2017
He was sitting in his apartment, drinking a Mountain Dew and browsing through a magazine. With a sigh, he realized quickly that he was not paying any attention but reflecting the events of the last days.
Rory was close to the anticipated date of giving birth and when he saw her a week ago, he couldn't help but grinning at her sight.
"Don't, Mariano" she hissed when she approached and sat down to face him. He smirked and pointed to the coffee mug in front of her. "Already ordered, decaf of course. It's good here."
"Thanks. But fake is still fake", she sighed and took a sip. "So, you're ready?"
"I am. Put some notes in the margins", he grinned and handed her the manuscript.
Rory rolled her eyes. "Some things never change." She flipped through the pages and saw his edgy handwriting, secretly smiling to herself. She couldn't wait to read it.
"So, what's new anyway? Except that you look like you're about to... explode?"
"You've always been good with compliments. But yeah, in fact it could happen any time. As in this very moment." She smiled at him, watching his eyes widen in horror. Rory laughed. "Don't worry. I think I can keep my legs together. But news... yeah. Well, actually... I've talked to Logan again. And I think we came to a good conclusion."
"You're getting married and being his trophy wife?"
"Uhm, no. You know that. I've made it clear that I don't want to be an option or a second choice, just because he got me pregnant. Leaving Odette for the baby wouldn't be right. We are not a duty." Her hand was resting on her belly.
Jess bit his lip and nodded. "That's true. But it's not easy, huh?"
She knew directly what he meant. "Yeah, not easy. But love is never easy, I guess."
"Nope. Think so, too." He smiled slightly. "But it's the right decision. And he can still be a father to your baby."
"Yeah, if he wants to. I'm not standing in his way. It's up to him. But I don't expect anything of him."
For a moment they just listened to the background noises from the coffee store.
"Hey Jess." She faced him and waited a second until he looked up. "I wanna thank you for the last couple of months. Not just for editing, but for listening and ... giving me quite some good advices."
"Always", he simply stated.
"How's Williamsburg doing?" she asked him, glad to change the subject.
"Hipsterish. But I like it. In fact, it's East-Williamburg, almost Bushwick. A friend of mine just opened a neighbourhood bar, nice burgers, good craft beer. You should come and see it. It's also child-friendly." Jess smirked at her.
"I will. I mean, when I'm moving to Queens, you have to fill me in. Tell me all about the dangerous places, good coffee bars and bookstores."
"I'm not a Queens pro, but I know some people there. We'll figure it out ", he replied. He would never admit it, but he was admiring her for being so brave. Moving to another state, single-parenting. He thought she would change her plans and stay in Stars Hollow, being surrounded by her mother and the town.
"Oh, and there's also Paris. She's living not far away", Rory told him.
"Is that on the pro or con section?", Jess asked and lifted his eyebrow.
They've chatted for another hour, exchanging snarky comments, old stuff and stories from the newlywed couple Lorelai and Luke. It felt so familiar, she thought afterwards. That was something she liked so much about Jess. No matter how long they didn't see each other, how awkward their last encounter was: they were able to overlook it, continue right where they have been. Jess gave her always the feeling of being simply herself. She never had the pressure to cover up something.
Three days later he got a phone call. He was at the bar he told Rory about, his bud Cameron was the owner and they were just about to discuss getting a drink named after Jess - the beautiful woman with the honey coloured hair and the bright smile was enjoying it, too. She showed her white teeth and beamed to Jess, leaving her hand on his thigh and suggested to add some lime juice to "Mariano's machine", before bursting into laughter, together with Jess and Cameron. "Sorry guys, gotta excuse myself. Family business", he stated when he saw Luke's number on the screen.
Jess stepped out of the door and answered the call. His uncle was nervous, stammering about that he didn't knew if he would be interested in, but Rory's at the hospital, the baby's there and she asked for him.
"Which hospital?" was the only question Jess asked, already heading to his car. Thank god he didn't drink some Mariano's machines yet.
Two hours later he arrived in Hartford. He sighed, feeling a bit dizzy and went inside.
"Hey, Luke", he said with a husky voice. "I'm there."
The older man turned around. "Oh wow, you made it. That was quick."
"Yeah. Empty streets." Jess didn't look him into the eyes.
"It's late but she's still awake. You can go inside. Lorelai is just captivating the nurses to get some coffee."
Jess nodded. He took a deep breath, knocked and carefully opened the door, not quite sure if he's ready to keep up with what awaits him behind. With one hand he was covering his eyes. "Uhm, hi."
He heard Rory chuckle. "You can open your eyes. I'm dressed, no boobs hanging out."
Jess blinked. "Damn, I've missed that part." And when he finally got a full view of the situation, he couldn't help, but smile. Rory looked fragile and tiny in the hospital bed, still pale but with some rosy cheeks, stubborn hair in a bun, but sweet jesus, she looked so content. His eyes went down to the small bundle she held in her arms.
"Well, hello little Miss...", he looked inquiring to Rory.
"Miss Emma. Emma Lorelai Gilmore" she said with a wide smile, kissing the forehead of her baby daughter.
"Huh. I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like", he quoted, still looking at the little baby.
Rory looked up, confused. He smirked. Her eyes lit up. "Oh, Jane Austen. Of course!" she giggled.
"I've always knew it was your favorite Austen. Hey, Miss Emma. Nice to meet you."
"Do me a favour? Hold her. I've gotta go to the bathroom."
"Me? Holding her? Well, I'd better call Lorelai, she's just out for a coffee. I mean, uhm, are you allowed to go the bathroom?", he stumbled, feeling his hands getting sweaty.
She laughed. "I'm not disabled, so yes. And I'll be back in a minute. You can do it!" She sat up.
Jess blew a strand of hair out of his face. Cautiously he took Emma out of Rory's arms. He held Doula before but that didn't mean that he was comfortable with babies. He was always afraid to break some of their tiny bones.
"Thanks, Jess. And thanks for coming all the way down here. I didn't know if you would do it.. I.. I just wanted to be around people I feel comfortable with." She smiled at him and disappeared to the bathroom.
Emma was sleeping, sucking her pacifier. Jess saw her soft eyelashes, slightly fluttering, her light brown hair, she was making a fist with her tiny hands, showing her perfect little fingernails.
"Hey little pumpkin, I'm Jess. I'll tell ya, the world you just popped in is not always easy. Not always beautiful. But I promise, I'll do everything to make it easier for you."