Author: Lady Eliza
Characters: All Characters
Rating: T
Summary: Total AU Rory and Logan Spoiler Warning
Disclaimer: I do not own Gilmore Girls or any of its characters.
AN: Thank you to my reviewers for theirwonderful feedback. I understand that many of you were upset that Tristan didn't appear in the last chapter. The reason for that is I didn't want toaddTristan into this mix thatalready includes Rory, Logan, Jess, and Dean.If I had added Tristan this fic would veer off its original course. I wanted to concentrate on Rory andLoganand their relationship andhow they handle obstacles such as Jess and Dean. I'm sorry for those of you who wanted Tristan to appear. Please continue to review.
Chapter 26: A Night To Remember
After the auction part of the ceremony had been completed the guests were given some time to mingle amongst themselves. Rory had raised the most money during the auction portion of the Charity Gala. Logan's cousin Frederick had bought her for a quarter of a million dollars and her Granny Hayden still couldn't get over that fact.
Rory and Logan were surrounded by their friends when Rory happen to turn and noticed three people that looked completely out of place at such an event. When their heads turned she saw their faces, and let's just say she was not amused.
Logan noticed that something had gotten the attention of his girlfriend so he looked in the direction she was staring at, and he wanted to smash his scotch glass. If there were three people here that looked out of place he would have to say Jess Mariano and Dean and Lindsay Forrester.
"Ace, why are those three here?" asked Logan.
"I have no idea, but I'm willing to bet my entire inheritance that my grandmothers' and your mother have something to do with this," said Rory.
"I'll second that. This scenario has got Emily, Francine, and Shira written all over it."
"I can understand your mother and my grandmothers' inviting them, but Jess, Dean, and Lindsay didn't have to show up. They don't look like they're having fun."
"Should we go say hello, it's only polite."
"I don't particularly want to, but we have to do it out of courtesy."
Logan and Rory excused themselves from their group of friends and headed towards the table full of people they didn't particularly want to talk to, but would do as not to seem rude. Logan traded in his scotch glass for two glasses of champagne, when they passed a waiter, so he and Rory would have something in their hands when they were talking.
"Jess, Dean, Lindsay, how are you?" asked Logan.
Jess had noticed the power couple closing in on his table and he didn't like it. He could deal with Rory but just the thought of exchanging pleasantries with Logan made him uneasy.
Dean didn't want to talk to Rory and Logan but he knew it would be inevitable when they came to his table.
Lindsay wanted to excuse herself so she didn't say something rude to the little princess when she came to do her duty by speaking with the peasants. She didn't know how much of this she could take before she truly said something out of line.
"I'm good," said Dean.
"Yeah, we are just peachy keen," said Jess
"Good," said Lindsay.
"You did a good thing by volunteering to be auctioned off, Rory. It was fortunate for them that you raked in the most dough," said Dean.
"Yes, I'm quite happy with the end result," said Rory stoically.
"You seem to have quite the family, Logan. I didn't realize you were related to the Waldorfs' or the Hearsts'," said Lindsay in a perky manner.
Rory would've loved to grab the back of Lindsay's head and whacked it into a wall. The girl had some nerve trying to get the attention of her boyfriend right in front of her. Yes, Rory understood that she had slept with Lindsay's husband and she had owned up to her part in it, but she had moved on with her life.
Logan looked at the girl in a distasteful manner, "Well my familial ties are a private matter. But if one wished to know, it is sometimes in the newspapers. Although one must read a newspaper once in a while to read about such things."
Rory tried not to spit her champagne out at the way Logan had handled the situation. She should've known that Logan would take care of it.
Lindsay looked up at him and said in a low voice, "Oh, I see."
Before any more barbs could be thrown out there was an interruption. Donald and Malania Trump came to talk to Logan and Rory. They informed the couple that they had to call it an early night due to the fact that they were headed to Paris in the morning. They asked Logan and Rory to join them at their Palm Beach resort Maralago for a round of golf and other fun things. The couple, Rory and Logan, said they would love to take them up on their offer and would be in touch.
While this discussion was going on Jess could only ogle like everyone at his table. Rory seemed so comfortable; she even asked Mrs. Trump to tea at Tavern on the Green the next time the two women were in New York. It seemed she was so comfortable with these people that she even joked with them.
Dean looked at his first love and it seemed she was a totally different person. He's never in his life seen Rory Gilmore handle herself the way she was doing right now. The thing that was shocking was that she was so comfortable with these people, its like she'd known them most of her life.
Lindsay had always known that Rory Gilmore was different. She had an air about her that seemed mature beyond her years even as a child. Lindsay had always thought Rory as a weird child, but now she realized that the weirdness was in fact sophistication and class. The woman came from serious money even if she didn't know it back then; she had been aloof and kept to herself most of the time. She guessed that good breeding would always win out. Lindsay watched as Rory fit into the world of money and power like a she had always been there.
As the Trumps bid them goodbye Logan and Rory excused themselves from Jess, Dean, and Lindsay.
Colin was watching Stephanie as she was chatting with Frederick, Logan's cousin, he had always pined for Stephanie, but it was never a good time to make his move. When he and Stephanie had taken the plunge at the LDB event he had changed their friendship forever by kissing her.
He had no idea why he had done it, but Stephanie had responded to him. After that kiss there had been many that followed it. Their friends and family didn't have a clue as to their relationship. They hadn't wanted to share their relationship with the rest of the world; it was too new and too special. Both Colin and Stephanie knew about the reality of the situation. The minute they announce their relationship both their mothers were going to plan the wedding and the press would scrutinize them because he was a DuPont-Rockefeller and she was a Vanderbilt.
Colin turned as Finn approached him, "Mate, I now regret buying Gellar. She won't stop biting my head off. I mean I was trying to be a Good Samaritan by helping a friend out and what do I get in return? A very annoying pregnant woman yelling in my ear. I can't win with her."
"Don't worry Finn, you'll get rid of her soon enough," said Colin.
"The sooner the better, if you ask me," said Finn
"Is she cramping you style buddy?"
"Don't take that tone with me. I might just walk up to your mother and tell her you and Stephanie are dating."
"FINN! How the hell do you know that?"
"Well, that's a funny story. You see I was chasing after Seth and I happen to fall behind because I was wearing a dress and high heels. I don't know how women perfect the ability to run while in high heels. Anyways, I was chasing after Seth when I happen to see you and Stephanie behind a tree going at it. I thought I was too drunk and seeing things, but then I found Seth and brought him to your tree and he told me that it was actually you and Stephanie."
"Seth knows about this? Who else knows?"
"Don't worry your secret is safe with Seth and I. We didn't tell a soul. We know you have your reasons for not going public."
Colin huffed out a breath and looked at one of his best friends. He knew that Finn could keep a secret and would not divulge information even when drunk. He and Stephanie had thought they were not being conspicuous and hiding their relationship very well, but apparently Finn and Seth knew their secret.
"Finn, I appreciate you and Seth not telling anyone else. Steph and I will tell everyone when we're ready and not a moment too soon."
"Just promise me one thing," said Finn.
"What's that?" asked Colin.
"Can I be the godfather to your first child," replied Finn serious tone.
Logan led Rory to where Frederick and Stephanie were talking. He had a very special task to accomplish and he needed to get his two best friends and his cousin. "Hey Fred, do you want to come with me for a sec," said Logan.
Frederick waved goodbye to the girls and headed in the direction of Finn and Colin. Stephanie and Rory were left to fend for themselves, but were soon joined by Paris, Madeline and Louise.
"Huh…I wonder what that was all about," said Rory getting suspicious that Logan was up to something.
"I have no clue," said Stephanie.
"So Steph, tell the rest of us what's going on with you and Colin," said Paris.
Stephanie looked like a deer caught in the headlights, "I have no idea what your talking about Paris. Colin and I are friends and nothing more."
"Don't play dumb. I've noticed a difference between the two of you since Cape Cod. Come on spill," said Rory.
"Come on Steph, have you seen the way the guy looks at you. It's like you're the only girl in the room," supplied Louise.
"I wish a guy would look at me like that. I would marry him on the spot," said Madeline.
Stephanie blushed and said, "Alright, I'll tell you but you have to promise not to say a word to our mothers, the press, or the guys. Do you promise?" asked Stephanie.
"Promise," said all the girls.
"Colin kissed me at the Cape and we've been secretly seeing each other for a while now. We wanted to have a chance to get to know one another and enjoy being in a relationship before all the other hoopla comes into effect," said Stephanie
The girls squealed then clamped their mouths shut and hugged Stephanie.
"I'm so happy for you," said Rory.
"Thanks Ror, and you were right Colin has liked me for while," said Stephanie.
"AHA, I told you," said Rory then she held out her hand to Paris who deposited a fifty-dollar bill, "now you might not want to underestimate my ability to see a potential relationship."
Louise and Madeline looked amused. "You guys bet on whether or not Stephanie and Colin were going to be a couple?" asked Louise.
"No, we bet that Colin had feelings for Stephanie, that he was pining for her," supplied Paris.
"Oh…I see," said a confused Madeline
"I can't believe the two of you bet on my love life," said Stephanie.
"Well, we have to do something to amuse ourse-" but before she could continue Logan interrupted her from the podium.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention please. My name is Logan Huntzberger and I am here to ask one Paris Gellar to please come up on stage."
Paris froze when she heard her name being called through the microphone. She looked up at Logan and he simply pointed to the stage.
"Paris what is this all about?" asked Rory.
"When I find out I'll let you know," said Paris.
The girls followed Paris all the way to the podium but stopped just short of going on stage. Lorelai who had been chatting with Luke came up behind Rory and asked, "Honey, what's going on?"
"Mom hi, I have no idea," said Rory giving her mother a kiss. She looked fabulous in vintage Chanel.
"I wonder why Logan asked Paris to go on stage," said Lorelai.
"Yeah, you and me both," said Rory.
As Paris stood on stage she was quite nervous. She turned to Logan to indicate that he should continue on with whatever it was he was doing.
"Paris, you don't know this, but Finn didn't actually bid on you. No, he was simply a stand in for someone else. Now would the real person come out," said Logan. After this speech Logan went and joined his girlfriend right in front of the podium.
Colin rejoined Stephanie, Finn was flirting with Madeline and Louise was quietly eyeing Frederick. All was right in the world. Rory tried to ask Logan what was going on but he shushed her and told her to watch.
Paris stood stock-still and watched the person walk out on the stage. She was speechless and hadn't expected this. "Hello Paris," replied Doyle.
Rory was on the verge of going up on stage and ripping Doyle to pieces when Logan restrained her. Louise and Madeline were seeing red when they recognized Doyle but couldn't do anything since they too were restrained like Rory but by Finn and Frederick.
"Doyle what the hell are you doing here?" asked Paris.
"All in good time my dear," said Doyle.
"Bull, I want to know where you've been all this time."
Doyle ignored her questions and went to the microphone. "Hello everyone, my name is Doyle Goodrich and I am Paris Gellar's boyfriend. She is upset with me at the moment but I hope to rectify the situation quite soon. Paris and I having been dating for some months now. She is the most fascinating woman and she has been the only person, since my grandmother, that has truly understood me. I am a privileged man to have been loved by Paris. I had stopped believing in relationships when Paris came barging into my life and demanded that I commit to her. I couldn't resist her and I truly love her. Paris, honey, I'm sorry that I took off like that, but if you'll forgive me and take me back I promise never to do it again. I love you and that little person. So what do say, will you take me back?" asked Doyle.
"Take him back, honey," said someone from the audience.
Paris had tears running down her face as she listened to him talk. She was so afraid that Doyle had left her after she told him that she was pregnant.
Doyle moved away from the microphone and whispered to Paris, "I know I didn't handle the situation very well. I was scared out of mind Paris. I have been thinking about journalism my whole life and that has been my sole focus. I don't do well when something unexpected comes up. I want you to know that I love our baby and I want to be a part of its life just like I want to be a part of your life. What I'm trying say is: Paris Gellar will you marry me?"
Paris gasped as she watched Doyle go on one knee and pull out a ring box in his hand. He opened it and she was staring at a gorgeous ring. She was balling now and she just stood like that for a while.
"OH look he's proposing to her," said that same audience member.
Doyle could read Paris' expression. "I understand that you wouldn't mind being unmarried and raising this child, but I know deep down you want to get married. We don't have to get married right away if you don't want to but I just want you to know that I want us to be man and wife."
Paris stared at him. She knew for all her talk about raising the child by herself or raising the child with Doyle she secretly wanted to be married to the father of her child. He seemed to read her like a book. Paris in between hiccups and crying said a weary, "Yes."
Doyle stood up and kissed her. "I love you Paris." And their audience that had been mesmerized with the drama taking place on stage cheered.
"I…(hiccup)…love…(sniffle)…you…(sniffle)…too…(hiccup)… Doyle."
Rory had tears coming down her cheeks. She turned into Logan's embrace and cried to her hearts content. She was so happy for Paris because the girl deserved true happiness in her life.
Logan was a little teary eyed, but he didn't want anyone else to see so he put his face in to Rory's hair, to an observer it looked like he was whispering to her.
Madeline and Louise embraced each other ecstatic that Paris was going to be getting married. But then they stopped and realized that PARIS was getting married and having a child before either of them. 'What was the world coming to?'
Jess watched enviously as Logan comforted Rory. He had watched her reaction throughout the whole drama. When Paris' boyfriend went on bended knee Logan had looked at Rory and she had looked at him, their looks had conveyed too much. That look of love would be etched in his mind.
When Paris finally came off the podium with Doyle the guys explained how they had pulled it all off.
"You see it was quite ingenious actually. Doyle was supposed to bid on Paris but when we found out about the no significant other rule we nixed that idea. So I was a stand-in for Doyle. I had to bid on Paris and keep her busy while Doyle arrived from Indiana on the Huntzberger corporate jet. Logan was notified when Doyle arrived at the Gala then we put the plan in motion. Logan introduces Doyle and joins Rory while the rest of us stand near the other girls. We didn't want any of you messing with our plan," said a sheepish Finn.
"You do know that we could have helped you guys execute this plan if you had told us what was going on," said Rory.
"Yeah, but this event got us guys closer together. Honey, you don't want to get in the way of male bonding," said Logan.
Rory rolled her eyes and said excitedly, "I can't wait to plan this wedding. It's going to be so the event of the year."
The other girls nodded then started discussing flower arrangements and crystal. As they discussed these things many people were coming up to Paris and congratulating her.
"Come on guys, let's go get ourselves a drink and toast Doyle and Paris. I don't know if I can take all this talk about a wedding," said Frederick.
The other guys followed his lead and went off to get drunk. Before Logan left he kissed Rory on the cheek and told her where he would be. 'It wouldn't be so bad to be married,' thought Logan.
AN: Please, Please, Please Review.