A/N: There were problems posting chapters 15 and 16, so be sure to read them first.

Three weeks after mailing the picture of Rory to her parents, Lorelai had given up all hope of getting a response. Then, one day while flipping through a stack of mail after work, she found a letter addressed to her that had her parents' house listed as the return address. She tucked the rest of the mail under one arm and tore open the envelope as she headed to the kitchen to greet Luke and the babies.

The babies were too busy playing to even notice when Lorelai entered the kitchen, but Luke looked up from the vegetables he was cutting. Seeing that she was busy reading a letter, he returned his attention to the dinner preparations. A moment later Lorelai let out a miserable groan, causing him to look up again and put down the knife. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Lorelai tossed the rest of the mail on the kitchen table and sank into a chair. "My mother has cordially invited me to Thanksgiving dinner," she said derisively, holding up the letter as evidence. "She's also informed me that I need to bring 'the child' with me."

"Seriously? 'The child' is how she referred to Rory?" Luke asked, crossing the kitchen to sit down next to Lorelai.

"Yeah. It's not like she doesn't know Rory's name. I wrote it on the back of the picture and everything!"

"I know, Lorelai." He took the letter from her and placed it on the table, then pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. "So, are you going to go to Thanksgiving dinner?"

"I don't know. I feel like I should, but I really don't want to. Besides, I'm looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with you and Jess and your dad."

"What if you could do both?"

"I really don't want to see my parents," Lorelai whined, burying her face in the crook of Luke's neck.

"Um, then why did you send them the picture?"

"I don't know. I guess I just wanted them to see how great Rory is."

Luke kissed the top of her head. "I think you should go. Let them see how great you both are." Lorelai whimpered against his neck. "I'll go with you."

"Really?" she asked eagerly, sitting up.

"Really."

Lorelai's shoulders dropped. "What about Jess and your dad?"

"Jess can come too and we'll find time to celebrate with my dad. What time is dinner at your parents' house?"

"Six."

"Okay, so we'll have lunch with my dad and dinner with your parents."

"You'd really do that for me?"

"I'd do anything for you."

"Okay. I'll call my mom after dinner."

L&L L&L L&L

Later that evening, when she was certain her parents would be finished eating their dinner, Lorelai grabbed the cordless phone from the living room and headed for her bedroom. She

sat down on her bed, gripping the phone tightly. Luke sat down next to her, shoulder to shoulder, providing moral support. Lorelai took a deep breath and dialed her parents' phone number.

On the second ring, a maid answered the phone. "Gilmore residence."

"Hello. Is Emily Gilmore available? This is her daughter, Lorelai Gilmore."

"One moment please."

After what seemed like forever, Lorelai heard her mother pick up the phone. "This is Emily Gilmore."

"Hi, Mom."

"Lorelai? Is that really you?"

"Yes, it's really me."

"I presume you received my letter and will attend Thanksgiving dinner."

"I did get your letter, but, um, you see I, um…"

"I don't have all night, Lorelai," Emily said impatiently.

"I already have plans for Thanksgiving."

"I see. So, you and Susan won't be attending."

"Her name is Rory."

Emily gave an unladylike snort of disgust.

Lorelai closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Rory and I are supposed to be spending Thanksgiving with Luke and Jess, but if you don't mind two more for dinner, we could all attend."

"Who are Luke and Jess?"

"Luke is my boyfriend and Jess is his son."

"Your dating a man with a child."

"I have a child."

"Precisely. Do you really think you need to be raising another child right now?"

"Mom, don't," Lorelai warned. "You don't get a say in who I date. You can't control me anymore."

"If I was so controlling, why couldn't I control you getting pregnant and throwing your life away?"

"I did not throw my life away," Lorelai said through clenched teeth.

"You took that girl and completely shut us out of your life."

"You wanted to control me."

"You were still a child."

"I stopped being a child the minute the strip turned pink, okay? I had to figure out how to live. I found a good job."

"As a maid," Emily scoffed. "With all your brains and talent."

"I'm building a life on my own with no help from you."

"Yes, and think of where you could be, if you'd accepted a little help, hmm? But no, you were always too proud to accept anything from anyone."

"Not anyone, just you."

"Is that so? Well, then, since you're willing to accept his help, I must meet Luke. I will see all four of you at Thanksgiving dinner."

"Really?"

"Yes, Lorelai, really. Six o'clock. Don't be late. We're expecting other guests."

"Okay. We'll see you then. Goodbye, Mom."

"Goodbye, Lorelai."

Lorelai hung up the phone and slumped against Luke, resting her head on his shoulder. "Do I look shorter? 'Cause I feel shorter."

"Hey, how about I make you a cup of coffee?"

Lorelai sat up and looked at Luke suspiciously. "Really? You've never been willing to make me coffee this late before."

"Special exception. Don't get used to it," he told her with a shrug.

"You really do love me."

"Yes, I really do," Luke answered, even though it hadn't been a question. "Now, do you want the coffee or not?"

"Yes, please," she replied gleefully.