Chapter Thirty-two

Following behind Logan as he led her towards the door, Rory couldn't keep her curiosity to herself. "Where are we going?" she asked, not expecting an answer. Logan gave her a grin and winked. Her mother and Luke were right behind them, and all the other guests were also rising from their seats. A blast of excitement ran through her veins as she realised Logan obviously had another surprise up his sleeve.

As he pushed open the door, Logan gestured for Rory to head outside. Pulling her wrap tight around her shoulders and raising an eyebrow quizzically at Logan, Rory stepped out into the bitterly cold night. She was barely able to see, it was so dark. Every single light in the town seemed to be out. Realising it was raining lightly, Rory half turned back to the barn intent on staying in the warm. "Logan…"

The volume of Logan's voice startled her. "NOW!"

Suddenly, hundreds of twinkling fairy lights illuminated the town. They seemed to be strung up from every lamppost and sign there was. Rory clapped her hands in delight as she realised that it wasn't raining. Tiny, perfect snowflakes were drifting down from the sky.

"It's a sign, kid." Lorelai was standing directly behind Rory, staring up at the sky with a wondrous look upon her face. Rory just nodded, unable to speak.

Logan held out a hand to her. "May I have this dance?"

Rory laughed. "There's no dancefloor, or music!"

Stepping to one side, Logan pointed towards the gazebo. Rory caught sight of a string quartet assembled within the little structure. She laughed. "Wow, you literally think of everything."

The quartet began to play. Rory frowned a little as she tried to place the music. Then it hit her as the memory of their first dance together came flooding back and she gasped with pleasure. "Logan!"

Moon River floated out from the gazebo as Rory finally accepted Logan's hand. He pulled her towards the musicians, and into his arms. As they began to sway to the music, the guests at the wedding surrounded them, forming a make-shift dancefloor in the middle of the town. Rory rested her head against Logan's shoulder, a serene smile on her lips.

After a few moments, Logan spoke quietly. "Happy, ace?"

Rory lifted her head to stare deeply into his eyes as she replied. "Perfectly happy. This is everything I ever wanted." She dropped a hand to her stomach as she spoke, cradling the small bump.

Other couples began to join them, and soon the square was full of dancing pairs. Rory swung her head in all directions, trying to catch a glimpse of Luke in action but instead caught sight of Christopher, who had graciously invited Emily to dance. Rory felt an overwhelming rush of affection for her father as she watched him smoothly steer her grandmother around in a slow waltz. Then her heart sank once more as her eyes met those of Mitchum Huntzberger, standing stiffly by the gazebo. Shira was by his side, every inch the dutiful wife.

"Logan…"

"Hmmm?"

"Look."

"Gimme more, ace. Look where?"

"There." Rory pointed at his parents. "We have to talk to them."

"Oh, ace. Come on. No. We did talk to them. It went badly."

"But-"

"No buts, ace. We talked to them. It was horrible. Avoidance is key here."

"We can't avoid them forever. And I think Shira really wants to build a relationship with you and our children."

"Rory…"

"Don't Rory me, Gilmore. Make one last effort, please. For me?"

Logan rubbed his temples, a deep frowning creasing his handsome face. He squeezed his eyes shut, and shook his head lightly. "The things I do for you, ace. Can we at least finish our dance first?"

"Of course." Rory reached up to place a gentle kiss on his lips. "Are you ok?"

"Just a headache. It will get worse before it gets better."

"Want some aspirin? Bet my mom has some…"

"No, ace. I just want to dance with my wife."

Rory fell silent then, and once again rested her head against Logan. He wrapped his arms around her a little tighter in response. Contentment flooded through Rory as they danced. Wishing this moment would never end, a stab of disappointment hit Rory as the song finished. Logan made to step back, but Rory clung to him. "I think your parents can wait for one more dance."

"Your wish, my command." Logan signalled the quartet, and they immediately began to play another song. Rory snuggled into Logan's embrace with a small sigh of contentment. Seconds later an Australian voice shattered her peaceful bubble.

"May I cut in?"

Despite her protests, Rory found herself swept into the arms of Finn. Finn smiled down at her. "Hello, darling."

"Hey, Finn."

"You look ravishing, Rory. Delectable. A veritable buffet of gorgeousness."

"Thank you. You scrub up quite well yourself."

"Well, I have a lady to impress now."

"Ah, Paris." Rory was quiet for a moment. "Finn, what's going on there?"

Finn looked around with sudden interest. "Where?"

"With you and Paris."

"Well the sex is just-"

"No, Finn!" Rory stopped him with a horrified glare. "I meant, is it serious?"

"I'm not sure I do serious, darling."

"Finn, do me a favour."

"Anything for you, my love."

"Don't hurt her. She's been through enough with Doyle."

Finn looked down at Rory, his features arranged into a serious expression. He placed one hand over his heart and kept his tone solemn. "I promise, Rory. I won't intentionally hurt her."

Colin's voice interrupted the conversation before Rory could reply. "You're monopolising the lady, Finn. It's my turn."

Several songs later, Rory decided enough was enough. She had danced with almost every guy she had ever met, and her feet ached. Catching Logan's eye, she made a shivering motion and nodded towards the barn. Logan smiled and addressed the wedding guests. "Ladies and gents, the bride is getting cold. Time to head inside and party in the warm."

Murmurs of agreement ran through the crowd of guests as they all turned to head back towards the barn, where Lane's band was warming up.

Rory waited for Logan to reach her. "Let's grab your parents before we head inside. The less witnesses the better."

Logan laughed heartily at Rory's tone. The two of them turned to head towards Mitchum when Logan stumbled. "Whoa."

Rory laughed. "How much booze have you had?"

"None." Logan laughed. "It's just the prospect of talking to them again."

"Come on, let's get this over with."