AN: My fickle muse doesn't care about a holiday schedule. I have a plan but what comes out is what comes out. It was probably a little ambitious to think I was going to write and publish events in real time. Logan's (almost) birthday is close enough, I suppose. The last section of this chapter is the inspiration for this fic as a whole and it fought me tooth and nail. I was afraid of it for so long.

Rory and Logan live in the Far From Heaven house. The movie is set in Hartford, even if the actual exterior is not.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these things. I love it all though, so from my heart to yours, enjoy!

"So has there been a return of Smashton yet?", Logan asked as he walked in their master suite. It was Monday evening, a few days before Christmas. Christmas Eve Eve, as Rory had called it several times today.

Logan had been out of town the week prior, his work at HPG taking him back across the pond to Germany. Google Duo keeping him in close contact with his family at home. Then, upon returning to the states, put in a full day and a half at his office in the city, to ensure a smooth transition over the holidays and into the New Year, for him to work almost completely remotely from their house in Hartford.

For the past three years, they had considered their home to be their NYC Clinton condo, but now with Rory completing her classes and degree requirements from Columbia satisfied, and Eli old enough to start Montessori school, they had decided as a family to move home base to back to Connecticut full time, as opposed to the weekends and summers they had been staying here.

This was the house that Richard grew up in, all ready and renovated for a new generation. After Emily explained, that this, as well as Trix's other properties were held in trust, and they could live there or transfer them to their own trust for ownership, free and clear, they had moved in and steadily completed projects to make it their own.

"Not yet," Rory responded and greeted her husband with a kiss. "But the crew just finished a charter and they have plans to go out tonight. There were mentions of his eminent return, however, and Kate seems overjoyed at the prospect."

"I can't say what I'm truly thinking, cause it could be sexist but I wish those two would just get on with it. They're both tense af."

"Look at you! Using a slang terminology in conversation. Are you sure you're 37 and not 27? You certainly don't look it", Rory said playfully.

"Looks can be deceiving, babe. I may not look like I feel but I still have some moves left," he answers back, adding a body roll straight from the Chippendales.

Rory's jaw dropped. "Where did you learn that?", she asked, still looking at him in astonishment.

"Your boy taught me", he said, pointing up to the tv just as Ashton appeared. He laughed as he added, "I know that's the only reason you watch Below Deck - Rory Gilmore has a type after all."

"Lo-gan", Rory stretches out his name like only she could, exasperated that he would make such a comment at all. "You think what you want. This show is just mindless fun, I needed something on while I wrapped these 10,000 books. Plus, you know this is on my bucket list."

"Ace, you know we can take a trip on the yacht anytime you want to."

"Yes, but Captain Lee won't be there. If Captain Lee isn't there, then what really is the point? I don't want to have dinner on night three of the charter with Captain Whos-his-face."

"Well I'll be there so you don't have to worry about Captain Whos-his-face. I will steer the boat myself."

"That's worked out well in the past for you", Rory added with a snicker. "But I will take another body roll from you - I think I've got a couple of ones here somewhere, if you want to continue the striptease show. And this time, do it slowly…"

Since Logan was already heading toward their walk-in closet, pulling out his shirt tails and unbuckling his belt, he turned back and gave Rory a cheeky shirt un-buttoning, which was met with pillow flying in his direction.

"Tease."

"It's only a tease, if it gets you hot."

"Ok, Bender", she says into the open closet arrangement. "But I think we'd need to switch roles to keep the reference true. You are such a Claire anyway."

Logan popped his head back out from the closet briefly. "Give me few minutes, I'll show you some real teasing…"

"The books, Logan. Not in front of the books", she responded back with feigned astonishment, a rosy blush coloring her cheeks.

"By the way, I've got those galley copies you wanted. They're in my bag on the floor." Logan had finished undressing and was moving into the en-suite for a quick shower.

Rory hopped down and went to get the books from his work bag. "Perfect! I can knock this wrapping out tonight and we can head to Nantucket first thing in the morning."

"Sounds good", he said as he turned on the shower. "But don't think I forgot about the teasing comment. I intend to make good on all my promises, so get ready."

"Cough drops and the couple ring?"

"Absolutely", Logan replied back, with a smile full of mischief, as he stepped under the spray, intending to get himself ready as well.

"I think we may have to stop to put air in the Rover's back tires. We're all packed up and back end is looking a little weighted down."

"They are just books, Logan. That SUV is supposed to be able to handle rocks and safaris and all sorts of terrain. It would be a shame if it couldn't handle a few measly books."

"It's four crates of books, Ace. Four crates!"

"It's called a book flood, Logan, not a book sprinkle. I wanted to have sure everyone got at least one thing they wanted to read."

"Whatever you say, dear, whatever you say."

"There is a man who has learned the mystery of marriage- agreeing with your wife. Well,that and having two blankets on the bed for sleeping..."

"Now that really is the secret of success. Never share bed covers if you don't have too."

"I thought you liked cuddling with me at night", Rory added with a pout.

Uh oh. Logan wasn't looking directly at her when she said that, but he could hear the pout in her voice. Pregnancy and the increased hormones plus no coffee for the last 6 months meant that a pout could turn into a quivering lip, which could then morph into quick and quiet tears streaming down her beautiful face, faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. He had to backpedal, and do so swiftly, if he wanted to avoid an upset Rory. Thankfully, with it being his second time around this gorgeously with-child woman, he knew exactly what to do.

Logan put down the snack containers he was packing for the car trip. He moved toward her, placing his body at her side but still behind her. He took the apple juice she was pouring into sippy cups for Eli out of her grasp, placing them on the counter. He turned her around in his arms and pulled her into a hug, kissing her cheek and face.

"Of course I do, babe. The time we take to reconnect with one another physically every night that we are together is the best part of my day, followed by waking up to you and our son in the mornings. I wouldn't be surprised if physical touch wasn't my 'love language'", Logan finished with a smile.

"Physical touch huh? Yeah, I could see that", Rory says smiling back at him. Her hand comes from around his back to gently cup his front, giving him a little rub. "But are you sure it's not acts of service? That's the one that really gets me going", she purrs into his ear.

Logan can't help but to let out a small laugh. Just like that, she turns from on the verge of tears to being sexily suggestive. These hormones are no joke. Quite frankly, he himself could use a few more hours of recovery, considering the somewhat unbridled ride he woke up to just before daybreak this morning. He absolutely loves that side of Rory, who has always been fond of the early morning wake up call in general, even when she was not pregnant. They went back to sleep afterwards, resting up for the drive they were taking today, but considering that encounter was already round #2 on the night, the soldier needed more R&R.

That didn't mean he couldn't satiate her needs in other ways though.

"I'm not sure those kind of acts of service are one in the same", he says to her as her hand continues to move. He responding, but quite frankly, it's a little painful. Time to turn the tables.

He placed his hands on her hips and gently turned her body back to facing the island countertop. Before she could give a pout, he tucked himself into her backside, aligning his body with hers from shoulder to pelvis. He reached one hand up and across to pull her hair to the side, enough for him to be able to nuzzle into her neck. He breathed heavily just under her ear and began to kiss and nibble on an especially sensitive spot.

Her body shuddered under his attention. The hand on her hip went to rub her baby bump sweetly, while his other hand moved from holding her hair back, down to her shoulder and finally to cupping her breast firmly.

That was enough to lead her to push her backside into his front, with keening movements and a low moan coming from her throat.

They leaned into each others excitement; something was going to happen here and now. One for the road, as they say.

He continued to knead her breast, knowing that the left side of her body was more sensitive than the right anyway, for some reason. A well place pinch on this side was enough to open the door, so he did so. Her head fell back, resting on him, her eyes had already closed. He had access to the other side of the neck now and took advantage.

The hand on her belly moved lower and began to bunch up the long sweater she wore today. Then slipping inside her waistband, traveling south. He appreciates her shape outlined in her cute but comfortable leggings everyday but today he is duly thankful for their forgiving fabric, allowing him the space needed to explore.

He tests the waters- she is already prepared for his touch, which helps facilitate the circular motions around one insistent area.

"I want your hands to stay on the counter. Remember to keep quiet", Logan says barely above a whisper. They both knew not making any sounds would not be a problem, they'd had a lot a practice, but putting voice to the words took their play to another level. They could see and hear Eli in the hearth room from this vantage point, happily moving along with The Wiggles.

This would have to be quick.

"Take a step back."

She did. He moved with her. She gave further access by widening her stance and putting a little more arch in her back.

He worked her steadily, maintaining contact with as many parts of her body as he could, moving in a subtle undulation.

Everything looked very discrete from the position they were in. But a quake was forming.

He felt her legs begin to shake and kept with the assault.

After the first tightenings started against his fingers, he spoke "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you" into the skin near her the base of her throat, while her hands curled to claw at the marble counter.

Assured of her completion, he withdrew and returned her clothing in place.

She looked beautiful to him, right then, with a slight flush on her face and dew formed on her brow. He admired his handiwork.

"How is it that you know exactly what to say?", she said looking back at him as he turned toward the sink to wash up and finish so they could get on the road.

"I know us. Sometimes the conversations that need to be had don't require words."

She gave him an understanding grin. "I'm so glad we made it here."

"Me too, Rory. More than you'll ever know."

"Hey, no phone while driving. Let me be the navigator", Rory said to Logan as she took his phone from his lap. She entered his passcode, 488001, to unlock his phone and open up the Waze app.

They were already underway on I-84, headed towards Providence. Rory found her grandmother's coordinates in the history and started the navigation. "I don't see any accidents reported, it doesn't look like we'll be detoured before the ferry", she said just before a yawn escaped.

"Sounds good. Do mind turning on Spotify for me as well?" Logan knew that she would be napping sooner or later on this trip and would rather get a playlist going now. He looked back at his son, whose carseat was installed right in the middle of the second row of his SUV. Eli had a sippy cup and a snack within reach and was now contented with his Magnadoodle on his lap.

"Which one would you like?"

"Eh, put on the one called 'Prince Makes You Happy'."

The first song to play is Guitar from Planet Earth. "I've heard you play this before. I didn't know it was Prince."

"Totally underrated as a guitar player. Attempting to play along with him on my guitar is my secret single behavior. I guess its carried over though because I've done it with you around since the apartment at Yale."

The music continues and after a beat, so does Logan.

"You know, I met him twice."

"What? You met Prince and didn't tell me! My mom would go crazy..."

"Ha, exactly. I see what you did there, too. And that's just it. The first time was shrouded in secrecy over him releasing this album in the paper. It hadn't really been done before so I had to keep it hush-hush. The deal was one of the things I had to wrap up in London before I came back after Christmas that year. The whole interaction was very business like with lawyers and such, not ethically not up for disclosure at the time."

"What was the second time?"

"The second time was years later, when I was back in London again for awhile", Logan stops talking as the memories came flooding back. "The announcement had just run and I was trying my best to keep it together outwardly. HPG donates to Autism charities because, as you know, I have a younger cousin on the spectrum. We were invited to a benefit concert at the Koko, and I was the Huntzberger representative that night."

"I think I remember that. You took Odette. I saw a picture."

"You saw a picture?"

"Yes, on her Insta." She lets that statement hang in the space between them. "Although me and you were friends, really and truly friends during all that time, after the news of your engagement broke, I had some difficult moments. I wondered if things could be different. I had the impossible thoughts. I ran some internet recognizance and forced myself to face her as a reality."

"That's understandable, you are Rory "High-Stakes Deception" Gilmore after all", Logan stated, attempting to inject some levity into this conversation. "But you also knew the true story behind all that. We never lost contact with each other and I explained that it was coming."

"True, but I'm still just a girl. Not every day was easy." Rory shook herself then as if to snap herself out if it. A change of subject was coming, he could tell by her change of demeanor.

"So Prince performed at the benefit. I can't imagine. What was it like?"

"Intimate. The theater holds a fair amount of people, but that night, it felt as small as a living room", Logan paused. "I really let go that night. I sang and danced right along, I was feeling every word. Odette was shocked. She said she had never seen me let loose, I hadn't revealed that part of me to her, even with how we met."

Logan continued quickly, eager to get more of this story out once and for all, since it was more about her than Odette.

"He engaged us all that night, it was like he was performing for us individually and I was right on the floor, stage left. After the concert, I had to hang around, speak with a few people like the charity coordinator, to thank them for the invitation and such. O was tired, and I didn't know how long I would be, so she took the car back to the flat without me." Logan took a breath, before he got to the meat of the story.

"Someone from Prince's team pulled me aside and asked if I had moment to go backstage, Prince would like to speak to me. Of course, I went and we were introduced. When he heard my name, he said he thought I looked familiar and recalled where we had met before. We sat down and chatted, just small talk and stuff, then he said "You know, I recognize a kindred spirit in you. You got project an image that's put together but there's a longing inside you. I know the feeling."

"He asked if it was the girl I was with? I said no. He figured as much, there was no real spark there. I told him that we were really just friends, codependent friends who shared something in common once upon a time. He said if its not her then who? I told him about you. Said I loved and lost and loved again. Then I rushed ahead by making plans for us, that didn't demonstrate to you that I'm a man of my word,that knows you and understands what drives you. I told him how we separated and lived life apart but remained in contact for the most part – as one of my contemporaries. Just one of the guys, for years. He understood completely and gave me some really good advice."

"What did he say?"

"He said to remove the barriers set in place keeping you from trusting in us. He said he'd been around that block a few times and no wonder he recognized that in me. He said not to be like him and let a barrier become a whole wall, before I realized what was important. Leaving a legacy is important."

Logan briefly chanced a look over at Rory. Her eyes were wide and looking back at him, her mouth open but not speaking. She looked stunned.

"It was a moment of clarity. I knew it was you, its always been you and I was willing to tow whatever line you cast me. The next time I saw you was a few weeks later, for my birthday in Hamburg. When I blew those candles out, looking at you over that cake, I knew exactly what to wish for. Then I found your research and made you an offer that you could not refuse."

Logan chuckled as Love 2 Tha 9s began to play. "An appropriate song for a moment such as this."

"Why? Is it your favorite?" asked Rory.

"It's a song about hope which is exactly what that conversation gave me. I do really like it, it's peppy and beautifully arranged, but its not my absolute favorite. Keep listening, it gets weird towards the end", he added with a laugh.

"What song is your favorite?" she said, looking over at him.

He glanced at her and smiled with his sexiest half smile.

"I've got two – one is called Revelation and its from his last album, HitNRun Phase II. The second is a song he produced for a protege called Elixer. He only performed it twice. It's a slow song that when he sings the words, it sounds more like 'he licks her'. Very sexy song."

"Well that explains that then", she whispered, remembering. "Think I've heard it, one night in our home office at the condo. You were listening to clip from a Jazz festival working late that night. I came in meaning to distract you and it worked."

"It sure did." Logan recalled that night also. He was listening to Montreaux '09, when Rory came in, placing herself between him and his office chair, effectively stopping his brooding. They cleared the desk that night and his mind was ready to tackle the problem from a new angle the next morning.

She adds so much value to my life, Logan thought. He would gladly give her whatever she asked for. Of course, she'd never ask for anything.

He looked into the rearview mirror and saw Eli, who is now taking a nap in his carseat. Then he looked over at Rory, who yawned again. She's likely to be asleep soon from the far-away look in her eyes. Her left hand rested on her stomach, while her head was propped up in the right.

This is my family, and I couldn't be happier.