CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The day dawned warm and sunny. Perfect day for a wedding, not a cloud in the sky, and the promise of unseasonable warmth.
Luke woke up at his usual time, anxious about the day. There were no problem with what he was about to do....the problem was he had to do it in front of everyone. But he quickly put all those feelings to rest. This was the town that had been nothing but wonderful to them every since they had found out. They hadn't gossiped, teased, or done anything but shown support. Wide awake, he decided to go downstairs and spend the time with Caesar.
Lorelai on the other hand, slept late and woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She pulled on her robe and lumbered downstairs, following the coffee scent to the kitchen.
"It's about time. I thought you would be too excited to sleep so late. I almost came up there to check and make sure you and Luke hadn't eloped at the last minute."
"Very funny. You just should have started the coffee sooner." Lorelai poured the coffee into a mug and smiled at the scent.
"Hey, Rory, you'll have to make the coffee all the time. This taste just like Luke's. Did he give you his secret? Because if he did...."
"It is Luke's mom."
"He's been her?"
"No way. He made Caesar bring it over. He brought over a gallon of coffee and some breakfast goodies. Luke wanted to make sure you started the day off with a decent breakfast so you wouldn't faint from hunger later."
"Ahh, that's sweet."
"Yeah, sickening but sweet."
"Someday your prince will come, Rory. And then I can tell you how sickening it is."
"Yeah, yeah....well, I'm going to take my shower. I've been up for hours."
Lorelai sat down at the kitchen table and checked out the box Luke had sent. She unburied a small envelope with her name on it and opened it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Good Morning, Enjoy your coffee and please eat something. I never thought I'd have to remind you to eat but it's really important today. It's going to be a long day and I hope an even longer night. Go ahead and say 'dirty' because that's the idea here. Can't wait to see you this afternoon. I love you. I'm going to really love our little family. Tell Rory I love her too.
All my love, Luke
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lorelai smiled at the note. This was a mushy love note coming from him. She put the note back in the envelope and tucked it safely in a drawer. You noticed some coupons there and it reminded her to be sure to tell him where they were.
She headed up to take her shower. She and Rory were meeting Sookie at the salon for hair and make up. Then the three girls were going to Sookie's for lunch. It really was going to be a busy day and she knew it would go fast. Not too fast she hoped, she wanted to remember every minute.
Luke stopped at Sookie's and watched her get things ready for the luncheon.
"Hey, mind if I join you girls for lunch?"
"Yes, Luke, I mind. You are to get your business over with Jackson quickly and then get out of here."
"Gee, Sookie, I thought you finally liked me. Just a little?"
"I like you just fine. Like you even better now that you have made Lorelai so happy. But you can't see her today. It's bad luck. Not to mention the fact that you'd just be in the way"
"Thanks for the love."
"Thanks for the aggravation, Luke. I think Jackson is in the living room waiting for you."
Luke went into the next room and watched Jackson with Davey. He couldn't help but take some mental notes as he watched. His experience with babies was nil.
"Hey, Jackson. You look like an old pro at that."
"Yeah, well, I'm not. But you learn quickly when you have to."
"Guess I'll be finding that out soon."
"Yep, right into the fire, my friend, right into the fire. So, any last minute instructions? I have to run the baby to the sitter."
"Not really. I just wanted to drop off the rings and give you a little something." Luke handed him the ring boxes and then another small box.
Jackson admired the wedding rings and then opened his box.
"Gosh, Luke thanks. I didn't expect anything."
"Just a little something to thank you for all you've done."
Jackson pulled out a silver key chain. It was inscribed with a 'Thank You, Friend' and the date.
"So I guess I'll see you later at the church. Don't be late."
"Getting a case of nerves, Luke? You know Sookie would never let me be late."
"Nerves? I don't know. I just want to get this thing moving and hope it turns out nice for Lorelai."
"You've come a long way, buddy."
"Yeah, I guess I have. We all have." Luke gave him a parting smile and was on his way.
Sookie met the girls at the salon and they laughed and giggled the whole time they were there. All three girls ended up with soft, beautiful curls with sparkling accents. They had a leisurely lunch at Sookie's and soon Rory and Lorelai left to go home. They packed up their accessories, grabbed their dresses, and headed for the church. As they drove by the diner, they saw no signs of Luke. In fact, the diner was closed and the whole town seemed quiet. The only signs of life around town were outside the church. There, things were bustling. Rory parked the car in the back and they quickly entered before anyone noticed. The bouquets were already there and the room smelled wonderful. The flowers were in shades of purple, rose and white with deep purple ribbons. Jackson dropped Sookie off soon after and then he left to pick up Luke.
Since the coast seemed to be clear, the three took some time to check out the church. Lorelai caught her breathe... some one had placed Luke's chuppa before the altar and covered it with greenery and flowers. There were candles all around it and all over the rest of the church. And flowers, they were placed everywhere. It was a vision and she could only imagine how beautiful it would be when the candles were lit and glowing. She was truly excited now. She couldn't wait to see the building filled with everyone they knew and loved.
The girls sat on the sofa and drank some sparkling water. They admired their dresses and slowly started to get ready. Jackson softly knocked on the door and let them know that he and Luke were back.
Lorelai went into panic mode, sure she had forgotten something important or her dress wouldn't fit or some other calamity would happen. Rory and Sookie let her freak out for a while and then slowly calmed her down. She relaxed when they assured her they were both there to help and that they were sure everything was taken care of.
Lorelai slowly smiled and relaxed. She was finally marrying Luke and that was all that mattered. Any freaky thing that happened would just be a funny story years from now. She rubbed her stomach and was thankful she had so much to be thankful for. Especially, these two women who were with her right now. They all hugged each other and then Rory and Sookie helped her into her wedding dress. It was a simple, off white dress. It softly flowed over her body, exposing a little cleavage and minimizing her expanded girth. It was accented with small beads, and a little lace. Not fussy, but feminine like Lorelai, and it made her look and feel like the beautiful bride that she was. The princess train was beaded and sparkled in the light as it flowed behind her. Finally, Rory arranged her curls around the small head cap of her short veil. The sparkles in her hair set off big eyes. Sookie and Rory both thought she was a beautiful bride.
Rory and Sookie were beautiful in deep purple. There dresses were cut in a similar way and their flowers accented their simple design Lorelai had given them simple gold necklaces and matching earrings. She admired her attendants as they admired her. They all decided they were a perfectly lovely wedding party. They knew the men would look handsome in their black tuxes....despite all their protests.
Jackson knocked again and wanted to talk to Sookie. He assured her the guys were ready and that the guests had started to arrive. Sookie giggled as she closed the door, "I guess we're going to have a wedding. The men are ready and the guests are being seated."
Lorelai smiled, thinking of Luke in his tux. She couldn't wait to see him at the altar. She was so ready to get this thing started.
The girls heard the organ music start. It was only a matter of minutes now. Rory hugged her mom and told her not to trip. Sookie also hugged her, and then straightened her veil and fixed her necklace. Luke's necklace was the perfect touch with her dress. A little touch of purple in the sea of white.
The next knock on the door was her parents.
"Lorelai, you make a lovely bride. I always knew you would. I only have a minute but I wanted to give you this for your something old."
Emily fastened a diamond bracelet around her wrist. "I wore this at my wedding and I thought maybe you would like to wear it too. It's simple but has great sentimental value. And, Rory when it's your turn, I hope you'll wear it too."
"I'd love to grandma." Rory smiled.
"Thanks, mom. It's beautiful, perfect with my dress, and my necklace." Lorelai was touched that her mother had thought of it.
"It was my mother's. My father gave it to her before their wedding. There marriage lasted a long time, and it seems to have worked for your father and me. So I hope it will bring you luck too."
"This means a lot to me mom, thanks."
"I'll see you after the ceremony. I have to get back out there now, candles to light. You look beautiful, Lorelai." The two women hugged and Emily left before Lorelai could see her tears.
Richard took a long look at Lorelai and nodded his approval. "You are the prettiest bride I've seen since your mother. I hope you and Luke are as happy as we have been over all these years. You've seen the ups and downs, but it's still been a wonderful life we've shared."
"I know, dad. So is my escort ready? I think I may need to lean on you a little. I'm a little nervous."
"Not about Luke?"
"Never about Luke, dad. It's always been him, long before I realized it. It's nice to have my dad by my side."
"Not to give you away, just to escort you to your new husband."
"New husband......I like the sound of that."
"I talked to Luke outside. He's a little nervous too. But not about you, just all of this."
"Yeah, well, Luke has never been into big productions much. He'll be fine. Did he look handsome?"
"Most handsome groom I've ever seen."
Lorelai smiled at her dad and they heard another knock at the door telling them it was time. They all took a deep breath. Lorelai took her fathers arm and they followed Sookie and Rory out of the door.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Luke and Lorelai....finally!!
The day dawned warm and sunny. Perfect day for a wedding, not a cloud in the sky, and the promise of unseasonable warmth.
Luke woke up at his usual time, anxious about the day. There were no problem with what he was about to do....the problem was he had to do it in front of everyone. But he quickly put all those feelings to rest. This was the town that had been nothing but wonderful to them every since they had found out. They hadn't gossiped, teased, or done anything but shown support. Wide awake, he decided to go downstairs and spend the time with Caesar.
Lorelai on the other hand, slept late and woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She pulled on her robe and lumbered downstairs, following the coffee scent to the kitchen.
"It's about time. I thought you would be too excited to sleep so late. I almost came up there to check and make sure you and Luke hadn't eloped at the last minute."
"Very funny. You just should have started the coffee sooner." Lorelai poured the coffee into a mug and smiled at the scent.
"Hey, Rory, you'll have to make the coffee all the time. This taste just like Luke's. Did he give you his secret? Because if he did...."
"It is Luke's mom."
"He's been her?"
"No way. He made Caesar bring it over. He brought over a gallon of coffee and some breakfast goodies. Luke wanted to make sure you started the day off with a decent breakfast so you wouldn't faint from hunger later."
"Ahh, that's sweet."
"Yeah, sickening but sweet."
"Someday your prince will come, Rory. And then I can tell you how sickening it is."
"Yeah, yeah....well, I'm going to take my shower. I've been up for hours."
Lorelai sat down at the kitchen table and checked out the box Luke had sent. She unburied a small envelope with her name on it and opened it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Good Morning, Enjoy your coffee and please eat something. I never thought I'd have to remind you to eat but it's really important today. It's going to be a long day and I hope an even longer night. Go ahead and say 'dirty' because that's the idea here. Can't wait to see you this afternoon. I love you. I'm going to really love our little family. Tell Rory I love her too.
All my love, Luke
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lorelai smiled at the note. This was a mushy love note coming from him. She put the note back in the envelope and tucked it safely in a drawer. You noticed some coupons there and it reminded her to be sure to tell him where they were.
She headed up to take her shower. She and Rory were meeting Sookie at the salon for hair and make up. Then the three girls were going to Sookie's for lunch. It really was going to be a busy day and she knew it would go fast. Not too fast she hoped, she wanted to remember every minute.
Luke stopped at Sookie's and watched her get things ready for the luncheon.
"Hey, mind if I join you girls for lunch?"
"Yes, Luke, I mind. You are to get your business over with Jackson quickly and then get out of here."
"Gee, Sookie, I thought you finally liked me. Just a little?"
"I like you just fine. Like you even better now that you have made Lorelai so happy. But you can't see her today. It's bad luck. Not to mention the fact that you'd just be in the way"
"Thanks for the love."
"Thanks for the aggravation, Luke. I think Jackson is in the living room waiting for you."
Luke went into the next room and watched Jackson with Davey. He couldn't help but take some mental notes as he watched. His experience with babies was nil.
"Hey, Jackson. You look like an old pro at that."
"Yeah, well, I'm not. But you learn quickly when you have to."
"Guess I'll be finding that out soon."
"Yep, right into the fire, my friend, right into the fire. So, any last minute instructions? I have to run the baby to the sitter."
"Not really. I just wanted to drop off the rings and give you a little something." Luke handed him the ring boxes and then another small box.
Jackson admired the wedding rings and then opened his box.
"Gosh, Luke thanks. I didn't expect anything."
"Just a little something to thank you for all you've done."
Jackson pulled out a silver key chain. It was inscribed with a 'Thank You, Friend' and the date.
"So I guess I'll see you later at the church. Don't be late."
"Getting a case of nerves, Luke? You know Sookie would never let me be late."
"Nerves? I don't know. I just want to get this thing moving and hope it turns out nice for Lorelai."
"You've come a long way, buddy."
"Yeah, I guess I have. We all have." Luke gave him a parting smile and was on his way.
Sookie met the girls at the salon and they laughed and giggled the whole time they were there. All three girls ended up with soft, beautiful curls with sparkling accents. They had a leisurely lunch at Sookie's and soon Rory and Lorelai left to go home. They packed up their accessories, grabbed their dresses, and headed for the church. As they drove by the diner, they saw no signs of Luke. In fact, the diner was closed and the whole town seemed quiet. The only signs of life around town were outside the church. There, things were bustling. Rory parked the car in the back and they quickly entered before anyone noticed. The bouquets were already there and the room smelled wonderful. The flowers were in shades of purple, rose and white with deep purple ribbons. Jackson dropped Sookie off soon after and then he left to pick up Luke.
Since the coast seemed to be clear, the three took some time to check out the church. Lorelai caught her breathe... some one had placed Luke's chuppa before the altar and covered it with greenery and flowers. There were candles all around it and all over the rest of the church. And flowers, they were placed everywhere. It was a vision and she could only imagine how beautiful it would be when the candles were lit and glowing. She was truly excited now. She couldn't wait to see the building filled with everyone they knew and loved.
The girls sat on the sofa and drank some sparkling water. They admired their dresses and slowly started to get ready. Jackson softly knocked on the door and let them know that he and Luke were back.
Lorelai went into panic mode, sure she had forgotten something important or her dress wouldn't fit or some other calamity would happen. Rory and Sookie let her freak out for a while and then slowly calmed her down. She relaxed when they assured her they were both there to help and that they were sure everything was taken care of.
Lorelai slowly smiled and relaxed. She was finally marrying Luke and that was all that mattered. Any freaky thing that happened would just be a funny story years from now. She rubbed her stomach and was thankful she had so much to be thankful for. Especially, these two women who were with her right now. They all hugged each other and then Rory and Sookie helped her into her wedding dress. It was a simple, off white dress. It softly flowed over her body, exposing a little cleavage and minimizing her expanded girth. It was accented with small beads, and a little lace. Not fussy, but feminine like Lorelai, and it made her look and feel like the beautiful bride that she was. The princess train was beaded and sparkled in the light as it flowed behind her. Finally, Rory arranged her curls around the small head cap of her short veil. The sparkles in her hair set off big eyes. Sookie and Rory both thought she was a beautiful bride.
Rory and Sookie were beautiful in deep purple. There dresses were cut in a similar way and their flowers accented their simple design Lorelai had given them simple gold necklaces and matching earrings. She admired her attendants as they admired her. They all decided they were a perfectly lovely wedding party. They knew the men would look handsome in their black tuxes....despite all their protests.
Jackson knocked again and wanted to talk to Sookie. He assured her the guys were ready and that the guests had started to arrive. Sookie giggled as she closed the door, "I guess we're going to have a wedding. The men are ready and the guests are being seated."
Lorelai smiled, thinking of Luke in his tux. She couldn't wait to see him at the altar. She was so ready to get this thing started.
The girls heard the organ music start. It was only a matter of minutes now. Rory hugged her mom and told her not to trip. Sookie also hugged her, and then straightened her veil and fixed her necklace. Luke's necklace was the perfect touch with her dress. A little touch of purple in the sea of white.
The next knock on the door was her parents.
"Lorelai, you make a lovely bride. I always knew you would. I only have a minute but I wanted to give you this for your something old."
Emily fastened a diamond bracelet around her wrist. "I wore this at my wedding and I thought maybe you would like to wear it too. It's simple but has great sentimental value. And, Rory when it's your turn, I hope you'll wear it too."
"I'd love to grandma." Rory smiled.
"Thanks, mom. It's beautiful, perfect with my dress, and my necklace." Lorelai was touched that her mother had thought of it.
"It was my mother's. My father gave it to her before their wedding. There marriage lasted a long time, and it seems to have worked for your father and me. So I hope it will bring you luck too."
"This means a lot to me mom, thanks."
"I'll see you after the ceremony. I have to get back out there now, candles to light. You look beautiful, Lorelai." The two women hugged and Emily left before Lorelai could see her tears.
Richard took a long look at Lorelai and nodded his approval. "You are the prettiest bride I've seen since your mother. I hope you and Luke are as happy as we have been over all these years. You've seen the ups and downs, but it's still been a wonderful life we've shared."
"I know, dad. So is my escort ready? I think I may need to lean on you a little. I'm a little nervous."
"Not about Luke?"
"Never about Luke, dad. It's always been him, long before I realized it. It's nice to have my dad by my side."
"Not to give you away, just to escort you to your new husband."
"New husband......I like the sound of that."
"I talked to Luke outside. He's a little nervous too. But not about you, just all of this."
"Yeah, well, Luke has never been into big productions much. He'll be fine. Did he look handsome?"
"Most handsome groom I've ever seen."
Lorelai smiled at her dad and they heard another knock at the door telling them it was time. They all took a deep breath. Lorelai took her fathers arm and they followed Sookie and Rory out of the door.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Luke and Lorelai....finally!!
