A/N: Throwing a double feature on this story this week because I really just want to get these babies out soon :) As always comments are appreciated. If being specific in a comment doesn't sound appealing you can always tell me how many out of 10 Luke's coffee's would you rate the chapter? (Or Mallomars, or cheeseburgers, etc.)
Some of the comments I've received have nearly made me cry. I love telling these stories right now and I hope you enjoy them.
Lorelai's hospital stay ended up being 3 days because they wanted to monitor some anomalies that turned out to be nothing major, but she was placed on steroids to help increase the development of the babies lungs should she go into labor or have to be induced. She was also told to take it easy- not complete bed rest but to avoid stress. That wasn't so easy as the main work at the new Annex was nearing completion and would be open in 10 weeks but they couldn't decide on a name.
Emily had arrived only hours after Lorelai was admitted and rarely left her daughters side which actually turned out to be calming. She amused Lorelai with stories of the DAR and how it was tanking without her there as well as ones about her dad. It made her feel closer to Richard even though he wasn't there and by way of sharing, closer to her mom too. Realizing though that Lorelai was stressed about the new annex, Emily jumped in to help Michel on the promise that she make no design decisions. She was only to help coordinate the construction crews, the painters, making sure tabs were settled and all of the furniture arrived in tact and according to Lorelai's already set specifications.
oOo
Meanwhile, Rory was alone for 3 days with her baby. Well, not exactly alone- Logan was there. Elle loved him too and Rory found herself a little jealous which Logan picked up on. He made her talk to him after one too many slights at him. She confessed she was feeling like her baby hates her.
"Rory, that's ridiculous. You're her source of sustenance. Did you know that there was a study done that proved children are more fussy and ill-behaved around their mothers because that's who they're most comfortable with? I can send it to you. Being the journalist you are, I'm sure you wouldn't believe me without cited resources."
"Please do," she retorted half defensive and half hoping it was completely factual.
"Look, I love her but right now all she does is eat, sleep, poop, and cry. It'll get easier, Ace. Sorry, Rory. I know I'm not supposed to call you that."
"It's ok. I know I'm being silly. I guess I just thought I'd figure out that stupid wrap and that all the books I read would make this easier. They're useless."
Logan sighed. "Let's figure out the wrap, shall we? I know we can't fix everything in 3 days but if we figure out the wrap then I'm sure it'll give you a little more freedom."
"You'd help me?"
"I'm curious too. Do you want to try hooking her to me or to you first?"
"You're willing to wear this baby pink wrap with hearts and unicorns on it that Luke and mom bought as kind of an inside joke?" She looked at him and cracked a smile. The mental image was priceless.
"Sure," he replied drawn out and waved it off with one hand while the other was in his pocket. "Why not? One time Colin and Finn caught me passed out on an island during our yacht trip and I woke up in a red string bikini that didn't exactly cover the goods with the trashiest shade of red lipstick. Totally didn't go with my eyes. If I can embarrass myself for those idiots, I can absolutely do it for my daughter."
"Alright. You first then."
After 30 minutes, a diaper change, and 4 Facebook videos, Lilo was successfully attached to her father. Rory squeeled with excitement and took a photo which she sent to her LDB group chat that prompted several emojis and sarcastic comments.
They made much quicker work of switching her over to Rory now that they'd figured it out. The girl was not happy about being switched at first, but her protests died down when she was laid with her ear to her mother's heartbeat.
"Thank you, Logan." Tears escaped Rory's eyes. "I'm glad we're making this work out for her. We're glad to have you in our corner."
"Thank you for my daughter."
Being in a house, just the three of them felt good. It wasn't that Rory wanted to have him leave his wife for her. It just felt comforting to know that they could make this work- be cordial and focus on the one person who mattered most to both of them now.
Logan had left when Lorelai made it back home but Rory filled her in on everything and it made the Lorelai matriarch happy to know Logan was holding up his side. Some of her worry for Rory had been that they'd be stuck in a vicious circle like her and Christopher but they were proving to be much more mature. She made a mental note to go easier on Logan. She didn't want to try to dictate how Rory handled this. She was actually very proud.
oOo
2 Weeks later…
Rory and the littlest Lorelai were finally medically cleared to take the stairs and go back to their apartment and had been staying there for a couple days. Emily was a frequent visitor of her newest great grandchild. She had Berta come and help clean and make a meal or two while she visited.
"Rory, there's something I need to tell you," Emily began that morning but was interrupted by the ringing of hers and Rory's cell phones simultaneously.
Rory answered first; it was Luke. "Rory. Lorelai. Labor. Babies. Now. Hospital." The haste at which Luke spoke was comical and yet exciting.
Infants weren't allowed in the maternity ward so Emily offered to stay with her knowing Lorelai would prefer Rory's company over hers. Rory rejected that and asked Berta to watch the baby until Lane came with the boys to take over.
They whisked out the door after Rory showed Berta the stores of breastmilk in the freezer with frantic miming… It was time to meet the Danes twins.