"Oh honey you picked a good one." Patty said with a smile, "Luke is a hell of a guy."

Lorelai looked down and began to pull at her sweater in her lap, "He sure is…"

"He's been through a lot in his life…" Patty said softly, "He deserves a good girl and you are a good girl. I think you guys make an adorable couple!"

Lorelai bit her lip nervously, "We're really just getting to know each other better...taking it slow. He was such a help with Rory when she got sick…"

"I heard he was going to play in the Father's Day game with her." Babette said, "How sweet is that?"

Lorelai nodded, "He is. He started to help her learn the basics today. She had a great time."

"Luke was never a kid person...but he seems to adore Rory though." Babette said looking at Patty, "Don't you think?"

"Well who doesn't love Rory? She's not like most kids." Patty said with a smile, "And I' sure she loves hanging out with him."

Lorelai nodded, "She does."

Babette looked to the side and noticed Luke walking back towards her, "We should go so they can enjoy their night Patty."

Patty spotted Luke who was giving her a warning look, she chuckled and turned towards Lorelai, "Hold on to that one sweetie…"

Lorelai smiled, "That's the plan…"

Patty and Babette quickly scurried back to their spot and Luke handed Lorelai a plate and her beer, "What was that about?"

Lorelai smiled as he sat down beside her, "They were just making sure I was aware of how great you are…"

Luke groaned as shifted in his seat, "Oh wonderful…"

She smirked, "It's sweet. They care about you. Just looking out for you...like Rory did for me."

Luke nodded slowly and took a swig of his beer, "After my parents died...Patty and Babette were always checking in. Gossiping too…" He said with a laugh, "They mean well though…"

"Yes they do." She said as she took a sip of her own beer, "I'll have to remember to grill them for details on teenage Luke Danes…"

Luke cringed, "Oh please don't...I can only imagine what they will tell you."

She smirked, "I bet you were a player back in your day...I mean I know you had a girlfriend but I bet all the girls wanted to date you. Especially if you were a jock. Did you play anything other than baseball?"

Luke nodded, "I ran track too."

"Ohhh you're a runner?" Lorelai said with a smile, "Don't ever expect me to go on a run with you. I find walking to be a pointless activity most days."

He chuckled, "I'll remember that." He shrugged, "I really only run early in the morning...not everyday but when I can. Good to clear my head…"

"You run with your shirt off?" She asked with a smile, "Maybe I'll wake up early just to catch a glimpse…"

Luke smirked, "You can see me without a shirt on whenever you'd like…"

She blushed again, "Tease…"

He smiled and took a bite of his pizza, "I told you…you're call here. I'm happy to wait for you as long as you need me too."

She laughed, "Keep talking like that and I can guarantee you won't be waiting very long…"

He laughed again, "I'll keep that in mind." He paused and watched as she nibbled on her pizza, "Pizza good?"

She nodded slowly and she blushed again, "Yeah…"

He frowned slightly, "Um…did I make you uncomfortable?"

She shook her head quickly, "Oh no. No…this is just all new for me. I think I've become accustomed to spending the night with Rory all the time. It's been so long since I was a real adult without a kid…just taking it all in."

Luke shrugged, "We could have taken her with us…"

She nodded and gave him a small smile, "I know. And like I said that makes me like you even more knowing that…but I think it's probably important for us to spend some time away from her too. If we are going to be in a relationship…that would require some non kid time too right?"

He shrugged again, "As long as you're comfortable with that…"

She was quiet for a moment, "Can I ask you something?"

He nodded and took a sip of his beer, "Shoot."

"When you first met me…what did you think about me having a kid? Were you surprised?" She asked in a soft voice.

Luke seemed unsure how to answer, "Um…I mean yeah I guess a little. But I didn't judge you if that's what you're worried about. I mean my sister had a kid at 17…things happen. It's how you deal with them that I make my judgments. And you're an amazing Mom…you work hard to make a great life for her. So really I was incredibly impressed when I met you…you seemed so well put together."

She laughed a little to herself, "I must be a good actress then. Because I have nothing put together…most days I'm running on empty and just hoping we make it through the day without a major catastrophe."

He smiled, "You've done a hell of a job so far Lorelai. You don't give yourself enough credit…"

She looked down and rolled her beer bottle between her hands, "Truthfully I don't know what I would have done if Mia hadn't let me stay at the Inn…I had no plan. I just took off…which was probably really stupid. But I couldn't stay there…I felt like I was suffocating. And I knew my parents would take over…I knew they'd make all the decisions for me…they'd try and mold her into the daughter I wasn't. She was the one thing I had ya know…I wanted to keep her to myself as terrified as I was."

"So you just packed up and left?" Luke asked.

She nodded, "I went home after I first had her…stayed a couple of days. My Mom tried to keep Rory from me as much as possible unless she had to be fed and I just panicked. I tried to talk to her…tell her I could handle it but she wouldn't listen. So one night I threw a bunch of stuff in bags, called a cab and left. Never looked back…I sent them a letter to know that I was safe…gave them a number to reach me at. But they never called and I was to afraid to call them…so really for the first 6 years of Rory's life we had no contact."

"Wow." Luke whispered, "What changed after that?"

Lorelai shrugged, "I'm not really sure…one day Mia came to me with an invitation to my parents annual Christmas party. I was shocked…I wasn't going to go but she told me I should. So I got Rory all dressed up…and went. It was incredibly awkward…we exchanged very few words. And then when it was over they said see you next year…and that was it." She smirked, "I found out later that Christopher was supposed to be there…so I'm sure that they were trying to push us together."

Luke frowned, "So…they like him?"

Lorelai laughed, "Well no they weren't to fond of him when they found out I was pregnant. But…then I think they warmed up to the idea because he came from a good, wealthy family. They were furious when I refused his proposal…they said I was making a huge mistake. But…I didn't want to be another step ford wife. I wanted more than that…I knew Chris and I would never be happy. And I didn't want Rory to get caught up in a loveless marriage…"

Luke was quiet for a moment, "You had to make a lot of really big decisions on your own at a very young age…"

She nodded slowly, "I did…but I'd do it all again if I had too. When I first found out I was pregnant…" She paused and blushed before looking away.

"What?" He asked, he could sense she was nervous so he grabbed for her hand, "You can tell me…"

She sighed and looked back at him, "Before I told my parents…Christopher said I should just get rid of it. He drove me to the clinic…and I sat in his car for an hour listening to him describe why I should just do it. And then I just…I couldn't do it." She wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye, "I got out of the car…and walked to the bus station. Chris and I didn't talk for weeks…it wasn't until my parents found out and called his parents that we had to talk. That's when he proposed…"

"He wanted you to have an abortion?" Luke asked in shock.

She sighed, "It crossed my mind for all of five seconds before I realized I couldn't do it. As terrified as I was…I couldn't go through with it. I just felt like…Rory was meant to be in my life ya know? I was so miserable back then…I think I was hoping it would change things. And it did…"

Luke was quiet as he stared at her, "You're incredible…you know that?"

She blushed and looked away again, "I just admitted that I almost had an abortion Luke…nothing incredible about that."

He squeezed her hand in his and smiled, "Lorelai…you didn't go through with it. I'm sure Liz had those thoughts too…it's probably normal especially at your young age. But you made a conscious choice to keep Rory and give her a great life. I don't know if I could have been that brave…"

She shook her head and turned back to him, "You would have though…I can tell. If you were in that position you would do whatever it took to take care of your kid even if it wasn't planned."

Luke nodded slowly, "Yeah…maybe." He paused for a moment and then cleared his throat nervously, "Just for the record…if and when we cross that line…if something did happen…"

She smiled at him, "That's good to know…"

He smiled nervously and then looked away, he noticed the movie was starting, "Oh hey…looks like the movie's about to start."

Lorelai smiled at him once more and then turned her body to stare at the screen set up in the Gazebo, all at once she felt her heart skip a beat. "16 Candles?"

Luke turned and looked at her curiously, "Uh yeah…is that okay? I didn't know what they were playing…if you don't like this movie we can-"

"Don't like this movie? My God this movie got me through the 9 months of my pregnancy! This is like my favorite movie of all time! I've probably seen it 1000 times." She said looking over at him with a million dollar smile. "Best first date ever!"

Luke smiled, "You sure? If you've seen it that many times you must be bored with it…"

She chuckled, "You have much to learn my friend…if I had only seen this a few times then you should be worried. If I love a movie I can watch it over and over again and never get sick of it!"

He nodded slowly, "Good to know." He paused as they turned back to the movie, "Hey Lorelai?"

She turned towards him slowly and smiled, "Yeah?"

He contemplated his words carefully before whispering, "Um…what are we exactly?" She cocked her head to the side, "I just mean…you said friend so I'm just curious."

She smiled and scooted closer to him, "I'm not seeing anyone else if that's what you're wondering…and I have no desire too."

He nodded slowly, "So we're…exclusive?"

She nodded back, "I'm a one man kind of gal myself…what about you?"

Luke gave her a squeeze, "No one else could tempt me even if they tried. Besides…I'm a one-woman kind of man too…I'd never cheat on you…I don't see the point in it. If you aren't happy with someone you break up with them…why hurt someone like that?"

She smiled to herself, "See…I knew you were a good guy."

Luke chuckled and kissed the top of her head, "How about we watch the movie? I've never actually seen it all the way through…"

She gasped and stared up at him, "You're kidding…"

He shook his head, "Nope."

She shook her head and pointed to the screen, "Then pay attention my friend. You are about to discover one of the greatest movie's of all time! And I will probably quote the whole entire thing…so what an extra treat for you!"

Luke laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "Lucky me…"

She shook her head and snuggled up to him, "Nope…I'm pretty sure I'm the lucky one here. I'm on a date with you…"

Luke blushed and held her close as they started to watch the movie silently. He laughed when he heard her quote her favorite parts and smiled whenever she threw her head back and laughed. He loved the feel of her in his arms and wondered how it could possibly get any better than this.

When the movie was over, it was still early so they decided to get some ice cream and walk down to the lake. Lorelai was talking animatedly about Rory as a child and he loved how her face lit up as she talked about her. He listened carefully and laughed when she told him as story about the first time Rory tried to dress herself for school.

At one point, Lorelai turned and blushed slightly, "I'm talking to much aren't I?"

He shook his head and took a lick of his ice cream, "Not at all. I like hearing your stories about Rory…"

She smiled softly, "You aren't getting sick of me?"

"Not in the slightest." He said with a quick shake of his head, "I'm having a great time. I hope you are too…makes my chances at a second date better."

She smirked at him, "I'm having a wonderful time Luke. There will definitely be a second date if I can get a free night."

Luke nodded slowly, "Actually I had an idea I wanted to run by you…and please feel free to say no."

She continued to lick her ice cream as she responded, "I'm intrigued. What's your idea?"

"Well I know that it's hard to find sitters all the time…and I like spending time with both you and Rory anyway. A buddy of mine usually is able to get some good Red Sox tickets…and I was thinking maybe I could get three so we could all go to a game. I know that maybe sports aren't really your thing…but I thought it could be cool for Rory to see a real game. And she's got the hat now anyway…we could go next weekend or whenever he can get tickets and maybe stay at a hotel? Obviously we can have separate rooms…but just get away from town for a bit. What do you think?" He asked softly, "Like I said…you can totally say no. It just kind of popped into my head this afternoon…"

Lorelai beamed at him, "You want to take us to a game?"

Luke nodded, "Yeah. I think it would be fun. I love catching a game…Fenway is awesome. We could go early…check out the city. I bet Rory would like a lot of the historical places there. They have good food at the park…what do you think?"

"I think that's amazing. But…I know nothing about baseball." She said with a laugh.

He shook his head, "Doesn't matter. You wanna go?"

She nodded slowly, "Yeah! I'd love it! And I know Rory would too." She paused and smiled, "You're really sure?"

He chuckled softly as he threw the rapper to his cone in the trash can beside him, "Yeah. Why does that surprise you so much?"

She shrugged and glanced up at him shyly, "I'm just…not used to it. Having someone care about us the way you do…I think it will take some time to get used too."

Luke took the last bite of his cone and then walked up to her, "Lorelai…"

She felt tears prickling in her eyes, "It's a good thing…I mean I like that you care. It's just a little strange for me. I'm so used to being on my own…and it feels nice to have someone looking out for us for a change." She sniffled and wiped at her eyes, "Oh man…you must think I'm crazy…"

Luke smiled and shook his head, "No I don't. But I am concerned I broke one of Rory's rules…you're crying."

She giggled a little, "I think she will make an exception for happy tears…"

He leaned in and cupped her face gently, "Happy tears?"

She nodded slowly and leaned into him, "I'm happy Luke…and it's been a long time since I've been happy. Rory makes me happy…but this feels different."

He leaned in and kissed her gently, "I want you to be happy…both of you."

She sighed and leaned further into him, "Well you're doing a hell of a job so far…and we're just starting out."

Luke smiled, "Think of all the possibilities…" He teased.

She giggled back, "Oh trust me…I have." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly, "All I can say is thank God for my coffee addiction…because I am damn glad I met you Luke Danes."

Luke smirked at her, "The feeling is mutual Lorelai Gilmore…"

She smiled, took his hand with her free one and started to walk back towards the lake as she licked her ice cream. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so carefree and happy and she was hoping to keep this feeling for as long as possible.

When they finally made it back to Lorelai's house, she was feeling sad that the night was already coming to an end. She squeezed his hand a little tighter and he pulled her close as they got to the front door. She smiled up at him as he looked her up and down, still processing the fact that they had just gone on a date.

"So…I'd say first date went pretty well. What do you think?" Lorelai asked softly.

Luke smirked at her, "Best date I've ever had…"

She smiled and nudged his stomach softly, "And to think that wasn't even the full Luke Danes date treatment…I can't imagine what more I have to look forward too."

Luke smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "You tell me when you're available and I'll make it happen."

She leaned closer to him, "I can't wait…"

"Me either…" He whispered as he met her half way, their lips met and she pressed her hands to his chest for leverage.

His hands plunged into her dark curls and he pulled her as close as possible. He slowly let his tongue trace her bottom lip asking for entrance which she gladly accepted. As the kiss deepened she moaned into his mouth making him shiver with anticipation of what was to come further down the road.

After a few minutes she pulled away for air and rested her forehead against his, "Wow…you're really good at that." She whispered.

He chuckled nervously, "Uh thanks? You're pretty amazing yourself…"

She smiled and pulled away so she could stare at him, "Thanks for a great night Luke…I had a wonderful time."

"Me too." He whispered as he pressed a kiss to her cheek, "Thanks for suggesting we go out tonight…"

"Thanks for being so amazing with my kid. Made me not want to wait any longer for a date…" She said with a smirk.

Luke smiled and kissed her cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow, maybe?"

Lorelai nodded, "Sure. We'll come in for lunch probably. I know Rory has some makeup work to finish and I promised to help her. Other than that I just have to catch up with things around the house…"

Luke nodded, "Sounds good. I look forward to seeing you both."

She smiled, pushed herself up and pressed a kiss to his lips again, "Goodnight Luke…"

"Goodnight Lorelai…" He whispered before pressing another kiss to her. "Sleep well…"

She giggled, "Yeah right…"

Luke laughed and stepped away from her. When he climbed into the truck he gave her a wave and a wink before he watched her walk into the house again. She heard the rumble of the engine and knew that he had driven away already. She walked into the house and heard a noise from upstairs so she followed it.

She smiled when she saw that Rory was fast asleep in her bed and Sookie was sitting beside her watching a movie, "Hey…" She whispered.

Sookie turned towards her and smiled, "Hey…" She put a finger to her lips and climbed off the bed.

They walked quietly to the living room and sat down on the couch, "How'd she do?" Lorelai asked.

"She was great as usual." Sookie said with a smile, "Like my hair? I got the Rory Gilmore special…"

Lorelai laughed when she finally took in the many little braids covering Sookie's head, "That's a good look for you…you should totally wear it like that everyday."

Sookie laughed, "I'll think about it." She paused and then nudged her best friend, "So…how did it go?"

Lorelai sighed happily and rested her head against the back of the couch, "Oh Sookie…it was so amazing. HE was so amazing! I had the best time."

Sookie squealed with delight, "I knew it! I knew it would be good!"

Lorelai smiled and slipped her sandals off as she pulled her legs up onto the couch under her, "We watched a movie at the gazebo, had pizza and beer. Afterwards we got ice cream and walked by the lake…we talked about so much. It was crazy how comfortable I felt with him ya know? I feel like I could tell him anything…"

"You can." Sookie said with a smile, "He's a good guy…he's a really good guy."

Lorelai nodded slowly, "I know he is. Guess what he wants to do?"

"Um…have sex?" Sookie teased.

Lorelai rolled her eyes and slapped her arm gently, "Not that Sookie. Well I mean yes…but he said we could wait until whenever I was ready which was a huge relief. Been a long time…"

"Well that's sweet…" Sookie said softly, "He's a gentlemen."

Lorelai nodded, "He is. But what I was going to say is he wants to take Rory and I to Boston to catch a Red Sox game. He said we can get a hotel room…in fact he said we could get two so Rory is more comfortable. He wants to take us out ya know? Not just me but Rory too…and that means more to me than anything else."

"That is amazing." Sookie said placing a hand over her heart, "He's so good with her. Rory didn't stop talking about him all night! I don't know which one of you likes him more…"

Lorelai laughed, "It's definitely a close race…but I think I have one up on her with this one."

Sookie smiled at her, "I've never seen you like this…"

Lorelai blushed a little, "What do you mean?"

"I've never seen you this happy…this content." Sookie said with a large smile, "It makes me happy to see you this way…no one deserves it more."

Lorelai sighed and leaned into her friend, "I've never felt like this Sookie…I've spent so many years trying to close off my heart. I've been so afraid…and part of me still is. But this feels different…it feels right. I feel so comfortable and good when I am around him. He makes me feel special…like I'm actually worth it."

Sookie frowned, "Honey you are worth it. You're an amazing woman…and if the only thing he accomplishes is getting you to see that than I'll be happy."

Lorelai smiled, "How long have you known him?"

"He's a few years older than me…but everyone knows Luke Danes. He was the guy all the girls wanted to be with and the guy every guy wanted to be…" Sookie said with a smile.

She nodded slowly, "He told me had a pretty serious girlfriend back in the day…"

Sookie nodded, "Rachel…yeah everyone knew they were an item."

Lorelai bit her lip nervously, "Was she pretty?"

Sookie sighed, "Lorelai…"

"I just want to know what I'm dealing with here. Who I am going to be compared too…he already said she's got this big crazy job. He said she was a photographer…I'm sure she much more interesting than I'll ever be." She said with a pout.

Sookie stared at her best friend, "Rachel was an interesting woman…she was funny and kind. But she was also unreliable…and a bit of a flake. She made a lot of promises to Luke and never kept them…she broke his heart. More than once…he deserves more."

Lorelai sighed, "I don't want to break his heart…and I don't want him to break mine."

"I know…" Sookie whispered, "But unfortunately with relationships there are no guarantees. You know that better than anyone. But I think this could be really good for you Lorelai, and I'd hate to see you run away from something because you are scared. Luke's a good one."

Lorelai was quiet for a moment, "So…you think he's over her though?"

Sookie nodded, "Yes. When she left last time when his Dad died…he made it pretty clear to her that he was done playing her games. He likes his life here…he wants to be here. And I can tell he wants to be with you. He wouldn't be trying so hard if he didn't…he's usually pretty content sticking to himself. But he's putting himself out there with you…that's a big deal for him."

Lorelai smiled softly, "I really like him Sookie…like really like him."

"I know you do…" Sookie said as she squeezed her hand, "And I think it's great…"

Lorelai smiled and gave her friend's hand a squeeze back, "Thanks for taking care of Rory tonight. It means a lot to me…"

Sookie gave her a wink, "Anytime you need a little Luke night I'm your girl."

Lorelai smiled and went to stand up, "You should head home. It's late…"

Sookie nodded, "I hope it's okay that Rory's in your bed. She didn't want to sleep down here…"

Lorelai smiled, "It's more than okay. She can stay there with me tonight." She walked her friend to the door and they hugged as they said goodbye.

Lorelai locked the door, turned off all the lights and tip toed up the stairs towards her bedroom. She quickly changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and washed her face before crawling into bed.

Rory immediately rolled over and snuggled into her Mother's side, "Date over?"

Lorelai smiled and pulled her up against her and wrapped her hand in her hair, "Dates over babe…go back to sleep."

Rory yawned and snuggled in closer, "You have a good time?"

"I had a great time." She whispered, "Luke was wonderful…"

"So will there be a second date?" Rory asked softly as she opened one eye to peak up at her Mom.

"Would it be okay with you if there was a second date?" Lorelai asked as she smoothed her daughter's hair back.

Rory smiled up at her, "He got you back before curfew and I see no sign of tears…he gets my stamp of approval."

Lorelai laughed and pulled her against her chest, "Close your eyes crazy kid…you need your rest."

"I'm glad you had a good time Mom. I love you." Rory whispered as she started to fall asleep again.

Lorelai gave her a squeeze and kissed the top of her head, "I love you to kid…more than you could possibly know."

She smiled as she held her daughter close and went over every moment of her date with Luke. It had been a long time since she was willing to open her heart and mind to the possibility of being in a real relationship. But with each passing day her feelings for Luke were growing stronger and stronger and she couldn't wait to see where they ended up.

Wanted something cute and casual for the very first date. Lots more to come in the upcoming chapters! Stay tuned :)