Author's Note: Last chapter—finally! Sorry, I've been swamped, but I hope this is worth it. I kind of like where it ended up. I don't own Gilmore Girls...

"Hey," Luke called upstairs. "What time did you say you had to leave?"

"No later than 3," Lorelai shouted back.

Luke glanced at his watch and rolled his eyes. "You do realize it's ten after 3, right?" he yelled back.

"Yes, but I can't go anywhere until Christopher gets here," she replied.

Luke heard a few footsteps followed by a loud thud and he started to climb the stairs when Lorelai finally made her way down. "Oww," she said pouting as he shuffled down the steps.

"Are you okay?" Luke asked climbing two more steps and placing a protective arm around her.

"Damn Ab Roller," Lorelai grumbled as they descended the steps.

"You were working out?" Luke asked incredulously.

"No," Lorelai replied rubbing her elbow and giving him a look. "It was a late night impulse purchase from that guy on TV. He made it sound so effortless, but having rock-hard, Janet Jackson abs requires a lot more work than I'm willing to do."

"So you shoved it aside, forgot about it, it reared its ugly head and you tripped over it?" Luke asked.

"Bingo," she smiled. "You get a cookie."

"Great," Luke smiled escorting Lorelai to the couch. Once she was settled he walked over to the banister and picked up his flannel shirt and put it on.

"Ah, what Patty and Babette wouldn't give to have seen what lurks beneath that flannel," Lorelai sighed as she pulled on her shoes.

"Well no matter what they offer you it stays between us right?" Luke said fixing his sleeves and picking up his wallet from the table.

"Of course," Lorelai said. "Unless they offer me something really good like a lifetime supply of pie," she teased him.

"Good to know my secrets are only worth a lifetime supply of pie," Luke said wryly.

"Hey it could be apple pie! Who am I to turn that down?" Lorelai tried to convince him. "Don't worry I don't think they could handle the thought of what a hunky man you are under all the flannel."

A light pink crept into Luke's cheeks and he walked over to the couch and bent over the arm to give Lorelai a kiss.

"Thanks," he said. "I gotta go. You stopping by the diner on the way home?"

"Probably," Lorelai said. "I imagine Rory's gonna need a patented Luke burger after subsisting on nothing but caviar and fete cheese," Lorelai said making a face. "Are you sure you won't come to the airport with me and Christopher?"

"Positive," Luke said. "It's a family thing. I don't want to interfere," Luke said.

"Luke, you're not an interference," Lorelai said. "You just don't want to see Christopher."

"You know me too well," Luke replied. "It's okay really, I need to get to work anyway," Luke said sincerely. "Some crazy lady talked me into sleeping in and partaking in a whole litany of activities that I'm sure are illegal in most countries."

"And you enjoyed every minute of it," Lorelai grinned.

"That's not the point," Luke said smiling back.

"Okay, go," Lorelai said standing. "It was fun playing house with you though."

"I had fun too," Luke said leaning forward and planting a small kiss on her lips. "I'll see you later."

"Bye," she said watching him walk out the door. Lorelai had to admit she didn't think she'd ever tire of watching Luke walk away. It was something about his faded jeans that fit perfectly in all the right places that made Lorelai sigh.

She picked up her cell phone about to call Christopher when she heard a car horn blaring in the driveway. She quickly dashed to the door and ran outside.

"You're late," she called as she ran over to the passenger's side of the car.

"Like you were ready at 3," Christopher said knowingly as she got in.

Borrowing a line from Luke she replied, "That's not the point."

"Well we can always hope their flight was delayed," Christopher said as Lorelai shut the door. "Besides Rory knows we're not the poster children for being on time."

"Right, but try explaining that to my mother," Lorelai said.

"Is your Dad coming to the airport?" Christopher asked.

"Are you kidding? I talked to him two days ago and I swear he was still trying to pretend that there was nothing wrong between him and my mother."

"Really?" Christopher said interested.

"Uh-huh," Lorelai replied. "He is the King of Denial right now. I don't expect to see him welcoming my mother home with open arms."

"So other than that how have things been?" Christopher asked.

"How have things been since we talked three days ago?" Lorelai asked.

"Yeah," Christopher said.

"Things are good," Lorelai tried to suppress her smile. She knew Christopher was going through a divorce and she didn't want to flaunt her newfound happiness in front of him, but the fact of the matter was that she was deliriously happy. Once they'd made amends it seemed Luke and Lorelai couldn't stand to be apart. Since Rory was gone and Christopher had left Luke had spent every night over at Lorelai's. She had gotten used to falling asleep with her head on his chest. He had gotten used to waking up with Lorelai in his arms. The happiness she exuded was palatably and not lost on Christopher.

"So things with Luke are good?" Christopher asked tentatively.

"Yeah, they are," Lorelai grinned.

"Good, I'm happy for you," Christopher replied. Lorelai looked at him and she realized that he seemed to actually mean what he said. There wasn't a hint of sarcasm for jealousy to his tone.

"So how are things with you?" Lorelai asked.

"Oh, you know, I'm just taking things one day at time. It's about all I can do right now," he replied.

Then, as if it was an afterthought, instead of the well-thought out comment it was, he added, "I really am happy for you Lore. I'm actually kind of glad you turned me down cold. As much as I wanted to believe I was in a good place to start something, I really wasn't. Luke's a lucky guy."

Lorelai studied his face for a moment. She couldn't believe his honesty. It seemed that Christopher always held back a small piece of the truth, but this time it was as if she could see into his soul and she knew he was being truly honest with her.

"Thank you," Lorelai said. "I think Luke and I are both pretty lucky actually."

They drove the rest of the way to Hartford in relative silence, but it was anything but uncomfortable. In fact, Lorelai hadn't felt this at ease next to Christopher in a long time. There was no uncertainty, no hesitation. They knew what they were to each other and although they were only best of friends it didn't seem to matter.

Christopher pulled up to Luke's just after 8 p.m. Emily had forced Lorelai, Rory and Christopher to go to dinner with her since she wasn't looking forward to returning to an empty hotel room. The meal hadn't been too excruciating, but it was long enough that Lorelai needed massive doses of Luke's coffee and Rory was in desperate need of grease.

"So then Grandma called him a sea urchin," Rory laughed finishing a story about her great European adventure.

"Wow, I never took your mother for a fan of The Little Mermaid," Christopher said chuckling as he held open the door for Rory and Lorelai.

"I'm so happy you're here," Rory said to Christopher as they sat down. "Are you staying?"

Lorelai and Christopher exchanged a glance. They felt it would better if Rory didn't know about the drama that took place between them while she was gone.

"No, I'm actually driving back to Boston tonight," Christopher said. "I just wanted to make sure that you were settled and back from Europe safe and sound."

"Oh, well I'm glad you came," Rory smiled.

Luke walked out of the kitchen and saw the whole family sitting at their usual table. He took a deep breath and approached them. He knew that Lorelai had chosen him, but he still felt slightly threatened by Christopher's presence.

"Welcome back stranger," Luke said giving Rory a tap on the shoulder.

"Hi Luke," Rory replied happily.

"How was Europe?" he asked.

"It was nice, but I could sure use an all-American cheese burger right about now," Rory replied.

"Cheeseburger, curly fries and a slice of peach pie?" Luke asked.

"Please," Rory smiled.

"Coming up," Luke said and he walked behind the counter.

Lorelai had asked Luke to play it cool when Rory got back. She wasn't certain what kind of emotional state Rory would be in and she didn't want to flaunt their newfound happiness in front of her. Luke obliged, although since the diner was empty, save for the Rory, Lorelai and Christopher, he had to use all his willpower not to be closer to Lorelai.

"I need to make a quick phone call," Christopher said standing, "But don't start telling the story about Emily and Bastille Day before I get back." He gave Rory a quick wink and started to walk away.

"It sounds like a good one," Lorelai told him. "I make no promises not to force it out of her while you're gone."

Christopher simply rolled his eyes at Lorelai and walked to the back of the diner.

"So Mom," Rory said once Christopher had left the room, "what's going on with you and Luke? How serious did things get while I was gone?"

Lorelai tried to suppress a smile. The truth was that Luke and Lorelai's relationship hadn't progressed much while Rory was gone. It was only in the last week that their union had doubled in intensity and commitment, but it felt longer.

"Well, everything is still new," Lorelai evaded. She was never one to discuss her feelings and Rory wasn't surprised that she was being evasive now. "But things are almost perfect," Lorelai quietly continuing to surprise Rory. "I really love him," Lorelai said stealing a glance at Luke while he wiped down the counter.

"Wow," Rory said. She was shocked that her mother had given up so much information. In fact she couldn't remember Lorelai ever telling her that she was really, truly in love. She had vague memories of Lorelai telling her how much she loved Christopher, but that was all past tense. Even when she was engaged to Max she rarely stated her feelings out loud. In fact, Rory couldn't recall a single time when her mother looked so happy and talked about being in love.

"Yeah," Lorelai grinned shyly turning back to Rory as Luke walked back into the kitchen.

"You're blushing," Rory said pointing at Lorelai. "I can't believe you're blushing."

"Oh stop," Lorelai said swatting her hand away from her face. She knew she was blushing, but what could she do? Luke had that affect on her.

"Luke makes you blush," Rory giggled.

"What? Big deal, Luke makes me blush," Lorelai replied simply.

"Oh look how you said Luke makes you blush," Rory said. "I can't talk about this anymore. It's the waltz tone all over again."

"What waltz tone?" Lorelai asked.

"The same tone you used when you told me Luke could waltz, which lead to a discussion about taking your clothes off, which leads me to think that you took your clothes off with Luke and I really don't want to think about it," Rory babbled.

Lorelai simply grinned widely non-verbally telling Rory that her thoughts on the subject were completely in deed correct.

"You're incorrigible," Rory muttered.

"Indeed I am," Lorelai giggled ruefully.

"Yuck," Rory said sticking out her tongue. She was glad her mother was happy but she didn't want to know the details of her mirth.

"I'm glad you're happy," Rory said after a moment.

"Me too," Lorelai replied. "And how are you? Are you okay now?"

"I'm getting there," Rory replied.

"Promise?" Lorelai asked.

"Promise," Rory affirmed.

Christopher sauntered into the kitchen while Luke was putting the finishing touches on Rory's cheeseburger.

"Luke," Christopher said hesitantly.

"Christopher?" Luke said turning on his heel.

"Yeah," he replied inching forward. "I was hoping I could talk to you for minute."

This was the last person Luke expected to be talking to alone. He figured he'd chalk up the imminent conversation with the one he'd had with Jason at the inn weeks ago—awkward and far too long.

"Sure," Luke shrugged. Lorelai was with him now Luke figured the least he could do was be generous to Christopher with a moment or two of his time.

"Uh, I'm sure Lorelai has explained everything that happened between us, but I wanted to say that I'm sorry if I got in the way of anything that was going on between you and Lorelai," Christopher offered.

Luke looked at Christopher. He looked uncomfortable. Luke knew it must have been an odd and difficult thing to say.

"Well what's done is done and Lorelai and I are fine," Luke offered. He didn't feel the need to be charitable with his reply.

"I know," Christopher replied. "And I'm glad that you two are doing well. I know how I would have felt if I were in your position and...well thanks for not trying to kick my ass," Christopher joked.

"You're welcome," Luke deadpanned.

Christopher laughed nervously. He didn't think Luke would actually fight him. He wasn't even confident that Luke could beat him. But the thought that Luke contemplated hitting him made Christopher a little uneasy.

"Well," Christopher started as he moved toward the door. "I just wanted to apologize." He turned and started through the door.

Luke moved hurried toward the door and placed a hand on Christopher's shoulder.

"Hey," Luke said. He extended his hand. "It's okay. We better get used to having each other around huh?"

"Right," Christopher smiled and extended his hand. They shook on it and turned to look at Rory and Lorelai sitting at the table laughing. "I should've been there for them."

"You'll be there now," Luke offered.

Christopher looked at look surprised by his generous response. The exchanged a look of mutual understanding.

"Thanks," Christopher said. "Well I'd better get back. I don't want to miss anymore of Rory's adventures."

"Tell her not to start the Bastille Day story until I bring her burger out," Luke said walking back to the stove.

"Can do," Christopher said as he walked back to the table.

Two hours later Rory was exhausted from the jet lag. She had tried to stay up and regale them all with Emily in Europe stories, but she was slowly falling asleep. Christopher had a long drive ahead of him and he stood up to go.

Rory forced herself to stand and hug her dad goodbye.

"See ya kid," Christopher said.

"Thanks for coming Dad," Rory mumbled half sleeping.

"Anytime," Christopher smiled. He lowered his lips to her ear and said quietly, "Are you gonna be okay?"

Rory knew what he was asking and she nodded her head forcefully, yet sleepily. "I'm good," she replied.

"Good," Christopher said lightly kissing the top of her head.

"Lore," Christopher said when Rory stepped aside. "Thanks for letting me intrude."

"Well it's what you do best," Lorelai replied giving him her wickedest grin, which he knew was for show.

Lorelai approached him slowly and gave him a tentative hug goodbye. Luke stood by and watched without jealousy or attitude. He knew Lorelai wanted to be with him and that was all he needed.

"Luke," Christopher said extending his hand again. "You take care of our girls."

"You can count on it," Luke replied shaking Christopher's hand.

Lorelai raised her eyebrows in surprise. She was unaware of the conversation Luke and Christopher had in the kitchen and therefore this gesture both confused and pleased her.

"Drive safe," Luke said as Christopher headed toward the door.

"Thanks," Christopher replied.

The door shut and then there were three. Lorelai looked down and saw Rory had fallen asleep at the table.

"Poor thing," Lorelai said. "The walk home is gonna kill her."

"I can drive you," Luke offered. "Or she could stay in my apartment. Jess's bed is still there."

"I'll think I'll take you up on the ride home. It might be a little disconcerting to wake up with jet lag in your apartment, but before we go let me do this," Lorelai said pulling him closer to her and taking his face in her hands. She pulled him close and planted her lips gently on his. Luke pulled her body closer to his so there wasn't a speck of light between them. Lorelai deepened the kiss and Luke responded hungrily.

Lorelai finally pulled back and Luke attempted to pull her back to him. "Wait, wait," Lorelai giggled softly.

"That was a thank you for being nice to Christopher."

"Well, he's Rory's Dad and he cares about both of you so who am I to judge him?" Luke replied quickly pulling her closer to him again. "But, just to be fair, I don't think I was sufficiently thanked," he added with a gleam in his eye.

Lorelai leaned in quickly and gave him a fast peak on the lips. "Thanks," she said quickly teasing him.

"You're a cold woman. I think my hands have frost bite," Luke laughed letting her squirm from his grasp.

"I'll have to warm you up later," she said slyly.

"Too late," Luke replied.

"Dirty!" Lorelai whispered emphatically. She crossed over to the table where Rory had fallen asleep and tried to wake her.

Luke just chuckled at her and walked over to where she was standing. He shoved his hand in his pocket and handed her his keys.

"You get the door, I'll carry her," he said as he swiftly picked Rory up and walked her out to the truck. She was so tired that she didn't wake. Lorelai opened the door to the truck while Luke placed her gently in the car.

"You did that really well," Lorelai said.

"Thanks," Luke said. He held onto the door and waited for Lorelai to hop into the car, but she was looking at the sky.

"Look," she said excitedly pointing to the heavens.

Luke glanced up just in time to see a shooting star fly over their heads.

"Make a wish," Lorelai said staring at the stars.

"I already got mine," Luke replied looking at Lorelai and not at the sky.

Lorelai gently wrapped her arms around Luke's neck and kissed him softly as they stood under the stars. They kissed under the blanket of stars and deep down inside they knew everything was just as it should be.

The End.