As always thanks for the reviews :) will try and update as soon as possible.

Three days later, Jess and April took Elise and Jack over to Liz and TJ's house for a visit. Rory, Luke and Lorelai headed to see a counselor all together to discuss seeing Christopher. Rory was nervous as they waited, and Lorelai took her hand to try and comfort her. As they all settled into their seats, Lorelai's counselor Natalie smiled at all of them to welcome them to their session.

"It's wonderful to finally meet you Rory. I wish it was under better circumstances...but I am glad that you have decided to come in and talk. I think it will be very helpful for all of you." She gave Rory a smile who just stared back at her nervously, "I want you to know that this is a safe place...that what you tell me here and in front of your Mother and Luke is confidential. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, alright?"

Rory nodded slowly and glanced over at her Mother who gave her hand a squeeze, "Okay…"

Natalie shifted slightly and reached for her pad of paper, "So Rory...why don't we start with your relationship with your Dad when you were younger. I know he wasn't around much...how did that make you feel?"

Rory took a moment before she answered, "Well...I didn't really understand it when I was little. But I was always excited when he did visit. I always thought he'd eventually stick around."

"But he didn't?" Natalie asked, "Did he make a lot of promises he couldn't keep?"

Rory nodded, "Yes. He often cancelled visits at the last minute or cut his time short with us. But Mom always found a way to cheer me up after…"

Natalie smiled, "You are very close to your Mother…"

Rory smiled and glanced at her Mom, "She's my best friend."

"And how do you feel about Luke? What did you think when you first met him?" Natalie asked curiously.

Rory turned and looked at Luke who was nervously staring down at his hands, "I liked Luke from the beginning. He made me laugh...and he was nice to us. I could see how comfortable my Mom felt with him and that made me happy. Made me feel safer…"

Luke glanced up at her, he seemed surprised by her words but he didn't respond so Natalie pressed on, "What do you mean safer?"

Rory turned away from Luke and shrugged, "Mom gave me everything I needed. But there were times when we were in that big house when I felt a little unsettled...but for some reason knowing Luke was close by made me feel better. I knew he'd do anything for us. He never let us down...not like…"

"Not like your Dad?" Natalie asked softly, "Is that what you mean?"

Rory nodded slowly, "He was everything my Dad wasn't...reliable and caring. He fed us which was important because Mom couldn't cook…" Everyone laughed, "He fixed things around the house...he gave us a safe place to meet at the end of the day. He just...made us feel comfortable and settled which we needed."

Natalie smiled at Luke who looked both embarrassed and happy at the same time, "And as you got older...would you say your feelings changed for your Dad and Luke?"

Rory nodded slowly, "Yes. I stopped believing that Dad would be there for me. I accepted that in some way. I think I started seeing Luke fill that role...even before he started dating Mom."

"And how do you think your Dad felt about that?" Natalie asked curiously.

"He didn't really see it until they started dating. But I could tell it bothered him. All of a sudden he was showing up...trying to pay for school and spend time with me. But it was too late...he had missed too much already. I didn't trust him." Rory said with a shrug.

"Your Mother mentioned once that you asked your Dad to stay away from her and Luke...why did you do that?" Natalie asked.

Rory frowned and looked down at her hands, "Because I knew that he would find a way to mess it up. I knew he'd cause problems...and he did."

"Were you angry at your Mother for continuing to talk to him?" Natalie asked.

Rory shook her head, "No...not really. I mean I understood why she did. She always wanted me to have a relationship with him and I love her for that. She did it for me...and because she is a good person. But...it bothered me that he was able to have so much control over her."

"So...when Luke and your Mother broke up...and your Mom then married your Dad...how did you feel about that?" Natalie asked.

Rory could feel both Luke and her Mom tense beside her but she knew she had to keep talking, "I was angry...at my Mom and my Dad. I was mad at Dad because he knew better...he knew Mom wasn't in a good place and he took advantage of that."

"And why were you mad at your Mom?" Natalie asked.

Rory turned and looked at her Mom, "I was mad that she fell for it again...for his promises and his lies. I was mad that she let herself run from something good...Luke made mistakes though too. I guess I was just...sad more than anything. For both of them."

"Were you mad at Luke?" Natalie asked, "You said he made mistakes too…"

Rory sighed, "Yeah...I was a little mad at him too…" She turned towards Luke who looked so sad, "It was the first time he disappointed me...I think I was more surprised by it than anything else."

"But you still went to him...that night that your Dad attacked your Mom. If you were mad at him why did you go to him?" She asked.

Rory's eyes welled up with tears and Lorelai grabbed her hand again, "Because...I was scared. And I knew that no matter what had happened...Luke would be there. I knew he still cared about mom...I knew they both regretted everything. And I needed to feel safe...I needed Mom to feel safe and he was the only person that could make that happen. When Babbette told me what happened...he was the only person I wanted to see."

Luke slowly reached over and took her other hand and gave it a squeeze, "And did he make you feel safe again?"

Rory looked up at Luke and nodded slowly, "He did...he helped bring Mom back. He made things better…"

"Were you happy when they got back together?" Natalie asked with a smile.

"Very." Rory said as she smiled through her tears, "I knew it would stick...I knew they wouldn't mess it up that time."

Natalie was quiet for a moment, "After your Dad hit your Mom...what were your feelings towards him?"

Rory sucked in a breath before answering, "I hated him. I hated him for hurting her that way. You can be angry...we all get angry...but to put your hands on someone is wrong. And it proves how cowardly he really is. He did it because he knew Mom didn't love him...and rather than accept that he tried to use his power over her. He broke a part of her...and that killed me."

"Did you feel scared for yourself?" Natalie asked.

"Not really…" Rory whispered, "I was more concerned about her. And then when he went away to prison I thought we could put it behind us."

"What did you think when you found out he was going to be released?" She asked.

"I was terrified…" Rory whispered, "And angry...I had so many things I wanted to say to him. That's why I asked Mom and Luke to let me see him...I thought I could get closure. And he said he would stay away...but once again he broke his promise."

She hesitated and Natalie could sense Rory was holding something back, "What is it Rory?"

Rory started to cry again, "Mom and Luke keep telling me I shouldn't feel this way but…"

"Feel what way?" Natalie asked.

"I feel like it's my fault that Dad took Jack…" She said looking up to face Natalie with tear filled eyes.

"Rory we talked about this…" Lorelai whispered feeling the need to interject.

Rory sighed, "I know...but if I had just kept my mouth shut maybe he would have stayed away. I made him angry...I told him that I didn't want to be a part of his life. I told him I hated him...that I wished Luke was my Dad. I knew that would make him angry...and it set him off. He took my little brother...my helpless baby brother...and I can't help but think about how bad it really could have been."

There was a silence between them for a moment, "Rory...I think your Dad would have done something no matter what you said to him. He doesn't have the ability to have normal reactions to things. Clearly there are underlying problems that need to be addressed there...but you shouldn't feel guilt about it." She paused. "What do you want to say to your Dad now?"

"I want to know why...I want to know what he thought that would accomplish." She said with a sniffle, "I want to know what his real plan was...what he was going to do with Jack…"

Lorelai flinched and looked over at Luke. They had discussed telling Rory about the letter but were unsure how she would react to it. They had discussed it with Natalie in a prior meeting and she told them it was probably something that Rory did need to know.

Luke seemed to sense what his wife was thinking, "Rory...there is something we need to tell you."

Rory glanced up at him curiously, "What do you mean?"

Luke sighed and squeezed her hand tightly, "They found a letter that your Dad had written. It revealed his plan in it...he didn't want to go back to jail. So...he was planning on killing himself and leaving Jack there hoping someone would find him."

Rory started breathing hard and Lorelai scooted closer to her, "Rory…"

"What?" Rory asked angrily, "He was just going to leave Jack there? What if he had died there? All alone and scared?"

"You can't think about the what if's…" Luke whispered, "Trust me...it's been driving your Mom and I crazy. But we have to focus on the fact that Jack is home safe with us...and that your Dad is back where he belongs."

Rory was crying harder now as she looked back at her Mom, "God I wish now more than ever he was dead. I hate him. He's sick and I hate him!"

"Shh…" Lorelai whispered as she pulled her closer, "Honey it's alright…."

"It's not alright!" Rory said angrily, "How could he do something like that to a little boy? Jack didn't do anything to him! That's my father...I'm part of him. What if I am like him in some way and-"

"Rory you are nothing like your Father…" Lorelai said leaning her face towards hers, "You are a good person Rory…"

Rory shook her head, "But I did so many terrible things to you...I got so caught up in that world when I was away at school. I was like Dad...I hurt you. I ignored everything you ever taught me...I let money rule my life like he did."

"Oh hon…" Lorelai whispered softly, "That still doesn't make you like him...all that is behind us. You were young...you made mistakes. We all make mistakes...but what your father did is more than a mistake. He knew what he was doing was wrong…"

"But Mom…" Rory whispered, "He's my father...I am part of him. And that scares me…"

Natalie leaned forward, "Rory...your Mother is right. The feelings you are having are normal but they aren't valid. You are a good person...you are proving that by showing how much you care about your family. Christopher doesn't' seem to have that level of emotion or understanding. You shouldn't feel guilty about anything or worried you will end up like him...you have a heart unlike him. You show empathy and character that your father doesn't possess…"

Lorelai leaned forward and wiped a tear from Rory's cheek, "How do we make this better for her?"

Natalie was quiet for a moment, "I think that the both of you need to go and see Christopher in jail...you need to let go somehow. The only way to do that is to face it together...say the things you need to say and leave it behind."

Luke grimaced beside them, "I don't like the sound of that…"

Natalie smiled, "I can understand your hesitation. But I really do feel that it would be helpful for them. They have been facing their emotions on their own to try and protect each other. But for Rory's whole life...he was a sore subject for both of them. They need to face it together…"

Rory frowned, "I don't think I can forgive him the way that Jack has…"

"And you don't have to forgive him." Natalie said, "You are entitled to your feelings Rory and your feelings are valid. What your father did was terrible...and he's spent a lifetime hurting you. With everything all built up...you need to let it go or it will continue to tear you apart. Despite everything that has happened lately...you have a strong family to support you. You can do this...but it will take some time…"

"I don't know what to say to him…" Rory whispered.

"You'll know when you get there...and when you get a little lost...your Mom will be right beside you. That's why I think you should go together...you've always supported each other. And this is one of those times when you're going to need each other the most." She said with a smile.

"Like when you were a kid babe...I told you it was you and me against the world." Lorelai smiled sadly, "Except this time it's you and me against your Dad…"

Rory couldn't help but laugh a little, "Okay…"

"I think you've done a great job for today." Natalie said, "You talked about a lot...we can schedule another appointment if you would like. But for now...I think you need to spend some time with your family...and figure out when you can schedule a time to visit your Dad."

Rory nodded, "Thank you…"

Lorelai, Luke and Rory said their goodbyes and walked out to Rory's car in the parking lot. They stood outside it for a moment silently letting everything that had happened in their session wash over them. Luke had driven them all there, he held Rory's keys in his hand and was rolling them back and forth in his palm.

"Rory…" He whispered feeling his eyes prickle with tears.

She put her hand up to stop him, "I already know what you're going to say...don't. Yes I was upset at you back then...but not now. That was so long ago Luke. I forgave you for that…"

He sucked in his lower lip and then shook his head, "I did disappoint you back then...both of you. And I never wanted that...I didn't want to be that guy."

"Luke don't…" Lorelai whispered as she walked over and took his hand, "Rory's right...that was such a long time ago. And it's like you say all the time...we can't play the blame game here. Nothing is going to change the situation we are in...we need to let go of all that and just move on to our future."

Luke sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, he pulled her close and kissed the side of her head, "I know. But I still hate that I hurt you both…"

Rory walked over to him and slipped her arm under his free arm and hugged him and her Mother close, "We've all done a lot of hurting each other over the years...it's okay."

Lorelai started to pull away, but only enough to give Rory's arm a squeeze, "How are you feeling? I know telling you about the letter was probably a bit of a shock…"

Rory frowned and pulled away from Luke, she started to kick at the ground below her, "I just...can't believe he would do that. I mean I can…" She said with a laugh, "He's a coward after all. It just...it scares me to think about what could have happened." She paused for a moment, "Are you going to tell Jack?"

"I don't think there's any reason too…" Luke whispered, "He wouldn't understand. And he's been doing so well...I don't want to scare him."

Rory nodded, "Probably smart…" She sighed and looked around sadly, "It's just weird...there was a time when even though Dad broke all those promises...I still thought he was the most amazing man in the world. I thought he could do no wrong...and now…" She frowned and looked down again, "Now I'd be happier if I never had to see him again…"

"How do you feel about what Natalie said? About us going to see him together?" Lorelai asked softly.

Rory shrugged, "It makes sense...and I wanted to go anyway. But it will be hard…"

"I'd go with you...except I don't think I'm allowed." Luke said with a scowl, "But I don't want you alone in the room with him…"

"We won't be." Rory said shaking her head, "Grandpa is going to go with us...and we'll have guards and one of our lawyers."

Luke nodded slowly, "Still gonna make me crazy thinking you're with him…"

Lorelai smiled and leaned into him again, "That's what makes you a good husband."

"And a good father…" Rory whispered, "And that is something Dad will never be. And never was…"

Luke smiled and kissed Lorelai's temple again, "Come on...let's go home."

Rory hesitated for a moment, "Actually...think you can drop me off somewhere? I'll take a cab home later."

Lorelai frowned, "Where?"

Rory shrugged, "I called Sherry last night...I'd really like to see Gigi. I can't imagine what she must be feeling...and she is my sister just as much as Jack and Elise are."

Lorelai smiled at her daughter, "You sure you're ready for that?"

Rory nodded slowly, "I think so...I won't stay too long. I just...I feel like it's the right thing to do."

Lorelai gave her a nod, "Okay...come on."

The three of them climbed into the car and drove off towards Sherry's house in Hartford. When they got there, Lorelai and Sherry spoke for a few moments before Gigi walked out and smiled shyly at them all.

"Hi…" Gigi whispered as she grabbed her Mom's hand.

Lorelai smiled and bent down to be at eye level with the young girl, "I never got a chance to thank you...you saved Jack."

Gigi nodded slowly, "My Mom told me he is back home with you...is he okay?"

"He's going to be fine." Lorelai said with watery eyes, "And we are incredibly grateful to you Gigi. We never would have found that house without you…"

Gigi smiled and turned towards Rory, "Are you going to stay for awhile?"

Rory smiled, "Yeah. Is that okay with you? Your mom said we can grab lunch...talk a little. But only if you are comfortable with that."

Gigi smiled softly, "I'd like that a lot…"

"Great." Rory said as she turned back to Lorelai and Luke, "I'll be home in a few hours."

Lorelai smiled and leaned forward to kiss Rory's cheek, "Okay. Call if you need anything."

"I will." Rory said softly as she gave Luke a wave, she watched them walk away and then turned back towards Gigi. "So...want to show me your room?"

Gigi nodded, "Can I Mom?"

Sherry smiled, "Sure. I'll order us some pizza...go on up. I'll give you some time alone."

Rory smiled at Sherry as if to say thank you and let Gigi lead her up to her bedroom on the second floor. She walked in and watched as a nervous Gigi climbed up onto her bed and pulled at a pillow to hold close.

Rory sighed and walked towards her, "Mind if I sit?" Gigi just shrugged so Rory sat down beside her and tried to think of what to say, "I'm...I'm sorry I haven't seen you in awhile. I should've tried harder to visit...or even to call."

Gig frowned, "I thought you were mad at me...like you were mad at Dad."

Rory's heart ached and she shook her head slowly, "Oh Gigi no...I wasn't mad at you. I was just...really confused. Dad really hurt me...and I was mad at him. And I took that out on you...because I guess seeing you reminded me of him. But I was wrong...you are my sister. And I want to be a part of your life…"

Gigi sniffled slightly, "I hated going to see him in jail with Grandma...all he did was talk about how great things would be when he got out. But I didn't really believe him...he promised to take me up to that house he took your brother too. He said we could stay for as long as we wanted just us…" She smiled sadly, "But that will never happen now...Mom doesn't want me to see him at all."

Rory was quiet for a moment, "Gigi...I'm so sorry. This affects you just as much as it does me. He was your Dad…"

"He was your Dad too…" Gigi whispered, "Even though you never really lived with him...I know he wasn't always there for you."

"No...he wasn't." Rory said with a frown, "But...that doesn't matter now. I know...I know that he did love you Gigi…"

"Then why did he do something he knew was wrong? If he loved me he would want to be with me...he'd want to be able to see me. But now he can't. He was selfish and mean. And now I don't have a Dad…" Gigi said as she started to cry.

Rory sighed and scooted closer to her, she wrapped an arm around the young girl's shoulder and held her close, "No...but you have a Mom who loves you very much. And a sister...I know I was around before but I will be now. I promise Gigi...anytime you need me you can call me. I'm going to be moving back here...probably in Hartford in fact. I'd love to see you as much as I can."

"Really?" Gigi asked as she pulled away, "We can hang out?"

"Anytime." Rory said with a smile, "You can even come to Stars hollow and hang out with everyone there. I'm sure you'd like Jack and Elise. And my sister April is great too...and Jess. My Mom adores you and Luke is great too. It would be fun…"

"Like be a part of your family?" She whispered.

Rory nodded slowly, "You are a part of our family Gigi…"

Gigi leaned forward and hugged Rory tightly. She didn't say a word, just held her close and Rory couldn't help but smile as she held her back. As confused as she was, this was right. Gigi was her sister no matter what. And she wasn't going to let Christopher ruin another life if she had any say in it…

Back in the car Luke had pulled into a small sandwich shop parking lot and looked over at his wife. She turned and gave him a questioning look, he smiled at her and shrugged.

"I just want to spend some time with my wife…" He whispered, "Is that okay?"

She smiled softly at him and reached her hand out to stroke his face, "You never have to ask babe"

He leaned into her hand and kissed her palm, "It's a nice day...you wanna grab some sandwiches and head down to the pier? Sit on the boat? Jess said we could take our time…"

She smiled at him, "That sounds nice…"

Luke nodded, got out of the car and opened her door for her. They went into the shop, ordered their food to go and then got back in the car to head to the pier. Luke parked the car and grabbed the sandwiches before they made their way down the dock towards the boat. Lorelai climbed up first and took the bags from him so he could hop in. Luke went below to grab plates and Lorelai stood at the front of the boat overlooking the calm ocean.

She felt Luke's hand on her back and smiled when he pressed a kiss to her neck, "You okay?"

She turned towards him and smiled, "I'm good…"

He gave her a nod and then sat down on the bench and patted the spot beside him, "How do you think it will go with Rory and Gigi?"

Lorelai sighed and reached for the bag of food, she handed Luke his sandwich and grabbed her own. "I'm sure it will be a little hard at first...but Gigi is her sister. She's only a kid...she doesn't understand all of this. I mean Christopher was in her life everyday for five years...and then suddenly he was gone. I can't imagine that can be easy…"

"No. I guess I never really thought about it…" He said as he went to take a bite, he swallowed and shrugged, "She didn't deserve any of that…"

Lorelai shook her head, "No she didn't...maybe I should have tried harder to make Rory talk to her. To keep communication open with Sherry and Francine...but I felt so awkward."

"All we can do is try and change it now…" Luke whispered to her.

She gave him a smile and nodded, "I know…"

They sat in silence for a while as they both ate and thought about everything that had happened not just in the last few weeks but since they had met each other. When they were done, Lorelai piled the plates up and set them aside. She scooted closer to Luke and leaned against the back of the bench seat, she rested against his chest and held his hands her stomach.

She glanced up slowly and saw Luke biting his lip, a sign that he was thinking hard about something, "Whatcha thinkin?"

Luke sighed and looked down at her, "Do you remember when you had Jack? You had such a hard labor...and they wouldn't even let you hold him at first. I remember feeling so excited that I had a son...and then all of a sudden they were telling me you may not make it...it didn't make sense to me."

She sighed and sat up slowly, this was something they didn't often speak about, "Luke…"

"They took you in for surgery…" He whispered as he continued to look out at the ocean, unable to meet her gaze, "And I was just standing there in shock...I was alone at the time because your parents and Rory were still on their way to the hospital. And then a nurse came out and handed me Jack...and he was so tiny…" His voice cracked slightly, "And all I could think was...how would I do it alone if you left me?"

"Luke…" She whispered as she scooted even closer to him, "Honey…"

"I was so scared…" He whispered, "And I kept looking at Jack...and he looked like you. And I just kept saying that you had to be fine...that you would be fine. But they told me to prepare for the worst…" He shook his head and looked down as he grabbed her hands, "But I refused to believe it. I knew you were stronger than that...I knew you wouldn't give up." He smiled softly and looked up at her, "And you didn't…"

She stared at him for a moment and got lost in the deep blue of his eyes, "Had to see my son...and you with him. I wasn't about to leave before I saw that…"

He smiled, "I remember the Doctors were so surprised when you woke up so quickly. They said they weren't expecting that...but I told them you would be okay. I told them...that you would demand to see your son as soon as your eyes opened."

"And I did…" Lorelai said with a giggle, "And they all just stared at me like I was crazy…"

"But then they brought him to you…" Luke whispered, "And I remember you didn't even cry...you just held him and stared at him in awe. And it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen…"

"Luke…" She whispered softly, "Why are you thinking about all this?"

He sighed, "I don't know…it's just been on my mind. I didn't think I could ever be as scared as I was that day…"

She frowned, "You were terrified when you found out I was pregnant with Elise…""

Luke scoffed, "Of course I was. As much as I loved Jack...I couldn't imagine going through all that again. I was worried…"

"They told me I should consider an abortion…" Lorelai whispered, "But I never could have done that...despite the risk I knew that that little girl was meant to be a part of our life. Our family…"

"You proved to us all how strong you are once again…" Luke whispered, "You never let us see you sweat...you took care of yourself through the whole pregnancy. And when you went into labor you were focussed and determined to see our baby girl. And it wasn't easy...but you brought her into this world. And I fell in love with you all over again…"

She was quiet for a moment before she leaned close to him, "We have a good life Luke…"

He rested his head against hers and nodded, "We do…"

"Why do I sense a but coming?" She said with a laugh, "You're holding something back from me...I can feel it.

"No buts…" Luke whispered as he pulled away again and grasped her hand, "It just hurts...all of it. Thinking about what happened to Jack...and to you. About how I let us fall apart all those years ago...it all still hurts. It hurts knowing that I did disappoint you-"

"Luke you heard what Rory said…" She whispered sadly.

"I know…" He said with a nod, "We need to put it behind us...and I have in some ways...but…"

"There's the but…" She joked as she poked his side, "But what?"

"But…" He said with a shrug, "I never want you to be in pain...or Rory. Or any of our kids...and it scares me that I can't keep things from happening. I know it's all a part of life...but it still scares me."

"I know...it scares me too." Lorelai said as she squeezed his hand tightly, "But we can't live in fear Luke...all we can do is give our family the best possible life. Tell them how much we love them everyday...make sure they have every opportunity available to them. Watch them learn and grow...we can't predict the future. We can't keep them from all the bad things in the world...but we can give them a safe place to call home."

He nodded slowly and smiled at her, "Can I ask you a really stupid question?"

"No such thing as a stupid question...unless you're Kirk." She said with a smirk, she smiled when he laughed.

He took a deep breath, "If we had to do it all over again...would you still pick me?"

She frowned at him for a moment, "What?"

"I mean…" He swallowed hard, "After all this time...do you still choose me? You still want me?"

She sighed sadly and scooted closer to him until she was sitting in his lap, "Luke...I will always want you. There was never any other choice but you. You are the only man for me…"

He closed his eyes and rested his head against hers, "Sometimes it overwhelms me how much I love you...even after all this time. It's scary to need someone so much…"

"I know what you mean…" She whispered, "But I do need you Luke. I'll always need you…"

He swallowed hard and pulled away to look at her, "I love you Lorelai Gilmore…"

"Lorelai Gilmore Danes…" She whispered with a smile, "Don't forget the last part…"

He smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Sorry...I love you Lorelai Gilmore Danes."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck before pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, "I love you too Luke Danes...I can't remember a time when I didn't love you."

Luke breathed her in and held her close as he leaned into her kiss, "I'm taking you down below…"

Lorelai giggled slightly, "Make love to me…"

Luke smiled, lifted her up and walked them down the stairs and onto the bed below deck. He was still scared and still confused about a lot of things. But he knew that as long as Lorelai was by his side...he could face it all.

A few hours later, Lorelai and Luke pulled into the driveway and saw Jess and April playing with Jack and Elise in the front yard.

"Mommy!" Jack yelled as he ran to her excitedly.

Lorelai smiled, scooped him up and held him close, "Hi handsome boy. Did you have a good day?"

"Yeah! Jess and I did some fishing and April helped me with all my letters. I can spell my name now!" He said excitedly.

"You can?" Lorelai asked as Luke walked up behind her, "How?"

"My name is Jack Danes. Jack is spelled J-A-C-K and Danes is spelled D-A-N-E-S! See? I did it!" He said happily.

"That's awesome bud." Luke whispered as he ruffled his hair, "I'm proud of you." Elise had walked over slowly and Luke smiled and scooped her up, "What about you little girl? You learn any new words today?"

"Coffee!" Elise said happily.

Lorelai started to laugh as Luke groaned, "She must be more Gilmore than Danes…"

Luke glanced back at his daughter and nephew, "Which one of you fools taught her that?"

Jess laughed, "I asked April if she wanted any coffee and she just started saying it over and over again."

"Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!" Elise said as she clapped her hands.

"Wow…" Lorelai said staring at her daughter, "It's like looking into a mirror…"

"That's what I'm afraid of…" Luke said with a laugh, "This was exactly what you looked like tearing into my Diner that first day…"

"Ah yes...the day that changed your life forever." Lorelai said with a dramatic sigh, "The best day in your life…"

Luke rolled his eyes playfully, "Uh huh…"

"Where's Rory?" Jack asked with a frown as he looked behind them.

"She went to visit her sister Gigi...she should be home soon." Lorelai said with a smile.

April stood up and pointed to them, "That must be her now…"

They all turned and watched the cab pull up in front of the house. Rory paid the driver and walked over to them all with a small smile on her face.

"Hey…" She whispered as she walked up to her Mom, "You just getting home too?"

"We had lunch on the boat." Lorelai said with a shrug.

Rory smiled, "That's nice…"

"How did it go?" Luke asked as he lifted his arm to squeeze her shoulder affectionately.

Rory smiled and tugged at a lock of Elise's hair, "It was...good. Hard but good...Gigi's a great kid. And we talked about a lot of things...I told her I was going to be around more and that I'd like to spend more time with her if she wanted that."

"That's good hon…" Lorelai said softly, "She is welcome here anytime…"

"I told her that too…" Rory said softly, "She seemed happy about that…"

"Long day…" Lorelai whispered softly, "You okay?"

Rory sighed, "No...but I will be eventually. We all will...right?"

"Right…" Luke whispered as he put an arm around her shoulder, "Come on...I think I have some ingredients for those triple chocolate brownies you love. That will cheer you up…"

Rory smiled and let him lead her towards the door, "I was right about you all those years ago…"

He paused for a moment and looked down at her, "What do you mean?"

"I knew you'd always take care of us…" She said with sparkling eyes, "And you have…"

"And I always will…" Luke whispered in a raw voice, "I promise to never let you down again."

"I know you won't." Rory whispered back, "I know you Luke...and I'm damn glad I do."

"Rory said I bad word!" Jack said from his Mother's arm as they walked behind them.

"She did!" Lorelai said accusingly, "Bad Rory! Maybe you should have a time out!"

"Or maybe I can just have her brownie…" Jack said with an evil smirk, "That would be a real punishment…"

Everyone laughed and Luke shrugged, "I think we can let this one slide buddy...you wanna help me bake?"

"Yes sir!" Jack said with a salute, "Can I lick the spoon?"

"Of course bud." Luke said with a smile as he winked at his wife.

"Life is pretty good when you get to lick the spoon…" Jack said as he jumped down from Lorelai's arms, he turned slowly and smiled at his family, "Actually...life is pretty good in general. Don't you think?"

"I think you're right about that bud…" Lorelai whispered, "Life is really good…especially our life."

They all stared at Jack for a moment before they went inside and wondered how he could possibly still be so loving and open after everything he had been through. And in that moment they knew that if he was able to find the good in the world, so could they. Life was good. And they weren't going to let Christopher or anyone else make them think otherwise.

Hope you liked it! :) Up next - Lorelai and Rory will face Chris for the first time since he took Jack.