Chapter Twenty Eight- FINAL PART
Three weeks had passed since Jess' return to Philly. Rory and him spoke occasionally on the phone and sent a few email. Rory was now back at Yale and caught up on all her studies. Living with Paris and every week returned to stars hollow to visit her mum.
'Hey kiddo' Lorelai said as she spotted Rory walking into the diner. 'You look awful.'
'Thanks.' Rory replied sitting at the table. Her mind drifted to Jess as she saw the specials board with his writing on.
'What's wrong?' Lorelai asked. 'Come on tell mommy.'
'Nothing. So have you and Luke set a date yet?' Rory asked dragging her eyes back to her mother.
'June 3rd!' Lorelai said excitedly.
'Really. Oh mum I'm so happy that you're happy.' Rory said getting up from the table.
'You're leaving already?' Lorelai looked disappointed.
'I need to clear my head. I'm just going for a walk.' Rory answered her. Walking out of the diner she made her way to Lane's. She needed her best friend.
'Ah! Rory long time no see.' Lane squealed pulling Rory into a hug.
'I saw you just last week Lane.' Rory laughed sitting down on Lane's bed.
'But I used to see you everyday.' Lane sulked. 'So what brings you to me today?'
'I can't stop thinking about him.' Rory said laying her head against Lane's pillow.
'Jess?' Lane asked trying to figure out who she was talking about.
'Who else? I've basically thought about nobody else since I met him. When I was with Dean I couldn't stop thinking of Jess. I wanted to be with Jess. Then I was with Jess and I thought about him non-stop. Then we broke up. Well you know I thought about him all the time. Then I was with Logan and I never really got over Jess. He was always there in the back of my mind. Then I saw him again, and Lane, I immediately wanted to be with him. I didn't care that he'd left. I just wanted to be with him. To have him tell me that he loves me. I dumped Logan because I was still in love with Jess. It's always been Jess. I can't get the memory of his goodbye kiss to leave my memory. How am I supposed to be apart from the only guy I have ever been deeply truly in love with?' Rory asked turning to face her friend.
'Wow! That was quite some speech.' Lane said smiling sadly at Rory. Remembering the last time Rory had come to her in a state because she wanted to be with Jess.
'What do I do? He made it clear that it wouldn't work. He's right as well.' Rory said taking a deep breath.
'Rory, if you love him, really love him. You can't let distance stand in your way. Go see him. Tell him your in love with him and won't settle for anyone less. You deserve to be happy Rory.' Lane said.
'Maybe. I don't know.' Rory said thinking it over. 'I need to clear my head.' She adds getting up. Thanking Lane for her advice then walking out into the town square heading for the bridge.
'I tried to stay away from you.' Rory froze as she heard his voice. She'd been looking at her shoes as she walked but now looked up into Jess' eyes.
'Jess.' Rory breathed the word. 'Why…I mean…What are you doing here?'
'I couldn't go one second without thinking of you.' Jess admitted taking a step towards her.
'Really?' Tears began to spring to Rory's eyes. She closed the gap between them. Jess reached out and stroked her face. He kissed her slowly.
'I've never been able to think of anyone but you.' He said mirroring her sentiments that she'd spoken of to Lane. Rory smiled hearing this and kissed him again.
'And the distance?' Rory asked distractedly as Jess wrapped his arms around her.
'What distance?' Jess asked. Kissing her again.
'What do you mean?' Rory asked reluctantly pulling away. She had to hear this.
'I moved back.' Jess answered. 'I'm going to have Luke's apartment when he marries your mum. I'm opening a publishing house/bookstore in Hartford.' Rory smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around Jess.
'I love you!' She said kissing him warmly.
'And I love you.' Jess said pulling away and getting down on one knee. He pulled out a blue velvet box.
'Jess?' Rory questioned, she thought she'd burst from happiness.
'Rory. I have loved you since I laid eyes on you. You are my whole world. Taught me to be better. I will always love you. Will you marry me?' Jess asked opening the box to reveal a small diamond ring surrounded but beautiful blue stones. Rory's eyes fell upon the ring and she smiled.
'Yes! I love you so much!' Rory said dropping to her knees and kissing him.
'Mrs Rory Mariano. It sounds good!' Jess said slipping the ring onto her finger.
***
Jess stood in the centre of the beautifully decorated bridge. Luke to his side. He gazed down the bridge as he saw Rory appear in her beautiful white dress. Accompanied by her mother who was giving her away. They walked up the bridge towards the wooden arch that Luke had built some years before. The same arch that Luke and Lorelai had been married under. Jess kept his gaze on Rory. The blue flowers in her hair and bouquet set off her eyes. She smiled brightly. She couldn't stop herself she was so happy. They reached the spot where Jess was standing. The spot where so much had happened for the two of them.
'Who gives this bride away?'
'Her mother. Mrs Lorelai Gilmore-Danes.' Lorelai said excitedly. Looking at her daughter proudly. Then across to her soon to be son-in-law. Then her gaze rested on her husband of 2 weeks. 'And Her father, Mr Luke Danes.'
Rory smiled at this. She liked that Luke was finally her step-father.
'Uh and her actual father.' Christopher said from the front row of the seats that were set up either side of the bridge. Rory smiled at his reassuringly. Then smiled at Jess. He returned her smile. Taking her hands in his. The ceremony was simple. Beautiful and perfect. Jess and Rory were finally married. Jess smiled at his wife. Kissed her lightly.
'I love you Jess Mariano.' Rory whispered.
'I love you Rory Gilmore Mariano.' He smiled at her.
A/N- Well that's all. I really hope you liked this ending. Please review. I will be writing a new Rory/Jess fanfic soon. I already have ideas buzzing in my head.
