CHAPTER TEN

The weekend before the wedding, Luke left the diner completely under Caesar's care. Rory came home Saturday morning and the three of them ran all over trying to get all the last minute details wrapped up. Sookie told them the reception was all taken care of and hadn't let them near the inn the previous week. By late afternoon, Lorelai was exhausted, starving and grumpy. They stopped at the diner for an early dinner. Caesar wouldn't let Luke lift a finger. He took very good care of all their needs and sent them home stuffed and happy. Rory ran into the video store and got the 'Wedding Planner', thinking it would be a great lark to watch. They all settled in the living room and popped it in the player. Rory and Luke were having a great time laughing at the wedding antics that they knew all too well to be true. Lorelai pulled a throw around her body and quickly fell asleep.

"Look at mom. She's worn out. This wedding seems to have taken it all out of her."

"I don't think it's the wedding so much, more like the pregnancy. She's not used to dragging the extra weight around; it really zaps her energy. And now she's afraid her dress won't fit because all of a sudden she really seems to be 'popping out' -- her words not mine."

Rory smiled. The grumpy diner man had a whole other side to him. She had always seen it, but lately it was more obvious to everyone.

"Only one more week. Then you two will be on your honeymoon. The stress will be over and she can really relax and soak up the sun."

"Yeah, I'm glad it's only a week away. I'm not sure how much more she can take, or me. Everyone in town is coming and everyday they have a million questions to ask. The same questions over and over...life in a fish bowl. Remind me never to have fish."

"Sure thing Luke. I see you as more of a dog kind of guy anyway. But never, under any circumstances ..."

"I know -- allow your mother around any animals. I've heard the stories."

"You have to admit it's a great 'fish bowl', Luke. All the little fishies are so happy that you two are finally together."

"Yeah...."

"What?' Lorelai was awake and looking around. "Are you two talking about me?"

"Hey, the whole world doesn't revolve around you, you know." Luke winked at Rory.

Lorelai laughed, "Where have I heard that before?"

"Go back to sleep. Hard to talk about you when you're asking so many questions."

"How about I make it real easy for you. I think I'll go up to bed." She pretended to be mad and stomped up the stairs.

Luke watched her little act. "I think that's my cue. Better get up there while I'm still invited to this wedding."

"Luke, you are so whipped. Never thought I'd have to say that to you!"

"Hey, now. Is that anyway to talk to your 'almost' stepfather?"

"Almost maybe, but stepfather, no way. You 're the best father a girl ever had. I know I have a biological father and he's great. But you were the one that was always there when I needed one. You fed me, and protected me from all the big, bad boys. You sure helped my mom through my teenage years. I was angelic, of course, but she sure needed help. You helped me move into the dorm, and sent me little care packages. And now, you make my mom so happy."

Luke smiled shyly and gave her an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder before he headed upstairs.

"Oh, and Luke."

"Yeah?"

"No early morning hi jinks, ok? One time was enough. There's a chance I can get over that one, IF it's not repeated."

"Can't promise anything. When your mom gets an idea in head, well, let's just say 'who am I to refuse?"

"Ewww..."

Luke laughed and threw his hands in the air.

Sunday morning, Luke and Lorelai slept really late and then took a leisurely shower. He washed her hair and lovingly ran his hands over her pregnant body. Her breasts were heavy and ripe, her stomach slightly round and firm. She put his hand on her stomach and he felt a strong kick.

"Yep, I think there's a baby in there."

"Very funny. You were thinking something else?"

"Well, it had occurred to me..."

"Please don't finish that sentence."

They got out and dried each other off. Lorelai tried to get Luke back in bed for a little playtime but he had promised Rory her favorite pancakes for breakfast. It was already late, and they were supposed to be at the Dragonfly by two. Sookie was finally allowing them to see what she had been up to.

""Oh, so that's the way it is. Gone on to a new woman already?"

"Yeah, well, she's younger and thinner...."

" I wouldn't go any farther with that description if I were you mister."

"Feel free to join us.... when you get some clothes on." Luke winked at her. She was still naked and checking her body out in the mirror. She shook her head,

"Why didn't I 'just say no'?"

"Because I'm irresistible, my prowess legendary."

"Prowess, that's a braggy guy word. We were just plain horny."

"Lorelai, the way you talk! Are you going to kiss our baby with that mouth?"

"Hot for each other, couldn't keep our hands off, couldn't keep your pants zipped...."

"And who did the unzipping?"

"Out! I need nourishment for this body I'm growing here. Make the 'thin one' save me some of your special pancakes."

Luke playfully threw a robe at her and left the room.

When Luke finally made it to the kitchen, he was greeted with,

"Finally, I thought I'd have to head to the diner."

"Sorry, got wrapped up in something."

"Yeah, the shower yet again."

Luke blushed as he turned to the stove. "Pancakes, as promised."

"I like my pancakes made by very clean men." She loved seeing his many shades of red.

Lorelai appeared, looking fresh and well rested.

"Nothing like a good nights 'sleep', huh, mom?"

"Why, Rory, what are you implying?"

"I imply nothing. Just that all the 'sleep' that you have been getting lately has done wonders for your figure. And the term 'zestfully clean', well, that has taken on a whole new meaning."

"Mock if you must, but you will pay." Lorelai stabbed one of Rory's pancakes and added it to the stack on the plate Luke had just handed her.

"Not fair."

"So fair, fairest, most fair."

Luke chuckled, "If you two don't hurry up, we will never make it to the inn by two."

"Says the barefoot man in jeans." The girls giggled but finally attacked their breakfast. They were both anxious to see exactly what Sookie had been doing at the inn.

Luke cleaned the kitchen, got dressed, and had read most of the paper before the girls finally appeared dressed and ready. But when he saw them he thought it was worth the wait.

"Wow, I get to take out two beautiful women out today."

"Yep, to get the skinny one, you have to take the fat one too."

Rory didn't get the joke but she laughed with them anyway. They piled in the car and headed to the inn. They were several cars parked around the inn.

"Sookie must have people working today to finish up. Good thing we paid them a flat fee. I think every light on the place is on. I can't wait to see inside. She's kept it such a secret."

Luke opened the door for the girls and they were all met with a chorus of 'SURPRISE!'. Sookie ran over to Rory, and whispered in her ear. "Did we do it, totally surprise them?"

"Yep, they didn't have a clue. I can't believe how easy it was. They must be getting old."

"Oh, they're just in love. It makes you crazy sometimes."

Rory wistfully replied, "I guess."

"Hey, honey, you're young. It will happen to you too, probably when you least expect it."

Rory knew she was right. She loved that her mom was finally so happy but she wanted some of that happiness too.

Luke and Lorelai were greeted by most of the town. She noticed her parents over by the bar, and even Luke's sister Liz was there with her goofy boyfriend. There were gifts stacked every where, some in wedding paper and some in baby shower paper. Lorelai started to cry but Luke gave her a squeeze and she broke into a smile instead. The dining room was full of wonderful goodies, and two huge cakes. One was decorated with wedding bells and flowers, the other with baby booties and rattles. Pink and blue, no green is the 'new pink' for this baby.

"So Mr. Danes, did you know about this?"

"Nope, not a clue. But I'd say that little girl and Sookie look pretty guilty over there."

Lorelai smiled and waved at her daughter. She mouthed a 'thank you' to both of them.

"So let's party!"

Lorelai and Luke wandered among the guests and talked to everyone at some point during the afternoon. Sookie had out done herself with appetizers and munchies...including all of Lorelai's favorites. The afternoon flew by as they opened all the gifts and tried to thank everyone for their generosity.

"I don't think we'll have to buy anything for this baby for a very long time. And all the other things...wow. Luke, somebody sure likes us."

"I think they like you, their queen."

"I kind of think they like you too. You did make all of this possible you know."

He eyed her stomach and murmured, "My pleasure."

Luke pulled out a chair and made her sit for a while. He wandered into the dining room to find them something to nibble on. While he was gone, Richard and Emily joined Lorelai.

"This is very nice Lorelai. Everyone in town seems to have been here at one time or another today. They must really like you and Luke."

"Yeah, well, Luke does supply the coffee.... and to tell the truth mom, they have been waiting for this for years. I've heard a lot of 'we knew someday this would happen', etc. etc."

"They're saying wonderful things about the inn also, Lorelai. It has turned out very nicely. You and Sookie have done a very good job."

"Thanks dad, that means a lot."

"I'll recommend it to my clients.....I'm sure Jason will too. Poor boy, he seems a little distracted lately."

"Probably trying to decide which floozy to take out next."

"Mom." "Emily."

"He's not so bad, mom."

"Well, I didn't see you going out with him."

"Well, mom, as a matter of fact, I did actually go out with him a few times."

"You what? When? Have you lost your mind?"

"Before Luke mom. He was very nice to me and treated me very well. I think he was the big reason that Luke and I finally got together. Luke got jealous seeing me with him."

"Well, I guess we can be thankful for that. What if you had ended up with him?"

"I might have, but it would have never worked out. His life is too much like yours. And I know you love your life, but it would smother me. Sorry, mom."

"I understand. Well, not really, but seeing you with Luke.......you definitely made the best choice."

"Best choice of what?" Luke handed Lorelai a plate and a glass of milk.

"Always with the milk, this guy." She laughed as she took it.

Emily and Richard both looked at Luke in an approving way.

"I was just telling Lorelai, that she made the right choice of men. You over Jason Stiles."

"You knew about them?"

"No, not at the time. I just found out. And believe me, I would never have approved."

"Emily, I think it's time to leave. We have a long drive, and I have to get up very early in the morning."

"Goodnight, Lorelai. See you next weekend. I'm getting excited for the big day."

"Me too, mom. I finally know exactly what you were talking about that night at my bachelorette party. Thanks for coming, both of you."

Goodnight , Lorelai. I'm looking forward to escorting you down the aisle."

"Can't wait to get rid of me, huh, dad?"

"I'll just be happy to see you and Luke become man and wife. We've really come to know and appreciate what a fine man you found here." Richard leaned in and handed her an envelope. He whispered, "For your new life, use it for yourselves or the baby."

"Thanks, dad. But you've already done so much."

"Nonsense, it's our pleasure."

"Thanks Richard." The men shook hands and Emily gave Luke a quick hug, also.

Soon after the Gilmores left, the party started to break up. Everyone loved seeing the Dragonfly and couldn't wait to come back for the wedding. Luke offered to stay and help clean up but Sookie sent all of them on their way. Lorelai hugged her friend and thanked her for their wonderful party.
Luke hugged her too, which made her giggle.

The three of them talked about the party on the way home. And much too soon, they were watching Rory throw her books in her car to head back to school. They hugged her goodbye and waved as she drove away.

Lorelai closed the door and Luke pulled her into his arms.

"Nice party, huh?"

"Yeah, the best. And you're sure you didn't know a thing about it?"

"Think about it, Lorelai. Would they really tell me?"

"Nope, you're right. We all know how you love large gatherings. Couldn't get out of this one, could you?"

Luke kissed her, letting his lips slide down her neck and his hands caress her body.

"Hey, what exactly do you think you are doing?"

"Well, I was thinking that Rory's gone, and that we are both tired, and maybe we could just go up to bed...."

"I think you are forgetting our agreement."

"Our agreement?"

"Yes, remember? You're supposed to go home to your apartment for this last week."

"You were serious about that?"

"Serious as a heart attack, mister. I need some time alone to get stuff done. And you know, it will make our wedding night extra special if we don't sleep together for a while."

"It's our wedding night. The only one we will ever have. Believe me it will be special."

"But this way, it will just be more special." She grinned up at him. "You know, not 'being together' for a whole week........."

"Lorelai, you can't be serious."

"We've already been down this road. I am serious. Goodnight, Luke. See you tomorrow." She reached up and kissed him goodnight and then grabbed his coat from the hook and handed it to him.

He looked at her as he pulled it on, and mumbled something as he walked out the door.

Lorelai couldn't make it out, so she just added, "I love you too."

Closing the door, she leaned against it and looked around. This was the first time she had been alone here in a very long time. It was strange and oddly quiet.. She headed upstairs, and decided to take a long, hot bath. Sinking down into the bubbles, she let all of the excitement of the day melt away. By the time, she slowly pulled her self out, she smelled wonderful and felt warm and relaxed all over. She slipped into her side of the bed and ran her fingers over the empty area beside her....the place where Luke had been so often lately. She missed him so she picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hey. What are you doing?"

"I've been sorting through some stuff. Trying to figure out what to move to your house and what to get rid of."

"Wow. I'm impressed. All I've done is take a bath."

"And now?"

"Now I'm lying here in this big bed, all alone, missing you."

"Good, maybe you'll think twice before you kick me out again."

"Luke, I didn't kick you out. I just wanted some time alone, a few days to get some stuff done. You know, single girl, about to be married stuff."

"I guess I understand. I need to do some things too, bachelor giving up his freedom stuff. But I miss you."

"Yeah, I'm very missable. But you're a big boy, you can handle it."

"I am a big boy, a very 'big boy' right now. Thinking about you in the bath and now in the bed. Naked?"

"Of course, it's the only way to sleep. You taught me that. Oh, oh.... phone sex. We've never had that."

"What are you talking about?"

"You know, some naughty, sexy talk. You there, me here. Pretend you're lying next to me, naked, caressing every part of my body with your fingers.
Close your eyes, and think about my hand gently touching your 'big boy', grasping it firmly, stroking up and...."

"Goodnight, Lorelai."

"Goodnight, Big Boy." Luke heard her giggle as he hung up.

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Please R&R