A/n: this is another really short one. Sorry.

Disclaimer: all the usual disclaimers still apply

Chapter Nineteen: Letting Go

Over the next few days Rory received visits from just about everyone she knew. Luke, Miss Patty, Kirk, Lane, Paris, Sookie, even Michelle. They all filed through her room with their condolences, their heartfelt regrets. After a while Rory began to lose comfort from any of their words. They were all too cookie-cutter, too cliche. Though she appreciated their visits, they began to make her feel even more depressed. All the same Rory counted off the people who visited her, guessing at what order they would come to see her.

But when Dean walked into her room on Thursday afternoon Rory was taken by complete surprise.

"Come sit," she instructed once she had gotten over the initial shock. He took the seat that was positioned next to her bed.

"Rory, I'm so sorry," he said. He looked genuinely upset.

Rory sighed, and in a split decision, made a decision. "She was yours you know."

Dean nodded, never breaking eye contact with her. "I had a feeling it was," he answered. "I mean, I never thought you would run off and sleep with that Tristan guy. The time frame was all off."

"Her name was Bess."

"That's a beautiful name."

"She would have been beautiful. Probably tall like her daddy."

"Why didn't you tell me? I was only a phone call away. I would have left Lindsay. All I ever wanted was to have a family with you."

Rory sighed. "I didn't tell you because I knew that you would do just that. I called you when I found out. But you told me Lindsay was having twins before I had the chance to tell you my news. I couldn't let you walk away from two babies and a wife. And I knew you would have."

Dean didn't say anything in response.

"I guess I made the right choice," Rory continued. "I mean, now Bess is gone. You are free to go home to your wife who is going to have your two precious babies any day now. If I had asked you to be with me you would be stuck with me. Lindsay wouldn't let you be a part of her children's lives. You would have lost three babies, not one."

"I lost you too."

She nodded.

Dean stood to leave. "Lindsay sends her regrets."

"She knew you were coming?"

"I don't lie to her anymore."

"Did you tell her about us?"

"No."

"I wouldn't be surprised if she already knew."

"Really?"

"Dean, she knew months ago. Remember when she asked you to stop seeing me? She knew it would happen sooner or later. She must really love you if she hasn't divorced you by now."

Dean nodded.

"Just one more thing before you go," Rory said.

"Anything."

"Promise me you'll tell her the truth someday. When you're eighty-five years old sitting in matching rocking chairs on the porch watching all your grandchildren playing in the yard. Tell her. Tell her that a long time ago when we were still children you thought you fell in love with me. Tell her everything, our affair, about Bess. Tell her how when you came home from visiting me you saw her sitting in her favorite chair and realized that she was the only one that ever really mattered to you. You married her for a reason Dean. You knew that she would make you happy. I can't do that Dean. Only Lindsay can. And after your revelation she will take your hand and smile, and tell you she's known all along and that none of it matters anymore except the fact that you two have celebrated sixty seven years together. She deserves to know the truth. Promise me you'll tell her."

"I promise."

"Bye Dean."

"Goodbye Rory."

Dean left the room. Rory closed her eyes and sighed. She felt like a little bit of the burden that had been weighing her down had been lifted off her shoulders. She had let him go. They were both free to love again. She would have been happy then, but Dean was only a small portion of her burden. Her thoughts turned to Bess, and Rory knew she would never be really happy ever again.