Chapter Twenty-eight
Breathe. In and out. In and out. Rory stood in a side chamber of the church waiting for the music to begin, signalling her cue to head down the aisle. She glanced to her left, and the sight of her dad calmed her nerves slightly. Then she looked to her right, where Luke also stood at her side. Her mother was standing in front of her. Lorelai was blinking furiously with her eyes aimed at the ceiling.
Rory stifled a laugh when she realised her mother was mouthing the words 'in' and 'out' repeatedly. "Like mother, like daughter."
Lorelai managed a watery smile. "Rory, I'm so proud of you. You know that, right?"
"Oh, mom. Don't get sappy on me now."
"I love you, kid."
Christopher chimed in. "Me too, Ror. And I second your mom, so proud of you."
"Me three!" Luke added, just as Lane entered the room.
"Rory, it's time." Lane said softly.
Rory nodded. "Right. Oh, god. It's time."
A tiny frown crossed Lorelai's face. "Do you want me to stay?"
Rory shook her head vehemently. "I do not need my mommy to hold my hand." She paused and grinned. "I have my daddy for that. Now go, and try not to look prettier than me."
Lorelai headed to the door as Rory made a snap decision. "Wait!"
"So you do want mommy to hold your hand?"
"No… I just… I need a minute with Dad."
Lorelai really frowned at this. "Rory, hon, it's time to go-"
"Mom, I just need a minute."
"Ok, ok. One minute."
Lorelai ushered Luke from the room with a backward glance at Rory. Rory tried to give her a reassuring smile. The door closed with a loud click. She turned to her father slowly.
"Hey, dad?"
Christopher gave Rory a bemused look. "What's up, kiddo?"
"I don't know how to ask this. But I was wondering, would you mind if someone else walked down the aisle with us?"
Christopher hesitated. "Luke?"
"Yeah. I mean, if you don't mind. I just… this feels right, you know? He's a part of my life too, dad. I want you to give me away, but I'd really like Luke to walk down with us."
Christopher nodded graciously. "Of course, Rory. It's your day."
Rory threw her arms around her father. "Thanks, dad."
Hugging her tightly, Christopher mumbled something that Rory couldn't make out. There was a knock at the door, reminding Rory that she was now officially late for her own wedding. Lorelai pushed the door open. "Are we ok in here?"
Rory nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She could feel the emotion building and worried it would spill over in the form of tears. "Where's Luke?"
"I'm here, Rory."
Rory tried to find the words to phrase her request. "Luke, I need to ask you something. I have a wonderful father, one that I love dearly," Rory smiled at Christopher. Luke nodded as Rory continued. "But, you have been in my life for as long as I can remember. I feel incredibly blessed to have you both, and I was wondering if you would be willing to accompany me down the aisle along with my dad?"
Lorelai couldn't hide it after Rory's speech, she started crying in earnest. Luke swallowed noisily. Even Christopher looked moved by Rory's words. Luke seemed unable to speak and simply nodded.
"Thank you. Mom? I guess I'm ready."
Lorelai nodded through her tears and turned to go. Seconds later, Rory heard the music begin to play. Sudden excitement bubbled up and Rory smiled widely. She followed Luke and Christopher from the room to the front of the church, where Lane and her mom stood waiting for her. The doors opened, and Lane jumped forwards to make sure Rory still looked picture perfect, then she turned back and stood beside Lorelai.
Lorelai looked over her shoulder and winked at Rory before stepping forwards in perfect unison with Lane as they walked down the aisle. Rory took a deep calming breath and linked arms with her father and Luke. The three of them stepped forwards into the church, where Rory caught her first glimpse of her own wedding.
It was perfect. The Stars Hollow church was beautifully transformed into a winter wonderland. White pillar candles of all sizes were flickering on every available surface, creating a soft glow that Rory loved. Hanging around the room were gorgeous displays of pale pink and white frosted roses. It took Rory a moment to focus on the most important thing in the room. Her eyes finally settled on Logan and she gasped.
Standing beneath a large archway made of the same frosted roses and green foliage, Logan turned as the congregation sighed at the sight of Rory. He wore a black suit, which looked like it was fitted to perfection. Finn stood beside him, and Colin and Robert stood slightly to the side. Rory couldn't contain herself, she smiled widely as she locked eyes with the love of her life. Logan's face crinkled as he smiled back and Rory was sure she could see tears in his eyes.
Rory was suddenly impatient to reach him. Finally, Lorelai and Lane made it to the front, and moved slightly the one side. Then Rory arrived at the front of the church, and heard Logan speak one word. "Wow."
The entire church chuckled. Then they seated themselves noisily as Paris Gellar stepped forwards. Rory frowned, as Paris laughed. "Surprise, Rory!"
"Paris? What are you doing? Where's the Reverend?"
"I'm him. I mean, I got ordained. For you. I'm going to marry you two."
Rory's mouth dropped open. "Oh, my…"
With a smile and a wink in Rory's direction, Paris turned to Luke and Christopher and raised her voice. "Today we celebrate the marriage of my best friend to this man-" Paris gave Logan a look. Logan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Now, I'm supposed to ask who gives this woman to this man, but that's antiquated and sexist. So, I've re-worded it."
Clearing her throat, Paris continued. "Marriage is a blessing, entered into by two people who love each other without question. These two have proven time and again that this is the case. So, with that in mind, who here has the honour of presenting- not giving- this woman to wed this man?"
Christopher stepped forward and opened his mouth, then stopped. With a little shake of his head, he turned and grabbed Lorelai's arm, pulling her level with him. Then he reached behind Rory, and nudged Luke. "WE do."
Lorelai started to cry again, and even Luke teared up as they both echoed Christopher. "We do."
Rory strived to hold back the emotion as she hugged her father. "Thank you."
Lorelai managed to smile through her tears and kissed Rory. Luke squeezed her hand, and then the three of them took their seats. Rory stepped forward, and Logan mirrored her. He reached for her hand, and the two of them turned to face Paris.
Paris beamed. "Let us begin…"
