Notes:

This chapter is dedicated to all who've stuck with me and have been reading and reviewing. :)

Oh and keep reviewing, but make sure not to mention spoilers in your review because I'm spoiler free!

For all who commented about Emily in the last chapter: You know, I actually wasn't sure how Emily should react but she always seemed more wanting a relationship with Lorelai while Richard was only interested in one with Rory. So I guess that was mostly the reason that Richard faded into the background, but I didn't think that Emily would let anyone hurt Lorelai like that, no matter what Lorelai's done to her (remember Emily's reaction in The Haunted Leg?).

pixiechick12 - Actually I don't think that's what I was going for. I just figured that Luke had pretty much figured it out and Lorelai didn't have to tell him word for word what happened. I think you could pretty much say Luke knew first, before Rory, Richard and Emily. But interesting that you would point that out.

Robinpoppins - I completely agree about Jess right now. But I pretty much disliked him when he was on as regular, I didn't like how he treated Rory or Lorelai or Luke. But I saw him starting to mature at the end of the 4th and I really really liked him when he came back earlier this year. Meanwhile to me, Logan hasn't matured (and possibly never will, don't hate me!).

aries-chica56 - Ug, the hair. I'd seriously airmail Lauren Graham some scissors if it wouldn't get me in trouble with the law. She used to have the most beautiful hair!

Ronata - That is such a big compliment that you would take time during your holidays just to read this. I'm really glad you're enjoying it so much

roywthepoodles - You can get engaged to this story, but beware, when the story's 12 year old daughter that it never knew shows up, you might never get married ;) Low blow, huh?

Luke's Diner

This begins after the Independence Inn fire. Lorelai's house has already been filled by the Hatlestads and she has already woken Luke up, been through her Streetcar/Ed Woods routine, and Luke has come down at let her in. Lorelai follows him up the stairs, neither one speaking. The two haven't been alone together since Lorelai's fight with Jess. Lorelai's been getting coffee at work instead of going to Luke's, unsure of what exactly to say to him.

When they get up to the top of the stairs, Luke opens the door, letting Lorelai walk in ahead of him. She pauses after she walks in, just standing there for a moment. Luke watches her, keeping an eye on her as he closes the door softly behind them. She turns around, a peaceful expression on her face. "Thanks for letting me stay here," she says.

"It's no problem." Lorelai nods. She lets out an uncomfortable giggle.

"We always do this, this little dance," Lorelai realizes.

"I think we've gotten pretty good at it Ginger." There's another uncomfortable silence. "I didn't send Jess home for you," Luke says, deciding that things need to be out in the open.

"Oh, I – uh…" She smiles hesitantly.

"I just wanted you to know that, this time I didn't do it for you. I did it for Rory." Lorelai's overcome, really seeing how much Rory means to Luke. "I would do anything for her, I want you to know that."

"I – I know," Lorelai says, a little defensively.

"How is she?"

"She's okay," Lorelai answers quickly. Luke cocks his head, waiting for her to expand. "She's gotten over what I did but she's still working through Chris's actions. I don't think they've spoken since the fight."

"She has a right. He should never have touched you. I can't believe you're okay with this." Lorelai shrugs.

"What good would it do to hold a grudge? It's not Chris. That wasn't Chris that night. He was incredibly drunk and incredibly stupid. But even so, there's a time when you just have to forgive and forget," Lorelai explains. "And move on," she adds, her eyes sliding over to him again. Luke swallows, nodding.

"Um." He pauses, clearing his throat. "Are you doing okay otherwise?" Lorelai shrugs again. She looks down. Then she looks back at him, tears in her eyes.

"The inn had a fire," she says, her voice suddenly trembling. Luke holds out a hand to her and she accepts gladly. He pulls her in, wrapping her arms around her, sighing into her hair, breathing in her beautiful aroma.

"It'll be okay," he assures her in a soft voice. "Everything's going to work out." Lorelai nods, her head on his chest. His lower hand, rubbing her back comfortingly. She leans into him, absorbing all his support.

Finally, they separate, neither knowing exactly what the other is thinking. "Wow, I'm wiped," Lorelai realizes, wiping the back of her hand across her forehead. Luke nods. He walks over to the bed, picking up a pillow and blanket. He heads over to the couch. Lorelai looks at him like he's crazy. "What are you doing?" Luke glances back at her in surprise.

"I'm," he begins, glancing back down at the couch. He looks back up at her confused. "I'm setting up the couch for me to sleep on." He motions. "I thought you would take the bed."

"Luke, this is your apartment," Lorelai says logically.

"Yes, but you're the guest," Luke replies just as logically. Lorelai nods, thinking things through.

"Well then we could both sleep in the bed," she suggests, motioning with her hands.

"I – " He pauses, scratching his head. "You think both of us should sleep in the bed?" Lorelai nods.

"That's what I said, George Parker." Lorelai arches an eyebrow at him. Luke nods slowly.

"I think I know what you're saying," Luke says slowly.

"Really? You sussed it out, huh?" Lorelai asks, playing with him. Luke chuckles. She takes a few steps towards him. Luke sizes her up, thinking it over. He takes a few steps towards her as well.

"But you had a deal with Jess," Luke reminds her.

"Already broken." They each take a few more steps closer to each other.

"Yes, but you had your reasons."

"I didn't want you to get hurt," Lorelai answers softly. They've moved so close they're barely an inch apart now.

"I'm not hurting," Luke whispers, almost growling. They stare deeply into each others eyes, not actually touching but just the closeness of their bodies making their hearts beat faster. "Lorelai…" Before he can finish his sentence, she's wrapped an arm around his neck, pulling his lips to hers. Luke wraps his arms around her as they kiss slowly and tenderly, getting just a small taste of what they each want so desperately. Luke pulls back, unable to take his eyes off of her, dropping his hands. "I don't want this to be like last time."

"It won't be," Lorelai promises. "As long as you're here when I wake up in the morning."

"I'll be here," Luke promises.

"Even if customers show up to eat before I've woken up?" Lorelai asks, a little unsure.

"Then I'll wake you up and make you help me because they're probably the inn's guests," Luke reminds her. Lorelai smiles, her eyes sparkling

"Even if…"

"Lorelai." He lightly touches her lips with his fingers and then gently strokes her cheek. She closes her eyes, leaning into his touch. Luke runs his thumb over her cheekbone. Lorelai opens up her eyes, staring into his clear blue eyes, her heart racing. "I'm here. I'll be here. I'll always be here," he assures her. Then he leans down and kisses her softly but with more passion than before. Lorelai gives into their kiss, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing herself further against him. Luke lets his other hand travel over to her lower back, holding her close to him, loving the feel of her pressed against him. Lorelai leans her head back farther, opening her mouth to him, allowing his tongue in to explore and he does the same.

Lorelai slowly pulls back, resting one hand on Luke's chest. She pauses for a moment, gathering herself, and gazes into his eyes. Not taking her eyes off of him, she backs up until her legs hit the bed causing her to fall onto it. She reaches up and grabs Luke's t-shirt, bringing him with her as she falls. Lorelai scoots back so that she lies flat on the bed, still holding onto Luke's shirt, forcing him to move with her, as he rests an arm on either side of her body. Luke slowly draws his eyes over her body, taking all of her in, taking a moment to realize that he's not dreaming. "You're so beautiful," Luke whispers to her before dipping his head to kiss her again. Lorelai clasps his head in her hands, pulling him closer, causing his arms to fail him as he collapses on her. Smiling into their kiss, Luke lets one hand drift under her lower back, pulling her lower body to his, as his other hand tangles in her hair. From there they slowly undress each other, giving into the passion they had kept quiet ever since the night in the car. Knowing that this time it would be different, that this time they were both all in and they would be together in the morning.