Rory was so thankful Logan was able to come to the States a week before Thanksgiving. It gave them a chance to regroup from the announcement together and make appointments for homes they wanted to view in Hartford. Not to mention, her grandparents were thrilled to host them both. She and her grandmother were able to get the renovations done to her old room and actually expand it some so that she and Logan wouldn't be on top of each other.

What was once a decent size bedroom with an ensuite bathroom was transformed into a mini-suite. The bathroom was expanded to be able to accommodate two people, what was the bedroom was framed and turned into a large walk-in closet. The area in front of the window was turned into a small office for either her or Logan to use if needed. Part of a neighboring bedroom was framed for a sitting room for the two of them complete with plasma TV and 5.1 Dolby surround sound. The rest of the bedroom was turned into a lavish bedroom. Rory stopped her grandmother before she had a balcony added and a nursery decorated.

She and Logan were very happy with the changes and made sure to thank Richard and Emily for them. While they hoped they wouldn't make too much use of it at the moment, they realized while looking at the listings for houses in Hartford that they might have to stay with them longer than they really wanted.

The Monday before Thanksgiving found them making their way to a real estate agent's office to meet with her about potential listings they were interested in. Upon entering the office, they immediately liked it. It was tastefully decorated in neutral grays with accent pieces scattered throughout the room in the form of a red couch and eclectic artwork.

Her receptionist welcomed them to the office and they took a seat to wait for her to be ready. After several minutes, the agent came out. "Hi, I'm Vivian Morgan. You must be Logan and Rory. It's so nice to meet the two of you," she said as she extended her arm for a handshake from each of them.

"Yes, thank you for meeting with us. We're excited to discuss some properties with you," Logan told her.

"Alright, well, why don't we come back to my office so we can talk about what you're looking for. Would either of you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, water?"

They both stated they were fine and followed her down the short hallway to her office. Vivian's office was furnished much like her reception area was: neutral with pops of color. Vivian indicated for Rory and Logan to sit on a couch that matched the one in the lobby and sat across from them in a matching arm chair.

"So, it seems like the two of you have discussed some potential properties already. Before we get into those, can you tell me a little bit about what you're looking for in a house?"

"Well, we want something that we can grow into because we're already expecting our first child and have plans to have at least one more. But, we don't want something that's too big either," Rory started.

Vivian nodded as Logan piped in, "We also want something that's more move in ready than not. Since we're already expecting, we don't want to spend a lot of time dealing with renovations outside of general painting and maybe some floor replacement if needed."

"What about a budget?"

Rory and Logan looked at each other. Logan answered, "Money isn't really an option and we're willing to spend whatever it takes to get us our dream home. That being said, we don't want it to be super lavish and overly expensive just so we can get one of those monstrosity mansions in the rich section."

"I guess this is where I should ask you about the houses that you've already looked at and marked for possible viewing."

Rory reached into the small tote she brought with her to extract an accordion file. She quickly opened it and pulled out MLS printouts she and Logan decided on over the previous few days. As she handed them to Vivian, she said, "You'll notice that these are in a nice section of Hartford, but they're definitely not overly lavish. We've decided we like the idea of at least 4 bedrooms and bathrooms with the addition of a study or library that can be used as such, a living room, and decent size kitchen. The rest of it is somewhat negotiable."

Vivian took them and flipped quickly. All of the houses were within a mile or two of each other and all were within easy driving distance of Emily and Richard's house. "Well, most of these are available for viewing at any point. I just need to call the agents and make sure we can go by and get the key out of the box on the door without disturbing the owners. If you don't mind waiting for me in the lobby, I'll see if we can get started.

Rory and Logan made their way back to reception. After waiting about ten minutes, Vivian came back out dressed in her coat and with her purse. "Guys, we're good to go. Do you want to ride with me? Or would you prefer to drive yourselves?"

After a short discussion, they decided to drive separately just in case something came up and they needed to leave quickly. The first two houses they viewed, while beautiful, weren't what Logan and Rory were looking for. They were through each of them within 20 minutes. The third one was slightly better, but not by much. By the end of the listings they chose, they hadn't found a house they could be happy with.

Before paring ways with Vivian, they all agreed to view more listings to see what else could be found. They tentatively planned to meet at Vivian's office again before viewing others. Leaving the last house they viewed, Rory and Logan felt slightly dejected.

"I was really hopeful about some of those houses," Rory told him as they made their way back to her grandparent's house.

"I know. I was too. But, we also don't need to settle. Those houses were amazing! But I just can't see us raising a family in any other them."

Rory sighed. "Yeah. I hope we're able to find a few more tonight that we can view tomorrow. I know Grandma and Grandpa don't mind if we stay with them for a bit, but I don't want us to overstay our welcome either. I'm ready for the two of us to be able to move into our own space and finally start our lives together."

Logan reached for her left hand and threaded his fingers with hers. "I'm right there with you. But, we don't need to rush it either. We should take advantage of this time to really find a house that suits our wants and needs to make sure we're in a house we can see ourselves staying in for a while."

Rory smiled and squeezed his hand. "I know. I'm just so impatient! I'm ready to find that house, buy it, decorate it, and be settled!"

Logan laughed. "Soon enough we'll be there."

The rest of the ride was spent in silence, each of them debating internally about the house they wanted so badly to find.

Thanksgiving Day dawned painfully bright and cold. Rory squinted at the bright sunshine streaming in through the window's of her and Logan's room when she opened the curtains. "Well, at least the weather doesn't match what could possibly a very rough day," Rory said over her shoulder to Logan who was still laying in bed.

She heard Logan get out of bed and start walking. A few moments later, he wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his chin on her shoulder, gazing out the window with her. "True," he finally said, "it could be dreary and snowing, making today a day where no went out. Then we could cancel Thanksgiving and no one would have to come and ruin our wonderful life."

Rory laughed. "If only, right?"

Logan squeezed her tighter in response. They stood there for several minutes, gazing at the falling leaves in the brilliant fall sunshine before Rory sighed and broke away. "I would love to stay like that forever, but we need to get ready for the day. I don't know what possessed my Grandmother to decide this was the year to do a mid-afternoon Thanksgiving instead of her normal evening one."

Logan shrugged. "Maybe it's because they have children coming this year? And, let's be honest, you've been a lot more tired recently."

Rory shrugged, "I don't think that's it, but who knows. I'm glad it's earlier, but at the same time I'd like more time to prepare for my mom."

Logan grimaced. Things with Lorelai hadn't improved in the week between her wedding and now. She initially refused to come to Thanksgiving, but Emily put her foot down and swore she would drive to Stars Hollow herself to drive her to Hartford if she didn't get herself there. Rory had been there for that conversation and was immensely saddened to hear how vehemently her mother fought against coming to the dinner because she would be there. It made her second guess spending the holiday in the States instead of London.

Her grandmother and Logan both reassured her that it would be fine and they would have to face Lorelai and her disapproval eventually. So, here she was, carefully picking out an outfit for one of the hardest days of her life thus far. She selected a pretty burgundy dress with a lace overlay and paired it with a short pair of black wedges. She curled her hair and pinned some of the front pieces back. After finishing her make-up, she paused to evaluate herself. She looked a little tired, which was normal, but she thought she looked pretty good.

Before leaving the vanity, she looked down at her left hand. Upon his arrival in Hartford, Logan presented Rory with a diamond and wedding band. She was surprised as she didn't feel the need to wear a ring since it had already been two years since they got married, so it was nothing to wear a ring. In fact, she protested upon receipt of it. Eventually, Logan got her to agree to wear the ring because it was much smaller than someone would normally give in their social situation. In fact, she had grown to love it.

It was a round cut diamond set into the band almost. It was surrounded by smaller diamonds on a braided band. The wedding band was rather plain and matched her ring. Logan got himself the matching male band for it and wore it on his left hand. They joked occasionally about wearing the rings and getting used to the physical reminders of their marriage.

Doing one last check in the mirror, she made her way into their sitting room and saw Logan was already dressed. He was in a navy blue suit paired with a tie that matched her dress and a white dress shirt. "Looking pretty good there, Mr. Huntzberger."

Logan smirked. "You're looking pretty good as well, Mrs. Huntzberger."

Rory blushed. She hadn't changed her name fully yet, but the paperwork was submitted. She just had to wait until after the holiday to go to the DMV to get her name changed on her license, which would make it official. Logan pulled her to him and placed a light kiss on her lips. "Are you ready to face the music?"

Rory nodded and they made their way out of their room and downstairs to the sitting room. It was still a bit early in the day, so no one else had arrived. Logan made himself a drink and poured Rory a club soda. Richard and Emily joined them after a few minutes and he made their chosen drinks as well.

The four of them sat and chatted for several minutes until the doorbell rang. Emily rose to get it and returned a few minutes later with Honor and her family in tow. Rory and Logan rose to hug her. "I'm so glad to see you!" she gushed as she hugged them. "When Logan told me you were married, I couldn't believe it. Then, when the announcement came out, I realized he wasn't pulling my leg!"

Honor introduced Josh and their son Henry to Richard and Emily before settling on a love seat. Conversation was easy within the group and Rory felt herself starting to relax. Maybe this day wouldn't be so bad after all. The doorbell rang again and her happy thoughts went away. Logan reached over and squeezed her thigh, trying to reassure her. She smiled wanly at him and turned her attention towards the door where she could hear her mother and Luke chatting with Emily.

Rory and Logan rose as Emily brought Lorelai and Luke into the room. Emily performed the introductions for Honor and her family. Rory moved forward to hug Luke. Upon parting, she wasn't sure what to do with her mother who was standing there not looking at her and had her arms crossed. Deflating a little, Rory welcomed her and stepped back to allow Logan a chance to shake Luke's hand. He also stuck his hand out for Lorelai to shake, but she studiously ignored him as well.

"Lorelai! You're being rude!" Richard chastised her.

Lorelai shrugged, but didn't say anything. Rory caught Luke looking at Lorelai from the corner of his eyes, looking confused. She had a feeling Luke hadn't been filled in on the things that were going on in her life in the same way she filled Lorelai in.

After everyone sat down, they all sat there in an awkward silence. Rory wanted to break it, but wasn't sure what to say to put them all at ease. Eventually, it was Luke who did it. "So, I'll officially tell you both congratulations. I know I knew about the marriage beforehand, but we haven't talked since the announcement came out. I'm glad you both were able to go public."

Lorelai snorted and everyone looked at her. Seeming to realize that, she said, "What?"

"You snorted," Emily stated, looking displeased.

"So, I'm not allowed to make noise? I'm supposed to sit here silently?"

"Of course not, Lorelai. But you haven't spoken a word the entire time, so for you to make a noise so suddenly shocked all of us I think."

"Well, wasn't it you that taught me that if I don't have anything nice to say, I shouldn't say anything at all?"

Emily rolled her eyes, but didn't comment. Instead she turned her attention to Logan and Rory. "We haven't had a chance to really talk this week."

Lorelai snorted again, which Emily chose to ignore. "You were looking at houses earlier this week."

"Yeah, we viewed quite a few houses. We found two that are serious contenders, but neither fully hit our list of things," Logan told her.

"What things? Like 20 bedrooms and two pools? What about a separate wing so you don't have to deal with anyone?" Lorelai muttered under her breath.

"Did you say something?" Logan asked her, nonplussed by her comments.

Lorelai rolled her eyes and said, "No, not a word."

Continuing, Logan said, "We have two more lined up to view Monday. From there, we're hoping maybe we'll see one we really like or try to decide if we should offer on one of the others. We really wanted one that we didn't have to make renovations to so we could get settled before the baby comes. But, it's looking like we might have to do some remodeling before we can move in based on what we've seen so far. If we had more time, we might consider building something."

Luke interjected, "Baby? You're pregnant?"

Rory glanced at Lorelai who was studiously avoiding everyone's eyes. "Yeah, Logan and I are pregnant. We thought you knew."

"No, why would I know?"

Rory looked at Lorelai again before saying, "I told mom a few weeks ago when you got married. I thought she would have told you."

Before Luke could respond, Lorelai broke in, "No, why would I tell him something like that? This isn't something we should be celebrating. You've finally gone over to the dark side."

"The dark side? What is this? Star Wars? We're not in a battle for the galaxy, Mom. Logan and I are having a baby. This is something that we're thrilled about."

Lorelaid scoffed. "Oh, please."

"Why is this so hard for you to believe?" Rory burst. "I just don't understand it! I could tell you weren't thrilled when I told you we were married, but you seemed to be pushing through it and seemed happy for me. Then, when I told you I was pregnant, you just lost it and froze me out. But, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You didn't the same thing when I dropped out of Yale. Instead of supporting me when I needed you most you instead kicked me out and wouldn't listen to a single thing I told you."

"Because, Rory! This isn't you! You aren't the person that hides things from her mother and marries rich, blonde playboys that don't have their lives together! You're the person that is so driven and smart that you don't need a man to define who you are!"

Rory felt like she had been slapped. "So, you think that by marrying Logan I've given up on my own dreams and aspirations?"

"It's obvious! You're living with my parents and not doing anything related to your degree. You're already becoming the Stepford, or should I say Hartford, wife that waits at home for her rich husband that constantly cheats on her, unable to break free because that would mean she's lost social standing."

Before Rory could reply, Logan interrupted. "Do you know anything about my life, Lorelai?"

"Please, I know your type just by looking at you. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Your every whim was catered to and you weren't held accountable for anything in your life. The only reason you have your job is because Daddy gave it to you."

"While part of what you've said is true, not everything is. Yes, I was born with a silver spoon, but is that any different than you? You were born into this same life. The only difference is you decided to leave it."

Lorelai rolled her eyes, but didn't respond. Logan continued, "And, yes, I have this job because of my father. But, it's not because of my father that I've increased our profits exponentially in the last few years. Or that we've expanded into digital media, which has made our market shares sore. In fact, we're doing so well digitally, that we're making a new division of HPG that I've been in charge of setting up and hiring the workers for. If anything, I would say that I've added more to this company that my father hadn't even thought of."

"Please. I'm sure your father has covered your tail more times that you'll admit to anyone, especially Rory. She always sees the best in people and you're no different. She doesn't want to see the worst in you and that you'll just lead her to destruction. I mean, look at the yacht incident. If she hadn't been dating you then, she never would have had that internship or stolen that yacht. It's because of you that she dropped out of Yale and we didn't speak for 6 months!"

"No, Mom. It's because of you we didn't talk for that long. You shut me out! You refused to believe that I had anything to do with my own actions at that point. You chose to believe that your perfect daughter, who is far from perfect, could do any wrong. It's no different than when I dated Dean or Jess. It's easier to blame someone else than me for whatever went wrong in my life."

Before Lorelai could respond, Richard interjected. "Lorelai, I think you either need to get off this topic or you need to leave. Take your pick."

Without answering, Lorelai stood up and walked towards the door. Luke stayed sitting. Lorelai must have realized that Luke wasn't following her and came back into the room. "Come on, Luke. We're leaving."

"I am not leaving. I haven't seen Rory in weeks and I've just found out that she's pregnant. I would like to spend the day with her."

"Luke, come on. There's no need to stay here."

Luke looked at Lorelai, but didn't say anything. Lorelai sighed. "Fine, then at least give me the keys so I can go home. I'll come back to get you."

"I don't think I'll be doing that either. We came here to spend time with family and I intend to do just that."

Rory could tell her mother didn't like Luke's reply to her. "I can just call a cab then."

Emily interjected, "Where are you going to find a cab company that will be willing to drive you to Stars Hollow today, Lorelai?"

Lorelai's face darkened and Rory thought she looked like a petulant child. She stood there and glared at everyone. "Lorelai, I have a suggestion for you," Richard stated. "I think you need to think long and hard about what's going on right now. As you can see, Logan and Rory are quite happy with their lives. They are happy, they are expecting, and they are buying a house in preparation for starting their lives together. Everyone is happy for them or at least accepting of their choices. I think you need to consider the crossroads you find yourself at. If you're not careful, you might find yourself in our shoes where almost 16 years go by without you knowing your own grandchild or grandchildren, as the case may be. Do you want that to happen? Can you really see yourself acting like this for the foreseeable future in the face of you being wrong?"

Everyone was silent as they watched Lorelai fight with herself. Rory could see the battle going on within her mother. It was obvious that she didn't want to listen to the wisdom of her father's words, but it was also obvious that she couldn't win the argument today. She would have to at least play nice to get through the day and get home where she could release whatever inner-feelings and thoughts she was repressing inside. Finally, she reached her decision and sat down. "I'll play nice today, but don't think this changes my mind either. And don't expect me to participate in anything."

"That's fine, Lorelai. It's not like you're a willing participant at any other time. How should this be any different?" Emily asked as the maid came in to let them know dinner was ready.

Several very long and tense hours later, the Gilmores, Rory, and Logan said their goodbyes to everyone. It definitely wasn't pleasant and they all collapsed onto a seat in the sitting room when they were by themselves.

"Honestly, I'm not sure what the problem is with Lorelai. Why is she so resistant to this marriage?"

"I think she's holding on to the idea of me as an international correspondent and the ideas she has about Logan from when we were still in college. Honestly, I haven't done a lot to change her opinion of him in the intervening years. I think I might have to man, or woman up as the case may be, and see her. I think it'll be another battle, but I think if I don't go see her, this whole situation won't improve."

Logan grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips for a light kiss. "Whatever you decide to do, we can do it together. I don't want you taking this on by yourself."

Rory wanted to argue, but realized the futility of it. She nodded and instead and laid her head on her shoulder. The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent talking to her grandparents and reading in her room. Even though the day wasn't the best it could have been, she felt like some progress had been made with her mother that would allow their next encounter to hopefully go better.