Disclaimer: I own nothing
A/N: Just for one more clarification if it wasn't clear earlier: This fic only followed everything up to the Bridesmaids episode: meaning Logan didn't cheat, Rory didn't go to Philly, Lorelai didn't sleep with Chris…I think those are the major ones.
I hope you like the chapter, I know my beta and I did :-)
--
A few days had passed since Bri had been at the apartment, and Rory was happy with her choice to let Bri in on her secret. Somehow work seemed even better than when she alone knew her true identity. These thoughts were the only thing making her smile as she finished pinning her hair up for tonight's event for the Times. She, of course, was attending with Logan and was not at all happy about it. Although many reporters and editors would be there, the party would also include several friends of Mitchum's, which meant society. Logan promised her he wouldn't leave her alone for too long, which was a small reassurance, she knew how he could get pulled away.
She looked herself over in the mirror, admiring the dress Logan had surprised her with for tonight. It simply was perfect, a light blue dress that fell loosely just below her knees, while the top was fitted, held up by twin spaghetti straps. It was classy and elegant, yet she really loved it because it was also still youthful enough for her age. She stepped out of the bathroom to find Logan ready to go.
--
When the limo pulled up in front of the hotel where the event was being held, Rory became wide-eyed at all the reporters. She was never as annoyed with her own profession as she was at that moment. Logan noticed her tense up and asked, "What's wrong?"
Rory just looked at him and pointed out the window.
"Rory we're at an event for the Times, you had to know there would be press."
She nodded, "Inside yes, I never thought there would be anyone outside. We're not celebrities!"
"But we are influential, so is this a problem?"
"If I want to keep my face out of print, yes. I figured the photographers inside would be photographers from Huntzberger Media," she explained quickly.
"Yes…" Logan supplied, not seeing her point.
"So you or your dad could keep certain pictures out the press."
"Ah, I see," Logan sighed, and then rolled down the privacy glass, "Frank can you drive down into the parking garage?"
"Yes, sir," Frank replied before turning a corner.
The limo proceeded down a ramp, allowing them to take the elevator from the garage to the lobby. While they waited for the elevator, Rory wrapped her arms around Logan's waist and asked, "Have I thanked you?"
"For what?" he questioned.
"For going along with my plan. It's been a lot more work to keep up my identity than I originally planned," she explained, leaning her head on his shoulder.
He turned to her and laughed, "This is what I expected."
"Really? Then, why would you agree? I mean this is getting crazy!" she exclaimed, looking at him as if he were nuts. Just then, the elevator opened and they stepped on.
"Because I know how much it means to you. I know that marrying me affects your life more, I grew up in this life. So if having a pen name gives you the career you want, then it's the least I can do," he said truthfully.
"Logan I knew what marrying you meant, and I said yes," she said giggling, before smiling at his concern, "Don't think I'm unhappy with any of this. I love my life, I love you. I know everything won't be the way I planned it when I was younger, that's okay because I couldn't know what it would be like to be in love. Besides I figure we're smart, we went to Yale, so we can figure out how to make everything blend," she said, before giving him a quick kiss and stepping off the elevator.
Logan stared at her in awe. He always knew that her brain was always analyzing and making lists, but he had a feeling this was something she had thought about for a long time before he proposed. He had been worried she would blame him one day for not having her dream career, but now he understood that her dream had changed to include him. She had realized a long time ago that if they stayed together she would eventually be brought into this life. He wondered how long the pro/con list was or when she made it, but knew in the end, the side for their relationship had won. It was why she answered without hesitation that day in the cabin, she had decided before he had. Those thoughts helped him erase any lingering doubts he had. She really was okay with his world, and that was a satisfying feeling. She would be happy, and that was all he wanted.
He had stopped walking as his thoughts consumed him, and when he came out of his daze, he saw Rory looking at him confused. "You okay?" she questioned.
"Yep, just realized something," he replied, kissing her cheek.
Before she could question him further, he took her arm and led her through the lobby, and the first person they saw was Shira, before they even entered the ballroom.
"Good evening Mother," Logan said, quickly kissing her cheek.
"Logan, Rory, how are you?" she asked politely.
"Good," Logan said.
"How are the wedding plans coming? Have you finalized a date?" Shira said, not happy with how their last meeting had ended.
"December 15th, and the planning is going well," Rory gritted through her teeth with a fake society voice.
Just then, Logan heard his father call his name from inside the ballroom and motion him over. He glanced from Rory to his mother. "I won't be more than a minute," he whispered to Rory and walked away quickly.
"Father," Logan greeted sternly, his eyes never leaving Rory.
"Logan, excellent," Mitchum said, shaking his hand.
"Is this important, I need to get back," he could almost feel the seconds tick by.
"And what's so important?"
Logan pointed to Rory and Shira, "Do you want them to argue here?"
Mitchum took in the two women staring at each other, "No, but find me later."
Logan nodded his head and walked back to Rory, noticing that neither she nor his mother had spoken yet. He started to get his hopes up that a fight would be avoided, when he heard his mother speak, as he walked up behind her.
"Rory, have you found a location for the wedding?"
"Logan and I found a church just outside Hartford for the ceremony and the reception will be held at the Dragonfly," Rory managed to say, while remaining calm.
Shira looked Rory over and spit back, "I don't see how you think your barn dance will be appropriate for our guests. Do you really want to embarrass Richard and Mitchum in front of their collogues like that?"
"Mother," Logan cut in before Rory could respond.
"What?" she snapped, yet quiet enough not to be over heard.
"The Dragonfly is an Inn and has been rated as one of the top 5 in Connecticut."
"Really?" Shira asked, skeptical of the creditability of the statement.
"Yes, and had you asked about it, or better yet visited it, before passing judgment you would have realized that."
"I just don't want this wedding to embarrass our family Logan. I'm looking out for your best interest, a failed event of this size and importance could make you be talked about and shunned for years for having an event faux pas."
"How has anything we planned even border on inappropriate?"
"Having the reception in her hick town with some unqualified chef catering! I guess she is just happy not to be wearing a homemade dress and marrying a relative," Shira answered with disgust.
Rory wasn't sure if she was about to laugh or cry at this last jab. The urge to laugh was because if for some crazy reason she and Jess stayed together, they would have technically become family. A fact that still weirded them out anytime it was mentioned. Not that they were as close as they were before, but they were friendly when they saw each other and could joke about everything that had happened before. Logan and Jess were even okay, a peace that was reached when Logan realized that Jess's romantic interest in Rory was buried deep in the past. The urge to cry was because even after all of her accomplishments, Shira still thought so low of her.
She was about to defend herself, when Logan stepped in again, "Mom, the town is small, not the sticks, you've never been there. Sookie's food is excellent, Dad had some at Rory's graduation party you refused to attend and said it was better than what is served at your society events. As for a dress, what would be wrong if Lorelai made it? It would be beautiful, you've even seen Rory wear dresses that she has made and never noticed that they weren't designer."
Rory was surprised at Logan's outburst: Normally, he bit his tongue when his parent's talked to him like that. He always avoided this kind of confrontation. He always said it wasn't worth the argument when he would do it his way in the end regardless.
"Logan, this isn't acceptable for someone in your position. You should be married at the Vineyard to someone willing to be the type of wife you need. Think of how this reflects on us."
"No mother, you need to listen. First, Rory is the wife I need, end of discussion. Second, this is our wedding. It is not about you, it is about us, and do not try to guilt me with the 'uphold the family name' spiel. I have done everything Dad has asked and beyond. He's fine with this so why aren't you?"
"Logan she doesn't want this life," Shira exclaimed, trying desperately to make him see her point.
Logan laughed, "I know, and I also know you don't approve, but I will only say this once: Don't make me choose between you and Rory, she will always win. I want her to be happy, when we are married she is my family, and my family will be my top priority, I will protect them at any cost. If you continue to insult her, you will not be welcome in my home, and we won't be coming to yours: not for holidays, not for some society event, nothing. Honor and Josh will always be welcome, as will Dad, if he doesn't take on your views. As for you, you have a choice to make, and I warn you to choose wisely."
As he finished his threat, he noticed he had, for the first time, made his mother speechless, but now the two had locked eyes and refused to flinch. This deadlock caused Logan to miss Rory slip away into a side room and close the door.
Shira finally regained her composure and seethed, "How dare you talk to me like that!"
"How dare I?" He challenged, "You've never given her a chance, you wrote her off before you even met her, and she is even from society."
"Biologically. She was a mistake, a scandal, you should know bastard children aren't recognized in most circles." Shira said, confident that she held her trump card over her son until she saw a look flash over his face.
"Never call her that. I'm not expecting you to become best friends, but you should have given her a chance before you passed judgment, society or not. And even if you refuse to do so, she will be my wife, and as such, you will treat her with respect. Never talk about her like that again if you want to attend our wedding or ever meet your grandchildren," Logan commanded, with a venom in his voice she had never heard.
Shira watched Logan walk away. She wondered where she went so wrong with her children for them to not realize the importance of a 'suitable' spouse. She hoped her son was issuing idle threats because she refused to accept Rory, but she realized that she may have just pushed her son out of her life for good.
--
Mitchum watched from across the room as Logan approached his wife. Soon both looked to be exchanging none-to-friendly words, while Rory stood back. Then it came to a halt, and if he hadn't seen the look of shock on Shira's face or the look of fury on Logan's, he could have assumed it was a schoolyard staring contest.
He then saw Rory go into a side room unnoticed, clearly upset. When Logan didn't follow, Mitchum wondered what to do. On one hand, she looked upset, and he wanted to know what had happened, on the other, he didn't know her very well and wasn't the best when it came to comforting people. He was still undecided when he remembered telling Logan he would put in more of an effort; with a sigh, he excused himself and went towards the room she had entered. When he opened the door, he saw her crying silently, sitting on the window ledge.
--
She heard the door open; hoping whoever it was would leave, but not such luck. When she looked up, she was surprised to see Mitchum. She wasn't sure if he came in here after her or was trying to get away for a moment himself. Before she could decide, he spoke.
--
Mitchum was trying to figure out what to say when she looked up at him. Tears on her face, bloodshot eyes, but underneath it all, he saw them: big blue eyes full of hurt. It was a look that made his brain stop, he hadn't seen a look like that since Honor was very young. She had lost that look of complete innocence long ago, but seeing all of those things in Rory's face at that moment caused a protective instinct to overcome him. He was never a hands-on father, yes he had been extremely protective of his children, but it was in his own way. So now, he was unsure what to do. He didn't know what to say and the only thing he could think to do was yell at the person who caused this, but knew it was because of Shira and didn't want to fight with his wife.
"Rory?" he asked, letting the reporter in him take over and do what he did when trying to uncover any story: start asking questions.
"I don't want to cause a fight," she whispered, ignoring the questioning tone of Mitchum's voice.
"What fight?" he asked, needing to know what had been said.
"Shira said some stuff then Logan started making threats."
"What did Shira say?" he questioned, pushing for information.
"She thinks the wedding will embarrass you in front of your collogues and is inappropriate for your family," she stated calmly.
Mitchum needed more than that, so many things could make his wife say that. "What do you have planned?"
"The ceremony is going to be at a church we found near Hartford and the reception is at the Dragonfly in Stars Hallow. Did you see it while you were there?" She asked.
Mitchum shook his head, wishing he had so he could say something to help.
"She called the Inn a barn and implied we were having a hoe down," she explained and then let her thoughts flow out freely, "I know I'm from a small town, but a hoe down, really? And the Dragonfly is beautiful. When mom was planning her wedding, she was frustrated because the dining room couldn't seat more than 50 people. After her honeymoon, the Inn was doing well, so she and Sookie decided to expand the grounds to included a large banquet hall. They wanted to be able to accommodate larger gatherings, like weddings and reunions, to increase their market. It seats just over 200. So yeah, it's in my town, but it's an excellent facility, and it wouldn't feel right if no part of my wedding was there. You know when I was little, I always imagined I would get married in the town square at the gazebo, like mom, but I know Shira and Grandma would never approve. I figured, give them a church and still use the Dragonfly…a sort of compromise, but no it's still not good enough," she was almost yelling, tears of frustration streaming down her face.
Mitchum held out his handkerchief, causing Rory to jump, she had forgotten he was there, and asked, "What did Logan say?"
"He defended our choices, telling her she didn't know what she was talking about. You know Shira doesn't think Sookie's food will be any good," she told him, laughing a little.
Mitchum knew she was trying to change the subject, "She would be wrong about that, and from what I've heard, wrong about this not being up to my family standards too. It may not be how she would do it, but it sounds more than acceptable," he said, giving her a smile, trying to calm her down, "Now what else happened?"
Rory sighed, "Logan said she would not be welcome in his home if she continued speaking to me like that and if that is the case, not to expect him at your house for anything. He told her she had a choice, and that is when I left, I'm not sure what happened next."
Mitchum was surprised to hear what threats Logan had made. Both men were aware how much Shira always wanted him to come home, but Mitchum also respected him for standing up for Rory like that.
"So why are you crying? It seems like Logan did the right thing," Mitchum pointed out.
Rory gave her first smile, "He did. It meant a lot to have him defend us like that, but I don't want to be the reason he cuts off communication. I mean I learned years ago that to most of society, I'm just a scandal. I can learn to deal with her whispers, but you only get 2 parents."
"Rory, Logan is doing what he feels he needs to. I happen to think he is right, Shira should not be talking to you like that, and he is making his point with threats he knows she will take seriously."
"She may say it to my face, but at least I know where I stand. It's better than people who pretend to like you, only to talk behind their back once they are gone," she said, making eye contact for the first time.
"Is that an accusation?" Mitchum questioned, going on the defensive before he could stop himself.
"No, a fact. I have no idea what you think of me. I don't know if you're being nice to uphold appearances, to try to stay on Logan's good side, or because you actually like me," not backing down from his glare. Her frustration from the unspoken standoff she was having with her soon to be father-in-law finally becoming too much.
Mitchum wasn't sure how to respond; hell, he wasn't even sure he knew what he thought. But here she was, not showing any sign of letting him off without an answer, no one except his father had demanded that of him. "Fair enough, so let me tell you. I have an opinion of you as a journalist and as my son's fiancé. I hope that we have cleared the air regarding your work and you know what I think." Rory nodded, so he continued, "I said earlier that I think Logan was right to defend you, which is because I always went to any means to protect my family. We go about it differently, but the essence is the same. One of the things I tried to protect my family from was people using them for their name or money."
Rory opened her mouth to speak, but Mitchum held up a hand, "No, you want to know what I think, and I am giving you that. I haven't had a chance to know you; in fact, I probably learned more about your character in the past 10 minutes than I had in the 2 years you've been with Logan. I'm not blaming anyone for that, but it's the truth. And I have to tell you, I was sure you were with Logan because you wanted those things from him, especially the name, maybe even a job too. Now, the job was the first to drop from that list, but the money and name couldn't be ignored. But from everything you've said in the last 10 minutes, it makes me realize that you really love him regardless of his name. And, I think your grandparents will leave you enough money that you couldn't possibly need more. Ever since the engagement was made public, I've been hearing about your great-grandmother leaving you a good deal of money also. So, I must drop the other 2 from the list as well."
"So if everything is off the list, what does that mean?" she questioned, wanting a clearer answer.
Mitchum sighed, he wasn't sure what made him change his mind, but he knew a large part was seeing her look so vulnerable when he walked in. Scheming socialites didn't show those emotions, in fact, he was almost convinced they couldn't feel those emotions. When he saw her like that, he knew it wasn't an act, he also wondered how Logan had money in the bank; how could you deny a girl with those eyes.
"That I'm happy Logan found you," he said truthfully, realizing how lucky his son really was.
"Well, I'm happy he found me too," she said, trying to ease some of the tension that had built up.
"What do you think Logan will do about Shira?" Mitchum asked, going back to their conversation.
"I'm not sure, but any hostilely that may get directed to your house, please don't think includes you. I know how much it means to Logan that your relationship has improved over the past year, I wouldn't want to see it suffer now."
Mitchum wasn't sure what to say, he wasn't a 'let's talk about our feeling guy,' so he went for a topic change. "Is there anything I can do to help with the wedding?"
Rory smiled at the response, "Can you make Shira see reason?" she joked.
"I'll try. Anything else?"
Rory started running down the wedding check list she had basically memorized, "Actually, I wasn't sure who to ask, but I think you'll know. Where do you buy wedding bands for the groom? And how do I find out his ring size?"
He had to laugh at the question. "Well you can ask him his ring size, or have him get it measured. It's not a surprise like an engagement ring. And most jewelry stores sell men's rings, but if you like I can contact Harry Winston and Cartier for you to set up an appointment to view their collections. In fact if there is nothing you like, you can talk to one of their designers to create your own."
"That would be very helpful."
"Anything else?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Well, if I can do anything to help, please call."
"I can do that," she said, feeling much better after talking to Mitchum.
"So are you feeling well enough to go back out there? I'm sure Logan is getting worried," Mitchum hinted.
"Logan," she exclaimed and walked towards the door, "Oh here, I almost forgot," handing back his handkerchief, which Mitchum put in his pocket.
--
Logan had been searching for Rory for 15 minutes, even going as far as asking Katie to look for her in the girl's bathroom. Finally, he spotted her coming out of a room off of the lobby. He was surprised to see his dad close behind, both looking unharmed. He had figured she had gotten upset by his mother and wanted to be alone, but was glad to see she looked okay now.
Walking up to her, he saw tearstains on her cheeks and pulled her close, "I'm sorry she said those things, she had no right."
"Thank you for standing up for me," she replied, resting her head against his chest.
"Anytime," he said, kissing her hair.
Logan looked up to see his father watching on, remembering that he promised to talk to him later so he told Rory, "I need to talk to my dad, why don't you go in, and I'll be there soon. I saw Dan and Katie when I was looking for you, they asked about you. I told them I would send you over at some point."
Rory knew he was trying to keep her away from Shira, but wasn't going to complain, so she kissed him and walk inside.
"What was that all about?" Logan asked, pointing to where his father and Rory had appeared from.
"I saw Rory leave while you were arguing with your mother, and I know I told you I would try so I made an effort."
"Is she okay?"
"I think so, she was crying when I found her."
Logan nodded, "I thought so. What did she tell you?"
Mitchum told Logan what he and Rory talked about. When he finished Logan spoke, "Thank you for talking to her. She was right though, the ultimatum I gave was to mom, and mom only. It has nothing to do with you."
"I appreciate that Logan, but she is my wife."
"Fine, but I should tell you it's more than just than family gatherings on the line now."
"What happened after Rory left?" Mitchum asked concerned.
"I told Mom she wasn't being fair that even though Rory was society she never gave her a chance."
"Well that doesn't sound too bad," he wagered.
"It wasn't," Mitchum noticed his son almost shaking with anger before he spoke again, "She told me that bastard children aren't recognized as society, that all she was was a scandal."
Mitchum could see how much this comment bothered Logan, and then remembered Rory saying she knew that's what was said about her. He let out a sigh, not even wanting to know what Logan had said next, but needed to, "What did you tell her Logan?"
"I yelled at her again about the same stuff as before," Logan took a breath and looked directly at his father, "and then I told her she had to show her respect if she wanted to attend our wedding or ever see her grandchildren."
"You what?" Mitchum yelled, the situation much worse than he imagined.
"I can't listen to mom talk about her like that. I told you, nothing I said to mom has anything to do with you. You have been polite to her; you even admitted tonight that she was good for me. Trust me, you are more than welcome, but not mom. Not if she is going to say those things."
"I don't disagree with you Logan, I'll talk to your mom."
"I don't want to cut mom out, but I can't handle seeing that look on Rory's face again."
"I told Rory and I'll tell you. You did what you felt was right."
"So what else do you need to talk to me about?"
Mitchum started talking about a potential paper acquisition and some other issues going on. The discussion finally broke when they heard an announcement asking everyone to be seated for dinner.
--
Rory was walking around the ballroom looking for Dan and Katie, being the only people here she both knew and would voluntarily talk to, she decided finding them would be her best chance at survival. Although she was still upset about Shira's attitude towards her, it was expected, she was more focusing on Mitchum's new found opinion, and that had her in a fairly decent mood.
Eventually, she spotted Dan and Katie standing with a mostly male group of about 8 to 10 around their age, so she approached, "Hey Dan, Katie."
"Rory, you're here," Katie said, happy to see her.
"Yep, I came to find you."
"Where's your other half?" teased Dan
"Talking business," she said with a playful eye roll.
"Of course. So are we your sanctuary?"
"If you would be so kind, I've already had one run in tonight."
"Okay, everyone this is Rory. Rory these are some writers for the Times: John, his girlfriend Stacy, Marcus, Shawn, Janet, Ben, and his girlfriend Hilary."
"Hi," Rory said with a small wave, not sure how else to greet that many people.
"Hi," they responded.
"So," Marcus said stepping in, "Why haven't I seen you before around the office before?" giving her a noticeable once over.
"Because I don't work at the Times," she said with a smirk. She knew two of the guys were openly checking her out, and she realized how long it had been since she had been hit on. Not that she was interested, but it was amusing to watch knowing they were going to fail.
Dan brought the conversation back to their previous discussion: the quality of writing in the media and modern literature. There were many opinions shared, and once Rory became relaxed with the group, she started adding hers. She was not overly argumentative, but had a persuasion in her voice that had everyone caving to her point of view. To say they were impressed would be an understatement.
"What is it that you do?" Marcus questioned, at this everyone was watching their conversation because they had seen the looks he had been giving her as she talked.
"I'm a writer," she said vaguely.
Katie noticed Rory wasn't comfortable with where the questions were going so stepped in, "Last time I saw you, you had just started a new job. How's it going?"
Rory smiled appreciatively, "I love it. My co-workers are great, and the boss isn't half bad," she said with a subtle wink. "How is school? Working you too hard yet?"
"Nope, just hard enough; although, I am working on a paper for my modern journalism class."
"What's the topic?" Rory asked interested.
"I have to pick an innovation brought to modern journalism in the past 10 years and then write 15 to 20 pages about it," Katie looked around the group and then at Rory, sending gave her a look, "Excuse me gentleman, I need to go to the restroom."
Catching her meaning Rory quickly offered, "I'll come with you."
As they walked away Rory asked, "What's up?"
"I couldn't stand watching the boys leer at you any more, and figured you didn't like it either."
"Actually, I was having fun toying with them," Rory said laughing at the face Katie made at her confession.
--
Shawn spoke as soon as the two girls were gone, "How do you know her?"
"She stopped by the Times to meet someone, and we were introduced. I've run into her a handful of times since," Dan answered, following Rory's lead and remaining vague.
"She's hot," Marcus said.
"Guys…" Dan said with warning tone to his voice,
"No, I know you are married, but come on you have eyes. That girl is drop dead gorgeous," John argued, which earned him a slap on the back of his head from his girlfriend.
"I didn't say she wasn't attractive," Dan admitted, happy Katie wasn't here to hit him.
"Is she is single?" Marcus asked, eagerness in his voice.
"No," Dan said shortly.
"Is it serious?"
"They are engaged. The wedding is in December." Just as he finished speaking an announcement was made saying dinner would begin in 10 minutes.
"That's okay with me, have you met him? Do you think she would go for something on the side?" Shawn teased.
Dan decided to have some fun, "Why don't we let the ladies make the judgment about her fiancé."
"Is he here?" Marcus asked, looking around the room.
"He is," Dan said smirking, "ladies, he is the younger of the two men walking into the ballroom now."
All heads shot towards the door. Hilary was the first to recover, "That's Logan Huntzberger."
"Yes it is," he said, enjoying that he could watch their reactions.
Suddenly, Marcus started laughing, "Nice one, she's engaged to Huntzberger? Not funny…"
"I'm not joking," he exclaimed.
"Not joking about what," Katie asked as she and Rory returned.
"Nothing," said Shawn quickly, as everyone seemed more focused on Rory than before.
Rory took in the change in behavior and saw Dan holding in laughter, "You told them, didn't you? You ruin my fun," she said with a pout.
"So he wasn't lying," asked John.
"No he wasn't, the truth is out, I'm engaged to Logan," she said over dramatically pointing to her ring.
An awkward silence fell over the group.
Suddenly Rory felt arms come around her waist, "Hey, you stay out of trouble?"
"Yep, but the boys were checking me out," she said with a grin.
Logan kissed her quickly, "It's the dress," he said, glancing down to appreciate his choice.
"So where are we sitting?" Rory followed Logan's finger and saw it pointing to a table that included his parents, the Editor in Chief of the Times and the paper manager, which caused Rory to groan and the others listening in on their conversation to hold in snickers.
"I wasn't going to do this, but I brought this for you," he said, pulling out his flask.
She took it slowly, opened the cap, and took a sip. When she did, her eyes widened with relief. "Finn is a god," she mumbled, took another sip, and turned to Logan looking very serious. "I've been thinking about this a lot, but you should know I decided to marry Finn instead."
"You're not a redhead," Logan said, taking a drink himself.
"But, you can't make me this wonderful mixture," Rory whined.
"You're starting to sound like him, besides he'll make it for you either way," Logan deadpanned, knowing she was joking.
"Fine, I'll keep you," she teased, and they walked to their table leaving the rest speechless as they saw their boss banter with his fiancé.
--
After dinner, in which Rory did not acknowledge or talk to Shira, Logan took Rory onto the floor for a dance.
As soon as they were on the floor, Rory saw the photographers clicking away.
"Logan," she started, trying to hide in his chest.
"I talked to my dad Ace, so relax. He said they needed to have pictures of the evening, but promised no face shots. The back of your head or side shouldn't give anything away, right?"
"No, it shouldn't, that seems fine. So what happened with your mom earlier after I left? I noticed she was avoiding looking at me as much as I was her at dinner," Rory questioned, not sure if she really wanted the answer.
"Don't worry about it," he said, holding her close to him.
"Logan," she said and began to pull back so she could look at him.
"Stay, I like you there," he whispered.
"Fine, but I think I deserve to know what happened."
Logan hesitated for a few minutes, before deciding to tell her. When he finally did, she showed no reaction.
"Anything you want to say?" he asked carefully.
"Should there be?" she replied, tying not to show how hurt she actually was.
"She said horrible things, how can you have nothing to say. You, the girl who has an opinion on everything?"
"It hurts to hear, but I'm not surprised she said it. I know that is what most of society thinks of me."
He wasn't prepared to respond to that. He couldn't take back what his mother had said and knew it wasn't a situation that would be easy to fix, if that was even possible. Logan did the only thing he could think of he kissed her head and said, "I don't think that, neither does Honor or my dad."
"Good to know," Rory replied. And it was true, it hurt to know Shira said it, but she was glad the other members of his family disagreed.
They fell into a silence while they danced, enjoying the comfort being close brought.
Logan thought back to everything that had happened that evening and decided to break the silence to ask a question, "So how long before I proposed did you decide you wanted to marry me?"
"What?" Rory asked, both surprised by his voice and the question.
"Remember our talk on the elevator? Well you seemed so calm about everything, like you've thought about these things before. And that's when I realized how quickly you answered at the cabin. Now I know deep down you wanted to marry me, but if that moment had been the first you really thought about it you would have taken longer to answer. So I ask again, when?"
"When you found out you had to go to London," she said shyly.
"That was a year and a half ago!" He said in astonishment.
"I know, but I needed to figure it out."
"Huh?" Logan asked, truly curious at how her mind worked.
"You were leaving for London Logan, and at that point, we thought it was going to be for a year. Don't think I wanted it to end or anything, but I needed to be sure you were it for me. I had to know what I wanted in order to be okay with you leaving."
Logan nodded, he understood what she meant. He had thought a lot about their relationship in the months leading up to his departure too, and while he knew he wanted to be with her and the idea of marriage had crossed his mind, he hadn't decided then.
He loosened his grip enough to look down at her. When he did he smirked and asked, "How long was the pro/con list?"
She smacked his arm, "I keep telling you don't mock my lists."
"Now, why would I do that when it clearly came out in my favor?" He asked, faking hurt.
"It wasn't that long and the winner was clear," she told him as reassurance
"Works for me," and he pulled her back to his chest.
They danced to a few more songs before fulfilling their social obligation for the night by talking to many of those in attendance. The moment they closed the limo door, Rory ripped off her heels and started rubbing her feet.
Logan glanced at her tired features and pulled her feet into his lap so he could massage them for her. When they reached their building, Rory adamantly refused to put her shoes back on, so Logan carried her on his back up to their apartment where they crashed soon after getting into more comfortable clothes.
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A/N: I know I always say it, but please review. For those of you who don't know what to say (I know you can only say, 'Great fic, update soon,' so many times) and don't feel bad I think the same thing when I want to review. So I'll give you a question: What is your favorite thing about this story and what is your least favorite? AND/OR What is the thing you want to happen most and what is the thing you may attempt to hunt me down and kill if I do?
I have talked out a lot of the plot with my beta, and there are certain things that I'm set on, but there are other things still being decided and hearing what you (the people who read) think would help more than you may realize! And please don't feel bad saying you don't like something, this is my first attempt at a fic and criticism is needed in order to improve.