I heard crying for what seemed like the millionth time that night. I slowly got out of bed and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. I went into Elle's room and got her out of the bed, I sat down in the rocking chair and began to feed her and slowly rocked back and forth with my head resting against the back of the chair. It was my first night taking care of her alone, for the first 2 weeks Jake had stayed here with me, only he slept on the couch. He was going out of town for the weekend and had an early flight so he had stayed at his place tonight.
Once Elle was done eating I laid on her my shoulder and began to burp her. I thought about the past 2 weeks, they had been great. I was on maternity leave for the next few weeks so I had been just enjoying my time getting to know my daughter. She was still just as beautiful, her hair had a slight curl to it and her eyes were still the same green. She was still an easygoing baby, with the exception of tonight. I might be crazy and maybe it isn't even possible, but I really think that she just misses her daddy. She is definitely a daddy's girl and already is wrapped around his little finger.
Jake had been great, every time she cried in the night he would get up and bring her to me, and he had already changed more than his share of dirty diapers. We had decided to wait a few more months for our wedding, his parents have a little cabin up in New York that we were planning on going to for our honeymoon and wanted Elle to be a little older before we left her.
Luke and Lorelai had also been very helpful. Luke had provided every meal for the first week for free, we get charged now, but anytime the diner is open he'll make us whatever we want and bring it up. Lorelai spends a lot of her free time with us; she is great with Elle. She even convinced Jake and I to go out for the night while she watched her, we only stayed out about an hour, but it was still nice. Luke and Lorelai both just adore Elle, I'm just waiting to hear that they are having their own little baby.
Elle finally fell asleep and I went back to bed. As much as it stinks being woken up every few hours, I really did love it.
…
At around 9:00 I was up and had Elle all dressed and ready to go. I was tired of staying home, especially when it was just Elle and I so I decided we would run some errands today. Our first stop was breakfast, which only required going downstairs, but it was still an adventure for us.
I picked up Elle and started walking to the door, I paused for a moment debating whether or not I should bring her carrier, but I quickly remembered that it would not be needed. I walked in the diner and saw Lorelai sitting at a table alone and I went to join her.
Lorelai took one look at me and asked, "Bad night?"
"I really look that bad?" I asked.
"No, you just look tired."
"The little booger didn't want to sleep last night," I said.
Lorelai reached for Elle, "Well she is already the cutest little booger, she doesn't need her beauty sleep."
I handed Elle to Lorelai, "She might not, but her mommy sure does."
Lorelai gave me a sympathetic look, "Do you need me to take her for a little while?"
"Maybe later, I'm fine for now. Its just been different with Jake gone and it didn't help that Alyssa called last night."
"And?" Lorelai asked, she knew Alyssa and Ty had been talking to my parents about my wedding.
I shook my head and quietly said, "They're not coming, they want nothing to do with it, or me, or Elle."
Lorelai placed a comforting hand on my arm, "I'm sorry hon, I know you wanted them to be there."
I shrugged my shoulders, "Oh well, maybe it'll be better this way, less drama for sure. Besides it's my own fault, I should've handled everything differently."
"Grace don't blame yourself for this, you did nothing wrong. They should come and they are the stupid ones for shutting you out and not even trying to fix things. You have tried time and time again to talk with them and work things out, they are the ones who should've handled things differently."
"Yeah, I guess," I said.
I sat and watched Lorelai play with Elle for a minute; "I changed my mind, would you mind watching Elle for a couple hours? I think I want to go try and lay down for awhile."
"Sure hon, I'm glad to." She said, although I'm pretty sure she didn't believe me.
"I just fed her so she should be fine, but if you need anything just come up and get me."
Lorelai said she would and I headed upstairs.
…
Still in the diner
Nobody's POV
Luke walked over to the table soon after Grace went upstairs, "Where did Grace go?" He asked Lorelai.
"Upstairs to try and get some sleep, Elle apparently was keeping her awake last night."
"Are you sure that was it? She seemed upset." Luke said.
"Her parents refuse to come to her wedding or come see her, they won't even come see Elle." Lorelai said as she looked at the sleeping baby in her arms.
"That's ridiculous!" Luke exclaimed, he was quickly getting angry, "How hard is it to come to a wedding? Or to come see their daughter and granddaughter."
"I know, but there's nothing we can do about it, trust me I know plenty of people like her parents, they won't change their minds." Lorelai said, keeping her voice calm so she wouldn't walk Elle.
"She just needs new parents," Luke mumbled under his breath.
Lorelai heard what he said, "That's it! Luke that's a great idea! Can you get away from the diner? We have some planning to do!"
Luke agreed, even though he had no idea what she was talking about.
…
Grace's apartment
Grace's POV
I went upstairs and collapsed on the bed, I knew Lorelai was right, but I didn't want to admit it. If it stayed my problem it meant that I could fix it, or at least try to. The minute it was turned over to them I would have no control, and I knew they wouldn't do anything.
I didn't want to think about it anymore, I needed a distraction, I needed Jake. I got my phone and dialed his number.
"Hey babe." I heard him say, it was good to hear his voice.
"Hey," I replied softly.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm just exhausted, your daughter kept me awake all night."
"My daughter? She's just my daughter now?"
I laughed, "When she keeps me up all night, she's your daughter."
"I missed you guys last night, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help."
"You couldn't help it, you had to go."
"I know, I still missed you though. Do you want to tell me what else is wrong now?"
There was no use in hiding anything from him, he knew me too well, "It's just my parents, they refuse to come to the wedding, but it'll be fine I'll get over it"
"You shouldn't have to just get over it."
"I know, but like I said I'll be fine."
"Ok well you go get some rest, and call me if you need to talk."
"I will, I love you."
"Love you too, give Elle a big kiss for me."
I hung up the phone and fell fast asleep.
…
I woke up hours later to my stomach grumbling, I turned to look at the clock and saw that it was almost 1:00pm. I couldn't believe I had slept that long, and where were Lorelai and Elle? Elle should've needed to be fed hours ago. I turned over and saw a note sitting on the pillow next to mine. I wiped my eyes and picked it up.
Hey Sleeping Beauty!
I hope you had a nice nap! When I came up to get you, you were dead asleep and I couldn't wake you (serious, I tried). I got Elle's things and we are hanging out at my house. Don't worry, she's been fed and is fine! Come over whenever you are ready, there's no rush!
Lorelai
That would explain a few things, I hadn't thought I was that tired but I must have been. I went over to the kitchen and quickly made myself a sandwich to go. I walked downstairs and waved to Luke as I walked through the diner. I decided just to walk over to Lorelai's, passing several townspeople on the way, I waved to all of them and continued walking.
I walked in the door and saw Lorelai sitting on the couch watching TV, "Hey!" I called to her.
She turned and smiled, "Hey, how are you feeling?"
"Much better, I didn't realize I was so tired!" I told her before asking, "Where's Elle?"
Lorelai pointed towards Rory's room, "Asleep, she's been out for about an hour now, she sleeps just like you."
I laughed and sat down on the couch next to Lorelai, "Dead to the world?"
"Exactly. You know I think I have a bruise," She said as she began examining her arm.
"A bruise? What did I do to you?" I asked.
"Well I first just tried calling your name to wake you up, then when that didn't work I tried just kind of poking you, but that didn't work either so I put my arm on your shoulder and that's when you smacked me! Then you just rolled right over and continued sleeping and that's when I gave up."
I laughed, "Sorry about that, I don't really like to be woken up."
"It's ok I'm used to it, Rory can be just as violent." Elle started to cry in the other room and I started to get up and get her when Lorelai stopped me, "You sit, I'll get her."
She went and got Elle and handed Elle and her bottle to me. We sat and talked for a long time after that, I was feeling a lot better about everything, I didn't need my parents I had Luke and Lorelai. At least that's what I kept telling myself, I wanted Elle to have grandparents and while she did have Jake's parents I wanted her to have mine as well. Once Elle fell back asleep, I decided it was time to head home.
…
The weekend had past slowly, but Jake was finally home again. It was great to have him back and I even think Elle was happier. It was also great because he was home to watch Elle tonight; I was going on my very first girl's night out since Elle was born. It wasn't a big deal, Rory and I were just going to do a little shopping and get some dinner, but I was excited to get out. I was finally ready so I went and gave Jake and Elle a kiss and went to pick up Rory.
…
Grace's Apartment
Nobody's POV
About 10 minutes after Grace left there was a knock on the door, Jake went and answered it. He opened the door to see Lorelai standing there; she quickly looked around the room and asked, "Is she gone?"
"Yep, are you ready to get things set up?" Jake asked.
She nodded her head, "Luke's got the diner shut down and Sookie just arrived to help decorate."
Jake grabbed the baby monitor and followed Lorelai out the door, "Ok, let's go!"
…
Grace's car
Grace's POV
Rory and I had a great time shopping and found some super cute clothes. As always I think Elle ended up with more than me, but baby clothes are just so much cuter. I parked the car and we got out, we had already eaten but we were going to grab a cup of coffee at Luke's, well at least Rory was.
As we were walking Rory pointed out Kirk doing some dance moves in the town square, it kept us entertained until we got to the door and I realized the diner was closed. "That's odd," I said, "I wonder what's going on?"
I got my key out and opened the door, I walked in and Lorelai, Luke, Ty, Alyssa yelled, "Surprise!"
I stopped and looked around, how did I not see them before? Just then Kirk walked by the window; he must have been the distraction. I walked over to where Lorelai, Luke, Jake and Elle were, "What in the world is going on? It's not my birthday and I'm already engaged."
Lorelai put an arm around my shoulders, "We have a proposition for you."
She looked at Luke and he continued talking, "We know that lately, and well always, your parents haven't exactly been there for you. Lorelai and I talked and decided that it was stupid and you needed parents who would actually be there for you."
Lorelai continued for him, "So if you'll have us, Luke and I would like to become your unofficial parents."
I gave a big hug to both of them, "Really? I would love that! But what is all this for?"
"This," Lorelai said as she motioned around the room, "Is your unofficial adoption ceremony and reception."
"Seriously?" I asked.
"Yep! And if you come right over here to the counter, you will find the unofficial papers."
We walked over to the counter where the papers were, and Rory joined us to "officiate" the ceremony. Rory handed Luke and Lorelai a pen and told them to sign. After they had both signed the paper Rory began to speak, "By signing this paper Luke and Lorelai Danes agree to care for and love Grace as if she was their own daughter."
She then handed me the pen, and I signed the paper, "By signing this paper Grace agrees to care for and love Luke and Lorelai as if they were her own parents and she must allow them to fully spoil Elle and any other children she may have as if they were their own grandchildren."
Lorelai motioned for Rory to join her, "There's one more thing we want to add," She handed Rory the pen, "We want Rory to be apart of this too. So Rory, by signing this paper you agree to be a big sister to Grace and torture her just like a big sister would."
Everyone laughed and Rory signed the paper. "I now pronounce us a family!" Rory said. We shared a group hug before Luke went and started serving the food.
I walked over to Ty and Alyssa and they gave me a big hug, "You deserve great parents Gracie." Ty said.
"Thanks Ty," I told him, "And don't worry, you two are definitely still part of my family. I'm not just tossing you out for my new sibling."
They both laughed, "We know Grace." Alyssa said.
Rory walked over carrying Elle and started talking with us. A moment later Lorelai came over and put her arm around Rory and I, "Look at my cute little daughters, and my even cuter granddaughter."
She took Elle from Rory's arms, "Now what are you going to call me little girl? Not Grandma, that's for sure, we need something more fun."
"How about she calls you Nana and Luke Papa?" I suggested.
Lorelai made a face and looked at Elle, "It's ok, but I think we can do better. What do you think Ellie?" Lorelai held Elle up to her face, as if Elle was whispering something to her, "Oh, that's a great idea! You are such a smart little girl. How about a twist on Nana and Papa, she can call me Noni, and Luke can be Papi."
I laughed, "Where did those names come from?"
Lorelai looked at me seriously, "Didn't you just see Elle and I talking about it?
"Sorry, my mistake," I took Elle from Lorelai, "Elle, don't mind her that's just your crazy Noni, she's harmless though and lots of fun."
We walked over to where Luke was, "And this is your Papi, he may seem grumpy sometimes but he does love you. I hope you take after Mommy and don't like coffee, because he won't let you have any."
Luke rolled his eyes; we spent the rest of the night hanging out as one big happy family. As cheesy as it sounds, it was true, and I had never been happier.
A/N: Sorry for the delay! I meant to have this up sooner, but my internet went down. The next (and final) chapter will be up soon! Please review and let me know what you think!
