A few days later, Lorelai stood in the foyer of the Independence Inn. This had always been her safe haven...but now it felt unfamiliar and all wrong. She sighed and walked up to the front desk where Michel was standing. He was typing on the computer but his head snapped up when he saw her standing there.
"Lorelai…" He whispered slowly, "I wasn't expecting you today. Did we know you were coming in?"
Lorelai swallowed hard, "No. But I have to come back at some point. Right? This is my job. I have bills to pay. I have a daughter to take care of I-"
"Lorelai…" He whispered, "I didn't mean...I just…" He sighed and looked down, "Are you alright?"
She smiled sadly, "I'll be fine Michel. I promise." She cleared her throat nervously and looked around, "I'm just gonna go back to the office and pick up some files…"
"Okay…" He was staring at her with massive amounts of worry written all over his face, "Do you want me to get them?"
She smiled sadly, "I'm fine Michel...really. I have to do this."
He nodded slowly, "Okay...I'll be out here if you need me."
Lorelai smiled, "Thanks…"
She took a deep breath and walked around the front desk towards her office. She remembered the day when she finally moved into this room when she was promoted. She felt so proud of herself. She had worked her ass off from the first day she walked through the Inn doors. She had a plan to take care of her daughter and she would be damned if it didn't go the way she expected it too.
She had always felt safe here...comfortable and confident. But now she felt small and weak. She clenched her fists to try and keep them from shaking. But it was no use...she felt the fire burning in her chest signaling the tears that were getting ready to spill out.
"Lorelai?" A cautious voice called from behind her.
She turned slowly and smiled as the first tear escaped the corner of her eye, "Hi Sook…"
Sookie walked closer to her and reached for her hand, "What can I do?"
Lorelai shook her head, "I don't know Sook...I don't know what to do this time. I just feel a little lost. I always felt safe here...always comfortable. And now it feels like a totally different space...it feels like a scary place."
"Oh honey…" Sookie whispered as she wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, "I hate this…"
Lorelai hugged her close, "I should be fine...I've been through this crap before."
Sookie sighed and pulled away, she turned her around so they were facing each other, "Lorelai this isn't just something you get over in a day whether or not it's happened before. What happened...was terrible. What he did to you was despicable. You can do this though. I know you can. I know you...no one is as strong as you."
Lorelai swallowed hard, "Sook...I'm afraid of what this means for my relationship with Luke…"
"You mean...the sexual side of the relationship?" She asked softly.
She nodded, "Yes...I mean he's been so amazing and of course he'd never expect anything or pressure me...but we're still new. It's not like we can never have sex again and I don't want that but…" She whimpered, "The idea of him touching me right now frightens me because I'll keep picturing Michael's hands-"
The sob escaped her lips and Sookie pulled her into her arms, "Shh...shh...it's okay. Breathe Lorelai...you can't worry about all that right now. You're still healing. Come here…" She lead her towards the couch in the corner, "Sit down…" She reached for a tissue and handed it to her, "That man loves you Lorelai…"
She nodded as she wiped her tears away, "I know. I know he does...and I…" She paused and glanced at her friend, "I love him too Sook...but I've never said it to him and now I don't know how to…everything just feels wrong. This place…" She glanced around and grimaced, "It feels wrong…"
"Which is why I think we need to do some renovations…" Mia whispered from the door catching them both by surprise.
"Mia…" Lorelai whispered, "What do you mean?"
Mia smiled, walked into the room and sat on the other side of Lorelai, "I think we need to make some changes in here. We can't leave it like this...it will remind you of what happened. You need something new...something fresh...a way to start over."
Lorelai frowned, "I can't ask you to do that…"
Mia smiled and shook her head, "You didn't ask me too…"
She sighed again and wiped at her eyes, "I don't want to lose him Mia...that will scare me more than anything. I need him...and I've never needed anyone. But God I do…"
Mia grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly between her own two hands, "You will not lose him. He will never leave you. That is one thing I am sure of…"
Her eyes welled up with tears again and she let the damn break, "I just want to feel safe again…"
Mia and and Sookie exchanged glances and then both leaned forward to hug her tight, neither of them knew what to say. So instead they just held her and let her cry as much as she needed too.
Richard Gilmore stepped into the familiar office he had visited so many times. But this time it was different. He had accomplished so many business deals here that often made him feel powerful and successful. Today he had a different mission. Yet he still had no idea how he was going to handle it. He stepped up to the secretary's desk and stated his name and purpose. He waited to be let into the small office with the oak desk and ugly red carpet.
"Ah Richard! Was I expecting you today? Do you have some new wonderful deal that will make us millions of dollars?" The man asked as he stepped around the desk.
No words came to him, but suddenly his arm was reared back and his fist came colliding with the older man's nose. There was a crack and a gush of blood poured down the man's face. Richard watch as the pain and confusion etched onto the man's face and he felt an odd sense of satisfaction.
"Richard what the hell?" The man yelled.
"I know what you did to my daughter. I know how you tried to take advantage of a child. A little girl who couldn't defend herself." He said with rage filled eyes.
Carl's face turned ghostly white and it had nothing to do with the red blood gushing from his face, "Richard what are you-"
"Don't you try and deny it." He said with clenched fists, "My daughter told me everything. You and my wife kept this secret...you used your power to make her feel weak and vulnerable. Did you enjoy coming into my house afterwards? Did you enjoy hugging her? Did you feel her fear and disgust?"
"Richard that was…" He frowned, "That was so long ago...it was a mistake…I didn't-"
"Carl you put your hands on my daughter. You tried to force her... " His heart started pounding again and he lifted his hand again to grab him.
"Security!" Carly screamed as he stepped back into the room.
A group of men walked into the room and Richard stepped back, "What you did was despicable. You will never make another deal with me and I will make sure everyone knows what kind of man you are."
Carl sneered at him, "You're going to tell the world that your daughter...the same daughter who got knocked up at 15 told you that I tried to hurt her?" He chuckled softly, "And who do you think they will believe Richard? Who do you think will be on your side when they remember you haven't spoken to that daughter in 12 years."
"If I had known what you had done all those years ago...I would have pressed charges. And maybe my daughter's life would have turned out differently. You broke her! Do you not see that? Do you not understand what you did was wrong?" He screamed.
"It's been over a decade Richard why does it matter?" He said with an exasperated sigh as he reached for a handkerchief to wipe his blood away.
"Because she is my daughter! And you hurt her! That's why it matters!" Richard screamed, You can say whatever you want about her. You can say whatever you want about me. But nothing changes that what you did was wrong. And yes I missed 12 years but I'm not going to miss the next 12 years...and I'm going to protect her now like I should have protected her then. Even if it costs me my reputation...my job and all my money...I'll stand by her. You understand that?"
Carl swallowed hard, "Richard…"
"You know me Carl. You know I'm not a man who gives up on what he believes in. And I believe what you did was wrong. I believe that the world should know who you really are. I will make them see." With that he turned and walked out of the office knowing he'd never return again.
He walked back into the large home he had created for his family. He had always felt at ease here and yet now he felt like there was something missing. He heard the click of heels on the floor and saw the hopeful expression on his wife's face.
"Richard…" She whispered, "You haven't come in here since-"
"I'm not staying." He said walking past her, "I'm still staying in the pool house. I just came in to get the books out of my office I intended to give to Rory."
Emily watched him walk past her and her heart began racing in her chest, "Richard please…"
He shook his head as he began to pile the books into a box, "You were her Mother Emily…"
Emily lifted a hand and wiped at her tears, "I know...I know what I did was wrong."
Richard stopped and glanced up at her, "You do? I mean do you really? Do you understand what that did to her? I think your betrayal probably hurt more than what Ca-" He paused, "What he did to her…"
Emily swallowed hard and looked around the office, "Richard that night...I walked in here and I felt like someone had ripped my heart out. I saw the look on her face...and I know what I should have done but I didn't know how to do it. I didn't know what to say or how to fix it. I thought...I thought if we just ignored it...it would go away."
"But it didn't go away. And you said terrible things to her. You made her feel like it was her own fault." Richard said bitterly, "You pushed her away Emily...you pushed her to make those choices…"
Emily nodded, "I think I realize that now…"
"And what are you going to do about it?" He asked softly, "Are you going to ignore it and hope it goes away? Because I have to tell you Emily...it's not going away. This thing between you and me now...it's all different. The way I look at my daughter is different and I refuse-" His voice got caught in his chest and he cleared his throat of the tears, "I refuse to ignore it…"
"Even if I wanted to try and fix it...we both know she'd never let me in. She's stubborn and-" Richard cut her off and she stepped back.
"She's the strongest woman I have ever met. The way she has handled everything that has been thrown at her on her own proves that. She's so much more than you realize Emily and it makes me sad to think you won't ever realize her full potential." He said sadly, "She's your daughter Emily...your only child. Your flesh and blood and we failed her...and I won't fail her again."
Emily watched him pack up the last of the books, "Richard-"
"And Rory…" He paused and smiled, "Rory is exceptional...she's beautiful and one of a kind. Lorelai did an incredible job with her and you'll never know that either unless you let go of your pride and finally be a Mother."
Emily swallowed hard, "I don't know how to do that…"
Richard picked up the box and walked towards the door, he paused in front of her, "Well I suggest you figure it out...because if you don't you might lose your husband too."
Emily's face turned ghostly white, "Richard-"
"I'm going to see our daughter and granddaughter. I don't know when I'll be back." He whispered.
Emily's heart was racing as she heard him walk through the foyer and the sound of the front door closing. She realized in this moment she had never felt so small and so alone in this big house…
After work, Lorelai was standing in the kitchen staring out the window nursing a cup of coffee in her hands. She hated feeling unsafe. The feeling of being in the Inn and feeling insecure and unsure made her want to crawl into a hole and hide forever. Her heart was aching in her chest and she wanted to find a way to make it stop.
A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she plastered a fake smile on her face and walked to the door to greet her visitor. Her heart jumped when she saw her Father standing on the porch with a nervous yet hopeful expression on her face.
"Hello…" He whispered, "I probably should have called but…"
Lorelai smiled, "No...no it's alright. Come on in." She stepped aside and let her father walk into the room, "What's that you got there?"
Richard glanced down at the box in his hands, "Oh...those books I told Rory she could borrow."
Lorelai smiled, "Oh that's nice. She's not home right now...she's with her friend Lane but she'll be back in a little while. Did you want to stay and wait for her or-"
"Would that be alright?" He asked hopefully, "I don't want to interrupt anything…"
Lorelai smile, "You aren't...I'm alone. In fact I'd…" She swallowed hard, "I'd really like the company…"
Richard smiled softly, "Okay…"
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "I just made some coffee...would you like a cup?"
Richard nodded, "That would be lovely. Yes."
"It's nice out. We can sit on the porch if you want. I'll take the box into Rory's room and meet you out there." She said taking it from him.
Richard smiled and walked out to the porch and sat down on the swing. After a few moments, Lorelai returned with two cups of coffee and handed one to him. They shared a smile and she sat down beside him letting the swing sway back and forth slightly. She took a sip of her coffee waiting for him to say something.
"I punched Carl Jenkin's today." Richard blurted out.
Lorelai choked on her coffee and turned towards her father in shock, "What?"
"I punched him. I went to his office...I marched in there and just punched him in the face. There was blood everywhere." He said with an astonished look on his face as he turned to face her, "I'm an old man Lorelai...I've never punched anyone before."
Lorelai frowned slightly, "I'm...sorry?"
He sighed and put the coffee down on the side table before turning back towards her, "No...no Lorelai don't apologize. That's not what this is about...I…" He paused and sighed, "I just...I should have done it years ago. If I had known I would have done it."
She was quiet for a moment as she listened to him before asking sheepishly, "Did it make you feel better?"
Richard sighed and leaned back on the swing, "No…" He smirked slightly, "Yes." He smiled sadly, "A little but not enough. I don't think anything will make me ever feel better about it."
"Dad…" She whispered softly, "I'm-"
"I'm your father." He whispered in a hoarse voice, "And I didn't protect you...that was the one job I had. I didn't protect you. I gave you fancy things...dressed you in expensive clothes...took you places and gave you an education but I didn't…" His voice cracked again, "I didn't protect you from that man...from all of it. From everything. And I should have. And I can't change that. I can't fix it for you…"
Lorelai swallowed hard, "No...neither of us can fix it Dad but…" She paused, "To be honest...having you here saying these things...as scary as it is...it means more to me than you realize. All I ever wanted was you to care...and I think you do."
Richard took her hand in his and squeezed it gently feeling so much emotion course through his body, "I do care Lorelai. I always did. I'm sorry I never said it enough."
She stared at him for a moment and then smiled, "Do you remember that one time we went to one of your client's pool parties? I think I was probably five...and it was one of the hottest days I can ever remember." She paused, "And all I wanted to do was swim but Mom wouldn't let me...she said I couldn't go alone but it wouldn't be proper for you or her to go in with me. And I was watching all these kids swim with their parents...and I was sitting there in this big dress and I was miserable…"
Richard smiled softly, "I remember…"
Lorelai's smile widened, "Do you remember what happened next?"
Richard chuckled, "Oh I remember…" He smirked, "I got so hot in that damn suit that I picked you up and jumped into the pool with you...both of us were in our clothes. And we couldn't stop laughing...everyone laughed."
"Except Mom…" Lorelai whispered, "She was angry…"
Richard nodded, "I know. She was furious but...it was worth it."
"It may have only lasted a few minutes…" She whispered, "But Dad in that moment I felt like I had a real Dad. And I kept that memory with me always…"
Richard took her hand in his and squeezed it tight, "Maybe we can have more memories like that now…"
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Maybe…" She looked down at their hands and whispered her next words nervously, "But what about Mom?"
Richard sighed and shifted in his seat, "I don't know...I don't know what happens with her now. I confronted her...I let her know how I felt. And she seems…" He paused, "She seems conflicted…" He turned back towards her and shrugged, "Deep down I don't think she ever meant to hurt you Lorelai...I think she was just misguided…but it doesn't make what she did right...and it changed things between us. Between all of us…"
"I don't want to be the reason that you…" She cringed, "I don't want you to get…" She sighed and looked down at their hands again feeling unable to meet his gaze, "I just don't want her to hate me anymore…"
"She doesn't." Richard whispered sadly, "She never did...I never did either."
Lorelai sighed and glanced out at the yard in front of her, "Why does life have to be so damn complicated?"
Richard chuckled, "I don't know...I suppose it always has been. Wars have been fought over how damn complicated it all is…"
Lorelai chuckled, "I guess you're right…" She glanced over at him with a sad smile, "I'm really glad you're here Dad…"
He squeezed her hand, "I'm really glad I'm here too…"
"Hey…" A small voice called out to them from the front stairs, "I didn't know you were coming by today Grandpa…"
Both Gilmore's turned and smiled at the youngest member of their family, "Well hello Rory. It was a bit of a spontaneous visit. I hope that's alright."
Rory smiled and stepped up the last few steps, "It's okay with me." She walked over and sat down on her Mother's lap, "Got the mail…"
Lorelai nodded and squeezed her hips gently, "Anything good? We win some big prize for being fabulous?"
Rory smiled but it faded quickly, "Nope...got a postcard from Dad. He's in Quebec this time…"
Lorelai grimaced slightly and looked at her father out of the corner of her eye. She thought she sensed anger there again. "Quebec eh?" She asked in an accent trying to make Rory laugh.
"Mom…" She said with a huff.
Lorelai sighed and kissed the side of her head, "I'm sorry sweets...I just don't know what to say."
Ror turned slightly and stared at her Mom, "He never came to see me. Not even after hearing about me in the hospital. He called...accused you of things but he couldn't come see me."
"He should have." Richard said softly, "He's your father." He smiled sadly as both girls looked over at him, "I sure haven't written the book on being the father of the year but...I do know that he should have come to see you."
"He doesn't have time for me." Rory whispered softly, "I don't fit into his life...I never did."
"Rory honey…" She whispered squeezing her again, "He loves you he just…" She sighed, "He didn't know how to take care of you...and some day he's gonna regret it. I know he will."
"I know I regret missing the last 12 years. I am grateful that you are giving me a chance now...I probably don't deserve it." Richard said somberly.
Rory smiled, "I'm giving you a chance. I've given him a hundred. He's disappointed me every time." She paused slightly before asking, "Will you disappoint me too?"
Richard took a deep breath and reached out for her small hand, "Rory I will do everything in my power to not disappoint you. I want this to work out."
Rory smiled happily at him, "Me too." She took a deep breath and turned to her Mom, "You know who will never disappoint us?"
Lorelai smiled, "Who?"
Rory gave her a gentle smile, "Luke. Luke will never disappoint us."
Lorelai's eyes welled up with tears, "Rory…"
She shook her head, "He won't Mom. I know him. He cares about us. He wouldn't ever do anything to hurt us. He's been by our sides since the moment we met him. He's not going anywhere…"
Lorelai squeezed her tight, "No...I don't think he is."
Rory frowned slightly, "Do you want him to go somewhere?"
Lorelai looked straight into her daughter's eyes, "No. I don't."
Rory leaned in further, "But you're scared...because of everything that's happened lately."
Lorelai swallowed hard and nodded slowly, she had never been able to lie to her daughter, "I guess I am kid. It complicates things…"
Rory nodded in understanding, "I know. But...he's not going anywhere Mom. No matter what you say or do...he's not going anywhere."
Lorelai took a deep breath and smiled, "When did you get so wise kid?"
"I got it from my Mom. The strongest most amazing woman I know." She whispered back.
She leaned forward and kissed her nose, "I love you kiddo."
"I love you too." Rory whispered.
Lorelai glanced at her father who had tears shining in his eyes. She knew deep down he really did care about both her and Rory and that this whole process had taken a lot out of him too. She wasn't sure where all of this was heading but no matter what she knew it felt right. She pulled away from her daughter and smiled, "You want to check out those books with Grandpa? I was going to run up and take a shower quick…"
Rory smiled, "I'd like that." She turned towards her Grandpa and smiled, "Come on Grandpa, I'll show you my favorite spot to read in the yard."
"That sounds wonderful." He said as he stood up to follow his granddaughter, he turned back to Lorelai and gave her a thankful smile and she just waved back.
Taking a deep breath, she stood up and walked towards the house. She was full of so many mixed emotions. This morning standing in the Inn she had felt so lost and unsettled. But sitting with her father, and hearing her daughter speak of Luke stirred something in her…
Outside, Rory was flipping through the pile of books with a large smile on her face. "I love the smell of books. Is that weird?"
Richard smiled, "No. I've always felt the same. Going into a large library and taking out the old books is very comforting to me."
Rory smiled, "When I was little...my favorite part of the day was curling up with Mom on our bed and listening to her read to me. Sometimes she would use silly voices for different characters. Whenever I couldn't sleep she would read and read until I couldn't fall asleep…"
Richard swallowed hard, "You lived at the Inn...right?"
Rory nodded, "In the back. Mia and Mom converted the old potting shed into a little apartment for us. It was tiny but it was cozy...and it was home. Mom always made it fun for me."
He frowned slightly, "You must have thought your Grandma and I were terrible when you finally saw our house…"
She shrugged slightly, "I was confused a little. But Mom never said anything bad about you. She always told me to respect you."
He sighed sadly, "Your Mother is tough as nails…"
She giggled slightly, "Yes she is." She paused for a moment, "She...told me what happened to her when she was young…"
His face turned slightly pink, "Rory I had no idea about that. If I had…" He sighed, "I don't know if it would have changed anything between your Mother and I...but I would have done something."
Rory nodded, "I believe that." She paused again, "But Mom said that if that all hadn't happened...then maybe I wouldn't be here. And she said that's not a world she would want to live in."
"Your Mother loves you more than anything. That's quite clear." He said honestly.
"I've never had to question that." Rory said with a proud smile, "Not once. I've always known that she puts me first."
"I should have put your Mother first…" He whispered, "That's what good parents do…"
"I can see that you're trying…" Rory whispered, "And I know that that means a lot to her. But...please don't hurt her. She doesn't deserve it...and I don't know if she can handle anymore pain."
Richard sighed and looked out at the yard, "Rory...I've missed out on so much. I was stubborn and misguided and I am extremely disappointed in myself. I just don't want to miss anymore."
"But why? Why now Grandpa? What changed?" She asked softly.
Richard smiled, "Luke asked me that…"
Rory raised an eyebrow in surprise, "You talked to Luke?"
"I did." He cleared his throat softly, "And why now…" He shrugged, "I've been thinking about it a lot lately...but when I ran into you all in Boston it just made me feel left out. There was this man there with you...and I didn't know who he was. I realized I don't know anything about either one of you really and that made me sad. I'm not getting any younger and I don't want to be dying someday and regretting not giving it a chance."
Rory smiled, "I can understand that." She paused again, "Luke's great...he really loves Mom. He takes care of us."
"I can tell." Richard said with a smile, "And your Mom is right. Someday your Father is going to regret the fact that he wasn't the one taking care of you both."
"Maybe." She said with a shrug, "But I don't know if I'll be able to let him in so easily. I've tried so many times and he always lets me down…"
"A person can only take so much…" He whispered.
"But Luke…" She smiled, "He's always right there when we need him. I think that maybe…" She paused again and nodded quickly, "No not maybe...I know that he's the one my Mom's been waiting for. And I'd be really happy if they got married."
"Well that's good that you care so much about him. I hope that I get to know him a little better." Richard whispered.
Rory smiled past him, "Well he's here...so maybe you will…"
Richard turned and stood up with Rory as he watched Luke step out of the truck. He watched as he walked to the back of the truck and started to pull out a large Adirondack chair. He put it down and then repeated the process two more times. He carried one over to where Rory was and smiled softly at Richard.
"Richard...Hi. I didn't know you would be here." He said softly, "I didn't think anyone would be here actually."
"I stopped in to visit and bring Rory some books." He glanced down at the chairs, "Those are very nice. Where did you get them?"
Luke blushed slightly, "I uh...I made them. I promised Lorelai I would make some for the yard."
Richard's eyes widened, "You made them?"
Rory beamed at Luke feeling proud of him, "He's really talented and very handy. He's probably fixed every square inch of this house at one point or another."
"Wow." Richard said glancing down at the chair in front of Luke again, he ran his hand along the smooth wood, "These are incredible. Who taught you how to make something like this?"
"My Dad." Luke whispered, "The Diner used to be his hardware store. He used to let me help him when I was a kid. These took awhile but they were worth it."
"Well your Father must be very proud of you." He said softly, "I'm sure he loves to see you carrying on the traditions he shared with you."
Luke smiled sadly, "Uh...he actually passed away. So did my Mom…"
Richard stood up a little straighter, "Oh. I...I'm so sorry. I didn't-"
Luke put his hand up and shook his head slowly, "Don't worry about it. How would you know?"
Richard stared at him for a moment, "Well I am quite certain that he is still proud of you…"
Luke smiled and looked down, "Thanks…" He turned towards Rory, "I carved your name in this one. You can paint it if you want...or you can leave it like this. I figured you could put it under your tree and read…"
"I love it! Thanks Luke!" She said hugging him gently, "Mom's gonna love hers too."
"Where is she?" Luke asked glancing around, "Still at the Inn? I wanted to check in on her today but wasn't sure if she wanted her space…"
"I think she must have come home early." Rory said sadly, "But she's upstairs taking a shower. I think she needed a minute…"
Luke nodded slowly, "Well...I brought food over to make dinner." He turned towards Richard, "Would you like to join us?"
Richard smiled softly, "I'd like that...if you don't mind I'd love to stay."
"You should definitely stay." Rory said hopefully, "Maybe...you could read to me?" She blushed as she heard her question, "I mean I know I'm kind of old for it…" She whispered the last part, "But I kind of always liked the idea of my my Grandpa reading to me…"
Richard swallowed hard, "I'd really enjoy that…"
Luke smiled and squeezed Rory's shoulder, "Let me go grab the other chairs and you guys can get comfortable. Then I'll go in and start prepping."
Luke set the other two chairs up near them and left them with their books. He glanced back and smiled as he saw Rory excitedly picking out a book for them to read together. He walked back to the truck gathered the bags from Doose's before heading into the house. He walked into the kitchen and stopped when he saw Lorelai standing in front of the sink watching her father and daughter.
"Hey…" He whispered as he set the bags down on the counter.
She turned slowly towards him and her eyes were red and puffy, her wet hair was thrown up in a messy bun and she had comfortable clothes on. He frowned and stood four long strides forward to pull her into his arms. She didn't say anything at first, just clung to him as she cried against him.
"Luke…" She whispered softly, "I...I…"
He squeezed her tight, "It's okay...you're okay. Did it not go well today? I knew I should have been there…"
She shook her head and pulled away, she reached up and held his face in her hands, "I love you."
Luke was taken aback for a moment and stared at her in shock, "Lorelai…what-"
She frowned, "I love you." He opened his mouth to say something but she shook her head, "I just...I do. I love you Luke. I've been feeling this way for awhile...but then everything happened and I got all mixed up." She sniffled slightly, "And I had this moment today standing in my office and I felt so…" She whimpered, "So…"
He gave her a reassuring squeeze, "So...what?"
"So scared." She said letting out a gentle cry, "And so unsettled. And I hated that. The Inn has always been my safe place...since the day I showed up there with Rory and Mia took me in...it was always safe. But now it's not...and I…" She cringed and looked down at his chest, "I was afraid I wouldn't ever feel safe again…"
He frowned again and gently lifted her chin so she would look at him, "You know I love you...right?"
She smiled slowly, "I do Luke. I do know that...and Rory said something earlier to me and I just...I knew she was right."
"What did she say?" He asked softly.
Lorelai smiled gently, "She said you weren't going anywhere…
He softened and nodded slowly, "I'm not going anywhere. I've been telling you that for awhile now…"
She nodded, "Since the night we brought Rory to the hospital...before we were even an us." She sniffled again, "And you've proved that you really aren't going anywhere…"
He nodded slowly, "Did you not trust me before?"
She sighed, "No. That's not it...I mean I believed you but believing and seeing are two different things. So many people have made me and Rory promises that they can't keep but…" She sighed, "You've been by our side's through all of this and I believe that you're going to be there no matter what. At this point I'm not sure what could scare you away."
Luke shook his head, "Nothing."
She held his face in her hands, "I love you Luke Danes. I've never been in love before...never. I've never said those words to anyone other than Rory and…" She smiled softly at him, "I just love you."
Luke stared at her for a moment, letting her beauty wash over him, "We're in love." He whispered in a hoarse emotion filled voice. He had said those words to her and had meant them. But a small part of him was afraid she wouldn't be able to say those words back. To be standing here with her, holding her as she said them to him it meant the world to him.
She nodded, "We are. You Luke 'table for one' Danes and Lorelai 'I'm sorry can I get an industrial forklift for my emotional baggage' Gilmore are in love."
He chuckled softly, "Lorelai…"
She took a deep breath, "My point in all of this...the reason that I knew it was time to say this was…" She smiled softly, "You're my safe place Luke. At the Inn today I was afraid I'd never feel safe again but I feel safe with you...I am safe with you."
He cupped her face gently, "You are. I will never let anything happen to you'
Her eyes welled up with tears again, "I know…"
He rested his forehead against hers, "You're going to get through this…"
"Of course I am." She said letting her eyes flutter closed as she breathed him in, "I have you...I have Rory." She smiled again, "And I have my Dad now too...how could I not be okay?"
"This is just a new start for you...for us. We're going to figure it all out." He whispered pressing a kiss to her forehead.
She smiled, "And you'll be right here?"
"Always." He whispered pulling her into his arms.
Lorelai held him close and breathed in his familiar scent. It was amazing to her that just this morning she had felt so unsettled and so unsure. But standing here with this man, in his arms, she had never felt more secure and safe in her life. She was right where she belonged and she wasn't going to let anything or anyone get in the way of that.
Thanks for the support as always. I have been so crazy busy lately but really wanted to write so I did this chapter. I really need to write the last chapter of Searchlight as well and I promise I will do it soon! Thanks guys!