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Chapter 14
They got up at 9 and Rory could believe what sleeping in a decent bed could do. They got dressed and went downstairs for brekky. After brekky Finn arranged for Rory to have a one hour massage. Her interview wasn't till 2 pm and it was only 10. She would be done at 11 and have plenty of time to prepare for her interview. Rory was hesitant about the idea but went anyway. She went to the spa and he went back to the room. He got online and ordered the Harry Potter tickets to Barbara and her husband. He also got them for them, Lane and Zach and Lorelai and Luke. He also saw tickets for School of Rock and thought Lane and Zach would love to see that show too so he ordered four tickets for it. He secretly loved going to Broadway shows and now he had someone to go with he was going to get all the ones that looked good to him.
Once he finished with the tickets that would be delivered to his office he got started answering emails. Before he knew it Rory was walking in the door looking so relaxed.
Rory: Oh my god. I feel like a wet limp noodle. That was amazing. I have never had a massage before. Now I know what I was missing. Thank you for pushing me to go.
Finn: I am glad you enjoyed it and glad you feel that way as I set up for you to have a 2 hour massage followed by having a manicure, pedicure and your hair done tomorrow. Your appointments start at 12 and Diane the manager of the spa said you would be done about 4:30. There is time between your massage and your manicure for you to take a shower at the spa. I also made arrangements for her to come up and help you into your dress at 5pm. She told me to tell you if you wanted to have your makeup done too they had time and would do it last at 4:30 to 5. Oh just so you know I will also be in the spa at 12 for a one hour massage. I have a haircut scheduled for 1:30 and a manicure, buff and cut my nails only for 2 pm. I thought this way my hands would look nice for pictures. Oh and don't be alarmed but you and I are going to come back up via the service elevator so we won't run into anyone and ruin the surprise.
Rory: Finn you thought of everything. A 2 hour massage I probably wouldn't be able to move. I would be so relaxed. I do think I would like them to do my makeup. I might be too nervous to try to do it myself. I will call them right now. Good thinking on your massage, haircut and manicure.
Rory calls down to schedule her makeup appointment for tomorrow and then goes to take a shower to get all the oil off of her. Finn decides to join her and they enjoy their time together. When Rory gets dressed and makes sure she has everything she needs for the interview. She is not used to driving a vehicle as big as the Escalade so Finn drops her off at the Times and goes to his office. She calls him when she is finished and he picks her up.
They go back to their hotel room and Rory gets changed. They sit in the hotel living room talking.
Rory: Thank you for taking me and dropping me off. What a waste of time. The guy Dan that I interviewed with dismissed all my time on the trail and all the articles I had written and was only looking for me to be a Junior Copy Editor making $10 to $12 an hour to start. I did more when I was running the Yale Daily News. I am worth more than that. I know that. Hugo would like me to stay and continue writing for him and traveling to different places but I just don't know. I can definitely apply to other places as well. I just wasn't expecting a Junior Copy Editor position. Not after being on the road for the last 18 months and filing so many stories. I know I have to earn my place but I thought at least my time on the trail would count for some of it.
Finn: Ok first that guy is a pompous ass. You deserve more than $12 an hour. I think you would make more working at McDonald's. You wrote amazing thought provoking pieces out on the trail. Many of them got picked up by the AP Wire. For him to dismiss them all is crazy. You can definitely go talk to Hugo if you want. You can also go look at the job at JP Morgan Chase. They haven't found anyone they like so I asked them to stop looking till January 2nd. I figured that would allow us time for our honeymoon and for you to see what else is out there. The added bonus would be we would be together everyday. Please don't feel pressured to take the job with me. We will figure it all out but I do think you are worth more than an entry level job paying crap rates. Get a job, don't get a job either way I will support you but you are worth more than that guy was willing to give you.
Now let's table this and talk about something else. I have heard Lane and their band play. Do you think they might be interested in becoming the house band at the new club we are opening up at the new hotel I just bought in Hartford? I don't want to overstep my bounds but I think they would be perfect for it and it would save me the headache of looking for a band. The pay is really good too. They wouldn't need to start till the first of the year as we are renovating the club.
Rory: You should definitely talk to them about that on Sunday. I think they would be over the moon excited. I know they could use a break and it sounds like you both could benefit.
Finn: Ok I will. I also ordered the Harry Potter tickets. First date I could get for Barbara was May 1st. Us, Lane, Zach, Lorelai and Luke are going June 15th. I also got us and Lane and Zach tickets to School of Rock for August 20th. Sorry them being rockers I thought they might enjoy it and no it's not too much. If they take the gig as the house band I thought we could use them for their signing bonus present. If they don't take the gig we can just give them anyway.
Rory: Oh that was another show I wanted to see. They would love that. Please feel free to get tickets to anything except maybe operas or the ballet. I really am not into that. Emily made me sit through hours of dance marathons the night before I was supposed to leave for my first year at Yale. She held me captive and wouldn't let me leave. It was bad. Anything else we have to do before we meet the minister in half an hour?
Finn: Deal on all shows. I don't like operas or the ballet either. I will tell you though that if we have a little girl I will be front and center for any ballet performance she is in. Wild horses couldn't keep me away from that event. We have to write out the place/table cards. They shouldn't take us long.
They sat at the dining room table and wrote out the cards. They were done in no time. They also used some of the stock to write the names of the recipient for each of the baskets. They figured they could tape the cards to them when they got back. They left at 4:50 with the sand table stuff to go meet minister Seth in the conservatory. They brought the sand and the vase as well as the small glass cups and funnel with them. They set up the sand table the way they wanted before Seth walked in. Rory kept looking around the room in awe. It was beautiful and smelled amazing.
They didn't have to wait long for the minister Seth to arrive. John escorted him in. As soon as he walked in Rory and Finn relaxed. It was their old friend Seth from Yale.
Finn: Seth, how did I not know that you became a minister?
Seth: I went to seminary school after Yale and graduated last year. I just had a calling I guess. You know now that I think about it I must have not heard the name right when I spoke to you on the phone. It didn't even occur to me that the Finn I spoke to on the phone would be the Finn I went to college with. Now I feel really stupid. Rory you look beautiful but I am confused last time I saw you both you were friends and Rory was with Logan.
Finn: How about this idea. Could we work out the wedding details and then the three of us could go down and have dinner and catch up. I see you are wearing a wedding band does that mean you are married too? Is your significant other close by? Would they like to join us for dinner?
Seth: Marie and I got married 6 months ago. We live not far from here. I can call her but I am sure she would love to meet you both. I have told her many stories about us in college.
Finn: Call her and then we can work this all out.
Seth walked away and Finn turned to Rory and said: Small world. Now I know our ceremony won't be a canned ceremony and it will be as unique as we want it. What do you think about inviting Marie and Seth to stay for the reception tomorrow?
Rory: I never would have expected Seth to become a minister. I love that our ceremony will be unique like us. Yes I think we should ask them to come and stay. I am sure Colin, Robert and Stephanie would love to see him too.
Seth: Marie was surprised who I was marrying tomorrow but would love to join us for dinner. I asked her to meet here at the conservatory at 6. This room is really beautiful. Ok tell me what you all are thinking. Is this going to be a big society wedding?
Finn: No, actually the opposite. No one knows why they are coming here tomorrow. The invitation they received had the time, date and that a car would be picking them up at 1pm. That there would be time to change and what clothing to wear. Meaning we asked all the men to wear navy suits and all the ladies to refrain from wearing white or black formal dresses.
When they check in they are getting a card that says please be at the conservatory promptly at 6pm and bring this card for admittance. I have hired 3 security guards to keep this secretive as well as keep out any paparazzi. We thought they would tell the security guards their names and one of the security guards could escort the people to their proper seats. We have a DJ coming to do music and be the mc of the night. We have these cards that have assigned seats and will also have their reception table numbers on them. As you can see the chairs are already set up. Rory's grandmother has been a royal pain in the ass so we were going to have the mc say something like these seats were assigned for a purpose do not change the order please. I have even threatened to cancel her limo and get my attorney to sue her for harassment. That's how bad she has been.
Seth: Wow. I remember her from college and that sausage party and I can see she has only gotten worse.
Rory: Oh my god has it. I would be surprised if she didn't object to the marriage as it isn't a big high society 500 plus people wedding. Somehow she has forgotten she is the grandmother and not the mother and she has no say on what type of wedding I have or who I marry. She is still hung up that I should marry Logan. As Finn will tell you I said no when he asked as Logan thinks as long as he has a society wife he can have as many mistresses on the side as he wants. I do not and never wanted that type of marriage. I want a marriage where I am loved and where I feel the same respect from my husband.
Seth: That's what a true marriage should be not one of these fake silk screened ones that behind closed doors everything is different. I honestly won't do marriages like that. I want to believe that the couple I am marrying are in it for the right reasons and the long hall.
Finn: We are that couple. We thought that the mc could call Robert and his camera to the circle and then after everyone was seated you and I could walk in from the back doors. We thought you could walk to the half circle and I could walk over to my mum and da for hugs and kisses. Before walking down to Colin to give him our rings and over to my brother David to ask him to hold onto an envelope which is our wedding vows. Yes we wrote our own vows. We want this wedding to be as unique as us. And then I would join you at the top.
Then the mc would ask everyone to rise as the doors open and Rory is escorted in on the arm of Luke. Luke isn't her stepfather but has been her mom's long time companion and has looked out after Rory since she was 10. Christopher, Rory's biological father will be in attendance but we have a part for almost everyone who will be coming. We thought that once Rory walked in and got to the end of the aisle she would want to kiss and hug her mom, Luke and Christopher. Then we would call Lane over and give her Rory's flowers. Then we thought you could say your line of who gives this woman to this man. Then I could walk over and give her, her something borrowed and something old and escorted her back to where you are. What do you think so far?
Seth: Are you telling me you got all these people to come and they have no idea you both are getting married? This is like a twist on a Life and Death Brigade event. I love it. So I am assuming that these are the only chairs here so it is a very small affair.
Finn: We need to add 1 more chair on this side as we would very much like it if Marie would come for the service and you both stay for the reception. But yes this is everyone.
Seth: We would be honored to be here. Ok I have some questions though. Rory, I know you are a Gilmore and this is your side but why does it also say Christopher Hayden and Francine Hayden. What are the Hayden's doing here? Are you telling me you are also a Hayden?
Rory: Seth, my legal name is Lorelai Leigh Gilmore-Hayden. Rory is my nickname. My mom is also Lorelai so I have always been Rory.
Seth: Holy shit. So sorry I apologize. Rory you are more blue blood than Logan ever was. I wonder if his family knew. No matter I think you too are a better match anyway. Ok what's next or what do you envision next.
Finn: Ok first you should also know my legal name too- James Finnegan Patrick Morgan the second. Then we thought you could do the standard dearly beloved stuff. We can see Emily objecting here so you may have to shut that part down. We have written our own vows. I found this ring saying online but I don't know what you both think. Sorry love I didn't get a chance to read it to you before.
"I have for you a platinum ring. This most precious metal symbolizes that your love is the most precious element in my life. This ring has no beginning or end, which symbolizes that the love between us will never cease. I place it on your finger as a visible sign of the vows which have made us husband and wife."
Would that be acceptable to use Seth?
Seth: Now you both are going to make me cry. That has to be one of the most beautiful ring exchange parts I have ever had a pleasure to perform. I like that it nowhere has those awful words to obey your other half. I personally think that line is so archaic. I would be proud to have you use this in your ceremony. Ok explain this table with all the sand on it.
Finn hands Seth the paragraphs and he reads them.: We want everyone here to feel like they contributed to be part of our ceremony.
Seth: Ok this is really nicely written. I like the gray sand for the foundation and every strong relationship starts with a strong foundation. Can I ask why Emily wasn't asked to pour the sand?
Finn: We do not wish to indulge her in any way. You have no idea how many phone calls and how much crap she has pulled. We have only been engaged for a month and she received her invitation approximately 3 weeks ago and she has called me 7 times to try to "help" us plan the event. She can not understand I wouldn't want or need her help. She kept pushing that she has impeccable taste and would need her help. On Monday afternoon I lost it and I finally told her I wouldn't want you to plan an event for me if you were the last person on earth and if I never had to eat another one of those disgusting salmon puffs again it would be too soon. I also told her if she called me again I would cancel their limo and have my attorney contact her with harassment charges. I haven't heard from her since so I assume Richard, Rory's grandfather, may have finally gotten through to her. He told me if he had to he would take every phone out of the house and her cell phone too. That's how childish she was being.
Seth: Wow. Those salmon puffs really were gross. Good for Richard. I can see why you were upset. Sorry off on a tangent. Ok then I have to ask is there a reason that You all are getting married so soon. Rory are you pregnant? It doesn't change the ceremony either way and I will still be honored to perform the ceremony. I am just curious.
Rory: No I am not. We just know life is precious and we want to spend it together. We also know the longer we are engaged the more opportunities Emily will have to try to take over our wedding. We do not want a high society wedding with people we have never met or are invited due to social family obligations. We want it to be an intimate affair with who we want to be there. Emily has always told me she wants to see me in a spring wedding in the rose room at the club in a ball gown. Yuck on all parts. I will look like a q-tip swallowed me whole in a dress that big. Emily is very big on railroading over other people's feelings to get what she wants, mine and my moms included. We also know right now we are flying under the radar with the paparazzi. We don't know how long we are going to be able to continue to do that.
Finn: My parents aren't interested in high society affairs and would just want me to be happy. My brother David, married Lynn who is a lovely public school teacher. Rory wasn't brought up in society but Emily has been trying to push her into being a good society wife that doesn't work any chance she gets. You remember that sausage party her grandparents threw and how bad that was.
Seth: Oh that party was awful. What were you supposed to pick the guy with the biggest trust fund?
Rory: Exactly but Emily thought it was a fabulous night and a fabulous party. So tastefully done. She didn't care that she humiliated me and that I felt like I was being paraded around like a prize cow about to be sold to the highest bidder.
Seth laughed: That's exactly what that event felt like that night. I felt sorry for you that night. Ok I love this all so far. Besides saying your own vows I think that the ceremony is done. Would you like me to introduce you as Mr and Mrs James Finnegan Patrick Morgan the second or Mr and Mrs Finn Morgan or Mr. Finn Morgan and Mrs. Rory Gilmore-Hayden-Morgan. That last one is a mouthful. Any way is fine with me. You are both making this wedding as unique as you are. I can see the love you have for each other. I have to tell you that I have never done a wedding in this room before but this room is gorgeous with all the flowers in bloom and it smells amazing. I usually have to be in the stuffy ballroom but this room is spectacular.
Finn: I think I like Mr. and Mrs. Finn Morgan. Rory were you planning on having three last names? They just finished renovating this room and the hotel last month. I can see a lot of weddings here in the future. I think not a lot of people even know it's here and is available for weddings.
Rory: No, I was thinking of changing my name legally and socially to Morgan and leaving Gilmore as my media pen name as I have so many articles written under it. I don't use the Hayden name at all. I want our kids' last name to be Morgan. Maybe we could use Gilmore as a middle name as I am the last one of the family lines. We don't have to decide that now though. Long story but my parents had me when they were young, 16 and my dad wasn't around till I was in college. He claims he had to grow up and thought I would stay small till he did. You see how that would never work. Honestly he still isn't around much now, maybe a phone call every other month. Now you know why Luke is walking me down the aisle. He was there everyday even when he didn't have to be. I would like to be introduced as Mr and Mrs Finn Morgan.
Finn: We have gotten rooms for everyone to stay tomorrow night as we are having brunch here Sunday morning at 11. Please pack a bag and stay the night and come to brunch. We know Colin, Robert and Stephanie and us too would love to spend some more time with you. We would all like to get to know Marie too. She must be special if she married you. We live here in the city so when we get back from our honeymoon let's try to do dinner or brunch or something. Colin, Robert and Stephanie all live either in Connecticut or New York or Boston and I see them often. They do not know we have gotten together. We wanted to keep it a surprise for tomorrow. To answer your next question that you haven't asked but want to. I talk to Logan about once a month and I haven't seen him in a year. He doesn't know we are together or getting married and we think it's best that way. He lives in London now. I started pulling away from Logan after college when I took a hard look at myself and didn't like the person I was becoming. I rarely drink nowadays but I am planning on champagne toasts tomorrow and maybe one drink. I want to remember my wedding day and night.
After the ceremony John is going to have his staff bring in the reception tables and move these 16 chairs around the tables. Robert is going to want to take family and friend pictures and we were thinking that in this half circle the backdrop would look amazing. We are not planning on having a cocktail hour as everyone in attendance will be part of the pictures. Also we could see Emily yelling at everyone that the would ruin their makeup if they ate or drank before pictures. She really is a piece of work. Rory is not opposed to telling her off tomorrow just so you know. Once we sit down for dinner we have a short thank you speech and we want to give out some presents. Then it's eating and dancing the night away. Any questions.
Seth: No I think this is going to be one of my favorite weddings to perform. Not only because it is so unique but also because I get the honor of marrying my friends. I have missed you both. I am sorry we lost touch after college.
Before they could comment they heard a knock on the door and it was John escorting a woman we assumed was Marie into the conservatory.
Finn: John Perfect timing. We would like to add one more seat on the right side as well as could you please book me one more suite for tomorrow night or are we all filled up. Also we would need to add two more seats to table 2 please.
John: No, we are not all filled tomorrow night. Since we just reopened after the renovation not many people know we are open yet. I will take care of adding that seat right now. Who's name should I put at the front desk? I will make a note to add to that table that would make that table have 9 guests so it will be a little bigger than the other one or would you rather have both tables be the same size? I am leaning towards the same 10 person table size as then they will be uniform.
Finn: Mr. and Mrs. Seth Smythe for the reservation. Yes I think they should be the same 10 top size. One will have 9 and one will have you for everything John. You have made this painless and so easy. Do you want to hear something funny?
John nodded. Finn: Seth, Rory and myself all went to college together. Small world. Now we know we are going to have a unique wedding as one of our good friends gets to marry us. Neither of us realized we knew each other when you gave me his name and when I spoke to him on the phone. And I missed you too Seth.
John: Wow. That really is crazy and a small world. Have a good night and your dinner reservations are ready for you downstairs whenever you are ready. I have the chef's table ready for you all. The door will lock when you leave. Stay up here as long as you like. Have a good night. I will be up here starting at 2 tomorrow with my assistant and you have my cell if you think of anything else.
Finn: Tina will be bringing the flowers here at 2 and I can give you a list at 12 of what pieces and flowers goes in which room if that works. I can drop it off at your office before we go have lunch. Also the DJ, Shawn you recommend will be here at 2 as well to set up everything. Have a great night John. We are only staying up here for another couple of minutes before going to dinner.
John: That will definitely work. It will make my life easier too. I will take care of everything.
Finn turned to Seth and Marie.: Sorry for me being rude. Marie my name is Finn Morgan and this is my fiancé Rory Gilmore. We would be honored if you would attend our ceremony and stay for the reception. Everyone is staying here tomorrow night and we have brunch planned for 11 am in the drawing room downstairs on Sunday morning. No one knows we are together and getting married so we do ask you to hold our secret till tomorrow night. Seth already said yes to everything so I don't think you can back out now.
Marie: I have heard so much about you Finn and Robert and Colin and Rory. I am honored to be invited to the ceremony and reception. It is so nice of you to include me or should I say us. So many people don't. Could I ask what the dress is for tomorrow night and the brunch. Also what time would you like us here tomorrow night and what time is brunch.
Finn: We asked the men to wear navy suits but you are not required to wear that Seth as you are the minister. We asked the ladies to wear a formal dress but not in white or black. Brunch is casual. I will be wearing jeans. If this is not possible we understand as it is last minute notice. Seth could you fill Marie in on how secretive tomorrow is. Is she from society or used to society affairs? Tomorrow night starts promptly at 6pm. Check in is anytime after 3 and brunch on Sunday is at 11.
Marie: Oh it will be possible. I just bought Seth a new navy suit and I was shopping earlier today and found a beautiful emerald green dress I thought might be good for a formal holiday Christmas party. We are all set. Thank you for inviting us and I promise I will keep your secrets. This room is beautiful. Oh my god it smells amazing in here. I could just come and hang out in here. Sorry I love flowers and this room is beautiful like a magazine. Oh and yes I am from society and used to society affairs. They can be overwhelming. I take it you both are from society families.
Finn: I so agree. That's why when Rory and I decided to get married I knew that this was where I wanted to be married. I do need to warn you that Rory's grandparents have been invited and her mom's mom is a piece of work. Please don't count anything she says against us. I honestly think she is crazy. Yes we both are from society families.
Marie: I promise I won't hold anything against anyone. I am happy to see a smile on Seth's face and happy to get to know you all better.
Finn: Why don't you take a walk around for a minute and I need to talk to Rory for just a second.
Finn turned to Rory and whispered I am going to call Tina and ask her to add a white corsage for Marie. Does Seth get a white boutineer too?
Rory: I don't know we should just ask them.
Finn: Seth, I have a weird but odd question for you. We are getting all the men boutonnières but I don't know if ministers are allowed boutineers? Either way we don't care, we just don't want you to feel left out.
Seth: either way is fine with me. It isn't a religious or non religious thing if that's what you are asking.
Finn: Ok boutineer it is. We wouldn't want you to feel left out. And I think they might be nice for you to have one when we take an all guys picture. Are you all ready for dinner. We had dinner here last night and this chef makes outrageous delicious food and we are at the chef's table tonight so I think it might even be better.
Finn quickly picked up his phone and called Tina and asked her if she could add a white corsage and a white flower boutineer to the order that was being delivered tomorrow and to please put the additional cost on the credit card he used to pay everything for last week. Tina told him it wouldn't be a problem. He thanked her and hung up the phone.
The four of them left the conservatory and they stopped in the drawing room so Rory could see where they were having brunch on Sunday morning. She loved it just as much as Finn knew she would. Next they went downstairs to the restaurant and were shown to the chef's table. The four of them spent the next several hours smiling and laughing and enjoying each other's company. It was a great way to spend their last night single. At approximately 11 they parted ways with Seth and Marie and went home and Rory and Finn went back to the honeymoon suite.
Finn took out a pad and they spent the next couple of minutes writing out what flowers went in which room as well as a place card for Seth and Marie. They were done in no time. After they had everything done they crawled into bed and fell asleep in each other's arms.