"Mom, I'm leaving now!" Lorelai called as she grabbed her backpack from the kitchen table.
"Hey, is Chris coming over tonight?" Joan called from her bedroom.
"Tell me you didn't forget it's our one year anniversary? It's the only thing I've talked about for the last two weeks." Lorelai replied as leaned her head into her mother's door.
"I didn't forget." Joan remarked. "That's why I was asking. I thought maybe he'd like to stop by here first for some pictures before you take off to whatever it is he has planned for you."
"He says it's a big surprise." Lorelai smiled. "I'm almost afraid of what he has in store. You know, Chris."
"Alright, well, I'll have the camera ready just in case."
"Awesome. Gotta go, I'm running late." Lorelai quickly kissed Joan on the check and turned to leave.
Once she walked onto the school yard, she met up with Sookie.
"Hey!" Sookie replied as she came bursting forth with energy. "Today's the big day! One whole year!"
"I know…. I'm expecting like a medal, or a special news broadcast…" Lorelai retorted.
"Aw, you guys are just so sweet together." Sookie smiled. "Did you know that you and Chris have the third longest relationship in the school?"
"No. How do you know something like that?"
"I asked around. Turns out Jimmy Stevens and Laura Ratcliff have been dating a year and a half. Ryan Starr and Katie Frontier have been together two years, and of course we have Kyle Robins and Lilly Anderson who have been together since the fourth grade."
"Fourth grade?" Lorelai asked. "Wow, I didn't even acknowledge boys in fourth grade."
"Yeah." Sookie sighed. "That's a record no one's gonna beat. I honestly believe they'll get married once they graduate."
"Good for them." Lorelai replied. "I'm sorry, Sook, but I have to get to Spanish 2. I'm totally going to be late."
"It's cool. I just wanted to wish you a happy anniversary. And I want all the details later." Sookie winked.
Lorelai laughed. "Alright… it's a deal."
As soon as Lorelai was about to reach her Spanish class a bouquet of flowers suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Oh, Christopher." Lorelai gasped. "They're beautiful."
"All your favorites." Chris replied as he handed them over. "I'll see you after class, I know you're running late." He leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I love you." He whispered in her ear.
As she walked into Spanish a loud "Awwwww." Was heard from all the girls. Lorelai smiled, she was so proud of her and Chris' relationship.
After the longest school day of her life, Lorelai waited patiently outside for Chris. Finally, she saw him coming down the steps.
"Hello, beautiful." He greeted as he wrapped his arms around her.
"So, what's the big surprise?" Lorelai asked. "I'm dying to know."
"I never should have told you there was a surprise." Chris laughed. "I should have known it would be the first question out of your mouth every time you see me. Be ready to leave at 4:00. I have to run home and borrow my aunt's car."
"I still cant believe she is letting you drive. You've only had your license for 3 weeks."
"She knows I'm a good driver. Plus, she knows how important tonight is." Chris took Lorelai's hand. "I'll pick you up at 4:00, okay?"
"Okay." Lorelai said softly as she stood smiling from ear to ear.
He kissed her on the cheek and headed off in his direction.
Once at her house, Lorelai changed clothes and touched up her hair and make up. By 4:00 she was waiting anxiously by the door.
"He still hasn't told you anything about the surprise?" Joan asked.
"No." Lorelai replied distractedly as she continued to stare out the window.
"And you cant take the time for just a couple of pictures?"
"Mom, he said to be ready to leave by 4:00. So, no, no pictures." Lorelai's voice was rushed and quick.
Joan sighed. "Okay, well, perhaps when you come back then."
Lorelai clenched the curtain as she saw the car pull into the drive way. "He's here…" she turned around and faced Joan. "Do I look okay?"
"You look marvelous." Joan smiled.
Lorelai smiled also. "Okay… I'll be home later." Lorelai glanced down at the dog who was laying quietly on the floor. "Bye, Anna." She bent down and gave the dog a friendly pet.
"Have a good time, sweetheart."
Lorelai opened the door and skipped out to the car. Chris opened the door for her and then shut it after she was in. He gazed up at the window and saw Joan staring at them. He waved, and received one as well. He hurried to his side of the car and then pulled out of the driveway.
"So, can you finally tell me where we're going?" Lorelai asked.
"I'll give you a hint." Chris replied. "It's one of your favorite places to eat."
"But I have a thousand favorite places to eat." Lorelai remarked.
"Well, like it I said it's one of them. Then, we're going to watch a movie. And then, you'll get your big surprise."
Lorelai noticed that Chris was about to take the Hartford exit. "We're going to Hartford?"
"Yes, we are." Chris smiled.
Lorelai quickly began to think of restaurants that she enjoyed in Hartford. Only two could come to mind. The Olive Garden, and Le Bretagne. She hadn't eaten at Le Bretagne since Emily had died. It was far too expensive for her and Joan. Considering and comparing the two, she had pretty much assumed they were going to the Olive Garden but she didn't want to spoil it, so she kept her assumption to herself.
Minutes later, when they pulled up beside Le Bretagne, Lorelai's heart nearly stopped.
"Chris, you're joking?"
"I'm not." Chris replied as he turned off the car.
"This place is so expensive. Even Richard only came here for special occasions."
"You said you remember having the best meals here at Le Bretagne. That you hadn't eaten here since you were a little girl, and that you would love to eat here again sometime."
"I said that months ago." Lorelai replied.
"Which was a good thing, it took that long to get this reservation." Chris smiled.
"Oh, Chris… I don't know what to say."
"How about, Je t'aime."
Lorelai smiled. "I do love you, I love you very much."
"Come on, our reservations start at 5:00."
Lorelai ate all of her favorite foods that she hadn't eaten in years. The movie was romantic and funny, and the entire evening had been blessed with an atmosphere of simplicity and bliss. Lorelai had never felt more in love in her entire life.
Chris slowly pulled the car up to the lakefront. He turned off the ignition and faced Lorelai. "This was my favorite place to come when I was a kid. My cousins and I would play baseball over there, and my family would have hot dogs and hamburgers all day long ready for us to eat. My dad would bring out his boat and we'd go sailing."
"Sounds like it was really special." Lorelai replied as she snuggled closer in his arms.
"It was. Have you had a good time tonight?"
"Oh, Chris, this night has been so amazing. I never want it to end." Lorelai honestly replied.
Chris reached inside his pocket. "Well, you can finally have your big surprise now."
"Oh, I've been having such a great time I forgot about it." Lorelai laughed.
He handed her a small box. She took it and opened it. A diamond ring set inside it.
Lorelai quickly closed the box. "Oh my God…" She said as her eyes bulged from her head.
Chris laughed. "Wait a second, let me explain. It's not a wedding ring. We're much too young for that." He brushed a piece of hair back behind her ear. "It's a promise ring." He said softly. "I promise, to be yours. Only yours. And forever yours, as long as you'll have me."
Lorelai opened the box up again. She removed the ring and stared at it. "My mother will freak if I wear a ring from you. And the kids at school, they will all assume it's an engagement ring, the rumors will fly, you know how they are."
"You don't have to wear it." Chris replied. "Not until you feel comfortable about it. You can keep it by your bed each night, if that's what you want. Just know that it represents my love for you. It holds all my promises." Chris kissed her gently and passionately on the lips, not quitting for several minutes.
"Oh, God." Lorelai moaned as their make out session continued to get heavier. "I love you so much, Chris."
"I love you, too." Chris breathlessly replied.
Slowly, articles of clothing started to disappear from their bodies. Each kiss leading them deeper and deeper into a place they'd never been. The thought of stopping crossed Lorelai's mind for a split second, but then quickly vanished as her emotions overpowered her.