Chapter 48 "I Do"
It was Christmas Eve, and Logan was waking up in the queen size bed in his sister's guest room on the first floor. Opening one eye, Logan looked at his youngest nephew, Nate's big brown eyes, as he leaned close to his uncle giggling.
"What are you doing?" Logan asked his nephew, reaching out and grabbing him around the waist, lifting him on the bed. Nate let out a squeal and landed on his uncle.
"Are you getting up?" Nate asked him.
"Why?" Logan replied with a grin on his face.
"Cause I want to play."
"You do, huh. It's too early to play," Logan said and began tickling him.
Nate let out another squeal of laughter, yelling, "Stop, Unca Logan…" Nate rolled off Logan and then began to bounce on the bed.
"Alright, alright," Logan said, grimacing as the pain went across his hip from the jarring motion of the bed. "If you stop bouncing, I'll get up."
"K," Nat said as he flopped on the bed beside his uncle. Slowly Logan sat up and swung his legs to the side of the bed.
"Nate, could you bring me my cane? It's over there beside the chair."
"K," Nate replied and slipped off the bed, running to the chair and returning with his cane.
"Why do you need 'dis?" Nate asked, handing the cane to his uncle.
"It helps me walk since my leg is not as strong as it was."
"Does it hurt?" he asked.
"Sometimes," Logan replied. "Listen, Bud, go see if mom has any coffee, and I will meet you in the kitchen, and then we can play your new game."
Nate quickly ran out of the guest bedroom, yelling, "Mom… Uncle Logan wants coffee." Logan could hear his sister.
"Nathan, did you wake up your uncle?"
"No, he waked up."
Logan chuckled when he stood up and realized that staying in the guestroom at his sister's will not be peaceful, but it beats the alternative of staying at the rehab center. He limped over to the bathroom that was attached to the guest room. After taking care of business, Logan leaning on the counter looked at his reflection. His eyes looked hollow, and there were dark circles under them. Splashing water on his face, he thought, "How am I going to get through today?"
Jess woke up to the sound of his phone ringing. Reaching over, he grabbed the phone, hoping it wasn't the hospital or rehab center. His vacation officially started yesterday, and he was looking forward to the next week and a half with his pretty girlfriend, Ashlyn.
"Good morning," he answered with a husky voice.
"G'day yourself. How did you sleep?" Ashlyn's cheerful voice made him smile, and he felt himself stir longing for her.
"I had these crazy dreams about phallic shape food that you ate in front of me."
"Naughty," she giggled.
"Speaking of Naughty, did Rory appreciate the naughty candy items you bought her at that candy store we went too?"
"Yes, she did. She was such a good sport. However, she implied that my brother was going to enjoy them, which I may add; no sister wants to hear about her brother."
"I can understand that." Jess chuckled, thinking about how red she must have gotten. "I have a surprise for you."
"What?" she asked him eagerly.
"You'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"How about tonight? I can't wait to see you," she told him.
"Hmmm, maybe."
"What time are you arriving at the Morgan Hotel for the wedding?"
"I'll be there by one. Where do you want to meet?"
"How about the main lobby, then we can walk into the room where the ceremony will take place together."
"Sounds like a plan. How is Rory this morning?"
"I think she's fine. Mia went upstairs to check on her. She enjoyed herself last night."
"I think you all did if those pictures were an indication. So, what movies did you watch?" he asked a little curious.
"Couldn't you tell by the theme?" she teased.
"It looked like you had a porn theme going on."
"Funny, and it wasn't porn exactly. Maybe we can have a movie night sometime, and I will share those movies with you."
"That's not a bad idea, only if I get to choose the movies," he teased.
"Sounds very naughty," she replied, huskily back in the phone.
Feeling himself become excited, he cleared his throat. "Umm, I guess I'll see you later around one. I will be the handsome man waiting in the lobby with the dark suit on," he told her.
"Good to know since there are so many handsome men that walk in that place. I don't want to pick up the wrong guy and take him to my brother's wedding," she teased back.
Jess laughed at her reply. Ending his call, he leaned against the headboard, thinking of the beautiful redhead he was now dating. He was so glad that Rory and Ashlyn entered the hospital together that day. He felt himself stir again when he thought of her and couldn't wait to hold her in his arms this week. He couldn't wait to see her reaction when she opened the fun gift that he bought for her at the "naughty" candy store. He also stopped at a jewelry store in Hartford, where he bought her a rose gold open heart necklace. He planned to give it to her Christmas morning before he brought her to Stars Hollow to meet his mother, TJ, and his sister Doula. She would be the first girl he ever wanted to introduce to his mother. He then planned on taking her to Philly, where they would stay for a few days as he showed her around his favorite city and meet his best friends. Smiling, Jess stood up whistling while he walked into his bathroom.
Ending her call, Ashlyn climbed out of the sleeping bag where she had slept on the floor in Rory's front room. She walked into the kitchen to start breakfast and coffee for the girls. Mia came rushing down the stairs heading towards the refrigerator. She pulled out the ginger ale and poured it into a glass that she took out of the cupboard.
"Oh no, is Rory sick?" Ashlyn asked, wondering if she should call Jess back. "Does she need another acupuncture treatment?"
"Hand me those saltines, dear, and she'll be right as rain soon."
"Should I call Finn?"
"No, she'll be fine. I know what I am doing. Why don't you make her a cuppa while I bring this up to her?"
Ashlyn started the coffee and then filled the second coffee pot that Lorelai left, knowing that Rory's small pot would not supply the girls with enough coffee. She turned the kettle on, then pulled out the two breakfast pizzas she had prepared earlier and placed them in the oven. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, Ashlyn watched Paris walk into the kitchen. Ashlyn handed her the mug of coffee she just poured then poured another one for herself.
"Thanks," Paris said, taking the mug from Ashlyn. "Where's Rory?".
"Upstairs, Mia just brought her some saltines and ginger ale," Ashlyn said as she checked on the pizzas.
"What smells good?" Paris asked, craving the delicious aroma. She didn't realize how hungry she was, so she grabbed a banana from the bowl of fruit that Ashlyn had on the counter.
"I think I will go and check on her," Paris replied, placing her mug on the counter.
Paris went up the stairs passing Mia in the hall.
"How is she?"
"Just a little woozy, she said she feels light-headed. I gave her the saltines and ginger ale. That usually helps me when I feel like that first thing in the morning."
Paris knocked and walked into Rory and Finn's bedroom. "Ror, are you okay?"
"Yes, it's just a little woozy, it will pass."
"Listen, I have my bag in my car with some anti-nausea medicine inside. It's perfectly safe for you to take, and it might make you feel better."
"I'm not sure if I want to take any medication since this is the first morning, I have felt like this since I started the acupuncture treatments."
"Have you eaten anything?" Paris asked her.
"Only a little bit of food last night."
"Eat a few saltines and drink the ginger ale and see if that settles your stomach. I'll go to my car and get the Emetrol samples I have in my bag. You can take one if you still feel sick. Then you can take one every 3 - 5 hours as needed. They are perfectly safe."
"Okay," Rory replied, taking in a deep cleansing breath that Jess had told her to do when nausea started. Leaving the room, Paris walked down the stairs and out to her car that was in the driveway. She opened the trunk and took out her bag, bringing it back inside with her.
"What's that?" Lucy asked Paris as she saw her walk back into the house, carrying a small bag.
"Some medicine for Rory," she is feeling sick."
"Let me know if I can help," Lucy said as she walked into the kitchen leaning on the cane that Olivia had decorated for her.
"I will," Paris answered and quickly went up the stairs.
Paris walked into the bedroom and didn't see Rory. She heard the water run in the bathroom and knocked. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked her.
Rory opened the door, and Paris saw her standing in a fluffy pink robe. "Yeah, the ginger ale settled my stomach, and I feel well enough to shower. I'll meet you downstairs."
Paris handed her the medication, "Here, take this, just in case."
"Okay," Rory said, taking the bag from her.
Paris left the room and went downstairs to join the girls for the breakfast pizza. Ashlyn had a plate ready for Rory with scones, fresh fruit with yogurt, and a cup of ginger tea on the table for when she came down.
The limousine arrived at nine-thirty to pick up the girls. Leaving their cars at Rory's, they all piled in. Ashlyn opened one of the three thermoses she brought and began pouring Mimosa's into champagne flutes while Mia opened the bottle of ginger ale pouring herself and Rory a glass. Raising her glass in the air, Ashlyn said, "Here's to my new sister. Welcome to the world of the Morgans. May all your ups and downs be under the covers."
"Here, here!" The girls shouted in agreement, causing Rory to giggle.
"Thank you, everyone. Here's to good friends and family, who know us well and love us just the same." Rory answered as she rose her glass clinking it with the friends. Looking around the limo, she saw the old and new friends she had made throughout her lifetime.
Looking at Lane, her childhood friend, she took her hand in hers. "I can't thank you enough for being here and organizing the music for my wedding." Lane squeezed Rory's hand, then pulled her into a hug.
"No tears today," Lane told Rory, pulling her into a hug. "This will be the happiest day of your life. "
"I know, it's these damn hormones. I even cry when I see dog food commercials on TV." Lane laughed, remembering how emotional she was when she was pregnant with her boys.
"Hey, do you remember my wedding? It was so crazy. You and your mother helped me get through two weddings that day and my crazy Korean grandmother. I don't know how I would have done it if it wasn't for the Gilmore Girls." Rory smiled at her, nodding. "At least you won't be having two weddings as I did." Rory started laughing, remembering Lane's wedding to Zach so many years ago. There was that ugly wedding dress that Mrs. Kim gave Lorelai to alter, and instead of altering, she changed it, and the second wedding that was held in the village park as soon as all her grandmother and Korean relatives went away.
"Yes, there is that. I thought my grandmother was bad until I met yours."
Rory and Lane told the girls about Lane's wedding, which included Kirk's Hunky Waiters and Lorelai's drunken toast where her mother stood on stage telling all of Stars Hollow that no one would ever marry her. Then, Lane, had them laughing when she told the story about her honeymoon with Zac in Mexico. She explained how Zac rented a room on the internet that was near the beach. She told them their surprise when they arrived, and it wasn't in a hotel but in someone's home where no one spoke English, and the beach was a long bus ride away. Lane had the girls laughing hysterically when she told them about her first time having sex with Zac, on a beach getting sand in places where no one should get sand and getting food poisoning, finding out weeks later that she didn't have food poisoning, but she was pregnant with the twins.
The girls were drinking and laughing as the limo pulled up in front of the Manor House. The driver walked around the limo, opening the door as the girls piled out of the car, laughing and chattering, holding their champagne glasses. The doorman and limo driver gathered their clothing and bags following the girls into the lobby.
Rory, Mia, and Ashlyn walked into the lobby arm in arm when Lorelai squealed when she saw her daughter. Lorelai and Rory each wore sweatsuits, Lorelai's in royal blue, and Rory's was in white. As they hugged each other, Mia noticed that there was writing on the back.
"Turn around, girls," Olivia said, taking out her camera. Rory and Lorelai turned so the girls could see the writing on their sweatsuits.
"Whose idea was this?" Olivia said as she took a picture of the mother and daughter.
"Mom's," Rory said, rolling her eyes. "She has this thing with sequins and sparkling items. She bought the "Bedazzler" on an infomercial and decided we needed these sweatsuits. She wanted to bedazzle one for Finn and Luke until they both put their foot down."
"Awe, I love it. Lorelai, will you make me one when I get married?" Steph asked, hugging Lorelai.
"Of course," she replied, winking at her daughter.
Rory looked at her mother, and tears came to her eyes. She realized that she was so lucky to have a mother who would take the time out of her busy schedule to make these sweatsuits. Lorelai watched as her daughter's blue eyes filled with tears.
"Sweets, are you okay?"
"Yes, damn hormones," she said, wiping the tears from her face. "Everything makes me cry lately." Lorelai pulled her daughter into a hug.
"It's normal, remember how emotional I was the morning of my wedding to Luke." Lorelai placed her arm around Rory's shoulder, "Come on. Wait until you see the set up that Amanda has for all of us."
Leading her down the hall, Lorelai held the door open to the spa. Amanda's stylist, Gino, recently left the city to open a spa and hair salon in the Manor House. Ashlyn and the girls were sitting in chairs while four stylists and makeup artists began their work. Gino rushed over to her, "Bella. You look radiant. You and your beautiful mother need to come to the back room where Sarah and Rocco are working on Gigi and Amanda.
Upstairs in his apartment, Finn was pacing while Angus, Colin, and Robert watched.
"Calm down, Finn," Robert said, taking a drink from the glass of scotch that Angus has poured for them.
"Angus, did you hear from Mia? I haven't heard, and I'm worried. What if Rory is sick, should I call the doctor or Jess?"
Angus laughed and walked over to his brother with his phone in his hand. You can relax. Mia just sent me a text, and they are in the salon downstairs."
"I want to see her," Finn said.
Putting a hand on Finn's shoulder, Colin stopped him. "Finn, she's downstairs getting ready, look." Colin showed Finn the photos that Steph sent of Lorelai, smiling as she stood beside Rory with her arm around her daughter. Another picture showed Lorelai and Emily together with Emily in a similar sweatsuit that had Grandmother of the bride on it. Finn grinned when he saw the image of the three Gilmore Girls standing together with their backs toward the camera. Rory's hair was pulled up in a messy bun, as mother and daughter clowned around for the camera.
"When are you going downstairs to take pictures?" Finn asked Robert, who was sitting on the couch, relaxing and sipping a drink.
"As soon as I get the go-ahead from the wedding planner. Come on, let's eat some of this food they sent up. You are going to need your strength."
The men began to eat the sandwiches from the platters that were beside the liquor on the table.
Colin walked over to Finn and said, "Can I talk to you?"
"Sure. Is everything okay?" Finn asked him, noticing that Colin appeared nervous.
"Not here," Colin said when Liam, Christopher, Richard, and Luke walked into the apartment carrying their garment bags.
"Come into the back bedroom," Finn said, leading him to the guest room.
Finn turned on the light when they walked in. "What's wrong? You look frightened."
"No, it's just… Finn, can I ask you something? It's okay if you say no, I will understand."
"Col, what is it, buddy? Is this about Logan?"
"No... Finn, would it be okay if I ask Steph to marry me today later during your reception?"
Finn wrapped his arms around Colin and pulled him into a man hug, slapping his back.
"Blimey Mate! That's the best news ever. It's about time you give it a crack and make her your wife."
Colin let out a sigh and said, "I didn't want to take away from your big day with Rory."
"No, today will be perfect. Come on; we have some celebrating to do."
Finn and Colin returned to the large main room where Angus met them with shot glasses.
"Everything okay?" Angus whispered to Finn.
"No Worries, Angus."
When everyone had a shot glass in their hands, Richard looked around the room at the small group of men gathered there.
"Finn, as you may know, my granddaughter means the world not only to me but to these two other men standing beside me. She is special. I hope you realize that living with a Gilmore will not be easy. They are very strong-minded, independent, and stubborn. But they are also kind, sensitive, loyal, and very fragile."
"That's true," Christopher and Luke said in agreement, causing them to all chuckle.
"I just want to give you a little advice from one of Rory's favorite authors."
Finn looked at him in surprise and said, "Proust?'
Christopher and Richard started laughing. Looking at Finn and Liam, Richard said, "At least he is aware of the books that she reads. But no, it's Dr. Seuss."
"Finn is familiar with that author since Green Eggs and Ham is the only book he has ever finished," Angus teased.
"Rack Off," Finn said to his brother, causing Liam, Colin, and Robert to laugh.
"Anyway," Richard continued. "You know you are in Love when you can't fall asleep. Because the reality is better than your dreams." * (Dr. Seuss)
"No truer words were ever spoken," Finn said with a lump in his throat.
Robert raised his glass and said, "Finn here's to your new reality."
The men clinked glasses, drank their shot of whiskey as they slapped Finn on the back.
It was now Rory's turn to sit in the stylist chair beside her grandmother. Amanda had provided the women with blue silk robes to wear while they were getting their makeup and hair done before they changed into their dresses. Standing behind her chair, Emily watched as Gino began to blow dry Rory's hair, adding a product that made her hair shine.
"Rory, I brought my tiara and my diamond necklace for you to wear today," Emily said, looking at her granddaughter's reflection in the mirror. Emily hoped that she would wear the diamond tiara and necklace as she had so many years ago.
Smiling at her grandmother, she reached out and took her hand in hers. "Thank you, but it won't be necessary."
Steph came over with a box and handed it to Rory's stylist. The stylist opened the box pulling out the crystal silver snowflake combs that everyone was wearing in their hair today.
"I don't understand," Emily said, looking at the comb that Gino pulled out of the box and set it on the table where her veil was.
Gigi came running over to Rory and said, "Rory, what do you think. Do you like it?" She turned around and showed Rory how the stylist French braided her hair in two side braids, then braided them together, making one loop in the middle where she had placed the comb.
"I love it, Gig. What do you think?" Rory handed her the mirror so she could look at the back of her hair.
"Yes. I like it. I can't wait for Daddy to see it. Are they going to have your hair match mine?" Gigi asked as she watched the stylist seperate Rory's hair in sections.
"No," Gino responded. "I have something different in mind. Watch."
Gino winked at Gigi as he took each section of her hair and began twisting and pulling it into a bun at the base of her neck. He then took parts of her hair around her face. Using a curling iron, he twisted the hair giving her soft tendrils to frame her face. He then added a finishing spray that made her hair shimmer. The makeup that was applied earlier was light, and they used a natural champagne eye shadow on her eyelids that made her blue eyes pop.
Gino handed her the hand mirror as he swiveled the chair so that she could see the back of her head. "What do you think?" he asked.
"I like it a lot."
"Good. Gigi, will you hand me the veil and the comb, please?"
Lorelai stood behind Gino, watching him work on Rory's hair. Gigi carefully picked up the veil and handed the silver comb with the crystal snowflakes to him. Gino then attached the veil to the comb and secured it to Rory's hair just above the bun. Gino turned the chair, and Rory held up the hand mirror to look at her reflection.
"It's beautiful, Gino, thanks."
Emily came over and leaned down and hugged her granddaughter. Kissing her on the cheek, she said, "You don't need the tiara to look like a princess."
"Thank you grandma," she responded, kissing her back.
Standing up, Rory hugged Gino and thanked the staff for coming in and doing their hair and makeup. When Gino and his team left them alone in the salon, Rory grabbed Steph's hand and looked at her mother, grandmother, and Gigi.
"Before we leave, I have something for each of you," she said as she walked over to her coat. Under it, Rory pulled out a shopping bag she brought with her. Reaching inside the bag, Rory pulled out boxes wrapped in silver paper with a sapphire bow on each one.
"This is a little something that Finn and I purchased. We could not be here without your love and support."
She handed each person a box. Steph and Gigi opened their boxes first. Inside was a beautiful pair of sapphire stud earrings that she and Finn had picked out for them. Steph brought Gigi over to the full-length mirror, and they put the earrings in their ears. Emily, Lorelai, and Amanda opened their Tiffany boxes that contained sapphire and diamond drop earrings with the matching necklace.
Amanda opened her card first. "Thank You for raising the man of my dreams. Love, Rory." Amanda's eyes appeared glassy as she went over to hug her new daughter in law. Lorelai then opened her card and read. "Mom, thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams; that led me back to Finn." Emily watched as both and Lorelai became emotional after reading their card. Emily opened her card and decided to read it out loud. "I never would have reached my dreams if it wasn't for you and grandpa."
Emily looked at her granddaughter and pulled her into a warm embrace. "It's been our pleasure. You brought so much joy into our lives."
Rory kissed her grandmother on the cheek then began to help each of them put on their necklaces. Turning to look at both Lorelai and Emily, Amanda said, "I am so happy that Rory and Finn found their way back to each other. Welcome to the Morgan Family." The four women hugged each other, trying not to ruin their makeup.
Stephanie walked over to them, "Ladies, I just received a message from Robert. He will be down in ten minutes to begin taking pictures. It's time to get dressed."
The girls walked into the next room to get into their gowns. Rory helped Gigi put on the chiffon platinum dress with spaghetti straps that fell below her knee while Amanda, Lorelai, Steph, and Emily dressed in their gowns. They all looked beautiful in the platinum and sapphire gowns that they each chose. "Now it's your turn, Rory," Gigi said excitedly.
Lorelai unzipped the garment bag that held Rory's wedding gown. Removing the gown, she helped Rory step into it. Gigi stood beside Amanda, watching as Emily arranged the large train that blended into the bodice of the dress. The white Monique crepe designer dress featured a one-shoulder draped neckline with white embroidery on the right collarbone with long sleeves that ended at her wrists. The elegant dress draped beautifully on Rory. Rory stood in front of the floor-length mirror, looking at herself and her mother's reflection.
Biting her bottom lip, Lorelai said, "You look, beautiful sweets." Rory blinked her eyes, trying to stop the tears that seem to fill her eyes today.
"Thanks mom, I feel beautiful."
Emily walked over and stood beside her granddaughter, looking at their reflection in the mirror. Squeezing her daughter and granddaughter's hands, she said, "I had always pictured your wedding. You in a princess-style gown wearing my tiara, but
Miss Celine was right. She told me that you had found the perfect dress. You look… exquisite"
There was a knock on the door, and the wedding planner and Robert walked in.
"Reporter Girl," Robert said, stunned when he saw her standing between her grandmother and mother. Robert had photographed many brides in his career, but no one ever looked as ravishing as Rory did standing there in front of him. He felt his eyes fill with tears as he walked over to her. Standing in front of her, he took her hands into his and shook his head. "Finn is one lucky man."
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Robert quickly put his camera in front of his face and began taking pictures of Rory alone in front of the mirror. He had her pose alone than with Gigi, Steph, her mother, grandmother, and Amanda. Before Robert left, Rory walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder.
"How's Finn?" Rory asked with concern on her face.
"Pacing the floor and counting down the minutes until he sees you," Robert chuckled.
Rory took Robert's hand in hers and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Thanks for always being there for Finn and me. I know these last few months have not been easy."
Robert pulled her in his arms and hugged her. "Reporter Girl, I love you and Finn, and I am happy that you two found each other. Finn is who you should be with, don't ever forget that. I will always be here for both of you, and I know that Colin feels the same way." He kissed her on the cheek and opened the door. "I will be waiting for you, beautiful."
As soon as Robert left, Lorelai came into the room.
"Is everything okay?" she asked her daughter.
Rory nodded as she smiled at her mother. "Is it time?"
Searching her beautiful daughter's face, she looked in her eyes and said, "Yes." Lorelai handed her the bouquet of white and Red Roses with Berries, Fir Cones, and Eryngium and kissed her on the cheek. The wedding planner opened the door leading them down the hallway towards the little room where her grandfather was waiting. The door opened, and Christopher walked in.
"Hey," he said to Richard. "I wanted to see her before she walked down the aisle." Richard patted Christopher on the shoulder and stepped away to give him some time with his daughter. Walking over to Rory, he placed his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug. "You look, beautiful honey." Stepping back, he took Rory's hands in his. "I look at you now and remember the day you were born. Even at sixteen, I knew that I wanted to give you the world. I am sorry if I failed you. I'm so proud of the young woman you became and for allowing me back into your life. Today you are marrying a man who can give you what I couldn't."
The tears slowly slipped from her eyes as she hugged her father. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Rory kissed her father on the cheek. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, Kid."
Christopher walked out of the room, and Rory watched him leave. She watched as her mother wiped the tears from her eyes before the door closed. Her grandfather walked over to Rory and held her hands.
"Rory, always remember, no other love in the world is like the love of a father has for his little girl." Richard then kissed his granddaughter on the forehead.
The wedding planner, Peyton, opened the door and brought Davey and Gigi into the room. She handed Davey the white pillow with the sapphire ribbon on it that held their rings. She then gave Gigi a pretty white basket with a sapphire blue ribbon and a crystal snowflake that decorated the front. Inside the basket, Peyton had filled it with white sparkling snowflake confetti and rose petals so Gigi could sprinkle them as they walked down the aisle. Peyton then had everyone line up. Walking over to Rory, the wedding planner said, "Zac asked me to attach this to you." Quickly she pulled Rory to the back corner and attached the mic to her dress and gently hid the microphone under the veil.
The wedding planner gave the signal, and the music began playing. Rory heard Zac's voice as he sang "Say I Am" by Gavin DeGraw, as Gill and Brian accompanied him on the keyboard and guitar.
The guest entered the main dining room finding three rows of ceremony chairs in a semicircle in front of the fireplace. The chairs along the aisle were decorated with bunches of ivory roses and pinecones, red cranberries, and evergreen tied with white and deep sapphire ribbon. A walkway with candles separated the semi-circle where Rory would walk towards the arch in front of the fireplace. Logan followed Josh, Honor, and Rose to the second row of chairs. He took the seat at the end of the row by the aisle. Zac began singing:
One way, one way to the center of your heart
Slow down, the world is too loud and this loneliness too hard
We should let it out, just to be closer
Well, I need you now, over and over
We could stay up in the Sunday room
As we share these words unspoken
When you ask me if I'm in love with you
I would say you must be joking
I would say I,
I would say I am
Behind him sat Lucy, Aiden, Olivia, Paris, and Doyle. Like him, Lucy sat at the end of the aisle. Lucy placed her hand on Logan's shoulder, letting him know that she was there. Logan smiled and stood up. He then shook Doyle and Aiden's hand after giving Paris, Lucy, and Olivia a kiss on the cheek. He returned to his seat and looked across the aisle where Jess sat holding Ashlyn's hand. They were seated beside Mia and her family. Logan turned back in his chair and noticed that Juliet and Tristan were walking down the aisle. They moved into the two empty seats beside Jess. Tristen stepped back so Juliet could go in first, then he took the aisle seat. Tristan smiled and nodded at Logan. Logan nodded again; later, he let his eyes roam around the beautifully decorated room, quietly listening to the music.
Slowly, show me what you hold and what you hide
Tell me that you really believe and I'll see it in your eyes
But when you've hurt so much, you're scared to get closer
You can let it out, over and over
We could stay up in the Sunday room
As we share these words unspoken
When you ask me if I'm in love with you
I would say you must be joking
I would say I, I would say I am
Logan bit his lip and felt Rose grab his hand. He looked down at it and smiled, relieved that he was not alone at the wedding.
I could show you the river, we'll wash in the water
Give me your faith, there's so many waves
I could show you the river,
We could wash in the water
We could stay up in the Sunday room
As we share these words unspoken
When you ask me if I'm in love with you
I would say you must be joking
I would say I, I would say I am
I would say I am
I could show you the river,
We could wash in the water
The music stopped, and everyone watched as Angus and Colin, wearing dark blue three-piece suits with matching gray vests and ties, walked to the back of the room. They walked slowly, pulling a white floor runner up the aisle towards the front arches. The music began again as the guest watched Finn, wearing a dark blue three-piece morning suit, with grey pants, carrying a cane and top hat walk out to the center of the room, followed by Angus and Colin They stopped by the left side of the arch stood in front of the fireplace.
The door in the back of the room opened as Zac began to sing "My My Love" by Joshua Radin.
So many moons
Have come and gone
All along
I heard this song
Inside me
Logan watched as Angus nudged Finn. Finn reached up and took off the top hat, quickly placing it on a table behind him. Finn caught Logan's eyes. Logan raised his chin at Finn, and Finn nodded, acknowledging each other. Robert walked around the room, taking different shots of the guests, the men standing in front of the fireplace, and Hep Alien seated behind the arch to the right as they played the music.
To wait
I was told
But now I've found a different sound
I hear when you're around me
Slowly walking down the aisle, Christopher appeared with his mother Francine Hayden on his arm, wearing a blue three-piece suit that matched Angus and Colins.
It's something new
Because of you
I hope I hear it forever
Behind him was Luke wearing the same suit with Emily Gilmore's hand tucked in the crook of his arm. Finn took a deep breath and looked out towards the three arches at the end of the long aisle decorated with lanterns and flowers. He wondered how long he would need to stand there, waiting for his love to walk towards him.
My, my love
I've been without you too long
My, my love
I've been running too fast to belong
To anyone
But then you came along
When first I laid eyes
Upon your face
This song replaced
All the others I had written
It's all brand new
Because of you
Feels like I've known you forever
Behind them walked Liam and Amanda. She was beaming as she walked down the aisle, looking at her handsome sons standing side by side. Suddenly memories of them as little boys wrestling in the sand, spearfishing, and surfing at their home in Queensbury flashed in front of her. Now both young men would be fathers soon, and she hoped that their children would be as close as they were.
Babette poking Miss Patty asked in a stage whisper, "Is that the groom's motha' ?"
"Yes, look how stunning she is in that Platinum dress and red hair. No wonder her son is so handsome. And just look at the father." Miss Patty purred. "I just want to take a pinch of him. Wait until our girl has children. They are going to be beautiful, with her blue eyes and his light reddish-brown hair…."
My, my love
I've been without you too long
My, my love
I've been running too fast to belong
To anyone…
But then you came along
You warm sunshine
You cool me like summer rain
Just let me sit down beside you
Over and over again
My, my love
I've been without you too long
My, my love
I've been running too fast to belong
To anyone…
But then you came along
The music stopped as they reached their places standing in the front row of the ceremony chairs, with Rory's family on the right and Finn's family on the left. Robert walked down to the middle of the aisle and waited for the doors to open. Zac moved front to a stool by the candles to the left of Finn and began playing his guitar. The wedding singer cued Zac, and he began to play his guitar. A beautiful angelic voice came from the back of the room.
"From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
Robert put his camera up to his face and began to take pictures as the guest started whispering, wondering who was singing since they could not see the singer. Logan smiled at looked at Finn. He knew who it was and watched with amusement as Finn stood stoically, waiting for Rory to appear.
Steph appeared in a stunning sapphire blue strapless floor-length dress. Her blonde hair was hanging on her shoulders in loose curls with one side held back with a silver and crystal comb. Colin didn't realize that he was holding his breath until Angus nudged him. She was beautiful, Colin thought, as she floated down the aisle towards him. He put his hand in his pocket, rubbing the velvet box that held the ring he was going to give her today.
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
Lorelai appeared next in a sapphire blue sheath style dress. She wore her hair pulled to one side wearing the matching silver crystal comb in her hair carrying a bouquet of white roses, pinecones, red cranberries, and evergreen with a platinum bow, like the bouquet that Steph carried. Emily looked at her daughter and realized that she wasn't the person singing as she thought. She saw the tears in Lorelai's eyes and the proud smile on her face and knew that the singer was her granddaughter. Lorelai reached her placed in the circle when Luke moved beside her putting his hand in hers.
I give my hand to you with all my heart
I can't wait to live my life with you
I can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
Davey and Gigi slowly walk down the aisle. Gigi scattered the silver snowflakes, and blue rose petals on the floor and smiled as she walked beside Davey who looked handsome in his three-piece suit that matched the men in the wedding party. Sookie wiped the tears from her eyes. Jackson kissed her cheek and handed her his handkerchief as the kids walked past him. Davey winked at his parents as he took Gigi's hand and walked with her to the other side of the arches.
Zac continued playing the melody as Richard kissed Rory's forehead, adjusting her veil over her face. Reverend Skinner moved to the center of the arch, and Finn walked forward.
"Please Stand," Reverend Skinner said.
With her hand in the crook of her grandfather's arm, Rory began slowly walking up the aisle as she sang to Finn.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you; I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
Logan stood up at the end of the aisle. Holding his cane, he turned and looked down the aisle at the woman he once loved. Finn step forward, moving to the edge of the white runner watching and waiting for Rory to reach him. Tears filled his eyes as he listened to Rory sing as she continued to walk towards him on her grandfather's arm.
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
Their eyes met as a single tear slowly leaked down his cheek. He heard Angus ask Colin, "Did you know she could sing?"
"No, never, this is a total surprise," Colin whispered back as he felt his eyes become misty. Logan swallowed the lump in his throat as he felt himself become emotional too.
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment…
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
Finn walked towards her at the end of the aisle. He took her hand in his and leaned forward. Lifting the veil from her face, he leaned in and kissed her cheek, whispering, "I will love you as long as I live."
Smiling up at him, she purred, "I promise, I will always love you, Finn."
Finn leaned in, kissing her slowly on the lips when the Reverend cleared his throat. The sound of laughter filled the room when Finn gave the minister a dirty look.
Reverend Skinner looked at Richard and said, "Who gives this woman to be wed?"
At this point, Richard, Emily, Lorelai, Christopher, Luke, and Lorelai said together, "We Do."
Rory took Finn's hands in hers and stood facing him. Forgetting that the microphone was on, she whispered, "Behave."
Smiling, the Reverend looked out at the guests who were standing in a circle around them, giggling. In a clear, loud voice, Reverend Skinner began.
"I want to welcome you to the marriage ceremony of Liam Finnegan Morgan II to his beautiful bride Lorelai Leigh Gilmore Hayden. I have known Rory since she was a little girl, and I am very proud to be standing here performing her marriage."
Rosemary leaned into Logan, whispering, "I never knew she was a Hayden or that her name was Lorelai. Did you?"
Logan leaning on his cane, whispered, "I did."
Logan stood quietly and listened to the Reverend.
"The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken without beginning or end. When we met and talked about how they wanted their ceremony, they explained to me that Finn first met Rory in front of a coffee cart while they were in college, and they became friends. Then their careers took them to different places, where they lost touch with each other for many years until that day in September when she backed her car into his in front of a local coffee shop.
"As Rory told me the story of the day that brought them together, she said, 'the stars brought us together when we needed each other the most.' Rory and Finn believe that their lives have come in full circle. Because of this, Finn and Rory decided that their ceremony would represent the circle like their lives have taken. This circle grew from two and now includes you, their closest friends and family. Please reach across the aisle and join hands."
Logan stepped out of the aisle and reached out, finding Tristan standing there. They both hesitated then took each other's hand. Rory watched as everyone held hands and smiled when her eyes met Paris's. She glanced back to the aisle, and Paris's eyes followed, and they both noticed that Logan and Tristan were holding hands. Paris began to chuckle. Doyle leaned over and said, "What's wrong?"
"Look," she motioned with her eyes to where Logan and Tristan were standing side by side, holding hands. "I always said she had a type."
Doyle rolled his eyes and replied, "Yes, but she broke that type now that she is marrying Finn."
Robert walked to the front of the room, climbing up on a ladder so he could take pictures of the circle of people that surrounded Rory and Finn.
Standing facing each other, Finn and Rory held hands. Reverend Skinner looked at Finn and Rory.
"Today, Finn and Rory, you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauties of love as you join together in the vows of marriage."
Looking at them, the Reverend whispered, "Are you ready?" Swallowing the lump in her throat, Rory nodded. Looking at her with love in his eyes, Finn squeezed her hand and said, "I have been ready for this ever since that day she hit me in September." Finn's parents began to laugh when they heard him say that, and Rory realized that her mic was on.
Raising his eyebrow, Reverend Skinner said, "Rory, I think that is your cue, "
Rory cleared her throat and said, "Finny, this is the beginning of forever, forever kisses, forever loves, forever together as one. I promise that you will be as important to me as coffee, chocolate, and Gilmore Girls Movie Night. I promise not to force you to watch a marathon of movies of my choice or my mother's and will let you go with Luke someplace if the movies are not of your choosing."
Luke, Lorelai, Richard, Emily, and Christopher began to laugh along with their friends that understood the meaning of the Gilmore Girl Movie night. Uncle Angus turned to Mia and asked, "What is that?" Jess whispered, "You haven't lived until you experienced one of those nights." Ashlyn laughed and poked him. "I'll explain later," she told her aunt and uncle.
Ignoring the whispering around her, Rory gazed into Finn's blue eyes and said, "Love found me when I least expected it. It was in the stars. It was in the moon. It was in the trees. It was in you. Whatever our souls are made of…, yours and mine are the same."
Logan listened to her say the vows, and his heart tightened. She was quoting Emily Bronte, a line from a poem she once read aloud to him. Honor put her arm on his shoulder and whispered, "Are you, okay little brother?"
"I will be. It's hard listening to her say those words to Finn. I always hoped that I would be the one she said those words to." Logan whispered back.
Honor put her head on his shoulder and kissed his cheek. "I know, I understand."
The Reverend turned. "Finn, are you ready to proclaim your love for Rory."
Finn smiled at Rory and then turned and smiled at his family and friends. He looked at the group and saw Logan. He nodded to him and turned to Rory.
In a clear, loud voice, Finn began, "Lorelai Leigh Gilmore Hayden…, Rory…, Kitten…, my Love; I long to live together, love together and rejoice in the small things. Whether it's eating pancakes on a lazy Saturday that I have cooked for you, making you the pots of coffee you crave, a kiss on the knee, or a crossword puzzle clue. Each of these is an expression of my love for you, my wife. I can't imagine my life without you - a New Year's without kissing you at midnight - a birthday without you to help me wish by blowing out the candles - I can't imagine anything without you, and I don't want to. With our wonderful chemistry, I know we would truly win the newlywed game. And by the way - I've signed us up for the Newlywed Game when it comes back on the air in 2020." The guest all laughed.
He then reached out and touched the double heart necklace tracing it with his finger; he said, "My heart is and always will be yours."
Rory looked at him, whispering, "You quoted Jane Austen."
He smirked back and said, "I did, and you quoted Emily Bronte."
After Rory and Finn stated their vows, Gil, Brian, Lane, and Zac begin to play "This I Promise You," by Nsync with Gil taking the lead vocals.
When the visions around you
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surrounds you
Are secrets and lies
I'll be your strength
I'll give you hope
Keeping your faith when it's gone
The one you should call.
Was standing there all along
Rory listened to the Nsync song that the two girls use to sing after her father bought her the Nsync album one Christmas. She realized that Lane had changed the music, and tears formed in her eyes, knowing that her best friend always knew the right music for the right moment in time. With their voices blended, Zac, Gil, Brian, and Lane sang the chorus.
And I will take you in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Til' the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you
Then Zac sang.
I've loved you forever
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart
This is a battle we've won
And with this vow
Forever has now begun
Just close your eyes
Each loving day
And know this feeling won't go away
Til' the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you
Over and over I thought
When I hear you call
Without you in my life, baby
I just wouldn't be living at all
And I will take you in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Til' the day my life is through
This I promise you, babe
Just close your eyes each loving day
And know this feeling won't go away
Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Ooh, I promise you
The Reverend motioned to Davey, who carried the pillow with the wedding rings. Finn lifted his hand, and with his thumb, he wiped the tear off her face.
The Reverend continued, "Today, Liam Finnegan Morgan II and Lorelai Leigh Gilmore Hayden give and receive these rings as demonstrations of their vows to make their life on. To make this marriage work, they will learn to create a love that is whole and unbroken and to love each other without end. Finn take this ring and place it on your bride's finger and state your pledge to her by repeating these words after me,"
Finn took the sixteen stone sapphire and diamond wedding ring that he had engraved with the dates 9/16/11 ❤️ F&R 12/24/11 engraved. Placing it on her finger, he said, "This ring I give as a sign of our constant faith and abiding love."
The Reverend handed Rory Finn's ring and said, "Take this ring and place it on your groom's finger and state your pledge to him."
Rory took the platinum and titanium ring, which was engraved, My Lover; my best friend ❤️ R&F 12-24-11 said, "Finn, This ring I give as a sign of our constant faith and abiding love," as she slid it on his finger.
Smiling, the Reverend said, "Finn and Rory, you did it."
Looking out into the room, Reverend Skinner said, "Just as two very different threads woven in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives merge together to form a very beautiful marriage. To make your marriage work will take love. Love should be the core of your marriage; love is the reason you are here. But it will also take trust to know in your hearts you want the best for each other. It will take dedication to stay open to one another; to learn to grow together even when this is not always so easy to do. It will take faith to be willing to go forward to tomorrow, never really knowing what tomorrow will bring. In addition, it will take commitment to hold to the journey; you both now pledge to share together.
Liam Finnegan Morgan and Lorelai Leigh Gilmore Hayden, in so much as the two of you, have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows. I now declare you to be Husband and Wife. Congratulations, you may kiss your bride. The room burst out to the roar of clapping and whistling as Finn pulled Rory into a deep passionate kiss.
"The Groom has a surprise for his wife," Zac said.
He handed Finn the guitar and sat beside him on the other stool and began to play the opening cords to "Falling in Love at the Coffee Shop." By Landon Pigg
"Love you're not the only one full of surprises," he said.
In a deep clear voice, he began to sing.
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
Yes, there's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you
I've seen the paths that your eyes wander down, I wanna come too
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
No one understands me quite like you do
Through all of the shadowy corners of me
I never knew just what it was
About this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew
Finn put the guitar in down and put his hand out to Rory as he and Zac sang together.
I never knew just what it was
About this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
Yes, there's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you
I've seen the waters that make your eyes shine, now I'm shining too
Because, oh, because I've fallen quite hard over over you
If I didn't know you, I'd rather not know
If I couldn't have you, I'd rather be alone
Taking Rory in his arms they began to dance as Zac continued to sing.
I never knew just what it was
About this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew
I never knew just what it was
About this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew
All of the while, all of the while it was you
As they danced, Finn put his hand on her face pulling her into his lips. Lifting his head, he whispered, "It's always was you."
The guest applauded again, and Angus poked his brother with the cane when it didn't look like Finn wasn't going to stop kissing his wife.
"Let's go, Bro'" Angus whispered.
Finn turned to his brother, smiling said, "Why? Are you thirsty or something?"
"Or Something!" Angus replied, winking at his brother.
Finn chuckled as he kissed Rory one more time.
Turning to Colin, Angus said, "I knew this would come in handy," poking Finn again.
Placing the top hat on his head that Colin handed to him, he held out his arm so that Rory could tuck her hand in the crook of his arm. Angus twirled the cane in his hand as he gave his arm to Lorelai and followed them down the aisle. As they walked down the aisle past, Logan reached out to them. Rory and Finn stopped. Rory kissed Logan on the cheek, and without thinking, Logan pulled her close, hugging her. Letting her go, Logan looked at the two of them, "Congratulations." Rory placed her hand on the side of Logan's face and smiled, "Thank you, Logan." Finn then shook Logan's hand, and he turned to his wife and kissed her. They continued walking down the aisle as their guest threw the snowflake confetti that Peyton had placed at their seats before the wedding. Finn, Rory, and the wedding party went to the left, as Peyton directed the guest to the bar that was set up with an open bar and appetizers while Robert took more photographs of the wedding party.
