Wow, guys! I am so sorry for the crazy delay in writing! Between graduating college, and trying to get myself into the "real world", this story was written in my notebook, but not typed. So, here goes kicking it back up again!
Miss Patty was directing the whole procession.
"Alright, Lucy and Marty? You first, dears," Miss Patty said. Marty and Lucy smiled at Rory and made their way down the runner towards the gazebo. Max sat near the back and didn't pay much attention yet because he didn't know these two people.
"You next, Paris, Doyle." Doyle took his newlywed's arm and they made their way down the aisle. Max looked up and saw Paris and her husband. The change in Paris was amazing to Max. She still looked serious and tense, but she had loosened up a bit. She actually smiled, and a warmth seemed to be about her. Max was stunned at the woman she had become.
"Alright, Gigi, here's your basket. You know what to do, Sweetie." Miss Patty then nudged her so she could make her way towards the gazebo. Max did not know this little girl. He thought he understood when he noticed the man in front of him turn and smile and nod at the little girl. The man looked like the man who was Rory's father at graduation. This left Max confused. Who was going to give her away?
Lorelai must be, Max thought.
"Lane, Zack, you're up. You look amazing," Miss Patty said. Lane gave Rory a hug, then linked arms with Zack and they slowly made their way down the aisle. Max saw this new couple make their way down the path to the gazebo. He barely recognized Lane, as he had not seen her since she was in high school. She was an adult now, and Max could not believe that she already had three children. Max was somewhat surprised that Lane was the Maid of Honor. Again, though, he assumed that it was because Lorelai would be giving Rory away.
"Alright, Hun," Lorelai said, brushing a tear from her cheek. "It's time. I love you, always know that. I'll be waiting for you at the end," she finished, her voice cracking slightly. Rory threw her arms around her mom.
"Lorelai, Sweetheart, I need you to start heading down. You look beautiful, Honey," Miss Patty said, her hand over her heart. You sure, Patty?" Lorelai asked. "You can't tell."
"You look fine, Dear, now go." Lorelai took her blue, white, and silver bouquet and made her way down the aisle. Max turned and his breath caught. She looked gorgeous. Her dark hair had been pulled back and her smile radiated the whole area. She was more beautiful than Max remembered. There was something different about her, however. She almost seemed to glow. When she walked by him, he understood. Barely noticeable, and only enhancing her beauty, Max saw the slight strain of fabric over her abdomen trying, and failing slightly, to cover a tiny baby bump. Everything made sense then: the rushed wedding (there was no way Lorelai would participate if she was too big), Sookie yelling at her to get off the ladder, the baggy clothing. Before he could stop himself, he thought of the night they had said goodbye.
"Rory, Darling? Take a moment, then you two are up." Luke turned towards Rory.
"Rory, you ready?" Luke asked. She just stood there, rooted to the spot. Luke reached for her hand and squeezed it softly. He started to lead her to the opening of the trellis, but she wouldn't move.
"Luke?" Rory said finally. She faced him. "I…just wanted you to know that…you can think of me as a little girl whenever you want to. Your little girl. I love you so much," Rory said, her voice breaking at the end. She threw her arms around him, kissing him on the cheek, and resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. Luke wiped his eyes and tightened his arms around her.
"I love you too, Kid," Luke whispered. He gave her one last squeeze, let go, and held his arm out. "We need to get going. Logan's waiting for you," Luke said with a smile. Rory's face brightened and she took his arm.
"Whenever you're ready, Dear," Miss Patty said, dabbing at her eyes. Rory and Luke walked past Patty to the opening. The music started again, and the pair took a step forward. Rory halted.
"Just, don't let me fall…Dad," Rory said, a little scared. Luke patted her hand and strengthened his hold on her arm.
"Never," Luke whispered. They both took a deep breath and started making their way to the gazebo, where both of their loves were waiting. The guests stood up to view the pair walking to the chuppah.
As they walked past, Rory smiled at Max. Max couldn't believe his eyes. The young lady who smiled at him was not the same woman he saw in Palo Alto. She looked wonderful. Her eyes were not tired and puffy, her face was shining, and her smile rivaled her mother's. Max was so happy for her. Try as he might to ignore it, he could not help but feel jealousy and regret at Luke walking her down the aisle. Had he not told Lorelai that "us need to be apart", it may have been him instead. He realized that he had been an idiot for walking away. After replaying the scene in his mind, he understood and noticed that Lorelai's true intention was to really and truly try their relationship again. He could not believe that he had let his potential family walk away, or rather, he walk away from them. He was overcome with sadness. Rory should be on his arm right now. He and Lorelai should be expecting a baby together. Everything seemed wrong. As he saw the man ahead of him turn to look at the pair, he felt his own grief disappear.
The man he thought was Rory's father looked at her, showing no emotion but for a frown. Here Max was, full of anger for not being the father figure in this scenario, that he had completely forgotten that her real father had not been given the privilege of walking his own daughter down the aisle. He saw Rory smile at him, but the man just pouted and turned away, much like a child. Max could see Rory's face fall and she glanced quickly at Luke, who smiled and squeezed her arm, then moved his head slightly, indicating Logan at the end of their journey. Rory smiled again and lightly and quickly touch her cheek to Luke's shoulder. Max wanted to continue to be angry, but even he had to admit that Rory and Luke shared a very special relationship that was extremely touching. The music ended when they came to the rest of the wedding party where the chuppah stood. Logan beamed at Rory, and Max could see that his whole manner had changed too, for the better, since they had gotten back together. A minister stood waiting, a smile upon his face. It was clear that Rory was the young princess of the town. The town had pretty much closed down and was in attendance. The minster cleared his throat and began.
"Welcome, family and friends of Rory Gilmore and Logan Huntzberger. Now, who gives this beautiful bride away today?" Lorelai stepped forward and linked her arm with Rory's free one.
"Her mother and I do," Luke said, with pride and tears in her eyes. Max noticed many of the townspeople already crying and placing their hands over their hearts, clearly affected by the relationship between the standoffish diner owner and the loveable town belle. Lorelai hugged her daughter, then stroked and kissed her cheek. Luke then embraced her, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
The ceremony continued, and Max was riveted by how simple, yet beautiful it all was. He noticed during the vows, a pair of figures standing off to the side, just watching, not really guests of the wedding. The taller of the two was definitely a male. He was very tall with brown hair that fell over his eyes. Next to him was a woman who looked to be in her teens with short blonde hair. She patted the man's shoulder and whispered something to him. The man looked to be about Rory's age, and Max thought that he looked very familiar. When the man shook his head, and his hair briefly left his eyes, Max knew who it was. Dean stood, watching the wedding, a pained expression on his face. He looped an arm around Clara's shoulders and left when the ceremony was ending.
"By the power invested in me, by God and the State of Connecticut, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Logan, you may now kiss your bride," the minister said kindly. Logan smiled at Rory, both of their eyes bright.
"I love you, Ace," he said, before kissing her lovingly. The guests stood and cheered.
"Give it to 'im, Sugah," Babette yelled, encouragingly. Lots of hugs ensued before everyone got up and started moving things around. The whole town was involved in getting things ready for the reception. Max stood awkwardly, just watching. The wedding, that was the easy part. It was the reception that was going to be difficult.
