CHAPTER TWELVE

Back downstairs, Luke and Lorelai spent the rest of the day planning their wedding. The argued about every step, but the making up was fun. They both wanted to keep it simple but Luke's idea of simple was very different from hers. By late afternoon, they had ironed out most of the basics.

They headed to the diner and along the way encountered almost everyone in town. Word had spread quickly. Everyone wanted to congratulate them and say I told you so. All the women wanted to see the ring and hear the proposal details. Luke ducked into the diner to avoid all the looks he was getting. This was going to finish his 'grumpy' reputation for sure. Nothing could take away from his happiness today. So much had happened in the last twenty-four hours-wonderful things. Things he had been thinking about for years.

He remembered when he had first met Lorelai, she was so young and had this sweet daughter. He had just been through his thing with Rachel and he was really unhappy. She had just bought her house and he marveled at how far she had come all on her own. She slowly brought him out of his shell just by being her insane self. She had made him care again and he had started to fall for her. He watched the many changes in her life and had watched Rory grow into a happy young lady. The whole town loved them both and so did he. It had taken along time for them to find their way to each other. Nothing was going to stop that now.

Lorelai came in the door. "You're never going to live this down. Your secret is out-you're just a big teddy bear."

Luke shook his head. "I hope you didn't give them too much information. I'd like to think we have some secrets left."

"Don't worry, diner man. Some things are just for me to know and enjoy. But wouldn't they be surprised if they knew how you...."

"Lorelai, would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, dear, anything you say dear."

"Funny. My life as I know it is over."

"You better believe it mister. From now on, it's me and you -- and I wouldn't mind more nights like last night!"

"I think that can be arranged. Maybe this new life won't be so bad after all." Luke looked at her and winked.

Lorelai couldn't remember ever being this happy. They had come a long way in a very short time.

The next few weeks flew by. Luke and Lorelai hoped the wedding would happen before Sookie's baby came. They were really cutting it close. The day dawned crisp and sunny. They had invited everyone in town, and they were all coming. So much for small and simple. Lorelai's dad was walking her down the aisle and Rory and Sookie were her attendants. The flowers were beautiful -vibrant just like the bride. Lorelai looked radiant and Luke looked handsome in his dark suit. They both seemed so happy and ready to start their new life.

It was a beautiful ceremony-not a dry eye in the church-including the bride and the groom. Everyone there had waited such a long time for this. The reception was lively and everyone had a wonderful time. Especially Sookie, who went into labor right after they cut the cake. Luke and Lorelai beamed all evening and danced late into the night. When everyone left, they went to the hospital to await their new Godchild. And when they looked at the beautiful new life in the nursery window, they smiled at each other. In just a few months they would be back again to look at their own little Luke and Lorelai creation. But they weren't sharing that little secret just yet.

Hope you liked it. It was fun to write. I love reviews. Take pity-it's my first long one.