I have thought of a number of different ways to write this, but it has always come back to the same premise. This was written over the course of about 2 weeks with 10 hour days at work, I have tried to smooth it out, but somehow it always sounds better in my head at 2am than when I am fully awake at the computer.

I don't own Gilmore Girls

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Lia pulls out the assignment she hadn't bothered to read in class …

Differing Perspectives assignment: Interview your parents, ask them the same question, but not when they are in the room together and write about their answers. Write their answers in the form of a story using as many of the techniques we have been reviewing the past week.

Joy, this should be fun, let me think … well nothing from their Yale years, that has been published. I know how they got engaged and I don't really want to publicize to my teacher that I was pre the engagement. I actually know the story of the wedding itself, but huh, not really the reception wonder if they have a different take on how that day went. I mean Mom and Dad planned a small wedding at the gazebo and then the Dragonfly Inn with just family invited, it took them a long time to be civil to Grandmother Shira after that; actually, since Grandmother died, I haven't heard much about her, just the comments from Dad that neither were faithful, she was an alcoholic and chain smoker; ironic that COVID got her just before the twins were born. Hmm, I think I will attempt to ask about the wedding. See what I get, now for the question … Lia spent the next 30 minutes deciding on the phrasing of her question and settled for:

According to legend, on your wedding day it didn't go exactly as planned – what was different and how do you feel about it now that 15 years has passed? Hmm, that should get some good perspective.

Lia left the bedroom and went looking for her Mom, heading to the office as she was editing the next book in the children's series she had decided to write.

Rory, looked up from her computer to see Lia in the door, just watching her type, "Hey sweetie, you were so quiet when you got home from school, did you get a snack? "

"Ice cream"

"What? Seriously? And you didn't invite me?"
"You were working."

"Yes, but ice cream"

"Yes, you working – Grandma said never interrupt you when working or I couldn't go shoe shopping with her."

"Wait, what? Shoe shopping?"

"Yup, that you only agree to shoe shopping when you are able to get your work done."

"Oh, geez, that was when I was – huh, about your age, yeah, your Grandma would try to interfere with my study time because she was bored and one time she made me promise to go shoe shopping with her on a weekend, but – oh, never mind; you didn't come to talk about shoe shopping and you ate the ice cream without me, so?"

In one breath Lia asked, "what happened at your wedding, what did Grandmother Shira do and oh, wait, no that wasn't what I had written," she looked at her paper, "According to legend, on your wedding day it didn't go exactly as planned – what was different and how do you feel about it now that 15 years has passed?"

Rory's eyebrows went up, a scowl and then a smile.

"Ah, yes, well settle in because, it was the best day and the worst day of my marriage."

Lia sat down in the big chair in the office, the one for reading. She was so excited to know she was finally going to hear what really happened.

"So, let me start with the fact that your Great-Grandma was so excited when she found out your Dad and I were getting married. No one disagreed that it should happen quickly, so we planned it for October. Fortunately, with the first baby you don't really show until after 6 months, so Great-Grandma called Celine and told her it was for a wedding, she promptly came to the house and brought only the wedding dresses that worked for Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, have you watched Sabrina? Oh, we must watch it. 'I have learned how to live, how to be in the world and of the world, and not just to stand aside and watch.'

Actually, I have to credit you Dad for that because before him I might as well have been reaching for the moon."

Lia looked at her mother a bit askance, ask a writer a direct question and you get a novel for an answer, "Mom, Grandmother Shira - wedding"

"Right, right, ah, yes, the wedding dresses – well, I went with the shape, but not the flowers embroidered on it, but when I put it on; I just never wanted to take it off. I understood your Great-Grandma in a way I never had before, I wanted to put on my dress every day before the wedding, I knew this was the most right thing I could ever have done - marry your Dad. Grandma, while not thrilled we were getting married before your arrival, rushing things as she said, she also understood and helped, no repeat of disagreeing with me like the yacht days.

Fortunately, Uncle Colin and Aunt Steph were willing to share their location with us and the flowers. Did you know flowers actually take a long-time order? See they had decided to have their reception at Grandma's inn, the Dragonfly. It was serendipitous, we decided to piggy-back on their flowers. I would be in Steph's wedding on Saturday afternoon and she would be in mine on Friday evening. Our wedding was going to be small and Steph had almost 200 people coming. You know it just occurred to me that she gave up her rehearsal dinner for us, wow! Steph really is an amazing friend. Well, she didn't give it up, her family did attend our reception, but it was still much more than they bargained for, more than any of us bargained for, but I get ahead of myself.

The first round of flowers were to be delivered on Friday afternoon setup inside and then Saturday morning they would come finish setting up the outside and put up the space heaters, the colors of the trees would help to frame the setting. Connecticut in fall is just so beautiful, magical, but you know that. Two for one, couldn't be better. Grandpa said I could use the apartment in the diner to change into my gown, Dad and I got married at the gazebo – small, intimate wedding, not a long-drawn-out ceremony, you know mid-October, could be a bit chilly, but it was perfect, just perfect. I did sneak on my dress a lot. I knew your Dad's eyes would pop. Ok, ok, I see the look, stop talking about putting on the dress before the day, Paris, Lane, Steph, and Grandma were upstairs helping me get ready. Aunt Honor was supposed to be with us, but she was running late and texted that she would be there 30 minutes before the ceremony started. True to her text, she arrived 30 minutes before the ceremony, fortunately she was ready and only had to put on her dress, but she looked angry and hurt. Her eyes were near tears and I remember asking her what is the matter. She just looked at me and said, it is a family thing and then pulled my mother aside, Grandma later told me that she said, 'He doesn't know, he really is not in on it – he had nothing to do with it, please, please, don't be angry with him, it is all her fault.' Grandma stood there and just looked at her, Honor, what are you talking about? She answered, you will find out soon enough and I am not ruining this ceremony and I promise on my children's lives my brother will be in as much shock. My mother just asked if it was Emily, and Honor finally smiled with a little look of relief, oh, no, your mother is also completely innocent in all of this. So, I went to my wedding ceremony, not knowing why Honor was upset, but when it is a Huntzberger family thing well it makes sense that people would be near tears.

I can still here the troubadour, the official town troubadour attempting to play Pachelbel's Canon, yes, I did relent for Great-Grandma and we had a string quartet playing for us; anyway, he was playing along with the string quartet. I was smiling listening to the music and could see my Grandma out of the corner of my eye, it was obvious she was not enjoying the troubadour playing along. The line-up was Honor, Steph, Paris then Lane, finally Grandma and Grandpa Chris were on either side of me walking across the street and Kirk was stopping traffic, not that there was any traffic to stop, but he was in the middle of the road with his hands out to stop traffic just in case. I remember he commenting, "I won't let anyone hit you, Rory."

My mother said, "yeah, Kirk, my hero."

I couldn't see your Dad, but I could see Uncle Finn – he was grinning and then trying to look serious, but then grinning again as he saw me coming, was watching Kirk with the lack of traffic and then listening to the music. You know, I think that Finn and Stars Hallow are really made for each other in a way. We smiled at each other and I knew if your Dad ever attempted to leave me Uncle Finn would make sure he left permanently – the 6ft under type." Rory and Lia both laughed as they each pictured Finn taking out Logan for hurting Rory. Lia sat enraptured with the story, she had only heard bits and pieces in the past, this was the best telling ever and she felt there with how her Mom described the scene.

"Oh, Lia, it was so beautiful, there were flowers everywhere – trailing down the gazebo, worked into the chairs, I could name every person there, at least on my side, I could remember a special anecdote for each person. As I walked down the aisle, I could hear the voices of my childhood and young adult years cheering me on – Babette with her 'Sugar', Miss Patty with stories of her multiple husbands, Gypsy telling my Mom she needed a new car and then Luke rescuing her by putting in a new engine. Taylor getting upset about the missing arm on baby Jesus and Mrs. Kim, thank heavens she didn't know I was pregnant, I think she would have given me the a pamphlet like the one from the dance marathon about dancing and the devil, but then I remembered the 2 weddings for Lane to please her mother" Lia looked at her Mom quizzically, "oh, I haven't told you that story, Aunt Lane had 2 weddings, one for her Grandma from Korea, who fortunately only spoke Korean, it was the traditional Korean wedding and then right after her Grandma left we all ran to the church for Lane to get married in there Aunt Lane managed to have 3 dresses – her Korean wedding dress, her Americanized Korean wedding dress and then her rock 'n' roll reception dress .. right, right – back on track. Then I looked at your Dad's side, not so many great memories there. Of course, there were a couple of cousins I had seen photos of and knew I would meet in about 30 minutes, Mitchum, Grandfather was actually smiling at me when he stood and looked back, and so was Great-Grandfather Elias, but Shira oh, she had a funny look on her face and suddenly I knew that she had done something to upset Honor. Just then Lane peeled off and I glanced up – Uncle Colin was looking at me and then I looked at your Dad and I was caught in his eyes. They locked onto mine and I was no longer walking. I was floating toward him. It was like I had finally come home; I saw so much love shining out of his eyes. Every day I knew I would come home to that look, he smiled and I saw him mouth "Ace, my Ace", my eyes started tearing up with joy. I saw Colin and Finn beaming at me, Finn was like a little kid who had been let loose in the candy store, he looked so happy to see us standing there. But your Dad's eyes held me in place. I heard the minister start to speak and then Grandma and Grandpa let go and I felt your Dad take my hand. I couldn't stop staring at him and seeing him, all of him. The words we had memorized took hold and suddenly I was speaking "In the presence of God and these our friends, I take you Logan to be my husband, promising with divine assistance to be unto you a loving and faithful wife. I also promise to share my feelings, my thoughts, my pain, my joys and my love from this day forward for as long as we both shall live." Your Dad repeated the same words to me and then we were to exchange the rings, everyone laughed when I wouldn't let go of his hand for him to put the ring on my finger, I can still hear his voice "Ace, I promise I won't let go again if you just let me put this ring on your finger." I let go and it slipped on, and I felt surrounded by so much love and joy. Nothing could ever mar this moment. We kissed and then descended the steps. Colin walked over to the photographer who pulled us aside and suggested we take photos there at the gazebo before heading to the Inn, I thought that was odd as our plan was to take the bridal and groom party photos at the Inn, but it really was beautiful and I am not one to argue. Ok, stop looking at me like that. So, we took the photos – Finn, Colin, Robert and Seth all grabbed your Dad and held him on his side above their heads – that photo that hangs over there – we were laughing and having so much fun. Great Grandma was even laughing right up until it was time for the family photos, then she was serious, but she got really serious when she realized that Grandmother Shira had disappeared. I could hear her talking to Grandma, 'that woman really has no class, leaving before the family photos.' Even Grandfather was upset by her disappearing act."

Lia interrupted, "So, that is why there are no photos with Grandmother in them from your wedding day, she left early?"

"Yup, she sure did. It took over an hour before we finished the photos and your Dad and I got into the horse drawn carriage Grandma had arranged for us. Everyone else walked to the Inn."

Lia sat up, while she hadn't heard her mother talk about the wedding in such starry-eyed way before, she had known about the gazebo and the people who were there, but the next part, that was what she really wanted to hear about it. Rory took a deep breath and shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

"You know this is now easy for me to talk about, but it was a long time ago. Let's just say – I didn't forget, not sure I forgave, but there is no anger. Back to the story - So, as we rode to the Inn I noticed there were a lot of cars, a whole lot of cars. I knew that Steph and Colin had a large wedding planned, but they wouldn't be here at this time. Only the close family from out of town for the rehearsal dinner, yes, part of the agreement was the her family would have a small room at the Inn for their rehearsal dinner but using our reception food. I also noticed that most were limo's with drivers standing around. Your Dad's face started to turn red, I looked at him and pulled his face toward mine, "Logan, whatever it is – all that matters is that we are together." I could feel my stomach churning, I wasn't sure I actually believed those words, but I was not going to let some crazy mix-up with Steph and Colin's wedding interfere with our celebration, but what I didn't realize yet was that your Dad was recognizing those cars and drivers. He looked me in the eye, "I had no idea Ace, I promise I didn't know."

"Logan, what didn't you know? Obviously, some wires got crossed with Colin and Steph's families, maybe Colin's family members came too?"

"This is not a mix-up with Colin and Steph's wedding, these are my father's associates – this is the publishing and newspaper world that is here."

My jaw dropped and I stared at him in disbelief. Grandfather approached the carriage and had his hands up as if he we were arresting him. I could hear his voice, "I didn't do this Logan, honest Rory, I wouldn't do this to you." Suddenly I knew that Grandmother had orchestrated the whole thing, she was going to make sure that I was introduced to the newspaper world as the bride of Logan Huntzberger a society woman with the proper society reception. In less than a month she had somehow orchestrated a huge reception that was nothing like what I had planned with my mother. I scanned the crowd for Sookie and Michel. I couldn't find Sookie or Jackson although both had been at the ceremony, but I saw Michel, he was standing next to Grandmother going over a list. Then I saw my mother and could hear her too,

"What the HELL is going on here?"

Shira interrupted her, "it is a reception for the Huntzberger couple of course, and I am surprised that you are behaving so inappropriately."

My mother took a deep breath and pulled on Michel's arm hauling him into her office. The story goes that she repeated her question and Michel looked downcast, but then said, "Lorelai, she paid us each $500,000 to make this happen without you knowing." From what she says she had a few more choice words, but knew that Michel and Sookie had held strong on doing what I wanted for a long time to drive Shira up to paying them $500,000 each so she could have her way. Turns out that Sookie not only was paid the money, but Shira also paid off their house. So, long story short, my reception was hi-jacked by Grandmother Shira Huntzberger to be a society event."

It was the first time that Rory had thought about that in a long time. "I really am not angry anymore. Well, there it is."

"Wait, you can't end here, just knowing what happened isn't enough … now I want to know what happened, like details here Mom"

Rory leaned back and closed her eyes, remembering the scene from the carriage, "Your Dad and sat in the carriage just staring at all of the people milling around holding their glasses and eating hor d'oeuvres. Great Grandma walked over to the carriage and gently spoke my name, it was the kindest voice I had ever heard her use until I heard her talking to you on the day you were born. Her eyes told me then and there, that even at her worst, she would not have ever done something like this, and I had thought the Yale male party was bad. "Logan, bring your bride to the party, your guests, your real guests are waiting and they need to know what to do."

I suddenly understand what Great Grandma was saying, all of those we invited were expecting the same small intimate reception and they were floundering. They didn't have the experience of society taking over. Steph and Colin walked up, and I heard Finn calling to me "Love, come on Love, take your place and show them what Reporter Girl is made of." I smiled at Finn and your Dad looked at him gratefully, Colin held out his hand to help me alight. Your Dad climbed down with Uncle Finn's help and walked to the other side. I took their hands and they swung me down, your Dad picked me up and carried me into toward the porch. Then I saw Hep Alien kicking off the band hired by Shira, I was never more grateful for Gil and his ability to take charge. Aunt Lane took the microphone and she announced "Ladies and Gentleman, Rock 'n' Roll lovers of all ages, I give you the most Rock 'n' Roll couple Mr. and Mrs. Logan and Rory Gilmore-Huntzberger." Finn Steph, Honor, Paris and Colin cheered loudly, Shira looked horrified because that is NOT how one makes at introduction at a proper society wedding. The guests we didn't invite barely stopped talking and just sort of glanced around and politely clapped as your Dad placed me down on the dance floor, Moon River started playing, I couldn't believe the Hep Alien had learned Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's, and he put his arms around me, "It is just you and me Ace, that is it – just you and me." I once again looked into those eyes and was so grateful he was there to hold me up, I smiled we kissed and I said "Live in the moment, Huntzberger" he was there to be my partner and I knew that we were there for each other and the dynastic plan was dead.

We danced, I danced with my Dad and then with Luke for the father daughter dance, your Dad danced with Great Grandma and Grandma during the mother son dance. We never once acknowledge Grandmother. I later found out that Grandfather had pulled her aside and told her in no uncertain terms she was done making anyone in his family look bad, he cut off her credit cards and everything from then on purchased and knew about.

Aunt Sookie had cooked enough food to feed over 500 people over the course of 2-days. Plus 2 wedding cakes. I could never be mad at her. When we finally found her in the kitchen she looked so sad. We went over and hugged her, told her there were no hard feelings, there was only 1 person to blame and it was definitely not her. Sookie's face lit up, she was so relieved. I can tell you that an unhappy Sookie is like a sad puppy, just should never happen.

We danced, we ate, we mingled, but only with our invited guests and we ate cake, not as much cake as I would have liked, but still, we did get a slice each. Oh, and Uncle Finn got Grandmother."

Lia was entranced, "he did? How?"

"The wedding toast. So, Aunt Lane went first – she talked about how we had known each other since kindergarten and my bookish ways, she talked about how we had always been there for each other and promised that would never change. Then Uncle Colin went, his was a very traditional toast, I think that law school had changed him a lot. Grandma then spoke, she welcomed your Dad into the Gilmore family and promised he could keep his fingers and toes as long as he never hurt me. Grandpa Luke and Chris both gave him that evil eye, I think Grandpa Luke's was more authentic at that point in time. Then Uncle Finn took the microphone, oh, boy, I could see that look in his eye. Your Dad leaned in and said, "it can't be any worse than his version of the Passion of the Christ" I took a deep breath and he started,

"Logan my man, you got Reporter Girl, the woman of your dreams the one who owns your heart. I knew the first day I met her, when you jumped off that scaffold, the way you held hands and looked at each other that you were meant to be together. I don't know how it took the two of you so long to figure it out, and I am not sure if you would have without the little bean. Rory, love, thank you climbing up there with him, if there is one thing I can promise you love, with Logan by your side you will live every minute. So, I raise a glass in celebration of Logan and Rory! In Omnia Paratus!" Everyone raised their glass and clinked it was beautiful, but he had just told everyone I was already pregnant, a real society no-no. And suddenly it sunk in and everyone was hugging me and asking when I was due. Shira was so angry.

Finn raised the microphone once more, "Oh, and Shira, you should give up your matchmaking efforts, your pick for him, she was a lesbian." And with that he gave it back to Gil to start the next set.

Just as Rory finished telling the toast given by Finn and Lia was about to comment, they heard Alice greeting Logan. Lia ran downstairs and launched herself in her Dad's arms, "Thanks for not marrying a lesbian, I like you and Mom together."

Logan hugged her back, "you're welcome?"

"Daddy, I need you to tell me your version of your wedding day."

"Ok,"

"Mom already told me her version, this is an assignment for English class and I am supposed to get two different perspectives on the same event. So, I asked Mom about your wedding day and she told me her take."

"Did she now, hmm, I would like to hear that."

"I think she told a beautiful story, so much love and acceptance."

"Oh, hmm, that is interesting my memory is one of a lot of anger and being seriously conflicted over the fact that she couldn't drink – part of me thought it would have helped her calm down, the other was glad that she couldn't drink and lose it."

"So, Daddy, how do you remember that day? Oh, wait, no, I have to ask you the question, let me go upstairs, I'll get the assignment and you can tell me over dinner."

Lia dashed upstairs and Logan was seriously trying to decide if this story should be told over the dinner table with his 12-year-old twins.

Alice put the meal on the table and the family was together for dinner, Lia had really enjoyed her mother's story and was excited to get her Dad's take on the day. "Ok, Dad, according to legend, on your wedding day it didn't go exactly as planned – what was different and how do you feel about it now that 15 years has passed?"

Logan looked across the table at Rory, she smiled and chewed on her lower lip; he knew she had told the story.

"Well, legend is that we were to have a small, intimate family, which in your mother's case means all of the residents of Stars Hallow wedding in the town center at the gazebo with a reception at the Dragonfly Inn to follow. We got the wedding ceremony, but the only thing about the reception that went as planned was that it happened at the Dragonfly Inn. What was different?"

He looked at Lia and saw disappointment written all over her face.

"What is wrong sweetie?"

"Well, I thought, that maybe you could tell us all the details about the day."

"Details?"

"Yeah, like a story you know, with details." Replied Lia.

"Oh, you want me to tell you a story like your Mom does?"

Lia perked up and smiled.

"Well, that is going to take more time."

And that will be another chapter