Part 11 – Merry Christmas.

The days between Doula's birth and Christmas Eve Lorelai and Luke were practically inseparable. If they weren't working at the Inn or the Diner, they were together, and only going their separate ways to sleep. Lorelai ate breakfast and lunch at the counter of the dinner whilst chatting with Luke. In the evenings, if Lorelai wasn't busy with a party, they ate dinner together either in Luke's apartment or Lorelai's house. After dinner, they would watch movies curled up on the sofa in each others arms.

Only on one occasion had they ventured out and into town. They had gone to the BWR Christmas movie night. They happily sat next to each other eating popcorn and watching the movie. Until they noticed the whole town was suddenly in attendance paying more attention to them then the actual movie.

The hardest part of the day was always saying goodnight at the end of the evening. Neither really knew how to say goodnight. They both knew if it ended with a kiss it probably wouldn't end at all and, whist they both wanted more, neither wanted to be the first to admit it.

So the evenings always seemed to end with an odd hug. It was odd because it always lasted longer and was more intimate then the one the night before. Neither wanted to let go and both wanted more then just a hug, but without some sort of say so from the other person neither was willing to push the boundaries of their new found relationship.

Lorelai managed to convince Luke to come shopping with her on the Saturday before Christmas and together they picked out a few gifts for April and Rory. They both chose the girls' main present separately, but they made sure to have some that were chosen and came from the both of them.

In an effort to cheer Lorelai up and take her mind off Rory being away both Luke and April insisted that she join them for their Christmas Eve celebration. Even though they had told her repeatedly she would not be getting in the way, she only agreed to join them for a few hours during the day. She couldn't really take the whole day off since she'd agreed to let most of the staff to go early.

When Christmas Eve morning came Lorelai was almost more excited then if it was Christmas day. Bang on eleven Luke returned to diner with April in tow to meet an impatiently waiting Lorelai. The three of them, with some hindrance from Paul Anka, spent over an hour decorating Luke's apartment with a tree, lights, baubles, tinsel, popcorn, everything Christmassy. The apartment had never looked so bright and colourful. Nor had it ever heard so much laughter, or barking for that matter. Luke cooked them a traditional turkey lunch with all the trimmings, which was as good as anything Sookie could cook.

As they sat eating Lorelai looked around the apartment and at Luke and April, she couldn't help but feel Rory was missing out. She wasn't a part of this little Christmas party they were having. She was once again hit with a feeling that Rory was moving on without her, and maybe she was moving on without Rory also. Suddenly she realised that any family she created with Luke, Rory would only be an occasional presence, she wouldn't be there for the day to day events, and maybe not even all the major events.

Noticing Lorelai was so quiet, Luke got the phone and passed it to her. He knew exactly what was bothering her, and he felt for her. For years he'd seen the two Gilmore's preparing for Christmas. It was a huge deal to them, and their celebrations started with her parents Christmas party two weeks before Christmas and lasted until the ball dropped on the New Year. He knew he couldn't make up for Rory not being there, but he at least wanted to try and make her smile.

"Call her," he told her simply.

"But we're eating." Lorelai tried to brush off the fact she was missing her daughter. She didn't want to put a downer on the day they were having, this was supposed to be about Luke and April not her and Rory.

"So? Just cause she can't physically be here doesn't mean she can't be here. Call her and put her on speaker."

Lorelai took a few seconds before taking the phone from Luke. She worked out the time difference then dialled Rory's cell phone. She promised to pay for the call, which Luke immediately shook off.

They spent the next half an hour eating and talking to Rory. They discussed plans for Christmas day itself and Rory's time in London, which April was completely in awe of.

Lorelai was amazed at how easily April and Rory could talk, from famous London landmarks to teasing Luke. Despite the fact they had only met briefly in person even over the phone it was obvious that the two would get alone fine. They made plans for the four of them to go out when Rory returned after New Year, and Lorelai couldn't help but feel a little better about the little family they were becoming.

After lunch, Lorelai put on a Christmas CD while they each exchanged gifts. April excitedly opened her gifts from the two of them. A few CD's, a science book and a T-shirt, jeans and sweater combo that Lorelai had assured Luke she would love. Lorelai gave her a present from herself of some hair and make up accessories from Claire's. Her gift from Luke was a microscope set that she'd been dropping huge hints about for weeks. He then surprised her with a final gift which she eagerly opened. Without even opening the box she turned and hugged Luke making him laugh. Her very own pair of ice skates, with only a few day's till their trip she couldn't wait to try them out.

April gave her gift to Luke explaining that it was her face all made out of plaster that she'd made in art class. Luke thanked her slightly surprised she hadn't given it to Anna, but put it straight on his wall without question. When April handed Lorelai her present she was speechless. She hadn't expected April to get her anything. Stunned she opened her present of a hello kitty organiser and pen set. She thanked April and told her she hadn't had to get her anything, which April told her she wanted to. Even Paul Anka got a gift of a bag of doggie treats.

By three Lorelai had to go to the Dragonfly to relieve the staff so they could go home early. As sad as she was to be leaving since she'd had a wonderful time with them, she knew it was time for April and Luke to make some of their own traditions. Like watching the Christmas Eve parade together before he had to return April to Anna.

Lorelai spent the night with Paul Anka at the dragonfly, giving the night manager the night off. It was fairly quiet and gave Lorelai time to herself as she watched It's a Wonderful Life. She would normally watch it with Rory on Christmas Eve, and it was hard not to be depressed as she lay on the bed chewing red vines. Luke's call after he got back from dropping April off cheered her up. He told her to come by the front door, which she did whist talking to him over the phone.

When she opened the door he stood there in front of her. Questioning his presence Luke simple told her he felt like some company after taking April home. They got some healthy snacks from the kitchen and returned to Lorelai's room. They laid on the bed quietly watching the rest of the movie, before Luke filled her in on the rest of his day with April and they chatted about their plans for Christmas day. Lorelai put on Miracle on 34th street, the original of course. Despite not intending to, they both felt asleep in each others arms before the movie was half way through.

Although waking up next to Luke for the first time in six months had put her in a good mood, for once Christmas Day dragged. She was stuck at the Inn till four, not that she had anywhere else to go since the diner would be open till four as well, and at least she had a few customers to speak to. The restaurant was full during lunch and Lorelai helped out the servers despite Sookie's protests.

By three thirty Lorelai had finally had enough. She got a server to cover the front desk, since the phone hadn't rung all day, the guests were all sorted and they weren't expecting any new ones. It wouldn't be difficult for them to just sit there she'd reasoned to herself. She quickly showered and changed into a new pair of jeans and top she'd bought, got Paul Anka and made her way to Luke's.

For once she was early, and surprised Luke when she knocked on the door of his apartment. Luke opened the door and Lorelai was speechless. He was all dressed up in his good pants and blue dress shirt. He'd switched the main light off in the apartment so the only light came from the multi coloured Christmas lights strung around the room and the tree. The kitchen table was set for two with candles all lit. Soft Christmas music played in the background and Lorelai smiled as she entered the room.

"This is amazing."

"Well you decorated the place so you would think so. Here, let me take your coat."

Lorelai unhooked Paul Anka's leash then stood up for Luke to help take off her jacket. Smiling she placed her bag of gifts for Luke under the tree next to ones that were probably for her even though they didn't have a name tag. Luke poured a glass of wine and got himself a beer. He handed the glass to Lorelai and lifted his own bottle to her glass.

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Lorelai said, tapping her glass against Luke's bottle. They each took a sip of their own drinks, before Luke's attention was taken away by dinner.

Since they'd done the traditional dinner the day before and Luke had been cooking it all day, he had prepared his own menu for the evening. For starters they had breaded mushrooms stuffed with goats cheese, their main course was his own secret recipe pork chops, with sweet potato fries and a selection of vegetables. Desert was of course her own chocolate cheese cake that only Luke could make.

"Was it your plan to keep me here because I don't think I can move?" Lorelai questioned after dinner as she sat at the table with a quarter of the cheesecake still in front of her.

"You don't have to eat it all, you can eat some tomorrow."

"I know, but tomorrow you'll have fresh pie so I'll want that, and I don't want this to go to waste."

Luke only shook his head as he stood up and held his hand out to Lorelai. She looked between his hand, the cheesecake and her glass of wine as if working out which one wasn't important. Quickly she finished her wine in one mouthful, picked up the cheesecake in one hand and took Luke's hand in her other.

Luke led her to the tree in the corner of the apartment and they sat down in front of it. Lorelai placed her plate in front of her crossed legs and she grabbed the gift bag.

Luke took the three presents that had tags and put them to one side.

"Okay those are for Rory, so you can take them home and put them with the pile I know you have for her."

"You've never forgotten Rory." Lorelai realised as she remembered that Luke had given Rory a present for every occasion regardless of their relationship standing.

"And I never will."

Lorelai rattled them and prodded them to try and work out what they might be.

"Would you stop that, they are Rory's."

"Well they don't make a noise and they're not breakable..."

"And you'll find out once she gets home. Can we move on please?"

Pouting Lorelai put the gifts to one side and pulled out her first present for Luke. He quickly ripped the paper off and looked at his gift.

"Picture frames?"

"I noticed you don't have any pictures of April around here, so I figure while you're on your trip to New York you could get some nice pictures and we could print them up and put them up around the apartment. I'll even let you borrow my camera if you want."

Luke smiled and nodded at the idea. It was perfect.

"Thanks." He smiled before handing over her package.

Lorelai carefully examined the package, checking for noises, what the inside felt like.

"Would you stop that and just open it."

"I'm savouring the experience."

"I would like to get these open tonight if possible."

"Spoilsport," she told him. Carefully Lorelai pulled at the tape on each corner and slowly un-wrapped the gift.

"Jewellery," she commented to the small red box. Before pulling the lid off so see what kind. She stared at the set of coffee bean shaped gold earrings and matching gold necklace pendant.

"I saw it in the window and it just seemed like the perfect thing for you," Luke said, slightly nervous.

He'd never been very good at choosing gifts, especially for her. Normally he at least had some ideas from listening to her or talking to Rory, but this year he had nothing to go on, and with the added problem of being unsure exactly where they stood relationship wise he'd been slightly stuck.

"I love it, thank you," she said. She stared at the gift some more before putting it to one side and getting another present for Luke.

So they continued with their few gifts, some CD's and little joke gifts, before they were down to the last one each. Both pulled out envelope shaped gift wrapped presents. They simultaneously handed over their gifts and opened them. Luke opened his quickest and opened the envelope.

"Four tickets to see the Red Sox's."

"I figured we could take April and Rory…"

"You want to go to a game with me?"

"Well yeah, I mean you do all these things that I want to do, so I guess I can sit through one game, and I've been told the atmosphere is different when you actually go to when you're watching it at home. Plus you've been talking for ages about taking April to a game."

"I'd like that."

Lorelai smiled before moving on to opening her own present. Luke watched nervously as Lorelai unwrapped her envelope and took out the white piece of paper. She unfolded it and stared at the black printed writing. It was a note to her from April and Luke. She took her time reading it more then once before dropping it down and staring at Luke. She didn't know what to say.

"Luke…"

"Just think about it."

She took a moment and took a breath.

"You want me …"

"No WE want you, April and I."

"Okay, you AND April, want me to join you in New York?"

"Yes. We talked about it and we want you there…"

"But this was supposed to be your trip, you and April."

"And it will be our trip, but you'd be joining us. We've planned out exactly what we want to do and where we want to go. You being there won't change that. But we want you to come with us."

"I don't know…."

"There's still a couple of days before we go, you don't have to decided right away."

"I mean what about the Inn? We're short staffed as it is over the holidays without me taking off as well."

"I've already checked with Sookie. She's happy to cover for you."

She wanted to go, she really did. Luke had told her about the trip and it sounded wonderful. They were going to go all out tourist around New York, taking an open top bus tour, visit the statue of liberty, ice skate in Central Park. But this was their trip, and she didn't want to gatecrash it. They did seem to want her to go, after all they had gone to a lot of trouble if they didn't. She stared at the note again.

"You really want me to come with you?"

"We wouldn't ask if we didn't. April really wants you to come, and I know I would love it if you were there."

"You would?"

"Of course, it get's me out of having to go ice skating. You can take her since you love it so much," Luke deadpanned, while Lorelai tried to hit his arm.

"Luke!"

"Seriously," he said laughing, "I want you to come with us."

Lorelai bit her lip before taking a deep breath. She smiled and nodded.

"Okay," she whispered.

"Okay you'll come?" Luke confirmed.

"Okay, I will go with you and April to New York."

Luke smiled and pulled her into a hug, while Lorelai closed her eyes saying a silent thank you to whoever controlled the universe. This was what she wanted. It was what she'd been waiting for.

Luke pulled back and Lorelai realised they were no longer laughing. They were in fact incredibly close, close enough for their noses to touch, for their breath to mingle into one. Luke was so close to her face her eyes had gone slightly blurry, like they didn't know what to focus on.

Slowly she leaned forward and touched her lips against his. It was soft and brief, but they both felt it. Neither made any move to pull away or get closer, or make the kiss more then it was. They just sat there waiting. For what they weren't really sure.

"We should clear up," Lorelai finally whispered.

Luke pulled back unsure if he'd heard her correctly. He looked at her then slowly nodded. He stood up and held his hands out to pull her to her feet. He did so and she kept hold of his hand as they walked to the table.

When they got there Luke blew out the candles and went to take his hand back to clean away the plates but she squeezed it tighter not letting go. How exactly were they supposed to clear up if she wouldn't let him go?

"Lorelai, I …" He turned to face her and stopped what he was about to say. He wasn't sure if it was the lighting or what, but there was something suddenly different about her. There was something about the way she was looking at him. There was a confident determination that was in her eyes.

She switched her hand that she was holding Luke's with and positioned herself between him and the table. Slowly she ran her free hand over his chest and shoulder until it rested by the back of his neck. She just stood in front of him, her eyes locked with his.

They stayed that way for no more then a few seconds, until Luke eased forward and captured her lips with his own. He pushed her back against the table so she was practically sitting on it. Within seconds she'd released her grip on his hand, wrapped her arm under his own and settled her hand on his shoulder. Luke wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her against him. Lorelai opened her lips inviting him into her mouth, an invitation Luke was quick to accept.

They held each other tightly as they got reacquainted with each other. While Luke's tongue got friendly with Lorelai's he pulled at her top until his fingers found the flesh of her lower back. He gently rubbed her skin while her thumbs massaged the back of his neck. Lorelai slid her hand down Luke's chest then pulled at his shirt, un-tucking it from his pants and made light work of the buttons.

There was little talking as Luke picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried with ease her across the apartment. He placed her down on his bed, while she pulled at him to keep him close. His lips never left her as they made themselves comfortable.

Lorelai positioned herself along the length of Luke's body making sure she could feel every inch of him next to her. She finally had him back and she never wanted to let him go again.

This was different from the time they'd slept together after their month long break up. It wasn't fast and eager to get naked barely making it up the stairs to her bedroom. It was the opposite in fact. They took their time to savour the experience, to connect in a way they hadn't connected in months. They held each close and whispered words of love and reassurance until they couldn't speak any longer. They made their actions speak louder then any words could say.

As Lorelai lay in Luke's arms recovering from their excursions she traced lazy patterns over his flesh. Luke could only chuckle as she reached a ticklish spot.

"What was that?" Lorelai commented when she finally found her voice.

"I have no idea," Luke groaned exhausted.

"Because seriously, if it's going to be that good, I'll be holding out on you more often…"

"Don't even think about it." He was never going to go six months without her ever again. He held her closer to him revelling in the feeling of her in his arms, in his bed, in his apartment. He let the contentment fill him, if only for a moment, this was perfection.

They lay together quietly, almost too quietly for Luke's liking. Lorelai was always one for talking, even if it was just quiet whispers and laughs. Lorelai always concerned him when she said nothing.

"Are you okay?" Luke said trying to hide his concern.

"Yeah, why?" Lorelai questioned. She'd never felt more okay in her life. She was happy and relaxed.

"You're just very quiet."

"Well after that I'm exhausted."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

"Happy? This is okay?"

"Very happy, and this is good, better then good. The best Christmas present ever."

"Wow, that is good," Luke laughed.

"So I guess this is official right?" Lorelai asked hopeful that this was it, there was no more limbo between friends and lovers.

"What's official?" Luke teased knowing exactly what she was asking.

"Merry Christmas Luke." Lorelai smiled not needing any further confirmation.

"Merry Christmas Lorelai." Luke whispered as he kissed her head, closing his eyes.