A/N: Ok, I decided to take a turn in the story line. This is a longer chapter than usual because I need to get this out of the way. So here's the deal, the boat thing is gonna happen and Lorelai's lunch with Christopher did too. All other changes will be brought up later on.

Disclaimer: I do not own nor am I in any association with the Gilmore Girls.

Chapter 4

The drive to the Gilmore mansion was quiet. Luke met up with Lorelai and Rory at their house and they headed out from there. Luke didn't speak because his mind was still occupied about the night before. The idea of Max ruining his plan to propose wore him out. Rory said nothing because she didn't know what to say. She planned to gush over Lorelai's engagement and start with wedding plans, but that wasn't going to happen. And Lorelai stayed quiet because each time she tried to start a conversation, Luke or Rory would kill it in four lines or less. She had a feeling something was bothering them, but she didn't know how to bring the subject about.

They each silently thanked God when Luke finally pulled into the driveway. Luke climbed out of the Jeep and opened the door for Lorelai and then Rory. Lorelai headed for the pool house, but was surprised to see Luke and Rory head for the main house.

"Where are you guys going?" Lorelai asked. "We have drinks with Dad first, remember?"

"Your dad said to go to the main house," Luke replied.

"Why?"

"Mom, please don't ask any questions. Let's just go," Rory pleaded.

"Please," Luke sighed, a serious tone heavily lingering in his voice. The look in his eyes was just as depressing as his voice.

Lorelai studied the two people with her. Something was way off. "Fine Serious Sally and Depressed Dan. We'll go to the main house."

The three headed for the main house and rang the door bell. Luke stared at Lorelai as they waited for someone to answer the door. He cursed Max Medina in his mind for the millionth time that night. How dare he ruin the perfect evening? Luke quickly looked down at his feet when Lorelai looked his way. She thought she felt his eyes on her. The door finally opened and they were greeted by the maid, who took their coats.

Lorelai was shocked when she saw Emily and Richard enter the room. "Dad? What are you doing here?" Lorelai asked.

"I wanted to be here for the special occasion," Richard smiled.

"Special occasion?"

"Lorelai, don't be silly. Rory called and told us the great news," Emily said.

Richard tried very hard to keep the smile on his face. He could sense the fake tone in Emily's voice and it bugged the hell out of him.

"Umm, Grandma, Grandpa, there's something I need to tell you," Rory said. She had to tell them about the interruption last night. She had to tell them Luke didn't get the chance to propose.

"We are so happy for you Lorelai," Richard stated. He took his daughter's hand in his and looked down at it. The smile on his face slowly faded.

Emily noticed there was no ring either. "Where is it?" she asked.

"Where's what?" Lorelai asked in response.

"Richard, it's not there."

Richard looked to the man they were planning to welcome into the Gilmore family. Luke just looked away. "Oh. I see," Richard said. "Emily, why don't we move into the living room and have some drinks while we wait for dinner?"

"I want to know what's going on," Emily stated.

"That's what I'd like to know too," Lorelai added.

"Drinks sound great," Rory chimed in. "What do you think Luke?"

"Uh...yeah. Drinks are good," Luke stuttered.

"No. No drinks," Lorelai stated. Just then, she realized what she had just said. "Ok...no drinks right now. Something's going on and I want to know." When no one said anything, Lorelai decided to choose someone to pick on. "Luke." Luke looked away. "Luke, what's going on?"

"Lorelai, this is ridiculous," Richard stated. "Leave the boy alone. There's nothing going on. I just wanted to have dinner with my family. It's been such a long time since we all sat down at one table and ate together. I missed it so I asked your mother if I could join you."

"Earlier Mom said Rory called you to tell you the good news and you said you wanted to be here for the 'special occasion.' What good news and what special occasion?"

"I'm tired of this Lorelai," Emily said. "We're all going to go to the living room for a drink and then we're going to have dinner as a family. No questions asked. Do I make myself clear?"

"Mom…"

"Lorelai, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Mom."

They all headed to the living room. Richard grabbed Luke by the arm. "What's going on? Why isn't there a ring on my daughter's finger?" Richard asked in a whisper.

"It's a long story Mr. Gilmore. One I don't feel like getting into right now," Luke whispered back. "Besides, I thought there was to be no questions asked." Luke shook loose of Richard's grasp and followed the others into the living room.

Richard couldn't help but notice the sudden change in Emily's attitude. It was as if she were happy Luke hadn't proposed. Who was he kidding? Of course she was happy. She didn't make an effort to hide the fact she didn't want the man marrying their only daughter. But did she have to be so damn happy about it?

Throughout drinks Emily kept her up beat attitude by bringing up subjects that didn't directly insult Luke, but still cut through him like a knife. It was greatly agitating Richard. He could barely sit still. They were mid-way through dinner and Emily was still at it.

"Children make life so much more worth living," Emily remarked. "Richard and I loved raising Lorelai, although she didn't enjoy it as much as we did. Of course we didn't always agree, but not everyone agrees on everything."

"I'm just glad I got the opportunity to experience some kind of parenthood when Rory was growing up," Luke said. "She was a really great kid. She still is."

"Do you plan on starting a family Luke?"

"Yeah. I didn't always want kids, but after Rory and watching after Jess when he stayed with me I just want to do it again."

"He's a great man Mom. The perfect man to have and raise children with," Lorelai complimented.

"Grandma, this chicken is great," Rory said, trying to get Emily to stop.

"Thank you Rory. You know Luke, that truck of yours couldn't possibly accommodate a family," Emily remarked.

"I know," Luke said.

"You'd have to buy a van. A mini van at least. Or a SUV. Would you be able to afford a van?"

"Uh…"

"I'm sure that diner of yours is doing well, but you might want to start looking for another job."

"Emily," Richard said in a warning tone.

"I remember Richard saying he suggested you franchise the diner."

"Emily," Richard said again.

"Maybe you should look into that."

"I don't think I'd be able to manage a chain of Luke's diners," Luke remarked.

"One Luke's is enough," Lorelai added.

"Yes. One Luke's is enough," Emily said.

"Emily!" Richard growled, pounding his fist onto the table and shocking everyone. He knew what Emily was really saying and it was the last straw.

"Grandpa?" Rory said.

"Richard, you're causing a scene and you're being quite rude," Emily remarked.

"Emily, I need to speak with you in the study," Richard stated.

"Dad, is everything ok?" Lorelai asked.

"We're in the middle of dinner Richard. We can't just leave our guests…" Emily said.

"Now Emily," Richard stated.

He threw down his napkin and stormed off to the study with Emily right behind him. Luke, Lorelai, and Rory sat at the table silently for a while, picking at the food on their plates.

"I wonder what that was all about," Lorelai said suddenly.

"It's probably nothing," Rory said, trying to lighten the mood.

"That was definitely something." Lorelai looked over at Luke. "Honey, are you ok?"

"Huh? Oh yeah. I'm fine," Luke replied. "If you'd excuse me, I need to use the bathroom." He stood and put his napkin down on the table. "Where's the bathroom?"

"Through the foyer, down the hall, past the study."

"Thanks. I'll be right back." Luke was on his way to the bathroom and as he passed the study, he heard yelling coming from inside.

"That's all I asked Emily. I asked you to be civil to that man for one evening!" Richard yelled.

"This is absolutely ridiculous Richard," Emily snapped back. "They're not even engaged."

"So that gives you the right to attack Luke?"

"He's not good enough for Lorelai."

"I'm tired of fighting about this. He makes our daughter happy!"

"That's not the point."

"It is exactly the point!"

"He works in that horrid diner. He drives a disgusting truck. He dresses like a lumber jack! He lives above his diner! He's not like us Richard."

"Emily, I've accepted the fact that Lorelai will never marry the kind of man we wanted her to. It doesn't matter to me what Luke does for a living, or what he drives, or how he dresses. I just want my daughter to be happy."

"I do too. I just think she'd be happier with a more respectable man."

"Luke is a respectable man. By the way, he doesn't work at a diner. He owns a diner."

"He isn't good enough!"

"You sound like a broken record." Richard looked up and saw Luke standing at the door. "Emily."

"If I have to say it a million times to get it through your head, then I will."

"Emily."

"I will not have my only daughter marrying that vile…"

"Emily."

"Dissolute…"

"Emily."

"Poor, barbarian!"

"For God's sake Emily, shut up!"

"Well I never! How dare you speak to me in that manner Richard Gilmore! What would possess you to tell me to 'shut up'?" Richard pointed to the door. Emily turned around and saw Luke at the door. "Luke…"

"I was an idiot to think you'd accept me into this family," Luke laughed. "I may not have a lot of money or drive a fancy car or live in a big house. I don't have a job that requires me to sit behind a desk all day and I don't wear a suit to work. I drive a truck. I wear flannel shirts. I own my own diner and I live above that diner. I'm not the kind of man you wanted Lorelai to end up with, but I make happy. She tells me that everyday. I'm lucky to have her and I love her with everything I am. And I was an idiot to think that was enough." Luke turned around and was about to head back to the table.

"Luke…" Richard started.

Luke stopped and faced the Gilmores again. "If you didn't want me marrying Lorelai, all you had to do was say so. Oh and in case you were wondering, I didn't get the chance to propose to Lorelai last night. Max Medina was at the restaurant and ruined the evening. I'm sorry if I ruined this one. I'm also sorry if you think I ruined your daughter's life." With that, Luke left.

Richard turned to Emily. "It wasn't a coincidence Max was at the restaurant was it?"

Things were very tense during the rest of dinner and on the ride back to Lorelai's. Something happened, but Rory and Lorelai were completely clueless. Rory got a call from Paris and decided to go back to campus, promising to be back to have breakfast with Luke and Lorelai.

"I should get going too," Luke said, giving Lorelai a quick kiss on the lips. "See you tomorrow."

"Luke, wait," Lorelai called after him. He stopped and faced her. "What's going on?"

"Nothing's going on."

"No, there's something going on. You've been all mopey, moody, angry, and just about three of the other dwarfs all day. Luke, please, talk to me."

"I don't have the energy to fight with you right now."

"Then let's not fight. Tell me what's going on."

"I'm going home." Luke continued to his car, but Lorelai wasn't going to give up that easy. She followed him and when he opened his door, she shut it. "I said I'm not in the mood Lorelai."

"Why are you hiding something from me? Why won't you tell me?"

"Because you don't need to know."

"Are you cheating on me?"

"What?!? Of course not!"

"Do you have some incurable disease I should know about?"

"You know if I did."

"Why are you hiding something from me? God, this is just like the boat thing."

"Don't bring up the boat."

"If you had just told me…"

"If you had just stayed out of my damn business!"

"It was your father's boat."

"I wanted to get rid of it, but you couldn't stay out of it. You went behind my back and bought the boat! I told you to leave it alone and you still did it! And don't try to pin this keeping secrets crap all on me. You didn't tell me about your lunch with Rory's father."

"That was different."

"How? You kept something from me. How is it different?"

"We didn't fight about Christopher!"

"We are now!"

"Is everything alright out there sugar?" Babette asked through her window.

"Everything's fine Babette," Lorelai replied with a sigh.

"Yeah. I was just leaving," Luke added, staring at Lorelai when he said his last statement.

"Luke, please. I don't want you to leave angry."

"A little late for that don't you think?"

"We've only had one big fight since we've been together. Can we please handle this like adults?"

"Fine," Luke said, shutting his car door again.

"What are we doing Luke?"

"I thought we were fighting."

"I'm trying to be serious. I'm sorry ok. I'm sorry for the boat thing, I'm sorry about Christopher, and I'm sorry for prying into your mood."

"Just saying 'I'm sorry' isn't going to fix everything. We're not going to learn anything from those two words. This is what couples do Lorelai. They argue. Not all the time, but they do argue."

"Well tell me what to say to fix this."

"I can't just tell you what to say!" Luke sighed and scratched his head. "I don't know how this is going to work out."

"What? Luke, no…"

"I can't. No. I can't do this anymore Lorelai. There's only one thing to do."

"Luke, no. Please. This isn't working things out. We can work it out. Please don't…"

"We're going to have to move in together."

"Lu…what did you say?"

"There's obviously some things we need to learn about each other and moving in together is the only way I can think of settling this."

"Are you serious?"

"I am totally serious."

"Lucas Danes, you are so…don't ever scare me like that ever again!"

Luke laughed. "So is that a yes?"

"Of course it's a yes!" Lorelai jumped into Luke's arms and kissed him as hard as she could.

Luke pulled away and smiled at Lorelai. "I told you I was all in didn't I?"