Authors Note: Thanks Lore2, emilygilmore, and Mary for your nice reviews. It makes me happy that you like the story so much. But everything has to come to an end so here is the last chapter – 40 chapters for 40 years of marriage (I didn't plan it that way, but when I was writing chapter 39 I figured 40 chapters would be nice – I love to be symbolic). Enjoy!

Chapter 40: Vow Renewal

I'm waking up and I have the worst headache. I need a moment to see where I am – in Lorelai's bed surrounded by these ridiculous 'Hello Kitty' pillows. I bet she has pictures. I'm standing up and I'm wondering why there's pasta lying on the night-stand. And the shape is – well not the shape of Florida… Really how could she give me such a present? At least I guess it was Lorelai – I can't remember much. I'm nearly out of her room when I turn around to grab the pasta – it'll give Richard and me a good laugh.

When I'm going downstairs I see Babette lying on the couch. I slowly enter the kitchen to get my bag – didn't I leave it in the living-room? Well too much rum to remember correctly. The girls and Sookie are lying in Rory's room. For a moment I consider waking them up, but it's very early and they need their sleep. However if they're late I'll call her. I get into my car and drive home to get some coffee, aspirin and a shower.

Now I feel better. I take a look at my seating chart. That can't be true – everything is messed up. I know I checked it yesterday before giving it to that awful wedding-planner. This woman isn't capable of anything. She's fired. I know I need her, but I also need someone who's able to do things right – otherwise I'm better off without her. After calling her to tell her that she's fired I'm sitting down to arrange the seating again – trying to remember whom I seated with whom. Good thing I woke up so early.

Richard is coming in – looking completely dishevelled.

"Aspirin and coffee are on the table over there." I say to him.

"You're my life-saver – how did you know?" he says while taking some aspirin.

"Needed it myself. You know the woman I hired to help me plan today? She's fired – my seating chart is completely messed up – it's unbelievable." I say upset.

"Please Emily – not so loud. I think I'm going to get a shower." he says and he comes over to kiss me.

"You smell like you've fallen into an ashtray – I think you'll get your kiss later." I state and I'm returning to arrange the seating.

Finally I'm done with it. Richard and I are on our way to the Windsor Club.

"Are you nervous?" he asks me.

"Yes – I don't know how to get everything done in time."

"You'll get it done." he says and he's patting my thigh.

You have no clue what I still have to do. But I admire him – he seems so calm.

"And you? Aren't you nervous?"

"A little. After all the most beautiful woman will marry me again."

"Oh Richard." I say blushing a little.

Thank God Marilyn came earlier. Now I know that everything will be done in time - at least I have reasonable hope that it will be. I'm so relieved. I really have to be positive – and another positive thing is that this time his mother isn't around to make me feel even more nervous. She really was terrible, but I shouldn't think about that – she's dead and she was his mother after all.

"Emily?" Richard says interrupting my unpleasant thoughts.

"Yes Richard?"

"I think you'd better give me the ring now – before we forget, could be embarrassing later."

"Oh yes of course. Here." I say and I'm taking it off to give it to him. It really is beautiful. I wore it since he gave it to me a few days ago and we decided – actually he wanted – to give me the ring again during the ceremony. And I think it's romantic. He didn't want to have another ring though. "I can't wait to get it back."

"And I can't wait to give it to you - again."

We share a look.

"If I'd only know where Lorelai and Rory are – they should've arrived here some time ago." I say looking around.

"They'll come Emily – don't worry."

Perhaps I should give them a call. Just as I'm about to do that, I see them coming.

"Well, there they are." I say.

"Hello, girls." Richard greets them.

"Sorry, um, Rory had a little emergency." Lorelai starts to apologize and I turn to Rory.

"So did Mom." Rory defends herself – I thought so.

"I hope everything's all right." I say.

"Yes. Just fine. How is everything going?" Lorelai asks.

"Utter disaster. That moronic wedding planner finally fulfilled her potential. I get here and I go through my seating chart, and it's a mess. It looked like a drunken psychopath took a stab at it. I had to re-do the entire thing. It took me two hours and years of my life." I say and I'm still upset about it.

Richard is putting his hand on my back to calm me down.

"Maybe she just got confused." Lorelai says.

"She did get confused. Confused about what her profession should be. Anyway, I fired her. That should help clarify things for her."

Rory is mumbling something I don't understand.

"Mom, how could you fire her now? Who's going to run the wedding?" Lorelai asks shocked.

"Well, luckily Marilyn came into town early for the ceremony, and she offered to help out."

Richard is telling something of her and Cecil Beaton before I can go on to complain about the women's club who's refusing to leave the Salon today and insists on having their life painting class there. If only I'd had more time, I'd gotten them out of it too, but as it seems there's nothing I can do about it.

"Are you using the Salon?" Lorelai asks.

As if that would be the point. She's not getting it – as usual.

"Of course we're not using the Salon. What on earth would we use the Salon for?"

My eye catches Luke who hasn't had the decency to greet us until now – no manners, like I thought yesterday. He can't even remember what I told him yesterday. After some small talk I want us girls to get upstairs, but Marilyn is coming.

"Emily. The florist is here and everything looks fabulous."

"Really?" I ask her excited.

"No. But it will." she says patting my arm.

That's really mean. I am honestly worried about these things – how can she joke? And now she starts flirting with Luke. Richard and I exchange a look. Before she can go on for too long I decide to put an end to it.

"Marilyn, we're going to the bridal room now."

"And I have gardenias to deal with."

Yes you have.

"I'll see you in a little while. I'll be the handsome one holding the ring." Richard says.

"My favourite kind of man." I say looking up to him.

Only a short time and we'll renew the vows. I feel butterflies in my stomach. Lorelai, Rory and I are leaving – at least I thought we would. Lorelai isn't there, when we're going upstairs.

"I guess she'll come soon Grandma."

I can only hope. I start to get my dress out of the suit-bag. The door is opening and Lorelai comes in.

"Which one do you want?" she says holding up two necklaces.

"That one, the other for my birthday."

They're both gorgeous.

"Look at that, it's so fancy." Rory says taking it from Lorelai.

"Your grandfather has perfect taste in necklaces and earrings. It's very important to find a man who can pick out your jewellery." I say to her before hanging up my dress. Looking around I see that Lorelai wants to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"Uh, to give Dad back the necklaces."

"Hang your dress up first." I demand.

Rory announces that she's going to change now and Lorelai really hangs up her dress. I don't get the comment she makes to Rory as I'm sitting down at the vanity.

"Oh, Lord, look at that. Pierre has his work cut out for him today."

"Stop it, Mom, you look gorgeous." Lorelai says coming over to me.

"Lorelai, why am I doing this?" I ask her.

Suddenly I'm so nervous again – seeing myself in the mirror. Lorelai holds up the necklace.

"Oh, yes. It is pretty, isn't it?"

"It's pretty frickin' awesome is what it is."

Language my girl.

"Oh my God, I'm so nervous, I haven't eaten a thing all day." I admit to her.

"Do you want me to whip up a little pasta for you, Mom?"

Oh you.

"Stop that. Maybe I should take a Seconal."

I could need it, that's for sure.

"Excellent idea, Judy. All right, my dress is hung." she says turning around.

"Make sure you hurry back. Lisette will be here to do your hair any minute."

"My hair is already done."

"Don't worry. She can fix it." I say maybe a little harsh, because she's looking at me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I'm just so nervous, I can't think." I say pressing my hands against my temples

"Why are you nervous?" she wants to know.

"I'm getting married!" I exclaim – but of course she can't understand that feeling – she never was married.

"But the second time. Mom, it's a pretend wedding. J. Lo has them all the time!"

"Well, it certainly feels like a real wedding. After all, we've been separated for months. I'd almost forgotten what it was like to have a man around the house. Oh, God, I missed him. It's a wonderful thing to have a husband, a partner, somebody who's always there." I say dreamily. "Oh, Lorelai, don't you think you'll ever want to be married?"

"Well, um - actually, I, I do." she says smiling.

What? Looking at her I can see that she's thinking of Luke and her future – why Luke?

"Well, that's nice." I say curtly.

Before we can get more into it, Rory comes out in her suit. I go to her to admire it. Lorelai makes her usual witty remarks before complaining about her dress. I thought we'd all agreed on her dress.

"Your dress is beautiful." I say.

"Yeah, but she gets to wear, like, a costume. Can't I dress like your maid? It'll be whimsical and I can wear flats."

As my maid? Don't be crude Lorelai.

"Go give the necklaces back to your father." I say to her.

"You so like her better." she says before going out of the room.

When she comes back she wants Rory and her to leave me alone.

"You can't leave me alone here Lorelai. You have to get dressed." I demand.

"We'll be back soon."

"Lorelai – "

"Really Mom, we just have to look at something downstairs -"

"Oh my god, what went wrong?" I say and I'm already on my way downstairs when she stops me.

"Nothing Mom – relax. I promise we'll be back in five minutes. Believe me – you need these five minutes."

She's giving me such a weird look that I'm not saying anything anymore. But when she's not back in five minutes I'll go downstairs. Just as I'm taking a look at the clock I hear a knock.

"Who's there?"

"It's me." Richard says.

"You know you're not supposed to be up here."

"Are you already dressed?"

"No."

"So may I come in – just for five minutes?"

Now I know what this is about. If I weren't so nervous I would've known even earlier. I open the door.

"You can't be a few minutes without me?" I greet him.

"No I can't." he says and he's pulling me close to him to kiss me passionately.

"Richard!"

"Just practising for the ceremony."

"You better not kiss me like that at the ceremony."

He's winking at me before giving me a quick kiss again.

"Actually I came up to give you this." he says giving me the necklace.

"Thank you. It's beautiful." I say kissing him.

He fastens it around my neck.

"Did I already say that you're beautiful?"

"I don't mind hearing it more often."

"So are you still nervous?"

"Yes – and how are you holding up?"

"I admit I get a little nervous either."

Somehow that calms me down.

"Has Marilyn everything under control?"

"Yes she has. Relax Emily. Only one hour and it will be almost over."

One hour. That's only increasing my nervousness. He's caressing my cheek before kissing me again. Another knock. We're pulling apart.

"Who's there?"

"Your offspring – is it safe to come in?"

"Lorelai please – just open the door."

She comes in. I'm giving her my look, but I'm glad that she knocked.

"So – I think I'll better go downstairs and leave my two ladies alone to get ready."

"Yes Dad, that would be nice. We'll see you in one hour."

We share a last look before he goes downstairs and Lorelai and I are getting ready.

I'm looking in the mirror and I have to admit that I'm really looking beautiful. I'm satisfied with my hair and my dress – I only hope Richard will like it either – but he will. Oh my I can't think straight.

"You look beautiful Mom." Lorelai says sincerely.

"Thank you. You too. You know when you have to walk down the aisle?" I ask her going through everything in my head again.

"Yes Mom – and don't worry I can go in a straight line – even with this shoes."

I'm breathing deeply. Only a few minutes and I have to walk down the aisle – alone. The first time I had my father to hold on to but today it's only me. The music starts.

"I wish you and Dad all the best, Mom." Lorelai says and I can tell that we're so close to hug each other.

"Thank you."

Then Lorelai turns around to walk down the aisle in front of me. Soon the music changes and everyone is standing up. I carefully go down the stairs and when I turn around the corner my first look goes to Richard. After a quick glance to the guests my eyes are focused on Richard. Seeing him gives me safety and the look he gives me is so cute. He is overwhelmed to see me walking to him again. I notice that he has to swallow. I'm stretching out my hand and he's reaching out his, so that he can take mine in his. We're looking at each other for a moment - smiling. I give Lorelai and Rory a quick glance before my attention goes to the judge.

"May you all be seated, please. - I have known Emily and Richard Gilmore for twenty years now. I know them to be two of the most formidable opponents the world has ever seen. They complement each other. They defend each other. They were made for each other. And today, in front of friends and family, Richard and Emily have chosen once again to say to each other, "I choose you". How many of us in a lifetime get chosen even once for something we really want? Richard and Emily, will you please face each other."

I can't think but that he's right with every word he was saying. I can be so lucky to have Richard. We turn to face each other and looking into Richard's eyes I feel so safe and I know that what we're doing is right. It's not over the top or anything – it's just what Richard and I need right now. To hear the promise again. And then Richard starts to repeat his vow - all the time he's facing me.

"I, Richard Gilmore take you Emily Gilmore, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

It's magical to hear him saying the words he used 40 years ago. I have kind of a flashback. It's unbelievable how long we're already married – what we've gone through. And I know his words are honest. I think we've had our worst crisis – now we'll be together until the end. And this is a good feeling. Soon it is my turn to say my vow. At first I'm still nervous but looking in his eyes – his eyes only – I calm down and my voice is as strong as his was.

"I, Emily Gilmore, take you Richard Gilmore, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

All the time he has looked into my eyes as well and I know that we're now closer than ever before. It's crazy what those words can make you feel.

Richard is turning to Rory now, to get my ring and Lorelai is taking my flowers. I stretch out my hand to him and tenderly he attaches it to my finger. We share a look.

"Richard – you may now kiss your bride."

A sparkle is coming into his eyes and I can't but smile when he whispers "My favourite part" while bending down to me. He's putting his arm around my waist to pull me close to him and I put my hands around his neck before I feel the sweet taste of his lips on mine. Our lips are playing a sweet dance. It's not a short kiss – but not too passionate either – we're not alone. But tonight we will be. Just thinking about tonight makes everything spinning again. It's a good thing that he has his arm around me. Slowly we're breaking apart.

We're waiting for the emcee to announce our arrival to the party.

"Are you still nervous?" Richard asks me.

"No. Not anymore. Thank you for today Richard. Thank you for proposing again. It was perfect."

"Yes it was." he says and he kisses me again.

"So will you tell me now, what song you've chosen for our first dance?"

I've questioned him several times during the last days about it, but he wouldn't answer this. All I got to hear was that he'd taken care of it and that he wanted to surprise me.

"Patience Emily – patience."

I would interrogate him further, but I can see how important this is to him, so I decide to give up. I'll know it in a few minutes anyway. Finally we hear the emcee.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to present to you for the first time, this century, Mr and Mrs Richard Gilmore."

Richard is taking my hand and kisses it. Then we're going inside while everyone is clapping for us. I'm waving in Rory's direction before Richard is leading me to my chair. He's taking the microphone and clears his throat before he starts his speech.

"Thank you. On behalf of myself and my second wife, Emily, I would like to thank you all for coming here to help us celebrate. You are good friends, and we are very, very lucky. Now, in planning our traditional first dance, I gave a lot of thought to the song that would represent the next phase in our marriage. The best phase in our marriage, I believe."

I smile at him – the best phase, he truly believes that the best is still to come. I blow him a kiss through the air. But now I have to pay attention to finally get to know our song.

"I went over all the greats – Bennett, Sinatra, Chuck Berry – and a story popped into my head. Now, most of you know my daughter, Lorelai. When Lorelai was three, she went through a period of having chronic ear infections. It was terrible. Screaming all night long, we couldn't keep a nanny longer than a week."

Oh yeah I remember that – a terrible time. I felt so sorry for her and helpless because I couldn't calm her down – until – oh no, he doesn't remember that, does he?

"And so, it fell to Emily to sit with her all night long. She tried everything to calm her down. Finally, she found a song that seemed to soothe her. It was a popular song on the radio and it soon became Emily's favourite."

He did – he did remember that song. Unbelievable! Wedding Bell Blues – even I haven't thought of it for years.

"Of course, it drove me crazy – some woman complaining about how she wanted to marry a man named Bill. Not exactly Cole Porter. Emily would tease me, saying, 'If only your name was Bill, then this could be our song.'"

Oh yes I did say that, and I can't believe that you're telling everyone about it.

"Well, Emily, for tonight, and tonight only, my name is Bill, and this is our song. Hit the button, Johnny."

That is the most romantic thing that he said to me in a long time, if not the most romantic thing he ever said to me. The music begins to play as he's coming towards me.

"Your hand, madam." he says while pulling me to my feet.

"I cannot believe you remembered this song." I say to him when we're about to start the dance.

That he's still able to surprise me. The song starts and we dance. It's wonderful, he's twirling me around and I can't but think how much better everything is now than a year before. My thoughts are going back to my wedding day – our first dance forty years ago - and through the several phases of our marriage – the good and bad ones. I'm so happy that he was always at my side. Yes I'm so in love with this man. And the separation, I think we needed it. Everything's more beautiful now than before. We appreciate the other one more now. We won't take anything for granted anymore.

"We should separate more often." I say to him after another twirl.

And even though I'm joking I know that there's a little truth in it.

"Oh, bite your tongue." he answers and I can't but laugh.

The music is saying I love you so, I always will right now and that's exactly what I'm feeling when looking into his eyes. I couldn't be happier right now.

"I love you Bill." I say to him.

"I love you Emmy."

- THE END –

Thanks to everyone who read my story and even more thanks to those who reviewed. It was most appreciated. And just because I'm so curious I'd like everyone who's reading this just to left a quick review to tell me that you've read it. Thanks!