It has been almost six months since the exciting Thanksgiving that led to Lorelai's marriage to Christopher. Once we returned to Connecticut, my family was now a topic of conversation, but thankfully it was in a good way. All the girls wanted to know why and how we kept all of this a secret. Fortunately, now all anyone asks is "How are Lorelai and Christopher enjoying married life?" and that is a question that I am always thrilled to answer.
It is nice that we have continued our Friday family dinners. I enjoy the family portrait that sits around the table each week. At this specific dinner, I have realized that this is the best opportunity to urge Lorelai to agree to a new family portrait that could include everyone. We have enjoyed our drinks and have moved to the table. I have been hinting at pictures all evening, but it is time to just say it.
"Lorelai, Christopher, it is time for you to consider having a family portrait of your family." They both seem to be taken aback by this comment. Rory is also giving Lorelai an encouraging look. Yet again, I am clueless as to what is going on at my table.
"Well, Mom." Lorelai starts, but I have learned that it is never good when she starts out with that. "A portrait may be better once our family is complete. Like in six months or so." She said this matter of factly with a smile creeping on her face as she looked to Rory who was also smiling.
"What do you mean complete?" At this I got the biggest smile to my face, Rory must be getting married. After all, she is about to graduate from Yale, and she and Logan seemed to be doing very well when I last saw them together. How exciting this wedding will be. Surely Rory will let me assist in the preparations, unlike her mother. That would explain the look Rory is giving to Lorelai, but why would she not tell us before now that she is getting married? We will need to begin wedding preparations immediately! Then as my thoughts race through my head I have to ask: "Is Rory getting married!" I nearly jump out of my seat with all of my enthusiasm but attempt to remain somewhat composed.
At this, the entire table, minus Richard and me, erupts into laughter. I suppose now that the answer to my initial question is no. However, regardless of the answer to that question, it is completely out of line for them to laugh at me/my question in the manner that they are laughing!
"No, Grandma, I am not getting married. Right, Mom?" Rory says something to Lorelai in a way that makes Lorelai quit laughing, compose herself and say: "We're having a baby." With that Christopher grabbed Lorelai's hand and smiled while Lorelai rubbed her stomach with her other hand.
"What?" I ask as though I did not hear or understand what Lorelai said. Surely I misheard what was said.
"Christopher and I are expecting a baby, bundle of joy, bambino…You two are going to have another grandchild!" She seemed genuinely excited about this baby.
Richard speaks first by offering "Congratulations! This calls for a cigar!" He seems excited, but as usual he is not thinking things through all the way. As excited as I am for a new grandchild, I just worry about things, such as Lorelai's advanced age.
"No thanks, Dad. I can't smoke right now, but maybe in a year or so." Lorelai tells him trying to hold in some laughter. This is a classic Lorelai comment.
"Well Lorelai, I was speaking to your husband, but I am sure we can find something for you!" He then got up, embraced Lorelai, then started retreating to his study for cigars with Christopher.
"Congratulations. When are you due? What is it going to be? How long have you known? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" All of these questions started flying out of my mouth, and as shocked as I was to hear them, I was more surprised when she answered them.
"Wow 20 questions putting me instantly on the spot. Honey, do you think it is too late to take that job in Seattle?" She laughs to Rory since Christopher and Richard have retreated for male bonding. Seattle! I hope that she is joking! She can't move to Seattle. I don't see her enough now, and she currently lives less than 2 miles away in that beautiful house that Christopher bought especially for her and now she is going to have a baby. Lorelai answered my questions, but I was too busy thinking about how different this time around is going from the last time that Lorelai let it slip that she was pregnant.
As we end tonight's dinner, I am excited at the prospect of having a new grandchild. Richard could not be more excited about the new baby, and continues to pat Christopher on the back as if he has discovered a cure for some rare disease. This time around, I am confident that Christopher and Lorelai will not shut me out of their lives along with the new baby!