CHAPTER EIGHT

"Mom?"

"Emily?"

Luke slowly formed his words.

"Mrs. Gilmore...Emily.... I assure you that we are very happy about this. After much discussion and thought, we decided this was what we wanted. And while, you may not exactly approve of the timing...."

"It's alright Luke. It is a surprise...but you aren't teenagers and I know that you two are committed to each other. Rory, are you happy about this?"

"Oh, yes, grandma. I'm excited, first the wedding and now this. And look at mom, she's so happy."

Emily took a really good look at her daughter, and Luke sitting by her side. They did look happy and thoroughly thrilled about their news. She knew Lorelai cared nothing for conventional timing, and at this stage of her life what difference could it possibly make.

Richard finally spoke, "Well, this is unexpected news. A wedding, a new grandchild, it's a lot to process. Congratulations, you two, and you too Rory. A little brother or sister after all these years..."

"Richard, please. Unexpected? Isn't this what we have come to expect from her? Never following the rules, taking the necessary precautions, waiting until after she is married."

"Mom."

Mrs. Gilmore, I'm sorry you feel that way. But we are very happy about all of this. We didn't expect you would approve of the timing but we did hope you would be happy.... share in our happiness, at least "

"He's right Emily. We should be happy that they found each other, and that the three of them are starting a new family. So the timing is a little off, what difference does it make in the long run? Look at Rory. Did the timing make her any less a wonderful person? "

"Of course not Richard. How can you even bring that up?"

"Because you are being so rigid and unfeeling. You say you missed out on a lot of Rory's young life...well, it was because of this same attitude. Are you going to act that way again? Because, if you are, I won't be a part of it. I'm going be there for this child. Be there to support Luke and Lorelai, and welcome this new little life into our family."

Emily looked stunned. And everyone at the table saw the slow change in her manner. Richard's words seem to really hit home. Make her think of their feelings instead of her rigid ones.

"Lorelai, your father is right. This is a wonderful thing that has happened to you, to all of us. A new beginning, a marriage, a new baby..." "Congratulations. Forgive me for being a silly old women. I'm truly happy for you. It is an unexpected surprise...but a nice one."

Lorelai looked at her mother and could tell she really meant it. She smiled at Luke and then Rory, and breathed a big sigh of relief. The moment she had dreaded most was over. It had been a little painful but the ultimate result was more than she had expected.

"So how about dessert?"

"Lorelai!" All three chimed at the same time.

"Not for me, the baby. The baby wants some chocolate." She smiled and patted her stomach.

They all laughed at her attempt to relieve the tension. Especially Emily, because she knew that dessert was the girls favorite double chocolate cake.

The rest of the evening was spent talking about the wedding and the new baby. Richard and Emily seemed to get over their discomfort fairly quickly. After a short period of awkwardness, they got caught up in the idea of having a new little baby around. Emily was already planning a little nursery upstairs, and Richard was secretly hoping for a grandson this time. They were actually sorry to see them leave. But Lorelai was winding down quickly, and Roy had to get back to school.

Luke and Lorelai walked Rory to her car and hugged her goodbye. Then they walked to Luke's truck and got in. He helped her fasten her seat belt and then started the engine.

Luke turned to her, "You look tired. Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm exhausted. But I feel pretty good. Relieved, glad it's all over."

"It wasn't so bad..."

"Well, it almost was. My dad was great, sticking up for us like that."

"Yeah, he was great."

"I think he really likes you. Did you get the idea he's hoping for a boy this time?"

"I got that distinct feeling, yes,"

"And you, Luke, son or daughter?"

"Umm, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it. A son would be nice, but I look at Rory, and she's so great. I'll take what ever you give me."

"Good thing, mister. There's no sending it back you know."

"Yeah, I know. But we could always keep trying..."

"You know, that's the second time you've mentioned more. Do you really want more?"

"Well, I know we're getting a late start. And we already have Rory. But I always thought, if I found the right person, that I'd like a house full."

"Maybe with your next wife.... oops, sorry. That wasn't a crack, really. It just slipped out."

"Well, let's see how it goes with one baby around before we plan the next one."

"Very wise decision, Mr. Danes."

"I almost lost it when you said 'after much discussion we decided'. I remember skipping the condom and me pitching the pills in the wastebasket just before you attacked me."

"Yeah, you must admit, it put a different spin on that scenario. The PG version for the parents."

"You could say that...we were hot an heavy that night....."

"Yes, we were......first time.....nice."

"Yeah, very nice."

"Hey, Luke, when do you think we conceived this little guy?"

"Hmm, hard to say. We've been pretty active for a couple of old people. Hope it wasn't in the shower though. That would just be weird."

Lorelai laughed at her very conventional man.

"So, if he ever asks......it was just the plan old boring missionary position?"

"Lorelai, he's never going to ask. He's never going to want to think his parents do such things."

Lorelai smiled, "You know Luke, the male pronoun sure creeps in a lot when we talk of this baby."

"Yeah, I noticed."

"So, think that means something?"

"Yeah, I think it means we might be leaning that way. But either way, we're pretty lucky."

"We sure are." She rested her head on his shoulder and rubbed her stomach.

Luke put the truck in gear and they drove silently home. Each of them relieved that the tension was finally over. Neither had realized how heavy it had weighed on them. Luke unlocked the door and they climbed up the steps with their arms around each other. Exhausted, they feel asleep quickly. Lorelai didn't stir when Luke slipped out early the next morning.

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Sorry I made you wait. But it was good for you to speculate, right??