The Gilmore-Grey Union Book II: The Homecoming

By Michael Weyer

POV: Richard

Dealing with Emily on the best of days can be a trying experience. Dealing with her today has been a complete and utter nightmare.

I thought nothing could top her reaction to Lorelai getting pregnant. Obviously, I was mistaken. Then again, it is a rather unusual situation to say the least. Our granddaughter had a drunken marriage and is coming home with her new husband now.

It's been difficult to handle, what with calling Logan and then the hotel where the marriage took place. I got the fax of the license and sadly, it does appear to be legally binding. So for now, the marriage stands.

I sit back in my den, rubbing my nose as I try to figure out our next move. Emily is in the living room, probably on her third bourbon. I informed the maid that she's to be cut off now but I highly suspect Emily will simply fire her and hire another one that'll let her do it.

Right now, I have a somewhat unenviable task before me. It will be difficult but I figure it's far better if I do it than Emily, who frankly is close enough to the edge as it is. I pick up the phone and dial the number.

It takes a few moments for the line to pick up. "Hello?"

"Lorelai? It's your father."

There's a cool silence before she speaks. "Hi, Dad. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

I sigh. I know Lorelai is still upset with us for what happened with Rory. I thought it was the right thing, I still hold to that. But Lorelai could never understand the sacrifices we made for her and Rory. "Lorelai, I want to say, I don't want to make this more difficult than it already is."

"Pretty hard to do that, Dad," she notes.

"Where are you?"

"I'm at Luke's. Rory is here along with her…husband. And his sister and mother."

I blink, a bit thrown at that. "Ah. I see…Well, that might actually make things easier."

"Easier?" I note suspicion in her voice. "What are you planning, Dad?"

I take a deep breath. "I wanted to invite them to dinner this Friday. All of them, a meeting between the families."

Dead silence fills the line. "Lorelai? Lorelai, are you there?"

"Dad," she finally answers. "Have you finally lost it?"

"I beg your pardon, Lorelai!"

"Dad…you want to drag these people into the horror show that is our family gatherings? You know I swore Friday nights off after what Mom did with Christopher!"

"Lorelai, she meant well…."

"She almost broke up me and Luke!" she erupts. "I am not-----"

"Yes, you are!" I snap back. "Dammit, Lorelai, this is not about you! This is about Rory and getting this situation under control. Now, I know you have your problems with your mother and I don't expect you to just get over them right away but dammit, this is not a discussion! There are things bigger than you, Lorelai!"

"Dad…they may not be open to it."

"Then convince them." I soften my tone. "Lorelai…please. I am not going to…ambush this man. I truly do want to meet him. I think…at the least…you owe your mother and I that."

There's another silence before she sighs. "Fine…fine…I'll talk to them. But…no promises." She hangs up as do I. I sit back, breathing out as I reflect on what is about to happen.

A dinner with Emily meeting her new son-in-law and his family with Lorelai no doubt bringing Luke with her and this man's mother, sister and who knows what other relatives and their better halves.

Oh, dear God, what have I just done?