Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews! You all are awesome!

Lorelai had decided to skip the breakfast at the hotel, complete with its endless supply of baguette bread and opted for a quiet outdoor café instead. She quietly sat, chewing her croissant as she debated what she should do with her day.

She could go to a museum. Paris had plenty of those. When she and Rory had stayed in Paris two years ago, the look on Rory's face had been priceless. It was like heaven on Earth for her. They had spent an entire day at the Louvre. Rory remained unfazed by all the tourists as she pushed her way through to see works such as the Mona Lisa and Venis de Milo. It hadn't taken long for Lorelai to find a café inside the monstrosity of a museum as her daughter continued to peruse the galleries. She was nursing her third cup of coffee when Rory finally returned to her, exclaiming that she had found just the thing her mother would love. Lorelai reluctantly followed her, straight to the museum gift shop where she had a fun time picking out cheesy souvenirs for their friends. Her daughter knew her so well.

Lorelai frowned at the memory. Museums really weren't her thing. They were Rory's. When the two of them were together, it had been enjoyable simply watching her daughter's reactions.

She missed her. "We really do make quite the pair," she thought to herself. Last summer, Rory had come to Europe to get away from her. This year, here she was. Why couldn't things be like they were two years ago? They both had the time of their lives here in Europe. Together. They weren't apart for more than a few moments at a time. Oh, how things had changed. Now, they were worlds apart, and not just literally.

Realizing that she had long ago polished off the rest of her croissant, Lorelai quickly made up her mind to spend the day shopping. She'd wear out her credit card just like she had told Luke the night before. How many times was a girl in the fashion capitol of the world? She smiled. How could she not take advantage of that?

Hours later, Lorelai entered her hotel room, practically tripping over all the bags that she was carrying. She was going to have a great time trying to get all of this stuff back to Aix, not to mention back home. She could always ship some of it home if worse came to worse.

The room felt stuffy from being closed up all day, so she opened the door to the balcony. The cool breeze felt refreshing against her sticky skin. The cooler air meant that evening would soon be approaching. "Another night of sitting in my hotel room alone," she said to no one. "I really am turning into a spinster. I should have bought some yarn to knit some tea cozies. And maybe lured one of those stray cats home with me."

Her gaze swept over the busy city before stopping on the Eiffel Tower. She stared at it for a few minutes. "Oh, what the hell? You only live once. What's the point of doing it alone in a hotel room?"

She changed out of the jeans and tank top that she had worn the entire day and pulled on her black dress. She figured that maybe after stopping at the Eiffel Tower, she'd go out to a bar or two. Or maybe dancing. Dancing would be fun. It would at least keep her mind off things.

She headed off to the nearest Metro station. Thank God that Rory had taught her how to do this the last time. She grabbed herself a map, and plotted a course to the Tower.

It seemed like no time at all before she found herself stepping out of the Champ de Mars station. Ha! Made it in one try, she praised herself.

She only had to walk a few minutes before finding herself right at the base of the Eiffel Tower. She felt her heart beat faster. Even though she had been here once before, the monument still amazed her. It felt surreal. It was like watching one of the many movies where the characters found themselves in this very place.

Lorelai took a deep breath and made her way past the photographing tourists and the gypsies trying to make a quick buck. Where was that place? At last her gaze fell upon it. The snack stand. She hurried over and bought a cone with strawberry ice cream.

She found an empty bench where she could enjoy her treat. The Tower was already lit for the impending darkness. She couldn't wait for the glittering lights. Looking at her watch, she noticed that she still had time to spare. She would wait for it.

After finishing up her cone, she wandered around, trying to find the best place for her view of the lights. Not the easiest mission to accomplish seeing as from any spot at this close distance, she would have to crane her neck up to see. Oh, well. It would have to do.

Glancing at her watch, she noticed that there were only a few minutes to the hour. She wasn't the only one awaiting the lights. Other tourists were staring at the Eiffel Tower with eager expressions. With a smile, she joined them by gazing up at the giant beauty right in front of her. Any moment now. Once again, Lorelai could feel her heart beat pick up pace in anticipation.

At long last, the glittering lights began to twinkle before her eyes. She felt a sense of awe overcome her. It was one of the most magical things that she had ever seen.

She was so lost in the magnificence of it all that she hadn't notice someone step up behind her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt arms encircle her waist. But then, she heard his voice.

"I was hoping that you'd come," he whispered in her ear.

To Be Continued. Please review!