CHAPTER THREE

When the plane finally touched down, everyone cheered. The trip that should have been an hour was more than three. No one was happier than Lorelai and Rory. Even David didn't mind, he would certainly be seeing her again. The trio set out for baggage pick up, laughing about their "family" status and what a small world it really is. Only one more hurdle for the girls to face and then it was 'home sweet home". That hurdle of course was Richard and Emily. Although, Lorelai thought it shouldn't be too bad when they discovered her new friend.

"Lorelai, Rory, over here. Welcome home! We're so glad to see you all in one piece. You don't know how we worried."

"Thanks mom. Glad to see you too."

"And David, we couldn't believe it when we discovered you were on the same plane. We hoped somehow the three of you would meet. Welcome to your new city. We hope you will grow to love it here and feel right at home very soon."

"Thanks Emily. I have a feeling I am going to love my new job and my new city. All signs point to a wonderful new start." Looking at Loreliai.

Emily and Richard smiled at each other in a knowing way. That look wasn't lost on Lorelai..

The ride to the Gilmore's was full of stories and laughter. The girls were so happy to be home that nothing Richard or Emily could say was going to spoil it. It was so late when they got to the house that the girls decided to spend the night. Actually, they were too tired to protest when the elder Gilmores insisted. They said their goodnights and were soon sound asleep. David lay in his bed thinking about his luck. He was going to wake up and see Lorelai again.

The girls woke up early, ready to complete the journey home. They wanted to be home and see all of their friends. Lorelai was getting excited to finally get involved with the inn. She was anxious to see all the improvements that had been completed in her absence. Breakfast was actually fun. David's presence made the conversation flow without the usual undercurrents. Before they knew it, the girls were in the Jeep and on their way. The last thing Lorelai saw was David's smile and wave. Not bad..

Driving into town, they both commented about how beautiful it looked. The square and gazebo had both been decorated-Taylor must be having some new festival. Nearing, they saw the sign "Welcome Home Gilmore Girls!!" They were touched and happy that they were finally home. Lorelai knew Rory would be going off to college soon but she knew she didn't want to leave again for a very long time. This was home and she had enough travel for a while. And she had her own new adventure to look forward to-right here in Stars Hollow.

They had called Sookie from the car and she was waiting on the porch when they drove up. She had them both in a hug before they could comment on her new round figure. For the next few hours, the words flew fast and furiously. The girls were caught up on most of the news quickly. All the inn preparations and work seemed to be well ahead of schedule with few surprises except, of course, the cost. But Lorelai wasn't going to let anything bring her down today. Sookie hadn't told them all the news. She wasn't sure just how much to tell at this point. It was time for her to go anyway. She knew the girls wanted some time to get resettled in their house and maybe see other friends. There would be plenty of time for the rest of the town news. She left happy-her girls were finally home.

Luke had watched the diner door all morning, hoping they had gotten home safely and would stop in soon. He just needed to see that face--uh--both of those faces. He had gotten a few postcards but he actually hadn't talk to them all summer. Being used to daily visits, he had felt the void. It had been a very long summer. He wanted life to be like it used to be, and that included Lorelai and Rory. He didn't know what he would tell them about Nicole. Maybe, the subject wouldn't come up. It wasn't something he wanted to think about right now. Right now, he needed to get ready for the lunch crowd.

Lorelei and Rory collapsed on the sofa, all talked out; happy to be home and ready to get on with the next phase of their busy lives. Lorelei needed to see Luke-uh-needed his coffee but wasn't ready to leave her house just yet. She didn't know what to expect when she did see him. She hadn't talked to him in a long time and Sookie really hadn't said anything about him. They had left on a strange note-something was left unsaid but she couldn't figure out what. He had Nicole and she had the new inn. And maybe there would be someone new in her life too-maybe she had already met him. Putting David out of her mind, she started putting her house in order. Rory headed out the door to see Lane. .

Life in Stars Hollow was finally getting back to normal. Normal, Stars Hollow? Well, anyway, the Gilmores were back.