AN: Hey sorry it took me so long to update, I just really couldn't deicide if this would be the last chapter or not, and how to write it.
THis is the last chapter, if you would like me to to a sequel, which may be hard to write I will, or I could start a brand new story.
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Chapter 9...The magic of fireworks.
Over the next few days, the final details of Chris's will were finalized, including the decision that Lorelai would have permanent custody of Gigi. Gigi was very excited to pack her things and move to Lorelai's house. When they got back to Stars Hollow, Rory and Gigi shared a room, since there was no extra space at Lorelai's house. They started making plans for an addition to the house to make things more comfortable for everyone. Luke and Lorelai didn't talk too much after they came home from California. Lorelai took Gigi to the diner for meals, and sometimes and Gigi would help Luke with simple jobs. Luke could not say no to her, and they enjoyed spending time together. Luke and Lorelai did not move beyond their friendship as they were both afraid to make the first move and get hurt all over again.
5 weeks later...
On the 4th of July, Lorelai and Gigi head over to Luke's for lunch.
"Hi Luke!" Gigi says once he comes out of the kitchen.
"Hey kiddo, what would you like to eat?" He glances over at Lorelai who is looking down at the counter.
"Um.May I please have a hamburger, fries, and a salad." She says in a polite tone.
"Sure, and Lorelai?" Lorelai doesn't answer.
"Lorelai?" He says a little louder to get her attention.
"Oh what, sorry, I'll have the same, minus the salad, and add some coffee."
"Coming right up, I'll get you your coffee."
He leaves and 10 minutes later comes out with their food.
"So Luke, are you going to the 4th of July fireworks party in the town square tonight?" Lorelai asks.
"Actually yeah I'm going."
"What?" She sounds shocked.
"Yeah, I like fireworks. Other town festivals are annoying but this is one
I happen to like."
"Yay we can watch fireworks together!" Gigi pipes in.
"Yeah okay, so we should get going. See you around Luke." She waves and leaves the diner very quickly with Gigi close behind her. She still doesn't know where things stand with Luke. Maybe the festival will help move things along.
Lorelai heads over to the Inn with Gigi. After getting her settled in her office with some books and toys, she heads to the kitchen to talk with Sookie.
"Hey Sookie." Lorelai greets her and sits on the stool while eating a cookie off the counter.
"Hey Lorelai, Uh-Oh, what's wrong?" She puts the wooden spoon down.
"Nothing why?"
"Because I know that face and that face says something is wrong, now tell me."
"Well, so much has happened in the last month or so. Christopher, and now taking care of Gigi full time."
"Yes." She says sympathetically.
"Well, Luke was so supportive in California. He was so great and now that we are back home it's like we are not even friends anymore. I just don't know where we stand with each other and I hate not knowing. Am I being to hard on him?"
"Well maybe you should bring it up first. See what he says and go from there."
"I guess so. He is going to the fireworks festival tonight. Maybe I should just talk to him then, but I'm not sure how to bring it up."
"Just act natural and let the conversation flow from there. You'll find a way to bring the subject up."
"Thanks Sookie."
"So how are things going with Gigi?" Sookie asks curiously.
"Good, considering everything she has been through over the past few months. She seems to be adjusting well, even though she barely knew me a few weeks ago."
By 7:00 that night, Lorelai, Gigi and Rory are just about ready to leave for the festival. Rory goes to check on Lorelai's progress.
"So Mom are you almost ready?"
"I have nothing to wear." Clothes are scattered all over the floor and bed.
"Mom, we are only going to watch fireworks and unless you plan on hitting on them tonight then there is no reason to get dressed up."
"I don't want to get dressed up. I just want to look nice."
"Right." Rory rolls her eyes. She knows Luke is going to be there and that is why her Mom is going crazy, but Rory thinks its better not to mention that to Lorelai.
"Well at least hurry up." Rory says as she goes downstairs.
"No promises!" Lorelai yells from her room.
Finally, Lorelai, Rory and Gigi arrive at the festival. Lorelai managed to stay away from most town functions since the break up with Luke and since she got back from California. Many town residents stare at Lorelai with a mixture of sorrow, sympathy and disgust.
"Aunt Lorelai, why are people looking at you funny?" Gigi asks.
Lorelai does not know what to say. Rory sees her stumbling for the right words to respond to Gigi's question, and jumps in the conversation.
"Let's find a place to set up our blanket". Gigi forgets about her question and looks for a good spot on the grass.
Rory and Gigi sit on the blanket but Lorelai continues standing and looking around.
"Mom, are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Rory, do you see Luke anywhere?"
"Um, no, Mom I haven't but doesn't he hate festivals?"
"Yes, but he told us this morning that he would be here. He said he loves fireworks."
"This in Luke language means he loves you." Rory mumbles.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, listen I'm sure he'll be here."
"Ohh Rory can we get cotton candy?" Gigi asks her big sister.
"Sure kiddo let's go." They both leave Lorelai standing alone.
As Lorelai continues to scan the crowd for Luke, Miss Patty walks over to her.
"Hi dear, how are you?" She asks. Lorelai is slow to respond, since about 4 months ago Patty wouldn't even speak to Lorelai.
"Oh I'm fine Patty, thanks."
"Listen I just wanted to apologize for the way myself and the town acted towards you before. You've been through a lot in the past few months."
"It's okay Patty really, I deserved it." Patty slowly nods and walks away. Taylor comes on the horn and says the fireworks will start in 20 minutes.
Lorelai is still standing by herself when she hears a voice.
"So it looks like the town has forgiven you."
She turns around and sees Luke standing behind her.
"Hey, you came out." She says ignoring his last comment.
"I told you I like fireworks."
"Well, yes, I know that but you hate town festivals."
"I was thinking maybe this one won't be so bad."
She looks away from him and smiles.
"So, where are the girls?" He asks.
"They went to get cotton candy. Luke, I…" Lorelai is interrupted by Gigi and Rory running back with their treats.
"Luke!" Gigi yells and jumps on him.
"Hey kiddo," He picks her up. "Are you ready for the fireworks?"
"Yeah!" Luke smiles a little and puts her back down.
The fireworks are scheduled to start in a few minutes. Rory and Gigi sit on the
Blanket, staring up into the sky in anticipation. Lorelai stands next to Luke, looking down at her feet trying to gather her courage.
"So."
"So.."
"I'm sorry." They say at the same time.
"What are you sorry for?"
"For everything Luke. I'm sorry I hurt you. Even after all that, you fly out to California with me. I don't deserve to have a man like you in my life."
"Hey, I know you are sorry. We talked and I forgave you. I will always be here for you Lorelai, no matter what. Please always remember that."
"I will.I promise." They stand facing where the fireworks are going to start when Luke turns Lorelai to face him and takes her hands in his. This surprises her a little.
"I love you Lorelai, so much and I never want to lose you again."
She smiles and doesn't say a word. She leans forward and kisses him, he wraps his arms around her and kisses her back. As soon as the kiss intensifies the fireworks shoot off in the backround and Gigi walks up to the kissing couple.
"Aunt Lorelai, you are missing the show." She smiles at Gigi then back at Luke.
"No I'm not." She says softly and they kiss as the fireworks continue going off in front of them.
You see, no matter what happens in our lives, if you truly love a person magic will happen that leads you back to them. It's fate, as Lorelai would say.
The End