Here it is folks, the final chapter! We've come to the end of this roller coaster of drama and family healing. I hope I didn't scare away too many readers! I believe in happy endings, even if you have to go through hell to get there. I am planning a sequel called "A Mother's Love" and I hope I'll have readers for that too. Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed! I am overjoyed at the response to the last chapter! One last time, please leave a review so I know how you liked this chapter and this story. It has been a pleasure to write this legacy of love for you all to read.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the characters I create. All others belong to AS-P.
Chapter 26: Epilogue: Chapter 26: Epilogue: Pomp and Circumstances
Winter had run it's course and spring came, along with the promise of changes. The birds were back, singing for the attentions of prospective mates. Flowers were exploding with vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrance. Stars Hollow had put on its usual spring festivities, with nary an unfound Easter egg to rot in the square, causing a foul aroma. Yes, life was back to normal after the much talked about wedding of the century.
Lorelai walked briskly across the square toward the diner one warm sunny day in May. She was a woman on a mission as she trotted across the street, her heels clicking audibly on the asphalt. The bells on the door chimed as Lorelai breezed in, heading straight for the counter. She dropped her purse on the counter and sat at her favorite stool, waiting for her hot hubby to attend to her needs.
Luke could sense her presence even before she spoke, as her favorite perfume wafted to his nose. He smiled and turned from pouring coffee to put a steaming cup in front of her.
Lorelai gasped, "How'd you know it was me?"
"Not too difficult," Luke replied. "I know you too well, and I have a sixth sense about these things."
"Do you see dead people too," Lorelai giggled, as she leaned over the counter to kiss her Burger Boy.
"Only if I use the wrong kind of mushrooms in my spaghetti sauce," He chuckled, reaching over to pull her in close. He kissed her sweetly on the lips. "What'll you have, Mrs. Danes?"
"I'll have a cheeseburger with extra pickles on the side, some of those seasoned fries, a piece of apple pie with chocolate ice cream and sprinkles, and a side of hot Burger Boy," she rattled off with a saucy smile.
"Your food combinations astound me," Luke said, as he made a disgusted face. "I'm out of apple."
"Okay, I'll take that last piece of pecan," Lorelai said, as she took another sip of her coffee.
"With chocolate ice cream," Luke asked horrified.
"And sprinkles," Lorelai reminded him. "And chocolate syrup and gummy bears. What?"
"I'll be back with your order after I throw up," Luke grumbled. "Just don't expect me to watch you eat that repulsive concoction."
"Hey, I've had a long day, preparing for Rory's graduation," Lorelai said. "I need to keep my strength up."
"I still can't believe that your mother hired a film crew to film the ceremony," Luke said, rolling his eyes.
"What? She did the same thing when I graduated from Hartford Community College," Lorelai said, without batting an eyelash. "It's the Gilmore way, see cause having a professional film crew in your face, making a documentary of such a momentous moment in life, is not embarrassing or humiliating in any way." She smiled. "Actually I asked her to. The fact that Rory is able to attend her graduation, that she missed a year ago, is worth documenting for posterity. Besides we can't get enough tickets for the whole town to attend."
"I knew there was an ulterior motive," Luke said smiling. "Let me guess… they're going to show it on a huge screen in the square for all to see."
"Yeah well, I kind of got shanghaied into that one," Lorelai said, frowning. "Taylor wouldn't sign my permit to repave the road to the Dragonfly unless I let them show Rory's graduation during Movie In The Square Night."
"Remind me to kill him later," Luke grumbled, setting Lorelai's food down in front of her.
"Ooh! Can I watch," Lorelai said, with a mouthful of food. "Cause I can think of at least twenty-five ways to torture him mercilessly until he begs for his mommy."
"Don't talk with your mouth full. You're spitting food out onto my counter," Luke groaned. "And why didn't you threaten him with a few of those torture methods when he refused to sign your permit?"
"Because I'm a lady, Luke," Lorelai said sweetly. "And besides, I couldn't turn the town down. They were so supportive of Rory and me."
"This past year has really turned you into a sap Lorelai," Luke said with a smile.
"Look who's talking," Lorelai gasped. "You bawled at our wedding!"
Luke leaned over the counter and whispered, "Tonight I'll show you just how sappy I can be."
"You mean you're gonna watch The Notebook with me," Lorelai inquired with a wide smile. When Luke rolled his eyes, she laughed. "All talk and no action, Mr. Sappy Luke."
"Oh I'll show you some action," Luke said, with an evil grin. "I'll definitely show you some action."
"Have I told you how much I love Hot Sexy Luke," Lorelai asked, in a sultry voice. "Kiss me Burger Boy and get back to work. We're drawing stares."
Their lips met in a sweet, yet passionate kiss filled with the joy of springtime and newly wedded bliss. When they pulled back, Luke noticed the stares of the other diner patrons. "Stop staring, you freaks," he growled as Lorelai burst out laughing.
Springtime also brought out the best in young lovers as well. Rory had been spending more time with Logan at his place, all in an effort to be more independent. It also gave Logan the opportunity to help her when she needed it, to be the one she leaned on. He didn't push her but he wanted to take their relationship to the next level, one he hadn't reached since before the accident. He wanted to wait until Rory was ready. Logan sat on the couch with Rory, watching a movie.
"Hey Ace," Logan inquired, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I was thinking…"
"Hence the smell of wood burning," Rory chuckled.
"No that's actually the fireplace," Logan said, smirking. "Either that or you're about to have a seizure."
"Nope, I'm good," Rory said, smiling. "So you were thinking?"
"Uh… yeah…um… I was wondering," Logan stammered.
"Spit it out Huntzberger, before you lose your journalistic cred," Rory said, giving him a slap on his thigh.
"I was wondering… do you have feeling throughout your body now," Logan asked with some trepidation.
"Um… pretty much," Rory replied. "I mean it's not perfect. I still have some nerve tingling, which the doctor says is normal, and some weakness but yeah, I can feel everything and move pretty well now."
"Do… do you get aroused like you used to," Logan asked. "I mean, are you able to function sexually?"
Rory was quiet for a moment. "I asked the doctor about that and he said that there's no reason why I couldn't have a normal sex life and even have kids one day. I guess I was afraid to bring it up with you because of how I look now. Having no legs below the mid thigh can be a turn off. I didn't think you'd find me attractive anymore."
Logan pulled her in closer and wrapped his arms around her. He could feel Rory trembling with uncertainty and he wanted to ease her fears. "You really think I don't find you attractive anymore," he questioned softly, while pressing his lips to her head in a tender kiss.
"Logan, if you hadn't noticed, I haven't felt very attractive in a long time," She said, a flush coming to her cheeks.
"So you don't have lower legs," Logan said. "It's not like I was into toe sucking anyway." When Rory chuckled he continued. "I have never stopped finding you attractive Ace. You are still the most beautiful woman I've ever known. You've been through hell this past year and you haven't given up. Your strength and determination are what I find so attractive. Your spunk is what drew me to you in the first place, when you practically coerced me into giving you the inside scoop on the Life and Death Brigade. You've got guts Gilmore! You challenged me to see beyond the physical to find real beauty. You made me fall in love with you, from the moment I looked into your gorgeous blue eyes. I've been around the world, and had my share of beautiful women, but no one has touched me the way you have."
Rory rested her head in the crook of Logan's arm, listening to him profess his undying love for her, as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Rory Gilmore, you are still the same beautiful woman I fell in love with. So there have been a few changes in the packaging: as long as I can keep gazing into those eyes, and see that smile, it doesn't matter."
"Wow," Rory breathed. "Well done. It's nice to know you haven't lost your ability to charm the ladies," she said, smiling through her tears.
"The only lady I'm interested in charming is you Ace," Logan said. "Hold on. I'll be right back," he said, getting up off the couch and bolting for the bedroom.
"You know Logan, even I can hold my bladder longer than that," she called out, giggling at his retreating form.
"You're still funny Ace," Logan chuckled as he returned. "And I wasn't answering the call of nature," he said sheepishly. He sat down next to her, hiding something in his shirt pocket. He took her hand in his and became serious. He took a couple of deep breaths, trying to steel his nerves. "Rory Gilmore, you are more than beautiful. You are an inspiration, my inspiration. I have never stopped loving you, even when you were in a coma. I don't care what my parents think. They couldn't possibly understand what real love is. I don't give a crap about any inheritance: money doesn't matter that much to me anymore. What matters, is you."
Logan pulled a small box from his pocket, causing Rory to gasp. "I wanted to do this last year," he said softly. "I had it all planned out and then you were in the car accident. I wasn't sure if you were going to make it," he said, getting misty. "After everything that's happened, we're still together, through sickness and in health. I love you Ace. Will you marry me?"
"I… uh… I mean," Rory stammered, trying to remain calm as Logan opened the box, revealing a beautiful diamond engagement ring.
"Now I know you Gilmore women tend to spook easily when it comes to marriage," Logan began, "but I promise you Rory, I'm here for the long haul. I know you want to get your career going…"
"I do but…" she began.
"And I know this is all so sudden…" Logan continued.
"It is but…" Rory continued.
"We can make the engagement as long as you want, to give you time to get your career going. I just want you to…"
"Logan! Would you shut up," Rory said, choking back a sob. "Yes! I will marry you!"
Logan slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her into a crushing embrace, kissing her passionately. He entwined his fingers in her now collar length hair as his mouth searched hers. He could feel the heat building between them, as they panted between kisses. Logan kissed the salty tears from Rory's cheeks, as he held her face in his hands. He reveled in the soft lips that mingled with his own. Rory pulled back and gazed into his eyes, her own eyes darkened with desire.
"Logan," she whispered hoarsely, "I want you to make love to me. I want to feel whole again."
He answered by sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her to the bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed and climbed in next to her. Logan took his time, pressing kisses along the length of Rory's body as she writhed beneath him. He undressed her as if he were unwrapping a delicate gift, with loving tenderness. He could feel her tense as he kissed the valley between her breasts. He took no notice of the scars on her body, remnants of the accident that nearly took her life.
Rory felt her passion ignite, like a fire rekindled from a tiny ember that remained from her old life. She was self conscious about her scars, yet Logan seemed to take an interest in kissing them with a reverence born of understanding. As he made his way down her body, lavishing her with tender caresses and gentle kisses, she could feel her passion growing. He lovingly stroked down her thighs, kissing the imaginary lines his fingertips made. Rory flinched slightly when he reached the ends of her stumps. He kissed and caressed the now healed skin, causing her to fight back her emotions. She moaned and her whole body melted, as she gave in to the emotions with wracking sobs.
"I love you Rory," Logan said softly, as he continued his gentle ministrations. "Scars and all. You are so beautiful. There is nothing I want more right now than to make love to you until the tears stop."
Logan quickly undressed and made love to his fiancé as if it was the first time. Rory was surprised that she had so much feeling in her body now. She felt every sensation as Logan filled her. She broke apart with such force that afterward, all she could do was lay there trembling in Logan's embrace. For the first time since the accident, she felt whole. She fell asleep with her cheek resting on Logan's chest, his arms wrapped around her.
Emily and Richard Gilmore threw Rory the graduation party she never got to have the year before. It was during the festivities that Rory and Logan announced their engagement. Mitchum and Shira Huntzberger stood with open mouths, stunned at the news that their son, the heir of the Huntzberger newspaper magnate, was going to marry the girl they hadn't approved of. Emily and Richard smiled smugly at the couple who had trashed their granddaughter's reputation as not being good enough for them. They could see the happiness reflected in both Rory and Logan's eyes, and knew that this was what Rory wanted. Lorelai hugged the newly engaged couple and welcomed Logan to her crazy family.
The next day the Gilmores and the Danes' attended Rory's graduation ceremony from Yale. Since Rory was in a coma during her own ceremony, she was invited to receive her diploma with the following year's class, as well as be a guest speaker. She had even managed to wrangle an extra ticket for Logan. As her name was announced, all eyes were focused on the young woman who walked across the stage, with her walker decorated in the school colors courtesy of her mother. Rory walked steadily on her prosthetic legs, using the walker for support. One day she hoped to rid herself of the walker as her balance improved. She stood in front of the mic and cleared her throat in preparation of the short speech she was about to deliver.
"Ladies and gentlemen, faculty and class of 2008," Rory began, reading the words she'd typed so diligently. ""I feel so honored to be here speaking to you today. A year ago, my life was hanging in the balance, the unfortunate outcome of a car accident I incurred. I was such the diligent student, that in studying for my last finals, I forgot to include one all important component… sleep. I realize that many of you have done that as well, but in my case, the consequences were devastating. I was driving home when I fell asleep at the wheel, sustaining severe injuries in a self imposed wreck."
Lorelai cringed as she remembered that horrible day. She took Luke's hand and listened.
"I stand before you today thanks to the love and support of my family and friends. One thing I've learned is that an education comes in many forms. I once thought keeping up with my studies at school was a challenge, but it's nothing compared to the challenge of having to relearn everything you once took for granted. I had to learn how to move my body, do the simplest of tasks, eat, and drink, even how to dress myself. I had to learn how to communicate, something I definitely took for granted, and eventually speak."
Lorelai could feel Luke squeezing her hand as she blinked back tears.
"I was determined to regain the use of my body and I did, thanks to hard work. I want to reiterate that education comes in many forms. There are lessons learned from books and lessons learned from life. I want to say to the class of 2008 that hard work and determination are only part of achieving your goals in life. Never undermine the little lessons in life, or the people that support you on your path in life, for sometimes these are the most important lessons. I wish you all the success you deserve and the strength to never lose sight of your goals, no matter how far out of reach they seem. As I receive my long overdue diploma, I want to thank my family, especially my mother and stepfather, my father, my grandparents, my fiancé and my extended family; my friends and the people of Stars Hollow, for never giving up on me. Their boundless love and strength has been my pillar of hope and support. Words cannot express my love and gratitude to them, as they helped me find my voice again. They are my greatest inspiration. Thank you and congratulations to the class of 2008."
Emily clasped Lorelai's other hand and the two women exchanged tearful glances.
"Your daughter is a testament of what faith, hope, and love can accomplish. I am so proud of both of you," Emily said through her tears.
"That's my baby," Lorelai choked out, wiping her eyes. "I'm her biggest fan."
"And I'm yours Lorelai," Emily said smiling, as she gave her daughter a peck on the cheek.
"Okay you two, enough with the crying," Luke said hoarsely as he wiped his eyes.
"Ooh, we're making my sappy hubby all weepy," Lorelai cooed, giving Luke a pat on his hand.
"I am not weepy," Luke retorted with a frown. "I've just been exposed to way too much estrogen lately."
"Give it up son," Richard said, leaning forward of his wife. "No man can win a battle with the weepy Gilmore women. They use those tears as a weapon because they know the effect it has on us men."
"So true," Logan said. "Here I am telling Rory that she will always be beautiful to me, and she turns on the waterworks, and the next thing I know I'm asking her to marry me!"
"Seriously? Cause I heard it differently," Lorelai said smiling. "I heard someone else got verklempt first, before he popped the question."
"I plead the fifth amendment," Logan said with a smirk. "I will neither confirm or deny such an allegation."
"Welcome to the club," Luke said grinning. Emily and Lorelai burst out laughing at the look on Logan's face, as the men just shook their heads and smiled.
After the graduation ceremony was over, Rory walked over to where her family had gathered. The film crew was doing interviews with each family member. A soundman held a boom mic over their heads as the cameraman filmed and asked questions. Rory flushed with embarrassment, as a number of attendees stared and whispered at the documentary in progress.
"Is this a private party or can anyone join," Rory announced, as she pushed her walker toward the group.
"There's the honored graduate," Lorelai said with glee. "Hey hon," she said, giving Rory a kiss on the cheek.
"Please tell me that this isn't going to be viewed by the entire town," Rory said smiling shyly.
"Yes it is," Lorelai said, with mock seriousness. "Rory Gilmore… this is your life!"
"Why am I not surprised," Rory mused as she shook her head.
The official Rory Gilmore Yale Graduation video was shown in the square to tears, laughter and applause from everyone. Rory herself tried to hide during the viewing from embarrassment but as the guest of honor, Taylor required her presence. He even proclaimed it Rory Gilmore Day in Stars Hollow and made everyone wear buttons, sponsored by Doose' Market of course. There was a parade and Miss Patty's little dancers pranced around dressed as diplomas. It was quite surreal.
Life went on as usual. Rory continued to strengthen herself and improved her walking. She began to apply for work as a journalist and eventually landed a job at the Hartford Courant. She and Logan decided to marry in Stars Hollow, where they both felt accepted. There was no extravagance, although the Huntzbergers tried to make the wedding one of the year's most talked about events. Logan firmly maintained his and Rory's position on having a simple wedding and it was both simple and beautiful. The most beautiful moment of all was when Rory walked up the aisle on her father's arm with no walker. The tears flowed freely that day, yet the laughter balanced it out perfectly.
Lorelai stood in her kitchen one day, reading the directions on the soup can on how to make the cheesy chicken and rice casserole. She could follow directions right? How hard could it be? She wanted to make a special dinner for Luke, to show him how much she loved him, without killing him or poisoning him. This looked simple enough to make. She had been feeling out of sorts lately and wanted to make up for being so cranky.
She added extra milk to the cream of chicken soup because it looked too thick and stirred it until it was no longer lumpy. She added all the ingredients together in a casserole dish and put it in the oven to bake. Having decided that Luke wouldn't normally eat her cooking, she made a salad for him as well. She'd seen him chop and dice enough to figure out how to do it herself. She just never had the desire to before. Today she wanted to impress him with her effort, if not her culinary skills.
Lorelai set the table and lit candles in preparation of her well thought out meal. Luke came home and found her in the kitchen pulling the casserole dish out of the oven. It was very Donna Reed without the pearls. He thought he smelled food cooking but wasn't sure.
"Did Sookie drop by with a casserole for you to heat up," he inquired, giving her a smile and a peck on the cheek.
"No," Lorelai said pouting. "I made it myself."
"You cooked? And didn't set off the smoke detectors," Luke marveled.
"Yeah I cooked! I'm not an idiot! I can follow directions on a freakin' soup can," Lorelai said getting irritated.
"Whoa! Back off Cujo! I was just joking," Luke said defensively. "I don't want to continue this morning's fight."
"You know, just because I've never shown an interest in cooking before doesn't mean I couldn't possibly figure it out," Lorelai snapped. "I did manage to keep my kid alive for many years before you came along!"
"Jeez Lorelai, what the hell is wrong with you," Luke barked. "I just walked in the door and you're biting my head off!"
Lorelai sat down at the table and put her head in her hands. Now she wasn't feeling well at all. She had a headache and her special meal was ruined. Luke looked around at the table she had set and the candles. He saw the salad sitting on the counter and a basket of sliced bread waiting to be served. She really was trying to make a nice meal for him. He took a couple of deep breaths, letting the anger subside, and brought the casserole to the table.
"Look, I'm sorry," he said softly as he sat down. "I didn't mean to be such an ass about your cooking Lorelai."
"I can take the ribbing. Hell, I've mocked my own cooking skills too many times to count," Lorelai said, without looking up. "But jeez Luke, sometimes it hurts, like when I try so hard to make a nice meal and you mock it. I put a lot of effort into this, without Sookie's help I might add."
"I know and I'm sorry," Luke said contritely. "You even made a salad."
Lorelai looked up from her hands and smiled a little. "I wanted to have something else as a backup, that I knew you would actually eat."
"Good thinking," Luke said with a sheepish grin. "It just so happens that I'm starving and I can't wait to dig into this meal, so lovingly prepared for me by my wife." He kissed her tenderly on the lips.
"Nice save mister," Lorelai said smiling.
Luke served the salad, making sure to put a heaping bowl in front of Lorelai. She squinted her eyes and frowned at him, but he smiled sweetly and continued to serve himself. He took the serving spoon and dug it into the casserole, trying not to laugh at the soupy consistency.
"Damn it! I can't even follow directions without screwing it up," Lorelai wailed as she got up and ran into the living room in tears.
"Wait! Lorelai! It's fine," Luke called out as he got up to follow her.
"It's not fine," Lorelai sobbed. "I wanted everything to be so perfect, and now all I did was prove, once and for all, that I'm a menace in the kitchen!"
"Lorelai no, don't say that," Luke said as he took her in his arms. "I don't care how the meal turned out, the fact that you put so much effort into it made it special."
"I wanted to do something nice for you for once," Lorelai sobbed, as Luke stroked her hair.
"Sounds like someone's had a bad day today," Luke soothed, kissing Lorelai on the head. "And you do nice things for me all the time. Now we know that cooking isn't your forte," he chuckled.
"Don't laugh," Lorelai said sniffling.
"Is this one of those monthly women things, cause you're acting weird," Luke said cautiously.
"It's not PMS and I'm not crazy," Lorelai said, her lower lip trembling. "I'm pregnant."
"You're… we're having a baby," Luke asked blinking. Lorelai nodded as tears rolled down her cheeks. "We're having a baby!"