A/N again it follows the general plot of season 4 but with the obvious change that Luke and Lorelai are together.
Luke's Lake
Chapter 22
"Lorelai remind me why we're doing this," Luke asked as they stood in the cold of the square in the early hours of the morning.
"Because Taylor asked us to help," Lorelai said avoiding eye contact with Luke.
"And why did you say yes?" Luke added looking at Lorelai, she didn't answer, "Lorelai!" he repeated in his demanding voice.
"Because of the video," Lorelai added after a few moments of feeling Luke glare.
"And which video is that?" Luke asked.
"The one of us in the diner," Lorelai shamefully added.
"And why was he able to blackmail us with a video?" Luke asked.
"Because we are Tommy and Pamela," Lorelai joked finally looking at Luke, "Look you can't blame this all on me, I wasn't the one who went to the refrigerator for the can of whipped cream!"
Luke while still mad at what happened knew it was both of their faults. He would now have to just grin and bare it, help Taylor with preparations for the Firelight festival.
"Okay I might have played a part in this," Luke said.
"A big part," Lorelai grinned as she pulled Luke closer, cupping her hand around his butt.
They share a quick kiss before Taylor started to talk, giving a speech before instructing the helpers in their various tasks for the afternoon.
As the crowd dispersed Taylor called them over to talk, "Okay you can have the tape when you have finished," he said quietly just too Luke and Lorelai.
"I thought you said you disposed of that," Luke said seeing the tape in question.
Taylor tried to dodge the question, "I said I never looked at it, Kirk was in charge of the security footage," Taylor informed then.
"Kirk!" Lorelai said shocked.
"Aw Geez," Luke added.
"Don't worry, he gave me his word this was the only copy," Taylor reassured them.
"Hand it over Taylor!" Luke demanded stepping closer to the cardigan wearing man.
Taylor stepped back, "At the end of the day," he said putting the tape behind his back.
"Taylor!" Luke barked.
"What do you think we'll do, just leave you here two people short?" Lorelai added.
"Okay, I trust you Lorelai," Taylor said slowly handing it over.
"Thank you," Lorelai said, taking hold of the tape as she clutching it close to her chest.
"Okay now that is taken care of Lorelai can you help with the decorations," Taylor said pointing to a group of ladies, "And Luke you can help unload the firewood."
Luke and Lorelai turned to face each other as Taylor walked off calling to Kirk.
"We better get to work before Taylor gives us more grief," Lorelai said leaning in for a kiss.
"Do you want me to dispose of that?" Luke asked, looking at the tape as they parted.
"No way, I'm not letting this out of my sight," Lorelai replied placing it in one of her large coat pockets and making sure the button was secure.
Giving Lorelai a final peck on the lips Luke turned towards the truck where they were unloading the firewood.
A few steps later he turned back, "You're not going to watch that are you?" Lorelai smiled and didn't answer, "Okay at least wait for me to be there," Luke added with a grin as he shook his head and walked off.
Lorelai liked watching Luke walk away, even if it was winter and Luke was wearing a heavy coat that covered his jeans clad butt, she just imagined what she had seen and fleet many times before. This helped keep out the cold on this cold winter morning.
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Later that day Lorelai was still mad with Jess as she returned home. Stepping onto her porch she noticed Luke had finished the window, to help keep out the cold and making the house liveable once again.
Going inside Lorelai called for Luke before noticing he had fallen asleep on the couch, she didn't want to disturb him. Luke was a hard worker and disserved a few hours rest today she thought as she covered him with a blanket.
Lorelai made herself a cup of coffee and found the biscuits Luke had made for her before going back into the living room. Making herself comfortable she sat in her comfy armchair as she drank the dark liquid and watch Luke.
She could watch Luke sleep for hours, he looked so comfortable in the house and it felt right to Lorelai. No one had made her feel as safe and she knew Luke would always be there for her and Rory. He was the fix it guy which is part of the reason she loved him so much even if she had still not admitted it to herself or spent much time talking about it to anyone.
Now on her third cup Lorelai saw Luke stir and open his eyes, "My hand hurts," Luke said slowly sitting up, "And my head."
"You cut your self and might have a tiny hangover," Lorelai reminded Luke.
"Right, oh the Barbie Band-Aid is gone," Luke said looking at the cut.
Lorelai got up placing her coffee on the table, "I got some manly Band-Aids while I was out," she said going to her handbag.
"Manly Band-Aids?" Luke questioned, "That's an oxymoron."
"What did you call me?" Lorelai asked coming back front the entryway with her handbag.
"What time is?" Luke said ignoring Lorelai.
"A little after three," Lorelai said, "Now hold still," she said placing the new band-aid on his hand.
"I was asleep for two hours!" Luke said starting to get up but Lorelai stopped him.
"It's fine Luke, I called Caesar and the diner is fine, they can cope without you for a few hours.
Luke slumped in the couch, "I guess so," he sighed.
"Besides you need to get ready for the dinner tonight," Lorelai added.
"I almost forgot about that," Luke said holding his head.
"How's the hangover?" Lorelai asked.
"I don't have a hangover!" Luke protested.
"Maybe you could use some coffee?" Lorelai joked.
"Do you want to kill me?" Luke fired back.
"Never, I just got you to propose to me and I need you to go through with it," Lorelai said moving closer to Luke for a kiss.
"When do we need to leave?" Luke asked, his lips all but touching Lorelai's.
"Sex, I mean six," Lorelai said with a Freudian slip.
"Okay I better get back to the diner and make sure Caesar hasn't burnt the place down," Luke said not wanting to leave.
"If you come back here to shower I promises to wash your back," Lorelai said with a grin.
"How can I refuse that," Luke said getting up, "I'll be back in an hour top."
-----
"Just relax," Lorelai said genially rubbing.
"I am," Luke snapped back.
"Well you've got more knots in your neck and back than Captain Jack had on the Black Pearl," Lorelai joked.
"You didn't say we'd be having a bath," Luke said.
"You like baths," Lorelai said continuing the massage.
"I don't like baths with fruity smelling bubbles," Luke corrected Lorelai.
"You like taking baths with me, fruit bubbles and all," Lorelai corrected herself.
"Sitting in you own filth," Luke added.
"That's why we had the shower after the sex," Lorelai said.
"That's a good use of water, take a show then a bath," Luke grumbled.
"I didn't here you complain when we moved from the bedroom to the show," Lorelai said pulling Luke closer to whisper, "Nice Job carrying me by the way."
"I wasn't complaining," Luke grinned, "I just don't like baths. Sorry about the lamp," he added.
"Trust me Luke it was worth it," Lorelai said still glowing, "The third time was the charm."
"Sure was, sorry about the towel rack," Luke added.
"Again all worth it," Lorelai smiled.
"You just know I'll be around to fix it," Luke said turning to look at Lorelai.
"I don't know anyone better to do the job," Lorelai replied with a quick kiss.
"So you have sex with me just to break things and keep me around for more sex?" Luke asked.
"It's a vicious circle," Lorelai giggled.
There was silence for a few moments as Lorelai finished Luke's back, "There all done," Lorelai said.
"Is it time to get out?" Luke asked.
"Might have a time for one more go," Lorelai said resting on his back.
"You trying to kill me again?" Luke asked turning to meet Lorelai's lips.
"Can't have that, I didn't get any batteries today," she returned with a kiss.
Lorelai's hand moved under the water to find Luke was more than ready she wrapped her fingers around Luke causing him to groan into their kiss.
"We don't have time," Luke said as Lorelai moved to sit in his lap.
"I'll be quick," Lorelai said as Luke held her waist.
Lowering down Lorelai moaned as she felt their connection, "Your mother will kill me if we're late," Luke said.
"We won't be late, now shut up and lake love to me," Lorelai smiled.
"Well that's a turn on," Lorelai said dryly.
It was awaked as the water sloshed around, Luke holding onto Lorelai and the edge of the bathtub in a balance act which was doing nothing for his concentration on the task at hand," Okay this is not working for me," Luke said getting up.
"Luke I want you," Lorelai pouted.
"Well come her then!" Luke said handing Lorelai towel.
Lorelai smiled as she stepping out with a helping hand from Luke. After a quick towel off she sat on the edge of the vanity unit, lifting one leg on to the sink edge she smiled at Luke just out of reach.
"Now where were we?" Luke said placing one hand on her hip and the other behind her neck.
Drawing closer their lips met with a frenzy of kissing, they knew time was short so moved onto the main event. Lorelai's legs wrapped around Luke's waist as he entered her, moving his hands Luke firmly to hold Lorelai's waist as he thrust into her. Lorelai pushed her hips forward as she felt he climax coming and it wasn't long before Luke returned the favour with his own peak.
They held each other for a minute before Luke pulled back to look at Lorelai, "That was short," Luke said.
"Four times in two hours is pretty good in my books mister, I'm surprised you had anything left," Lorelai replied with a giggle.
"Well I'll have a protein shake next time and see if I can do better," Luke said dryly as he went over to the shower and turned it on.
Lorelai joined him, "You know we're going to be late now," Lorelai said as they quickly washed off again.
Minutes later she watched as Luke dried himself off, 'Greek God' she thought as he loosely tied the towel around his waist before leaving the room.
Lorelai followed shortly after using the towel to dry her hair, choosing to enter the bedroom naked to Luke's amusement.
"What are you doing?" Luke asked as Lorelai sat on the bed and crossed her legs.
"Drying my hair," Lorelai said casually.
Luke stopped dressing to close the bedroom door, "What if Rory comes home?" Luke asked with the door now securely locked.
"She knows we are together Luke and we do things together, couple things, sex things," Lorelai said leaning forward to dry the back of her hair before standing and going to her underwear draw.
"When was Rory coming home?" Luke asked.
"In about half an hour," Lorelai said bending to put on her panties.
"Is that enough time? Luke questions knowing how long Lorelai took to dress for most dates.
-----
As they entered the large ballroom Lorelai quickly swapped her engagement ring to a different finger.
"You know we have to tell them," Luke reminded Lorelai.
"Tomorrow at lunch," Lorelai replied before seeing the room full of tables, "Wow. I wonder where Demi and Ashton are sitting," Lorelai joked looking around the room.
"I think we're late," Rory said noticing the packed ballroom.
"You know your mother," Luke said dryly to Rory as he checked his tie and jacket.
"We're not late," Lorelai protested.
"Grandma said dinner starts at six," Rory added.
"Yeah, well that means seven," Lorelai said
"In what universe?" Rory questioned.
"They invite you at six knowing you won't be here until seven so dinner won't start until eight. Actually we're early, Lorelai explained, "Oh, there they are," she added waving, "Hey, Hi Mom," she called softly.
"She looks happy," Luke noted unsure as to how he would be accepted into this world.
"You found a man," Emily said.
"It's Luke, Lorelai said unsure if her mother was making a joke.
"Luke, I didn't recognize you," Emily said looking at the freshly shaved man before her, "See what a good shave can do," she added leading them to the table.
"I helped him," Lorelai replied before turning to Luke joking, "She likes you."
"Aw Geez," Luke said under his breath, as the followed.
Rory close behind giggled as she listened to them.
"Luke!" Richard said standing as he greeted him.
"This is quite a party," Luke said as they shook hands.
"It's a charity dinner for rare manuscript acquisitions," Richard informed Luke.
"That's what Lorelai said," Luke added as they took their seats. Luke helped Lorelai with hers before sitting between Lorelai and Rory who was already seated.
"This is my daughter Lorelai, her daughter Rory and this is Lorelai's boyfriend Luke. Everybody this is Marjorie, Shawna," Emily made the introductions.
Lorelai leaned in to Emily, "Who are Marjorie, Shawna?"
Emily whispered back, "Richard and Jason's secretaries. Dull girls, like two rolling pins sitting across from you, but we were desperate."
"So who's joining us," Rory asked seeing a coat on the last chair.
"Jason, he's doing the rounds," Richard said.
"Digger?" Lorelai asked with amusement.
"Nobody calls him that any more Lorelai and I would asked that you respect my business partner when he gets back," Richard said.
"When who gets back?" Jason said stepping up to the table.
"Jason how did it go," Richard asked.
"Mr Goldstein will call next week," Jason said making his way to the vacant chair.
"Good, good," Richard said pleased.
"Jason you remember everybody, Lorelai, Luke, Rory," Emily said reintroducing them.
"Emily they were in school together," Richard reminded Emily.
"And we had dinner a few weeks back," Lorelai added, "So digger how have you been these past weeks," she joked.
"Lorelai that enough," Richard said jumping in.
Jason just smiled, "So Luke good to see you again, not tired of Lorelai yet," he joked.
Luke reading the situation smiled back, "Not yet but she is a lot of work."
The table was silent for a moment before Emily laughed, "We're just pleased Luke has tamed Lorelai, for the most part."
"The whips and chains sure helped," Luke joked leading to laughter from the table.
"Well now that we are settled I'm going to go find Feriman," Richard said standing.
Emily joined him, "I have to say hello to Babe Wellington."
Once they had left Jason turned to Luke and Lorelai, "So you're engaged," he said surprising them.
"How did you…" Lorelai said looking at her hand to check she had changed the ring on her finger.
"Just a feeling, a vibe," Jason said as Lorelai looked around, "I don't think they know," he added.
"We're telling them at lunch tomorrow," Luke said taking Lorelai's hand to calm her.
Just then an older gentleman approached the table, "Jason," he said. They shook hands as Jason stood up.
"Oh, hello. I didn't know you'd be here," Jason replied as they talked like business associates, before the man left.
"Who was that?" Lorelai asked.
"My father," Jason replied to their surprise.
"And you two have met before?" Lorelai asked in a joking tone.
"Yes, briefly. I believe there was an Aquaman party involved," Jason replied.
"Oh, man dad told me this business thing has been really bad for you guys," Lorelai said in a caring tone.
"What do you mean?" Jason replied.
" Did know one else fell the arctic chill in here a minute ago?" Lorelai said.
"You talked like you barely knew each other," Luke added.
"Oh, no, no, we've always been like that," Jason said nonchalant.
"You're kidding," Rory added to the conversation.
"No, actually, asking me about my golf game was actually a little too touchy-feely for me," Jason joked making it hard to feel sorry for them.
"Wow, who would have thought I would ever put my mother next to someone and think, warm?" Lorelai said as Richard came back to the table.
"Jason, I just heard your father was here," He said as the talk turned to deciding what they needed to do next leaving Lorelai, Rory and Luke at the table alone with the rolling pins.
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Luke and Lorelai walked arms linked with Rory close by as the strolled from where Luke parked the Jeep, near the diner.
"Gone for the rest of the night. We're stuck with the rolling pins. God! So boring!" Lorelai said gloomy.
"They weren't that bad," Luke said.
"I am starving," Rory cut in.
"What? The possibly beef and some sort of cream sauce did nothing to curb your appetite?" Lorelai said mockingly.
"Do you want to start with burgers or do a cart-to-cart attack?" Rory said.
"Well, there are three of us. I think we can accomplish all our goals tonight, this could be the best Firelight Festival ever!" Lorelai said with joy.
"Please don't drag me into this," Luke said begging.
"Come on Luke, we're about to get married so are part of this, now go get some Founders Day Punch for us," Lorelai asked flashing her eyes.
"I'm not drinking that stuff," Luke said scoffing with a snort.
"Good more for me and Rory," Lorelai joked.
"I'm going to get the burgers, you hit the carts," Rory said walking away.
"Meet us by the bonfire," Lorelai called as Rory walked off.
"Okay," Rory replied.
"I'll meet you by the fire," Luke said leaning in to kiss Lorelai, "I have to say goodbye to Liz."
"Say goodbye for me," Lorelai added walking away, "And don't forget the Founders Day Punch!"
-----
A short time later Lorelai met up with Luke, food in hand.
"So you satisfied yet?" Luke asked handing Lorelai a to-go cup off coffee.
"Wow that's the second time you've said that today," Lorelai giggled.
"Geez," Luke said.
"But I will be once Rory's bringing the burgers," Lorelai added as Luke put his arm around her waist and they looked at the fire.
"This is nice," Lorelai said.
"It's okay, Luke agreed.
"It's more than okay, I have food and a fiancé that makes the best coffee," Lorelai said rubbing his arm with her cheek as she ate.
"Thought you'd like the coffee more than the punch," Luke said with a smile.
They watched the fire for a few minutes as they held each other.
"Oh I have something for you," Luke said letting go of Lorelai.
"Is it pie?" Lorelai asked watching Luke pull something from his jacket pocket.
Luke held up the tiny object, "Liz made them for you, she was sorry they had to go without saying goodbye," Luke said.
Lorelai gasped at the gift as she reached for them, "Pretty."
"Liz said they'll bring out the blue in your eyes," Luke added.
She held them to her ear, "Do they?"
Luke smiled, "Yes," he said in reply.
"I'll have to thank Liz next time she visits," Lorelai said stepping into Luke's arms once again.
------
"Are you ready?" Lorelai called from the bathroom.
"Yes and I have been for the past hour," Luke said going back down the stairs.
"Luke it's burning," Rory called from the kitchen.
"I'm coming," Luke replied grabbing a cloth and opening the oven.
"Are they burnt?" Rory asked.
Luke pulled out a tray of scones, "Not burnt, Emily would not allow it," Luke said dryly.
"So how is the food coming?" Lorelai asked entering the room.
"The roast chicken is almost ready…" Luke said interrupted by the sound of a car out front.
"That must be them then," Lorelai said as Luke stood behind her.
"I'll go see," Rory said racing to the front door.
"It will be fine," Luke said pulling Lorelai close.
"Well they appear to like you, juries still out on what they think of me," Lorelai joked as she turned for a quick kiss.
They parted and Lorelai took Luke's hand, "Come on," she said.
"Ring?" Luke asked.
"Not this time," Lorelai smiled.
They went out side to met their lunch guests only to find them talking with Babette and her gnomes.
"Sorry I tried to get them in before Babette but…" Rory said.
"It's okay kid," Lorelai said before turning to her parents, "Mom, Dad, good to see you made it," she said walking down the front steps.
"It's not everyday we're invited to lunch with our daughter," Emily remarked.
"Yes and you're just in time, it's getting cold," Lorelai said encouraging them inside, "Hello Babette."
"Hi ya doll, so is it a special lunch?" The neighbour said knowingly.
"Every lunch with my parents is special," Lorelai remarked.
"Well I'll let you get to it then," Babette said waving them off.
Emily and Richard smiled back and followed Lorelai inside.
"Well I'm off then," Rory informed her grandparents as she grabbed her coat.
"You're not joining us?" Emily asked disappointingly.
"No I have a day planned with Lane," Rory said, "But I'll see you next Friday," she added hugging Emily.
As the door closed Emily turned to Lorelai, "Okay what is going on here?"
"Nothing Mother, just lunch with Luke and I," Lorelai said with a smile.
Meanwhile Luke and Richard had made their way to the kitchen, "Something smells good," Richard said looking at the well-presented table.
"Lorelai something is going on, this is the third meal we have shared in three days, that's hasn't happened… I don't know the last time that happened. I think you were still wearing a plaid skirt and knee-high socks," She joked.
"Plaid Skirt?" Luke asked.
Lorelai leaned in to whisper to Luke, "I still have them, I'll show you tonight," she said with a peck on the cheek.
"Okay I guess now is a good a time as any," Lorelai said turning to her parents.
"Oh no your not," Emily said looking at Lorelai as she took Luke's hand for support.
"Oh no what? Lorelai asked.
"Your pregnant again!" Emily exclaimed.
Luke and Lorelai looked at each other then back to Emily and Richard as they stood at the other end of the table, "No I'm not pregnant, at least I wasn't last time I checked," she jokingly added.
"Then what?" Emily asked livid.
"Emily," Richard said trying to claim his wife.
"Mom, Dad I'm engaged," Lorelai said showing her hand across the table, "Luke proposed the other day and as I haven't had any better offers of late I said yes," she added.
There was silence for a few moments, "Oh Lorelai," Emily said almost crying.
Lorelai moved around the table to Emily and they shared a somewhat awkward hug, the first one in years. Maybe before Rory was born. They looking at the ring again together as Richard reached Luke's hand and stepped closer to shake it.
"Congratulations Luke," Richard said.
"Thank you Richard," Luke replied with a smile.
Wiped the tears from her eyes Emily spoke, "This is good… and you are happy?" Emily added looking into her daughter's eyes.
Lorelai nodded, "Yes, very," she said as the timer went off on the oven.
"That's our lunch," Luke said stepping over to quieten the buzzer, before removing the roast chicken and trimmings from the oven.
Emily looked happier than she had in years as sat, Luke dividing the bird for the guests.
"So do you have a date yet?" Emily asked.
Lorelai looked at Luke then back to her parents, "I was hoping for a winter wedding, in the town square with snow," Lorelai smiled.
Remembering their conversation from two years before, "Before the firing squad, I assume?"
Lorelai laughed, "I just would like snow at the wedding."
Luke and Richard were confused, "We might only have a few weeks of snow left in the season," Luke reminded Lorelai.
"Two weeks is not enough time to plan a wedding," Emily said back in her typical fashion.
"So maybe we'll have to wait till next season?" Lorelai said looking at Luke and reaching for his hand.
"I've waited seven years, I can wait a little longer to do it right," Luke said squeezing her hand.
TBC…
Feedback would be good.