"Hey sweets." Lorelai said when she came back from the diner and plopped down on the couch next to Rory who was flicking through the channels. Rory switched the TV off.

"Hey Mom."

"So you went to New York." Lorelai said.

"I went to New York."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Lorelai asked.

"I don't know. I didn't know I was going. I mean I went to the bus stop and then came home everyday for two weeks, then one day I got on the bus and ended up in New York."

"Why didn't you tell him then?" Lorelai inquired.

"I lost my nerve on the bus ride. It took me most of the day to get up the courage to go to where he works and ask to speak to him. They told me he'd be right out. I waited fifteen minutes and couldn't do it. So I left him a note and ran back to the bus as fast as I could." A tear ran down her cheek.

"I would have gone with you if you had asked." Lorelai told her.

"I know Mom, but this is something I had to do by myself. I'm the one who got pregnant; I should be responsible for telling him."

"I know." She paused. "How did it feel to have him turn up on the doorstep?"

"Have you ever been so stunned to see someone that the words just don't come out?" Rory asked.

"Unfortunately more times than I can count."

"I had to have him tell me what he was reading just so I'd have a minute."

"You two always did talk best about books. And I never did think you'd be able to stun Jess into silence."

"I know."

"So did you get a chance to talk at Luke's?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I told him if he wanted to be involved then he could be, but I rather he didn't just turn up randomly when it suits him like it does Dad and I told him what you said about Judge Judy."

"And what did he say?" Lorelai asked inwardly smiling about Judge Judy.

"He doesn't want to be a deadbeat like his dad."

"That's good."

"He wants to move back to Stars Hollow and help out."

"That might be worth a brownie point for doing the right thing." Lorelai had to admit.

"He offered to take care of the baby when I go back to school next fall so we don't have to figure out day care."

"Jess offered?" Lorelai didn't quite believe it. "What happened to him?"

"I think he's trying to do the right thing."

"It's a better offer than I got from your father, despite the parent inspired proposal. What did you say?"

"That he should really think it over before he makes any life changing decisions and offers."

"Does Jess even know anything about babies?" Lorelai inquired.

"No. But he said he can get some books, Dr Spock."

"I hate be the one to tell you this but you can't learn about being a parent from a book, you can learn some of the basics but it's more of an on the job training kind of deal."

"I know. But at least in theory he's willing to stick around and is trying to make an effort. That's a lot more than you would have given him credit for."

"True." Lorelai had to admit. "How do you feel about him moving back here?"

"It would be nice to have someone to help me through everything; before you say anything I know you're going to be there with me every step of the way but…"

"You're still in love with him." Lorelai stated.

"Mom that's not what it's about."

"I didn't hear you deny it."

"Mom when he came back for his car he told me he loved me and drove off. The night I got pregnant he asked me to run away with him."

"Still not hearing a denial."

"How about confusion?" Rory offered.

"Confusion is acceptable. But kid you have to face the fact that he could run again. He's done it before when things have gotten tough."

"I know."

"Enough Jess talk for one afternoon. Want to watch a movie?"

"Sure." Rory agreed.

"Bringing up baby? Three men and a baby?"

"Anything non-baby related."

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

"Jess." Luke said when he finally had a chance to get upstairs.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Jess asked from he was lying on the bed.

"It wasn't my place to say anything. Rory was always planning on telling you. She just needed a little time."

"A heads up would have been nice."

"So how are you feeling about it?"

"Would it be okay if I moved back in here and worked in the diner?" Jess asked.

"You want to move back to Stars Hollow?"

"I'm not going to be like Jimmy. I'm going to be around."

"Okay." Luke agreed. "What did Rory say?"

"To think about it before I made any life altering decisions. This is life altering, the decision is just practical."

"Jess I think moving back here and taking responsibility is great, but if you're going to run because it's going to be too hard do it now, and don't let Rory think you're going to stick around and run later." Luke warned.

"I'm planning on sticking around Uncle Luke." Jess confirmed.

TBC