Author's Note: SORRY! I am so sorry that this chapter is so long, it indeed took me approximately a month to write this, but I did it on purpose because I really wanted you guys to have this chapter on Thanksgiving Day, so HAPPY THANSKGIVING EVERYONE!
You are invited to spend this day with the Gilmores, so enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 12: Christmas in Thanksgiving
Thursday November 24th, 2005- 12:30 a.m.
It was dark, only the subtle light of the moon was lightening Lorelai's house and bedroom. She, Luke and Rory were so profoundly asleep until Lorelai's urge to pee woke her up. She carefully stood up, put her slippers on and walked to the bathroom. When she came out, she felt a slight draft of air all over her body. She walked towards the windows on her bedroom to check if one of them was opened but all of them were closed. She cautiously went downstairs and when she was getting close to the end of the stairs, she saw how one of the living room curtains was dancing to the rhythm of the air that was coming from outside.
She nodded, walked towards the window, moved the curtain from her way and tucked it on a small curtain hook that was nailed to the wall on her right side. She smiled delighted by the fresh air caressing her face, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath and opened them abruptly as she took her gaze down to her ever-growing stomach. Daniel was kicking, she placed her right hand above her baby bump and gently rubbed it: -Can you smell what I am smelling? – She whispered and took her gaze up; she closed her eyes one more time and took a deep breath.
Lorelai smiled, opened her eyes and looked down at her big stomach. She tenderly rubbed with her right hand her baby bump for a few seconds and then she rested her hand above her belly: -I smell snow. - She said in a very soothing tone of voice and seconds later, she chuckled as she felt her son move inside her.
Lorelai closed the window trying not to make any noise, she unhang the curtain and walked upstairs back to her bedroom where Luke was resting so peacefully. She carefully let her body down on the bed trying not to wake up Luke, but he woke up.
-Hey- He said in a low tone of voice as he was yawning: -Why are you awake?
-I needed to pee. – She whispered as she was laying down. Luke helped her get comfortable by squishing a pillow on her right side to help cushion her heavy stomach: -Thank you honey. – She said sinking into the soft pillows.
-Jeez! Is freezing in here! - Luke protested sitting up straight in their bed: -Let me go check if we left any window opened. – He stood up.
-I already closed the window in the living room. - Lorelai rushed to answer with her eyes already closed nearly asleep. Luke stood up shocked, staring at her because he could not believe he didn't feel her move at all.
-Luke…it's ok, I am ok, nothing happened. – She anticipated to Luke's scolding. He nodded and went back to bed. Lorelai smirked once she felt Luke's warmth on the other side of the bed, he placed his right hand on top of the left side of her round belly and gave a quick scan to Lorelai's face, admiring each and every feature of her face. He smiled to himself and closed his eyes to go back to sleep. Lorelai placed her left hand on top of Luke's right hand: -We smell snow. - She whispered in a very gentle tone of voice with a tender smile on her face.
He didn't say anything at all, he smiled by the way she said it: "We…smell…snow", he kept repeating those words inside his head as he slowly drift off to sleep.
He knew what those words mean: Something good was about to happen.
In the morning…
Lorelai woke up and saw Luke's side of the bed was empty. She sat up straight and began to stretch, while she was stretching her still sleepy body, she caught a glimpse from outside through one of her bedroom's window. She quickly stood up, walked towards the window and smiled when she saw everything outside was white. "It snowed! It really snowed!", she thought to herself. She put her slippers on, grabbed her bathrobe and headed straight up to the bathroom to take a nice warm shower.
Once she was over showering, she dressed up. She wore her maternity jeans, a black turtleneck shirt and a long gray knitted cardigan. She dried her hair, curled it and applied her makeup. When she was ready, she went downstairs.
-I smell…
-Snow! – Rory cut off her mother before she even entered the kitchen: -I know mom, you never fail when it comes to snow.- She said with a smile on her face as she was pouring coffee in her mug; still wearing her pajamas and her hair in a messy bun.
-I was going to say coffee, I smell coffee. - Lorelai said walking into the kitchen, Rory giggled.
-Happy Thanksgiving mom! - She said as she walked towards her mom, Lorelai stretched out her arms welcoming her daughter to give her a hug: -Happy Thanksgiving sweetheart! – She said back and kissed her on her temple. Rory leaned forward once her mother released her, she pressed her left hand on Lorelai's protruding stomach: -Happy Thanksgiving baby brother! – Rory said to her mother's belly as she was gently rubbing it. Lorelai smiledpleased until a couple of seconds later she bent over clutching her big round stomach with both hands:
-Ouh!
-Oh my god! - They both exclaimed at the same time, Lorelai took a deep breath as she recovered her posture: -Rory, honey, I don't think he's fond of you calling him "baby" brother anymore- Lorelai said while gingerly massaging her stomach with her left hand, walking with her right arm wrapped around her daughter's shoulders, leading her to the kitchen's table. Rory placed her mug on the table and said: -I see! That was a big kick! – She was surprised.
-I know! - Lorelai answered reaching up for a mug from the cabinets: - Big and strong! – She said reaffirming what Rory had said.
-Luke left your decaf coffee pot ready. - Rory said changing subjects.
-He's so thoughtful! - Lorelai replied with sarcasm: -Speaking of him, where is he? The diner? I thought he said he was taking this day off and working until tomorrow. - She asked.
Rory took a sip of coffee avoiding answering her mother's question. Lorelai noticed, she poured her decaf coffee and walked over to sit with Rory at the table: -Rory…are you hiding something from mommy?
Rory knew she was not going to win this, she sighed loudly: -He made me promise I was not going to tell you anything.
Lorelai opened her eyes and mouth wide, surprised: -Since when you and him have secrets? I am feeling so left out right now!
-Ok, ok…- Rory said resigned: -He went to Hartford.
Lorelai frowned: -Why? Are we meeting him over there at my parents or what? – She asked since the plan was to spend the Thanksgiving evening at Richard and Emily's house. Rory was feeling a little bit nervous: -Well…
Lorelai knew Rory so well, she immediately read her gestures and realized what was happening: -No Rory, no! - She protested.
-Mom! You told Luke you smelled snow!
-Actually, I said WE as in Daniel and me! – Lorelai corrected her daughter.
-Great! Now I am the one who's feeling left out! - Rory said.
-Since when did he leave? - Lorelai asked.
-Since an hour and a half ago, but I am guessing traffic is slow because it's snowing. - Rory answered. Lorelai took a very loudly deep breath; she leaned her back against the chair and crossed her arms on her chest letting them rest on top of her belly.
-Mom, don't be mad at Luke please. - Rory begged: -After all we were going to spend the evening with grandma and grandpa's, I mean it doesn't make any difference if we are now moving the Thanksgiving dinner to our house.
-Rory, you just said it! It was going to be just the evening! It is 10:00 a.m., Luke is arriving with my parents in any minute and now we are forced to spend the whole day with them!
-Mom! - Rory exclaimed: -It is Thanksgiving! A day we are supposed to be and feel grateful for what we have and who we get to be with and you are just complaining about spending this whole day with your parents when out there there's a lot of people who stopped celebrating this holiday because it doesn't have any meaning to them anymore since they lost their loved ones!- Rory stood up: -You are being selfish!- She yelled and she walked to her room and slammed the door.
Lorelai sat there feeling completely embarrassed. Rory was right, but usually the holidays stressed out Emily Gilmore and therefore drove Lorelai crazy. A minute later, Rory came out of her room, Lorelai was still there, sitting at the kitchen's table thinking about what her daughter had said.
-Mom, I am sorry…- She walked towards the chair she was sitting earlier: -I didn't mean to call you selfish, but you are not seeing the whole picture here. - Lorelai remained in silence, with no expression in her face just listening carefully to what Rory had to say: -Since you told him you smelled snow, he knew you never fail, and you most certainly didn't. So, he thought that maybe the roads were going to close today, eventually, making it impossible for us to drive to Hartford and spend our Thanksgiving evening with grandma and grandpa, so he went to pick them up so we could all spend this special day together.
Lorelai agreed with Rory when she called her selfish, but there was something that didn't make sense to her, she was confused: -And my mother, the Emily Gilmore, the one who likes to throw big dinner parties every holiday season, agreed to cancel her big fancy dinner tonight? - She asked.
-It took us a lot of convincing, but she finally agreed. – Rory said like it was a big accomplishment. Lorelai gave a threating look to her daughter, still thinking this didn't make any sense. "Why on earth would Luke drive to Hartford just to pick up her parents? He is not so fond of them!", she thought to herself.
-You are hiding more information kid! – She said, still with that threating look in her eyes and pointing at her daughter with one of her fingers but in a teasing way.
-Mom! - Rory protested: -Grandma and grandpa are leaving to Europe for Christmas and New Year's Eve this is our only chance to at least spend Thanksgiving with them, that is also why Luke went to pick them up. - Rory told her mother.
-Oh crap! I totally forgot about Europe! – Lorelai remembered.
-Now you believe? - She asked her mother as she crossed her arms up on her chest.
-I am sorry honey, you were completely right. - She admitted: -I was just being dramatic, is what I do.
-And paranoid…- Rory added. Lorelai rolled her eyes at her daughter: -Yeah, yeah…- She said trying to ignore her but at the same time trying to agree with her.
-So not only Luke drove all the way to Hartford on a snowy day just to pick up my parents so we could spend this day together, he also agreed to cook our Thanksgiving dinner and on his rest day, am I right?- Lorelai asked finally coming to the conclusion about everything Luke was doing just for her and Rory.
-Yes mom…- Rory said and Lorelai only smiled feeling pleased and grateful. "He never fails", she said to herself. Rory grabbed her mug she placed before on the table and walk over to take it to the sink; Lorelai did the same.
-You know what this means? - Lorelai asked in a mischievously way.
-What?- Rory asked innocently.
-It means that if the Richard and Emily Gilmore are stepping a foot into this house, we need to clean it and by "we" I mean you…- Lorelai said still with that mischievous smile on her face.
-Why me?- Rory asked complaining.
-Well, because I am pregnant, I had a slightly placental abruption and Dr. Miller sent me to rest. - Lorelai stated what was obvious.
-Oh so now you are using your condition to neglect your responsibilities as an inhabitant of this home? - Rory complained one more time.
-Fine! I take care of the kitchen; you take care of the living room. – Lorelai said resigned as she delegated tasks.
-Fine. – Rory said walking away from the sink.
-Rory…: Lorelai said turning over to face her daughter: -One more question sweetie…-
-They are staying at the inn, we already called Michel and told him to prepare the master room. - Rory anticipated what she knew her mother was about to ask. Lorelai nodded relieved and turned over to the sink to start doing the dishes. Rory smiled and walked over to the living room to start the cleaning.
When they were both over, Rory went to take a bath and get ready before her grandparents arrived and Lorelai went to sit and rest to the living room. Once Rory was over getting ready she walked into the living room:
-What are you doing? - She asked as she was walking.
-Watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special. - Lorelai answered with her gaze completely concentrated in the television.
-Oh! I love the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special since I was a kid! – Rory said enthusiastically to her mother and jumped into the couch next to her.
-I know! I can't believe they've been airing this since 1973! - Lorelai answered still with her gaze focused on the television.
-Mom, I hate to break it to you, but you were already born when they started airing the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special. - Rory answered expecting her mom's reaction. Lorelai finally turned her head over to face her daughter with an incredulous look in her eyes: -Thank you kid!: She said sarcastically: -What are you implying? That I am old? – She asked in a playful way.
-Well...you seem pretty surprised and the show has been airing for 32 years now and you are 37.- Rory stated.
Lorelai was shocked, trying to find the right words to defend herself: -I was only five when the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special aired for the first time Rory! I mean, I practically grew up watching that show every Thanksgiving and so did you and that doesn't mean you are old! - Lorelai argued.
-You just made a really good point right there. – Rory finally agreed with her mother.
-Thank you! – Lorelai said smiling, loving every single moment of her victory. There was a brief moment of silence:
-You started the special without me, you never start the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special without me. - Rory reclaimed to her mother trying not to sound hurt or make a big deal of something so little.
Lorelai turned her head to see her daughter, she placed her left hand on Rory's thigh and she tenderly stroke it: -I recorded the special for you…- She paused: -I wasn't sure you were going to be ready by the time it started and I didn't want you to miss anything.- She said with a small smile on her face.
Rory smiled embarrassed, not looking at her mother's eyes, her hands playing with the sleeves of the sweater she was wearing: -Oh- Was all she was able to pronounce. Lorelai noticed something was going on inside Rory's head, she turned off the T.V.: -Hey, is something wrong? - She asked gently grabbing Rory's face by the chin to make her look her in the eyes.
Rory sighed loudly: -I just feel like you are starting a new life, a life I don't longer belong in.- She finally said it out loud. Lorelai felt her heart break when she heard those words from her daughter:
-Honey no! Why would you think that? I mean, it's pretty obvious why, but beyond the obvious, have I done anything lately to make you feel like you don't belong in my life? Because if I have I most certainly like to know. - Lorelai said concerned.
Rory nodded in denial: -You haven't done anything, all the contrary. I guess it's just me, just forget it, I am just being emotional. – Rory said trying not to worry her mom. Lorelai stared at her daughter for a few seconds with a very preoccupied look in her eyes. "If only I could read through her mind and know exactly how she feels", she thought.
-Sweetheart, he's not changing anything between you and me…: Lorelai said as she smoothly rubbed her right hand on her stomach: -You were and forever will be my first baby, the one who taught me what true and pure love is. It will forever be you and me Rory no matter what, you will forever be the first person I will always want to run to when I have something new and exciting to share. - Rory smiled at her mother and Lorelai hugged her, bringing her closer to her: -One day you will be an independent and self-sufficient woman…: Lorelai paused: -You will have a successful career, you will travel the world just how you've always dreamed of since you were a little kid, and then, eventually, you will find a great guy who will love you for everything you are and do. The two of you, without realizing it, will start to share a lot of things together until you both feel like it's right to get married, you will probably have children, if you both want to, and you Rory will understand what a mother's love is.- Lorelai paused for a few seconds: -And I would really like to be by your side when all this happens.- She said, Rory looked up at her mother smiling.
-I am not going anywhere. – Lorelai said and Rory hugged her mother tighter: -I love you mom, you always know what to say. - She said and closed her eyes knowing this was a special moment she was going to treasure forever.
-I love you too.- Lorelai kissed her daughter in the forehead: - And I can't wait for Daniel to come into this world so he gets to see what an amazing, beautiful, caring and intelligent sister he has!- She said resting her right hand on her baby bump and rubbing her thumb against her tummy. Rory looked at her mother's big and round stomach with a smile on her face:
-You are going to want me to babysit, right? - Rory asked very seriously, but still with a little bit of mischievousness hidden behind her smile.
-I love that you are so smart, and you can catch hints behind my words. - Lorelai said with a blinding smile on her face, Rory chuckled and shook her head.
-You mind? - Rory asked pointing to the television in front of them. Lorelai turned the T.V. and Rory stretched her legs in the couch, laying down and placing her head on what remained of Lorelai's lap, she pulled a blanket and covered herself. Lorelai smiled feeling happy for being able to enjoy this moment with Rory and her unborn son. She spread protectively her right hand over her protruding stomach and with her left hand she affectionately caressed Rory's hair.
They both fell asleep in the couch for a couple of minutes, the phone began to ring and they both woke up in alarm. Rory sat up straight in the couch and yawned as she rubbed her right eye with her right fist. Lorelai carefully stood up and picked up the phone:
-Hello? - She answered.
-Hey! - It was Luke.
-Hey, honey, what's taking you so long? I thought you were going to be here since half an hour ago. - Lorelai said a little bit concerned.
-So, she told you…- Luke assumed what was obvious.
-Of course she told me. – Lorelai reassured.
-Are you mad? - He asked.
-Luke, I can't be mad when I know you are doing all this just for me and Rory.- Lorelai said in a soothing tone of voice, Luke smiled through the other side of the line, he really love to make her happy.
-But what is taking you so long? Did something wrong happen? - Lorelai asked desperately.
-As a matter of fact, yes. But I didn't want to stress you out, this is why I didn't call right away because I didn't know it was going to take longer than it's actually taking. - Luke said trying to justify himself.
-What? Are you ok? Are my parents fine? What happened? - Lorelai asked worried and Rory stood up, frowning and staring at her mother, feeling concerned.
-Everything's fine, I am fine, and your parents are fine. I arrived at your parents and helped them get their stuff inside the truck, we got in the car, I started it and we didn't even get to leave the house when one of the tires got deflated. So, I sent your parents inside their house while I fixed the tire, it took me long, but we are finally on our way home. We'll hopefully be there in about an hour, you know, snow turns everything slower. How are you? - Luke asked trying to draw away Lorelai's attention from all the chaos he went through this morning.
-I am good…: Lorelai answered: -Are you sure you will make it on time to cook Thanksgiving dinner honey? I don't want you to stress out, you know, Rory and I can help. - Lorelai said preoccupied.
Luke bursted a laugh through the other side of the line: -Lorelai, you burn water. - He said joking about Lorelai's cooking pouted: -Hey! I don't burn the pop tarts when I place them in the toaster! – She said, Luke smiled, there was a few seconds of silence:
-No, you and Rory get some rest. We will make it on time, don't worry. - He said giving reassurance to Lorelai.
-Ok, please drive safe and if anything happens, please…- Luke cut her off: -I will call you. - He finished the sentence. Lorelai smiled: -I love you and I will forever be thankful for everything you do for us. - She said.
-I love you too…and hey, remember only good things happen when it snows. - Luke said, Lorelai smiled.
-Richard, for God's sake! Please hold right the umbrella! I don't want to get snow on my hair! - Emily's voice could be listened at the background through the other side of the line. Luke took a small glimpse at Richard and Emily: -Time to leave…- He muttered, and Lorelai chuckled.
-Good luck. - She said.
-Bye…- He said and hung up.
Rory walked towards her mom: -What he said? Is everything ok? - She asked preoccupied.
-The tire got deflated, but they are finally on their way. - Lorelai said as she gently stroked Rory's arm.
-Oh my god! Are they making it on time? - She asked.
-Yes honey, they will be here in time. - Lorelai answered her daughter's question and then stared at their place: -Meanwhile, what do we do? I mean, we already cleaned the house, we watched T.V. and we took a nap, what else can we do? - Lorelai asked staring at Rory.
Rory stared at the floor thinking and a few seconds later she turned her gaze up to her mother's and she smiled mischievously: -I have a great idea. - She said full of excitement.
-Visit Taylor at the Soda Shoppe and piss him off by ordering two different flavors of ice cream, one sweet and one sour? - Lorelai asked.
Rory gave her mother a disgusted look: -Ew no!
-Don't judge, I am pregnant. - Lorelai said. Rory held her mother's hand and with a big smile on her face she said: -Let's put the Christmas tree and all our Christmas decorations!
-But it's Thanksgiving…- Lorelai thought Rory's idea was great but she also thought it was a little early to get the whole house decorated with all their Christmas stuff.
-So what? We are only one month away from Christmas! - Rory was trying to convince her mother.
-Why don't we wait until December 1st? When it's more acceptable to get into the Christmas spirit. – By this time Lorelai was fully convinced, but she was only playing around and teasing Rory.
-Who needs December to get into the Christmas spirit and why do we need everyone's approval when we have God's license to get this early into his son's birthday celebrations? - Rory said putting her palms together and staring up to the ceiling.
-Ok, you are scaring me here! You are one step closer to telling me you don't want to go back to Yale because you just felt the call of God to consecrate your life and become a nun. – Lorelai made fun of her daughter.
Rory frowned: -You think they could take me although I am no longer a virgin? - Rory asked her mother.
-I don't know! Can you sing Climb Every Mountain or The Sound of Music? - Lorelai played along with her daughter.
-Oh shoot! Forget it, I don't have singing skills. – Rory joked.
-What a shame! If only have I enrolled you to singing lessons when you were a little kid…- Lorelai said in a very serious but still sarcastic way.
-Mom! Are we doing it or not? - Rory asked desperately about the whole Christmas decorations thing.
-To hell what people think! Let's do it! Let's be the first house in Stars Hollow to get into the Christmas spirit! - Lorelai said in a cheerful way.
-That's the Christmas spirit I was talking about! – Rory replied in the same cheerful way.
They both started to get all their Christmas stuff out. Rory was in charge of all the heavy things and Lorelai was helping with light things that didn't require to be carried around. They left their Christmas tree until the end, they turned on the T.V. just to have sound on the background. After an hour of decorating Rory and Lorelai heard the breaking news sound on the television:
-Good afternoon to all our Connecticut viewers who tune in from the comfort of their homes. We have a news flash from Hartford, Connecticut, we hook up live and direct from the road with my partner, Liam Smith ... Liam, how are things over there? - The T.V. host said and caught Rory's attention immediately.
She walked from the corner of the living room, where she was starting to build their Christmas tree, to the couch and sat there to pay close attention to the T.V. Lorelai was in the kitchen finding something to snack, when the phone started to ring.
-I am coming! - Lorelai yelled from the kitchen and she walked as fast as she could to the living room to pick up the phone, Rory ignored her mother.
-Hello? - Lorelai said.
-Oh my god! - Rory yelled from the living room as she was listening to the news.
-The road is closed. - Luke said from the other side of the line feeling a little bit annoyed.
-Oh my god! Until when? - Lorelai asked feeling surprised and desperate.
-They are cleaning the snow off the road! Which is totally pointless because it won't stop snowing! - Luke raised his voice.
-Ok, calm down Luke. Are you stuck in traffic? There's no way you and my parents can go back to their house, so you guys won't freeze out there while you are waiting? - Lorelai asked trying to offer a possible solution, Rory stood up from the couch, her gaze still stuck on the television.
-This is not how I planned things to go on today! - Luke yelled through the cellphone.
-Mom! I just saw on the news that…- Rory said as she was walking towards her mother, but Lorelai shushed her making a sign with her finger, Luke was able to hear Rory's voice through the other end of the line.
-Is Rory there? She's watching the news? - Luke asked more calmly, Lorelai frowned: -Yes, she is right here in the living room watching the news, why?
-Can you please put her on the phone? - He asked; Lorelai feeling confused handed the phone to her daughter: -Good luck…- She whispered, Rory grabbed the phone: -Hey Luke, what's up? - She asked trying to sound calm.
Rory remained in silence, Lorelai could hear Luke's mutterings, but she couldn't listen exactly what he was saying to her daughter. Rory paced through the short hallway between the kitchen and the living room, she stopped for a moment and stared at her mother as she continued listening to Luke. She moved forward to her mom who was standing close to the stairs: -Got it! - Rory said: -Just one thing! Do you want me to hang up? - She asked and then listened carefully to what Luke was saying. Lorelai was standing there feeling confused.
-Ok, got it! Bye Luke. - Rory said and hang up, Lorelai stared at Rory, confused, expecting her to explain everything she talked over the phone with Luke: -So? - She asked.
-Mom,- Rory said as she lead her mother to the couch in the living room: -I need you to sit right here and pay attention to the news…- She said helping her mother sit down, Lorelai sat down feeling so confused: -And what? You just want me to wait until the poor man announces when are the roads being opened again? Can I least have popcorns while I am watching? I mean it's late already; I don't think we are going to have our traditional Thanksgiv…- Lorelai was talking fast as she used to.
-Mom! - Rory yelled: -Just pay attention please!
Lorelai wide opened her eyes: -Ok, I will! - She raised her voice, Rory sat next to her, still holding the phone. The only noise filling the room was from the T.V., Lorelai started to get impatience, so she began to wander with her eyes as she was making silly faces, a couple of minutes later she started to make weird noises with her mouth.
-Mom, would you please stop? You are making me nervous. – Rory pleaded.
-I am making you nervous kid? I am the one who has no information about what's going on here! I was just told to sit here and watch the T.V., that's it! - Lorelai raised her voice desperately without getting mad.
-The roads are closed, that's what's happening. - Rory said.
-Wow…thank you for the latest news kid! - Lorelai replied sarcastically and rolled her eyes.
-You welcome. - Rory replied, there was a few seconds of silence, until Lorelai said:
-Rory! Please! I beg you, just tell me someth…- Lorelai was saying to her daughter until she got distracted by the T.V.
-Sir! Excuse me! You can't do that! Just please hand me back the…- The man from the television said, Luke, Richard and Emily appeared in Rory and Lorelai's screen television.
-Oh my god! What are they doing there? - Lorelai asked surprised as she was looking how Luke was holding the microphone up on his chest.
-Lorelai, I hope you are watching me right now on television. Sir, - Luke took his gaze to his left: -I am sorry for taking your time off the air, but things didn't come out as I planned. - He took his eyes back to the camera, he cleared his throat and moved the microphone closer to his mouth: -"We smell snow", you told me this morning and I know only good things happen to you every time it snows and this will not be the exception Lorelai.-
Lorelai turned to look at Rory: -Is he nuts? He's been spending way too much time with us! - She said still surprised about what Luke was doing.
-Just look at the T.V. and don't talk! - Rory said.
-Lorelai, - Luke continued: -I love you since the first time you walked into the diner, asked me for coffee and gave me that fake horoscope:- He paused: -" You will meet an annoying woman today, give her coffee and she will go away ", it said. When I read it, I remember thinking: "I hope she never leaves", and you didn't. I loved you in silence for eight years Lorelai, eight years I had to put up with seeing you date different men and see how they broke your heart. For eight years I asked myself if I would ever have the guts to ask you out and tell you that I love you, and I did, I finally did and these time we've spent together since then have been what I've always dreamed, and more , for eight years. I've learned to love you and Rory all these years by watching you and I no longer see myself living my life without both of you…and of course Daniel, who I can't wait to meet and hold in my arms.
Lorelai smiled at the T.V. trying not to cry, she pressed her right hand on her distended stomach and her left hand on Rory's inner tight.
-Rory you gave me the opportunity to love you as if you were my very own daughter; Lorelai you are my dream come true and you are helping me to make my dreams come true, dreams that I didn't even know I had until I met you, yes I am talking about having my own family and becoming a father. I no longer see myself without you guys…- He stopped, he handled Richard the microphone and winked at him, Emily grabbed the umbrella Richard was holding for her and Luke went down to the floor disappearing from the screen. Lorelai was confused, she frowned wondering what he was about to do.
-Pal, do you mind? - Luke's voice was heard in the distance although he did not appear on the screen. The camera guy lowered the camera finally capturing Luke kneeling on the floor and Richard moved closer to Luke and he placed the microphone in front of Luke.
Luke put his right hand inside his pants pocket with his gaze lost in the snow on the floor, he knew this was ridiculous because this was not the way he planned it and he knew he had the attention of a thousand T.V. viewers. He was fighting his inner embarrassment knowing that what he was about to do was not for him, was for the woman he was madly in love with. He finally took his gaze in front to the camera: -I promised you that only good things will happen because it's snowing, and you have taught me that…- He pulled a small box out of his right pants pocket, he held it in his hand pausing for a few seconds, trying to hide it inside his big hand. His gaze again, lost in the snow. After a couple of seconds, he turned his gaze to the camera:
-Lorelai…- He said and paused. Lorelai was extremely nervous, confused and just staring at Luke through the T.V.
-Oh my god Rory, I think your brother will come to join us tonight! - Lorelai yelled and Rory panicked: -What? Are you sure? - She asked concerned.
-No, I'm just kidding, but Luke has me on hold here and I feel like my heart and your brother are coming out! - Lorelai said as she gently massaged her stomach and rested her right hand below her belly.
-Don't joke! This is not a joke! - Rory said finally recovering her breathing from the scare her mother just gave her: -And pay attention to the T.V.! - She demanded.
-Ok ok- Lorelai said fast as she regularly talked and turned her eyes back to the T.V.
-Lorelai…- Luke repeated as if he just knew how Lorelai was reacting from the other side of the T.V.: -Would you marry me? - He finally said, and he opened the small box in front of him with the shinny ring in it.
Lorelai was shocked and she finally came into conclusion why he drove all the way to Hartford to bring her parents over to their house. She smiled as tears ran by her cheeks:
-Hand me the phone Rory…- She ordered; Rory was smiling as she handed the phone to her mother. Lorelai dialed Luke's number and she waited staring at the television, expecting him to pick up her call. After a couple of seconds Richard started to move touching his pants and blazer pockets as a ringtone could be heard at the background from the television.
-Seriously Richard I told you to leave that cell phone out of your pockets! - Emily was scolding her husband, her voice could be slightly listened at the back. Rory and Lorelai exchanged smiles, Richard finally found the cell phone and gave it to Luke. He picked up quickly:
-Lorelai! - He said desperately.
Liam, the reporter, came back to picture. He was poking Luke in the shoulder, asking him if he could hand him the microphone. Luke, who was holding the microphone in between his armpit, turned over annoyed and threw the microphone to Liam. The reporter stood up in front of the camera and with a weary voice he said: - So far my report, I am back with you Jacob. – Rory turned off the television to listen what her mother was saying to Luke. She walked towards her mother, who was pacing desperately through the whole living room.
-Luke? I can't hear you! - Lorelai was saying: -Hello? Luke, can you hear me? Luke? Ugh! - She hung up the phone.
-What? - Rory asked immediately.
-The phone signal is awful! Ugh! - Lorelai said mad.
-Now what? - Rory asked her mother.
-Well, we'll just have to wait until he gets home! We can't drive to Hartford; the roads are closed. – Lorelai complained.
-At least you already know he wants to get married…- Rory said trying to comfort her mother. The doorbell rang, Lorelai frowned and went to answer the door, Rory went behind her mother to see who it was. The moment Lorelai opened the door, Babette jumped into her arms:
-Doll! Congratulations! Tell me you said yes! – She exclaimed full of excitement. Lorelai laughed a little nervous:
-Oh Babette! Careful over here…- Lorelai giggled stroking her big stomach.
-I am sorry sugar! But I am so excited! Luke proposed! I mean the whole town thought her was going to die alone! - She said stepping back: -So what did'ya say? - Babette asked.
-Ammm, you see Babette…- Lorelai chuckled: -I will really like Luke to know first what my answer will be. - She said.
-He doesn't know yet? - Babette asked surprised.
-No, he doesn't know yet because the snow is not really helping right now with the signal. – Lorelai said hoping Babette would be satisfied with her answer and she will leave.
-So, when are we all gonna know? - Babette asked.
-Once Luke knows! - Lorelai rushed to answer her question, Lorelai's phone began to rang: - Ohh look Babette! It might be Luke! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Morey! It's always so nice talking to you! – Lorelai closed the door and locked it; the phone stopped ringing. Rory was standing there behind her mother with her cell phone on her left hand.
-Thank you kid, you always know what to do. - Lorelai said knowing it was her daughter who dialed their phone number so they could get rid of Babette.
-You welcome. - Rory smiled.
Later, at night...
After several failed calls to Luke, Lorelai gave up. She and Rory finished decorating the whole house with all their Christmas stuff and once they were over, they ordered pizza and Chinese food and they pulled out all their Christmas movies and decided to do an early Christmas movies marathon. They were in the middle of a Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street.
-Miracle on our street would be if Luke and your grandparents arrive today! - Lorelai said sarcastically, Rory laughed at her mother's joke: -They will mom! And if it's not today, it will be tomorrow. - She said.
-I thought we were being positive! - Lorelai complained.
-We are! We are positive they will arrive at any given moment. – Rory fought her mother. A light that came from outside briefly illuminated the living room.
Lorelai and Rory frowned at each other, Rory stood up and walked towards the window, Lorelai followed her with her gaze. She peeked through it and she turned to face her mother with a big smile on her face: -They made it mom! They are here! - She exclaimed. Lorelai showed her blinding smile, she shook her left hand asking Rory for help to stand up, Rory rushed in to help her mother, Lorelai placed her right hand below her big stomach as her daughter was helping her to stand up, she groaned: -Thank you kid!- She said and she rushed to the door; Rory went behind her, they opened the door, both girls with a big smile on her face as they were watching how Luke, Emily and Richard were getting out of the car.
Lorelai walked outside.
-DO NOT DARE TO PUT A FOOT OUTSIDE LORELAI! - Luke yelled from his truck.
Lorelai rolled her eyes and walked back to the door: -WELL, HURRY UP THEN! - She yelled back.
Emily and Richard got into the house first, full of happiness they hugged her daughter and her granddaughter. They were hanging their coats on the coat rack, when Luke came in and closed the door. They were all standing in the foyer, Luke and Lorelai exchanged smiles the minute they both saw each other. He walked towards her, he pulled her closer to his body, they both stared for a couple of seconds. Lorelai tiptoed as her hands were holding tight to Luke's jacket, she kissed him long and passionately.
When she stopped, they continued staring at each other for a couple of seconds, they were both smiling.
-So, I am guessing that's a yes? - Luke asked.
-Umm…Well, Rory and I had a lot of time to make a pros and cons list and…- Lorelai was cut by her mother: -Oh my God Lorelai! For God's sake, just say yes or no! You are not going to make me, and your father wait eight more years to know if you will or not will marry Luke!
-How about eight seconds mom? - Lorelai said in a teasing way turning over to look at her mother.
Rory was holding her laugh, Emily rolled her eyes and Richard say in a soothing way: -Lorelai, please…
-It's a yes! - Lorelai said full of excitement, she turned her eyes back at Luke: -I do want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you, Rory and little Daniel over here. – She said with a big smile on her face. Luke took his gaze down as he was feeling Daniel kick hard and strong.
-I forgot he doesn't like to be called "little" anymore. - Lorelai said, Luke chuckled; he tenderly grabbed her jaw and pulled her face closer to his and kissed her. Emily and Richard hugged each other as they were staring at them and pulled Rory closer to join her to their hug. Once they stopped kissing, Luke released her and noticed the Christmas decorations and the tree, he frowned:
-Are we celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas? - He asked.
-We had plenty of time, we just leave you the lights that go outside…- Rory answered.
-Thanksgiving, but it's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas...- Lorelai said as she let herself into Luke's left arm; Luke hugged her with his left arm and they both turned over to face the Christmas tree. Rory walked over next to her mother, Lorelai hugged and pulled her daughter closer to her; Emily and Richard walked over to Rory and she joined them into their hug.
If you make it to the end, THANK YOU and wait for next chapter which will be a VERY MERRY chapter lol