Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Gilmore Girls. I own the situations, but I'd be pleased and honored if Amy took it upon herself to steal from me…
A/N: Okay, first of all, I forgot to mention that the links to the dresses are up on my profile…finally. Next, I fixed the flub in chapter 8. It's just one sentence, so don't feel like you have to go back and read it, but I feel better, and that's all that matters :P
Those of you who like angst will be pleasantly surprised….there's a little in here amongst the fluff.
This chapter is in Rory's POV, thoughts in italics.
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Rory was pretty sure she had never been happier in her life.
It's hard to believe that a few moths ago, I thought I'd never be happy again. Now I'm back at Yale, Mom and Luke are married…finally, and Logan…
She sat looking at the man in question, who was standing with his hands in his pockets talking animatedly to her Mom and step-father.
…Logan is perfect--especially when he stands with his hands in his pockets like that. Mmmm…really shows off his…
Her attention was drawn away from Logan's assets by Lane's indignant shout. "Listen man, if you don't stop bugging me I'm gonna use you for my drum set."
Rory giggled and watched as Lane stalked off in the direction of the Inn, Finn hot on her heels.
"Lane, darling, that's marvelous--we'll make beautiful music together!" Finn's voice trailed off into the darkness.
Still giggling, she started to stand to join Logan and tell him what she had witnessed, only to discover that he and her parents were gone. She slumped back down into her seat and rested her chin on her hand, watching the dancing couples.
I wonder where they went…well, not so much the newlyweds…ew…but Logan. He doesn't really know that many people here. I suppose he could have gone off to find Colin and Finn. They probably have some testosterone bound ritual that they have to perform. Something involving getting drunk together at every wedding they attend and swearing to be eternal bachelors. Ah well, Lane and I haven't had a girls' night in far too long, and we'll have the house all to ourselves. We may have to take a road trip into Hartford for junk food, but…
She was startled out of her planning when her mother plopped down in the seat across from her.
"Whew! All these people demanding my attention, I haven't sat down in hours!" she complained, resting her head on the table.
She's still the drama queen of Connecticut…
"It's terrible to be so popular," Rory said with mock sympathy.
"A burden I must bear," Lorelai sighed.
"Mmmm."
"So what's up with you, my little wallflower?"
She did not just call me a wallflower!
"I am not a wallflower! Lane and I were sitting here talking, and I just continued to sit here after she left. I've been people watching." Rory said, indignantly.
So what if my boyfriend has gone AWOL and isn't here to dance with me…
"How's Lane doing since the breakup?"
Rory sighed. "Honestly, I think she's more upset about the breakup of the band than her breakup with Zack, though the two are connected, so…"
Losing Zack and Bryan in one fell swoop wasn't easy…especially since they did so well on tour.
"She's not giving up is she?" Lorelai asked concerned.
She's rather give up her head!
"Oh no, no. She and Gil are going put out an ad and hold auditions. She's actually talking about moving to New Haven. A lot of college kids are looking to get into a band, so they'd have a lot of interest, and it's not too far from where Gil lives, so…"
"Really? It would be so great for the two of you to live close again!" Lorelai was excited.
It would be amazing! I've missed her so much…
"Yeah, well actually…we're talking about getting an apartment together--she and I and Paris—next semester!" Rory said, excitement evident in her voice.
"Honey, that's amazing news! Just let us know when you need us to come help you move." Lorelai grinned and patted Rory's hand.
If it happens…
"Well, nothing's arranged yet, we're just talking about it--"
--and hoping, and well, let's be honest, a little planning has been going on too. I was looking through the apartments in the paper the other day, but that doesn't mean anything…right? Right.
"You'll make it happen." Lorelai said, nodding sagely.
She always knows the right thing to say. Why couldn't I have inherited that along with the blue eyes?
"Your toast was beautiful." Lorelai whispered, smiling. "It was so perfect, thank you."
"You're welcome," Rory said, just as softly.
They sat in silence for a minute, just watching people dance and chat, and a startling thought occurred to Rory.
It'll never be just the two of us ever again! That part of our lives is over. When I go home now, it won't be Gilmore girls time, it'll be Gilmore-Danes girl--and guy—time. Oh god! Our names aren't the same anymore! We won't have to go to the diner for breakfast—oh I'll miss our diner breakfasts…But she's so happy. I've never seen her this happy—not even when she thought she and Dad were going to be together. Man, change sucks! Growing up sucks!
Tears sprung to her eyes and she glanced helplessly at her Mom. Lorelai's head had turned back to Rory with a smile and some witty comment about to fall from her lips, when she noticed the tears.
"Hey Ror, look at Kirk he—Hey, what's this? What's the matter Hun?" she asked, taking Rory's hand in hers.
Rory sighed, chuckling at herself. "It's nothing…I just realized how much things are changing. It's not just us anymore…we're not the Gilmore Girls any more. It just--" She took a deep staggering breath. "—after I had a moment of childish panic—it just made me a little nostalgic." She shrugged.
Lorelai's eyes were moist. "We will always be Gilmore Girls. It doesn't matter that my driver's license will say Danes, or that someday yours will say--"
Huntzberger—Ha! I wish…I'm still not sure he's entirely comfortable with the boyfriend label…
"—something else, you and me—we are Gilmore Girls forever…nothing will ever change that." She brushed a tear from Rory's cheek.
"Thanks Mom." Rory whispered, giving her mom a small smile.
"Gah!" Lorelai exclaimed wiping her own eyes. "Enough of this melancholy on my Wedding Day! Let's do something fun!"
"You mean like the Hokey pokey? I don't think Lane has that one…"
Lorelai's eyes brightened with an idea, and her smile widened.
Uh oh…nothing good ever comes from that look…
"Let's play."
What? Play? Realization dawned on Rory's face. "No, Mom. We can't. You're married!"
"Yeah, but you're not…we'll just skip my turn."
"No, absolutely not!"
"Pleeeeeease? C'mon, humor Mommy, it's the perfect time…the whole town is here." Lorelai pouted as Rory rolled her eyes. "You can't turn me down, it's my wedding day. Besides we don't know when we'll have another chance to do this. "
That's hitting below the belt. I might as well give in, she'll never give up…
Rory sighed. "Fine."
Lorelai clapped her ands and they both turned to the side toward the mass of people.
"Okay, number one is passing by…..now."
She has got to be kidding…
"Ew! Pass!" Rory grimaced, wrinkling her nose.
"What? What's wrong with him?"
"Mom! That's Taylor! He's old and he's annoying and he's….Taylor." she practically shouted.
"Well, it might not be so bad. You'd be the Queen nit picker of the town." Lorelai looked thoughtful. "Maybe he's had a thing for you all these years…he did always involve you in town events that he was leading….oh and you had that dream about him and the hula hoops!" She was laughing now.
Maybe things haven't changed so much…
"Mom, I said pass! And you are never to bring up that dream again." Rory said sternly, fighting to keep the corners of her mouth from turning up.
"Well, I think you're missing an opportunity, but whatever. Ok, number two is coming toward us…now."
"Pass." Rory giggled.
"Why? He's cute."
"Mom, that's Colin. He's a snob…and besides, he's not that cute in the morning." Rory's nose wrinkled again.
Hmm…Colin…I wonder where Logan is…
"I'm not going to ask how you came across that information," Lorelai sighed.
"That's probably for the best." Rory agreed. Then her heart sank as she heard the beginning strains of Moon River playing over the speakers.
Great! They're playing our song, and Logan is nowhere in sight. Of course, he might not even know that it's our song. We've never really discussed the whole 'our song' thing, but this is the first song we ever danced to, and it was the beginning of our relationship—well the no strings one anyway—and I guess I just started thinking of it as our song…geez I'm having an internal babble…
She missed the first half of what Lorelai said and only heard, "—across the dance floor…now."
"Huh?"
"I said, you're number three is heading across the dance floor right now."
Oh this oughtta be good…God please let it not be someone too terribly mockable. Rory thought as she turned to look.
Her mouth fell open as she saw Logan strolling casually toward her, cocky grin in place.
"Hey Ace, whatcha up to?" he asked stopping a few feet in front of her.
We can't tell him…think of an excuse, quick!
"L-Logan, hey. Um…we're just talking, right Mom?" she looked hopefully to her mother.
Lorelai just smiled. Rory turned back nervously to Logan, only to find him kneeling on one knee before her. Her mouth flew open in shock for the second time in as many minutes. She glanced up to see that all the people who were important to her had gathered, watching.
Oh. My. God!
Logan began speaking as soon as her eyes returned to him. "Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, I love you more than I could ever have imagined. Every moment with you is one less moment I haven't lived. Will you marry me?" He opened his hand and a simple diamond solitaire rested on his palm.
Ohmygodohmygodohmygod! This is really happening! She glanced at the people around her through tear-filled eyes. Luke winked at her. Luke's winking, Logan's proposing, Finn's sober…it's a world gone mad! She looked into Logan's eyes. He's sure…he wants this…how did I get so lucky?
She smiled at him, nodding, and his whole face lit up.
Did he actually think I'd say no? Silly boy!
She leapt out of her seat and into his arms, kissing him with everything she had. It was like no kiss they had ever shared. It was more tender, more sweet, and more loving. It was almost painful in its perfection…she thought her heart would burst.
Did I have a life before this?
When they drew back, Logan let her out of his arms long enough to take her hand and slide the ring on her finger. Then she was in his embrace again and he was pressing his wet face into her neck, just holding her.
He's crying…
She nudged his head with her shoulder. When he faced her, she wiped his eyes with her fingertips. "You mourning the loss of your freedom already, Huntzberger?" she teased, planting a smiling kiss on his equally curved lips.
At that point, the well wishing began. Everyone was crowding in to give hugs and view the ring. Emily was ecstatic; and it was a few minutes later, during her fourth Emily hug that Rory noticed Luke walking toward the stables.
Where is he going? He seemed like he was happy for me-- Oh no!
Next to stable, something moved, and she could see by the glow of the twinkle lights strung through the bushes that it was…
Dean. What's he doing here? Why now? Luke shouldn't have to deal with this on his wedding day.
She felt Logan press closer into her back. "What's wrong, Ace?" he whispered into her ear.
She gestured helplessly toward where Luke was walking and whispered, "Dean."
Twisting her head around, she looked at Logan and saw that his eyes had gone cold. "Don't worry, Ace. I'll handle this." He moved to leave, but she caught his arm, pleading with her eyes.
Don't. Not at my Mom's wedding. Please.
His eyes softened as he grinned down at her and dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Rory, it'll be fine, I promise. Don't worry." He slid his hands in his pockets and walked casually after Luke, whistling Moon River.
Like I'm gonna buy that act…
Rory looked at the people around her. Finn was sweet talking Lane, Emily and Lorelai were arguing about wedding plans, and Miss Patty was terrifying Richard with her flirting. No one was watching Rory.
I'd better go make sure everything's ok
She gathered her dress in her hands and followed Logan, walking quickly and quietly—well as quietly as one can when wearing yards of fabric.
It's a good thing he's whistling.
She saw Logan approach the two men, and stopped in the shadows. They were illuminated by the twinkle lights, and she could just make out what they were saying.
"Hey Luke, the girls are looking for you. Who's your friend?" Logan's tone was friendly and casual as he held out his hand to Dean. "Logan Huntzberger."
Dean ignored the offered hand. "Dean Forrester." Came the terse reply.
Logan's hand found its way back into his pocket. "Oh right, right. Dean. I remember." He said nodding. Rory saw Luke step back a step and cross his arms over his chest, watching.
Is he insane? Why isn't he stopping them?
"Excuse me?" Dean asked.
Logan smiled. "Oh I was at the party Rory's grandparents threw for her…bout a year ago…the one where you came to pick her up--and then didn't." He raised his eyebrow and looked at Dean pointedly.
Oh this is so not good…c'mon Luke…get in there…be the voice of reason…
"I don't see what business that is of yours," Dean said, rudely.
Why didn't I ever realize how rude he was?
Logan smiled wider. "It's entirely my business, since she just agreed to marry me."
Marry him. I'm going to marry him. Rory Huntzberger. She shook her head. Geez Gilmore! Focus!
"Oh I see. Were you the highest bidder?" Dean sneered.
How could he? How dare he… She gasped and started forward, until she saw Luke's eyes dart her way and the barely perceptible negative shake of his head.
He's not doing anything, I'm not supposed to do anything…sheesh! Men!
Logan's smile faltered a little. "Heh, that's funny. But say, I do owe you a debt of gratitude." He said, in a pleasant voice.
"For what?"
"For being too much of a coward to love her."
Rory's eyes slid closed. Oh God, you're goading him…Logan why are you goading him. He doesn't matter…let it go…
Her eyes flew open as she heard Dean growl, and she saw his fists were clenched at his sides. She looked at Luke and saw his position hadn't changed, but his jaw was clenched.
Oh God…
Logan calmly took a step forward, hands still in his pockets and looked Dean dead in the eyes. His voice was serious, but pleasant. "You wanna throw a punch at me, that's fine. You go ahead and do what you feel you need to do. But you better make it good, 'cause it'll be the only one you get in, and when I walk away from here, she'll still be mine."
Rory's eyes went wide, and a thrill ran up her spine. Whoa…that was…I don't know what that was, but it was good…and kinda sexy…
The two men stared at each other for what seemed like hours. Then Dean let out an explosive breath and his shoulders slumped.
"Can I at least say 'Hi'--congratulate her?" he almost begged.
Rory's mouth dropped open in shock. I can't believe that was settled without bloodshed!
Logan looked at Luke and they both nodded.
Their silent communication thing is getting really creepy…
"Sure you can congratulate her. We'll go with you." Logan said.
"What she's not allowed to be alone with me?" Dean said belligerently.
Don't want to…
She saw Logan scrunch up his face and reach up to scratch the back of his head. "Eh, it's more you're not allowed to be alone with her. You lost that right when you left her crying in her grandparents' driveway," he replied, starting to walk toward her.
I really never knew that made such a big impact on him…
Dean's next words stopped Logan in his tracks. "You don't own her, you know."
Uh Oh…I may have spoken too soon about that whole bloodshed thing…
Logan turned his head to look at Dean over his shoulder. "I don't own her. I love her. I know the difference. You coming?" He said in a very knowing voice, and then resumed walking.
I couldn't love him more… Rory stepped out of the shadows as Logan approached, Luke and Dean not far behind.
"Hey Ace, you ok?" he asked softly, brushing the tears from her cheeks with her thumbs.
I am so much more than ok…ok is not even in my vocabulary right now. She looked at him--trying to convey everything she felt with that one look, and nodded. He nodded back.
"An old friend of yours is here to see you," he said, turning so that he stood at her side, his arm around her.
"Rory--" Dean's voice broke a little. "--Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you'll always be happy," he said softly.
Well, he sounds sincere…
Rory raised her head. "Thank you, Dean." She turned and gave a little smile to Logan. "I know I will be."
Logan smiled back at her. "Well Ace, we should be getting back."
She nodded. "Good-bye Dean." She said softly, looking into his eyes for the last time, before turning and walking away with Logan's arm securely around her.
Good-bye childhood.
"Bye Rory." She heard floating behind her.
Logan leaned over and whispered in her ear, "It was your turn to walk away and leave him standing."
She looked at him in awe. How does he always know? He always knows…
She stopped walking and turned to face him. "Thank you. I didn't know how much I needed to do that…to say goodbye."
He pulled her into his arms and held her, rubbing small circles on her back. "It's called closure, Ace, and I thought you deserved some." He pulled away and kissed her on the cheek just as Luke caught up to them.
Luke stopped, clapped his hand on Logan's shoulder and grinned, "I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you should be proud of the way you handled that." He told Logan.
Whoa…
Logan smiled. "Thanks." They watched as Luke found his wife and asked her to dance, thereby rescuing her from Emily. "Hey there's an idea."
Logan whistled through his teeth to catch Lane's attention.
What the hell?
When she looked up, he twirled his finger in the air and she nodded. Moon River came floating through the air for the second time that night.
Logan bowed and held out his hand. "Miss Gilmore, I do believe they're playing our song." He said, grinning.
He does remember…
Rory placed her hand in his and affected a southern accent, as he pulled her into his arms. "Why Mr. Huntzberger, I had no idea that you had any idea." Her left hand began stroking the hair on the back of his neck, and her right was resting on his chest, covered by his hand as they began moving with the melody.
Logan's mouth fell open. "Well, I'm shocked! Wounded, even!" His tone changed from playful to serious. "That you could possibly think that I wouldn't remember the song that was playing the day my life began," he finished, looking deeply into her eyes, and bringing her hand up to his mouth to kiss her knuckles.
He never ceases to amaze me…
Rory smiled and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his lips. "I love you Logan Elias Huntzberger."
Logan wrinkled his nose at the use of his middle name, and she giggled. "I love you Lorelai Leigh Gilmore." He placed his cheek next to hers and whispered, "Are you happy, Ace?"
Rory sighed. "I'm beyond happy." Her lips curved against his cheek. "Get out your compass and I will show you just how far beyond happy I am."
Ecstatic…Content…Exhilarated…Euphoric…Nope, they still don't do justice to this feeling.
"Me too." She felt Logan smile against her skin and kiss her cheek. He began to sing softly in her ear as they continued dancing. "Wherever you're goin' I'm goin' your way. Two drifters, off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. We're after the same rainbows end--"
Rory closed her eyes and listened to the sweet words, as she imagined her own rainbow's end.
'Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Logan Huntzberger.'
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A/N: Well, that's the last chapter…I hope it was worth the wait. Sorry to all you Dean lovers, but I just hate that he dumped her twice publicly and never got any retribution from that…and I don't like him :)
I do have an idea for a sequel, dealing with Rory's wedding, if anyone's interested, but I want to write the Finn/Rory that's been roaming around in my head first. The Finn/Rory will be posted on fanfiction and BW & R, but I don't know if Illusive will allow it, I'll check into it. I'll get as much as I can written before the 28th when my classes, ergo my homework, start.
Even though this is the last chapter, please review. I'd be tickled pink if I could reach 200 reviews. If no one reviews, I might get the idea that no one is interested in a sequel…hmm :P
Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. It's been fun…you all rock!
Oh! In case you didn't know, the lyrics Logan sang to Rory are the Lyrics to Moon River…which I don't own either. :)