Alright, dear readers, this is the final part of the wedding! Then, we can move forward a bit! Enjoy!

The town square had been completely transformed. Twinkling lights surrounded the tables and the DJ had started playing tunes approved by Lane. Max walked to his table to find that Rory had been kind and placed him at a table with people he knew. Sookie, Jackson, their three kids, Patty, Babette, and Morrie were joining him. He expected a lot of questions, but, there were definitely worse people he could have been sitting with. The Gilmores, for example. They looked very reserved. They were at a table with what appeared to be Logan's family. Rory's father, and a young girl were also with them. Aside from that table and a table that had some people around Logan and Rory's age, the rest of the guests were Stars Hollow residents. That would make sense as to why the Gilmore/Huntzberger table looked so annoyed.

Everyone was seated now, waiting for the buffet to start, and for Rory and Logan to make their entrance as newlyweds. Kirk, who was the DJ for the evening, took the microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Huntzberger!" The crowd cheered and the couple ran in, laughing and smiling the whole time. The party was soon underway. After all of the tables had gone and piled on mounds of Sookie's delicious food, table chatter commenced. Max's table seemed to remember him clearly, and they asked tons of questions: "Where are you living?", "What are you doing now?", "How have you and Rory kept in touch?", etc.

Finally, toasts began. It seemed like everyone had something to say. It was easy to see that everyone there loved the couple. Soon, it was time for cake. Sookie rolled out nothing short of a masterpiece. The cake was a four-tiered, white fondant-covered, blue and silver sugar flowered, and draped marvel. Rory and Logan picked up the cake server and smiled as it sliced into the dessert. They nicely fed each other a piece, as Max was sure the Gilmores would have frowned upon any cake-smashing. Each tier was a different flavor. The bottom tier was, as expected, a chocolate mocha cake with expresso mousse filling. The second layer was white cake with amaretto filling. The third tier was white cake with Bavarian cream and strawberry filling, and the top layer mimicked the bottom. There were also cupcakes of all flavors and a retro candy bar. Everyone got their fill and people started to stray from their tables.

When they were finished, Kirk took the microphone again.

"Attention. I need Rory and Luke to come to the dance floor for the father/daughter dance." Rory stood up and joined Luke on the dance floor. Rory gestured to Kirk and he reluctantly handed her the microphone.

"Hello, everyone. I know that some of you have been curious about some of my wedding party choices, in particular, the role of Father of the Bride. You see," Rory paused to rub her forehead. She seemed to be dreading this. "I have three father figures in my life." Max became instantly confused. "I have a father through blood," she looked at Christopher. "I have an almost father through books," and Rory looked at Max. Shocked could not begin to describe how Max felt. Yes, he and Rory had grown close when he and Lorelai had dated, and they were always, even now, very comfortable with each other. He just never knew that she felt the same way towards him.

"And," she looked at Luke. "I have a father by heart. My decision was difficult in that I did not want to hurt anyone. It was easy though to choose, for Luke has been there for me since Mom and I moved here. I greatly apologize to me other two fathers so to speak, but I do not regret this choice," she stared pointedly at Christopher, who in turn looked ready to kill Luke.

"Now, Luke and I couldn't choose between two songs, so my best friend and her band, 'Hep Alien', have prepared a mash-up of sorts. Luke, I love you and I am blessed to have you in my mom's life and my own. May I have this dance?" Rory finished, smiling softly and holding out her hand. Kirk took back his microphone, and the crowd cheered as Hep Alien made their way to the band set-up. Luke and Rory moved to the center of the dance floor.

"Thank you, Rory," Luke said.

"I meant every word," Rory answered.

The music started, and a creative mash-up of Ray Charles' "If I Could" and Randy Chapman's "Cinderella" played. Luke and Rory started dancing and it turned into a slow waltz. There was nothing but pure affection between the two of them. Max saw Christopher shake his head and walk away, completely leaving his young daughter. Max frowned at the childishness Christopher was showing. It was touching, really, and Max couldn't help but admire what Luke had done to create their little family. The music stopped, and Rory kissed Luke's cheek.

"Alright, folks. The time has come for Mr. and Mrs. Huntzberger to have their first dance as husband and wife," Kirk called out.

Logan joined Rory, and Hep Alien began to play. It wasn't a song Max recognized, so he assumed it was a special song written just for the couple. There were very few dry eyes while they danced. It was easy to see that they were meant for each other.

"Amazing, isn't it?" a voice asked as a figure came up beside him. Max looked at Lorelai.

"I can't believe she's married," Max agreed.

"Max," Lorelai began softly, laying her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry for behaving the way I did when you arrived today. I was surprised, and just over-emotional, I suppose."

"That's perfectly okay," Max started. "I didn't realize Rory never told you. And it's understandable to be over-emotional with the wedding, and, you know…" and he gestured to her abdomen. Lorelai blushed.

"Ah, you noticed," she said, unintentionally covering her bump with her arms.

"Yes. Congratulations," Max offered sincerely,

"Really?"

"Really," Max confirmed. "Lorelai?"

"Max, we're okay," Lorelai answered.

"But, I'm sorry. That night at Chilton, I shouldn't have behaved the way I did. I was just so confused, and then I let my pride get in the way. I never meant to walk away that night," Max apologized.

"It's okay. Fate, right? Everything happens for a reason," Lorelai said.

"Right, Fate," Max murmured sadly.

"Look, save one dance for me," Lorelai began. "Just don't dance with Patty. She might never let you go." Max just nodded. Lorelai patted his shoulder, then joined Luke on the dance floor.

"Everything okay?" Luke asked, starting to dance with his wife.

"Wonderful. I just had to apologize for my behavior earlier," Lorelai answered.

"That was nice. You were a little blunt," Luke agreed.

"Damn hormones." Luke laughed and brought Lorelai closer to him.

"How are Sid and Nancy?" Luke asked.

"They are making Mommy tired," Lorelai replied, resting her head on Luke's shoulder.

"No sleeping yet. Rory would never forgive you," Luke teased. Luke spun her around so she could see her daughter. Lorelai could see Rory moving slowly in Logan's arms. Rory looked up and waved and smiled at her mother. Lorelai grinned back and waved. Lorelai remembered when they were in Cape Cod and Rory remarked on Luke and Logan being "The Ones". Yes, there had been some bumps in the road, but Rory had been right.

Rory felt amazing. She had never felt so safe and happy as she did when she was with Logan.

"Happy, Ace?" Logan asked.

"I have never been so happy," Rory admitted. They danced for a while before speaking to their guests. Together they greeted Emily and Richard, Mitchum and Shira, other family and friends, before they found Max.

"Hey, Mr. Medina," Rory addressed, approaching him. Max turned and smiled. Rory was even more lovely up close.

"Mr. Medina, I'd like you to meet Logan Huntzberger. Logan, this is Mr. Max Medina," Rory introduced. Logan shook Max's hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Sir," Logan said sincerely.

"Congratulations, Logan, Rory."

"I'll let you two talk for a bit while I go talk to my parents," Logan suggested. Rory nodded at him.

"Well, Rory," Max started. "How does it feel to be a married woman?" Rory laughed.

"Surprisingly, not so different. I guess that's good, right?"

"Well, it's always a good sign," Max agreed.

"Thank you, so much, for coming,"

"I wouldn't have missed it, Rory. Thank you for the kind words."

"You're welcome. I meant them. I still am sorry that you and mom didn't work out the way you had wanted. Have you talked to her yet?" Rory asked.

"Briefly," Max answered. Rory's face grew slightly concerned. "It went fine, good, actually."

"Really?"

"Really. She looks happy, has a baby on the way. Luke and you are a great team. Do I still love her? Yes, I think I always will. But, with that said, seeing her so happy, it hurts less. I'm just glad that she found herself," Max explained. Rory embraced him tightly.

"You will find someone, Mr. Medina. And, if not, just know that you have friends here. You are welcome to visit Logan and I in New York anytime."

"Well, funny you should mention that," Max began. "I think I am going to be moving back to Hartford."

"No! Really?"

"Yes. Headmaster Charleston asked me again to return to Chilton and Yale offered me an adjunct position, teaching two night courses. I have accepted and will be moving here next month," Max explained.

"That's fantastic! I am so glad that you are going to be nearby."

"Hey, Ace?" Logan interrupted. "Guests are starting to leave." Rory saw her new in-laws looking uncomfortable as they gathered their belongings.

"Sorry, Mr. Medina, I have to go say goodbye." Max nodded and Logan took Rory's hand and led her away.

The wedding went late into the night. The town was having such a great time, no one wanted to leave. Max talked to pretty much everybody. Eventually, he came to stand next to a man sitting with a little girl sleeping in his lap. He looked miserable and bored. When Max approached, Chris looked at him quizzically.

"Excuse me?" Chris asked. "Not to sound weird or anything, but I've been noticing you all night. I know everyone here, except for you." Max smiled.

"I've noticed you too." Chris stuck out his hand.

"I'm Christopher Hayden, Rory's dad," Chris said, a little bitterly, glaring quickly at Lorelai and Luke.

"I'm Max Medina, Rory's former teacher and Lorelai's ex-fiancé." Chris' eyes grew wide. The two men talked for a while. Max wanted to pity Christopher for he had loved Lorelai for far longer than Max had. However, in terms of Rory, Max wanted to hit the man. He understood that he was hurt by Rory's decisions, but from what he had gathered, Chris had always missed out on Rory's life. Finally, Lorelai saved him by placing her soft hand on his shoulder.

"Max, you owe me a dance. It's the second-to-last song on the playlist."

"Alright. May I have this dance?" Max asked, offering his hand. Lorelai took it and walked to the dance floor where they began to dance. Surprisingly, Max felt nothing. They fit well together, Max and Lorelai, but they definitely felt more like friends. Max was relieved. He felt Lorelai hold him a little tighter, almost like an apology. They danced like that, completely silent, understanding showing on both of their faces. Max noticed Rory talking to Luke and a young man. The younger man had dark hair and was wearing a leather jacket. He handed Rory what looked like a book with a bow on it.

"Lorelai?" Max asked. He felt Lorelai stir and had a feeling that she had been dozing off. He felt his spirit lighten knowing that she felt comfortable enough with him to do that. She picked her head up off his shoulder.

"Hmmm?" She said, somewhat dazedly.

"Who is that talking to Rory and Luke?" Max questioned, turning her around to see the trio.

"Jess," she answered, a little bit shocked.

"Do I know this Jess?" Max prodded. He had an unsettled feeling with this young man.

"Umm, I don't think so," Lorelai replied slowly. "He's Luke's nephew. I am kind of surprised he's here. Rory and Jess dated for a while when she was in high school."

"Ah! He's the one you hated!" Max accused, laughing slightly. Lorelai joined in.

"Yes, he is. I thought he was bad for Rory. However, he turned out to be good for her in the long run," Lorelai admitted.

"We don't hate him?" Max was shocked. Once Lorelai made up her mind on someone, she usually didn't change it.

"Well, did Rory ever tell you that she took a semester off from Yale?"

"What? No!" Max said.

"Alright, don't tell her that I told you any of this. I am sure she will tell you someday. It's a long story, so here's the Readers Digest version. Logan's father had told Rory that she wouldn't make it in journalism. She then got into a bit of trouble. She wound up dropping out of Yale and moved in with my parents. We didn't talk for almost six months. Though she has never said what they talked about when she told me he visited, but, I know he must have said something because it was soon after that she came home, went back to Yale, and got a writing job. I owe a lot to that kid."

"What does he do?" Max asked.

"He's an author and owns a small publishing company in Philadelphia," Lorelai began. "He's made quite a name for himself. I'm just surprised he came. I was under the impression that he didn't approve of Logan for Rory."

"Well, it's nice he came then," Max agreed. The song ended and Lorelai gave Max a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Til we meet again, Lorelai," Max said softly.

"Goodbye, Max." Lorelai then went to join Luke for the final dance of the night. Max stood aside and watched the remaining couples: Paris and Doyle, Lane and Zach, Lucy and Marty, Babette and Morrie, Kirk and Lulu, Emily and Richard, Honor and Josh, and a few others he had not met at the wedding. And, of course, there were Luke and Lorelai, Rory and Logan. The song was slow. Lorelai seemed to melt into Luke, and Rory and Logan seemed to be in their own little world. The song finished and everyone clapped and began to say their goodbyes. Rory ran over to Max and hugged him.

"Thank you again so much for coming, Mr. Medina," Rory said a little breathlessly.

"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Huntzberger," Max replied.

"Remember, you can visit us anytime. And let me know when you've moved in and gotten settled in your new place."

"Absolutely." Rory hugged him one last time and then joined her husband.

"Alright, everyone!" Miss Patty announced on the microphone. "It's time for our bride and groom to leave and head off to the Caribbean for their honeymoon. Grab your bubbles and let's give them a proper send off." Max grabbed a bottle of bubbles from a basket and stood alongside the aisle with the remaining wedding guests. They all began blowing their bubbles as Rory and Logan ran past them. At the end of the line, they stopped. The couple hugged Honor and Josh, Emily and Richard, Christopher and Gigi, and finally, Lorelai and Luke. Luke and Lorelai were both tearing up as they kissed their little girl goodbye. The pair got into their Rolls Royce and drove away.

Max looked around and saw everybody leave. He took his keys out of his pocket and walked to his car. He looked around the town square and smiled to himself. This hadn't been scary at all. He was no longer afraid to run into Lorelai. He would always love her and play the "what if" game, but he felt that he could live again. It had been a good decision to come back here. He got in his car and drove away feeling the best he had felt in eight years.