After mom and Luke's impromptu wedding before their wedding, mom grabbed a bottle of champagne and a glass. "Do you want some grape juice? I picked some up for you" she said.
Normally I would say no, but it was a special occasion, so I felt the need to celebrate with her - even though I wasn't really in a celebration type of mood.
"Sure, mom" I said. She handed me a bottle and a glass, and we went over to sit on the steps of the gazebo.
"I can't believe after all this time, that Luke and I are finally married!" she gushed.
"I always knew you would be, but you're both so stubborn it took you a while to get here" I pointed out
She nodded, knowing that was true. "I love you, kid. Thanks for helping to make our day perfect. I know you're older now, but I'm just glad the three of us - well, almost four of us, now - are finally a family" she said.
"We've been a family much longer than just now" I promised her.
"You'll find someone amazing one day" she said reassuringly.
"Yeah" I whispered.
"Hey…. What's going on in there?" she asked.
"I wanna remember it all. Every detail" I whispered wistfully. "Mom?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm pregnant" I whispered.
She looked at me in shock, and then chuckled slightly. "Yes...are you just now figuring this out?" She asked.
"I'm pregnant and he doesn't even want to have anything to do with us, mom" I whispered, tears coming to my eyes.
"What? How do you know!? Did he tell you that?" She asked.
"He didn't have to. His actions said everything that he didn't say" I whispered.
"Tell me what happened, I'm so sorry I haven't asked sooner! I feel like a horrible mom!" She said.
"It's not like you haven't had a lot on your mind, mom, it's not a big deal, really! I completely understand" I assured her.
"Well tell me now" she begged, and I filled her in on the details of that day, including the phone call with Logan the next day.
"Wait, sweets. Are you sure that baby daddy got the message that it's his baby you're growing? I can't see him calling Logan if he understood that it was his baby" she asked.
"How could he not know, Mom? I told him I'm pregnant; he'd have to be really dense not to put the pieces together and figure it out" I protested.
"I hear what you're saying, kiddo, but it just doesn't add up to me" she stated firmly.
"Look, I know him, and I know what his lack of response means. I don't want to dwell on this anymore. I'll just figure it all out on my own" I replied in frustration.
"You're not on your own, Ror. You have Luke and I, no matter what."
"Thanks, Mom" I said tearfully.
"Hey, you and me, always" she reminded me. "You look tired, kid. Let's get home and get to bed - it's a big day tomorrow."
"Yeah, growing a human is tough work" I chuckled.
Mom and I stood up and linked arms, walking through the sleeping town.
"Hey, since you've told the father does that mean that I get to find out who it is now?" she asked me excitedly.
"Sure, Mom. One condition, though. I don't want to answer any questions right now, so I'll tell you right before I go to bed" I said firmly.
"You drive a hard bargain, sister, but alright" she agreed.
I stood off to the side of Mom and Luke's wedding reception. It had been a beautiful ceremony, with them both being able to relax and enjoy the moment thanks to their secret midnight nuptials the night before. I couldn't help but cry as I watched them make their vows to each other. I was so happy for them, but I also couldn't help but reflect on the current state of my life. Here I was, 32 years old, no romantic prospects, and expecting a baby. Maybe somehow I would find my Luke at some point in my life as a single mother, just like Mom had, but right now I needed to focus on this little life and straightening my life out so I could be the best possible mom.
After dinner, dancing, and many toasts, Mom, Luke and I ended the night in the diner over coffee and pie.
"Are you guys excited about your honeymoon?" I asked them.
"Yes! Two weeks in Florida will be perfect!" Mom exclaimed happily. "Fishing for my husband and the beach for me - it's going to be heaven."
"Are you sure you'll be okay, Rory?" Luke asked in concern.
"Of course" I insisted. "You two need to go enjoy your honeymoon; I can take care of myself. I know I have you guys' support, but I'll have to stand on my own two feet at some point."
"We could reschedule and wait a couple of weeks to go" Luke offered.
"No, really! You guys go enjoy your honeymoon. I have plenty here to keep me busy. I won't let you stay on my account."
"If you're sure. We're just a phone call away though, Rory. We can be back as quickly as we can get a flight" Luke replied.
"You're an amazing step dad, Luke. You've been the father figure in my life for years. Thank you" I said with tears in my eyes. "Now, I'm going to stay at the diner apartment tonight so you two have the house to yourselves. I'll see you both for breakfast before you leave."
"Thank you, sweets. I love you" Mom said, standing up to embrace me in a tight hug.
"I love you too, Mom" I replied, enjoying the security of her arms around me. I moved to Luke and he opened his arms to me.
"Congratulations, Luke. I couldn't have dreamed of having anyone better in our lives. I love you" I told him as I hugged him.
"I'm the lucky one here. You and your mom mean everything to me. I love you, too, Rory" he said sweetly.