So I would say that this is another filler chapter, but the ending definitely isn't. I really hope you enjoy this chapter!

A Place to Call Home

Chapter 37: I Smell Snow

Lorelai woke up abruptly. It was the middle of the night, but that didn't matter. Suddenly she was wide awake. She could smell. "Snow." She whispered happily. She jumped out of bed and rushed to wake her children. She was greeted with dirty looks from all three. They weren't amused by being woken up at three in the morning. Lorelai didn't care. She was their mom and until the law said otherwise, she was in charge. They had to do what she said, even if it seemed crazy to the untrained eye.

"Mom, it is cold." Ryan complained.

I can't walk mommy. I'm too sleepy." Ruby pouted.

"Here." Lorelai picked her up as they made their way further into the yard. "Do you smell that?"

"Yeah. It is the smell of crazy." Rory chimed in as she yawned. "Is this really necessary?"

"It's snow. I smell snow." Lorelai looked up to the sky and smelled the snow.

"It isn't snowing." Ryan said grumpily.

"Just wait for it. It is coming."

Ryan and Rory shared looks. Their mother did this every year.

After a few moments nothing happened.

"Can we go inside? We actually get to sleep late today, and you are ruining it." Ryan told her.

"You guys are no fun. You should be excited. This our first snow in Stars Hollow. We are going to have a white Christmas."

"It isn't snowing." Ryan said again. "We really might have to have you committed."

"Snow is magical. Great things always happen when it snows." Lorelai remembered. "You were born in a snowstorm." She told Ruby. "We barely made it to the hospital. You were almost born in the backseat of the car. But the magical snow led the way."

"We know." Rory told her. "You tell us the same story every year."

"Can't we enjoy the snow in the morning when it has actually fallen on the ground?"

"You guys really are no fun. Let's go inside." As they started to walk back inside they each felt something cold and wet hit their noses.

"Oh wow." Rory smiled. She would never understand how her mom was able to predict snow every single year.

"You should become a weather woman." Ryan smiled at his mom.

"You did it mommy." Ruby kissed her cheek. "You made the snow come."

Lorelai smiled from ear to ear. Good things were about to happen. She could feel it.

"Oh Lorelai." Mia hugged the young woman. "I absolutely love this." Mia was in awe of the beautiful multicolored scarf Lorelai had given her for Christmas. "It is all of my favorite colors."

"The kids helped me pick it out." Lorelai smiled. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have Mia in her life. She had been a life saver.

"Even Ryan?" Mia wondered.

Lorelai nodded. "He was the tie breaker. We held up three scarves, and he picked his favorite."

"He has good taste."

"At least I have taught him something."

"He will have one lucky wife one day."

"Oh no. I'm never going to let him get married. He is going to be a mama's boy for the rest of his life. The way it should be." Lorelai laughed.

"Says all mother's everywhere."

"I bet your son is happy to have you in North Carolina for the next week."

"I can't wait to see them." Mia told her. "Actually, Lorelai, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay. Is everything okay?" Lorelai said nervously.

Mia smiled and touched her shoulder softly. "Yes. Everything is great. That is because of you."

"What did I do?"

"Your job." Mia informed her. "You have done such a wonderful job here."

"Why do I suddenly feel like there is a catch?"

"You have done such a great job that I think I'm ready to move to North Carolina permanently."

"What?" Lorelai was surprised. "When? Oh Mia I thought I had at least a few more years. I'm so new. I don't know everything yet. I need more time with you." She rambled.

"Oh Lorelai." Mia smiled at her. "I have an infinite amount of confidence in you. I have no doubt in my mind that you will do a wonderful job without me."

"When?" Lorelai asked again. Lorelai and Mia at the Inn.

"By the end of the summer. So we have some time to prepare for the transition, but you don't need it. I could leave tomorrow and know that the Inn would be okay."

Lorelai was surprised. She didn't want Mia to leave.

"Lorelai I am so happy that you came to this town and ended up at my Inn. You and your kids are such a joy to my life. I only wish that you would have come into my life sooner. You made me realize how much I miss my son and his children." Mia smiled thinking about her grandkids.

"I love you so much, Mia." Lorelai had tears in her eyes as she hugged Mia.

"I love you too, Lorelai." Mia also had tears in her eyes. "Everything is going to be okay. Besides we have half a year to prepare."

"Is your son excited?"

Mia nodded. "He is already looking for me a house close by. He has been asking me to move for years. He is also thankful for you."

"The kids and I are going to visit every time we have the chance." Lorelai told her.

"I am going to hold you to that." Mia looked at her watch. "I should get going. I have to be at the airport in a few hours."

"Safe travels, Mia. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, my sweet Lorelai." Mia said as she walked back to her office.

Lorelai was going to miss Mia. She was thankful for the opportunity Mia had given her, and she would not let her down.

"Lorelai," Sookie walked out of the kitchen holding a gift bag. "I couldn't wait until Christmas."

Lorelai picked up a gift bag from behind the couch. "Me either." She handed Sookie the bag as she took the one in Sookie's hand.

"I love presents."

"Me too."

Both women sat down on the couch.

"You go first." Sookie told her.

Lorelai opened her presents. It was a Hello Kitty waffle iron. "Oh Sookie. This is the best present. I love this." She was smiling from ear to ear.

"I know you love Hello Kitty."

"And waffles. You put the two together, and it is magical." Lorelai laughed. "Okay. Your turn."

Sookie excitedly opened the present. It was also a Hello Kitty waffle maker. "Lorelai." She laughed. "Great minds think alike."

"We were made for each other."

Sookie hugged her. "I am so happy you are my best friend."

"Me too, Sookie." Lorelai was excited. "I love this present."

"I can't wait to make the first waffle. You can't make one until I get back from our vacation."

"Deal."

They hugged once more.

"Merry Christmas, Lorelai."

"Merry Christmas, Sook." Lorelai smiled as she looked at her Hello Kitty waffle maker. It was the perfect gift and Sookie was the best friend a girl could ask for.

"Rory, do you think mommy will like this?" Ruby asked as she held out a pink bracelet.

"Yeah. Ruby. I think mommy will like anything that you pick out." Rory told her.

"I want her to know how special she is." Ruby told her big sister and Lane, who was shopping with them.

"She already knows. I'm sure of that." Rory picked up a matching necklace. "This goes with that bracelet."

"Oh yeah. That's a good idea Rory." Ruby took the necklace in her hand. "She will be real excited."

"I think so too."

"Can I go look at the stuffed animals over there?" She pointed to the corner.

"Sure. But stay where I can see you."

"Okay."

"She is full of energy."

"I know. If I didn't know better, I would swear she sneaks coffee when we aren't looking."

"Well she is Lorelai's daughter."

"That is true." Rory laughed. "So I wanted to talk to you about something." Rory's face changed to one that was serious.

"Okay." Lane became nervous.

"I think Ryan likes Grace." Rory told her. He had mentioned it to her to make sure she wouldn't go ballistic on him again. She told him it was fine, but that he needed to be respectful to Lane, since they did share a kiss.

"Oh. I kind of figured. I mean I knew she liked him. It was kind of obvious."

"How does that make you feel?"

Lane thought about it for a moment. "I think it is fine."

"Really? I thought you might be upset."

Lane shook her head. "No. I'm not upset. It might be a little awkward at first, but I'm not sad or anything."

"It is kind of quick though, right?"

Lane shrugged. "We're fifteen. I think it is completely normal. Besides it isn't like your brother and I were dating."

"I feel guilty." Rory admitted.

"Why do you feel guilty?"

"I told Ryan that he couldn't date you. I thought it would be too hard for me to see the two of you together. And now I'm worried you might be soulmates, and I ruined it for you."

Lane laughed. "We weren't soulmates. It was a nice kiss. But we definitely aren't soulmates. I doubt I'm going to meet my soulmate at fifteen."

"You could. It happens."

"Rory." Lane touched her shoulder. "It isn't your fault. I didn't think that we should date. I came to that conclusion all on my own without ever knowing how you felt."

"Why?" Rory wondered.

"Ryan is a nice guy, but he is your brother. When we kissed the first thing I wanted to do was tell you. I wanted to jump up and down and talk about it in a sing songy way. But then I thought of how awkward it would be for you. I want to be able to talk about boy stuff with my best friend."

"Me too."

"It would have been weird, and besides my mama wouldn't have approved. She probably wouldn't let me hangout with you anymore because he is your brother. I just didn't want that." Lane was wise beyond her years. "You have nothing to feel guilty about."

"Thanks, Lane." Rory hugged her. "Do you think Grace only wanted to be our friend because of Ryan?"

"That's what I thought at first, and maybe that is how it started. But now I think that Grace just wants to be friends. She likes us, and we like her."

"Yeah she is pretty cool."

"And you don't think it is awkward that she is dating Ryan?"

Rory shook her head. "She isn't my best friend. You are."

"Always. You are stuck with me Gilmore."

"Rory." Ruby ran back over to her big sister holding a stuffed panda bear. "I think mommy would love this panda bear. This is what we should get her." Her smile was bigger than her face.

Rory and Lane both giggled. They knew Ruby wanted the toy for herself. She was such a mess.

Jess and Luke were walking down the street with a few bags in their hands.

"I can't believe mom called." Jess broke the silence. Liz had called him that morning to wish him a Merry Christmas. She was a little early, but she said that she wanted to make sure she called him. Supposedly she had a new job and would be working on Christmas. Jess didn't know if he believed her, but he was glad that she had called. It was the first time she had actually remembered, and it meant something to him.

"Yeah. How is she doing?" Luke asked.

Jess shrugged. "I guess she is fine. You know mom."

"Yeah. I know your mom." Luke thought about it for a moment. "You know, we could make plans to see her while you are off for winter break."

"No." Jess responded quickly. "I don't think that is such a good idea."

"I would go with you this time."

"No." Was his answer again.

"Okay." Luke didn't want to push the subject further. "It is up to you. It has always been up to you. As long as I am with you."

"I know." Jess sighed and looked up at his uncle. "I have everything that I need."

Luke smiled. That was exactly what he needed to hear. They made their way into the diner. Caesar had been holding the place down until they got back from their shopping trip.

"What's that?" Jess pointed to the top of the door.

Luke sighed angrily. "Taylor." Luke grunted. "I can't believe he put stupid mistletoe on my door. I told him not to do it."

"I think it is funny." Jess laughed.

"I'm going to go talk to Caesar about this." Luke huffed off.

Jess just shook his head. He stuffed the bags behind the counter and started clearing tables. The place was pretty dead. Most people were out shopping, getting last minute presents. They would probably be busy for dinner.

Jess looked outside to see Ryan and Grace walking towards the diner. They were holding hands. Jess sighed. He couldn't believe he felt jealous. He and Grace had been spending time together doing their homework. She was pretty cool, but he shouldn't feel jealous. He knew that Grace liked Ryan. He had even offered to help her with him. He shook it off. He didn't need to worry about it.

They walked into the diner. "Oh Ryan. Look." Grace pointed to the mistletoe. "It is mistletoe." She smiled.

Ryan's face turned red.

"I think we are supposed to kiss."

Ryan's face turned even redder.

He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. Grace giggled.

The jealousy bug hit Jess once more. He shook it off. He couldn't be jealous of his best friend.

"Hey Jess." Ryan said as he walked up to the counter. Grace found a seat.

"Hey Ryan. I've got to take these bags upstairs. Uncle Luke will be right out." Jess grabbed the bags and ran up the stairs.

"Okay." Ryan said as his friend had already rushed off.

"Hey Ryan." Luke came out of the back.

"Hey Luke."

Luke looked around to see if anyone else was with Ryan.

"My mom isn't here." Ryan told him.

"Oh I wasn't looking for her."

"Yes you were." Ryan knew it was the truth.

"What can I get you?" Luke decided to change the subject.

"You should talk to her." Ryan informed him. "She could probably use someone to talk too."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Ryan nodded. "You know, if you are worried about my dad, you don't have to be. He isn't in the picture, and as far as I'm concerned I hope we never have to see him again."

"You don't mean that." Luke said.

"Yes I do. My dad isn't a good man." Ryan could finally admit it. "We are better off without him."

Luke nodded. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say.

"I know my mom has been avoiding this place. I think she is afraid you are mad at her. She hasn't really talked about it. But I just know my mom."

"I'm not mad."

"You should talk to her." Ryan encouraged.

Luke nodded again. Ryan was right.

Lorelai was at home wrapping presents before the kids got home. She was almost finished. She hoped that the kids enjoyed their first Christmas in Stars Hollow. She wanted to make it special for them. They deserved all the happiness in the world.

She heard a knock on the door and threw a blanket on top of the presents. She walked to the door and was surprised when Luke was standing in front of her. "Hi." She said softly.

"Hi." He had a whole pot of coffee and a Luke's Diner bag in his hand.

"What is that?"

"Coffee. I can't believe you of all people have forgotten what coffee looks like."

Lorelai smiled. He was acting weird. "I didn't forget what coffee looks like, but you have whole pot in your hands."

"Yes. It is kind of heavy. Can I sit it down?"

Lorelai nodded. "Of course. Come in." She led him to the kitchen. "Now can you explain why you have a whole pot of coffee?"

"You haven't been to the diner in weeks." He told her matter-of-factly.

"I know. I thought it might be awkward."

"Because of me." Luke said sadly.

"Luke."

"I'm sorry." Luke apologized. "I was a jerk about Christopher."

"No. Luke. I understand. I know what it looked like. Christopher shouldn't have kissed me. And I should have slapped him or kicked him in the groin."

Luke laughed. "I should have stuck around. We should have talked about it. I shouldn't have pushed you away. That's what I am good at though. I have a hard time letting people in."

"I understand." Lorelai told him. "I'm not a liar, Luke. I would never lie to you."

"I know. I should have known that." Luke shook his head. "I shouldn't have been a jerk to you. You didn't deserve that. You told me how manipulative Christopher was, and I should have believed you. You have never given me any reason not to believe you."

"Thank you, Luke." Lorelai smiled. She was glad to hear him say all of those things. She pointed to the pot of coffee. "What's with the pot of coffee and the bag?"

"You haven't been in the diner for the last few weeks. I thought I owed you at least a whole pot of coffee and some Danishes."

Lorelai opened the bag. "Luke, there are like six Danishes in here."

"Eight." He corrected her.

"Luke," she smiled. "You didn't have to do this. You hate supporting my coffee addiction."

Luke nodded. "Yes I did. I've missed seeing you and serving you your coffee and Danishes. I don't want you to stop coming to the diner even if you decide you only want to be friends. I get it. I would rather be your friend than not have you in my life at all." Luke sighed. "I heard about Christopher." He didn't know if it was the right time to bring it up.

"You did?"

"Ryan told Jess."

"Oh. Of course." Lorelai was glad that Ryan had someone to talk to because they had never talked about it.

"We can talk about it. I'm here for you." Luke wanted her to know that.

"I don't." She shook her head. "I don't want to talk about Christopher. I want to talk about how sweet I think it is that you brought me a whole pot of coffee. You know the way to my heart." She touched his hand.

"I want to give this a try."

Lorelai smiled and led him outside.

"What are we doing?" He questioned.

They were now standing on the lawn in the snow.

"You are going to freeze. Come on, Lorelai. What are we doing?"

"I wanted to be in the snow when we did this." She pulls him into a kiss. They finally pull apart. "I want to try too." She thought she should tell him how she felt.

Luke smiled. "Was it the coffee? Or the Danish?" He laughed.

"It's just you."

This time Luke leaned in and kissed her again.

Rory, Ryan, and Ruby were walking up the driveway when they saw their mom and Luke kissing. They were all happy about it. They wanted their mom to be happy.

Please let me know what you thought! The next chapter will be the New Years Eve party.