Disclaimer: The characters all belong to ASP and TPTB at the WB- wow, those are a lot of abbreviations.

I just want to give a BIG THANK YOU to my two beta readers, enchantress and saltydog. You two were awesome. Thanks.

Okay, call me hokey. Call me a hopeless romantic. Call me anything you want, just read the chapter and review. I couldn't decide exactly how I wanted this to go until I listened to "True Companion" by Mark Cohn. Go. Listen to it. Then come back and read this and see if it works.

The Long Awaited Day

Lorelai woke up and sleepily looked around her room. This was it. This was the day. "Funny," she thought, "I don't feel even the tiniest bit afraid. That has got to be a good sign." She then got up and walked down to the kitchen where Rory was sitting, waiting for her.

"Hey! Good Morning. How are you feeling?" Rory asked, studying her mother's face.

"Fine. And before you ask, no. I am not afraid. I am nervous, but only because I hope everything goes as well as I've planned it out in my head."

"Good, cause I didn't put gas in either car, just in case."

"You have that little faith in me?"

"Well, I'm just going by your record. It precedes you."

"Thanks for your utmost confidence."

"You're welcome." Rory said, standing up and walking to the counter. "Coffee?"

"Ooooh, you made coffee?"

"No, Luke brought it by earlier."

"WHAT???? He knows he isn't supposed to see me until the ceremony."

"Which is why he brought it so terribly early. I'm surprised you didn't hear him knocking."

"I must have been dead to the world."

"Yep. Good thing to since you'll probably be up all night tonight."

"Dirty," Lorelai said as she took a sip of coffee.

Rory and Lorelai took their showers and began the preliminary primping. Rory was painting Lorelai's toenails when Lane showed up.

"Hey Lane!" Lorelai said brightly. "So, is everything all set for the reception?"

Lane smiled back at her and said, "Sure thing. We set up the instruments and I got to see the cake. You'll love it."

"Ooooooh, cake. I can't wait for cake."

"Stop moving, you'll smudge your toes." Rory commanded.

"So, why are we painting my toes if I am wearing closed toe shoes?"

"Duh, so your feet look nice tonight." Rory told her as she finished with the polish.

"Ahhh, okay. So, what kind of clothes did you pack for me for the honeymoon?"

"Nope."

"Aww come on. How could I possibly guess just by knowing the clothes."

"Luke made me promise that I wouldn't say anything and I am not about to get on the bad said of my step father from day one."

"Fine, but I'll find out tomorrow."

"Yes, you will. Now be a good girl and go upstairs. I'll be up in a minute to fix your hair."

"Okay, Mommy," Lorelai answered, climbing the stairs.

When Lorelai was out of earshot, Rory looked at Lane and asked, "Do you know where he is taking her?"

"Yeah, but he made me promise not to say anything, too," Lane answered uneasily.

"Can I have one hint? Please, just one little teeny tiny hint?" Rory begged.

"Okay, fine. It's somewhere that you would never think Luke would be happy, but somewhere that your mom would probably totally enjoy."

"Can't you do better than that? That could be anywhere." Rory pouted.

"Nope. See ya later." Lane said as she let herself out.

Rory went upstairs to where Lorelai was waiting. Lorelai was staring off into space and Rory cautiously asked, "Hey, you doing all right?"

"Huh? Oh yeah. I was just composing my vows."

"So, you're really going to put some of your own thoughts in?"

"Why? You promised not to mock me."

"Yeah, but I was just wondering if you still wanted to. If you wanted, you can try them out on me first."

"No thanks. I want the first time I voice them to be to Luke."

"Okay, how about I just finish your hair?"

"Good idea. Curls or straight? Up or down? Flowers or sparkles?"

Rory looked at her mother and smiled before answering, "Curls, down, sparkles."

"Okay, whatever you say. I am so fluttery I think I may just float away."

"Well, don't cause then you'd never see Luke and you'd never get married and I would never get a new daddy." Rory teased as she began curing her mother's hair.

"Ohhh, okay. Help keep me grounded?"

"Count on it"

Rory finished her mom's hair and set the small sparkle clips in the curls so that they looked as if they were a part of her hair. Rory then straightened her hair and helped Lorelai gather her things. Rory set her mother's suitcases by the front door and explained that Luke would be by later to get them. They got in the Jeep and headed to the Dragonfly, where Sookie was waiting so that they could all get dressed together and take some pictures.

As Rory and Lorelai walked into the church, Lorelai spotted Kirk with his camera.

"Lorelai. I'm glad you're here. I was wondering if I would be taking pictures of you getting ready?"

"Uhhh, No Kirk. How about we get dressed and then come out and you can snap away."

"Okay, it's your day." Kirk said as he walked over and sat down on a pew.

Rory and Sookie were finishing Lorelai's makeup just as they heard a knock at the door. Rory walked over to the door and Kirk was standing there. Lorelai walked up and said, "Kirk, I told you no pictures."

"I understand this, but I was given a direct request to bring you this gift." Kirk said as he handed Lorelai a small box. "It's from Luke."

"Ohh," Lorelai said, her voice softening. She walked over to her purse and pulled out a box wrapped in shiny paper. She handed it to Kirk and said, "Would you mind giving this to Luke for me?"

"Not at all. I live to serve." Kirk replied taking the package and walking away.

Rory and Sookie followed Lorelai back into the room where she began to open the box. Inside the box was a small card and a smaller box. The card read,

My Lorelai,

I never thought this day would come, that you would be mine. I never thought this much happiness could exist inside of me. But I know now that it can, because of you. This will be the first day of our life together. I can't wait to spend the rest of it with you. I am your forever. I love you.

Luke

Lorelai's eyes filled with tears and she put down the card. She opened the little box and gasped. Inside were sparkling diamond earrings. Rory and Sookie just smiled at her as she got them out of the box and exchanged her own earrings with the ones Luke had given her.

Kirk walked up to Luke, who was fixing his tie as he and Jackson talked. "This is for you. From Lorelai," Kirk said, holding out the box. Luke took it and blushed. "She didn't have to..." he began, but Kirk cut him off. "She asked me to give it to you. It was already wrapped when I got there, so I am assuming she had it prior to receiving your gift."

Luke opened the box to find a small card saying,

Luke,

I can't wait to be your wife. Our day has finally come. To us and everyone around us this comes as a great 'Finally'. I love you and can't wait to see you.

Lorelai

Luke opened the small box and found a watch, simple and elegant, but when he turned it over it read: To run forever on Lorelai Time- so we're on time together. Luke just smiled, knowing that it was just like her to bring humor wherever she went, and truth be told... he liked it. He missed her when she wasn't around. He even found himself snarking to himself sometimes when she wasn't available to snark with him. He put on his jacket as Jackson mentioned that the guests were arriving.

Richard and Emily knocked on the door where Lorelai was waiting with Sookie and Rory. When Rory let them in, Emily gasped and then sighed audibly, "Ohhh, Lorelai. You look beautiful." She then grasped her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. Richard hugged Lorelai and then hugged Rory saying, "Both of our girls look beautiful." Then looking down at Lorelai he asked, "Are you ready?"

"More than I can even believe, Dad." Lorelai answered smiling.

Lorelai felt like she was in a dream world as she took her father's arm. She could hear the town troubadour begin to play a song in the background, and she knew this was the one that Luke had picked out. He wouldn't tell her what it was, just that it would be the last one played before the processional. She listened to the words and tears came to her eyes.

Baby I've been searching like everybody else
Can't say nothing different about myself
Sometimes I'm an angel And sometimes I'm cruel
And when it comes to love I'm just another fool
Yes, I'll climb a mountain I'm gonna swim the sea
There ain't no act of god girl Could keep you safe from me
My arms are reaching out
Out across this canyon
I'm asking you to be my true companion
True companion
True companion

So don't you dare and try to walk away
I've got my heart set on our wedding day
I've got this vision of a girl in white
Made my decision that it's you all right
And when I take your hand I'll watch my heart set sail
I'll take my trembling fingers
And I'll lift up your veil
Then I'll take you home
And with wild abandon
Make love to you just like a true companion
You are my true companion
I got a true companion
True companion

When the years have done irreparable harm
I can see us walking slowly arm in arm
Just like the couple on the corner do
'Cause girl I will always be in love with you
And when I look in your eyes I'll still see that spark
Until the shadows fall Until the room grows dark
Then when I leave this earth I'll be with the angels standin'
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion
-Mark Cohn
When the troubadour finished, she took a deep breath as the processional began. Sookie walked down the stairs with Jackson, followed by Rory. The music paused, and then changed to signify the bride's entrance.

Luke felt his heart quicken when the music changed. "Here she comes," he told himself, "Just keep it together, man. It's just Lorelai. The same Lorelai who's been yours for months now. The same Lorelai you've loved forever. Oh, God, I'm going to lose it."

Lorelai walked to the top of the stairs and stopped, surveying the scene. Everyone was looking at her, including Luke. She saw him swallow hard and then smile at her. "There he is. He's standing under the chupah. The chupah he built for me. Are those tears?" she thought, looking at his eyes, "Oh, God, they are. I'm going to lose it." Both sets of eyes spilled their tears at the same time. They smiled at each other not losing each other's gaze. Richard kept Lorelai steady by his supporting arm until they reached the chupah. Richard lifted Lorelai's veil briefly and kissed her on the cheek. He said a few soft wors to Luke through his smile and then placed Lorelai's hand in Luke's.

Lorelai and Luke turned to the minister who began the ceremony.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...

Who stands with this woman, as she gives her heart to this man....

Lorelai faintly heard Rory and her parents say something, but she couldn't make out exactly what they said because her heart was pounding so hard, she thought it would come out of her chest. She looked up at Luke and smiled.

Luke saw Lorelai look at him and when she smiled, with tears still glistening in her eyes, he smiled again as a new lump materialized in his throat. They faced the minister to try to remember when they were supposed to say the lines that each was reciting in their heads.

Luke has prepared something to add to the traditional vows that he would like to share with Lorelai now...

When Luke heard the minister, he took a deep breath and began,

"Lorelai, you know I love you. You know that in my world, the sun rises and sets on you. You also know that I am a man of few words, so this is hard for me. But I have to let you know how I feel, today of all days. When you came into my life, I dreamed that this day would come, although I never thought it possible. When you said yes, you opened the first door to making all my dreams come true. I want to grow old with you. I don't want to spend one more day without you by my side. As long as I live, I will love you with everything that's in me. You are my world. I love you."

Lorelai choked back a sob and fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. Luke took a second to reach up to her face and brush them away.

Lorelai also has prepared an addition to her vows that she would like to share now with Luke...

Lorelai swallowed her tears, looked up at Luke, and began,

"Luke, I love you. For the first time in my life I am not afraid. We are standing here in the chupah that you built for me. You loved me before I realized I loved you too. You not only have told me how much you love me, you have shown it to me. You showed it to my little girl, who is now an amazing young woman partly because of your love and care. You are my knight in shining armor. You were the one I ran to, over and over through the years. All of our guests tonight knew I loved you before I did. I'm glad someone finally made me admit it. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love another person and I am looking forward to spending every day of the rest of my life with you. You are my heart, my soul, and my life. I love you."

Luke looked into Lorelai's eyes, as his own tears filled his own. The minister began talking again, but once again they were too fixed on each other to hear anything until...

Lucas William Danes, do you take this woman to be your wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, from this moment forth until death parts you?

Luke let out a deep breath as he sighed, "I do."

Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, do you take this man to be your husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, from this moment forth until death parts you?

Lorelai whispered softly, not moving her eyes from Luke's face, "I do."

Then with the power vested in me, by the Lord and the state of Connecticut, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Luke, you may kiss your bride.

Luke heard these words and wasted no time. He gently lifted her veil and straightened it behind her curls. He slipped one arm around her waist and the other behind her head. Their lips met with in a gentle, yet passionate kiss, as if the rest of the room no longer existed. When they finally broke apart, the guests broke into a thunderous applause, that caused both Luke and Lorelai to grin widely.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I present to you, Mr. And Mrs. Luke Danes.

As the recessional began, Luke and Lorelai made their way to the sitting room in the back, as Rory, Jess, Sookie, and Jackson filed out and joined them.

The reception was a whirlwind. Lorelai barely had time to eat, with all the greeting and well-wishing going on. When it was time to cut the cake, Luke and Lorelai held each other's hand as they held the knife. Luke gently fed her a piece of cake, while Lorelai, ignoring the warning look from her mother, fed Luke his piece, getting a small amount of icing on his lips. He leaned over and kissed her, getting the icing on her as well. The guests laughed and enjoyed the lighthearted humor of the bride and groom.

Lane's band began to play and announced that it was time for the bride and groom to have the first dance. While Lane's band broke into "Wonderful Tonight" Luke took Lorelai's hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor. He slipped an arm around her waist and held her other hand in his. Lorelai slid her hand onto his shoulder and they began a slow waltz, seemingly floating on the dance floor. Luke leaned his head close to Lorelai's ear and whispered,

"Feels like we've done this before."

Lorelai leaned back and looked him in the eyes, her face close to his, and said, "This is how it all started. The dance is when I realized it might be more. And it was."

Luke leaned his face toward hers and kissed her gently on the lips. When they pulled back, they each wore a huge grin on their face. Other couples began to fill the dance floor when their song was over. Luke took Emily's hand and began to dance with her, while Lorelai danced with her father. At the end of their dance, Richard pulled out an envelope and handed it to her.

"Don't protest. This is a gift. A wedding gift. Your mother and I are truly happy for you, Lorelai. I hope you and Luke can use this to start your life together. Lorelai just smiled as she took the envelope. "Thanks, Dad."

Slowly the guests began to leave and eventually, Luke, Lorelai, Sookie, Jackson, Rory, and Jess were left. They all sat down at a table. While the two couples talked, Rory and Jess stole small glances at each other, and then turned away shyly. Jess finally asked Rory, "Wanna help me get some coffee for these guys?"

"Sure." Rory told him, standing up. She looked at her mom and Luke and said, "We'll be right back."

When Rory and Jess returned, they handed everyone cups of coffee and plates piled high with food.

"We know you didn't get to eat much," Rory said as she handed Luke and Lorelai their plates. "And Luke, I know how my mom gets when she's hungry. It's a good thing Sookie made so much food."

"That's my girl." Lorelai said, as she stuffed a mini-quiche in her mouth.

They ate until they were positively stuffed and then Sookie and Jackson stood up. "Well, we need to get Davey, but I'll see you two in the morning before you leave."

"Leave? For where?" Lorelai asked innocently.

"Not a chance," Luke told her playfully. You'll find out tomorrow.

"Or I can get it out of you tonight?"

"Nope. If you insist on that, we can get separate rooms."

"Point taken. I'll wait till tomorrow."

"Good idea."

Jess mumbled his goodbyes to everyone and walked out with Sookie and Jackson. Rory turned to her mother and gave her a big hug. She then walked over to Luke and hugged him. He smiled and hugged her back.

"Night, Daddy." She said teasingly.

"Goodnight Rory. Are you coming in the morning before we leave?"

"You making coffee?"

"Sure."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Rory said as she turned to leave. "Goodnight, Mom. See ya tomorrow."

"Night sweets."

Luke and Lorelai sat in silence as Rory left, and then turned to each other smiling. Luke spoke first.

"Shall we?" he asked standing up and stretching out his hand.

"Most definitely." Lorelai replied taking his hand and standing up.

They walked hand in hand up the stairs to their room...

Sorry to leave it there, but the chapter was getting kinda long. The next one will be the wedding night, so if you are not old enough, please skip ahead to the following chapter. For those of you adult enough to read it, don't worry, it will be up in a day or so.