A/N: I apologize for the delay, life has truly gotten the better of me lately, between work and my kids and life. Hopefully everyone is staying safe and healthy. This chapter has a bit more of the cheese factor than I anticipated, but I think it was much needed. In a couple of chapters we will get back into the deep stuff, because clearly all is not as perfect as Rory/Logan thought it was before the accident, but they can still be happy

Disclaimer: I do not own anything

Chapter Ten

"That wasn't really my best night, not sure why we have to bring that up," Christopher cringed at the memory.

"That was quite the affair….so to speak," Lorelai paused and a smile spread over her lips, "wait, who told you about Grandma and Grandpa's vow renewal?"

"Hmmm?" Rory smiled.

"Did you tell her?" Lorelai looked to Logan.

Chris was starting to understand what Lorelai was getting at, "what do you mean you were thinking about the vow renewal?"

"Well, I was thinking about dancing with Logan and you telling me about your first kiss with Mom," she looked at her father, "and then you…acting like a jackass, and Luke…and you and Luke…and you and Luke and Logan and…" she turned to her husband, "it really is a miracle that you stuck around after that night, isn't it?" Logan laughed and shrugged his shoulders in response.

"You remember?" Lorelai could feel her eyes welling up with tears. "You really…it really?"

Rory nodded, trying to remain calm herself, "I'm so sorry, Mom," she hugged her mother as tightly as she could.

"Oh kiddo, don't apologize," Lorelai rubbed her back and sniffled into her neck, "I just…this has been a …"

"Nightmare," Logan mumbled from behind the two women.

"Thank you, that is it, Logan is right, it has been a nightmare."

"Ror," Chris hugged his daughter, "you alright?"

She nodded as both of her parents embraced her in a hug, "guys," she cringed, "I love you…I know we're all very excited but…air!"

"Sorry," Lorelai pulled away and wiped her tears. "So…when?"

"Just a little while ago," Rory told her, "I mean…" she looked to Logan, "there is fog," she admitted, "I don't remember the accident. I don't remember all of the details of everything," she reached for Logan's hand and gave it a squeeze before pulling him to stand directly behind her, his body pressed against her back, "but I do remember feeling it. I remember getting married, I remember Richard…" she paused and swallowed, "I remember Mia…Mom, stop crying!"

"I'm sorry," Lorelai sniffled as Christopher rubbed her back, "I need…I need to call Luke. He has been so worried about you."

Rory nodded as Lorelai gave her another hug and both of her parents disappeared, Logan wrapped his arms protectively around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder gently, "any chance you want to go upstairs and ditch this thing?" he murmured in her hear and playfully kissed her neck.

Rory laughed and kept his arms securely around her, "Logan," she admonished, "this is our event."

"They won't miss us," Logan laughed, Rory shook her head but stayed firmly planted in his arms. "How about a dance?"

"You promise to keep your hands to yourself?" Rory turned in his arms and kissed him gently.

"Absolutely not."

"Well then I would love to dance, Mr. Huntzberger."

"If you insist, Mrs. Huntzberger."

Logan smiled as his hands left her body and their fingers intertwined, he walked to the dance floor and they both smiled at the song playing. He could see Finn standing in the distance and he had to assume that the Australian had something to do with the selection, "you are stunning."

When you touch my weary head

And you tell me everything will be alright

You say use my body for your bed

And my love will keep you warm throughout the night

"You know," Logan breathed, his hands tightly on her hips and her body nearly flush against his, "even though no one really knows, I can't help but feel like we are keeping a clandestine secret."

Rory smiled and kissed the small gap between his collar and his hairline, "well, I for one am alright with that for the moment. We can…tell everyone in due time, but…I think for right now, all that matters is that we know."

"And Finn," Logan laughed.

"Of course, it really is the three of us in this marriage."

"Five of us," Logan nodded and discretely turned Rory so that she could see Robert, Colin and Finn talking at the corner of the dance floor.

"They mean well," Rory laughed as she held eye contact with Finn for a moment.

The Australian man smiled as Rory kept his eye. Sure, she had told him, rather explicitly that she didn't want this to be a big deal, but he also knew he had to tell Colin and Robert. Naturally they were thrilled and watching two of their best friends dance slowly in a crowded room to their wedding song was simply the icing on the metaphorical cake. "Do you think they'll be alright?" Finn asked his friends quietly.

Robert shrugged his shoulders, "I mean, if they can't…the rest of us are certainly fucked."

"Well, you want to marry a pet monkey," Colin rolled his eyes as he started intently at their friends, "I think they'll be fine."

"From what I saw when I caught them, I think so too."

"You caught them?" Colin looked at him quizzically. Finn had simply told them that Rory had regained her memory, not any of the specifics of the situation.

"Well, I found them snuggled up on a couch, makeup smeared, hair a mess…"

"Clothed hopefully?"

"Clothed, but I'm sure a few moments without me would have changed that."

"I wonder if she remembers Mia?"

"I hope she does," Robert shook his head, "damned shame if she doesn't."

"Come on men, lets go see our girl," Finn grinned as they walked to interrupt the happy couple on the dance floor, "excuse me, sir," Finn looked to Logan, "you seem to be monopolizing this poor woman and her time."

"Do I now?" Logan laughed and rolled his eyes.

"I do believe you are," Colin put his hand on his chest and agreed, "my lady, may I?" he extended a hand to Rory.

"Or may I?" Robert followed suit.

"What do you say Ace, so many options?"

"Well, I think because Colin asked so nicely," she laughed and took Colin's hand, "but Logan, I seem to remember you promising your Mother a dance, and Finn, I'm sure there is a hot red head somewhere in this room."

"And nothing for me?" Robert feigned insult.

"I think I just saw Honor send Josh for a drink."

"Stay away from my sister," Logan warned jokingly.

"She's always been a willing participant," Robert laughed.

"Too far!" Rory laughed as she found herself moving slowly with Colin, "hi, friend."

"Hey yourself," Colin smiled, "it is really good to see you."

"You too," Rory smiled, "I'm sorry about all of this."

"It wasn't your fault, Ror," Colin assured her, "but we've been worried about you. We stayed away because Logan asked us to…not because we wanted to, but we were trying to be respectful. We missed you, we love you."

Rory nodded her head and smiled, she had heard Logan on the phone with them at various times, "I know, and I appreciate that. I love you guys too."

"But you're back?"

She nodded her head once more, "is he alright?" she could see Logan laughing with his mother on the dance floor.

"Well, other than the unsettling image of him and Shira laughing, I think he will be fine." Colin watched Logan, he looked more relaxed than any of their recent visits, "it will take time though, for everything to go back to normal for him…he has been walking on eggshells."

"I know," Rory exhaled sadly.

"It isn't your fault Rory."

"Isn't it though?"

"You were just going to see your Mom."

"I know, but everything since then," she paused, she couldn't say what, she couldn't say because of Tristan, "but it has made things so much harder."

"Give it time," Colin promised her, "you will be fine."

xxx

"Ladies and gentlemen, what a great night it has been so far," Rory stood with a broad smile on her lips and the microphone in her hands, "We promised to get back to dancing in more than enough time for the ball to drop tonight, so it is just about ten thirty, we are going to go ahead and ask our dear friend, Melissa to come out here to run the live auction event this evening, it will last for exactly one hour. There are some amazing prizes, and if I'm not mistaken, my husband has his eye on a Bahamian island for a week, so thank you to all of our generous sponsors who have put up these amazing and luxurious items, please give generously, one hundred percent of all proceeds tonight are going to a great cause." Rory smiled and handed the microphone to the dark haired woman who approached the podium, according to their committee, she was the best live auctioneer in San Francisco. Rory made her way back to her table and sat beside Logan, giving him a quick kiss after she was seated.

"Do you want the Bahama or no?" Logan leaned in and whispered to Rory.

She smiled, "I'm just happy to be at home with you," she told him honestly, "but if you want to drive up the bid by bidding, go ahead."

"You're too good to me," Logan laughed, appreciating that Rory knew how much he enjoyed the auction itself.

"I'm going to," Rory nodded to her grandparents who were still completely unaware of the changes that had occurred that evening.

"You want me to come?"

"You've got your auction, and don't let Finn bid on something stupid. Sometimes he forgets that he has to pay for what he bids on." Rory smiled as she stood up and walked a few seats over to her grandparents, "Grandma, have I told you how great you look tonight?"

"I don't believe anyone has used the word great to describe my outfit this evening, no," Emily chastised her granddaughter. "But now that you have, well, I must say I am relieved, I can die happy knowing how great I look."

"Sorry Grandma, you look beautiful," Rory corrected herself, "do you think I could talk to you and Grandpa for a moment? Privately…"

"Of course," Richard nodded and began to stand from the table.

"Rory, the auction is starting! It would be in poor taste to simply leave the event."

Rory tried hard not to roll her eyes. It was her event, she could leave whenever she wanted. "Please Grandma, I promise it is important. I will have you back before they get past the California golf packages!"

"Well I was hoping to bid on a watch that I saw in the catalogue."

Rory exhaled and took the paddle from her grandmother and hastily passed it to her mom, "Mom, your mother has her eye on the Cartier watch, can you please bid for her if we aren't back when it comes up?"

"oooh, Cartier?" Lorelai grinned.

"Only the watch, Lorelai," Emily warned.

Lorelai pouted and Christopher assured Emily that he would watch over his ex-wife. "Come on, please," Rory gave her grandmother a pleading look and ignored Logan who was chuckling in his seat. Rory led her Grandparents back to the room that she and Logan had vacated several hours earlier, "thank you," she exhaled once the door was closed, "I'm sorry to take you away from everything, I know you enjoy the auction."

"It is quite alright Rory," Richard assured her, "your Grandmother does not need another Cartier watch."

"Richard, I am trying to support the foundation that was created in honour of your namesake, in case you forgot."

"I did not forget Emily," Richard spoke calmly as Rory rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest, "however I think we can just as easily write a cheque, and you can wear the watch you already own."

"Guys, I'm really sorry," Rory repeated. "I just wanted you to know that…well…I still have to go see the doctor."

"The doctor?" Emily's glance shot up and her face filled with worry, "why the doctor? Do you not feel alright? Is it your head? Your leg? You got that cast off too early…"

Another deep breath, "no Grandma."

"Just let the girl finish Emily, you are being ridiculous, she can barely get a word out!" Richard attempted to calm his wife and give Rory the opportunity to speak.

"I am fine," Rory assured them both, "I just…"

"Well spit it out then!"

"Emily," Richard warned.

"My memory is coming back."

"Your what?!" Emily shrieked.

"Her memory Emily, she said her memory is coming back."

"I heard her Richard," Emily looked to Rory and smiled, "it is, you…all of it?"

Rory nodded as Emily and Richard Gilmore hugged her much in the same way that they had when they had found out she would be attending Yale. "Slowly, but yes…I remember most of the stuff that has happened."

"When did this happen? Oh Rory, I do wish you had told us sooner!"

This is what Rory had expected, excitement followed by disappointment, followed by excitement and then a healthy dose of Gilmore guilt. "It happened just before tonight started, I promise, you really are among the first to know. Logan, of course, and Mom and Dad, but then you guys!" Rory lied, she wasn't going to listen to Emily moan about how the three stooges had found out before her.

"Logan must be so relieved," Emily hugged Rory once more, "that poor boy has just been beside himself."

"I do believe that he is relieved," Rory nodded, "we can talk more about this later, you guys go out there and enjoy yourself. I just need a moment."

Emily nodded as Richard said he would catch up in a moment, encouraging her to bid on the watch if she chose to. "Well, this is quite the remarkable news."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Rory sat down on the couch in the room and exhaled, she truly did need a moment.

"I have a little something for you," Richard pulled an envelope from his breast pocket. "It isn't from me, and I really hope that you will…keep an open mind and read the letter."

Rory was confused as she saw the handwriting, it was vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place where she knew it from. It couldn't be Tristan, he wouldn't be stupid enough to involve her Grandfather in their situation, could he? "Thank you, Grandpa," Rory set it down beside her, she would deal with it in a few minutes.

"You should look at it now, I will go find your Grandmother before she bids on that godforsaken trip to Alaska. Once you have seen a whale, you have seen all whales and I do not need to do it again."

"Sure," Rory nodded as she watched him leave and she gently ran her fingers along the white paper beside her. Rory picked it up and opened it, the handwriting still looked familiar but she couldn't place it until the second sentence she read.

December 26, 2012

Rory,

Your grandfather tells me that you are having some trouble with your memory as a result of your accident, I am terribly sorry to hear that, and I was sorry to hear of the accident, I am relieved to know that you are recovering well physically. I suppose, if I had ever been a Grandmother to you, I would know that myself, maybe your Father would have told me. Ever since that unfortunate incident, he has kept you and your Mother mostly a secret from me, even their marriage, however short it may have been. The only exception to that rule was when your son died and a few slip ups here and there. Georgia lets me know some things as well, and I have kept tabs on you through the ladies Emily and I both know. After Richard, I should have reached out. He was my family as well, or I suppose, he could have been, had I not stood by so idly as Straub treated you and your Mother horribly. I am sorry, Rory. Having a relationship with your sister Georgia has truly showed me what I have missed out on over these years. I know that I can't fix the past, and I know that no apology will create a relationship between us, but I certainly hope that we might be able to try. Maybe we could meet for a tea, or that coffee you and your Mother are so fond of. Christopher has kept me apprised of your philanthropic efforts, and believe it or not, I have a subscription to the magazine you work for. I saved your wedding announcement and engagement announcements when they were printed. I don't know why I am telling you this. I suppose I could be trying to absolve myself of the guilt I feel whenever I think of my eldest Grandchild, or when in passing, someone mentions your amazing achievements. I also owe your Mother an apology, this is not it, and I will speak with her in due time. I have enclosed a donation for your foundation. It is not something I am giving you out of guilt or a misguided sense of need to feel better about the mess that my husband and I have made over the years. This money is yours. It is money that we set aside when you were born and I have been mulling over what to do with it for many years. I spoke with Richard and he agreed that legally, because the funds were always in Straub and my name, a donation is appropriate. I also know that you are a Huntzberger, so you certainly don't need the money for yourself. I hope that this donation can do some good, and maybe on some level it can start to build a bridge between the two of us and one day we might be able to have a relationship of some sort. Your Father has shown me pictures of Amelia, she is a beautiful little girl.

Regards,

Francine Hayden

Rory took a moment and exhaled. She hadn't even looked at the cheque yet. This letter was from Francine Hayden. Her Grandmother…a woman she hadn't thought much about since she was sixteen years old being told how she had ruined the lives of both of her parents. Rory shook the memory from her head and glanced down at the cheque. Ten. Million. Dollars. This had to be a joke? Rory took a deep breath and stood up. She put the envelope back together and unlocked the door, quickly straightening her dress before she opened the door and plastered a smile across her face. By the time she returned to the table, she could see her Grandmother happily bidding against another older woman for the Cartier Tank Solo watch and her Mother was pouting, presumably because Emily had taken the paddle away from her.

"All good?" Logan asked as she sat down beside him and reached for his hand. Rory nodded and handed him the envelope, he immediately put it in his pocket. Whatever it was, it could wait. "I did not get the Bahama, but I did drive the bid up so much that I think I saw Hugo's head explode as his wife bid against me."

"Not nice," Rory laughed as they watched the bidding continue for various events. She closed her eyes for a moment and smiled as she allowed another wave of memories to wash over her, ever aware of Logan and his presence, their hands intertwined.

Are you ever going to ask me out? You flirt with me. You act like you might like me a little. You show up here with a friend, not a date. I mean, aren't you? You do like me, right? Oh. Okay. Uh, no problem. I'll just let you go back to your table, and I'll just start burrowing directly into the ground.

Rory smiled. If she had known then, if either of them had known then just how many society events they would have attended together, they both would have laughed. How many coat checks they had been caught making out in, or how many times they had spent their evening spinning around the dance floor. To say that it was the start of something at her grandparents vow renewal was an understatement.

"What is on your mind, beautiful?" Logan asked, the auction was just ending and the music was beginning to fill the room once more.

"You…us," Rory stroked his chin with her thumb and smiled, "how much I love you."

Logan kissed her sweetly, lovingly. "I could listen to you say that all day long."

Rory smiled against his lips, "dance with me?" she asked as another song came on, he smiled as the tune became clear to him, it was Moon River.

"If you insist," Logan complied as they stood up and made their way back to the dance floor now that the auction was over.

"So," Rory put her head on his chest and exhaled, "I guess we have a lot to discuss?"

"Not tonight," Logan told her firmly.

Rory swallowed, "can I say I'm sorry?"

"Ace, tonight is just supposed to be about us and being happy…everything being the way it is supposed to be. We will be back home in a few days, and once Mia is back at school we can talk about the rest of it…but for now, I think we should take advantage of this little bubble for as long as we can."

"I think that sounds perfect," Rory lied as she kissed him quickly. She wanted to talk, she wanted him to yell, get it over with. Talk about how soul destroying these last few months had been. Sure, she didn't want him to do it right there in the middle of the dance floor, but she was perfectly fine with doing it between brunch and dinner the following day. The truth was, Rory and Logan had both dealt with Richard, but they dealt with him by only speaking of him in passing. They spoke of the love for the little boy, but they never spoke of the pain, the heartache. They never really discussed having more kids again. Once they had adopted Mia, it simply became a conversation they never had. Mia didn't replace Richard, they talked to Mia about Richard in an age appropriate way, but they never really gave much thought as a couple to giving Mia a sibling. Rory tangled her fingers in the hair at Logan's neck, "have I told you how good you look tonight?"

"I don't think I come anywhere close to looking as good as you," Logan smiled broadly.

"Well, you have never looked as good as I do in a dress, so you might just have to get over that."

"That is true, I just don't have the hips for it," Logan laughed as the song came to an end and he twirled his fingers in hers. "What was the envelope?"

"A very generous donation," Rory told him honestly.

"A private donation?" Rory nodded her head in response. "Got any more details in there?"

"From Francine Hayden."

"As in your Grandmother?"

"That is the one," Rory nodded, they were making their way to a group of people they had promised to mingle with.

"Talk about it tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Rory laughed as Logan grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing tray and handed one to his wife. "Valerie, Bill, so good to see you. How was your Christmas? You were in Switzerland, right?"

The man and woman smiled and embraced Rory and Logan, "yes, we were. It was lovely, much too cold, but such a beautiful place to spend the holidays. How are you doing? This is a wonderful night, as always."

Rory gave them her best megawatt, society smile, "thank you so much, we are so glad you could make it. Tonight seems to be a hit," Rory looked around at the mass of people who had all gathered to support her and Logan. "You look beautiful, by the way."

"Oh, this old thing," the woman, Valerie, looked to be in her forties, "I was just lucky I could get something…we had a leak in my closet and so many of my couture pieces were lost."

"That is horrible, well….you look fantastic," Rory nodded and quickly stole a glance at Logan's watch, "it is almost that time though, so we should get back to our group. So nice seeing you and again, thank you for coming." Rory took Logan's hand after he said his goodbyes and they went to find their friends on the dance floor, as they did every year. "Ready?" she laughed.

"Hey!" Steph grinned as Rory and Logan caught up to them, "I heard the good news," she hugged Rory, "I'm so relieved."

"Thank you," Rory hugged her friend closely, "god, I have missed you!"

"Yeah, I've been stuck with the boys!"

"You have not been stuck with the boys," Honor made her presence known, "I have been around."

"Well, I love you Honor, but it isn't the same!" Steph grinned as Honor hugged Rory and her brother.

"How much longer?" Honor asked impatiently, as planned a waiter had appeared with a tray of champagne.

"Thirty seconds," Finn laughed, "where is Rose?"

"Hiding from you!" Rory winked as Logan put his arms loosely around her waist.

"Better hide," Logan joked to the waiter holding the champagne.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5,

"I love you Ace, always have, always will," Logan whispered in her ear as the chaos ensued around them.

4, 3, 2, 1….

"Happy New Year!"