Chapter 5 - "With this ring, I thee wed."

Lorelai took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. She couldn't believe it. She was getting married in less than half an hour. It wasn't that she was nervous or scared, she just wanted to see Luke. She hadn't seen him since lunch because she had said she wanted to at least partially follow the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. What had she been thinking? Now she wanted nothing more than to see Luke's face and hear his voice. Both had always been able to calm her. Then she looked around the room and realized that he was indeed there, in all the details. Luke had told her at lunch he had managed to secure a location for the ceremony. Lorelai had been expecting one of those quickie marriage places called "The Love Shack" or something equally tacky that were almost easier to find in Vegas than black jack tables, so when the limo Luke had arranged for her brought her to a beautiful, ivy covered chapel on the outskirts of Vegas, she had been extremely surprised, and touched, because it reminded her of the church she had originally booked for their wedding. Leave it to him to try and recreate the plans she had been so excited about. Then she got an even bigger surprise when she was lead to her dressing area and found vases of daisies, red and white roses, and camellias spread around the room and a bouquet of white roses, lavender, and blue primrose waiting on the dressing table. The bouquet had a note attached to it that read, 'I don't know anything about flowers, but the lady at the flower shop assured me these symbolize love and devotion. I hope she was right. I love you, Lorelai. I always have and I always will. I'll see you soon. I'll be the one in the suit waiting to make you his wife' She had to wipe away a tear when she read what Luke had wrote. Then she started to well up even more when she remembered that right before their first kiss, Luke had told her that she was the only person he had ever bought flowers for. Now here he was picking out her wedding bouquet. This man never ceased to amaze her.

Walking over the the room's full length mirror, Lorelai checked out her reflection. As she did, she recalled what her mother had said at the bachelorette party when she was going to marry Max, about how she, Emily, had tried on her wedding dress at least a dozen times in the weeks before marrying Richard. Lorelai hadn't understood then what Emily had meant, but now she got it. She had felt that way when she found that wedding dress several months ago, but since that dress had indeed become a sign that things had gone too smoothly that time and had ended up with having way too many bad emotions as accessories that went with it, she had decided to buy another dress today. When she had spotted the dress she was now wearing, she knew it was perfect and all those feelings her mother had described resurfaced with a vengeance. The dress was strapless and had a full skirt that ended mid-calf. It was made of ivory silk and hugged her body in all the places it should. The embroidered ribbon at the dress's empire waist made her waist looked even smaller than it was and had light and dark blue flowers on it which exactly matched both her and Luke's eye color. She had decided to wear her hair down and with the natural curl in it because she knew Luke liked it that way. Her look was completed by a pair of strappy, ivory silk, high-heeled sandals. Gazing at herself in the mirror, she had never felt more beautiful than she did at that moment.

Suddenly a knock on the door brought Lorelai out of her daydreaming. "Who is it," she called. As the door opened, two people walked in that she thought would not be there. Squealing excitedly, she ran over and threw her arms around Rory and Sookie. "What . . .? When . . .? How . . .?"

Sookie seemed to understand what Lorelai was trying to say because she answered, "Luke called this morning and told us that you two had run off to Vegas to get married. He said that he knew that you would want us all here, so he offered to fly us out."

Just when Lorelai thought she could not love Luke any more than she already did, he did something that caused her to fall even deeper. "I can't believe he did that," she said quietly. "How did I, Lorelai 'the Relationship Serial Killer' Gilmore manage to get so lucky?"

"Well, look at it this way, Mom You'll soon be getting a new last name, so you'll be able to lose that moniker."

Turning to her daughter, Lorelai was at once overcome with guilt. She should have tried harder to call Rory earlier. She had tried once, but when she got voice mail, she hadn't tried again. This was the second time her daughter had to hear life changing news from Luke and not her. "Rory, I am so, so sorry . . ."

Rory pulled Lorelai into a hug and interrupted softly, "I understand, Mom. I really do. And it's okay. I could not be any happier for you than I am at this moment."

Hugging her daughter back, Lorelai said, "I'm so glad that you are here. I want you to stand up there as my witness. That is, if you want to."

"I'd be honored to," Rory replied, with tears in her eyes. She reached up and wiped them away. "Okay, enough tears. This is a happy day. Now, let's see this dress."

Lorelai stepped back, and then did a twirl. She knew she had indeed picked the right dress when both Rory and Sookie gasped.

"Oh, Lorelai," Sookie gushed, "You look absolutely radiant."

"I agree, but there is something missing." At Lorelai's quizzical look, Rory pulled something out of her purse. It was a small, velvet box about the size of her hand. When Rory opened the box, Lorelai saw that it contained the most beautiful strand of pearls that she had ever seen.

"Where did you get those," Lorelai asked. "A present form Logan?"

"Yes, they were a present, but not from Logan, though you do have the correct first initial. They were from Luke. He gave them to me for my 21st birthday last year. He told me they had been his mother's."

Lorelai could hear the emotion in Rory's voice and she knew it meant a lot to her that Luke had given her something that had once belonged to someone who had been so special to him. "They're beautiful. He really cares about you, Hun. I hope you know that."

"I do. Anyway, I brought these so you would have your 'old and borrowed'. And I stress the word BORROWED."

Lorelai laughed softly. "Message received loud and clear." She took the pearls from the box and put them on. "How do they look?"

"Perfect," both Sookie and Rory answered.

Turning back to the mirror, Lorelai saw that the pearls perfectly set off her dress and seemed to add a glow to her face. Sookie and Rory walked up behind her and gave her a hug.

"So, how do you feel? Do you feel like running this time?"

Nodding slightly, Lorelai said, "Yes, but not in the direction I did then. With Max, I was all anxious and nervous because it never felt the way I imagined it would. I never could picture myself growing old with him, and honestly the thought of doing so made me feel a little trapped. With Luke, I can't imagine growing old with anyone else. I feel more free to be myself around him because he has seen me at my absolute worst and my best and he still claims that he loves me. This time I am only anxious because I want to hurry up and become Mrs. Luke Danes." She turned to Rory. "You were right. Well, actually you both were. He's the one. I'm just glad that I finally saw it."

All three women started to tear up again, then Sookie said out of no where, "You've found your Mushroom Man."

There was a pause, then they all broke down into giggles.

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On the other side of the chapel, Luke sat polishing his shoes, totally unaware that he wife to be was coming up all kinds of nicknames for him that was cause him to cringe, blush, or both. His only thought was that he hoped she liked everything he had planned. He wanted this day to be perfect for her, to be the day that she had always dreamed about. The trouble was, besides the few things that she had mentioned about the wedding that was supposed to have taken place on June 3rd, he had nothing to go on. They had never really sat down and talked about wedding plans, so he was basically going into this blind.

"I hope that's new polish. You really don't want a repeat of what happened last time you polished your shoes for a wedding."

Luke's head snapped up at the voice of the last person in the world he expected to be attending this wedding. "Jess, what are you doing here?"

"Jeez, I can feel the love. Mom called and told me you and Lorelai had flown out here to get married. She feels bad, by the way, that she couldn't come, but the doctor put her on a no flying restriction. It's nothing serious, they just want to be extra careful due to Mom's past 'recreational activities'. Plus she and TJ have to hit the festival circuit next week or they will lose their spot by the apple doll booth. I hear it's the coveted spot to have. Anyway, I thought someone should be here to represent our family, so here I am."

Luke just sat there for a moment and started at his nephew. He was SO different than the sullen, angry teen he had been not that long ago. Not only was he wearing a suit, complete with tie, but that was the longest speech Luke had ever heard Jess make without once showing a bad attitude about something. "I'm glad you're here. I'm sorry I didn't call, but I didn't think you'd come, with the bookstore and all. Had I known, I would have gotten you a ticket."

Jess help up his hand. "Not necessary. The bookstore is actually doing pretty good. I'm not making millions, but I'm doing all right. We are even looking into expanding to other locations."

"I'm proud of you, Jess. I always knew you could do it."

"I know. And that's why I'm here. You were there for me when no one else was, so I wanted to be here for you. Especially since this is equivalent to Superman FINALLY hooking up with Lois Lane. No one ever thought it would actually happen."

Knowing that Jess was just teasing him, Luke merely rolled his eyes, and then he grew serious. "Hey, what would you think of being my best man?"

Though Jess tried to hide it, Luke could tell he was pleased. "Are you serious?"

"Well, you're here and you are already wearing a suit. Why not put it to good use?"

"Why not."

Luke pulled Jess into a one-armed man hug. "Thanks for coming, Jess. It means a lot to me."

"Anytime," Jess answered.

The two sat in comfortable silence, then something Jess said hit Luke. "Hey, you actually called Liz, 'Mom'."

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Twenty minutes later, two people stood waiting in various corridors, ready to get married. Luke followed the minister out to the sanctuary and took his place, with Jess moving to stand beside him. He looked out into the audience area and saw Sookie, Jackson, and Rory's friend, Paris, sitting there. When he spotted Emily Gilmore sitting there, looking extremely uncomfortable and out of place, his eyes widened. He hadn't actually expected her to show up. When he didn't see Richard, he wondered if Emily had come alone. The idea was almost too much of an end of the world scenario to contemplate.

As his eyes continued to look over the people in attendance, Luke noticed that there were two chairs directly across the aisle from where Emily and that each chair had a bouquet of red and white roses on it. At once he knew they were Lorelai's doing and that it was her way of honoring his parents. Not being one who cried over things, he blinked back the tears that threatened to come at Lorelai's thoughtfulness. Only she would realize how not having his parents at his wedding would affect him. After all, she was the only one who knew the true reason behind his annual "dark day". Thankfully for him, he didn't have to much time to dwell on it because the music started.

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In the hallway leading to main doors of the sanctuary, Lorelai turned to Rory and gave her a hug. "I love you, kid. And though I am marrying Luke today, know that no one will EVER take your place in my heart."

"I love you, too, Mom. And I wasn't worried. Luke would never try to come between you and I. It's one of the many reasons I love him so much," Rory said, and then she headed through the chapel's double doors.

Lorelai stood there for a moment, a bit stunned. That was the first time that Rory had ever said she loved Luke. To Lorelai, that was just one more thing confirming she was marrying the right guy. She started to step in front of the doors that Rory had just walked through, when someone suddenly came up beside her. "Dad, what are you doing here?" she said, not believing that her father was actually standing there.

"Did you really think I wouldn't want to be at my only child's wedding or that I would miss out on walking her down the aisle?"

Lorelai was touched that her dad was there, especially knowing that he really didn't like Luke or approve of him. She also know that Luke was the one responsible for her father being there because she had never called her parents to tell them of the elopement. 'Man,' she thought, 'Luke is SO getting lucky tonight' "Thanks for being here, Dad. You'll never know what it means to me."

Richard pulled Lorelai into a hug. "Hopefully as much as it means to me. I know we've had our differences in the past, Lorelai, but please know that I've only ever wanted the very best for you and to see you happy. But mostly know that I love you."

"I love you, too, Dad, but I hope that one day you'll realize that Luke is what's best for me. He is what makes me happy."

"Actually, Lorelai, I have come to realize that. He's a good man. I would have never been able to give you away to someone who wasn't," Richard said, hugging Lorelai again. "Well then, let's go get you married."

Richard held out his left arm and Lorelai placed her right arm through it. She had pictured this moment a thousand times since she was a little girl, but she had never realized the sheer happiness she would feel at the moment. She was just about to step forward when she felt Richard hold her back. "Dad?"

"I just wanted to tell you how very beautiful you look."

Lorelai smiled. "Thank you."

Squeezing Lorelai hand, Richard reached out and pushed open the double doors, which signaled a change in the music. A piano version of "Through the Eyes of Love" (from the movie "Ice Castles") started playing. As Lorelai stepped into the room, she saw Sookie and Jackson as well as Paris. Then she saw her mom, which surprised her, but seeing as her father was there, maybe it shouldn't have. Then she looked to the front of the room. Rory was standing there on the bride's side and on the groom's side, Lorelai was shocked to see Jess. Though she had never been a fan of his, she was glad he was there for Luke. Her eyes moved a little to the left and fell on the man she loved. She nearly gasped out loud at just how devastatingly handsome he looked. He was wearing a black suit, white shirt, and silvery blue tie. The suit was obviously from a designer label and enhanced his tall, athletic frame. His dark hair was falling down around the corner of his eyes in the way she liked. But what drew her in the most was the look of love written on his face.

The moment Lorelai walked through the doors on her father's arm, Luke had not been able to look at anything else but her. She looked like a vision. She was breathtakingly beautiful and he could not believe that he was lucky enough to be the one marrying her. He noted, with an internal smile, she was carrying the bouquet of flowers he had picked out for her.

Though it seemed like an eternity, it only took a few short moments for Lorelai and Richard to make their way down the aisle. Luke and Lorelai never took their eyes off each other the whole time. As the minister, an older, distinguished-looking gentleman by the name of Reverend Sebastian, stepped forward, Lorelai mouthed "Thank you." She hoped Luke would understand what she meant it for.

Luke seemed to because he smiled softly, and then mouthed back, "You're welcome."

Reverend Sebastian opened up the book he was holding and looked out at the crowd. "Beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love of two very special people - Lucas Danes and Lorelai Gilmore. From what I have learned about this couple, I come to realize that they share a love that so few people ever find. That kind of love must be nurtured and cherished. It is the duty of not only the two people in front of me who are about to be wed, but also the family and friends who join them here today. Now, who gives this woman to be wed?"

"Her mother and I do," Richard answered. He leaned forward and kissed Lorelai on the forehead, then hugged her. As Luke stepped forward, Richard stuck out his hand. Luke grasped it and the two men shook hands. "I'm placing my most valued treasure in your hands. Take care of her," he said softly.

"I will, sir," Luke replied, knowing that he had just received Richard's approval.

Richard went to join his wife and Luke moved to stand beside Lorelai. Without even being prompted to, they clasped hands. Reverend Sebastian again began speaking. "Lucas William Danes, do you promise to love this woman in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad, forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Luke answered in a strong, clear voice as he looked into Lorelai's eyes.

"Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, do you promise to love this man in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad, forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Lorelai responded, without a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Lucas and Lorelai have decided to recite their own vows." Reverend Sebastian turned toward Luke. "Lucas, we'll start with you."

Luke turned fully toward Lorelai. "A little over ten years ago a woman walked into my diner and changed my life forever, though I didn't realize it that the time. Slowly over those years, I fell in love with that woman, though I tried to fight it because I never thought she would ever be with a man like me. And when I couldn't fight it anymore, I tried to hide it. When I couldn't hide it any longer, I kissed her and suddenly the world just seemed to make sense. Lorelai, I know we've had our rough spots, but we always seem to work our way through them and come out stronger. I love you and will continue to love you no matter what happens." Luke reached into his pocket and pulled something out. It was a beautiful ring in platinum with emerald cut diamonds circling the band. "This was the ring my father gave my mother for their 10th wedding anniversary. They didn't have much money at the time, but when Dad saw Mom admiring this ring in the window of a jewelry shop one day, he wanted her to have it. He saved up for a year to get it for her. Right before she died, she gave it to me and told me to give it to the woman who one day captured my heart, that hopefully it would bring us the same happiness that she had with Dad." As Luke paused for a moment, sniffling could be heard from the pews and all the women, and Jackson, could be seen wiping their eyes. Luke took a deep breath and then continued, "I promise to honor, cherish, and love you for as long as I am alive. So, with this ring, I thee wed." He took Lorelai's hand and slipped the ring on her finger.

Lorelai took a moment to take in both the beautiful ring on her finger, which amazingly fit perfectly - like it had been made for her - as well as all that Luke had just said. She was trying everything in her power not to start crying at his beautiful words, not only to her, but about his parents, who he spoke about so rarely. Then she noticed that the minister was raising his eyebrows at her and she realized it was her turn to recite her vows. After handing her bouquet to Rory, she began, "As a child I always loved fairy tales. Maybe it was a precursor to my movie obsession. Anyway, though I loved all the stories, I never truly believed in Prince Charming. He seemed a little too perfect for me. No man I had ever met seemed to fit into that mold. But who knew that Prince Charming likes to wear a backwards baseball cap instead of crown and drives a truck instead of riding a white horse. No wonder I couldn't find him." This caused everyone to laugh. "From the first moment I met you, I knew you were someone I could depend on. You became my rock and one of my best friends. I have always felt safe with you. No matter what else was going on in my life, when everything seemed to be falling apart, I knew as long as I could just get to you, then everything would suddenly not seem so bad. It took me a long time to realize what that feeling was - it was love. Luke, you are the only man I have ever truly loved and, even more importantly, completely trusted. You've made me understand what it's like to feel cherished and it's in the small things you don't even realize that you are doing. On our first date you told me you were in, you were all in. I now return those sentiments to you. I promise to honor, respect, love, and cherish you for as long as I have breath in my body. Luke, with this ring, I thee wed." Lorelai took the gold ring that Rory handed to her and placed it on Luke's finger.

After the rings were exchanged, Reverend Sebastian again started speaking. "These two have exchanged rings as a sign of their commitment to one another. Just as a ring is solid and unbroken, so hopefully will be this marriage. Now, by the power invested in me by God, the church, and the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife. Luke, you may kiss your bride."

Smiling broadly, Luke reached out his right arm, wrapped it around Lorelai's waist and pulled her to him. He leaned down and kissed her, softly yet passionately. When they pulled away, they were both grinning.

"I now present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Danes."

This was met with loud cheering. Amid the noise, Luke leaned over and whispered in Lorelai's ear. "Hi, Mrs. Danes."

"Hello yourself, Handsome."

Luke only grinned wider. "Hey, Lorelai."

"Yes, Luke."

"We just got married."

Lorelai laughed softly. "It's about time."

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Author's note: The ring Luke gave Lorelai was something that I just felt Luke would do. After all, he did give Rory his mom's pearls. I also think it would be something Liz would support. Despite all her screw-ups in the past, I believe she is a good person who truly does love her brother and would do whatever she could for him. She also seems to really like Lorelai. Even when Luke was still "married" (again I use air quotes because it was a marriage by paper only) to Nicole, Liz kept pushing Luke toward Lorelai. Why else would she give Luke a pair of earrings and tell him to give them to Lorelai or his wife, whom she never even calls by name. I wanted to have Liz at the wedding, but there were already too may people in the story to write a really intimate one, which it was I wanted this to be.

Jess was never supposed to make an appearance when I originally wrote the outline for this story. But then one of my reviewers asked if he was going to show up and, suddenly, he was there demanding to be put into the story. Darn, punk kids. ; ) When Jess first hit the Gilmore Girl's scene, I could not stand his character, but then sometime around "Luke Can See Her Face", he started to grow on me. The scenes between Luke and Jess after TJ's bachelor party and after Liz's wedding are some of my all time favorites. Because of that, I decided that it just made sense after all that Luke and Jess went through that Jess would want to be at Luke's wedding and of his own accord. I'm still toying with the idea of bringing him back for the sequel to this story and maybe putting in a little Jess/Rory sub story.