Unfortunately this will be the last chapter. I'm off to uni as a fresher tomorrow and so doubt I'll have time to update, therefore decided to end it now. Thank you so much for reading and for all your lovely comments, they really are appreciated.
Chapter 8
Six months after Mitchum's death, Rory and Logan were stronger than ever. Logan had taken control of his father's businesses and, at his mothers encouragement, given Rory a top spot in the newspaper, writing political articles and a weekly blog as well as overseeing things when Logan wasn't around. It didn't involve travelling the world as she always thought she would be, but she liked it better because it meant she could be with Logan and close to her family. A couple of weeks ago she had moved into Logan's apartment but still visited Stars Hollow almost everyday.
"Happy birthday Ace," said Logan as he walked into the bedroom with a tray. Rory sat up in bed and smiled.
"You made breakfast?" she asked, disbelieving.
"Not exactly," he said, putting it in front of her and she smiled. "I got up early and went to get your favourite breakfast from Luke's," Logan admitted.
"That's so sweet of you," she said as she pulled him in for a kiss. "Are you going to join me in bed?"
"Anything you want. This day is all about you," said Logan.
"Do I get my present now?" she asked, eager to see what it is.
"No, you'll have to wait until later," replied Logan. He had arranged a surprise birthday party in Stars Hollow out in the square. The town had been surprisingly helpful and Logan knew it was because they loved Rory so much.
"So what time do we have to leave?" asked Rory once she had finished her brekafast.
"Well your mom said to get there anytime after 2 because she had to go to the inn and sort some things out first," replied Logan, when in actual fact it was so that there was time for the town to get ready.
"Really, well that gives us plenty more time in bed," whispered Rory, kissing him softly.
"I like the way you think, Ace," Logan replied, deepening the kiss.
"There doesn't look to be anyone home," commented Rory as they pulled up at Lorelai and Luke's house. They had gone the back way into town so as to avoid the town square where the party was.
"Sorry Ace, but I need you to put this blindfold on," said Logan, turning her around so he could tie it behind her head.
"What? Logan! What's going on?" she asked, not liking the fact she didn't know what was happening.
"I'll guide you," said Logan, keeping a tight grip on her.
"We're walking a long way," commented Rory after a while. "Where are we going?"
"We're here," announced Logan, getting ready to take the blindfold off. Lorelai gave him a thumbs up and so he took it off.
"SURPRISE!" shouted the whole of Stars Hollow.
"Oh my god," gasped Rory. "Did you do all this?" she turned and asked Logan.
"With a lot of help from Lorelai and Luke," he replied.
"Happy Birthday sweetie," said Lorelai, rushing over.
"Thanks mom, thanks Luke," she said as she hugged them both.
"Happy birthday Rory," said Emily as she and Richard made their way over. Since finding out about Rory and Logan they had since calmed down when they noticed how happy he made her. They had even invited him round for dinner a couple of times and whilst they weren't exactly nice, they were civil towards him. Rory greeted everyone and looked around. Spotting two people near the band stand, she was surprised and made her way over.
"Honour, Mrs Huntzberger, what are you both doing here?" she asked. Logan was busy helping Sookie set out the food.
"Well, it is your birthday," said Shira. "And how many times have I told you, don't call me Mrs Hunztberger, call me Shira." Since the Sunday lunch 6 months ago, Rory had been accepted into the family and loved the fact that they thought she was worthy enough for Logan.
"Sorry. I'm just surprised to see you here in Stars Hollow."
"Yes well, it's a charming little town. A man named Taylor just came over and informed us of it's history," said Shira.
"Mm Taylor, how did you get away?" Rory asked.
"Honour said she had spotted Luke so suggested we go say hello." Shira had met Lorelai and Luke several times at various events and dinners over the past 6 months.
"Present time!" called out Lorelai from a table stacked high with gifts.
"You all didn't have to go to so much trouble," said Rory, looking round at everyone.
"Nonsense, we all love you Rory," replied Mrs Patty. One by one Rory opened the gifts which included concert tickets from Lane, books from several people and vouchers for Doose's market from Taylor amoung many other things.
"Here's your present from me and Luke," said Lorelai, handing over an envelope. Opening it, Rory found two tickets for a Carribean cruise.
"Thanks you guys!" she squealed, showing Logan.
"We thought it would be nice for the two of you to get away for a couple of weeks," said Lorelai, knowing that they both worked hard.
"Just be careful, don't elope like I did," added Luke, thinking back to his cruise with Nicole.
"Just one more present," said Logan. He handed Rory a small box, opening it she found a ring.
"Logan," she said, thinking back to her graduation and turning down his proposal.
"Relax, Ace. It's a promise ring, not an engagement ring. I agree that we're too young to get married but I love you so much and you really have been a rock to me over the past months after my father died and with the businesses and everything. My life just doesn't work without you. So, I got you this ring as a promise that one day, when we're both ready, we'll get married and spend the rest of our lives together," explained Logan as the whole town listened.
"I love you so much," replied Rory, hugging and kissing him. Logan put the ring on her right hand.
"I also got you this," he said, handing her a slightly bigger box. Opening it, she found a necklace with a diamond on.
"It's beautiful," she gasped, holding in out so that Logan could put it on for her. "You shouldn't have spent so much money."
"What use is it in the bank? I should be able to spoil my girlfriend every once in a while," explained Logan.
An hour later, Rory was showing Babette and Mrs Patty her necklace when a car drew up and a familiar face got out.
"I missed it!" exclaimed Paris. "Rory!" she yelled as she ran over. "I'm sorry I'm late, there was a build up on the highway and it took forever."
"Don't worry, I'm glad you're here. Won't they miss you at Harvard?" she asked, knowing that Paris took her studies very seriously.
"Actually, I'm transferring. Back to Yale. When Harvard rejected me all those years ago I realise now it was for the best. Yale is better and I want to go back there."
"Wow, so, you'll be nearer Hartford," said Rory.
"Yes, meaning we can meet up more," smiled Paris.
"If this is what you want then I'm happy for you," said Rory.
"This is definately what I want."
Eventually people started drifting back to their homes so only Rory, Logan, Paris, Lorelai and Luke remained in the square.
"We'd better get the presents back to the house," said Lorelai.
"Where are you staying Paris?" asked Logan.
"Well ... I was kind of hoping I could stay with you, I know you have a spare room and it's just for one night," said Paris.
"Why don't you stay with us in Rory's old room?" suggested Lorelai quickly. She knew that Logan and Rory had their own birthday celebrations planned when they got back.
"Oh, okay then. Guess I'm staying in Stars Hollow," Paris said.
"You could have at least discussed it with me first," said Luke quietly so only Lorelai could hear. He was still slightly scared by Paris.
"But you would have said no," said Lorelai simply.
"Thanks for my party," said Rory as she entered the apartment, arms full of gifts.
"You're welcome. Have you had a good birthday?" asked Logan.
"Yes. It was so good seeing everyone in the same place. Like all my friends from Stars Hollow, Paris, my grandparents and I can't believe your mom and Honour came," said Rory.
"I was thinking, why don't we take that cruise really soon," suggested Logan.
"What about work?"
"Well I think the boss will let you have a couple of weeks off," smiled Logan, as he was her boss.
"Is that so?" said Rory, making her way across the room towards him.
"Definately," stated Logan. "I think a holiday is just what we need."
"Did I ever tell you how happy I am that I went to the Harvard versus Yale game?"
"Yes, but you could tell me again," teased Logan.
"I don't know what I would do without you," said Rory, wrapping her arms round him.
"Then it's a good job I love you and plan on spending the rest of my life with you."
"I love you too," replied Rory, kissing him.