I have nothing to do with the WB. Just love this show and it's characters.

SUMMERS OVER

Chapter One

As they plopped down into their seats, both girls let out a groan. This was the second flight in twenty-four hours. The one taking them home-- finally. The trip had been wonderful. Everything they had expected and more. But eight weeks of wandering all over Europe with all their possessions on their backs had taken its toll. The usual Gilmore banter had been replaced with 'yes', 'no', and 'leave me alone'. Lorelai noticed the aisle seat remained empty. She was hoping it would stay that way so they could stretch out. No such luck. If she would have been more aware, she would of noticed that it was taken by a very good looking man-a man who couldn't help noticing his gorgeous dark haired seat mate.

The attendant came down the aisle doing her usual pre-flight check. She commenting to the man about what an attractive family he had. He laughed and started to explain when the woman next to him offered a simple thank you.

"Sorry, about that. But an explanation at this point would just keep her talking. I need some coffee and I need some sleep, in that order and soon."

"I don't mind if you don't." He seemed intrigued. "So I guess I should get to know my new family. My name is David Porter. I'm on my way to Hartford to start a new job. Didn't know I'd gain a wife and daughter along the way.'

"Life is full of surprises. My name is Lorelai and the sleeping one here is Rory, my daughter. We've been tramping around Europe for several weeks. We are so ready to be home. So as soon as I have my coffee I'm going to join my daughter in sleep land."

"OK. I can take a hint."

"Sorry. Usually I'm very chatty, annoyingly so. So be thankful you caught me on a bad day."

Somehow he couldn't imagine her annoying him at all. In fact, he wished the flight were longer so he could get to know her better. She was just the type of woman he had never met in New York. David got his wish, there was a delay on the runway. The girls didn't mind-they were both sound asleep.

David watched her sleep. She was lovely, looked to be his age-he wondered if there was a husband. Probably, that seemed to be his luck. Lorelai stirred so he looked away.

Lorelai awoke and noticed they were still on the ground. Rats, we're never going to get home. I want my bed, I want my coffee, Luke's coffee. Luke.... While they were gone communication had been hit and miss. She had talked with her parents a few times. A lot with Sookie, since she had gotten stuck with all the stuff for the new inn. Lorelai knew she would have her hands full when she got home. Sookie had already worked so hard and soon the new baby would take most of her time. It was her turn now and she couldn't wait. There hadn't been any time to catch up on Stars Hallow news. Which brought her back to Luke. When she left, things had been a little strange. She wondered how the trip had gone-- was he engaged? Maybe even married? Two weeks alone with Nicole twenty- four/seven: the cruise, the sun, the fun and sleeping with here every night. Who knew what a guy might do. He had been alone for a long time, and deserved to be happy. He is such a great guy. She just wasn't sure how she felt about Nicole. Oh, well, thinking, none of your business Lorelai.

She looked over at David. "What's going on?' I thought we'd be home by now."

"Some ground delay. It's going to be awhile. You seem pretty alert, so tell me more about my new wife? Am I committing bigamy here?'

Lorelai laughed. "Not in any shape or form. I never have any luck in that department. It's just Rory and me. Pretty soon it will just be me. My ungrateful daughter is off to Yale. I hate even thinking about it."

"Wow, Yale, you must be proud of that accomplishment. I went to Yale myself. That's why I took the job in Hartford. I loved the area when I was there. Not as crazy as New York, that's where I've been living since college. I'm hoping it will bring good things for me."

He was thinking maybe it already had.

"We live in a small town about a half hour away. My parents live in Hartford -we go there every Friday night for dinner. I grew up there but left when I was young. It's a long story."

"What to you do in this nameless small town?"

"I used to run an inn but we had a fire and the owners chose to close it. So now a friend and I are going to open our own inn, The Dragonfly. I'm going to be super busy when I get home-if that ever happens." as she looked impatiently out the window.

Just then the announcement came that they were finally ready to take off. Lorelai cheered but David was not as happy. He liked getting to know this woman and he knew the flight would be short. Some how he had to convince her to see him again.

"Is our daughter always such a sound sleeper? I don't think she has moved since we boarded." He continued the game. "I think she resembles me a little."

Lorelai laughed. She was awake now and starting to see the charm of this man. He must be married. All the good ones are. But he did ask the bigamy question..

"So, the bigamy thing?

David smiled, "No way. I think we both have the same luck in the opposite sex department."

"What are you going to do in this new job in Hartford?"

"Well, there's an older man who has been in insurance his whole life. He started his own firm and it took off like a rocket. It's just too much work for him alone. He needed an associate, so he hired me. It sounds like a good situation for both of us. He and his wife seem very likable. I'm actually going to stay with them until I find a place of my own. They have a large house and their only daughter is out on her own."

Lorelai got very wide eyed. No, couldn't be. She knew her dad's business was flying but she hadn't heard anything about bringing someone in to help. Although, she was sure her mom was probably behind it. She had been left alone a lot lately, and was not very happy about it..

"My dad is in the insurance business, has been for years. Small world, huh?"

Now it was David's turn to be wide eyed. "You don't think..

"Only one way to find out, Richard Gilmore?"

"One and the same. Seems your dad is my new boss. Very small world." David couldn't believe his luck.

Lorelai couldn't believe her luck either. She would definitely be seeing this man again. Although with her parents involved, she didn't know if this was a good thing or a very big problem. She was thinking maybe the later, especially if he was living there.

As the plane began to descend, both David and Lorelia were thinking about this unexpected turn of events. They were both wondering where it would all lead.

Rory had woken up about the same time Lorelai had. She had kept her eyes closed because she really didn't want to get in on this conversation. She had enjoyed it though. She always loved the way her mom mesmerized men. Too bad it never lead to anything, especially now, when she was getting ready to go off to Yale. A male friend would sure take the pressure off. Plus, she knew that's what her mom wanted-- someone to share her life with

Meanwhile, in Stars Hollow.....