This chapter took me a little longer to write cause I was busy, but it's a long one and I hope you like it. I am going on vacation to visit family so I won't be able to update again until after the holidays. I want to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a very Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I'd love some reviews for this chapter so please press the pretty purple button and give me a nice Christmas present. :) On that note, enjoy Christmas with the Gilmores!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the characters I create. All others belong to AS-P.
Chapter 21: I'll be home for Christmas
Lorelai opened her eyes and yawned. She was snuggled up against Luke in bed, cozy and warm. She looked over at him, watching him sleep in on his day off. She rarely woke up before he did, but today was special: today she would bring Rory home for good! She carefully slid out of the blankets and padded over to the window to look outside. She had a feeling and her instincts were rarely ever wrong. Today would be no exception. She squealed, ran over to the bed and pounced on Luke, scaring him half to death.
"Luke! It snowed! There's at least a foot out there! I knew today would be special and now we have snow," Lorelai said, with the giddiness of a child. "Come on Lazy Bones! Check out the serious flake-age falling from the sky, all magical and full of wintry frozen goodness!"
"You mean full of slushy, icy dangerousness," Luke groaned mockingly as Lorelai dragged him from the nice warm bed to the window. "Why is it that you get to enjoy the wintry frozen goodness," he said using air quotes," while I get to shovel out your buried car and driveway?"
"Because you are a manly man and my knight in blue flannel," Lorelai said, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm going to put on a pot of coffee and watch the snow falling." She kissed him happily, grabbed her warmest robe and headed downstairs.
"I guess I'll make us some breakfast cause I'm gonna need the energy to shovel while you watch," Luke groaned as he stretched the kinks out of his back.
"I heard that," Lorelai called back from the top of the stairs. "Don't worry, grumpy, I'll help you shovel."
A few minutes later, Lorelai slipped her feet into her boots, pulled her coat on over her flannel snowman cover pajamas, put on a hat, gloves and scarf, grabbed her cup of coffee and went outside. She curled up on the porch swing and watched the snow falling gently, like angel kisses from heaven. Snow had always been magical to Lorelai and she loved it. She sipped the hot coffee and sighed, gazing out at the white blanket covering everything in sight. It was so quiet, so peaceful. Lorelai was lost in thought.
Lorelai bundled her infant up in her tiny pink snowsuit and tied the hood under Rory's chin. She wrapped her baby in a warm blanket and pulled on her own coat. After glancing around to make sure her mother wasn't coming, she opened the window in her bedroom and climbed out onto the balcony with her tiny infant in her arms. Lorelai walked over to the wall and held her daughter up to see her first snowfall.
"Do you see that white stuff falling from the sky," Lorelai asked her sleepy infant. "That is snow. And not just any snow… it's Christmas snow, your first snow Rory. See how beautiful it is, all fluffy and white. Those flakes are angel kisses from heaven, just for you babe. Snow is special and makes even the most ugly thing beautiful."
Lorelai held her infant close and kissed her forehead tenderly. She was sixteen years old and a new mother but gazing down at her daughter's pink cheeks and tiny rosebud of a mouth filled her with a love she had never known. She didn't think she could love someone so much. Rory's blue eyes began to close and she let out a squeak as she yawned. Lorelai rocked her baby in her arms and sang softly to her as she watched the snow falling.
Lorelai was startled out of her reverie as Luke sat down next to her on the swing. He covered her with a lap blanket and gathered her in his warm embrace. She blinked back a few tears, the remnants of her trip down memory lane, and turned to Luke and smiled.
"Rory's coming home today," she said softly, pressing her cheek into his warm flannel covered chest. "Rory's coming home and it's snowing. It's a perfect day."
"You're shivering," Luke said, rubbing her arm. "Breakfast is ready Crazy Lady, so let's get you out of the snow and into the warm house. I can't believe you're out here in your pajamas," Luke snorted, shaking his head.
"Hey, these are my lucky snowman pajamas," Lorelai giggled. "When I wear these the magical snow appears, bringing joy and turning everything into a winter wonderland. These pajamas are special."
"And oh so sexy," Luke chuckled, giving her a squeeze. "They definitely say 'come and get it'," he said laughing.
"Do not mock the snowmen Luke! They can hear you and will be offended and then the next time I wear them the magical snow won't happen," Lorelai said, giving him a pout.
Luke chuckled as he ushered Lorelai into the house. She removed her outer garments and pulled on her long, fluffy robe and slippers, rubbing her arms to warm them. She scurried into the kitchen and sat at the table. Luke poured her a fresh cup of coffee, which Lorelai wrapped her hands around to warm them. She was savoring her first sip when Luke placed a plate of blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon in front of her. She rewarded him with a huge smile then dug into the hot breakfast before her.
Rory sat up in bed, contemplating whether or not she should try to get into her wheelchair by herself or wait for the aide to come. She looked over to the window. The curtain was opened a crack and she could see snowflakes falling outside. She slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed, using her arms to assist her. The chair was next to her, its wheels locked firmly in place. Using every bit of upper body strength she had, she slid off the edge of the bed until her feet were on the floor. She then grabbed the arm of the wheelchair and supported her full weight while maneuvering into it. Once she was sitting in the chair, she lifted her feet onto the footrests and panted from exhaustion.
Rory slowly pushed herself over to the window. It was hard work, using muscles that were still weak from her injuries, while trying to coordinate limbs whose nerve signals had been impaired. If her mom were here, she would have pushed her to the window faster than she could say "snow". Once she reached the window, Rory drew the curtain open and gazed out at the fresh blanket of snow covering the ground. She smiled, knowing that her mother would be watching it too.
"Mommy, can you help me put the head on," four year old Rory inquired as she rolled the snowball to the perfect size. Lorelai lifted the head and placed it on the top of the snowman, packing it down until it looked perfect. Rory danced around with glee. She hugged the snowman causing Lorelai to break into giggles.
"Careful there, babe. We don't want him to fall apart before he's even finished," Lorelai said, handing Rory the trimmings. She lifted Rory up and Rory placed the coal eyes, carrot nose, and wax lips, leftover from Halloween, on the snowman's face. She set an old mop head on top and a hat and scarf completed the ensemble. Lorelai stood back, holding Rory on her hip, and the two of them laughed at what would be the first of many snowmen they built together.
"Mommy, I think we made Mrs. Frosty cause she has red lips and hair just like Mrs. Frosty," Rory remarked to her mother.
"You know sweetie, I think you're right," Lorelai giggled.
"She needs an apron, like Mrs. Frosty," Rory said.
"Well let's go see if we can find one," Lorelai said, putting Rory down.
"I love snow Mommy," Rory sighed, wrapping her little arms around her mother.
"Me too honey," Lorelai said, crouching down to hug her daughter. "Me too."
"Good morning Rory," the aide announced as she entered the room, breaking Rory from her daydream. "Wow! Someone's anxious to go home," she said noticing Rory in her wheelchair already. "Well, let's get you ready for your big day."
"Luuuke!" Lorelai called up the stairs in a bit of a panic. She was rushing around the house, trying to make sure everything was set for Rory's homecoming. The work on the house was finally completed a few days ago, and Christmas was coming, but she didn't want to decorate until Rory was home. Luke came bounding down the stairs, sensing her panic.
"What's wrong? Are you ok," he panted but seeing Lorelai unharmed caused him to roll his eyes. "Jeez Lorelai! Don't do that! I thought something happened to you."
'Luke, did you shovel the ramp? Cause we can't get Rory into the house if the ramp isn't clear."
"The ramp is shoveled," Luke replied, knowing what was coming.
"Do you think she'll like her new bathroom? What if she doesn't like it? What if it's the wrong color? Did I forget something? I feel like I'm forgetting something! Towels! Did I put towels in the bathroom?"
"You put towels in the bathroom," Luke said trying to calm her down. "She has everything she'll ever need."
"Did you check to make sure she'd be able to maneuver around the living room in her chair?"
"I rearranged the furniture so that there wouldn't be a problem," Luke said. "Lorelai calm down. Everything is going to be fine. The house is completely set for Rory. Her room has been rearranged, the new bed is in position and made up, her clothes are already in the drawers: there is nothing left to do but bring Rory home."
"What if I screw this up Luke," Lorelai asked softly as she fell into his embrace. "What if I do something that ends up hurting her? It's going to be so much work."
"Give Rory a chance," Luke said, tilting Lorelai's chin up so he could look into her eyes. "She's a lot stronger than you think. Now stop worrying and let's go get her and bring her home." He pulled Lorelai close and kissed her tenderly, feeling her tension melt in his loving embrace.
They had just locked the house and were walking toward the van, when they were accosted by Babette, who was trudging across the snow-covered lawn, waving and yelling at the top of her lungs.
"Lorelai! Luke! Wait!" The woman reached them, gasping for air. "Oh my god! I'm dyin'! I'm glad I caught you before you left."
"What's up Babette," Lorelai asked as Luke opened the van's doors.
"Is it true, you're pickin' up Rory and bringin' her home today," Babette croaked in her familiar raspy voice.
"Yes Babette. Rory's coming home for good and Luke and I are on our way to go get her," Lorelai said.
"Are ya sure we can't throw her just a little homecoming party, sugah? I mean, this is such a big deal an' all."
"We're still recovering from the last Rory party," Luke snorted. "We really don't want a big party. This is Rory's time to settle in. We don't want to wear her out."
"Oh well, it's not gonna be the same," Babette pouted. "The whole town was lookin' forward to Rory's homecoming. It was gonna be huge!" Babette flung her arms out in a grand gesture.
"We had a huge party for her already," Lorelai stated, watching Luke warm up the van. "Rory wanted a quiet homecoming with just the family. This is Stars Hollow. There will always be parties," Lorelai said with a giggle.
"Ok doll. Give that angel our love will ya sugah?"
"Will do Babette," Lorelai said, giving Babette a hug as she got into the van.
Babette watched them drive away and headed toward her house. She grabbed her phone and dialed. "Patty! They're gone! Tell everyone to get ready."
"Morey! Hurry! We don't have much time," Babette yelled to her husband. She knew Lorelai wasn't going to like it but they had to do something for Rory.
When Lorelai and Luke arrived at the rehab, Emily and Richard were already there. Rory looked beautiful and was excited to be going home. The last of her belongings were packed and the staff had said their goodbyes. Christopher arrived for the big sendoff and in no time, the caravan of cars was headed to Stars Hollow.
When they pulled into town, a magical sight greeted them. It was now dusk and the whole town was aglow with twinkling lights strung from every tree and covering the gazebo. The snow was still falling gently, adding to the magnificent white carpet that blanketed everything. It was decorated for Christmas. Lorelai smiled. Winter was the best and she loved the holidays.
"Rory look," Lorelai gasped, as she caught sight of the scene before her. The whole town had turned out to greet Rory. The street was lined with cheering townsfolk, carrying banners that said "welcome home Rory", and waving wildly at the passing caravan of cars.
"Look hon, you have your own parade crowd!" Lorelai looked behind her at Rory's awe stricken face. "You are such a celebrity, babe. I don't know if I can stand being in the shadow of your greatness. I'm so jealous," she said laughing.
"Y Y Y you… C c c can't…b b b be… th th th the… c c c center… of… at t t tention… all… th th th the... t time, M Mom," Rory stuttered slowly. She didn't talk as much as she used to because it frustrated her, but when her anti stuttering earpieces arrived, she was going to say her piece.
They continued to drive slowly through the throngs of adoring friends and neighbors until they reached that familiar driveway. Rory squealed with glee with she spotted Logan standing on the front porch. She wasn't sure if he was going to make it, but there he was, a bouquet of roses in his hand and a huge smile on his face.
"Hey Ace," Logan said as Rory was lowered from the van in her chair. "You didn't think I'd miss this, did you?" He bent down and cupped her face with his hand as he kissed her tenderly on the lips. "Welcome home."
"I know ya didn't want a party, doll, but we had to do somethin' for Rory," Babette gushed, giving Rory a hug. "So we gave you a big welcome home anyway. Don't worry, angel face, we won't be invadin' your house! Jeez it's cold out here! Come on Morey. Let's go home an' get naked in front of the fireplace."
"Babette…," Morey said, blushing from embarrassment. "It's good to have you home Rory." He followed his wife next door as Lorelai and Rory broke out in giggles.
"Lorelai, your neighbors are certainly eccentric," Emily remarked as Richard put his arm around her. "Living here is like living in a comic book. No wonder you like it here so much. Everyone is cartoonish."
"Yes, but they all love Rory," Lorelai said, giving her daughter a squeeze. "She's the town princess."
"Well, let's not stand out here and freeze to death," Emily groused. "Let's get inside where it's warm."
Rory loved the changes made to the house. Everything was within reach and accessible. She could maneuver her wheelchair around unimpeded and the new bathroom offered her more independence. She would be able to toilet herself and, in addition to a whirlpool bath; there was a separate shower that she could wheel herself into. She couldn't believe her family would go to such lengths to have her live at home.
The weeks before Christmas were a flurry of activity in the Gilmore house. Lorelai was getting used to the daily routine of assisting Rory and, although she was exhausted from the physical effort, she was so happy to have Rory home that it didn't matter. Rory continued to do hours of physical therapy each day to strengthen her body and improve her motor skills. She especially loved the whirlpool bath, which really helped ease the soreness in her aching muscles. She loved it that is except for the time her mother decided to add bubbles and the bathroom became a scene out of the Brady Bunch. Even Luke got a good laugh at seeing the mother and daughter covered in bubbles, laughing hysterically while trying to clean up the flooded bathroom.
Evenings were spent watching movies and eating junk food, an activity that Lorelai wondered if she'd ever share with her daughter again. Six months earlier it was only a memory, a painful recollection of what she'd lost with Rory. Now Rory was with her, laughing and enjoying herself, although there was something missing: The witty banter between them was one sided now. Rory was too self-conscious to speak much because of the stuttering. She was keenly aware of the change and hoped that she would be able to remedy it soon. Randy, her Speech Therapist, had ordered the earpieces for Rory that would cure her of her stuttering problem, but they hadn't yet arrived.
Lorelai, Rory and Luke were sitting on the couch watching "It's A Wonderful Life" when the phone rang. Since Lorelai was the closest to it, she had the privilege of answering it.
"Hello," She said distractedly.
"Lorelai, it's your mother," Emily greeted her.
"Oh, hey Mom. What's up," She inquired. It can't be about their party. I'm still eating leftover apple tarts. There must be an ulterior motive. I can feel it. Lorelai mused to herself.
"Your father and I were wondering what you were doing Christmas Eve," Emily said tentatively.
"Uh… just hanging out at home. Why?"
"We would like to invite you to come to Christmas Eve service at our church."
And there it is,Lorelai thought. "Um… I don't know. It's just that…"
"Please Lorelai. I know you don't go to church but I thought we have so much to be thankful for," Emily said, sounding slightly hurt.
"I'd have to check with Luke and Rory to see if they're interested," Lorelai said. She turned to Luke and Rory and passed on the info. "Well Mom, I guess we're going to Christmas Eve service with you and Dad."
"Oh Lorelai, that's wonderful! We'll see you all there and please dress appropriately," Emily said. "I know you haven't been to church since you were a child but remember, you're in God's house, so no jeans or ridiculous holiday sweaters that light up."
"That was one time Mom," Lorelai rolled her eyes. Some things never change. "I promise to dress in my holiday best with no bells or lights or hats with antlers. Although I can't guarantee that Rory won't have flashing lights and tinsel on her wheelchair." Rory giggled in the background.
"After the year Rory has had, she may have flashing lights and tinsel on her chair," Emily said smiling, knowing she pulled one on her daughter.
"What? Rory can come to church decorated like a Christmas tree while I can't even wear my hat with antlers?! No fair! You like her more than me," Lorelai pouted with mock despair.
"Good night Lorelai. We'll see you at Church at 8 o'clock. Please don't be late." Emily hung up and smiled the self-satisfied smile of one who had the last laugh. She was beginning to understand her daughter's sense of humor and loved shocking her. She had long forgotten the wicked sense of humor that was so much a part of her personality in her youth. The years had made her cold and bitter. Her daughter inherited that sense of humor and now that they were no longer fighting, Emily felt more like her old self every day.
"Huh," Lorelai said as she hung up the phone. "So apparently we're all going to Christmas Eve service at my parents' church and Grandma said you could decorate your wheelchair like a Christmas tree," she said looking at Rory. They both suddenly burst into a fit of laughter at the thought.
"You're both nuts," Luke declared, shaking his head. "And no I am not wearing a tie that lights up or any other stupid holiday decoration."
Christmas Eve came and an impeccably dressed Luke, Lorelai and Rory headed into the church on time. The lights were dimmed and candles filled the church with a soft glow. Tall stained glass windows lined the walls and poinsettias were arranged throughout the church. The choir sang beautifully, causing Lorelai to become emotional. She wasn't much of a churchgoer, but for once she could feel a presence of tremendous love. She swallowed and blinked back tears, hoping no one had noticed but her mother did. Emily sat on her left and placed her hand on her daughter's, giving it a squeeze.
Lorelai silently prayed, just simple words of thanks for pulling Rory through her ordeal, for healing her relationship with her parents, and for reuniting her with Luke. Everything was perfect now. Emily and Richard also prayed silent words of thanks. Rory smiled at her family, together, celebrating new beginnings. Luke smiled inwardly, having made a decision that he had been contemplating for some time.
After the service was over, they all stopped at Emily and Richard's for drinks. It was a wonderful evening full of laughter and warmth. Lorelai couldn't recall a Christmas Eve with her parents that she enjoyed as much. Emily and Richard wanted to give them their gifts but Lorelai told them to wait and give them tomorrow at her house.
Lorelai sat on the couch in the living room after helping Rory to bed. The lights were out except for the tree. She sighed, slipped off her heels and propped her feet up on the coffee table. She was mesmerized by the twinkling lights, only brought out of her contented gaze by the sudden appearance of a steaming mug of coffee floating in front of her eyes. She grabbed the mug and moaned softly as a pair of hands began to massage her shoulders from behind. She looked up and saw her favorite coffee man leaning over her, smiling.
"Merry Christmas, Burger Boy," she cooed as Luke leaned down to kiss her gently on the lips.
"Merry Christmas, Crazy Lady," Luke said, cupping her face in his hands.
"So are you going to give me a Christmas massage," Lorelai inquired with a naughty grin.
"Actually I do have a present for you to unwrap tonight," Luke remarked, returning the naughty grin.
"Presents? I love presents," Lorelai chuckled with glee as she stood up, grabbed Luke by the tie and dragged him upstairs. "Is it wrapped all pretty? Cause you know how much I love pretty things."
"It's not a pretty present. It's manly. I don't do pretty."
"Is it eatable?"
"Hmmm…. Maybe."
"Ooh! A manly candy cane," Lorelai said laughing, as she shut the bedroom door behind them.
Christmas morning brought the usual festivities. Luke actually closed the diner to spend the whole day with Lorelai and Rory. He had a hard time keeping them from tearing open all their presents before her family arrived. Normally Lorelai couldn't wait and she and Rory would open gifts first thing; well, after coffee of course. Now they had to wait and it was killing them. They could barely focus on eating breakfast.
Finally the merriment could begin as all the guests arrived. In addition to her parents, Lorelai had invited Maria and Janie since they were kind enough to have them over for Thanksgiving. Rory also invited Logan and Luke invited his sister Liz and her husband T.J and their baby, Doula. Sookie, Jackson and the kids brought tons of food.
Gifts were passed around and ribbons, bows and pretty paper were flying everywhere as everyone opened them. Once the debris was cleaned up, the grown-ups sat around the living room sipping drinks as the kids played with their new toys. A fire crackled in the fireplace, making little flickering patterns on the ornamented tree. Christmas music played in the background on the stereo.
"Mommy, there's one more present," little Davey announced as he handed a small box to his mother.
"It's for you Rory," Sookie said, handing the gift to Rory. She adjusted her new baby girl on her shoulder and rubbed her back.
"Who's it from," Lorelai asked impatiently, looking over Rory's shoulder to get a glimpse.
"It's something Rory's been waiting for," Maria explained as a smile spread across her face.
Rory squealed and tore the paper off the box. Inside was indeed what she had been waiting for, her new earpieces. Now she would be normal again. Lorelai helped her open the box and read the directions.
"Oh babe! Is this what I think it is?" Lorelai's hands shook with excitement as she took the tiny earpieces out of the box. Both mother and daughter looked at each other in nervous anticipation. Lorelai turned the earpieces on and inserted them into her daughter's ears. The entire room was silent, waiting for Rory to speak.
"Merry Christmas everyone," Rory said loud and clear. The room exploded with cheers and applause. Everyone surrounded her and hugged her. When she could free herself, she looked around for her mother. There was Lorelai, sitting on the stairs sobbing into her hands. Lorelai looked up and saw her daughter beckoning her over with open arms. She came over and sat next to her on the couch.
"Mom, there's so much I want to say to you, so much I've wanted to say since I came out of the coma but couldn't," Rory began, as she struggled to keep her emotions under control. "I've watched you suffer so much through all of this and I couldn't comfort you. I couldn't tell you how scared I was and what it meant to have you there beside me every day. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you and I don't just mean literally." she chuckled.
"Oh hon, I tried to be strong for you but it was so hard," Lorelai said, her voice breaking with emotion. "It killed me to see you so broken. I wanted to take away your pain. I'm your mother. I should be able to make it better but I couldn't. All I could do was watch you suffer and think that it was all my fault." Lorelai began to cry again. "You wouldn't have fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed if I hadn't been so selfish and kept you up all night."
"Mom, it wasn't your fault," Rory said, tears running down her face. "I am the only one responsible for my accident. I chose to drive when I was sleepy. Please stop blaming yourself."
Lorelai fell into her daughter's embrace, sobbing with relief. Rory didn't blame her and she didn't fail her daughter when she needed her most. The crushing guilt that had nearly destroyed her was dissolving in a river of tears. The last remnants of her guilt and shame were purged from her soul in her daughter's loving embrace.
"I love you Mom, more than I could ever put into words," Rory said softly, as she held her sobbing mother. "I wouldn't have made it through this without you."
"I love you too, sweets," Lorelai croaked out, trying to pull herself together. "This was the best Christmas gift you could've given me. Oh my god. I think I've cried more this year than I have in my whole life! If I didn't get another gift for the rest of my life, it would be worth it. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't still WANT gifts, so everyone can just ignore my babbling. I don't think Ebenezer Scrooge was this happy at the end of A Christmas Carol! Merry Christmas everybody," Lorelai giggled as she gave her daughter a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
The house was filled with a cacophony of voices, all talking at once. Rory tried to answer all the questions, feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the love. Logan sat down next to her after Lorelai got up to go give Luke a hug. He put his arm around her, pulled her close and kissed her passionately, effectively silencing the crowd for a moment.
"I thought your lips needed a break from all that flapping they were doing Ace," Logan stated when he pulled back, a grin plastered on his face.
"Mmm, nice," Rory said, returning the smile. "I'm probably going to need a lot more breaks. Maybe I should go back to writing again," she giggled.
"I don't think Lorelai would like that very much," Logan chuckled. "She's been having a hard time trying to carry on the witty banter by herself. She needs her verbal sparring partner."
"Have I told you how much I love you," Rory cooed, snuggling into Logan.
"Not for a long time Ace," Logan said, kissing her on the cheek. "But hearing it now means more to me than all the other times you've said it because, after everything we've been through this year, we're still together. You've changed me Rory into a better man and I'll always love you. You've made me see what's really important in life and to screw what everyone else thinks. You have my heart Ace," Logan said and then he leaned over to kiss her once more.
Lorelai stood in front of the fireplace watching the scene before her. She was so entranced by the tender show of love between Rory and Logan that she didn't notice Luke pull a tiny box out of his pocket and get down on one knee.
"I know you did the asking the last time but I thought I'd be a man and do it this time," Luke said, getting Lorelai's full attention. "I'm not real good with all the sentimental crap… uh sorry kids, I mean to say 'stuff', not a bad word," Luke cursed himself internally. He was so nervous. "Anyway, I just want to say that I love you Lorelai and you and I belong together. I think that after Rory's accident, I proved that I'd do anything for you. Without you, I don't feel whole. What I'm trying to say is, I love you Lorelai and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"
For the second time that day, Lorelai burst into tears. She was so choked up that she couldn't speak. She just stood there with tears rolling down her cheeks and nodded. Luke stood up, grasped her left hand and placed the engagement ring on her finger, the same ring he had given her the first time they got engaged. This time they would make it work. He then wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately, tasting her tears as they coursed down her face.
"Congratulations you two! I'm so happy! I knew you guys would work it out and now you're really going to do it," Sookie sobbed as she gave the pair a bone crushing hug.
"Sookie honey, I need to breathe," Lorelai giggled. "It took me forever to get this man to marry me. I can't do that if you crush me to death!"
"Oh man! My big brother is finally gonna tie the knot," Liz gushed. "I'm so happy for you guys! I was hoping you'd be my sister-in-law since I first met you Lorelai. Congrats to you both," she said hugging them.
Luke and Lorelai were surrounded by family and friends offering their congratulations. When she had a free moment, Lorelai plopped down on the couch next to Rory, whom she had yet to be congratulated by. Rory kissed her mom on the cheek and gave her a hug.
"You know Mom, we've had some great Christmases," Rory began, "but this Christmas tops them all. I'm so happy for you and Luke. I know you've been wanting this for so long, but now I know you're ready for it. You're finally going to get the life you've always dreamed of. Luke is definitely the one. Not only are you the best mom, you're going to be the best wife too."
"Is there room for one more," Emily inquired as she sat next to Lorelai. "I know I've disapproved of Luke all these years, but I want you to know that I'm so happy for you both. Luke has more than proved himself to us as a suitable partner for you. Congratulations Lorelai on your engagement."
"Thanks Mom," Lorelai said softly. She looked over at Luke, who was engaging in an animated conversation with her father, and smiled. He locked eyes with her and returned the most endearing smile she had ever seen from him. His whole face beamed with joy. Rory was right: this was the best Christmas ever.