Claim: I own Bella, Ryan and maybe a few short scene characters…

Sum it up: "I never cared that much," Rory stubbornly retorted, and watched as he sauntered out of her life…again.

Warning: Short chapters…

Feedback: would be beautiful

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"Rory," Emily greeted with a genuine smile and sparkling eyes, "it's so nice to see you."

Rory said the same and hugged her grandmother for a long time.

Lorelai, although bewildered, was awed at the moment.

"Hello Lorelai, you are looking nice tonight," Emily smiled.

"Why thank you mom," Lorelai looked her mother up and down, "and you're looking the same."

"Tristan," Emily said, smiling slightly.

"Mrs. Gilmore," Tristan nodded politely.

"And where is my darling little one?" she asked, pretending she couldn't see Bella's hiding form from behind her father.

"You mean your great- grandchild?" Lorelai chuckled as Emily sent daggers with her eyes, "wow mom, you're getting old."

"Shut up Lorelai," Emily growled.

"I'm over here Ma'mmy," Bella peaked from in back of Tristan.

Emily held out her arms and smiled, "What are you waiting for, come over here and give Ma'mmy a hug!"

"Ma'mmy?" Lorelai, with a raised eyebrow, turned to ask Rory, who shrugged with laughter?

"Let's go to the sitting room," Emily said.

Tristan didn't know what he was doing there.

He didn't know why he agreed to go anyway.

It had something to do with spending every waking hour in the presence of Bella.

Yeah, that had to be it.

It wouldn't be said lightly if one announced that the Gilmore's weren't too fond of Tristan at the moment, and vice versa.

Everything could be worse.

Sure, he was uncomfortable, but it wasn't that bad.

It was just strange, acting as a family.

Family…

That word hadn't really crossed Tristan's mind.

Just the thought completely diverted his attention.

"Tristan, are you okay?" Lorelai asked, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Yeah, sorry," he felt the blush creep up the back of his neck at the intense stares he was receiving by four girls.

This was the moment he realized that he was all alone in a room full of females…

What a scary thought.

"I asked if you wanted something to drink," Emily repeated herself, arrogance encrypted in her words.

"Water, please," he responded nonchalantly, continuing to stare at a gaping Bella.

"Tristy," she walked over to him, and cupped his cheeks, "you have my smile."

Emily Gilmore almost chocked on her wine, wide eyes staring at the scene.

Rory let her mouth fall open, encouraging words but when none came- she shut it cautiously.

Lorelai titled her head to the side and smiled in awe.

Tristan reached his own hands to- in return- cup her cheeks. "No," he shook his head, "you have my smile, peanut!"

The little girl let a joyful smile cross her lips as she asked curiously, "Are you my dad?"

Tristan froze, blushing feverishly and looked around the room for help, but he received none. After a long silence, he answered, "Yes Bella, I'm your dad."

Emily looked strangely relieved.

Lorelai was crying…again.

And Rory had to fight a sensation to hold them.

Her family…

Bella threw her arms around her father, and hugged him tightly. "Are you going to leave me?"

He was hesitant at first, but after hearing her words he wrapped his arms around her reassuringly, closing his eyes, "never," he whispered.

The two stayed like that for a while before Lorelai and Emily excused them-selves.

Tristan's eyes opened, locking on teary blue ones.

Could I be mistaken?

Or is it the same look in his eyes that I once use to see?

I wonder if his heart is beating as fast as mine.

I wonder what he thinks when he is holding her.

Does he smell the faint vanilla that lingers on her skin?

I wonder if loves her as much as I do.

Rory let a half smile grace her lips, and she mouthed, "thank you."

He nodded, and tightened his arms around his daughter.

And suddenly all doubts faded into the quiet of complete serenity…

Done…

Don't worry- the story is not over!

And I'm sorry that the chapter was so short, but I have so much homework!

School is taking up so much of my time at the moment, let me not even mention work M-F.

Thank you to all of my loyal reviewers!

I love you all so much!

I am going for 3 more chapters, but maybe less…