"This is so exciting," Lorelai stated as she stood in the middle of the empty diner, looking around at the newly painted walls, new tables, and refurbished counters and appliances. "Everything feels so new. It's like the diner went on a seven day juice cleanse."
"Everything is new," Luke corrected as he stood behind the counter.
"Well, I wasn't here when you opened the diner the first time," Lorelai replied. "I was eating the leftover food from the Independence Inn kitchen, and only the things that Rory didn't want. Since you're reopening the diner today, I feel like I get to relive this important moment in your life with you."
"It's not a big deal," Luke shrugged. "It's only been closed a couple weeks."
"A couple of weeks that have nearly driven you over the edge," Lorelai pointed out. "I know you've been going crazy without work, don't even try and deny it. You were like a kid on Christmas Eve when we went to bed last night."
"Fine, I'm ready to get back to work," Luke said. "But it's really not a huge deal."
"It is a big deal," Lorelai said. "It's like…the start of your new life or something."
"My new life," Luke repeated, his tone telling her he had no idea what she was talking about.
"Yeah," Lorelai nodded. "I really like how you used this horrible thing that happened to the diner to give it a face lift. The new menu, the better coffee, a manager to take some of the load off of your shoulders…it's a good thing. There's a new Luke's to go with the new Luke."
"I'm the same Luke."
"In most ways," Lorelai agreed. "But lately you've been less grumpy. Using words with more than one syllable. Losing the flannel in favor of some of those sexy t-shirts. You've just been happier in general. People have told me how great you seem."
"Yeah, well, that doesn't have much to do with the diner," Luke said, looking at her from the corner of his eye as he moved to make sure he had enough change.
"Really?" Lorelai gasped, sensing a compliment coming on. "Then what would it be?"
Luke sighed as he pushed the drawer to the cash register closed. "You," he said. "You make me better, Lorelai."
She smiled as she reached for his hand. "Thank you," she whispered. "You make me better too. I'm starting to think I actually have a chance to open the Dragonfly because of you."
"You will," he squeezed her hand. He turned and reached for the coffeepot, making sure that it was properly dispensing the liquid before he walked around the counter to flip the lock on the door. He turned the sign to read 'open' and then walked back to her. "And Luke's is officially back in business."
"Well that was anticlimactic," Lorelai commented, looking around the still empty diner. "Good thing I convinced you to open for the lunch rush. I'd be angry if I'd gotten out of bed at five thirty for this."
"Thanks for the support."
"Hey, how about I do the honors?" Lorelai pointed to the coffeepot. "I can be the first paying customer to the New Luke's."
"Just Luke's," he said. "You don't want to wait for Rory? I figured the two of you would have some sort of bonding ritual over the first cup of coffee back here."
Lorelai rolled her eyes. "Please, Rory has not abandoned her post at the mailbox for the past two days. She's going to storm the post office if her letter from Harvard doesn't come soon."
"Right," Luke nodded as he poured her a generous cup of coffee. "At least she has two fallbacks."
Lorelai smiled softly. "Yeah, she's done well," she agreed. "Princeton and Yale. I didn't think it was possible to be even prouder of her than I already was."
"She's worked hard," Luke agreed. "She deserves to get into the best schools possible."
"Man, this is good stuff," Lorelai inhaled the coffee aroma deeply. "Do you think we could get a coffeemaker put into our bedroom?"
"No."
"Come on," Lorelai whined. "It would be so great. I wouldn't even have to get out of bed to drink coffee. And that means I'll have all kinds of energy for other things much earlier in the day. What could we possibly do when I'm full of energy and still in bed?"
"You're a junkie," Luke informed her.
"For you."
Before Luke could respond, the door burst open and Rory stumbled in. "It came!" she cried, clutching an envelope in her hands. "It's here."
"Oh my god," Lorelai ran to Rory's side and grasped her arm. "Open it!"
Rory moved to tear the envelope open, her hands freezing suddenly as she stared down at the small white object. "I can't," she stated.
"Why not?" Lorelai frowned. "This is it, Rory."
"I know!" Rory cried. "Everything I've worked for my entire life, all of my plans and goals could end right here. This could be the end."
"It's not the end," Lorelai insisted. "You have to open it so we know what the plan is. So we can celebrate you being a genius."
"I can't," Rory looked up at Lorelai with tear filled eyes.
"You can," Lorelai insisted. "I remember the day you opened your first envelope. I've never been prouder."
"Take your time," Luke said from the counter where he was watching the scene play out with rapt interest.
"What?" Lorelai frowned as she and Rory both turned to look at him.
"Take your time," Luke repeated. "You already know you're in at Princeton and Yale. I know Harvard is your dream and you may need some time to prepare yourself for what's in the envelope. So take your time and wait until you're ready to open the letter."
"That's okay?" Rory asked, her wide and nervous eyes turning to look at her mother for confirmation.
"Uh…sure," Lorelai said unconvincingly. "Although the anticipation may kill me, so as long as you're okay with living with the guilt of killing your favorite mother, waiting is fine."
Luke rolled his eyes and reached out to grab her arm. "Can I talk to you?" he asked, already pushing her towards the door.
"What the hell was that?" Lorelai demanded as soon as they were on the street. "We've been waiting for that letter for weeks. Now it's here and you want to wait?"
"I don't want to wait," Luke countered. "I want Rory to be ready to open it."
"There are deadlines for these kinds of things, Luke," Lorelai explained. "She can't wait forever."
"She won't," Luke took her shoulders and angled her to look into the diner, where Rory was sitting at the counter, chewing on her thumbnail as she stared down at the letter. "She just needs time to comprehend what could be inside. She needs to prepare herself."
Lorelai frowned as she turned back to look at him. "I'm not patient," she informed him.
"I didn't notice."
"How about if I open it for her?" Lorelai asked hopefully.
"She's going to open it," Luke said confidently. "You know Rory better than anyone. She overthinks things, and she just needs to process how she's going to react if it doesn't say what she wants it to."
"When did you get so good at this?" Lorelai asked.
"Around the time a crazy woman who promised she'd go away walked into my diner with a ten year old in tow," Luke replied.
"Smooth," Lorelai sighed. "This is so annoying."
"The curiosity will get the best of her," Luke said. "Let's just go in there and distract her."
"Which will be easy to do with the massive amounts of customers at your reopening," Lorelai said knowingly. "I told you, there should have been a party."
"No party," Luke said firmly. "People will realize we're back in business."
"You didn't even call Liz?" Lorelai asked.
"I did," Luke sighed. "Apparently there's been an attempt from Jimmy to reenter their lives. Jess is taking it pretty hard, and she took him to Boston for some book festival."
"Wow," Lorelai said, obviously impressed. "She's really trying, huh?"
Luke nodded. "It's good to see," he said. "She's always been a bit different, but I'm glad to see her finally embracing her role as a mom."
"Look at you, all proud big brother," Lorelai smiled as she reached for his hand. "You know, maybe she and I should sit down sometime. I can tell her all the secrets of raising a teenager."
"Good luck with that," Luke scoffed. "She's never been one to take advice."
"Ah, but you forget how difficult it is to say no to me," Lorelai nodded. "I'm very convincing. You should know."
"I say no to you all the time," Luke pointed out.
"Of course you do," Lorelai placated, patting his arm reassuringly. "Now can we go back inside? It's been too long since I had Luke's."
"I cooked you dinner last night," he said as they walked into the diner.
"Yeah, but that wasn't Luke's," Lorelai emphasized.
"I'm Luke. I cooked the food."
"But you weren't at Luke's," Lorelai stipulated as she settled onto a stool beside Rory.
"I made you a cheeseburger."
"Trust me, there is a huge difference between food cooked at home and food cooked here," Lorelai informed him. "Tell him, Rory."
"I got in."
"What?" Lorelai and Luke asked in unison. Rory was seated beside Lorelai with the open letter clutched in her hand.
"I got in," she repeated, disbelief creeping into her voice. "I did it. I got into Harvard."
"Oh my God!" Lorelai cried, grabbing the letter out of Rory's hand. "Dear Ms. Gilmore, we are happy to offer you a spot in the freshman class of the upcoming academic year. Oh my god!"
"I did it," Rory repeated, her face frozen as she turned to look at Lorelai.
"This is amazing," Lorelai gasped, hugging Rory tightly. "I knew you could do it, Rory. I'm so proud of you."
Rory hugged her mother back tightly. "I can't believe it," she gasped. "I did it, I really did it."
"You're going to Harvard," Lorelai said, pulling back and framing Rory's face with her cheeks. "Your dreams are coming true."
Rory finally began to smile as the shock of the moment began to wear off. "I can't believe this," she breathed. "Mom, thank you. I couldn't have done this without you."
Lorelai smiled as her eyes began to fill with tears. "You could have," she nodded. "You deserve this, hon. You've worked so hard for everything, and you're going to have it all. I know you will."
"I love you," Rory whispered, resting her head on Lorelai's shoulder.
"I love you too, kid," Lorelai murmured into her daughter's hair. "You have no idea how much. I have never been prouder of you than I am in this moment."
Rory smiled as she pulled back. She pulled out of Lorelai's embrace and turned to beam at Luke. "I got in," she informed him as if he hadn't been standing there watching the two of them for the past five minutes.
"Congratulations," Luke offered her a rare warm smile. "I'm proud of you."
Rory ran around the counter and hugged him tightly. "I'm glad you're here," she informed him. "You should celebrate with us."
"Don't you feel bad you didn't throw a party now?" Lorelai asked Luke. "More people should be here for this."
"No, it's perfect," Rory said. "Just our family."
Luke smiled down at her and offered her one more hug before he stepped back. "Coffee's on the house," he informed her.
"Me too?" Lorelai asked hopefully.
"Get into Harvard and then we'll talk," Luke replied.
"You'd miss me too much."
Luke rolled his eyes, but didn't say a word. He couldn't deny the truth behind her statement.
"You have to tell Lane," Lorelai stated. "And Dean."
"I will," Rory replied. "And Grandma and Grandpa."
"Let's not ruin the moment," Lorelai requested.
"I still can't believe it," Rory shook her head, reaching for the letter again. "I mean…oh my god."
"You're going to Harvard," Lorelai beamed proudly.
"Maybe," Rory added.
There was a clatter as Luke dropped a plate on the counter in front of them and turned to focus on Rory. Lorelai stared at her with equal shock written on her face.
"Maybe?" Lorelai finally repeated.
"I have two other schools to choose from," Rory shrugged. "I haven't made a choice yet."
Before either Luke or Lorelai could respond, the door burst open and Kirk stumbled in. "Luke, I'm so glad you're open," he said. "I need…"
"Not now, Kirk," Luke snapped. "Rory, what the hell are you talking about? Harvard's been your dream for longer than I've known you."
"I know," Rory nodded. "But I never thought I'd have choices. I just want some time to think and make sure it's really the right place for me."
"Well congratulations," Lorelai said to her daughter. "I think this is the first time in my life I'm actually speechless."
Rory shrugged. "I know you want me to go to Harvard," she said. "But Yale had some great opportunities as well. I just want to think about it."
"We'll make lists," Lorelai nodded. "And I just wanted Harvard because that's what you wanted. I just want you to be happy, Rory. That's all I've ever wanted."
"I know," Rory said. "I have to go call Grandma and Grandpa."
"They're so going to push for Yale," Lorelai rolled her eyes.
"Which is the closest option," Rory pointed out.
"Hmmm," Lorelai mused. "Suddenly I have a strange urge to trade in my crimson for blue and white."
"I'll be back," Rory informed them. "Bye!"
Lorelai watched her daughter run out of the diner, then turned to Luke who stood in front of her with a confused expression. "Well that was quite an hour," she commented.
"I don't know why I'm surprised," Luke grumbled. "She's your daughter. I should see these curveballs coming by now."
"Is that a sports reference?" Lorelai frowned. "Explain it to me in terms of A League of their Own."
Luke leaned forward and sighed, resting his elbows on the counter. "I should expect the unexpected," he clarified.
Lorelai nodded encouragingly. "That you should," she agreed.
Before Luke could reply, the door opened again and he straightened. "Hi," he commented.
"Hi," said a very female voice, causing Lorelai to turn and look at its owner. Her eyebrows raised when she saw a tall, curvy brunette making her way around the counter. "Any business yet?"
"Not yet," Luke shrugged. "I did most of the prep work for the lunch rush, but you can go take inventory in the stock room before the rush comes."
"Sure thing," the woman offered him a smile before she disappeared behind the curtain.
Lorelai stared after her for a long moment before she turned to look at Luke with wide eyes.
"More coffee?" he offered, pouring her another cup.
"Uh yeah," Lorelai said incredulously. "With a side of explanation, please."
"What?" Luke frowned.
"You want to explain Tiffani Amber Theissan in there?" Lorelai pointed to the curtain.
"Am I supposed to know who that is?" Luke asked.
"Luke," Lorelai warned in a voice that told him she was very quickly losing her temper. She stared up at him with hard, determined eyes.
"She's the new manager I hired," he shrugged. "After things get back to normal she'll be working nights, but I wanted to have her here to begin with so she can see how things run while I'm still here."
"Uh huh," Lorelai nodded. "And business is doing so well, right?"
"It will pick up," Luke insisted. "I just figured with reopening, I could change things around a bit. This way I won't have to worry when I'm not here."
"And I suppose if there's a late night emergency Miss Connecticut USA will waste no time in calling you for help," Lorelai said knowingly.
"Stop," Luke said. "She's nice, she has experience, and she's from Stars Hollow. She wanted to move home and this job is perfect for her. That's it."
"Yeah, what could possibly be wrong with spending all day with the only hot bachelor in town?" Lorelai grumbled.
Luke offered her a bemused smile. "You're jealous," he stated.
"What?" Lorelai gasped. "No I'm not! I don't get jealous."
"Right," Luke nodded. "And you practically sitting on my lap at the movies was what? A romantic gesture?"
"Exactly," Lorelai nodded. "I wanted to cuddle. Sue me."
"And it had nothing to do with the woman who sat down next to me," Luke nodded.
"In an empty theater," Lorelai rolled her eyes. "That's like…against the laws of movie etiquette. And who wears that much perfume? I practically choked to death."
"I think that was the massive amounts of salt on the popcorn clogging your arteries."
Lorelai narrowed her eyes as the new manager stepped out from behind the curtain and asked, "Luke, is there a place for the extra ketchup? The box is still on the floor."
"I'll put them away," Luke assured her. "The delivery just came in this morning."
This seemed to satisfy the mystery woman and Lorelai frowned as she disappeared behind the curtain again. "Does little miss owner's pet have a name?" she asked.
"Olivia."
"Olivia," Lorelai scoffed. "That's a whore's name if I ever heard one."
"Would you knock it off?" Luke asked, annoyed. "She can hear you."
"I just don't like it," Lorelai stated. "You're here all day at the diner with a gorgeous co worker, and I'm stuck at the inn with Michel being all…French and wondering what new plot she's come up with the pounce on you."
"It's not a big deal," Luke insisted. "But thanks for trusting me. It's good to know you have faith in me."
"That's not what I meant," Lorelai said.
"But you obviously are thinking it," Luke sighed. "If you had any trust in me whatsoever, you wouldn't care that I'd hired a woman to work for me."
"That's not true," Lorelai argued, becoming defensive. "I just don't like that there's some girl here with you all day long. You would feel the same way if I hired a guy to work the front desk at the inn."
"You do have a guy working at the inn, and I'm fine with it."
"That's not a guy, that's Michel," Lorelai rolled her eyes. "You're honestly telling me if I hired a thirty five year old, attractive man to work with me, you'd be one hundred per cent okay with it?"
"Yeah, because I trust you!" Luke cried. "I know you'd never hurt me. I just wish I had the same thought about you."
"This is unbelievable," Lorelai said. "I let you move in, Luke. You know what a big deal that is. I let you be part of Rory's life. I don't let anyone in, but you made the cut. Isn't that enough for you to know that I trust you? That I love you, and I want to be with you forever?"
"I think you should go."
Lorelai reeled back as if he'd struck her. "What?"
"You should go," Luke repeated gruffly. "Before we say things we don't mean."
Without a word, Lorelai grabbed her purse and turned out the door, not looking back to see Luke staring after her as he stood behind the doorway.
She fumed the entire way back to her house, replaying the past half hour in her head and wondering what she should have said differently. She saw Luke's toolbox sitting on the porch beside the door and kicked it slightly as she made her way up the steps. "Stupid Bert," she muttered. "Stupid Luke."
Rory was standing in front of her before the door had closed behind her. "I did something," she said.
Lorelai ran a hand through her hair. "Please tell me it involves creating a time machine," she requested.
"Uh, no, but I'll get right on that," Rory promised. "Just don't be mad, okay?"
"That's a great way to start a conversation," Lorelai sighed as she flopped down on the couch. "What is it?"
"I called Dad," Rory said.
Lorelai sat up straight and looked at her daughter closely. "You did?" she asked. "I thought you didn't want to talk to him anymore."
"I didn't," Rory shook her head. "After the hospital, and him telling me that I was basically his practice kid, I didn't need him anymore. I have you and Luke, and I just thought things would be easier without him. And it's been going pretty well these past couple months."
"You got that right," Lorelai sighed. "So why the sudden change of heart?"
"I got into college," Rory whispered. "And I know he hasn't been the best dad or even really care, but I felt like he should know."
"Rory," Lorelai sighed. "He cares. He's always cared about you, despite how he's treated you."
"I know," Rory said. "And he was really excited."
"Good," Lorelai said. "And I suppose he's in the Harvard camp?"
"He didn't say," Rory shrugged. "But he said he's there if I want to come visit or anything."
"Great," Lorelai sighed.
"Are you okay?" Rory frowned.
"Fine," Lorelai waved a hand. "Just a fight with Luke. Thinking about your dad is about the last thing I want to do right now."
"Sorry," Rory sighed.
"It's not your fault," Lorelai said. "Look, Rory, he's your dad. I can't tell you that you can't see him, but I think you know how I feel about the guy."
"He hurt you," Rory said. "I know. I get it."
"But I'll always be connected to him because of you," Lorelai said. "See him, don't see him, it's up to you. But I can't do this again. I'll talk to him about you and see him when it involves your life. But you, me, and your dad being a family? That dream is long over."
"I don't want that," Rory insisted. "Our family is here. With Luke. But sometimes it might be nice to still see Dad. If you and Luke are okay with it."
Lorelai sighed at the mention of Luke's name. "Luke gets it, hon. He loves you like a daughter, and he knows you love him. But he also understands that your relationship with your dad is complicated, and he doesn't want you to get hurt. There tends to be a pattern with that when your dad's around."
"I know," Rory sighed. "I wish it could be simple."
"Me too," Lorelai sighed, holding her arm out to her daughter. "I love you. And I'm proud of you. At least that part's not complicated."
"It's not," Rory shook her head. "Are you okay? With Luke?"
Lorelai sighed. "We'll get over it," she said. "Eventually."
"Just…don't let it take too long," Rory advised. "You're both so stubborn, and I don't want to live in a house of silence between you."
"You won't," Lorelai promised. "People fight, Rory, but we won't drag you into it."
"Thanks," Rory said. "Lane and I were going to go over and see the girls, but if you want to talk, I can stay."
"No, go," Lorelai said. "They need friends right now."
"But so do you."
"I have my friends," Lorelai nodded. "Their names are Jose and Cuervo. The best friends a girl has. Besides diamonds, that is."
"It's two in the afternoon."
"Kidding," Lorelai said. "Kind of. Go see your friends, I'll be fine."
"Call me if you need me," Rory requested.
"I will," Lorelai promised. "Bye."
"Bye."
Rory left the house, closing the door with a click behind her, and Lorelai leaned back into the couch cushions, trying to gather her emotions as she recalled the events of the day. She couldn't believe how quickly her fight with Luke had escalated into him kicking her out of the diner, but she was beginning to see that when they fought, they did so with everything in them. It was exhausting, but now she had to figure out a way to make things up to Luke.
She hadn't been lying when she'd told him that she trusted him, but that didn't mean she was comfortable with Olivia working at the diner with him. Luke wasn't the kind of man to look for another woman, but she couldn't help the nagging feeling that if he was around her enough, feelings would develop. His kicking her out of the diner had hurt her more than he had known, and she wasn't sure how she could help him understand her feelings without him getting upset.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself off of the couch and walked toward the kitchen, opening the fridge and looking inside aimlessly before she shut it and turned to look around the room. The house seemed bigger than usual, silent and imposing as she felt the loneliness creep up on her.
Suddenly exhausted, Lorelai walked back towards the living room and settled on the couch, flipping the TV on to some nameless crime show rerun before she pulled the afgan over her body and allowed the exhaustion to take over her body.
She awoke some undetermined amount of time later when she heard the front door slam closed. She blinked several times as she sat up, the television now displaying a news story that flashed pictures of the latest celebrity having a scandalous affair. She turned to the doorway, where she saw Luke walk in and drop his keys and wallet on the desk beside the phone. He didn't turn to look at her.
"Hi," she said quietly.
"Hi," he replied shortly.
Lorelai sat up and played with the corner of the blanket. "You came back."
"I promised I'd always come home," he said, stopping beside the couch. "I keep my promises to you, Lorelai."
"I know," she replied. "You always have."
Without another word, Luke turned and walked into the kitchen. She stared up at the ceiling for a moment, not sure what to say or do in this situation. She wanted to tell Luke what she was feeling, but she was terrified of his reaction.
"Can we talk?" she called as she stood and walked towards the kitchen.
"I think we've talked enough today," Luke said. He was seated at the table, the newspaper open in front of him and a beer open beside him.
"I don't like fighting with you."
"Maybe you should think before you talk then."
"Luke," she felt hot tears spring up in her eyes. "Please. I'm trying."
She could see Luke's shoulders hunch forward a bit, but still he didn't turn to look at her. He raised his beer to his lips and took a long sip before he pointed to the fridge. "I got you some Corona yesterday. I know you like to drink it as soon as summer's close."
Lorelai took his comment as a peace offering and reached silently into the fridge for the beer. She opened it and took a sip before she leaned against the counter. "Luke, please, look at me."
"I can't."
"Why not?" Lorelai pleaded.
"Because I'm still mad," Luke murmured. "I don't want to say anything wrong."
"You won't," Lorelai insisted. "I'm calmer now. I'm ready to talk like an adult."
Luke sighed as he took another sip of his beer. "It hurt my feelings," he said quietly.
"What?" Lorelai asked.
"That you wouldn't listen," Luke said. "I know you were jealous. And you were right, I probably wouldn't like it if you hired a guy to work at the inn. But you wouldn't listen. I was trying to tell you why I hired her, and you wouldn't listen."
"I'm listening now," Lorelai offered quietly.
Luke sighed and rolled the bottom of his beer against the table, creating overlapping rings from the condensation. Lorelai watched him for a moment before she took a tentative step forward and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. To her relief, he didn't pull away, but instead seemed to lean into her touch. "Luke," she whispered. "I'm trying here, meet me halfway, please?"
"I'm not good at this," he said gruffly.
"You're talking to me," Lorelai reminded him. "I know you, Luke. I know you're great with words. You say beautiful things to me all the time."
"I can usually talk to you," he agreed softly. "I just don't know how to do this."
"Do what?" Lorelai whispered.
"Love you and be mad at you," he said.
Lorelai swallowed hard. "So…you still love me?" she asked softly.
"Lorelai," his head snapped around, finally looking at her. "Of course. I can't stop, even if I wanted to."
Lorelai nodded slowly. "Do you want to?" she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer.
Luke sighed. "Sometimes," he admitted. "Sometimes I think life would be easier."
"Oh," Lorelai gasped, her hand falling from his shoulder as she stepped back. "Oh."
"But most then I think," Luke continued. "Of how unhappy I'd be. Of the loneliness I felt before you, of how miserable it is to want something I didn't think I could ever have. I think about how now that I have you, if I lost you it would be so much worse to lose you, knowing what I'd be missing."
Lorelai felt a small smile creep across her face. "And you say you're not good at this," she dared to tease him.
"I'm not," Luke shook his head. "If I were, you would know that there's not another soul who makes me feel the way you do. That no one besides you will ever be good enough for me. That I don't even notice other women, because you're all I need. It kills me that you think I'd hire another woman because I think she's pretty. I hate that I can't make you secure in this relationship."
"Is that what you think?" Lorelai whispered. "Luke, that's not true. I know you love me."
He didn't answer, and she reached out tentatively to take his hand. "Come on."
"Where are we going?" he demanded, following behind her as she dragged him towards the back door.
"Porch," Lorelai pushed him onto the swing and then sat down beside him. "More comfortable for talking."
"Sure," Luke shrugged. They were silent for a moment, and Lorelai pulled her legs up to curl beneath her as she regarded him closely.
"It's not that I don't trust you," she said softly. "I do, Luke, with my whole life. Hell, I trust you with Rory. You know how protective I am of her. She's the most important thing in my life, and I've always trusted you with her."
"You just don't trust me around other women," Luke stated.
"I think," Lorelai took a deep breath. "I think I'm scared."
"Scared of what?" Luke asked.
"Losing you," Lorelai whispered. She looked down at her beer bottle, peeling at the label slowly. "I know you're not interested in her now. But I'm afraid if you're with her every day, talking to her and getting to know her, you'll fall for her. And then I'll be left alone. Again."
"Oh, Lorelai," Luke breathed, reaching out to run a comforting hand over her knee. "That's not going to happen."
"You don't know that," Lorelai whispered. "God, Luke, everyone has left me. Everyone except Rory, and I just couldn't handle it if you leave. I've always been able to pick up the pieces and move on, but when you leave it's going to kill me. I won't be able to move on, I know it. And I hate that I need you so much. I've never needed a man like I need you, and it scares me."
"There is no 'when,'" Luke insisted. "I know you've been hurt, Lorelai. I hate that, and I wish I could change that. I wish I could prove to you that I'm never going to leave you. It's always been you, Lorelai."
"Until someone better comes along," Lorelai whispered, turning her head away from him.
"Hey," Luke frowned. He squeezed her calf and she turned to look back at him. "Where the hell is this attitude coming from? It's not you."
"I hide it," Lorelai admitted. "I talk about how amazing I am so people won't see the truth."
"That sounds like the truth to me," Luke said encouragingly.
"Luke, I'm not amazing," Lorelai shook her head. "And you should realize that. I'm fun for a few months, but when it comes time for men to settle down, they want someone serious."
"And I'm not any of the guys you've dated," Luke assured her. "I know you, Lorelai. You think I would have moved in if I saw this relationship having an expiration date? Do you think I would have come into your home, to Rory's home, if I didn't want to be here forever? I'm all in, Lorelai. I told you that. I don't know what's bringing on this attitude of yours, but tell me what I can do to change it. I'll do anything."
A small smile appeared on Lorelai's lips. "Anything?" she asked.
"Anything," he confirmed.
"So you'll call my mother and tell her I'm done with Friday Night Dinners?" Lorelai asked hopefully.
"Sure," Luke shrugged. "I can't guarantee positive results, but I can try. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, Lorelai. I want you to be happy."
"You make me happy," Lorelai said. She stretched her legs out onto his lap, smiling as he immediately began running his hands over them. "I'm sorry, Luke. I didn't mean to go all crazy girlfriend on you."
"I'm sorry too," he said. "I shouldn't have asked you to leave."
"That hurt," Lorelai whispered, pulling at the label on her beer bottle again. "It felt like you were kicking me out of your life."
"Never," Luke assured her. "I just didn't want to say something in the heat of the moment."
"I understand it now," Lorelai said. "We both overreacted."
"I guess we did," Luke sighed.
"I really do trust you," Lorelai promised. "I'll even be nice to the skanky new waitress."
"Lorelai," he warned.
"Fine, I'll be nice to the new waitress who is classy and not at all a slut," Lorelai amended. "How's that?"
"We'll work on it," Luke said. "I won't even be around her that much."
"Right, only from six in the morning until nine at night," Lorelai said knowingly.
"I hired her to be there when I'm not," Luke explained. "I want to be home more."
Lorelai stared at him. "Really?" she asked.
"Really," he promised. "I figured I can start working fewer hours. I'm the owner after all, and part of owning your own business is making your own hours. Caser can handle opening, I'll head in around seven and stay until four or five. Olivia can come in and take over managing the dinner rush and closing so I can be here with you in the evenings."
"Wow," Lorelai breathed. "Why didn't you just say that?"
"You were pretty busy not listening," Luke pointed out.
"I know," Lorelai sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm trying to be better about that."
"We're still learning, I guess," Luke shrugged.
Lorelai swung her feet off of his lap and leaned against his shoulder. "You know, for two people as stubborn and closed minded as we are, it's a miracle we even made it this far."
"You're probably right," Luke nodded in agreement.
"But I'm glad we have," Lorelai whispered.
"Me too," Luke leaned in to kiss her softly. "I love you, beautiful girl."
Lorelai smiled as she leaned up to brush a hand over his cheek. "I love you too, handsome."
She kissed him softly and then rested her head against his shoulder. She linked their hands together and pushed her foot against the porch, setting the swing into motion.
"Our girl got into college today," Luke said after a long moment.
Lorelai smiled at his choice of words. Luke probably didn't even notice he almost always referred to Rory as his daughter now. "Yeah," she agreed. "She did."
"I'm proud of her."
"Me too."
"What do you think she's going to choose?" Luke asked, his arm wrapping around her shoulders.
"I don't know," Lorelai sighed. "But in the interest of full disclosure, she called Christopher to tell him."
Luke froze beside her, but he didn't draw away from their intimate position. "I thought they weren't talking," he finally said.
"So did I," Lorelai said. "But this is huge, Luke. She wanted him to know."
"She was right," Luke said. "He should know."
"I don't know what's going to come from it," Lorelai said. "But I told her I'm done. I'll talk to him and see him when it involves Rory, but otherwise I'm done with him."
"I know you are," Luke said, squeezing her softly. "You deserve better than how he's treated you."
"I deserve you," Lorelai breathed.
"Are we good now?" Luke asked.
"Yeah," Lorelai nodded. "We're good."
"Good," Luke sighed. He rested his cheek against the top of her head. "It's been a long day. God, I hate fighting with you so much."
"Me too," Lorelai said. "How was the diner?"
"A bit slow," Luke said. "But it will pick up."
"It will," Lorelai agreed. "We could still throw that opening party, you know."
"No."
"Come on, I'll hire a clown."
"I hate clowns."
"A magician?"
"No."
"A tarot card reader."
"Save it for your birthday."
"Which is coming up soon," Lorelai reminded him.
"I know."
"So what are you going to do for it?" Lorelai asked.
"I'm sure Rory has a plan."
"Oh, she does," Lorelai nodded confidently. "Birthdays are a big deal in this house. But I'm asking what you're going to do about it. You know, in the private, closed doors capacity."
"Ah," Luke said knowingly, his hand moving from her hip to her thigh. "I see."
"So…plans?" Lorelai requested.
"Surprise," Luke said.
"Come on, Luke," Lorelai sighed. "I need to know these things."
"I think 'want to know' is a better description," Luke stated.
"Do I need new lingerie?" Lorelai asked. "What color should I wear? These are important questions."
"Not for a guy," Luke shrugged. "We don't overthink sex the way women do, with the fancy underwear and planning weeks in advance. We just want sex, plain and simple."
"Not a fan of the fancy underwear, huh?" Lorelai sighed, sitting up to look at him. "So I guess I shouldn't go upstairs and put on the black lace you love so much. I was planning on showing you some great make up sex since Rory's not home, but if you're not interested in planned sex, we can forget it."
"I didn't say that," Luke denied quickly.
Lorelai smiled. "Admit you like the lace," she requested.
"Lace, cotton, whatever," Luke shrugged. "I just like looking at you no matter what you're wearing. And especially if you're wearing nothing."
Lorelai smiled as she leaned in to kiss him deeply. "Give me ten minutes," she requested. "And I'll be in the black lace."
"Ten minutes," Luke nodded. She climbed off of the swing and began to walk towards the door, turning to look at him when he called her name. "You uh…you know those strappy heels you wore last week?" he asked, clearing his throat.
Lorelai offered him a sly smile. "You liked the heels?" she asked.
Luke shrugged slightly. "They made your legs look amazing."
"Consider them added to the lace," Lorelai promised. She leaned down to kiss him deeply. "I'll leave you with this image…if you're not upstairs in ten minutes, I'll be in our bedroom in black lace and heels, forced to start by myself."
Luke swallowed hard as he reached for the last sip of his beer. "I may have to be a little late," he commented.
Lorelai's laughter faded as she walked inside. Luke shook his head and stared at the fading sunlight over the trees. He'd been miserable most of the afternoon, replaying the conversation with Lorelai over and over in his head, trying to figure out how it had escalated to him essentially kicking her out of the diner. He knew they had both overreacted, but things seemed to be back on track now. After their conversation, he hoped she felt more secure in herself and in their relationship.
His mind flashed briefly to his mother's wedding ring, sitting in its velvet box in the safe upstairs. His father had given him the ring after she had died, telling him that it represented a strong kind of love and requesting that he one day give it to a woman who he loved more than anything in the world. Luke knew without a doubt that the ring was destined for Lorelai, and it was quickly becoming the right time to give it to her.
With a deep breath, he made a promise to himself to talk to Rory as soon as possible. Not only did he want her to be okay with him becoming part of their lives forever, but Rory would know how he should propose. Contrary to what Lorelai had said, he was not good with words and sharing emotions, and he knew he would need to recruit the younger Gilmore girl's help in creating a proposal that was worthy of Lorelai.
"Luke!" her voice rang out from the house. "I'm ready."
He didn't waste any time pushing himself off of the swing and heading inside, unable to wipe the smile from his face.
XXXXX
"Wow," Lorelai sighed an hour later as Luke collapsed on top of her.
"Wow," he agreed softly, pressing a soft kiss to her neck.
Lorelai wrapped her arms around him contentedly, reveling in the feeling of his warmth wrapped around her. "If fighting didn't suck so much I'd want to have make up sex all the time."
Luke nuzzled his face against her shoulder. "Love you," he breathed.
"Love you too," she sighed. "God, this moment is so perfect."
Luke sighed as he shifted slightly, moving most of his body weight off of her but keeping his head buried in her shoulder. "You're perfect," he said softly.
"So are you," Lorelai breathed, her hand moving through his hair. "It's never been like this, Luke. I know it sounds cheesy, but in the moment after, I've never felt as peaceful as I do with you."
"I get it," Luke agreed. He ran a hand over her stomach slowly, tracing random shapes over her soft skin with his finger. "I've never felt like this either."
"I don't know if it's my sex fogged brain or what, but it's like we were meant to be together," Lorelai whispered. "Even our hands fit together."
"We make a good team," Luke nodded.
"We balance each other," Lorelai said. "You're my dose of reality and stability, I'm your dose of fun and your link to pop culture.
"It works well," Luke agreed.
"You know, when Rory goes to college we can do this a lot more," Lorelai commented. "We can even walk around the house naked.
"Don't count on that."
"Why not?" Lorelai asked. "You look great naked."
"And our neighbor is the biggest gossip in town," Luke stated. "There will be no walking around naked."
"Speak for yourself," Lorelai shrugged. "I'll wear you down eventually."
"You usually do," Luke sighed.
"You love it," Lorelai smiled. "Your life would be so boring without me."
"It really would be," Luke sighed. "At the risk of sounding completely corny…you're the best thing that ever happened to me."
Lorelai smiled as she ran her hands over his back. "I can live with cheesy," she sighed. "This isn't ever going to end, is it?"
Luke lifted his head and looked down at her with a warm, affectionate smile. "No," he shook his head. "I'm more sure of it than ever. You and me, this is forever. I'm never leaving you, Lorelai Gilmore."
She reached for his face, guiding him down to her for a soft kiss. "I'll never leave you either," she promised.