Thanks for all the birthday wishes! My husband got me a Luke's Diner coffee mug without prompting, so it was pretty awesome!

The drive to Boston wasn't as bad as Rory had feared. She had spent the previous two days doing nothing more than vomiting or feeling like she was on the verge of vomiting. The Gazette's weekly Wednesday edition needed editing so she was able to go to Stars Hollow and get it all done on Tuesday morning, but that required multiple "puke breaks" that she blamed on bad shellfish after some accusatory looks from Esther. By that night Rory was dreading the long drive the following morning, but she snacked on crackers and ginger ale for the entire drive and only had to pull over once. She checked into her hotel with just enough time to freshen up and head back out to meet Stephanie for lunch.

After a quick Uber ride to the restaurant Rory waited outside for only a few minutes when she saw her old friend approaching. The two women hugged and made their way into the café. After placing their orders at the front counter they snagged a table towards the back corner for privacy. "So...you and Colin? Spill."

"Ahhhhhh, I know, it's crazy. I'm so happy. It's just right, ya know?" Stephanie couldn't hide the smile that took over her entire face. To the rest of the world it might seem like she was acting impulsively uprooting her and Annabelle's lives to move to Boston to be with him, but she knew in her heart that she was meant to be with Colin and there was no point in trying to fight it anymore. Rory smiled and nodded, she knew what Stephanie was talking about. "I had been unhappy with Kyle for too long," she continued, "and when Colin and I ran into each other a few years ago at that alumni thing at Yale I just knew that I had to make a decision. Either stay together for Annabelle's sake and waste the next 10 to 20 years trying to make it work only to realize it was it was pointless, or just do the hard part now and admit that it wasn't working and we both deserved to be with someone who made us truly happy."

"That takes a lot of courage to admit something like that." Rory knew exactly what Stephanie was talking about and if she was being honest with herself she was more than a little jealous that her friend was brave enough to take that risk as she clearly was not. At what point had both her and Logan become so paralyzed by the fear of change that they kept holding onto the status quo even if it meant hurting each other?

"One Sunday evening after the three of us had spent one last fun weekend together I poured myself a glass of wine, sat him down and laid it out. I think we got married just because we thought it was what you were supposed to do. We dated for a year then moved in together, a year after that we graduated and got engaged the next month, a year after that we got married, a year after that I had a baby...it's like we scheduled a major life event every twelve months. Then when that stopped it was just...not enough. After Annabelle was born it was like he stopped trying to be a husband. There was no romance or even friendship, just a roommate who looked after Annabelle when I needed to get my hair done. That weekend in New Haven was a wake up call."

"Wow, so did you and Colin, that weekend..." Rory trailed off. She had been so preoccupied with being in such close proximity to Logan that she had been oblivious to anything or anyone else that might have been partaking in some sort of clandestine affair too.

"No, it wasn't like that. Not at first at least. My flight wasn't until later Sunday evening and he ran into me in the hotel lobby after check out. I had a few hours to kill so we grabbed a cup of coffee and just talked. I hadn't felt so happy or content just spending time with another man in years. I don't know if I had ever felt that way with Kyle to be honest. When it was time to go to the airport I realized if it weren't for Annabelle there was no way I would've gotten on that plane. When I got back to Chicago I tried to tell myself it was just my heart rehashing old feelings and I was being unrealistic. The grass is always greener, you know?" Rory nodded appropriately but Stephanie being Stephanie just kept talking. Brevity and self-censorship had never been her strong suit. "So I gave it a few months. Actually, I gave it several months. But nothing changed. I realized even if Colin and I never saw each other ever again, or if we did get back together and it didn't work out, I would still not regret ending my marriage. I had my mind made up."

"How did he take it? Was it awful?"

"It was...strange. He was genuinely shocked. He asked if we could try counseling, but I didn't want to bother. That sounds harsh, I know, but it would've been worse for everyone to drag it out. It wasn't just the possibility of Colin, I actually didn't reach out to him for a long time after the divorce was finalized, I just knew our marriage wasn't right. Kyle isn't the kind of person who can change. I mean honestly, can anyone really change? We would've gone to counseling and there would be a temporary improvement but then he'd go back to just being a man who slept on the other side of my bed and split the bills. Neither one of us loved each other enough to put in the effort if I'm being totally honest." Rory smiled to herself. She had never known Steph to be anything but one hundred percent honest, sometimes at a detriment to herself. It was a good thing she was did wills and estate planning and not criminal defense.

"Well I'm really happy for you both. And it must be serious if you were willing to move." Rory knew from Logan that Colin had spent the past decade doing nothing but working and "dating" 24 year old gold diggers who didn't realize they had a better chance of winning a Nobel Prize in astrophysics than tricking him into marriage. Stephanie was the only woman who had ever been capable of getting him to make a real commitment and Rory hoped that was still the case considering she uprooted her and her daughter's entire lives to be with him.

"Oh Ror', I was so nervous at first. It had been almost an entire year after that alumni thing when I finally got the nerve to call him. Well actually, I didn't even have the guts to call, I sent him a facebook message like a teenager. I made up some excuse to ask his opinion about a case someone else in my firm was working on, it was pathetic. We talked online then texted everyday for two months before we ever spoke on the phone. Then last Christmas when Annabelle and I were staying with my parents we made plans to meet up and it was just..." she shrugged her shoulders and smiled, "...you know, just like everything fell perfectly into place with us. We had changed a lot but still had so much in common."

Rory nodded her head in total understanding. "Yeah, I know what you mean," she said with a sigh.

Stephanie eyed her suspiciously, but continued on. She suspected it wasn't only work that had brought Rory to Boston the same day as her ex but Steph was never one to not finish a story when she was the main subject. "So we spent a few months traveling back and forth, talked on the phone almost every day, eventually he met Annabelle and he's actually great with her, and after a lot of debate we decided it would be best if I was the one to move. It's ten times easier for me to switch jobs than Colin since he's now a partner at his family's firm and is expected to take over one day. And this is where we grew up, both of our families are here. There was nothing really keeping me in Chicago except for Kyle. He took it hard, but it was more about getting back at me than his desire to see his daughter. He works 60 hours a week and saw her for a few hours every other Saturday, not even overnight! I would never, ever keep her from him and was willing to work out any visitation schedule that was within reason, but all of a sudden he started acting like he was father of the year and tried to block me from moving. I was worried it was going to get ugly but luckily when two lawyers go through a custody dispute they tend to document everything. Like texts of him making lame excuses as to why he couldn't see his child for more than six hours a month. The judge signed off on my full custody. Kyle is going to have her two weeks in the summer and call every Sunday, but so far he's only done that three times."

"Ouch, I know a lot about that. My own dad wasn't exactly the greatest at keeping in touch my entire childhood. But he did get better as I got older. We have a pretty good relationship now everything considered. I hope some day Kyle realizes what he's giving up."

"Me too, girly, me too. But Anna is doing great. I made sure we moved and got settled in before the school year started. This her first year at preschool, and she absolutely loves seeing my parents all the time because they spoil her rotten."

"And how's your new job?" Stop with the small talk and tell her, Rory internally screamed.

"It's fine. It's a good firm. They treat all their employees well down to the mail clerks; I like my coworkers. I'm waiting for the paperwork to go through so I can be admitted to the Massachusetts bar right now, plus I'm starting from square one building up new contacts in the community for estate planning clients, so I'm kinda treading water at the moment. But I have more time at home than before, even with my commute. I've made a few mom friends from Anna's school. All in all I'm happy where I'm at."

Before she had a chance to say anything else the waitress came over with their order. "A turkey club on whole wheat, large latte," she said as she placed the plate down in front of Stephanie, "and a cobb salad and lemonade." Stephanie looked at Rory's order suspiciously as the waitress put the large bowl of salad on the table. She had never seen Rory eat a vegetable that didn't have melted cheese on top. And no coffee? Something was definitely up.

"So is Colin going to move to the suburbs now? I somehow can't picture him mowing a lawn." Rory knew she was stalling. Stephanie wouldn't judge her, she knew that, but getting the words out was scary. There would be not turning back.

"We haven't really got that far yet. But eventually something will have to give. He's in the city and I commute every day. We really don't get to see each other as much as we had hoped..." Steph's voice trailed off as Rory unwrapped the small plastic cellophane wrapped packet of crackers and nibbled on one instead of eating her salad. She eyed her friend critically, really taking in her appearance, as a wave of déjà vu hit her. "Oh my god. You're pregnant."

Rory froze, cracker midway to her mouth. Steph gasped softly, realizing her suspicion was correct and instantly connecting why Rory was in Boston the same week as Logan. Rory dropped her chin slightly, an admission of guilt. She could hear her heartbeat ringing in her ears. "You're pregnant and here to tell Logan."

Rory's eyes shot up, "How -" she stopped abruptly. There was only one way Stephanie knew about her and Logan. "Colin told you."

"Colin knows about this and didn't tell me?!" Stephanie's eyebrows shot up in complete shock and annoyance that her boyfriend would withhold such juicy gossip in the name of friendship.

"I guess not." Both women stared at each other in silence for a beat. "Yeah," Rory said resolutely, "I'm here to tell him. How did you know?"

"You're drinking a lemonade when coffee is available and ordered a salad, yet you're nibbling on saltines. I've gone through the first trimester before, remember? And your boobs...well let's just say you probably shouldn't wear that sweater when you tell Logan because he'll be too distracted to hear a word you say."

Rory looked down at her new found cleavage and just shrugged her shoulders with a laugh, "You're probably right about that." It felt good to laugh. "How did you know it was him?"

"Oh honey," Steph said with a shake of her head, "you two aren't nearly as sneaky as you think you are."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rory said with mock indignation in her voice.

"Oh please, you should've seen you guys at that alumni event. You were practically eye fucking each other all night."

Rory gasped, "We were not!" Stephanie just cocked her right eyebrow. "Were we that bad?"

"I tried starting several conversations with you but you were oblivious. You were looking at him like you were ready to pull him into the nearest dark corner and rip his clothes off in front of god and everybody."

She laughed again, "That's actually exactly what I was thinking about doing."

"And I'm sure it's what you did when you got back to our hotel. I came by your room later that night to see if you were sure you didn't want to hang out with me and Rose-"

"I could've been in the shower, you don't know I wasn't in my room," Rory said interrupting her.

"But then," Stephanie continued emphatically, "the next morning at breakfast I saw you two trying to act all cool and nonchalant when you were actually looking at each other like you had spent the previous night screwing each other's brains out."

"I thought we hid it so well! I was actually proud of myself."

"In that case it's a good thing you never dreamt of becoming a spy because you suck at it. Also, you know you probably shouldn't check into social media that you're in London every two weeks when you don't want people to know you're sleeping with someone who lives in London. And how Logan's conveniently in New York whenever you're not in London? Then you post you're on a weekend trip to Scotland at the same time Colin tells me Logan's on a weekend trip to Scotland..." her voice trailed off and Rory blushed, caught red handed. "And then you call up Colin for the first time in years out of the blue saying you're going to be in Boston the same day Logan just happens to have plans to be here too? It doesn't take a private detective to put the pieces together. I'm a little annoyed that Colin knew first hand and didn't tell me, but it wasn't like you guys were good at hiding whatever it is that's going on between you two."

"Well you see, that's the thing. There isn't anything between us anymore. We ended it a couple weeks ago." Rory was fight hard to keep her voice from breaking.

Stephanie looked at her friend, heart breaking for her. "And then you found out you're pregnant and scared to tell him."

"That's the gist of it." And then Rory proceeded to tell Stephanie the whole story of them running into each other in Hamburg, how they had cheated on each other's significant others, their break up over the phone when Odette moved in, their last night together in New Hampshire and finally the mortifying phone call she made last week when she found out he would be traveling to the United States.

"Wow."

"Yeah, wow."

Stephanie took a moment to process everything Rory had just told her. It was funny how little things had changed in the past decade for both of them. "I just...I just have one question. I have many questions for my boyfriend about buying tango clubs and B&B's and not telling me, but right now I have only one question for you. Why?"

"Why to which part? Why did I call him up and humiliate myself with the ridiculous story about going to London? Why did I agree to go with him and the three stooges that night instead of heading home and reading a good book and drinking a glass of wine? Why did I not take up his offer to write my book in his house in Maine? Why did I sleep with my ex in the first place when I knew he was dating a beautiful, rich, French ballerina?"

"No, Rory, why are you guys doing this to each other? Why all the sneaking around? Why an affair?" Stephanie's voice was starting to rise and Rory hoped they weren't drawing attention in the restaurant, especially when she said the A word. "Why not just be together? You love each other. I know you do. You don't make international flights every month for almost three years for just some random guy no matter how good the sex is."

Tears filled Rory's eyes. "You don't understand, it's complicated," she said shaking her head.

"Then help me understand. I know Logan loves you. He became a whole new person for you in college. He asked you to marry him. Rory, I of all people know what it's like to be in a complicated relationship. But life is complicated. You don't get a divorce and relocate a four year old half way across the country for uncomplicated. "

"He's engaged Stephanie. To an heiress. Who his family loves. And they love her money more."

"What does that mean? The Huntzbergers are broke?" she said with obvious confusion in her voice.

"I don't think they're broke. Logan and I never talked about the business or our personal lives. We had a "Vegas" arrangement. You know, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas-"

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. You're adults, not 20 year olds on spring break." Stephanie interrupted.

Rory took a deep breath, ignoring Stephanie's comment. "As I was saying, we didn't discuss our personal lives. But when he got engaged, Logan told me it was just because it was a good business decision because the Vauthier's money was going to be 'critical in the future.'" She held up her fingers to air quote. "And now I have to tell him that I'm going to have his child. And yes, I'm scared."

Stephanie saw the fear and hurt in Rory's eyes. Yes she still thought her and Logan were being absolutely stupid. If they would just be honest with each other there's no way that they wouldn't be together. A vague excuse about HPG needing money seemed pretty trivial when it came to the two of them. She had never met Odette, but knew that Logan never talked about her when he was around. But regardless of all of the reasons Rory and Logan should be together and stop acting like total fools, she knew her friend was hurting. She was very vulnerable right now and Stephanie's job at this moment was to be supportive.

"And you want my help to tell him?"

Rory just nodded. "I know it's a lot to ask. I just couldn't think of any other way to talk to him face to face in private."

"Of course, whatever you need. Don't feel bad, I want to help. How are you feeling? It's not healthy to be this stressed. I'm no doctor but I do know that."

Grateful tears formed in Rory's eyes. "Thank you so much. I just want to get it out there and then he knows. I just need to see him."

"I have an idea."

Thirty hours later Colin was pacing around his bedroom. Somehow, despite his very vocal protestations, he had been coerced into setting up his oldest friend against all of his better judgment. When Stephanie had showed up at his place a few hours ago he had begged her to stay out of it, to let whatever was going on between Rory and Logan be between them and no one else, but his girlfriend had a way of getting him to do anything she asked. "I can't tell you why but you have to trust me. I wouldn't get involved or ask you to help if it wasn't important." Next thing he knew he had sent Logan a text asking him to meet at his apartment instead of the bar and then 20 minutes later Rory showed up. After an awkward greeting Colin retreated to his room, a prisoner in his own home. So that is how he found himself tonight, pacing his bedroom floor, Steph and Rory out in the kitchen talking and setting out appetizers, and Logan about to walk into some sort of trap that he had set involving Rory and a bowl of hummus.

Just then his phone vibrated with a text. It was Logan saying he was on his way over. Colin went out into the living room where the two women were in deep discussion on the couch. Rory looked like she was going to be sick and Stephanie had a concerned look on her face. He couldn't take it anymore. "Okay, Logan is going to be here in about fifteen minutes. Can someone please tell me what is going on now?"

Rory looked up at him and took a deep breath, "I'm pregnant." She realized she was getting a little better at saying it out loud.

"Shit." Colin turned that particular curse from one syllable to about four.

"Yes, it appears there's more than a bed and breakfast that someone can't seem to unload left over from that night in New Hampshire," she said with a raised eyebrow but kept on before Colin had a chance to respond. "And I want to tell Logan face to face. I tried to make up an excuse to see him in London, but he informed me that he was going to be in the States this week and my cover story was kind of blown. So I called to see if you would help me talk to him in private since he was going to be in Boston today, but luckily for you Steph was there when you took my call. She took the news much better than you apparently are based on the look of horror you're currently sporting."

"Shit Gilmore. I just can't believe...I'm sorry." Colin had no idea what someone was supposed to say in this kind of situation. He was now very thankful that Stephanie was there when Rory had called. Women are much better at stuff like this.

"Thank you. I'm sorry you got roped into this. But you were part of the crew that kidnapped me that night, so you do owe me," she said with a laugh.

Colin was about to agree with Rory when Stephanie popped up off the couch. "Yes, and you also owe me an explanation about buying tango clubs and B&B's all over New England without telling me. I'm one of those women who is a big fan of 'full disclosure.' Maybe we should make ourselves scarce when Logan arrives and talk about the topic further."

Before he had a chance to respond the intercom buzzed with the doorman letting him know that Logan had arrived. The group braced themselves for the more than likely awkward scene that was about to take place. Luckily the foyer of Colin's apartment wasn't visible to the living room and Colin went to wait for Logan there and at least warn him that the night was not going to be what he had planned.

Rory heard muffled voices in the next room and before she had a chance to get her bearings there he was, wearing a suit and cashmere overcoat looking just as handsome as ever. Colin had clearly not informed Logan what exactly was going on because his face was one of pure and total shock. Rory stood up but found herself suddenly mute. She had played out this situation in her mind hundreds of times, but now that it was actually happening all of the lines she had rehearsed completely disappeared. She thought she was prepared but Logan had got there so quickly, it was happening so fast. She suddenly felt incredibly tired and nauseous.

"Ace...what...what are you doing here?" Logan felt his heart in his throat. What was Rory doing here? In Boston, in Colin's apartment? She looked terrified. In all the years he had known Rory he had never seen fear in her eyes like this. She looked like she was scared of him; like he was going to physically hurt her. That in turn scared and confused him even more. What the hell was going on?

"You know, I totally forgot I'm supposed to bring snacks tomorrow for Annabelle's class! Colin and I are just going to run to the store and give you two some privacy," Stephanie said as she grabbed Colin by the arm and dragged him out of the room.

Logan and Rory were left in the living room, standing five feet apart, just staring at each other speechless. The cliché "you could cut the tension with a knife" had never felt more appropriate to either party. Finally Logan was the one to break.

"Okay, can you please tell me what the hell is going on? Why are you here? And why did you call me last week and say you were going to be in London? Are you okay?"

"Let's sit down," she gestured to the couch and sat gingerly on the edge. Logan took off his coat and jacket and sat down too, mimicking her actions, then looked at her expectantly waiting for answers. "Yes, I called you last week and lied about being in London for work. It was a terrible cover story and I'm never going to try to be sneaky ever again. When you mentioned you were going to be in Boston the only thing I could think of was to call Colin and see if he would help me set up a meeting with you, but Steph intervened. I had no idea they were back together. I can't believe you didn't tell me. Apparently they're much better at doing secret relationships than us."

"Ace, the point? You're rambling."

"Yes, I'm rambling. I'm nervous, if you can't tell. I knew I'd be nervous but I guess I didn't really realize how nervous. And now that you're actually here, in the same room...this is actually happening-"

"Rory you're freaking me out."

Rory took another deep breath, ran her hands over her face and looked his in the eyes, willing herself to keep her voice calm and steady. "I'm pregnant. After a lot of careful consideration I have decided to keep it. I'm not telling you because I expect anything from you - you can be as uninvolved or involved as you like as long as you plan on being a consistent figure in the baby's life and not change your mind a few years down the road. I'm truly very sorry if this complicates your plans and relationship with Odette or your family. It wasn't ever my intention. I just wanted you to know and tell you in person."

Logan sat stone still. He could literally feel the adrenaline rushing through his system as his heart pounded in his chest. This cannot be happening. Just as he was finally coming to terms with his future with Odette. He looked up into Rory's eyes and the fear was still there. He had to say something.

"How did this happen?" Shit, wrong thing to say. "I mean, I'm sorry. I don't know what you want me to say Rory." He could feel the panic rising.

Rory was trying her hardest to remain calm. Her immediate reaction was very similar to Logan's when she saw those two pink lines. She knew he would need time to process but it still hurt to see him almost angry at the news of their baby's impending arrival. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know. I've had time to process this and I know what I want. You need to do the same." She had to be strong, but god how she didn't realize how much she wanted him to sweep her into his arms and tell her everything is going to be alright until this very moment. The lump in her throat was almost painful but she couldn't cry. She didn't want him to think she was trying to manipulate him.

"Wow, a baby. How long have you known?"

"Just two weeks. I went to the doctor on Friday to have it confirmed. I'm due the end of June."

"Wow." He had to stop saying that. Logan's fight or flight instinct was kicking in, and he chose flight. He jumped off the couch, "I'm sorry Ace, I gotta get out of here...I need some air, I need to think...I'm sorry."

Logan practically ran out of the room and Rory heard the front door closing a few seconds later. The sound of the door slamming was still echoing in her ears when the floodgates opened and the tears started to fall. Without regard for where she was Rory curled up into a ball on the sofa in Colin's apartment and she let all the stress, the worry, the heartache, and the regrets of the past three years come out.

Stephanie didn't actually have a plan for what her and Colin should do with themselves while Rory was breaking the news to Logan. This was definitely a miscalculation on her part because she realized the two of them could be up there for hours talking. They were sitting in the lobby of Colin's building discussing their next move and he was none too pleased about being barred from his own home indefinitely. But after less than five minutes they saw Logan running out of the elevator and towards the front door without his suit jacket or coat.

"I gather he didn't take the news well," Colin retorted.

"Don't just sit there! Go after him! I'll head back upstairs to be with Rory. She shouldn't be alone right now." Stephanie couldn't believe the cluelessness of men sometimes.

"Steph, I really don't want to get involved. This is none of our business." Colin hated everything about this right now.

"They're our friends. You and Logan have been friends since junior high. He needs someone to talk to right now. Please go try to be the voice of reason!"

"Voice of reason? I have no idea what to say to him. What do you want me to do? Talk him into something? Leave his fiancé for his mistress? Give Rory a chunk of cash and sign a NDA? I don't know the right thing to do as much as he does."

Stephanie's eyes went wide and her nostrils flared. Colin immediately knew he had made a mistake. "Oh my god Colin, I seriously cannot believe you right now! He's your friend and he just needs someone to be there for him before he does something massively stupid. You know how he can be when he's panicked. And don't you dare tell him to try to buy off Rory! You know she can't be bought off, for one, and two that is his child we're talking about! Him and Rory love each other and have a lot to work out, but no matter what he has to be there for his child. After everything I've gone through with Kyle practically forgetting that Annabelle even exists! I just cannot believe you right now!" People were starting to stare but Stephanie didn't care.

Colin got up and started putting on his coat to go after Logan. He had an idea where he might be heading. He hadn't seen Stephanie get mad at him like this since they had dated at Yale and he knew when he was defeated. And of course she was right, as always. "I'm sorry babe, you're right. I'm being an ass. You head upstairs and I'll text you when I find him and get a feel for his mental state."

The color in Stephanie's face was starting to go down from the beet-red that she had worked it up to when she was yelling at Colin. She still couldn't believe Colin would suggest Logan abandoning Rory and their baby was a valid option. She actually didn't want to be involved either, but Rory came to her for help and that was exactly what she was going to do. She wasn't just going to stand on the sidelines and watch Logan run away from the one person she knew he truly loved. She watched as Colin quickly walked towards the door of his building, she sent a quick text to her mom that she was probably going to be late that night, then headed to the elevator.

A/N: Writing Stephanie was so fun! When I set out to write this story I didn't want to rely on ancillary characters too much, but she is a lot of fun and it's easy to get into her shoes. She's fun to be around but not ditzy or slapstick or one-dimensional. Some people will question why I had Stephanie and Colin be from the Boston area and attend Yale instead of Harvard. I have no answer for this other than artistic license and I just picked Boston even though I've only been there once in my life.

I'm assuming there are going to be some readers who aren't happy with my portrayal of Logan right now. Running out of the apartment is a really hurtful thing to do, but most people, even in healthy and committed relationships, do temporarily panic when hit with the news of an unplanned pregnancy. And Rory and Logan are anything but that! The real question is how is he going to respond once he has a chance to calm down?

This chapter and the next are really dialogue heavy, which in general isn't my favorite, because in real life no one talks in long, uninterrupted paragraphs like that, but I think this is an exception because 1) GG do talk a lot and 2) this is a situation where lots of talking would happen. Or hopefully would happen instead of like on the revival when Rory and Logan did everything but have honest conversations about their relationship.