--

A/N: Hope you enjoy the chapter and thank you for all the reviews, I am so glad you all liked the last chapter. We were worried that you wouldn't like how Rory's coworkers found out.

--

Logan was woken up Tuesday morning by his alarm beeping. Glancing at the clock, he saw the bright red numbers read 6:45. Quickly, he reached over to turn it off, hoping it wouldn't wake Rory. After waiting a moment to make sure the alarm hadn't woken her, he checked her over as she slept. Thinking about his day, he immediately found his phone and walked out into the hallway.

After three rings, someone finally answered the call, "Cassandra?...Sorry, I know it's early…Well actually, I need you to clear my schedule for the day. I can take any urgent calls on my cell, but only urgent ones…Rory's sick, she was rushed to the hospital yesterday afternoon …She'll be fine, I just want to stay with her…Could you also call the Observer and let them know she won't be in today…Anything? That's quite an offer Candi…Thank you…Bye," Logan said laughing, before hanging up.

--

Logan woke up again to find Rory still sound asleep next to him. Looking her over, yet again, he made sure she was okay. After a few minutes, he decided she was fine and got out of bed, seeing it was now just after 8:00. He pulled on a shirt and pair of athletic pants and went down the hall to the kitchen where he immediately flipped on the coffee maker. Next, he walked to the door and picked up the newspapers before sitting down at the table.

Five minutes later, he was out of his seat, going to get his morning cup of coffee. After he poured his cup, he looked at the pot and remembered that Rory couldn't have any so there was no reason to have made so much.

As if on cue, Lorelai made her appearance looking tired. Walking into the kitchen, she opened a cupboard, took out one of Rory's mugs and poured herself a cup. Watching her, Logan remembered that they had a house guest and realized that none of the coffee would go to waste. He saw Lorelai put two poptarts in the toaster and lean against the counter sipping her coffee. She refilled her coffee just in time to grab the poptarts as they popped up and walked to sit at the table with Logan.

When she sat, she noticed the smirk on his face and asked, "What?"

Logan shook his head, "It's scary how much alike you two are."

"Huh?" Lorelai asked confused.

Logan just gestured for her to have more coffee. After Lorelai took a few more sips, he figured it was enough to make her coherent and explained, "Your morning routines are almost identical."

Lorelai smiled and gave him a nod, "Where do you think she learned it?"

"Hadn't really thought about it," Logan replied. And in truth, he hadn't, he never really watched Lorelai that closely in the morning. Usually, he was too busy talking with Rory about the paper.

Lorelai took another sip of coffee and then asked, "So why are you home?"

"Rory's sick," Logan said simply.

"I know, but I just figured you'd have to go to work."

"No, I called my secretary this morning and had her clear my schedule. I also asked her to call the Observer and let them know Rory won't be in either."

"Earlier? I thought you just woke up?"

"My alarm went off at 6:45. So I woke up, called Candi, then went back to sleep."

"Candi?" Lorelai asked, unsure who that was.

"Cassandra," Logan explained.

"Okay, who's Cassandra?"

"My secretary," Logan said as if she should have known.

"And you call her Candi because she has fake boobs and negative IQ?"

Logan laughed, "No, quite the opposite actually."

"So she had a breast reduction and is the next Einstein."

"What?" Logan asked confused.

"That's the opposite," Lorelai justified.

"Maybe, but not what I meant."

"Okay then, explain," Lorelai ordered.

"Why do you need to know this?"

"Because you are talking about some girl named Candi, and I'm bored, entertain me!"

"Cassandra is the secretary I hired for myself when I took the job in New York."

"And she's a young leggy blond?" Lorelai guessed.

"No, she a brunette in her late 30s, slightly shorter than Ace, who has been married for 12 years and has two kids."

"Really?" Lorelai asked skeptically, "Then, why do you call her Candi?"

"A few days after she started, I overheard a few of the women from the office cornering her in the break room. They were accusing her of trying to keep me all to herself, asked her how I was in bed, a bunch of not so nice things."

"Okay," Lorelai said not sure where this was going.

"So I called her in my office a while later and asked her about it. At first, she tried to deny it, but we ended up talking. That's when she told me about her husband and her kids, I told her about Rory…we broke the ice, if you will."

"Still not seeing the Candi reference."

"Well after we talked, she was less intimidated by me, and we got back on the subject of what the women had said to her. She started ranting about the other employees and 'how could they think that about her?' And, it wasn't like she said to call her Candi or some other ridiculous name. Ever since her self inflicted reference, it's become sort of an inside joke between us."

"And Rory's okay with this?"

"She didn't hear the story until after she had met Cassandra, which I'm sure helped, but yes, she finds it entertaining and thinks Cassandra is a 'such a sweetheart.'"

"Fair enough, now how's my baby doing?" Lorelai asked dramatically.

"Good. I think she'll sleep for a while longer, she needs it."

Lorelai nodded. As she did, a buzzing could be heard. Searching for the noise, Logan found Rory's cell vibrating behind one of the couch pillows. Looking at the caller ID, he saw Bri's name flashing on the screen.

"Hello," he greeted.

"Logan?"

"Hi Bri."

"Is Rory going to work today?"

"No," he replied, knowing it wasn't the answer she wanted to hear.

"They're going to grill me!" Bri whined.

Logan laughed at her response. "So take a sick day," he teased, then added, "I promise you won't get fired."

Bri sighed, "I can't."

"Why not?"

"I already asked for Friday off. Besides, I'm supposed to be doing a photo spread of city spirit for the Mets first playoff game, and the other photographer is busy."

"That's not in the office."

"But…"

"Just call and say you need to take the morning off, but you'll still cover the event. They can't complain too much about that."

"Are you sure?" Bri asked skeptically.

"It's fine. If there are any problems, let me know, and I'll smooth it out."

"Thanks Logan."

"No problem, it's half my fault anyways," he admitted sarcastically.

"Bye," Bri concluded.

"Bye Bri," Logan replied. As he hung up, he saw Lorelai getting off of her phone as well, so he asked, "Everything okay?"

"Just trying to find someone to take my afternoon meeting."

"You can go if you need to."

"Rory's sick."

"I can take care of her," Logan promised.

"But I'm…" Lorelai started.

"Let me take care of her," he pushed.

Lorelai sighed. As much as she wanted to stay, Sookie couldn't make the meeting, and she needed to get used to Logan doing this. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, it was that she was still Rory's mom. She spent so much of her life making sure that Rory was okay that it was hard to hand over the job. Lorelai looked once more at Logan before finally nodding, "My meeting's at 1:30, but I'll only go if you're sure you don't need any help."

"I'll be fine, I swear."

"Okay, but I'm staying until she's awake," Lorelai bargained before sitting back down.

Logan knew she wouldn't leave any sooner so just asked, "Coffee?" Lorelai grinned and held out her mug.

After sitting in silence for a few minutes, Lorelai let out a sigh and said, "I know you can take care of her Logan, I watched you yesterday."

"Thanks, I was really bad the first time it happened," he admitted.

"What?"

"It was while you two were fighting."

"Probably why I haven't heard the story. What happened?"

"I had only been back from Europe for a few weeks, when I called Rory. When someone said hello, I asked why some guy was answering my girlfriend's phone."

"She had a guy over?" Lorelai asked confused, that didn't sound like Rory.

"No, she had lost her voice. It was so scratchy and hoarse that she just sounded like a guy."

"Oh man, this is good! How much trouble did you get in?" Lorelai asked, truly entertained by his tale.

"More than you can imagine. She started yelling at me on the phone, and then I started to feel bad because I could hear her voice getting worse."

"So what happened?"

"I hung up and headed over there."

"Okay well, that's not so bad."

"So I walked up to the pool house and knocked, she didn't answer so I opened the door to let us in."

"Us?"

"Finn and Colin had been with me when I called her."

"So I called for her, and she poked out of the bathroom, hair in a messy pony tail."

"She yelled at you more didn't she?"

"Well, at first she started about how I can't see her like this, that I had to leave. Then, she saw Finn and Colin and started yelling ever more. Not only about how she would not come out until they left, but how she was still contagious."

"What'd she have?"

"Strep throat."

"So what happened?"

"I made them leave and finally coaxed her out of the bathroom. Then, I made her some chicken for dinner."

"Chicken?"

"Yeah, she laughed at me and asked for soup and mashed potatoes."

"That's Rory for you."

"Well then, I looked up what to do for strep throat on the internet, and it recommended hot tea to soothe the throat."

"You actually tried to serve tea?"

"Tried being the key word, I even went to the house to get some. She laughed even more and poured coffee and told me it was the Gilmore equivalent."

"I'm so proud," Lorelai gushed, in an overly exaggerated tone.

"Well, I got better from there. I already knew how to pick movies and could sit on the couch like a champ," Logan joked.

"So you really have come a long way?" Lorelai asked, seeing the point in his story.

Logan nodded and refilled both of their coffees.

--

The morning at the New York Observer was not as peaceful as Logan's had been. Mike walked in to find most of the staff gossiping.

"I can't believe he kissed her!"

"And why was he calling her Ace…I mean really what is her name: Ella, Rory, Ace, what?"

"I wonder what he gave the paper to get her hired."

"And Bri knew, maybe she got her job because of Huntzberger too."

Before Mike could get too caught up in the conversation, he was approached by his secretary, "Sir, I have some messages. The first was a call from Mr. Huntzberger's secretary, who was calling to let you know that Rory Gilmore would not be in today. The second was from Brianna Carter saying that she can't make it in this morning, but will still take photos at the Mets game."

Nodding his head, Mike walked into his office without a word and sat down to think over his options. He knew he would have to inform Charles that Ella lied about her identity when she applied for the job, which was grounds for removal. But, how could he fire the future Mrs. Huntzberger? Shaking his head, he went over some of his daily paperwork before making his way down a few floors to Mr. Holmes's office. After talking to Charles's secretary, he was soon led to his office.

"Good morning Mike," Charles greeted.

"Good morning sir," he replied

"How are the stories for Sunday's issue coming?" Charles asked.

"Good, already had a few interviews and the rest are coming along well," Mike automatically replied, trying to calm his nerves.

"Any big stories this week?"

"Nothing too big, but they should still attract readers," Mike answered, not wanting his boss to question the quality of his work.

"Always good to hear," Charles offered.

"How is the staff?" he continued when Mike didn't speak for a minute.

"Good, all good," Mike said vaguely, knowing this was what he was here to discuss.

"Problems with other editors?" Charles asked, trying to figure out what Mike needed.

"No, at least, not as far as I know."

"So, what brings you here?" Charles asked, noticing how awkwardly the conversation was progressing, and deciding to get to the point.

Mike opened his mouth a few times, not sure how he wanted to say this, and decided to stall a bit by saying, "I received some information yesterday, and I felt it necessary to inform you."

"On with it then," Charles instructed, now getting slightly impatient.

Mike stood nervously thinking about what he was about to do. He hoped the fact that he was only trying to follow company policy would keep him from being fired. Although it did kill the prospect of getting a promotion any time soon, he would just have to make up for it later. Taking a deep breath, he let out what he needed to say, "I have reason to believe Ella Danes lied about her identity and should be terminated from employment."

"Really?" Charles asked, trying to hide what he knew.

"Falsifying identification is grounds for removal," Mike quickly added.

"What are you basing this accusation on?" Charles asked, wanting to get a feel for what Mike knew.

"Yesterday, if you remember, Alison came by to tell me Ella fainted…" Mike began.

"Is she okay?" Charles interjected, hoping everything was alright.

"I don't know, she won't be in today."

"Okay, go on," Charles encouraged.

"When I got upstairs, I saw Mr. Huntzberger and Brianna tending to Ella. When I announced that I had her emergency contact information, Mr. Huntzberger said Brianna was calling her family."

Charles nodded, indicating for Mike to continue, "When the ambulance came and asked for her name, he didn't say Ella Danes. And later, we heard him tell the EMTs that she was his fiancé."

"What did he say her name was?" Charles asked.

"Rory Gilmore. We believe her full name is Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, Logan Huntzberger's fiancé."

"Are you sure?" he asked, wanting to get an idea of how much was revealed the day before and how much was speculation.

"There are still things we don't know, but he clearly said that she was his fiancé. Plus, the call this morning to say that she wouldn't be in was from his personal secretary. Regardless, I feel that whether or not she really is Mr. Huntzberger's fiancé, she should be terminated if she falsified her identity."

"Really?" Charles asked surprised.

Mike thought a lot about what he had just said, and as much as he knew it may be career suicide, he refused to compromise company policy. Working up his last bit of courage, he finally responded, "Yes."

"I think we need to talk to the employee in question before any decisions are made. Thank you for informing me, but I will take it from here."

"Sir, I just want to remind you that I had no part in the hiring and should not be held responsible for this error."

"Of course," Charles said, effectively dismissing Mike from his office. Sitting back at his desk, his looked up a phone number and then dialed.

"Hello this is Charles Holmes from the New York Observer, I need to talk to Mr. Huntzberger please…tell him it is urgent…Yes, I can hold."

A few minutes later, a voice came over the line, "Good morning Mitchum…well I was just talking to my City editor and thought I should pass on some information….About Rory…Well, I wasn't sure how sick she was so I called you…Yes, she fainted yesterday and was taken to the hospital by an ambulance…All I know is that Logan went with her…I'm sure he did…Well, it seems her secret is out…Jacobson came by to tell me and then recommend that she should be fired for falsifying information of her application…I didn't confirm or deny any of it, I wasn't sure how she wanted to handle it so I thought it best not to let on that I knew…I will…Goodbye."

--

Rory woke up tired, but feeling much better. She rolled over in bed, only to notice Logan was already gone. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was a little disappointed that he was already up and out of the apartment. Sitting up, she stretched her body and looked at the clock. 9:30. She hadn't planned on sleeping in, she wanted to get to work, but had to admit the extra sleep was probably needed. Finally deciding to get up, she pulled on some lounge pants and walked down the hall. When she entered the kitchen, she saw her mom talking and sipping coffee. At first, she thought her mom had finally lost it, but then heard Logan reply. Smiling, she walked into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"You're home," she exclaimed.

"You're sick," Logan answered. He kissed her quickly before smirking and adding, "Where else would I be?"

"I thought you'd be at work," Rory answered as she moved though the kitchen.

"Well, I called Cassandra and asked her to clear my schedule for the day."

As he answered, Rory started pouring herself a cup of coffee, only to see the mug being dumped down the drain in the few seconds she took to put the pot back. "Logan!"

"You can't have coffee! The doctor said water and juice for 48 hours, so you can re-hydrate."

"I'm fine! You didn't need to cancel your meetings Logan; I'll be leaving for work soon anyways."

"Work?" Logan asked astonished.

"Yeah, you know the place I go everyday."

"Rory, you are not going to work today," he said firmly.

"Why not, I slept, I feel fine…I'm not crippled you know!"

"I know, but the doctor said to rest for a day, so you need to relax and stay off your feet."

"I sit at work," she shot back.

"You know what I mean. Besides, you're also supposed to relax…no stress."

"Logan, I can go to work."

"No," he said simply.

"Logan…" she whined.

"I'll fire you if you go into work today."

"You wouldn't!" she practically shouted.

"Wanna try me?" he challenged.

"Why does it matter that much?"

"In case you forgot Rory, you spent almost 10 minutes unconscious yesterday, you fainted!"

"I know what happened! Would you really fire me?"

"I would if it meant not seeing you like that again."

"Logan, I'm fine."

"I can see that you're fine, I want to keep you that way."

"By locking me up?" Rory challenged.

"Just humor me, and follow the doctor's orders for today. Stay home, drink water, take your iron…go to work tomorrow."

"Logan…."

"I already called you in sick. And no one would expect you to come in today after what happened yesterday."

Rory nodded, "Fine, but you don't need to stay with me."

"Well, you're mom is leaving soon, and I don't want you by yourself, you would sneak off to work."

"I wouldn't, I promise," Rory said seriously.

"Fine, but you'd sneak coffee," Logan shot back.

"Guilty!" Rory said happily.

"Exactly, but if it makes you feel any better, I told Cassandra to forward any important calls to my cell."

"It does," Rory answered and then asked, "are you cooking?"

"Lorelai was eyeing the stove; I took that to mean she was hungry."

"You didn't ask?"

"Not directly, but she started going on and on about how Luke makes breakfast every morning."

"Ah, so what are we having?"

"French toast."

"How ethnic of you," Rory teased.

"That's what she said, but you do know that it isn't actually French food right?"

"It has the word French in it. If it's not French, then that's false advertising…I could sue!" Rory shot back.

"You're too much like you're mother," Logan mumbled. This caused Rory to smile, wander to the table, and start talking with her mother.

"You conned Logan into making French toast Mom?"

"What can I say, I'm gifted," Lorelai said with a proud smile.

"So how long are you staying for?" Rory asked. It really was nice to have an unexpected visit from her mom.

"Only a few more hours," Lorelai answered.

"Oh," Rory let out. She honestly had to say she was surprised her mom was leaving so soon.

"I wanted to stay longer, but I have a meeting at the inn, and I couldn't find anyone else to take it. But, Logan promised he would take good care of you," Lorelai offered.

"He threw out my coffee," Rory tattled.

"He did not!" Lorelai gasped.

"He did," Rory affirmed.

"Are you going to punish him?" Lorelai asked with a knowing look in her eye.

"Maybe," Rory said with a smirk of her own.

Laughing at her daughter's bolder side, Lorelai shook her head, "I'm sorry, I can't let you do that."

"Why not? He threatened my coffee," Rory reminded her.

"It's for your own good. Rory, he was so scared when I talked to him, and I was too. You really should do what the doctor told you, it would make us both feel better."

Feeling bad about worrying them, Rory went for a change of subject, asking, "Ready for Saturday?"

"Saturday?"

"Yeah, The Great Wedding War: Part II," Rory supplied, happy her mother was so easily distracted.

"Ah, shopping with evil. No, I don't think one can fully prepare for that."

"It won't be that bad," Rory offered.

"Liar!" Lorelai exclaimed as Logan called out that breakfast was done. The two girls walked into the kitchen to get their French toast, Rory frowning when Logan insisted on giving her a half a grapefruit as well. Once they finished, Lorelai and Rory talked a while longer before Lorelai had to leave.

After Lorelai left, Logan and Rory settled on the couch to watch a movie. Not long after the opening credits started, Logan's cell phone rang. Getting up to not disturb Rory, he walked to the study to take the call.

"Huntzberger," he greeted, without looking at the ID.

"Logan," his father's voice boomed over the phone.

"Dad, what can I do for you?"

"I got a call from one of my employees today that was quite interesting," Mitchum started.

"Yeah," Logan replied, "about what?"

"Care to tell me why I found out from one of my employees that my future daughter-in-law was rushed to the hospital!" Mitchum demanded. Ever since the call from Charles, he had been bothered by the fact that Logan didn't feel the need to call and tell him.

"Sorry, I forgot to call," Logan replied.

"Well, is she okay?" Mitchum asked.

"What?"

"Rory, is she okay?"

"She's doing better. With some rest, she'll be good as new."

"I heard she was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. What was wrong with her?"

"She has food poisoning. That, along with stress and fatigue, was too much for her body to handle so she passed out," Logan answered, refusing to use the words period or menstruation while talking to his father.

"She passed out! How long was she out for?"

"About 10 minutes. The doctor said it was a combination of things making her unable to fight off the dizziness. But since it's never happened before, she should be fine after some rest."

"You should get a second opinion. I can call Dr. Mendleson for an appointment," Mitchum offered.

"Who?" Logan asked confused.

"Dr. Mendleson, he's one of the best internists in New York," Mitchum replied.

"For now, she's fine. But, I'll keep that in mind."

"At least call and have her go in for a routine check up. We don't want her to pass out again."

"I'll try to get her to go for an appointment Dad and thanks."

"And Logan…"

"Yeah, Dad."

"It was Charles Holmes who called me," Mitchum stated shortly.

"From the Observer?" Logan asked.

"Yes, apparently a Mike Jacobson went to see him this morning."

"What did he want?" Logan asked, fearing the worst.

"Well, it seems that Jacobson had reason to believe that Rory or 'Ella' falsified her application and should be fired."

"What?" Logan exclaimed.

"And apparently, he found out that her real name is Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, making her your fiancé."

"Why'd Holmes call you?" Logan asked confused.

"He wasn't sure how Rory was doing and didn't want to bother you with this," Mitchum said honestly.

"Anything else?" Logan asked, trying to figure out how he would tell Rory what happened.

"If Rory's feeling up to it, I was hoping we could have dinner while I'm in New York this week," Mitchum suggested.

"Why?" Logan asked, it wasn't often his father asked to have dinner.

"You didn't call anyone in the family, and your fiancé was rushed to the hospital," Mitchum reminded him, switching topics.

"Finn called Honor," Logan defended.

"But not me," Mitchum pointed out

"I wasn't thinking very clearly. The only person I was coherent enough to call was Lorelai," Logan offered, not wanting to cause a fight.

"You didn't even think to call me when Finn mentioned he told Honor?"

"No," Logan replied honestly.

"Why not?" Mitchum demanded.

"I wasn't even really registering what Finn was telling me. I mean, Finn took care of telling everyone. He knew to call Honor without me asking."

"Because…" Mitchum lead.

"I always call Honor when something big happens, it's natural. She was the one looking out for me my entire life."

Thinking about his answer for a moment, Mitchum finally asked, "Do you think that will ever change?"

"What will change?"

"Do you think you would ever call me when something big happens?"

"I guess eventually," Logan replied, even thought he was unsure of the answer himself.

"That's why I want to have dinner Logan, I want to make this better, be a family."

"When?" Logan asked, knowing his dad was trying.

"Thursday, if that would work for you and Rory. I'll be in the city for a meeting: It would be easier for me that way."

"I don't see why not, but it depends on how Rory's feeling."

"If Rory's not up to it, I can come one day next week."

"Okay Dad, I'll let you know."

"Tell Rory I hope she's feeling better."

"I will dad, thanks," Logan said truthfully. He still wasn't used to the improved relationship with his father, but since they barely fought anymore, he wasn't going to complain.

Hanging up his phone, he walked back to see Rory lying on the couch still watching the movie. Seeing Logan return, she asked, "Everything okay at work?"

"Yeah, that was my dad actually."

"What did he want?" Rory asked.

"To yell at me for not telling him you were taken to the hospital."

Rory let out a laugh, "Anything else?"

Logan went on to retell the story of Mike going to talk to Holmes. Throughout Logan's entire narration, Rory remained silent. Finally, when he finished, she asked, "So they all know?"

"It sounds like it," Logan said with a nod.

"Well, I guess it was going to come out eventually," Rory said calmly.

"Really?" Logan asked, knowing she was trying to hide her true reaction.

Looking at Logan, she couldn't lie, shaking her head she said, "No."

"It'll be okay Rory," Logan said softly, wanting to comfort her.

"How will it be okay Logan? I haven't worked there that long!"

"You've worked there four months," Logan pointed out.

"Exactly, that isn't that long at all."

"Not long enough for what?"

"For them to know that I belong there!"

"Why wouldn't they think you belong at the paper?"

"You!" she yelled.

"Me?"

"It ruins the whole point of me working under a penname!"

"Which was?" Logan asked. He knew the answer, but knew this was something she needed to get out.

"So they wouldn't think I got the job because of you."

"But they were going to find out eventually," Logan reminded her.

"Yes, but not til later! They weren't supposed to find out until they knew I was good at this. Until they knew I was good enough without you," Rory kept rambling even as she started crying.

"Which we both already knew," Logan offered trying to ease her worry.

"But not them!"

"Why do you care what they think?"

"I work with them everyday Logan."

"I know Ace," Logan said soothingly.

"I want my coworkers to think I belong," Rory confessed.

"Okay, so continue to prove that you know what you're doing. If they see you working, they can't doubt your talent."

"Maybe."

"What else Ace?" Logan pushed.

"I don't want to hear the whispers at work."

"Whispers?" Logan asked confused.

"About you, about us. People who don't know anything about us speculating about our relationship."

"Ignore them," Logan supplied simply.

"I have to work with them. What about when we have to work on an assignment together?" Rory asked, the tears spilling out over her eyes once again.

Logan hugged her, letting her cry and said, "It'll be okay."

"How?" Rory asked, still crying.

"I'll make sure it's okay," Logan promised.

Rory just nodded into his chest, knowing he was right, but was still frustrated by the situation. It wasn't much later that Logan noticed she was asleep.

--

A few hours later, Rory woke up for the second time that day. This time she was on the couch, her head still resting on Logan's chest. She shifted slightly to see Logan awake and watching her.

"Hey," she said quietly.

"Hi, feeling better?"

Rory nodded and sat up. She opened her mouth to say something, but then stopped.

"You need water," Logan exclaimed and went to the kitchen and came back with water.

Rory took a few sips to appease him and then asked, "You're all about the water these days."

"Just want to make sure you're okay. You need to relax and rest," Logan chided.

"Logan, if I sit here doing nothing, I'll be bored out of my mind," Rory whined.

"Fine, what do you want to do?" Logan asked. Seeing the glint on her face, he quickly added, "No work."

Pouting, Rory soon switched gears and climbed onto Logan's lap and gave him a kiss. Silently cursing the bolder side he created in her, he said, "Or that."

"Please," Rory whispered in his ear.

"Rory, the doctor said you needed to rest."

"It's fine Logan," she reassured.

"No, you don't need to be wasting any energy."

"Are you sure it takes much energy?" she asked with a wicked grin.

"Yes!" Logan said firmly, then asked, "who told?"

"Finn offered me his services," Rory said truthfully.

"I'll kill him!"

"Aww, don't kill him," Rory pleaded.

"Fine. So my dad called about something else as well."

"What was that?" Rory asked.

"Wanted to know if we would have dinner with him Thursday night."

"For what?"

"Apparently to spend time together, we're going to be the Cleavers now."

"Logan, he's trying to change things."

"I know, and I appreciate that, but really if he changes too much, I'll get creeped out."

Rory laughed, "Fair enough."

Rory stayed on the couch with Logan watching another movie. Logan eventually got up to find some dinner, and the two talked while he cooked. After dinner, Rory read in bed for a while before falling asleep early, still tired from the day before.

For Logan's part, he looked over some paperwork for the office he had ignored during the day while Rory read and for a while after she had fallen asleep. When he glanced at the clock and saw it was almost midnight, he decided he should get some sleep as well. He stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed, and just like the night before, checked Rory over before letting himself fall asleep.

--

Rory woke up the next morning, and after drinking the glass of juice and eating the bagel Logan gave her, she headed out for work.

Rory walked into the Observer, nervous for the first time since the day she started. She was getting in earlier than usual, hoping to get settled in at her desk before everyone arrived. She stepped off the elevator and saw an Entertainment reporter was already in, as was Alison, the secretary Bri sent to get Mike the day before, who gave her a once over and muttered, "Why would he marry you?"

Ignoring her, and taking a determined breath, Rory kept walking and set her purse down. Sitting in front of her computer, she started going through her email. A little after 9:00, Bri arrived and the two talked briefly, Bri telling her that she was here, but would be downstairs for a while developing the pictures from yesterday before letting Rory return to her work.

She worked for over an hour before deciding she needed coffee and went to fill her mug, happy to finally be out of Logan's sight so she could actually drink it. On her walk back, she heard someone say, "No wonder she got a job fresh out of school." Rory just kept moving back to her desk, but could still hear the conversation.

"Well, you would too if you were sleeping with the boss."

"If it's even true."

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"It just doesn't add up, someone needs to just ask her."

"Sue, you go," someone suggested.

"Why me?"

"You've talked to her the more than anyone else."

"No, Bri has," Sue shot back.

"That doesn't count, just ask."

"Fine," Sue said giving in.

Rory saw Sue approach her desk with some others close behind to listen in. When she got there, she gave an awkward, "Hi."

"Hi," Rory replied skeptically.

"Are you really his fiancé?" Sue asked.

Rory was trying to decide how she was going to explain, when someone else cut in, "Why did you lie about who you were, Lorelai?"

This was followed by more silence. Rory saw more people start to gather around her desk to hear the conversation. She still hadn't answered either question when she heard another voice cut in.

"You can't be embarrassed, he's gorgeous and rich," Alison said snidely. This seemed to spur an onslaught of questions and speculations all wrapped into one.

"Or did you not want us to know you only got the job because of him."

"Are you even really his fiancé?"

"Maybe you're just sleeping you're way to the top."

"Yeah, didn't you have a boyfriend with some M name?"

"Does he have a girlfriend on the side too?"

"You don't even have a ring, we all know Huntzberger could afford a nice rock, or maybe you're just not worth it," the other secretary cut in.

Rory couldn't believe everything they were asking and saying to her. She knew she was about to break and hurriedly gathered her things before rushing out of the office.

Once outside, the tears began to fall. She hailed a cab and asked to go to the Times. She was walking towards Logan's office when she heard, "Rory?"

Rory looked up and saw a concerned look on Cassandra's face who then asked, "Are you okay?"

Trying to wipe away the tears, but failing, Rory answered, "Where's Logan?"

"He was spending time working with some of the writers today, forth floor: business, local, and world news are there. I'm not sure which department he's with," Cassandra explained and held out a tissue box.

Rory took one and offered, "Thanks," before heading back towards the elevator.

Rory walked out of the elevator onto the forth floor and was met with the familiar bustle of a newsroom. She loved working at the Observer, but she sometimes missed the higher pace of a daily paper. She looked around the room and saw him talking to a small group of reporters gathered around a desk.

Trying to compose herself, she walked towards to the group and stood at the back for a minute watching him work. It was very seldom that she saw this side of him, and she had to admit she liked it.

He was still talking when he noticed her, "Ace?"

"Hi Logan," she said with a cracking voice. Logan seemed to realize how hard she must have been crying so he asked, "What's wrong?" while simultaneously standing up and opening his arms for her.

Rory almost lunged for him, happy when Logan wrapped his arms around her and calmly asked, "What happened?"

"Sue came and asked if I was really your fiancé, but before I could answer, they all started asking questions. You were right, I should have asked you to come with me, I didn't know what to say," Rory confessed while continuing to cry.

Logan kissed her head and offered, "I think you just need to think about what you want to say, but if you want me to come, I will."

Rory just nodded, knowing that they had talked about this the day before. She had just been overwhelmed by everything they said. She knew she could do it on her own, but she had to admit having Logan with her would be nice. However, before she could get too happy, Logan said, "But I can't go today," making her face fall in realization that she would have to return to the office alone, but was happy when Logan added, "How about tomorrow?"

"I have to work on my article," Rory sighed, knowing she needed to get her work done.

"Write from home," Logan suggested.

"I don't have any of my notes or files."

"Call Bri, I bet she'd drop them off for you."

"Yeah," Rory agreed. Then looking around the room and stepping back from him, she added, "I'm sorry, I interrupted your work."

Logan smiled, knowing she was calm for the moment, "We were just talking about a series we're putting out on the upcoming elections."

"Really?" Rory said, "We're putting a few pieces together as well; I had an interview with one of the New York members of the House of Representatives on Monday."

"You write for another paper?" one of the writers asked, a bit more hesitant about her presence now.

Rory nodded, "I'm a city writer over at the Observer."

"What's your name?" The older woman asked, before explaining, "I like to read the competition, know what my staff is up against."

"My articles are under Ella Danes," Rory offered.

The man looked surprised before commenting, "I thought you'd be older."

"Why?" Rory asked confused.

"They're good, not characteristic of new writers. How old are you?"

"23," Rory answered simply.

Glancing at Logan, the woman asked, "Why aren't you writing here?"

Taking that as his cue to make introductions, he said, "Heather, this is my fiancé Rory Gilmore. Rory this is Heather, City Editor here at the Times, and this is Dylan and Carol, writers."

Rory exchanged quick hand shakes with them when Carol asked, "I thought you said your name was Ella?"

Rory gave a strained smile, "No, just the name I write under, and, well, went by at work as well."

"Any reason in particular?"

Rory just pointed to Logan, trying to find the words for the second time that day.

Luckily, Heather helped her out and said, "Don't want to be known as the boss's wife?"

Rory nodded, happy she seemed to understand. Logan knew he needed to talk to Rory so said, "I think we're good for now. Find me if you need anything else." He led Rory down to his office.

"Why don't you stay here?"

"Logan, I need to do work."

"I know, just work here instead of at home."

"Why would I do that?"

"I don't want you alone for a long time, you're still recovering. I'm not sure I should have let you go to work, I knew it'd be a stressful situation."

"I was going to have to go back eventually."

"Please just work here."

"I still need my stuff," Rory pointed out.

"Well, we need to go grab lunch anyways, why don't you call Bri and ask her to meet us with your things."

Rory nodded, "I can do that."

Rory called Bri and planned to meet up for lunch. Until then, she sat at Logan's desk and did some research on the computer. Logan went about his morning, and the two went to lunch together. Rory got all of her files and notes from Bri and spent the afternoon working in Logan's office with him spending most of his time there, but getting called out a few times by editors. They finally called it a day shortly after five and headed home, picking up take out on the way, and spent the rest of the night relaxing around the apartment, mentally preparing for the day ahead.

--

The next morning, the plan was for Rory to come into work around 10:00, at which time she would meet Logan. Rory didn't mind sleeping in, but at the same time wanted this to be over with. Walking in a few minutes before ten, Rory was directed to a larger meeting room where she was met by the surprising sight of Mitchum Huntzberger and the city staff. Glancing at him confused, she looked around and finally noticed Logan was there as well, seated off to the side.

"Hi," Rory said, nervously.

Logan just nodded to his father, who began. "For anyone who may not know, I'm Mitchum Huntzberger. Before we move on to why we are all here, I would like to say a few words on professionalism. This is a standard I expect all of my employees to adhere to. This includes everything from how you carry yourself in an interview to leaving any personal issues at the door. I expect you all to behave in a manner that reflects well on yourself, this paper, and my company."

Mitchum waited a few moments to let the gravity of his words sink in, finally breaking the silence by saying, "Miss Gilmore, the floor is yours."

Rory slowly walked to the front of the room, catching a stiff, but what she assumed was meant as an encouraging, nod from Mitchum and a smile from Logan.

"Good morning," she greeted awkwardly. "I'm Rory Gilmore, well Lorelai, but everyone calls me Rory because my mom named me after herself. The Lorelai you heard Bri call on Monday was my mom. I am engaged to Logan Huntzberger," Rory stated quietly, but lifted her hand slightly to reveal her engagement ring, which she was unconsciously fingering when she mentioned the last part. Taking another breath she continued, "Mac, the boyfriend I mentioned, is just a nickname my mom gave to Logan. I applied for this job, and others, under the name Ella Danes because I didn't want to get hired because of who my fiancé is, and I didn't want people to think I did. I talked to Mitchum about setting this up, and once I decided to accept the position here, Charles Holmes was also informed of my true identity." Rory seemed to think if there was anything else she wanted to say, coming up with nothing she said, "Thank you," and went back to her seat.

Logan was listening to Rory talk. But since he had known most of what she was going to say, he kept a large part of his focus on how everyone in the room reacted. Most people just looked on in disbelief and shock, with a few girls looking jealous. Mike looked appalled when Rory said Charles had known, and Logan knew Mike must have been thinking about the conversation he had with the man the day before. Seeing the nervous look on their faces, Logan figured it best to say a few more words.

"I want to be very clear about what I am about to say. First off, as of now, my relationship with Rory is off limits. She has the right to tell you anything she wants, but it is not your place to ask nor does she have to answer those who chose to ask regardless. Second, Rory is not here to relay messages to me or get anyone favors. While at work, she is a staff writer for Huntzberger Media, and I am her boss. I expect Rory to be treated in the same manner she was before, as her personal relationship with me has no bearing on her ability to write. Before I let you all go, I would like to remind you that any reports of nonprofessional behavior will be taken very seriously. Thank you."

With Logan's closing, people began making their way out of the conference room. Rory, not wanting to give any reason that she was being treated differently, went to leave with the group from the room. As she was leaving, she heard Logan call, "Ace, hold on."

Rory turned, and he gestured for her to stay. She hung back and finally said, "Thank you Mitchum, but you didn't need to come."

Mitchum gave a faint smile, "I wanted to make sure this was handled correctly, but we can talk more later; right now, I need to head out for my meeting across town. See you at dinner?"

Rory nodded while Logan said, "Yeah Dad. Thanks." With that, Mitchum left the room.

"Why'd he come?" Rory asked.

"He called me yesterday, and I told him I was coming in with you to talk to the staff. He said we should meet this morning to discuss how to handle it. That's who I had to meet this morning. We talked about this and about the New York papers in general, but he insisted on coming. Something about showing them that this was serious, and his presence would make that clear."

Rory nodded, it made sense. "Thank you."

"Anytime Ace."

"So what did you want, I really want to get out there before they start thinking we're up to something in here."

"You okay?" he asked, he knew that despite how much she tried to mentally prepare herself to say all of that, actually saying it was quite different.

"I am, but I also know there will be more fallout."

"I was serious about the professionalism, not just in regards to you, but I will not tolerate that kind of behavior."

"I know, I was thinking more about the aura around the office."

"It won't stay that way forever. They'll eventually learn to think of you as who you were before they found out the truth," Logan comforted.

"So are you headed out now as well?"

"Actually, no."

"No?"

"I was thinking I'd stay here."

"Why? Logan, it'll be fine."

"I just thought it would make your day easier."

"You can't come here everyday," Rory pointed out.

"I know," Logan agreed.

"What would you do, I'm sure you have work to do," Rory wasn't sure if she wanted him to stay. But, she knew that if he left they'd ask more questions, and she really just needed to get her articles done before leaving for the weekend since she was taking the next day off.

"I brought my laptop," Logan said pointing to the corner, "and have some work I need to do there, then after that, I can talk to Holmes and a few other editors. It really depends on how my work goes."

Rory nodded, gave him a quick kiss, and offered, "Thank you."

He smiled, but as she left, said, "Leave the door open," and took out his computer to work.

--

Rory walked out of the room and over to her desk. As she went, she noticed people glance back towards the meeting room to see Logan still there and then back to her. She knew they would ask eventually, but for the time being, was happy she could just work.

Rory continued to work, skipping her lunch, hoping she could get done early. She looked up at Logan a few times and every time saw he was still working. The only person who came over and talked to her was Bri, but that was only to let her know she was there if she needed anything. Soon, Rory had finished her articles and placed them on Mike's desk and made her way over to where Logan was still working. Seeing her, he finished up a few last minute things before the couple headed out to meet Mitchum for dinner.

--

Rory and Logan walked into an upscale restaurant just after 5:30. Logan gave his name, and they were immediately escorted to their table, where Mitchum was already seated.

"Rory, Logan," Mitchum greeted then turned to Rory and asked, "How was the rest of your day?"

"Good, thank you again for coming today."

"Of course, we will be family soon right," Mitchum said, Rory wasn't sure if it was a statement or a question.

"We will," Rory affirmed.

"So Rory, how are you feeling?" Mitchum asked.

"Good, Logan's been taking care of me. Took away my coffee and everything," she teased.

"It was for your own good Ace, stop complaining," Logan replied, but you could hear the playful tone.

"That has yet to be proven," she shot back.

"Even your mom agreed with me."

"She's been brainwashed."

Seeing that this could continue for a while, Mitchum asked, "So Rory, how are your articles coming this week for Sunday's edition?"

"Done and on Mike's desk," Rory answered.

"Really?"

"Well, since I am taking tomorrow off, they needed to be done before I left today."

"Why'd you take tomorrow off?"

"Going shopping with Steph and Bri for the gala."

"That requires a full day?"

"It's Bri's first society event so Steph and I told her we'd help her get ready and pick a dress."

Mitchum nodded then asked, "How do you know her?"

"She's a good friend of mine: She's a photographer at the Observer too."

"So she knew who you were before today?"

Rory nodded and answered, "She's known since early July."

"Where was she in the meeting today?"

"In the back, shorter with long, curly red hair."

"Okay," Mitchum said after going through a mental picture of the people who had been in the room, then asked, "Who's she going with?"

"Finn," Logan answered.

"Should have guessed," Mitchum sighed.

"Why's that?" Logan asked surprised, at this father's declaration.

"She's a redhead, Finn has always liked redheads," Mitchum explained.

"I know that, I'm just surprised you know that," Logan admitted.

"I've gotten complaints from some of our house staff about an Australian shamelessly hitting on them over the years. As far as I heard, it was always playful, which is why I never said anything, but it made some of them uncomfortable. Well, I didn't think about there being any pattern to it because a lot of them were younger, but then one day Mrs. Taylor came to talk about it."

"She was like 60," Logan exclaimed.

"Oh, ew!" Rory said with a look of disgust.

"I know, but apparently Finn playful flirted with her, when she filed her complaint she said he kept going on and on about her hair. After that, I looked back at who else had said something and saw the common factor."

Logan had to laugh, "Well Finn is dating Bri, has been for just over two months, and tomorrow she gets her first glimpse at society."

"Keep her away from Shira and her group," Mitchum said to Rory.

Rory nodded and offered, "I think she'll be with Finn or me most of the evening, and I tend to stay away from them as well."

Mitchum smiled, "I know you will, just felt like I should give a reminder. But, I hear you can't avoid her for too long, something about a wedding planning session on Saturday."

"You heard correctly," Rory supplied, displeasure evident in her voice.

"What are you planning this time?"

"Grandma insisted that she, mom, and Shira go dress shopping together, so they don't clash. She said I needed to go because it's my wedding, and before hand, we are organizing the guest list and planning some other things that 'we don't want to have forgotten.'"

"I'll remind Shira what behavior is expected, both for tomorrow night and Saturday."

"Thanks," Rory said truthfully.

"So the meeting on Saturday starts at 10:00 at brunch from what I understand," Mitchum asked.

"That's the plan," Logan replied.

"I was thinking it would be nice for us guys to play a round of golf while the girls did their shopping."

"Have you talked to Richard or Chris?" Logan asked.

"I was going to call them after I talked with you. So how does golf sound?"

Logan thought for a moment. Besides sitting around somewhere in Hartford to wait for Rory to be done at the dress store, he didn't have anything else to do Saturday, "Sure Dad, golf sounds good."

"I'll make some calls after dinner."

"Have you read any good books lately?" Rory asked, she didn't know much about Mitchum except he liked to read.

"I finally broke down and read The Da Vinci Code," Mitchum admitted.

"How is that possible?" Rory asked surprised.

"I thought if I waited the hype would die down," Mitchum defended.

"But it didn't," Rory supplied.

"No, it didn't."

"Did you like it?" Logan asked.

"I thought it was well thought out."

"And?"

"I think that whether or not you believe what it is based on, it is a good book that really makes you think about your beliefs. However, too many people take it as fact rather than a fictitious story based on some facts and rooted around actual objects. They are confusing the two."

"I would agree," Rory offered.

"Me too, but did you like it?" Logan asked.

"It was entertaining," Mitchum finally relented.

"Have you read Harry Potter?" Rory asked, getting excited now that the conversation had turned to books.

"Why would I read Harry Potter?"

"They're good, you should."

"They're children's books."

"They have a large adult following," Rory defended.

"I finally broke down and read them, I have to admit they were better than I thought they'd be," Logan confessed, joining the conversation.

"Really?" Mitchum asked skeptically.

"Parts of the plot are predictable: I mean it's not some revolutionary plot. But, they are well planned and have a lot more detail to them than the movies."

"Can't say I've seen the movies either."

"The books are better," Rory reassured.

"Aren't they always?"

Logan, Rory, and Mitchum continued talking throughout dinner, only running into a few awkward pauses, ending the meal as both men watched in amazement as Rory had a cup of chocolate moose while drinking an espresso. Once the bill which Mitchum insisted on picking up was paid, the couple headed home.

--

A/N: Just wanted to let you know that you can expect a short delay on chapter 29. This weekend, I'm heading down to Columbus for the Michigan/OSU game (to feed my football addiction), GO BLUE! Then, Christi is heading home for a week, while I have been drafted by my mother to help with a bunch of stuff to get ready for Thanksgiving. Basically, we're not really expecting much progress over the next week, but check the blog for any messages regarding the progress of the chapter.

As for this chapter, I hope you liked the initial reaction at the office, and I promise there is more to come. Please send reviews with any feedback you have, we really do love to know what you're all thinking of the fic!