AN: I'm BACK! Sorry it has been so long, I just did a cross country move with just me and my two kiddos (6 and 3) and then had to get settled into a new house and new job. Things are calming down now though, so I should be able to update more regularly again. I hope you enjoy this chapter! and as always, please review!
The big day was finally here! It was her wedding day, the happiest day of her life to date. As Rory stood in her dressing room in the basement of the church and took in the scene around her, she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.
Her hair and makeup were flawless. She wore her hair in a 1920s style with pinned curls and a beautiful birdcage vale. Her eyes were smokey and her lips were a beautiful deep shade of red; she hardly recognized herself in the mirror. Each of her bridesmaids were beautiful in their beaded art deco inspired gowns, their hair pinned in loose rolls with beaded head bands, and their make-up done flawlessly in a 1920s fashion.
Honor came over and sat down next to her and they locked eyes in the mirror and smiled at each other. "So…" Honor put her arm around Rory's shoulders, "today you officially become my sister!" She tilted her head to the side, careful to not disturb her hair or makeup "I am not going to make a speech that will make us cry just before you walk down that aisle, but I will say, I couldn't be happier to call you my sister. I love you Rory and you and Logan are perfect for each other."
Rory smiled at her soon to be sister in law. "Thank you Hon. I am so thankful that I am going to be your sister today as well." Feeling the tears start to well up in her eyes, she quickly tried to lighten the mood. "HOWEVER, do you really want to start it off by ruining my makeup on my wedding day? Move it sister, on to less sentimental things."
The two shared an embrace and then started making the rounds to all the bridesmaids, making sure everything was going as planned. They all looked beautiful and Rory couldn't believe that this day was really here.
She had dreamed of the day she would marry Logan Huntzberger many times in her adult life; she had always known that he was the only one for her. She had been stubborn for many years, first turning down his proposal after graduation because she had naively thought that she needed to make her way in the world alone and quickly realizing that her world without him in it really wasn't all that great; then, that ridiculous Vegas agreement once they ran into each other in Hamburg.
Throughout the years, despite the Vegas agreement, she only really ever felt complete when she was with him. She still got angry at herself sometimes, for wasting all those years with him, lost in her own stubborn attempt at independence, when they could have enjoyed all of their 20s and early 30s together, really together, and as happy as they were right now.
This pregnancy had been a whirlwind and she felt like Dorothy opening her eyes in the land of Oz, finally seeing the world in color and entering into a whole new reality. In a few short hours she would be Lorelai Leigh Huntzberger and in a few weeks she would be the mother to two tiny little souls that have chosen her to be their mother and whom she will be responsible for loving and caring for every single day for the remainder of her life. As much change as she was facing though, she didn't feel overwhelmed, she didn't feel like running in the opposite direction. She felt like running full speed ahead; head on into this wonderful new world. She had no intentions of following the yellow brick road to the Wizard where he would show her how to go back to her old world; she wanted to follow the red brick road, deeper into this colorful new world that she was just getting to know and she wanted Logan right beside her.
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Logan looked in the mirror and adjusted his tie; he smoothed out his suit and turned around to his oldest and dearest friends. "Well old chaps, today is the day! Today is the day that I marry the love of my life; finally!" He held up his low ball glass of scotch and was met with a 'here! here!' from his friends.
"Well mate, we always knew reporter girl was the one for you, I am just glad you two crazy kids finally stopped being stubborn and are finally doing what you should have done in 2007!" Finn walked over and placed his arm around Logan's shoulders "Also, I shall declare that I shan't be a hold out for the old ball and chain much longer; I dare say I am in love and shall be chasing you down the aisle in just a few months time."
Logan and Colin both choked on their drinks and the room went silent. No one quite knew what to say to the crazy Aussie. Colin managed to compose himself first "Finn, what the bloody hell are you going on about? You two have only been seeing each other a few weeks time! How can you be talking marriage already? Preposterous I dare say, absolute sacrilege!"
"Mate, I have known her 14 years time! I dare say it has been a long time coming." Finn quickly replied.
Logan interjected between his two crazy best friend's verbal sparring match. "OKAY OKAY! As much as I enjoy your crazy antics as much as the next guy, I am going to go all groomzilla on the two of you and remind you that it is MY WEDDING DAY! So! No more engagement announcements or talks of anything other than me and my beautiful bride." Logan huffed and then took a large drink of his scotch.
Finn started walking around the room and looking through all the bags. Tossing paper on the floor and then moving on to the next, then he was down on his hands and knees looking under the couch before Colin finally chimed in "what the bloody hell are you doing now you loon? You didn't lose the rings did you?"
"Nah mate, they are safely in your jacket pocket, I am just looking for Logans balls; he seems to have misplaced them." The three men erupted into laughter and just like that the mood was righted.
)( )(
It was time.
She was standing outside the double doors to the chapel, her dad on her right side holding her arm and looking very dapper in his vintage tuxedo and white bow tie.
"You ready kid?" He asked her in a voice full of emotion "It isn't too late you know, say the word and I will go get the car." He said as he casted her a sideway glance and his trademark smirk.
"Yes dad, I have never been more ready for anything in my entire life. I love him." Tears started to well up in her eyes "Besides, I don't think you could carry me and if I tried to make a run for it, I think he would catch me well before I made it to the getaway car."
"You're probably right kiddo, I am no spring chicken anymore." He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek "But in all seriousness Rory, I am so happy for you and I would not feel right giving you away to anyone else. I have known that he was your other half since the first time I met him at your apartment at Yale. I love you kiddo."
Just then, the organ began playing the bridal chorus, the doors opened and despite being greeted by a completely full church, all she saw was Logan. Their eyes locked and she felt like a magnetic force was pulling her down the aisle to him. Nothing else in the world existed, all she saw were his beautiful hazel eyes and his full smile. She felt like she was floating in a dream and the next thing she knew her dad was placing her hand into Logan's hand and telling the minister that he was giving her hand in marriage.
She stepped forward and turned to Lane, handing her the bouquet, then turned to face Logan. Their hands intertwined and she looked up into his eyes and got lost in their deep pools of tender affection.
"We are here Ace" he whispered "we are finally here, I am going to make you my wife; I love you so much"
Her smile that she didn't think could get any bigger, grew in size and she leaned in slightly "Here we are indeed MAC, I love you so much, can you believe we are really here?"
The two were brought out of their world when the minister began the wedding vows.
"Logan Elias Huntzberger, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all other keep thee only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
Logan, with tears in his eyes looked deeply into the radiant blue eyes of the woman standing before him and with more emotion than he had ever felt in his entire life responded, "In the name of God, I, Logan Elias Huntzberger, take you, Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him? Comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all other keep thee only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
Unable to hold back the tears, as waves of emotion overcame her, she quietly but firmly responded "In the name of God, I, Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, take you, Logan Elias Huntzberger, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and helth, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
"By the power vested in me, by the state of Connecticut, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
The minister no sooner had the words out of his mouth before Logan's lips crashed down on hers and the two shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
"May I present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Logan Huntzberger."
The wedding march in c minor began to play, Rory got her bouquet from Lane and proceeded down the aisle, hand in hand with her husband.
The two of them greeted and thanked all the guests as they left the church. Finally as the last guest walked outside the couple held hands and prepared for their grand exit. Rory was excited to see the look on Logan's face when he saw the vintage Rolls Royce she had gotten for them.
"You ready Mrs. Huntzberger?" He asked, his smile growing by the second.
"I have never been more ready for anything in my entire life." She replied and kissed him firmly on the lips.
The church doors opened and the newlyweds walked out to the loud applause of their hundreds of guests, the bird seed and rose petals were thrown and dozens of doves were released as the two made their way down the steps. It was a picture perfect moment and the photographer was able to get many amazing shots of the two of them lost in their own world, smiles on their faces and their love emanating from them was almost palpable.
Logan saw the Rolls Royce and turned to his bride "Really Ace? Really? You are the best wife ever!" He opened the passenger side door and helped her into her seat, making sure she was comfortable before jogging around to the other side and getting behind the wheel.
"We did it Ace, we really did it!" He said as he turned to her and kissed her face again. "You're my wife!"
She smiled at him and kissed him back "We did it MAC, we really did. Now you're stuck with me mister. No turning back now."
The happy couple were followed by a string of vintage cars, each bridesmaid/groomsmen had their own as well as Chris, Shira and Mitchum in a final Rolls Royce Town Car. They went to several beautiful spots for their photos and after what felt like a thousand different shots, the official party made their way to the reception where a cocktail hour had already begun.
When they were announced and walked into the Society Room, it completely took their breath away. While she had been there the day before to make final decisions on placement of the decorations, this was the first time she was seeing it completely done. It was like they had taken the vision she had in her head and brought it to life. It was absolutely perfect.
The night flew by; dinner was served, drinks were consumed, speeches were made and laughter abounded. The happy couple shared their first dance to "It Had To Be You" by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn.
Why do I do just as you say,
Why must I just give you your way?
Why do I sigh,
Why don't I try to forget?
It must have been that something
Lovers call fate,
Kept on saying
I had to wait.
I saw them all,
Just couldn't fall
'Til we met.
Rory and Logan made their way across the dance floor listening to the words. It was the perfect song for them. It described their journey so completely. He had never loved anyone before he met her and had never loved anyone since. He looked deep into her eyes. "It had to be you Ace, I waited my whole life for this moment" he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips, still feeling so surreal that he was dancing his first dance as husband and wife with his Ace.
It had to be you,
It had to be you.
I wandered around
And finally found
The somebody who
Could make me be true
-Could make me feel blue-
And even be glad,
Just to be sad
Thinking of you.
Rory looked up into her husband's eyes as she drank in the lyrics of the song. She had definitely wandered. She was so lost when she met Logan. Scared to be real, scared to take a chance; she had tried to cling tight to what she knew, tried to force things with Dean long after they were done. He woke her up, he made her feel more than anyone else ever had. She had definitely had her moments of wandering until she made it back to him, and would think back on their time together with fond sadness; happy for the memories but sad that they were in the past. Yet here she was, dancing with him as his wife, pregnant with their twins. She finally felt like she was one hundred percent being true to who she is. "I love you so much. I have wandered for years before I made my way back to you, I feel like I have finally found my home, and that is with you." She leaned up and kissed him gently and lovingly while his hand came up from her waist and cupped her face.
Some others I've seen
Might never be mean,
Might never be cross,
Or try to be boss-
But they wouldn't do.
For nobody else
Gave me a thrill:
With all your faults,
I love you still.
It had to be you,
Wonderful you,
It had to be you.
The two locked eyes and so many emotions passed between them. They communicated more with their eyes than words could ever express.
"You ready for this Ace?" Logan asked.
"You jump, I jump Jack." She smiled and the two finished out their dance in their own world, hearing only the music and each other's heartbeats.
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The music faded out and it was time for the Father-Daughter dance. The band started playing the soft jazz tune of Louis Armstrong's 'When You're Smiling'. Rory and Christopher slowly started making their way across the dance floor and he couldn't help but think that the last time he had danced with his daughter was at her Coming Out over 16 years ago. He couldn't believe that so much time had gone by so quickly and his heart hurt to think about all the years that he had missed out on in her life; he knew he couldn't get those years back, but he had a second chance with his grandchildren. He planned on being the best Papa he could possibly be, and he planned on being there every moment that Rory needed him.
"You did it kiddo." He smiled down at her "you found your happily ever after."
"I did, didn't I dad?" Rory smiled up at him "I never knew such happiness existed, but I also can't imagine my life without it; my heart just feels so full."
"I'm sorry I wasn't always there for you when you needed me Ror. I am sorry that I let your mom do it all alone; I was so young and stupid. I am glad you won't have to experience what your mom did. I am glad you made the decision to let Logan into your life and give him the opportunity to be the dad I wish I would have been to you." The tears started welling up in his eyes and he was doing everything he could to stop them from falling.
"Oh Daddy, don't be sad. You did the best you could. I couldn't imagine becoming a parent at 16. I am 33 and I am scared out of my mind; I can only imagine how terrifying it was for you." She reached up and kissed her dad on the cheek "Besides, you are here now, and that is what really matters. The past is the past, we don't live there anymore, all we can do is move forward. I love you, and I wouldn't want any other dad, you're my guy." The soft brassy sound of the music continued in the background as the two of them just enjoyed the moment.
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Rory sat in her seat at the head table and yawned a big yawn. She was exhausted. Logan came over and sat next to her, pulling her feet into his lap and began rubbing her tired and swollen feet. She had opted for heels for the ceremony itself, but had quickly switched to more practical flats once they got to the reception hall, but her feet were still killing her.
"You about ready to go Ace? You look like you could fall asleep any minute."
Rory looked at him sleepily "I am so happy, but so tired. Yes, can we please head out?"
Logan looked down at his pocket watch "Well it is quarter past 11; well beyond your bed time. I am proud of you babe! You made it much longer than I thought you would."
Rory attempted to smack his arm but she just didn't have the energy to really put any force behind it. "Mean." She pouted.
Logan chuckled and then helped her up. "Okay, come on sleeping beauty, let's go bid ado to our guests."
The two of them made their rounds of the room, thanking everyone for coming. Paris assured her that she would take care of everything at the Society room, including making sure all the gifts and cards were delivered to their home tomorrow morning. Logan went and brought the car around and then helped his very tired and very pregnant wife into the car.
Rory was asleep before they made it out of the parking lot and was woken up when they pulled to a stop in front of their home. Logan quickly got out and came around to help her out of the car and the two walked hand in hand up to the front door. Rory started to open the door and walk in when Logan stopped her.
"Whoa whoa whoa! What do you think you're doing Mrs. Huntzberger? I have to carry you across the threshold, it is tradition."
Rory looked at him and raised her eyebrow "You sure you're up to the task?" she asked, while waving her arm around her very large stomach.
"Ye of so little faith, of course I am!" He quickly swept her off of her feet and carried her through the door with ease. The two of them shared a tender kiss and she melted into his arms. "Welcome home Mrs. Huntzberger." He whispered into her ear before kissing her deeply.
AN: I just want to say that I purposefully didn't mention Lorelai in this chapter. I wanted Rory's special day to be magical and happy, I didn't want to bring down the tone of this chapter with talk of Lorelai. BUT! Don't worry, those feelings WILL be hashed out in the next few chapters.