A/N: A new chapter. No long author's note because I have to work and my patient is waiting but I wanted to post this chapter. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter, and I hope you'll enjoy this one!

Chapter 23 – Moving in

"Luke, come on."

"No. The paint fumes are too dangerous for the babies."

"But I won't go in the rooms where they paint. Please, I haven't seen the inside of the house from when Tom started working on it."

"And you won't until it's completely finished. We've been over this."

"But Luke. That's not fair. Come on. If you won't let me be there while they paint, you should at least let me help when we move our stuff back in."

"No, you can't carry heavy things."

"What about the light things? There's enough I can do."

"No."

"But…"

"No, and that's it. Besides, we're moving in this Saturday and you have that wedding at the inn. By the time the wedding is over we'll be done with the moving so you can see the house for the first time and we can sleep in our new bed for the very first time."

She sighed. "Fine. But remember I will hold this against you for the rest of your life."

"Just add it to the list of other stuff you're holding against me. I don't care. All I want is for our babies to get born healthy."

She knew he was right, but she still hated the fact that the whole town was going to see what her house looked like before her.

"So, I'm going to help Tom. You have to take Lucan today, okay?"

"Fine. I'll go to the inn for a few hours, and then I'm going to see my mom. She has to go to the hospital for a check-up today. I offered to go, but she didn't want me to." Lorelai was still hurt Emily refused to let her come.

"She just wants to do this together with your father. Don't worry okay. She's going to be fine."

Lorelai nodded. "I see you tonight?"

He nodded. "Call me if you're running a little late, so I'll have dinner ready by the time you get to the diner. I'm working this evening."

"I know. You already told me."

He gave her a quick kiss. "See you tonight."

"Uhuh." Lorelai watched how he walked away, then she took Lucan out of the playpen and helped him in his coat. "Come on. Let's go see uncle Michel." Lucan gave her a weird face and Lorelai laughed. "Yeah you're right. I'll never say that again."

She drove the car towards the inn and took Lucan out of his car seat. She carried him inside, which he didn't like. Now that he learned how to walk he preferred to walk everywhere by himself. "Come on sweetie. You can walk once we're inside. This goes way faster." Lorelai tried to hold him tight, although she was having trouble doing so. She didn't want him to start kicking, afraid he would kick her stomach. She started walking faster and was able to hold her grip on Lucan just until they reached the inn. "Morning Michel." She said when she placed Lucan on the floor.

"Good morning Lorelai. Nice to see you made it to the inn this morning. I started to think that you forgot how to get here."

"Keep it up Michel, and I'll let you baby sit Lucan all day."

"I'm not looking after that child." He looked disgusted.

"That child is my son Michel. You'll better be nice to him if you want to keep your job."

"Looking after that child is not in my job description. You can not fire me because I don't want to look after him."

"And I won't. Besides, I love my son so I wouldn't let him spend a day with you Michel. I want him to live longer."

The phone rang. "I better get back to work because this conversation is not going anywhere." He picked up the phone. "Dragonfly Inn, Michel speaking."

Lorelai smiled as she took Lucan's hand in hers. Come on, let's say hello to Sookie."

"Ie." He yelled happy and tried to run. Of course his little legs couldn't go as fast he wanted so he almost fell. Lorelai was able to catch him right before that.

"Take it easy honey. Sookie's not going anywhere." A little slower they walked towards the kitchen, where Lorelai lifted Lucan again. He started to protest, but she looked at him firmly. "You can't walk around in the kitchen. It's too dangerous honey."

"Lorelai." Sookie looked at her friend. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine."

"And your mom?"

"She's having her first check-up after the surgery today. They will also have the permanent biopsy results. I wanted to go with her and dad, but she wouldn't allow me."

Sookie looked at her friend. "It's just something she has to do by herself Lorelai. You helped her so much already."

"Yeah I know. But it feels different you know."

Sookie nodded.

"I'm going to my office to catch up on some paperwork and drive to Hartford this afternoon. Luke's at the house all day anyway."

"How does it look so far?"

Lorelai shook her head. "I have no idea. He won't let me inside. First it was because of all the dust, and now it's because of the paint fumes."

"He's just a little overprotective. He means well."

"I know, but… Ugh…"

Sookie smiled. "Just be happy that he's not like Jackson when he first found out I was pregnant with Davy. Remember how he attacked everything with his calculator?"

Lorelai had to laugh now too. "You're right. Just the look on his face. And how he wanted to baby proof everything in the house! I know Luke did some stupid things too, but I know he just wants what's best for the babies. I just, he won't even let me help move back in. The whole town can help but me. I just feel a little left out."

"Then tell him that."

Lorelai nodded. "Maybe I will. I better get out here because I don't think I can hold Lucan in my arms much longer."

"He likes walking too much. Just wait until he learns to do more stuff by himself. Davy doesn't allow me to help with anything. It's really frustrating."

"They grow up too fast, don't they. I'm glad I still have the twins who'll fully depend on me once they're born."

"And you're going to be so happy when they learn to do stuff by themselves. The baby phase is fun, but it only gets better after that."

"You're probably right, but I will enjoy it as long as they're small because this is the last time I'm going to do this. Sometimes I wish they could stay small forever, but then I look at Rory and it's nice that they grow up and get independent. I still can't believe that my baby girl is getting married."

"Did they set a date yet?"

"No, not yet. Maybe in the fall, but Rory's too busy finishing school right now."

Sookie nodded. "They're young. They have more than enough time anyway."

"Exactly. But talking about weddings, did you finish the menu for the wedding we have on Saturday?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure…."

"Sookie. You have to decide because Stephanie is going to be here around one o clock and everything needs to be finished by then."

"I'll do my best okay."

Lorelai nodded. "I'll be in my office if you need me."

-xxxxxx-

"Mrs. Danes." Emily's maid opened the door.

"I've told you before you can call me Lorelai." Lorelai handed the maid her and Lucan's coat. "Are my parents in the living room?"

"Yes ma'am."

Lorelai shook her head, deciding to ignore this. She put Lucan on the floor and lead him into the living room.

Richard and Emily looked up when they heard someone enter. "Look at that Emily. Our grandson is walking in all by himself."

"I can see that Richard." There was a huge smile on her face.

"Hi mom, dad."

"Oh, hello Lorelai."

Lorelai sat down on the couch while Lucan kept walking around. "How was your appointment mom?"

"It was fine." The maid walked in so Emily turned to face her. "Sophia, can you get my grandson something to drink?"

"Of course Mrs. Gilmore."

Lorelai grabbed the diaper bag and took out a zippy cup. "Here you go Sophia. Just give him some juice. Apple juice or orange juice, whatever you have."

"Of course."

"And Sophia, while you're in the kitchen, can you boil some water for tea?"

"Of course. I'll be right back." Sophia walked away.

"So mom, how did things went at the hospital?"

"Like I said, everything is fine. The biopsy results came back negative. My lymph nodes are all clean. The wound is healing well and I can start radiotherapy in about two weeks."

"That's wonderful news mom."

Emily smiled. "It is."

Lorelai looked at her mother. "Why wouldn't you let me come to the hospital with you?"

"I'm a big girl Lorelai. I can take care of myself."

"I know that mom. But I would have been more than pleased to come with you. I know it was your decision and I respect that, I just, I didn't do anything wrong right?"

"No, of course not. I was just very positive. I didn't expect anything to be wrong so it was just a quick visit. I've been at the doctor's office for only ten minutes or so. I preferred you coming to visit me with Lucan after the doctor's appointment because now I get to spend much more time with the both of you."

That answer satisfied Lorelai. "I would have gone home to pick him up mom."

"I know. But it wasn't necessary. I really appreciate that you worry about me though."

"Of course I do mom."

"So, how are things at the house? Do you think you'll be able to move in this weekend?"

"According to Luke we can. Honestly, I haven't seen the place since they started the construction. Luke won't allow me to go inside. First because of the dust and now because of the paint fumes. But from what I've heard they're moving all the stuff in this weekend."

"Do you think there's anything we can help with?"

"I wouldn't know. Luke doesn't allow me to help with that either. Plus, I have a wedding at the inn. But mom, I don't think you should be lifting heavy things either. If dad wants to help, maybe you can help out with the wedding? Luke can't look after Lucan so I have to take him to work, but I think it's easier when you're around to watch him once in a while."

"I'd be more than happy. And you're father will help Luke, right Richard?"

"Of course. Tell Luke I'll be there around 9 o clock."

"I will. Thanks dad."

He nodded. "Do you mind if I go into my office? I have a few important phone calls to make."

"Of course not."

They watched how Richard walked away. "Things are back to normal for him, aren't they?"

Lorelai asked her mother.

"I'm not sure. He's refusing to make any business trips."

"He just wants to spend some time with you."

Emily nodded. "I just worry about him sometimes."

"Don't. I think it's good that he's cutting on his trips. Who knows how long he will still continue working. He's not getting any younger. It's good to know that if he has to choose between you and his work, you come first. There was a time he couldn't let go of his work, and it's a good sign that he can now."

"I didn't thought of it that way."

"Gama." Lucan was standing in front of his grandmother.

"What is it sweetie?"

He smiled and extended his arms.

"He wants you to pick him up." Lorelai smiled.

Emily lifted her grandson in her lap. "Is this better?"

"Gama."

"He really needs to learn a few more words. It's hard to understand what he wants."

"You just have to spend more time with him. He knows how to make clear what he wants, and be careful when you don't give him what he wants."

"It's good to hear that he looks like you. You were horrible as a child."

"I was not."

Emily shook her head. "When you were his age you had a strong will already. When I told you no you got angry and threw yourself on the floor. Sometimes you even started crying."

"I'm glad he doesn't do that. He can mock and he's very good at getting grumpy, but I think he got that from Luke. Plus, I don't see how it would be good if he got that part of my character."

"Because that way you could see it wasn't always easy for me when you were little. You got lucky with Rory, but it's not always that easy."

"I never said it was easy. And I fully realize that none of them will be like Rory. I already warned Luke about that. But seriously, Lucan's not a difficult baby, he's just starting to get his own will and I don't see how that's a bad thing."

Emily felt how Lucan struggled to get out of her grip, wanting to get back on his own feet. "He's already showing his independence."

"Exactly my point."

"Soon he starts doing more things on his own. He learns new things every day."

"I was just talking to Sookie about that. I'm glad I'll have the twins who will fully depend on me at first. I do realize that it won't be easy to raise to small babies and a one-year-old, but I'm actually looking forward to it. Even though I want them to stay in there for quite a while longer, I can't wait to hold them for the very first time."

"It's definitely going to be interesting. Have you thought about what you're going to do with the kids once you get back to work after they're born?"

"Not really. Luke and I discussed it a little. We decided that we don't want a stranger to take care of them. We want to take care of them by ourselves as much as possible."

"If you need any help, I'd be more than happy to take care of them."

"I'll keep that in mind mom. Thanks for the offer."

Emily nodded, doubting if Lorelai would honestly consider letting her look after the kids.

"I'll talk it over with Luke. Maybe we can bring them to work one day each, take one day off, and you can have them for one day a week."

"That would be nice. But I wouldn't mind taking them more than one day."

"We'll see okay. We still have a few months left to decide what's best. And you have other things to focus on first. You said you can start radiotherapy in two weeks?"

"Yes. I have to go to the hospital by the end of next week when they'll make a treatment plan with pictures and drawing lines on my skin. I'm not completely sure how it will go, but I got some prospects where they explain what's going to happen. I can get them for you if you want."

"Please. And mom, if you want me to come with me all you have to do is say the worth."

"I know Lorelai. But you don't have to come to the hospital with me all the time. Like I said earlier, I prefer you visiting with my grandson afterwards."

Lorelai nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

-xxx Saturday xxx-

The bride and groom were having their first dance as a married couple. Lorelai and Emily were watching. Lucan was asleep in Lorelai's office.

"I remember when Luke and I were standing there, dancing our first dance at our wedding."

"You were a beautiful bride."

Lorelai shook her head. "I was 8 months pregnant."

Emily turned to look at her daughter. "I always picture the perfect wedding for you, and you got it Lorelai. It's nothing like I planned, but it was still perfect."

"It was." Lorelai smiled, remembering that day. Then she turned to look back at the bride and groom. "I wonder if they realize how soon this day will be over. Stephanie has been planning this wedding for months. But when the day comes it's flying by, and the real thing starts. I know that it was different for me because I got married the same week Luke proposed to me. But the circumstances were different because I was pregnant and Rory flew over from London. I was just tired of waiting."

"I still don't understand why he didn't ask you sooner."

"Because he didn't want me to think he wanted to marry him just because I was pregnant. He wanted to marry me because he loves me."

"I remember when your father proposed to me. I still see myself sitting there on that bench on at Yale."

Lorelai smiled, trying to picture the moment. "When you first met dad, did you see yourself getting married to him?"

Emily nodded. "Not right away, but I soon started to realize that I could. It was the first time I felt that way about someone. I knew it was special."

"That's how I felt about Luke. It was different because we were friends for eight years. First I didn't notice him, but when I started to notice him, and slowly fell in love with him, I got afraid. I was afraid to ruin that friendship forever. Until the moment he first kissed me. I knew it then. I could picture spending the rest of my life with him."

"I'm so sorry I couldn't see what a good man he was. I realize now how much he's done for you and Rory. And he's a very good father to Lucan and a good husband to you."

"He is. And he'll be an amazing father for the twins too."

"I want him to walk me down the aisle." Lorelai and Emily turned around when they heard Rory's voice. "What were you saying?"

"When Warren and I get married, I want Luke to walk me down the aisle. I know I should have talked to Luke first, but I couldn't help but overhear part of what you were saying. Grandma, I hope you're okay with that. I know that Chris will probably come to the wedding and that he'll want to do it. But I want Luke to do it, because he's been more like a father to me, than Chris has ever been."

Before Lorelai realized tears filled her eyes. She was so proud that her daughter was feeling that way. She looked at her mother, hoping she could see it too.

Emily doubted. It wasn't right. "Rory, Christopher is your father and if he wasn't around, I'd say that it's more than appropriate to ask Luke, but he is around so he should do it."

"But grandma, he has never been around. I see you more often than I've ever seen dad. I know that he is my father and I honestly love him, but he doesn't deserve it. I want my wedding to be perfect and I want Luke to walk me down the aisle. I'll ask him no matter what you say, but I'd feel better if you understand why I want this."

Lorelai decided to let Rory and her mother talk on their own. "I'm going to check on the quests."

Emily nodded as she faced Rory. "I don't know. It's not appropriate."

"But grandma, isn't your father supposed to walk you down the aisle? I mean, I know you can argue that Christopher is my father, but he never acted like one. I know he loves me, but right now he doesn't even know that I'm getting married. I can't remember the last time I spoke to him. He never calls or anything. And at first, I tried calling him but I just gave up. Luke has always been there for me. He took care of me when I was sick. He made me mashed potatoes every day when I had the chicken pox. He came to my caterpillar's funeral. He baked me a cake for my 16th birthday. He came to my high school graduation and cried. He doesn't know that I know, but mom told me."

Emily smiled. "If that's what you want, then it's fine by me. I want your wedding to be perfect Rory, and if you want Luke to walk you down the aisle, then he's going to."

"Really?"

Emily nodded. "Absolutely."

Rory hugged her grandmother. "Thank you so much." She saw that Lorelai was watching them, so she lifted up her thumb. Lorelai smiled, and repeated the gesture.

Lorelai heard Lucan yelling through the baby monitor. "Mama." She smiled and walked towards her office. The boy was standing in the playpen. "Mama."

"Hey big boy." She took him out the playpen. "Did you sleep okay?" She cleaned his diaper and walked outside where Rory and Emily were still talking. "Look who's awake."

"Hey Lucan." Rory extended her arms towards her brother who did the same. She placed a kiss on his head. "Grandma thinks it's okay if I ask your dad to walk me down the aisle. Is that okay with you too?"

"Ie." He smiled at her.

"Yes, I'm Rory."

"Ie."

"You hear that mom?"

"Yeah I do sweetie. He's learning to say new stuff every day."

"He can say grandma too." Emily announced proudly.

"Really, who's that?" Rory pointed at Emily.

"Gama."

"Yeah, that's grandma." Rory smiled again. "You're getting really big huh."

Lorelai smiled, then had to ask. "So, how's the house coming?"

"It's almost finished. Luke send me here to keep an eye on you. He calls me when I can bring you home. If you can leave the inn that is."

"Claire's going to be here soon."

"That's good. You worked long enough anyway."

"Uhuh. So, do you like it? Do you think I'll like it?"

"What?"

"The house."

"Yeah." Rory responded vaguely. "Just be patient, you'll see it soon enough.

"Rory."

Rory smiled. "Mom."

"Mama." Lucan threw in.

"You're something. All of you." Emily said while shaking her head.

-xxxxxx-

"Okay, close your eyes." Luke and Lorelai were standing on the front porch.

"Luke."

"Do it." He covered her eyes with one hand, and opened the door with the other. Then he started walking and guided her inside the house. "Okay, open them." He removed his hand when they were standing in the living room.

Lorelai opened her eyes and gasped. The furniture she and Luke picked out was even more beautiful than she remembered. And the color she picked out was even more beautiful on the walls. "Wow Luke, this is amazing."

"You like it?"

"I love it!" She gave him a quick kiss when she walked around for a while, tracing the furniture with her hand. "It's beautiful."

"Good. Do you want to see our bedroom?"

She nodded, and climbed the stairs. Luke opened the door for her and she stepped inside. "Wow." The wallpaper was light blue and the furniture was classic, just the way she liked it.

"Come on, I'll show you the bathroom."

The new bathroom was twice as big as the other once. There were two sinks, there was a separate shower, and there was a huge bathtub. "Luke, this is amazing." She had a huge smile on her face. "I can't believe this. Is this really our house?"

"It is." He smiled too as he stood behind her, putting his arms around her and resting his hands on her stomach. "So you like it?"

"I can't find the right words to express how I feel about this. It's amazing."

"I'm glad you feel that way. So, do you want to see everything else downstairs?"

"Absolutely." They walked downstairs again where Luke lead her into the office first. There was a desk with a laptop computer. And a book case filled with books. "Where do they come from?"

"The computer is a gift from your parents, and the books were already ours. Some were my dads and you had a few as well."

"It's nothing like what Rory has in her room, but it's a nice start. It looks great. I can't believe we have an office."

"It's convenient when one of us has to work at home when the babies come."

Lorelai nodded. "It's perfect Luke. So show me the rest."

The walked into the kitchen. "I know you don't really care, but I hope you like it anyway."

She smiled. "I like it. I don't think I'll use anything in here, besides the coffee maker and the microwave, and maybe the oven to warm my socks…"

"Don't even think about it."

She laughed. "I still love that dining table. It's huge. It can easily fit our whole family. I love it!"

"I'm glad. So, come on." He took her hand in his and lead her towards the nursery. "Are you ready?"

"Of course." Luke opened the door and Lorelai stepped inside. She gasped. "Oh my god."

There was a huge painting on the back wall. There was a whole landscape with houses and small cars, grass and flowers, a sun and even a rainbow. And there were small bears playing everywhere. The rest of the walls were painted cream white and there was a hardwood floor. The furniture was made by Luke himself. She could see that. There were bears carved into the wood of the cribs, in the big closet that was standing up against one wall and there was a big changing table with two pillows so it could fit both babies at the same time. "When did you manage to do all this? This is amazing." Her eyes were filled with tears as she was overcome with emotion.

He smiled when he saw her reaction. He was happy she loved it. "When you talked about paint colors for the nursery and couldn't really find any color you liked, I found this guy who paints. He asked me to show him the furniture and when he saw the bears I carved, he came up with this picture."

"It's beautiful. I've never seen something like this before. When did you manage to get all that furniture done Luke?"

"I started working on it when Tom started working on the house. I didn't allow you to come in here anyway so I could work on it without you knowing."

She shook her head. "It's amazing." And then. "It's perfect."

"So, all there's left to see is the backyard."

She nodded and they walked outside. There was a new door in the kitchen so the house still had two exits. There was a small path next to the house, leading towards the backyard. They followed the path and Lorelai looked at the house in amazement. "I can't believe it's still the same house. It looks completely different from this side."

"It does."

The backyard seemed different too. There was a swing set and a jungle gym. And there was a bench so they would be able to watch the kids play and sit in the sun. "It's amazing Luke. You didn't have to do all this."

"Lucan soon will be old enough to sit on the swing, and to climb a little. And next year he'll be able to play outside all by himself when the twins sit and play on a blanket on the grass and we can sit here and watch them all play."

They sat down and Lorelai could picture the image. "It's amazing. All of it. I had no idea what to expect, but it's better than I could have ever imagined." She turned to face him and kissed him hard. "Thank you Luke. This really is our house now."

"It already was."

"But it's completely our house now. The furniture is ours, everything is ours. What did Rory say?"

"She loved it."

"Good." Lorelai smiled as she leaned her head on Luke's shoulder. "I couldn't be happier now. Everything is perfect. And I couldn't be happier to sleep in my own house again tonight. Not that I mind sleeping at your old apartment, but I've done that you know. When Rory and I moved to Stars Hallow we moved into a potting shed. We had one room, with a little shower in the corner and that was it. When we first moved into this house, she thought it was so huge. She didn't remember living at my parents house because she was only a baby when we left. So she was used to always being able to see me anywhere in our house. But then we moved here and I had a room upstairs, and she had a room downstairs and the first week she sneaked into my bedroom every night because she was afraid to sleep by herself.

But when the time passed she got used to it and she liked to have a little more space to herself. She could listen to her own music, and when she thought I made too much noise she could withdraw in her own room to read or do her homework. And slowly we started building memories in this house. And I love that we're able to build new memories with our kids in this same house. Maybe it doesn't look quite the same anymore, but it is still the same. I want to grow old in this house Luke."

"Me too."

She closed her eyes. "Mmm… it's quiet out here."

"Mmm mmm." He closed his eyes too.

When Richard, Emily and Rory came to drop of Lucan half an hour later, both Luke and Lorelai were asleep. With a smile they decided to let them sleep for a while and walked into the house to put Lucan in bed.

Inside the house Emily looked around and for the first time she walked into that house and felt nothing but pride for everything her daughter accomplished. She couldn't see why she hated this house so much before, because now all she could see was its beauty.

T.B.C.