Thanks for being so patient for the update! Life is crazy busy at the moment but I wanted to make sure to get an update today. I will try and write more soon.


The following Friday night, Lorelai had to work late. Luke had Joe close so he could be home with Rory. They ate dinner together, discussed Christmas plans and potential gifts for Lorelai and watched movies. On Saturday, Emily and Richard would be coming to Stars Hollow to spend time with all three of them. They had decided that it was best to have this first big interaction away from the Gilmore household. This would be more neutral at least for Lorelai. Emily was so excited to finally be included; she would have agreed to go anywhere.

Luke was half asleep by the time Lorelai came home. He had tried his best to stay awake but he was exhausted. He heard her creep into the bedroom though and turned around to see her. He noticed her shoulders were slumped and the dim light in the room showed a frown on her face. He sat up slowly but she didn't notice that he was awake. Slipping into one of his flannels, she threw her hair up in a messy bun and went back out into the hallway to brush her teeth in the bathroom.

He lay back down and waited for her to return. When she did, she crawled under the covers and snuggled up to him not realizing he was awake. He gave her a squeeze, not wanting to scare her. Realizing he was awake, she breathed him in and held onto him. "Did I wake you?" She asked.

He rubbed her back with his left hand and shook his head, "No. I wasn't totally asleep. Wanted to wait up for you."

She nodded against him, "Everything go alright with Rory?"

"Yeah. We had fun. Watched some sappy made for TV Christmas movie. Brainstormed about gifts for you." He said giving her a playful squeeze.

She smiled and yawned, "That's nice."

They sat in silence for a few moments, until he couldn't take it anymore. "Tough day?"

"Hm?" She asked tilting her head up look at him.

He took in her features and saw that the usual light in her eyes was gone, "Did you have a tough day at work? You seem," He shrugged, "Sad."

She sighed and lowered her head to his chest again, "I'm fine. Just tired."

"Lorelai," He said in a warning tone, "Come on...I know you."

She scooted away so she could lie on her back, "Luke, I'm fine. Really. I'm just super tired."

He turned onto his side to look at her, "You nervous about tomorrow?"

She didn't respond at first, just stared up at the ceiling. He gave her the time she needed to gather her thoughts. Finally, she sighed and began to speak again, "I want to let her in. I really do. But how do I know that she won't screw me over again?"

He frowned and reached a hand out to touch her cheek, "There's no real way of knowing Lorelai. We've talked about this."

"I just keep thinking she's going to come here and think the life I have created is a disgrace. It basically goes against everything she is and believes in. I can't picture her in Stars Hollow. I just can't." She said shaking her head sadly.

"We can still call and cancel or change the plans if you want." Luke said softly.

Turning slowly, she faced him again, "Luke…"

"I know you're scared." He said reaching for her hand, "I get it. But you have to remember that 13 years have passed. Your Mom may surprise you. You're not the only one that's changed."

She frowned as she let his words sink in, "Yeah I guess…"

"I mean you've been pleasantly surprised by how well things have been with your Dad. Maybe it will be the same with your Mom." He smiled encouragingly and tilted her chin up towards him, "Besides, you said you don't want to live with regrets anymore. If you don't take this chance now you're going to wonder about it forever."

She took a deep breath and leaned in to snuggle against him again, "You'll be there the whole time?"

Her breath tickled his neck and he smiled, turning his head to kiss her temple. "Every second."

She nodded slowly and wrapped her arms around his middle. "Okay."

Luke gathered her in his arms and rubbed her back, "Get some sleep. I'm right here."

He waited until he felt her body relax and heard her breath even out. Then he let himself drift off to sleep too. He wasn't sure what would happen tomorrow. But no matter what happened, he knew he was going to support Lorelai every step of the way. And if by some chance Emily Gilmore hadn't changed as much as he had hoped she had, he wasn't afraid to speak his mind.


The following afternoon, Lorelai, Luke and Rory met Richard and Emily in town. They were going to the annual Stars Hollow Holiday Festival. They were standing in front of the Diner when Lorelai saw her father's car pull up. Rory and Luke shared a glance when they felt Lorelai stiffen between them.

Richard got out of the car and Rory crossed the street to greet them. She hugged her Grandpa and waved at Emily who looked nervous yet excited. Luke placed a hand on Lorelai's lower back, leaned in and whispered, "Don't forget to breathe."

Lorelai exhaled slowly, "Keep reminding me of that."

He smiled, kissed the side of her face and nodded, "You got it."

Rory rejoined her Mother and Luke with her Grandparents behind her, "Hi Dad." Lorelai said giving him a slow hug, she turned towards her Mom and smiled, "Mom."

"Hello." Emily said, her smile was growing by the minute, she turned towards Luke, "And you must be Luke. I know we've met briefly before…"

Luke smiled and held out his hand, "It's nice to formally meet you Mrs. Gilmore. Thanks for the flowers and food you sent while I was sick. It was much appreciated."

Emily's face flushed with color, "Oh well it was my pleasure. I'm so glad to see you and Rory both feeling better."

Luke smiled and looked over at Lorelai, he beamed at her, "We had an excellent nurse."

Lorelai reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly, "Well we're happy you could be here today." Lorelai said to her parents, "The Holiday Festival is one of Rory's favorite traditions."

"At least once tonight Kirk will either end up in the hospital or Taylor will lose his voice from yelling to loud at the Sugar Plum Fairies for dancing to close to his display." She said with a smirk, "And if we're lucky both will happen plus someone will drink to much of Miss Patty's punch and fall break the Gazebo like last year."

Richard chuckled, "My it sounds quite entertaining."

Lorelai felt her heart beating hard in her chest, this didn't seem like an event that would meet her parents standards, "Um...well it isn't always like that sometimes-"

"Lorelai." Richard said with a smile, hoping to ease her fears, "We came here to spend the day with you. This is your town. We want to know all about it."

She took a nervous breath, "Okay…" She turned towards Luke, "Would anyone like some coffee before we get started?"

"That sounds lovely." Richard said, he turned towards his wife, "Luke makes the best coffee you will ever taste. Rory told me that and I was skeptical but I am a firm believer now. I can't quite put my finger on the special ingredient he uses but whatever it is, it keeps you coming back for more."

"Hence why Mom and Luke are now dating." Rory said with a smirk, "She got hooked. Now she gets a lifetime supply for free."

Luke rolled his eyes, "Like she ever paid before."

Rory smirked at him, "Whose fault is that?"

Luke smirked and gave her a hair a rustle before he turned towards the Diner entrance, "Come on in."

Rory quickly followed Luke and hopped up onto her favorite stool. Lorelai took a deep breath and follow suit. Richard gave his wife a smile and gestured for her to walk in. Emily stepped into the Diner and glanced around. It was packed full of Stars Hollow Patrons. She could tell that Luke did good business. It wasn't necessarily her style but at the moment, none of that mattered. She was determined not to screw this up.

Richard motioned for her to sit beside their granddaughter, and Emily did so nervously. Rory gave her a slight smile and reached for the hot chocolate that Luke had just poured her. Richard gave his wife another look and cocked his head towards Rory again. Emily reached for the coffee that Luke had just poured her and thanked him before turning back to Rory.

"So...your Grandfather tells me you are a Jane Austen fan." Emily said.

Rory seemed a little started by the direct questioning, "Oh. Yeah. I'm reading through all of her works. Mom found me some really great first edition copies of some of them."

"That's wonderful." Emily said as she lifted the cup, "Not many kids these days read the classics."

"Oh Rory's pretty much read everything." Lorelai said with a proud smile, "She picked up 'Green Eggs and Ham' and read it all by herself when she was three and a half. After that I could barely get her to find time to eat. Her nose was always buried in a book. Still is."

Emily smiled, "It's a wonderful habit to have. There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book." She lifted the cup all the way to her lips and took a sip, she gasped slightly, "Except maybe this coffee." She placed it down and smiled up at Luke, "My goodness, I can see why this place is packed! This really is the best cup of coffee I've ever had."

Luke smiled, "I'm glad to hear it."

"Hey Dolls." Babette said walking over to the counter, "Did you hear the big news from the Festival? Taylor already had his first meltdown."

Lorelai groaned and looked behind her to peek out the window, "We missed it? Darn!"

"What happened?" Rory asked leaning into her, "Spill the details. We need to know everything."

"Oh I'm sorry." Lorelai said turning towards her Mother, "Mom this is Babette. She is our neighbor."

Emily smiled, "Hello. I'm Emily Gilmore."

"Well it's nice to finally meet you." Babette said with a smile, "You raised a hell of a gal here." She said pointing at Lorelai, "Best neighbor I ever had."

Lorelai laughed, "Wasn't the neighbor before me schizophrenic?"

"Yes. He wrote all over the walls in that house. That's why you got such a good deal on it." Babette said with a slow nod, "Anyway. So Taylor put Kirk in charge of the Gingerbread house display."

"Oh boy…" Luke said with a sigh, "That wasn't his best decision."

"That's what I said." Babette said with a shake of her head, "Well there were supposed to be two models. One made of actual Gingerbread and one made of cardboard. But Kirk left the real one out overnight and some animals ate most of it and now there's no real display."

Lorelai laughed, "That's always one of the best displays. I think Sookie even helped with it this year. She's going to be so pissed."

"Oh I saw her crying over the caved in roof a few minutes ago." Babette said with a frown.

Lorelai cringed, "Poor thing." She sighed and turned herself around on the stool, "I should go check in on her."

"I'll come with you and see if I can fix any of the damage." Luke said walking around the counter.

Lorelai turned and looked at her daughter, "Hon will you be okay for a little bit?"

Rory nodded and picked up that Luke had placed in front of her, "Sure thing. I'll finish this and my hot chocolate and then we'll come find you. Go check on Sookie."

Lorelai smiled and squeezed her daughter's hand; "See you in a few minutes."

Luke walked around the counter, winked at Rory and placed a hand on Lorelai's back as he led her out of the Diner. Rory gave them both a wave and turned back to her donut. Richard slipped himself off the stool and smiled, "Is there a bathroom in the back?"

Rory nodded as she swallowed her bite, "First door on your left."

Richard nodded, "I'll be right back."

Rory smiled and turned back to her food, not giving her Grandmother much attention. Emily sipped on her coffee and watched her Granddaughter for a few moments. She felt more nervous being alone with Rory than anyone else. Figuring she could capitalize off of their talk of books she decided to try and start another conversation.

She turned towards her granddaughter and said; "So, what other types of literature are you intere-"

Rory sighed and turned to look right at her, "Grandma...let's not do the weird chit chat, okay?"

Emily gasped and sat up a little straighter, "I'm sorry?"

Rory gave herself a minute to compose herself before pushing on, "It's really important to my Mom to try and mend fences with you. I respect that decision however…" She crossed her arms over her chest and looked her straight in the eye, "I know what you did to her, what you've done. And quite honestly...I don't know if I trust you. So until I can see that you have good intentions...there isn't going to be a real relationship between you and I. Until I see you put in a real effort, keep your promises and respect my Mom then this between us…" She said motioning between them "Is just going to be for show to make Mom happy. Got it?"

As shocked as she was, a slow smile formed on her face, "You sound a lot like me. All business."

Rory narrowed her eyes at her, "I'm nothing like you. I'd never abandon and disgrace my family for something they had no control over."

Emily sighed, "Rory I know what I did was wrong. I have regretted it everyday since then but I can't change it. I can only try and change the future. I want to be a part of your life and your Mom's life too."

"Even if she doesn't live up to what you expected of her?" She asked quickly.

Emily sighed, "Your Mother has surpassed anything I could have expected from her. She's done an incredible job with you and all on her own." Her bottom lip trembled slightly, "I wasn't even half the Mother she is to you. I understand your hesitation and quite honestly I respect and admire your defense of your Mother. This is all in your hands Rory. You let me know what you want and expect and I'll follow."

Rory softened slightly and whispered, "Just don't hurt her. She doesn't' deserve it."

Emily nodded, "No. She does not."

Rory glanced behind her and saw Richard walking out of the bathroom; she grabbed her donut and took a bite, "Come on. Let's go find Mom and Luke."

Emily smiled at Rory's ability to switch between moods and topics. Something she got from her Mother. She turned towards her husband who looked slowly between them, "Everything alright here?"

Rory nodded slowly and hopped off her stool, "Everything is just fine. Come on."

Richard put a hand on Emily's back as they watched Emily walk out the front door, "Emily?"

Emily smiled, "Come on." She pulled at his hand, "I don't want to miss a thing."

Richard chuckled and followed them out onto the street. They crossed the road and entered the Town Square where the festival was in full swing. They found Luke and Lorelai over by the Gazebo, Lorelai was consoling her best friend and Luke was attempting to put pieces of the roof back together.

Sookie sniffled, "Oh just give it a rest Luke. It's a useless cause. Sixteen hours of work and it's completely ruined."

Lorelai rubbed her shoulder, "It was beautiful. And hey at least someone squirrels and raccoons got to enjoy it...don't they usually just go bad?"

"Well truthfully it probably killed those animals." Taylor said with a huff, "They aren't supposed to be exposed to that kind of sugar. They can't digest it so their stomach will bloat and they will probably just-"

"Geez Taylor." Luke said stepping away from the confectionery house, "Bring the mood down a little more why don't you?"

"I'm just being honest Luke." Taylor said with an eye roll, "This is the last time I let Kirk manage something so important."

"That's what you said last year during the Fourth of July Festival when he almost blew up Town Hall." Rory said with a laugh.

"Well I mean it this time." Taylor said pointing a finger at her, "What's the point in having this festival if the main display is ruined?"

Sookie wailed, "My beautiful Gingerbread house!"

Lorelai cringed and squeezed her friend, "Oh honey...it's going to be aright."

"I need a drink." She said, "Where's Patty's punch station?"

"Come on Rory." Lorelai said pulling Sookie up, "Help me get her over there."

Rory smiled and went on the other side of Sookie; they began to walk towards Patty's station. Richard watched them go, "What's Patty's punch?"

"It's lethal." Luke said with a shiver, "It will cure anything you got though."

Richard smirked, "I think I'll have to try it myself."

Luke laughed as he watched Richard follow them. He turned towards Emily who looked nervous and out of place. Clearing his throat nervously he turned back to the Gingerbread house and tried to clean up the pieces lying around the ground to at least make it look less messy.

Emily turned and watched him, she fidgeted with her hands nervously, "That coffee really was delicious."

Luke looked at her once and nodded, "Glad to hear it." He went back to his work, unsure of what to say to her.

"I can see why my daughter is so fond of you. I know she loves her coffee." She said with a smile.

"And how would you know that?" Luke asked with a sigh as he stood up to face her, "Seems to be a habit she picked up after she left your house. Not that I can blame her...she was 16 and had to take care of a baby all on her own. Must have needed caffeine to keep going."

Emily took a deep breath, "I suppose that would do it."

Luke pursed his lips and stared straight at her, "I'm going to be honest with you Mrs. Gilmore-"

"Emily." She corrected him, "Please call me Emily."

He shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded, "Okay. Emily..." He cleared his throat and pushed on, "I'm only agreeing to this all because it seems very important to Lorelai. But I'm going to tell you the same thing I told your husband." He leaned in slightly, "If this is all some ploy to hurt Lorelai or take Rory away you're going to have to deal with me. If you insult or hurt either one of those girls you're going to have to deal with me. I'd do anything and everything to protect them and I will."

She smiled, "I think you proved that by jumping in front of a moving vehicle to save my Granddaughter."

He smirked, "I'd do it again. For either one of them. And I'm not afraid to offend you if I need too. Lorelai doesn't deserve the way you've treated her and what you did…" He swallowed hard, "I will never understand how you could have lived with that. Lorelai was a child. She needed you to protect her. But if she is willing to forgive and forget then I'll support her. But until I see some real effort from you and you prove that you are trustworthy...I'm not going to buy into this game. Okay?"

Emily started to laugh, "Okay."

He narrowed his eyes, "Are you laughing? Do you think this is a joke?"

Emily smiled and shook her head, "Not at all. I admire how bold you are being I'm merely laughing because I just had a very similar conversation with Rory at the Diner."

He stood up straighter and smiled, "Oh really?"

Emily nodded, "Yes. Lorelai is lucky to have two people who love her so much."

Luke smiled, "Well if you're around long enough you'll realize she makes it pretty damn easy for people to love her. She's the most amazing woman I have ever known."

"You love her." Emily whispered.

He chuckled, "Uh yeah. Thought that was pretty obvious."

Emily nodded, "And it doesn't bother you that she has a daughter?"

Luke shook his head, "Why would it? I love Rory too. She's a great kid. Probably the smartest kid I've ever met. She's got a great heart, incredibly respectful and resilient. I'd do anything for her."

Emily smirked, "Again I think you proved that with the jumping in front of the car thing…"

Luke nodded, "Guess I did." He paused and looked at her, "I'm sure that somewhere you were hoping that Christopher and Lorelai would make it work some day. But quite honestly I don't see him ever being in the picture. He's proved time and time again that he's not interested in being a Father to Rory or a partner to Lorelai."

"And you want to fill those shoes?" Emily asked curiously.

"More than anything." Luke said honestly, "As long as they want me in their life then I'm here. I'm never leaving them." He stared at her curiously, "How do you feel about that?"

Emily crossed her arms over her chest, "I won't lie...you aren't exactly the type of man I expected my daughter to spend her life with."

His heart thumped in his chest, "I suppose not. Diner's don't buy mansions and Ivy League school Educations."

Emily shrugged, "No, maybe they don't." She said with a shake of her head, "But I have never seen Lorelai smile the way she does when she's around you. I've never seen her look so comfortable and happy. So to answer your question…" She smiled, "I'm more than okay with Lorelai finally having someone stable in her life...someone who will take care of her and love her the way she deserves. Lord knows her father and I did everything wrong, it's about time she had something right. Someone." She corrected.

Luke took a deep breath, "So you are okay with us?"

"I'm okay with you." She said with a smile, "And what about me being here?"

He shrugged, "I told you...I'm here to protect her. And until you show real effort and respect then I'm going to be cautious yet nice."

"For Lorelai." She said with a nod.

Luke nodded back, "For Lorelai."

"Well alright then." Emily said turning towards the direction everyone else had gone in, "Let's go."

Luke watched her walk away and then called out to her in a pained voice, "Just don't hurt her." He called after her. "She doesn't deserve it."

Emily turned and smiled sadly, "No she most certainly does not."

Luke nodded once, and then went to follow her to where the rest of the family was. He really hoped that Emily was going to be sincere. He hated to think that Lorelai was going to be broken hearted again.


Hours later, they all walked back to the Diner so Luke could pick up a few things for dinner. He was making them all dinner back at the house. While he worked in the back, the four Gilmore's sat at the counter chatting about the day's events.

Patty walked up behind them and placed a hand on Lorelai's back, "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Lorelai smiled, "Oh no! Hey Patty." She turned towards her parents, "You've already met my Dad, but this is my Mom Emily. Mom, this is Miss Patty. Quite the legend around these parts."

Emily smiled, "It's lovely to meet you Miss Patty. I saw your little ballerina's performing. They were quite wonderful."

Patty smiled, "Thank you. They are adorable. That's actually why I'm here." She turned to Lorelai, "One of my girls tore her dress and we have that big performance on Christmas Eve. Do you think you can help me fix it before then?"

"Sure." Lorelai said with a smile, "I'll swing by tomorrow during my lunch break and pick it up if that works for you. I'll have it for you in plenty of time."

"Are you sure? I know you're a busy woman but I'd really appreciate it." She said with a hopeful smile.

Lorelai put a hand on her arm, "Absolutely! We can't have one of your Sugar Plum Fairies without an outfit. I remember when Rory was in that show. She was the cutest." She laughed, "Not the most coordinated, but the most adorable for sure."

"I'm not supposed to pick favorites but she definitely was the most adorable." Patty said winking at Rory.

Rory blushed, "I was also the only one to fall off the stage."

"Oh details, details." Patty said with a chuckle, "I can't tell you how many times I fell during a performance in my day."

Lorelai smirked at her, "I have a feeling yours had less to do with having two left feet and more to do with your punch."

Patty wiggled a finger at her, "A lady never talks about her secrets in front of new friends."

Lorelai smiled, "I'll come get the dress. I should be there by 12:30. Does that work?"

"I'll be there." Patty said with a nod, "And if you think you can get Luke to help fix the sets...I'd forever be grateful." She leaned into Lorelai and whispered, "If only to stare at his fine ass for a few hours."

"Hey." Lorelai said nudging her, "Don't be ogling my man…"

"Oh honey…" Patty said with an eye roll, "I've been ogling him since he was of a legal age." She whispered back.

Lorelai laughed, "You can look but you can't touch."

"That man is all yours." Patty said with a smile as she pulled away, "He's only got eyes for you."

Lorelai blushed, "I hope so."

Patty giggled, "I know so." She squeezed her arm; "I'll see you tomorrow." She turned towards Lorelai's parents, "It was lovely to meet you. You've got a wonderful daughter and granddaughter. Thanks for sharing them with us."

Lorelai turned towards her Mother and noticed she was smiling but also looked sad. She wondered what her Mother was thinking and if she was enjoying her time in Stars Hollow. She couldn't deny that as scared as she had been to have her around, she felt happy to be spending time with both of her parents. IT felt right.

Luke walked out from the kitchen and smiled, "I got everything. Ready to head home?"

"Let's go. I'm starving!" Rory said jumping off of her stool.

Richard smiled, "I've been dying to taste another one of your creations Luke. What are you making tonight?"

"Steak tips, roasted potatoes, spinach and my special demi glaze. Rory requested boysenberry pie and homemade ice cream for dessert. I hope that is something you will all eat." He said nervously.

"It sounds lovely." Richard said excitedly, "Let's get going."

They all got up and walked out of the Diner, Luke called out to Joe about closing up and then hopped into the truck with the girls. They drove towards the house and parked the car. Now Lorelai was very nervous. Emily had been to the house but not inside yet. She didn't know how she would react to her home. All in all, Lorelai was very proud of her home. She just hoped it met her Mother's standards.


At the house, Luke was in the kitchen prepping for dinner while Lorelai and Rory entertained Emily and Richard in the living room. Rory was talking about school and Lorelai was raving about her accomplishments. Both Richard and Emily chose to not bring up the topic of private school because they knew it was still a sensitive topic.

Luke walked back into the room and sat beside Lorelai, "Potatoes will need to roast for awhile. I thought I'd come join."

"I'm glad." Lorelai said taking his hand and squeezing it, "Smells great babe."

Luke smiled, "Good. So what did I miss?"

"We were just hearing about all of Rory's accomplishments in school." Richard said beaming at her, "Including her A in shop class which I assume she got some help from you."

Luke smiled, "Maybe a little."

Rory rolled her eyes, "Luke practically did the whole project. Don't tell my teacher that because I wasn't proud of it but I wasn't about to let it ruin my perfect record. He's great. He built my bookshelf in my room and our chairs outside." She looked over at her Mom and smiled, "And he carved Mom a beautiful sign for her future Inn…"

Lorelai blushed, "Rory…"

"Future Inn?" Emily asked, "Are you leaving the Independence Inn?"

Lorelai fidgeted in her seat and Luke put his arm around her, "Well Mia is selling the Inn. That's all."

"And Mom wants to open her own Inn." Rory said quickly, "And she will."

Lorelai looked at her daughter, "It's just a dream…"

"A dream that will become a reality. Right Luke?" Rory asked looking at her Mother's boyfriend.

Luke smiled, "Absolutely."

Pushing some hair behind her ear she cringed and whispered, "Really I don't know what's going to happen. It's just an idea I had."

"Is it in town?" Emily asked looking at her daughter.

Lorelai nodded, "Yes. It's a beautiful property quite close to the center of town. It was an Inn at one time but it's been abandoned for quite some time…"

"Well I have no doubt that you could build it from the ground up again." Richard said with a smile, "From what I've seen of the Independence Inn you have done a wonderful job. Mia said you basically run the place on your own."

"Is Mia the owner?" Emily asked.

Lorelai's face flushed, "Yes. She owns the Inn. She...she gave me the job and let Rory and I live there."

A sad silence filled the room for a moment and Luke squeezed Lorelai's shoulder as he spoke up, "She's done a great job at the Inn. Brought so much business into town. I know she can do this. If she got a hold of the Dragonfly it would become a massive success."

Lorelai smiled at him, "I think you're a little biased hon. But I do appreciate the support."

"I agree with Luke." Rory said with a smile, "I know you can do it Mom."

She sighed and turned towards her daughter, "Thanks kid. But it's a lot to consider." She turned towards her Father and smiled, "I mean Dad will tell you. Starting a new business is not easy. And there's lot to consider financially. If the Independence Inn closes towards the beginning of the summer then I could potentially be building the new Inn while not working. I'm not sure if that is smart."

"It's definitely good to think about all your options and issues that may arise." Richard said with a nod, "If you want, I'd be happy to check out the property with you and discuss finances."

Lorelai sat up a little straighter, "Really?"

Richard nodded, "I'd love too. Maybe after the first of the year when things settle down a little we could set something up. I have some friends that could come assess the property as well."

Her smile grew, "I'd really like that. I need all the input I can get if I really am going to do this."

"You are going to do this." Rory said with a smile, "No if ands or buts about it."

Lorelai turned towards her daughter and laughed, "Honey I love that you support me so much but there's more to it then just signing on the dotted line. It would change a lot of things...I'd be really busy and I want to make sure I'm here for you too."

Rory rolled her eyes, "Mom you've done everything for me for the last 13 years. Gave everything up just to make me happy. Don't you think it's your turn to be happy now?"

Lorelai smiled, "I am happy kid…"

Rory nodded, "I know. But I mean it's your turn to finally follow your own dreams. It's time for you to at least try."

"I agree." Emily said with a nod, "You don't want to have any regrets in life Lorelai. Besides, if the Inn is closing isn't this the best time to do it?"

"That's what I said." Luke said, "It's like it's a sign. You were feeling guilty about leaving Mia but this way you wouldn't be."

Lorelai nodded, "That's true but-"

"But nothing." Rory said with a smile, "Go with Grandpa after New Years and look at the place and go from there. You've had this dream forever." She laughed, "Don't think I didn't catch you doodling in your notebooks about it over the years."

Lorelai blushed, "Rory…"

"It's your turn now." Rory said standing up, she turned towards Luke, "Want some help in the kitchen?"

Luke nodded and squeezed Lorelai's shoulder, "Sure thing."

Lorelai watched her two favorite people walk together towards the kitchen and then turned back to her parents. She blushed slightly and looked down, fidgeting with her hands in her lap. Richard was beaming at his daughter and Emily had tears sparkling in her eyes.

"Well…" Lorelai whispered, "Enough about me. I-"

"I'm so proud of you." Emily blurted out quickly causing Richard and Lorelai to turn towards her, "Truly Lorelai…" She sniffled and wiped at her eyes, "All you have accomplished on your own, I don't know how you did it."

Lorelai took a deep breath and smiled, "I did it for Rory. I wanted her to have a good life."

"She is wonderful." Emily said in awe, "So smart and kind and she adores you. Your relationship is unlike anything I've ever seen. You're-" Her voice cracked and she put a hand over her mouth, "You're the most amazing Mother."

Lorelai let out a shaky breath, "Thank you Mom. That means a lot."

Emily smiled, "It means a lot to be here. Thank you for giving me this chance."

Lorelai smiled at her, "I have to be honest Mom, I was terrified this morning. I wasn't sure how it was going to go but…" She shrugged, "It's been really nice having you here." She looked over at her Dad, "Having you both here."

"We've missed a lot." Richard whispered, "Many years that we can't take back."

"No." Lorelai said shaking her head, "Rory doesn't have a lot of family. It's always just been me because Chris chooses to stay away. And with everything that has happened in the last few months I don't see him ever being around. Even if he did show up after what he said, Rory wouldn't want to have him around anyway."

"I don't blame her." Richard said, "But Luke has filled that void for her."

Lorelai's smile grew, "He's wonderful with her. Their relationship is amazing. They can talk about anything. She's been able to open up a lot about her feelings having to do with Christopher with him. He adores her."

"And she clearly adores him." Emily said softly, she lowered her head and smiled at her daughter, "As do you."

Lorelai blushed and looked down at her lap again, "I can't imagine life without him now."

"It's good to see you so happy. So at peace." Richard said, "As your Father it is so comforting to know you are in good hands."

"He'd do anything for me." Lorelai said with a laugh, "He's incredible."

"He seems it." Emily said with a smile, "I'm happy for you. And I know that you will be successful with the new Inn."

"You really think so?" Lorelai asked softly, "I'm scared."

"Anyone who opens a new business is scared. I'd be worried if you weren't." Richard said shaking his head, "But I know you can do this too and I'm happy to help in anyway I can."

"Thank you." Lorelai said in a soft voice, "You have no idea how much it means to have both of your support." She let out a shaky breath, "It's all I ever wanted." Not wanting to get to deep and ruin the moment, Lorelai pushed herself off the couch, "I think I'll go see if they need any help."

She was practically glowing as she walked into the kitchen. Luke and Rory shared a look before turning back to Lorelai. "You okay Mom?"

Lorelai smiled and reached for a cup in the cabinet, she filled it with water. "I'm great." Taking a sip she looked at Luke, "Can I help?"

Luke shook his head, "I think we're good here. I'm gonna throw the steak in the oven soon but everything else is pretty close to being done."

"Great." Lorelai said as she walked over to Rory and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Rory smiled softly, "Mom?"

Lorelai giggled and kissed the top of her head, "What?"

"You look happy…" Rory whispered, "Really happy."

Lorelai sighed and ruffled her daughter's hair, "How could I not be happy kid? I've got my whole family here. I've got everything I need." She giggled again and winked at Luke before sauntering back into the living room.

Luke and Rory watched her go for a moment, both deep in thought. Rory sighed and reached for a platter for the potatoes, "Luke?"

He turned towards her and answered, "Yeah?"

"What happens if this doesn't go well?" She asked nervously, her blue eyes stared up at him with fear and worry.

He sighed and walked closer to her, "Rory…"

"She's happy. She won't say it but I know how much she has always wanted Grandma and Grandpa to be involved. I can see how much it means to her to have them here and I won't' lie…" She shrugged, "It does feel great but…"

He smiled and squeezed her hand, "But you're afraid your Mom will get hurt."

Rory nodded, "I told Grandma I wasn't going to trust her until I saw that this was all real."

Luke smiled, "I told her the same thing."

Rory laughed, "Great minds think alike I guess." She paused and looked back towards the living room when she heard her Mother's laugh, "Do you think Grandma's being sincere?"

"I really hope so." Luke answered, "It seems like it but I guess we can't really know for sure."

Rory nodded and turned back towards him, "And if she isn't sincere? If she tries to hurt Mom again?"

Luke lifted his hand and rested it on her shoulder, "Then we will be here to pick up the pieces."

Her lip trembled slightly but she nodded slowly, "Okay."

Leaning forward, Luke pressed a kiss to her forehead and hugged her close, "No matter what happens you and I are going to be right here for her. I'm not going anywhere."

Rory leaned into him and sighed, "Thank God. I don't know if I could handle all this without you here Luke."

He smiled and rubbed her back, "I'm right here."

Rory pulled away and smiled up at him, "Thanks for choosing us Luke."

He chuckled softly, "I didn't really have a choice kid. You've both had me under your spell from day one."

Rory smirked up at him, "We're the baddest witches in town." She teased, "You're never getting loose."

Luke nodded as he watched her walk past him, "Trust me. I don't want to."

Rory smiled and then walked back out to the living room. Luke took a deep breath and watched her go. He knew that he would be here no matter what happened but he just hoped that he didn't have to pick up the pieces. He truly did want Emily to prove him wrong and finally be the Mother that Lorelai deserved. He just wasn't about to let his guard down just yet. Someone had to protect his two favorite girls...


Hope you liked it. Lots more to come. I will hopefully be able to start writing the next chapter tomorrow. Keep an eye out for an update. :)