Saint Valentine's Day
Congratulations Carla and Danny!
That's the first thing Logan heard as he walked into he and Rory's city home, after a long and tedious day at the office.
Rory must be in the living room, which was just ahead to the right from where he was currently standing, the foyer / study nook. He dropped his keys and wallet off on the entryway table, eager to shed the day.
"Hey, sweetheart. I'm home," he said.
Logan peeled out of his woolen overcoat and hung it up. Then, he leaned down to quickly to loosen the laces of his leather boot dress shoes and pull them off.
They tried to not wear "outside" shoes and clothes into the house; a habit they had formed once they had a child roaming around.
He didn't have to go in there to know what she was watching. Etta James' "At Last"continued to serenade the now-happy couple as the band finished marching down the street. He heard Rory sniffling, probably trying to hold back a full-on gush.
It was one of the few movies that never fails to bring her to tears.
He had watched it with her before and was damn near in tears himself several times, as the story played out.
The Other Sister.
At least the credits are rolling and it's at the end. He's not sure if he is up for a full on mutual weeping session.
"Logan, I'm so glad that you're here," Rory said with sniffles, getting up from the couch to coming up to him for a hug. "You're earlier than I expected."
"I knew you two would be here, so I pushed through the afternoon, in order to see you sooner."
More like bulldozed his direct reportees into submission. He had really cracked the whip at work today.
He heard his assistant spreading the word that this would be a 'not-so-casual Friday', as Logan had come in to the office early, ready to roll.
He was determined to have laser-like focus that day, and get some items on his knock list done once and for all; so anyone in his sphere had better have been on their p's and q's.
Logan had to be in the city for back-to-back meetings, so he stayed over all week at their condo.
Rory and Eli stayed in their Hartford home, as they meant to try to make the transition to full time living in Connecticut before the tourists descended for the summer.
She had more space to work and plenty of room to keep Eli occupied in our thirty-eight hundred square foot "country" home versus our fifteen hundred square foot condo in the middle of Gotham.
However, a week apart from his family has about all he could manage these days, and he planned his work schedule accordingly.
He loved seeing Eli grow up more and more each day.
He loved watching Rory grow their next child and supporting her in every way.
He missed them whenever they were separate. It was a challenge to do those everyday things from far away, so he really wanted to be as close as possible, as such as either of their work would allow.
"Are you okay? How are you feeling?"
Rory was now well into her third trimester; about 34 weeks along.
"I feel fine... I'm just a little keyed up from the drive in and wanted to release it", Rory explained. "Are these flowers for me?" she asked, pointing to the antique white arrangement of roses on the dining room table.
"Absolutely," Logan replied. "I wanted to get a jump on Valentine's Day for my beautiful wife." He kissed her and returned her hug, knowing that everything was alright.
Then, Eli came running in from the third bedroom off of the living area, where they kept a playroom / guest area.
"Hey, bud. I missed you."
"I miss you too, Daddy", said Eli.
Eli was still dressed and so was Rory so Logan got an idea.
"Why don't I call down to our favorite Italian place and see if they can seat us."
"Umm, Logan, that sounds like a great idea. Call down and see if they can have a table available soon", Rory agreed. She asked Eli, "Are you hungry, bud? Do you want some pasta?"
"Yes, I'm hungry!", Eli replied enthusiastically.
"Okay, I'll make the call. Then we can come back home for a bathtime, pjs and a book."
"Yay!" Eli yelled and ran off. Pasta was one of his favorite meals and eating at Caso de Iassco right down the block was like eating at home. They went so often the in last few years, the staff became like family.
Logan knew everyone would be glad to see them all again because they had said so last time he was there to pick up dinner for himself.
Since they were spending more time at the Hartford house, they frequented less of the regular stomping grounds in the city and their friends noticed.
"I'm going to go pick out a change of clothes for him and help him get changed", Rory said, as she walked down the hall toward the bedrooms.
Logan placed the call and was told they could be seated within the half hour.
He started to walk back in the direction that she went in. "Ace, they are going to prepare a table for us. We can be seated in 30 minutes."
"In that case, I should excuse myself for a moment, so we can be ready to walk down soon. Do you mind helping Eli get dressed?"
"That's no problem. You go do what you need to do. We'll have shoes and coats on by the time you are finished."
"Thanks, babe."
"Meredith?"
"No."
"Michaela?"
"Nope," Logan said and shook his head.
"Miri, short for Mirielle?"
"What's with all the 'M' names? Your name starts with a 'L', my name starts with 'L' and our son's real name starts with 'L'. Why are we even going through all this? We should pick a name that begins with a 'L' and keep the alliteration going," Logan postulated.
"Ingrid?"
Logan just gave an exasperated sigh. Rory had been bringing up names periodically, as they decided what name they were going to give the baby.
She also had a "thing" about not naming the baby the same name as any one he'd ever "been" with.
Oh, the torture. Sometimes Rory can be a bit of a machocist; her mind goes places and she can't un-think it. She will get pack it away in the deep recesses of her mind, to unpack again at a later date.
If only the restaurant's owner would start singing now, Logan thought. Only the 'Rat Pack' standards that played non-stop here could save him now.
Eli sat happily, eating his butter herb noodles and Italian bread. Kid is in the zone when his food is in front of him, not paying attention to our conversation at all.
"There is one name that is sure to be safe from all your concerns."
"Yeah, but it's been done."
"By you and your mom – that's pretty great legacy in my opinion."
"You want to be completely unoriginal."
"I want to not reinvent the wheel," Logan paused. "It's a beautiful name for some very beautiful women. You can pick whatever you want for her middle name but I think she is the fourth Lorelai."
"I hope you're not hot on my mom," quipped Rory. "How do you feel about her having an 'E' middle name like you and Eli? You could all have the same initials."
"I'm fine with that. I want what you want. We could also do a second "L" initial so she can have initials like yours."
"Well, legally, my middle initial is 'G', so she wouldn't have initials like mine unless she had two middle names. My monogram is a mess now."
"How about we keep Lorelai, do a hipster middle name starting with an 'E' but call her by a nickname like we do Eli," Logan paused,, "And you for that matter. We can get it all in at once."
Rory thought for a moment. "I'd like to call her Ivy."
"Well that was definitive." he said. "Eli and Ivy. I like it. It sounds perfect."
The next day was Valentine's Day and Logan had planned a busy day for them to celebrate together. Just the two of them.
He booked car service for the entire day and took her all the way Uptown to the Bronx for their first activity.
They dropped Eli off along the way, to spend all day (and all night) with Honor, Josh and Hannah on the Upper East Side.
Rory didn't want to impose and floated the idea of using the building's babysitting service instead, because it was Valentine's Day for them too.
However, Honor insisted on having her nephew over to sleep over because she "just doesn't get to see him as often as she'd like".
She'd said that it was important for us to get some pre-newborn time in with the baby due in a month or so, and would absolutely switch things around to accommodate my plans. She and Josh would celebrate the night before and keep it low-key.
Hannah was also super excited for her little cousin's visit and had made a list of several things to do to keep Eli occupied.
So Logan's romantic day-date in the city was all set and now it was time to get the show on the road.
First, he had arranged a private preview of the Orchid show, at the New York Botanical Gardens, before it opened to the public tomorrow.
The Huntzberger family foundation regularly supported this event and as such, were invited to a private function for donors later in the week.
Logan had to personally decline that invite but did talk the conservatory coordinator into getting he and his wife an early admittance on this lovely Saturday morning, a day they were normally closed.
They tried to keep the visit concise, because the exhibit space was about thirty thousand square feet, filled with this years' "Kaleidoscope" theme.
It would require a lot of walking in order to see everything but since she had on appropriate footwear, Rory insisted on seeing the main piece- a mirrored orchid sculpture, as well as constructed arches of cascading flowers and a LED illuminated Rainbow tunnel.
"This looks familiar," she said as they walked though the tunnel. "It's very much like that Farmers' Market we visited in Vermont."
"This time we're all-the-way together," he said, as he brought their entwined fingers up and kissed the back of her hand.
They stopped to snap a few pictures to memorialize the moment; illuminated by the light.
Eventually, they made it back to the car, and the driver proceeded to Melba's for a brunch of chicken and waffles.
Since they were on the West side, Rory called Paris to see if they were at home and available for a visit. Rory still had a key to the brownstone but still called nonetheless. Paris was at home, but the kids were out with Nanny.
Rory and Logan regaled a recently reunited Paris and Doyle with tales of their day-thus- far and funny things that Eli had been learning.
Paris and Doyle hinted at all the things they had been doing to "rekindle" the spark in their relationship.
No one talked about how the two were legally divorced but back together again.
It seemed to be working for them. Paris was happy. Logan could have sworn he almost saw her smile several times when she thought no one was looking.
After the visit, they hopped back in the SUV and headed down Broadway toward their condo.
Logan had built in some time to change clothes, take a short nap and eat before the evening activity into the schedule.
"What should I wear, Logan?" Rory asked. "I don't exactly know where we are going tonight."
"Don't worry about it, I've got it all under control," Logan answered. "I had three looks pulled and delivered from that maternity boutique you liked in Soho."
"Whatever you choose will be perfect for our night out."
Rory smiled back at him in response.
It was late afternoon as they were dropped off at their building and they headed up in the elevator.
"We can rest and eat before the main event, which starts at 8 pm," Logan relayed to Rory, while checking his watch.
The couple made it to their condo and shed their outer garments, then proceeded into the master bedroom.
They changed into their comfortable "inside" clothes and relaxed on the bed.
Rory turned on the tv and found that "Aerial America" was on.
"The perfect show to nap to... so calming," she said.
Logan adjusted his position on the bed so that the pillows could be arranged for Rory's comfort. He brought one pillow down to place under her feet.
"Let me massage your feet for awhile. You've been on them a lot today."
Rory hummed her approval, as she settled in and closed her eyes.
"Is ordering in still okay?" Logan asked. "We can do Thai, Chinese, Indian - whatever you have a taste for."
"Um-hmm. Baby has a taste for spring rolls with sweet Thai chili sauce. Order me some drunk-man noodles too – with shrimp."
"Ok, so Thai. I'll have it delivered an hour or so before need to leave."
Logan continued to gently rub her feet and up to her ankles. They were just slightly swollen and he knew that was something that Rory was sensitive about.
She had the same issue in the latter stages of the pregnancy with Eli as well.
Within a few minutes, she already asleep. He got up gingerly and made sure to leave her feet elevated, as he left the room.
There were still a few things he had to get in place in order for the rest of the evening to go smoothly.
He got straight to work, making good use of his time .
That night went off like a hitch – for the most part.
For the main event, Logan took Rory to the theater for the opening night of "A Soldier's Play" on Broadway.
The place was packed, as expected for Valentine's on a Saturday night in New York All manner of celebrity and well-to-do types were in attendance along with so called "everyday" folk.
That's the magic of NYC... the management and the barista stand on line together and its not a thing. You never know who you're going to cross paths with on the street. It's all very cordial and friendly. No big deal.
Rory and Logan were seated right behind the Consuelos family, to whom Logan had been introduced to years before. Kelly and Mark spoke briefly with them after the performance and congratulated them on the soon-to-be new addition.
Unfortunately, they also ran into Rory's ex.
Her "friend" Paul from work.
Logan, of course, knew about Paul.
After the text messages, the things in her old apartment, the several non-conversations that they had about him in the past – he knew about Paul. He had just never met him.
Paul literally ran into them in the crush of people who were trying to leave the play.
And he wasn't alone.
Paul acted genuinely surprised to see Rory – complete with a goofy grin and befuzzled look on his face.
Rory also seemed equally shocked.
After a brief but friendly embrace, Rory introduced him to Logan, as her husband.
Paul said, "Oh, yeah, you're the guy from Rory's pictures. Her friend from college."
Logan just continued to smile politely. Her boyfriend from college, he thought. "It's nice to meet you.", he said.
"And this is Wendy," Paul said, gesturing to the woman next to him. "You remember her from work, right Rory?"
"Yes, Yes I do. How are you, Wendy? Long time no see." Rory answered, with just a smidge of bite in her tone.
Wendy just gave back a small smile and a wave, then had the nerve to look away sheepishly.
"So, wow. You two, huh?" Paul said as he pointed his finger back and forth at them. "Congratulations on the baby."
"Thank you", Logan said after a beat of silence.
There was space enough for Rory to have responded; to correct him and add that this was their second child together, but she did not.
She cast her gaze downward towards her belly, and rubbed it lightly, bringing attention to her baby bump and the very visible bling on her left ring finger.
Paul and Wendy said their goodbyes and excused themselves shortly thereafter.
Logan retook Rory's hand and they resumed their walk to where the car was waiting.
Rory was oddly quiet the whole way there... and remained so once they got in the car.
She stared out the window for several minutes before saying something.
"Our house was like a block away from the theater, we could have walked it."
"I know, but this way is way more fun."
They were already on the FDR, enjoying the view along the East River before Rory spoke again.
"Speaking of home, we're going the wrong way. Are there more stops on this tour du jour?"
"I thought some Mikey Likes It would be a nice end to our day out."
Rory's smiled brightened. "Ice cream is perfect. Thank you, Logan."
The car arrived and Logan hopped out to go in and get their to-go order.
Truffle Shuffle mixed with Jack and Jill for her. Foxy Brown for him.
Within minutes, he was back and they were enjoying their ice cream dessert; cruising through the Manhattan streets, back to Midtown.
They made it back to the Orion and up to their condo, where Logan's first order of business was to run her a warm bath in the master bath's soaking tub. He sprinkled some rose petals on top, dimmed the lights and turned on the the flame-less candles scattered all around. He turned on a serene playlist called "Headache Relief" that he knew Rory enjoyed.
He helped her get undressed, and then into the tub.
While she relaxed, Logan got into the steam shower, which featured glass walls all the way to the ceiling.
Rory had a good view while he washed and there were more than a few times that their eyes sought out and found one another.
Logan finished and toweled off. He went into their room to retrieve a gift bag for Rory.
"I've got something for you," he said.
"I'll bet you do."
"Your gift."
"Well open it up for me, lover boy. I'm a little wet over here."
Logan smirked at her use of language but complied, reaching into the bag to pull out red satin.
He held it out by the straps for her to see.
A baby doll chemise with a split front and built in bra. The cups of the bra were made of wide ribbons of fabric that tied in the front in the fashion of a large bow.
Untied, it would be less than a demi-cup... all on display.
"That is very sexy," Rory breathed.
"You are very sexy," Logan replied. "And I can't wait to see you in it."
He helped her out the tub and into a robe.
"Take your time. I'll wait for you." Logan said.
Logan went out into their bedroom and selected some boxer briefs to put on.
He turned down the comforter and sheet on both sides, selected a virtual fireplace on the television screen and lay on top of the covers.
Rory emerged looking like a goddess.
Her hair was pulled up in the same top knot she had used to keep her hair from getting wet in the bath and she had on the negligee.
"The baby is moving around like crazy. Must be all that sugar from the ice cream."
"Come here," he said. "How about I read a little to her, calm her down."
Logan propped himself up on the pillows, then Rory lay down beside him and curled into his shoulder.
He retrieved a book from his bedside table – modern translations of Shakespeare's Sonnets and began to read aloud.
He started at the 147th and by the time he reached the end at 154th, the baby had calmed her shuffle inside of her mother's stomach.
Rory had also, peacefully, fallen asleep.
He stashed the book away, pulled up the fluffy duvet comforter around them and cut the overhead reading light - soon to join her in slumber.
"Huntzberger, what have you done now?", Paris offered to Logan as a greeting.
"Good to see you too again as well, Paris," Logan said as he let her in the door of his sister's apartment.
"I just saw you both yesterday and Rory was feeling fine. Now she's laid up, barely able to move. I thought I told you take it easy with her, she's eight months pregnant, for goodness sake!"
"I didn't do anything to her that she didn't ask for, Paris...", Logan intoned lightly.
Paris stormed past him with a look of feigned disgust, rolling a suitcase behind her.
Logan dared not ask.
He followed behind her, hearing her greet Honor cordially, as they had met previously, before demanding to see Rory.
Honor led her to the guest room where Rory was laying down.
After Rory and Logan's lovely day out yesterday, both parties were understandably tired and in need of rest last night.
However, some time in the early morning, just as the sun was beginning to show over Midtown Manhattan, Rory woke him up; aroused and ready to go.
They managed to sneak in two rounds before coming uptown for a Sunday brunch at Honor and Josh's, which was also supposed to be a pre-birthday meal to celebrate Logan's birthday that week coming up.
Rory ate, but soon excused herself. When she didn't return, Logan went to check on her.
He found her talking on the phone with Paris about whether or not she should go to the hospital or not and he became instantly concerned.
Rory explained that she had been feeling some cramping for a few hours and also had just discovered some streaking.
Since it was the weekend, she called Paris for advice and now Paris was on the way over.
"I'll be right over to check you out. I'll cross through the Park and be there shortly. Lay down until I get there." she said to Rory and then promptly hung up the phone before any further discussion could be had.
Logan got her settled on a bed then went to explain the situation to his sister and brother-in-law. Honor also became instantly concerned and started buzzing around Rory as well, making sure she had juice, or entertainment, or whatever else would make her most comfortable.
Paris arrived and was in with Rory for about 15 minutes before she emerged.
"I suspect she's dehydrated, which can cause discomfort. I've started an IV, so we'll see how she feels in an hour or two."
"You started an IV yourself? Here? With just what you had in your bag?", Logan asked.
"Of course. That's my best friend in there. Placing a drip is simple, if you known what you're doing. You'd be surprised how much better people feel after a bag of fluids, so I always keep some handy."
"Is that even legal?"
"There are several house call loop holes that make this perfectly above board. And I could argue as such in front of any board or review should I have too." Paris replied matter-of-factly.
"I wouldn't take her to any of these hospitals in the city at the moment either. In fact, as soon as she is up and better, I would get her and my godchild out of the city completely."
"She has an appointment later this week so we were planning on leaving anyway."
"Good. Pack up and leave this place. Winter is coming, as they say. Call me if she needs me; I'll come out to Hartford."
"Thanks, Paris. I'll keep that in mind."
"You do that, Loverboy. And while you're at it, pelvic rest might not be a bad idea either. It was slightly traumatic in there. The object is to keep the baby in there, until she's done cooking; not a moment before."
"I'll try to contain myself from now on," he said giving her a salute.
"Attaboy, Huntzberger. I knew the ability to take instruction was in the somewhere."
With that final chirp, she walked away – back in to check on Rory.
AN: I have missed every single arbitrary deadline that I set for myself to publish this chapter. Therefore, Happy Sweetest Day, MLK day, Logan's birthday, Lorelai's birthday and slightly controversial Victoria Day. Do not save the date if I actually make this deadline.
