"No, sweetie, it's fine." Lorelai sighed, forcing a smile on her face. "I completely understand. You'll get here. No rush."

Lorelai hung up the phone and buried her head in her arms. It was dark in the diner. She was fairly certain she was alone, since everyone was already at the inn for the night, ready for an early start in the morning. For the wedding. Finally succumbing to the urge, she let out a sob.

Jess walked down the stairs to exit the diner and froze, seeing Lorelai bent over the counter shaking. He looked around, and seeing no way to escape unnoticed, he cleared his throat. Lorelai bolted up and immediately wiped her face. She made a noble attempt to make it appear nothing out of the ordinary was wrong.

"I, uh. Sorry. I was just grabbing some stuff from upstairs," Jess muttered.

"Ya, no problem." Lorelai cleared her throat and smiled weakly. "Not staying at the inn?"

"I'm headed over there now. I had some things to grab."

Lorelai nodded, noting the bag he was holding. "I was just-"

"Hey, don't sweat it. None of my business," Jess shuffled awkwardly. "Well, I'll see you."

"Right. Bright an early!" Lorelai smiled brighter. They both knew she was doing a terrible job looking happy.

Jess nodded shortly and walked towards the door. He opened it, but then stopped and turned back towards the wilting woman behind him.

"Is it Luke?" he asked. "Or just cold feet?"

Lorelai turned to face him, praying she didn't need to have this conversation with him. "Neither. Everything's fine. Go to the inn, I'll see you there in a bit."

"'Cause if he did something, I could, you know, get TJ to kick his ass for you."

"No-"

"He's been looking for an excuse, it's no trouble."

"Jess." Lorelai levelled her gaze at the young man. "Luke is perfect. I'm fine, really."

"So it's the cold feet then," Jess glared back. "You know, I've never had the chance to say this, since I've been at a distance the whole time, but Luke is a great guy,"

"I know he is-"

"I honestly don't know if I'd pick you for him after your history, but he's obviously got his own opinions, so it's none of my business."

"My history?"

Jess' face got dark. "If you screw this up with him again-" he spat.

"Jess, stop it," Lorelai barked. "This has nothing to do with Luke."

"What is it then? You're getting married tomorrow. You don't look too rosy about the whole idea."

Lorelai sighed and turned. She bit her lip, trying to stem the new wave of tears that the sudden anger brought on. "It's Rory, ok?" She mumbled.

"Who?"

"Rory! She's going to be late. They won't let her off work tonight, so she's catching a red-eye and will be there tomorrow morning. But not tonight."

"Oh." Jess looked away, suddenly quiet.

"It's stupid, I know, I was just- I was hoping she'd be here the night before, you know? Sort of a last night type of thing. We'd had it all planned out with cocktails and old movies and we were going to tell each other long bad stories to ease the nerves. I just- I'm so proud of her job and all that she's done." Lorelai buried her head in her hands. "It just really sucks sometimes. Especially now. I need my best friend." She sighed, then peeked up with one eye.

Jess was standing frozen. Not sure what to say. Afraid to move. "I could, uh, find Sookie for you?" he offered.

"No, she's with the kids at the Inn," Lorelai waved off, embarrassed. "I'm really sorry about this. I'm just stressed out and missing my kid. I shouldn't keep you here. You don't need to hear any of this from me. Go on."

Jess took a deep breath, then put the bag he was holding on the counter next to Lorelai. It clanked on the hard surface. "I think you'll probably need this more," he said, reaching for two glasses.

"What's this?" Lorelai asked, reaching for the bag. Inside was a big bottle of Scotch.

"I may not be Rory, but I've got booze, and you can tell me any story you want. I promise I'll think they're all bad," he said pouring out the glasses.

"Why?" Lorelai asked, looking wary.

"Why not? I've got nothing else to do. You seem to need the company."

"But you were just ready to jump down my throat a second ago."

Jess raised a glass to her. "Drink up," he said, taking a sip.

Three glasses and a lot of babbling later, Lorelai smacked the table loudly. "Oh my god! I've figured it out!" she laughed.

"Figured what out?" Jess sat with his arms crossed, amused. He was on his second glass watching the older woman slowly relax.

"This!" She grabbed the bottle, which he quickly took away from her before she spilled it. She pouted, but then smiled, remembering what she was going to say. "You wanted to see Rory tonight too, didn't you?" Lorelai pointed at him, smiling drunkenly. "That's why you were getting the scotch and running back to the Inn all hurried-like." Lorelai patted her nose. "You can't fool me."

"Naw, I didn't think she'd be there yet..." Jess said, shrugging and looking away.

"Aha, but you wanted to!"

"How do you know it wasn't for Luke? Maybe he's freaking out as much as you."

Lorelai stopped and looked concerned for a minute, but then seemed to decide something and shook her head. "Nope, not buying it. I'm a mother, so you can't fool me. Besides, Luke's getting a pep talk from TJ." They both shuddered.

"And you wonder why I stayed away from them?" Jess countered.

"Quit stalling! The booze was for Rory, wasn't it?"

"Well, maybe..." He sighed. What was the harm opening up on this? He'd already heard way too much about what was going on in Lorelai's head that he wasn't sure if he could take much more. He also knew she wouldn't drop it until he said something. "We didn't exactly leave on the best note."

"Yeah. She's pissed at you." Lorelai nodded into her cup.

"And I have no idea why! She didn't wait to hear me out!" Jess said, sitting up.

"She's not a fan of cheaters, that one. She's got a bad record."

"I heard a bit about that. But I didn't cheat. I would never do that to her."

Lorelai contemplated him carefully, swaying in her seat. "Gotta say, Jess, I never liked you."

"Really? And you hid it so well," he scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Hear me out," she held out a hand. "Now I'm not so sure. You're turning out to be not half bad."

"Golly, you gonna give me a gold star too and pat my head?"

"I'm serious. You did good with what you had. That doesn't happen for everyone."

"Are you trying to give me some sort of approval?" Jess asked, taken aback.

"I didn't say that," Lorelai smiled. "You're just not half bad. Anymore. You used to suck. Like, really suck." She looked off into the distance, remembering. Then she turned to Jess, "Rory's pretty lucky to have you sniffing around lately though. If you screw this up again-" Lorelai hiccoughed and then tipped her glass, finishing off the contents. "Just don't give up on her, ok?" she leaned her head against the table. "And if you ever quote me on any of this, I'll deny it all."

"Naturally," Jess smiled as Lorelai's eyes began to droop. "Same to you, Gilmore." Loud snoring started up from the bride-to-be sleeping drunkenly on the counter. Jess gave Luke a call to come get her.

Rory rushed through the main entrance of the Dragonfly, carrying all her bags under her arm and balancing a giant paper coffee cup.

"Where is she?" she said loudly to a perturbed Michel.

"Upstairs, of course."

"Room? I need a room number! Now!"

"Please calm down. Let me check the system for you," Michel smiled to himself.

"You don't need to check the system! I have no time for this," she yelled and turned to the stairs, calling out, "Mom! I'm here! Where are you? Marco?"

Just then a small figure ran down the stairs in her path, nearly knocking her over.

"No, sugar, let the nice lady finish making you beautiful before we get the candy. Oh, sorry Rory," Liz gave a very tired smile as she tried to move out of the way and grab the bouncing bundle.

A scream issued from what turned out to be a young girl covered in tangles and curlers.

"No, Doula." Liz bobbed down to grab her, but she just got louder. Closing her eyes, Liz took a breath. "Screaming won't change anything. I'm ignoring you now!" The screaming was steady and ear-piercing. Liz looked up at Rory and tried a smile. "You look great!" she shouted. "Your mom's up the stairs on the left getting ready!"

"Thanks!" Rory shouted back, turning up the steps. "Good luck!" The screaming died away a little before Liz realized Doula had made a break for the front door. She bolted after her young daughter.

"Mom?" Rory said, peeking into the door.

"Shut! Shut the door!" Lorelai whined, wincing. She reached her arms out for Rory, and the two hugged tightly.

"I made it! Sorry for being late again!"

"Oh, but you're here now! That's all that matters! And you've got perfect timing too. She's coming back. Quick, be a distraction!"

"Who's coming back?"

"Rory, is that you?" Lorelai jumped and pushed Rory into the path of her mother.

"Hi Grandma!"

"Well, look at you, all grown up!" Emily pulled Rory into a hug and held her at arm's length to get a look at her. "You look just radiant. The road's been good to you it seems."

"Ya, it's stressful, but fantastic. I'm so sorry I'm late. I tried to get out last night, but there was some last minute article-"

"Not another word, I completely understand. I'll just have to have a talk with that new president of ours and see if his first order of business can't be to give my granddaughter some time off."

Rory smiled, "I'm sure he's got it on the top of his priorities, right behind fixing the country up."

"I have no doubt," Emily smiled brightly, then caught a glimpse of Lorelai and turned. "You're not wearing your hair down like that, are you? I specifically told Tiffany that your hair should be up, this isn't just some bar night you know, Lorelai, this is your wedding. Tiffany?" she called out.

"I know mom, it's fine. I like my hair like this," Lorelai sighed.

"And I can see bags under your eyes. Why are there bags under your eyes? Don't tell me you stayed up late. I specifically told you to go to bed early and wear that goats milk mask I got sent out for you from Venezuela. You look old. Where's Alexandria? If anyone can fix this mess it's her. I pay her enough. It's such a disaster. You know, if you'd only listen to me once in a while things would go much smoother. I do know what's best sometimes, Lorelai. Tiffany? Alexandria? Where are those girls?" Emily dashed out of the room, nose in the air and ready to find her next prey.

"Quick, give me some aspirin before she comes back!" Lorelai begged.

"Aspirin? Here you go. Why?"

"Splitting head ache. Long story. Lots of scotch."

"Scotch? Oh no! You had our cocktail night still, didn't you?"

"Sort of," Lorelai said, swigging down the tiny pain-killers.

"I'm so sorry for missing that. I tried so hard to get out of work, but the trying took too long and by the time I got out of there I'd already missed my flight, and-"

"Hey, kid, don't sweat it," Lorelai put a hand on her daughter's head to stop her. "It would have been great to have you there, but we'll get another chance," she smiled. "You've still got your big day coming sometime out there in the future. And now I know to stay away from scotch when it arrives." Lorelai winced. "Besides, I got looked after."

"You're lucky to have Luke," Rory nodded. "Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tranquilizer for grandma?"

"Oh, so tempting. Yes to both. Cleatus may have some tranq's in the stable. That should keep her at least a little sedated for a few minutes." Rory gave her mother a look, which was met with a devilish grin. "A vat of coffee for me should do the trick."

Sookie ran through the door, out of breath, just as Rory turned to leave. "Oh, hi Sweetie!" She gave her a quick hug, then yammered on to Lorelai. "Okay, the band arrived and is setting up out back. The cake's all ready and waiting, I just put the finishing touches on it. And I think the flowers just got here, but I saw your mother run into the delivery man, so I don't know what happened after that."

"Ack, she's probably sending them back! Do you think she'll notice that we changed the order?"

"Emily? She seems pretty perceptive," Sookie's face dropped in worry.

"Nah, leave them," Lorelai said. "Who really needs flowers at a wedding anyways?"

Rory snuck out quietly to find the coffee. She paused on the stairs, nearly running into someone again. This time it was Jess.

"Hey," he said quietly. "I was just coming to find you."

"Sorry, I'm busy," she glared and pushed past him.

"Rory, wait. I have something for you," he said, pulling an envelope from his back pocket.

"Sorry, the bride has spoken and needs her coffee. Take a rain check," she said over her shoulder, turning the corner away from him.

He tried following her, but a young girl whizzed by. He caught her and picked her up. "Where are you going?" His little sister smiled up at him, her face covered in melted chocolate. Liz ran up behind him, doubled over and out of breath.

"She found the chocolate fountain," Liz breathed. "You," she pointed at her son, "were a breeze compared to this one. Help me get her into the hair and make-up room before she figures out how to get on the horses."

"I thought the way the sun was setting right behind Lorelai was just amazing. Very symbolic. And then the snow started! It was like the universe approving of their union. They're entering the winter of their years together, finally ready to cozy up and wait out the long haul side by side, two souls bound together for eternity. Didn't you think it was just so spiritual?

"

Emily blinked at Liz, entirely at a loss for words.

"Hey, now don't you mind the old woman," TJ laughed pointing to his wife. "She gets her head caught up in all this voodoo spirituality crap. It's all a bunch of hoo-haw if you ask me, nothing someone as classy as yourselves would find interesting at all, I'm sure."

Liz smacked TJ. "Don't call it hoo-haw, you know very well that this stuff is what holds everything together. You, me, Luke, Lorelai, even the two of you." She smiled at Richard and Emily. "I'm sure you've felt the spirits of the world guide you two together in all your years with each other, aren't I right?"

Richard looked at Emily, equally as dumbfounded. "I- suppose once or twice-" he stuttered a response.

"Grandma, Grandpa! How did you like the meal?" Rory jumped in, ready to save them.

"Rory! There you are," Emily breathed. "I thought it was just excellent. Sookie was the caterer, right? We simply must go tell her how divine the duck was."

"Oh! Duck! See, Liz, I told you there was something off about that chicken, didn't I?" TJ piped up before Richard and Emily could leave.

"Yes, yes he did."

"Too rubbery or, what was it?"

"It was all dark," Liz laughed, "We thought maybe it was starting to go a bit bad."

"Right, but I thought, hey, this chicken tastes awesome even if it is on its way out, so what the hell, right? Waste not! And it turns out it was duck the whole time! It just goes to show you."

"It just goes to show you!" Liz beamed. Emily and Richard looked at Rory in horror for some clue as to how they could politely respond. Rory shrugged helplessly.

"Uh, mom, Doula needs you," Jess quickly patted his mother on the shoulder.

"What do you mean Doula needs me? April's got her." Liz turned back to Richard and Emily. "That kid's a godsend, I tell you. Doula won't listen to anyone else." Emily rolled her eyes at Richard when Liz turned as if to say 'we know.'

"Ya, but they were playing hide and seek. Now April can't find Doula."

"Oh geez, she could be anywhere. Excuse us, Richard, Emily, nice meeting you." Liz smiled politely and then turned madly. "TJ, check the stables!"

Emily clutched her heart when they left. "My god, who were those people?"

"That was Liz and TJ, Grandma. You've met them before, haven't you?" Rory asked.

"I should like to think I'd remember meeting them. Who do they belong to? Why are they here?"

"That's my mother and her husband," Jess said, barely hiding a grimace.

"Oh, of course. And you're Luke's nephew, right?" Emily looked down her nose.

"The one and only," Jess returned Emily's glare with a snarky smile.

"Right. I remember you now," they sized each other up for a moment. "Richard, let's go find Sookie. We have to compliment the fantastic meal." Emily turned on her heel, leaving her husband to follow close behind and Rory and Jess to glance away from each other awkwardly.

"You didn't have to do that, you know," Rory crossed her arms over her chest.

"Do what?"

"Step in like that. I had it covered."

"I don't know what you're talking about. My sister's missing."

"She is not, I saw April playing with her two minutes ago."

"Kids are fast," Jess shrugged.

"Sure they are. Regular road-runner that one. Now excuse me, I have guests to entertain."

"I liked your speech," Jess said, following her as she walked.

"Thanks."

"I thought getting an A-team reference in there took lots of skill. You must have worked hard on that one."

"Yep, pulled an all-nighter," Rory turned away.

"So, what, we're not even talking anymore, is that it?"

"Pretty much."

"Did you even look at the manuscript I left you?"

"Manuscript?" Rory asked.

"Never mind. There's your mom. I'll leave you alone," Jess turned and walked off into the crowd.

"Hey kiddo!" Lorelai bounced over. "Was that Jess you were talking to?"

"No," Rory said defiantly. "I was not talking to him."

"Right. Still mad?"

"Not mad, not anything. Now let's change the subject," Rory shook her head and then smiled at her mother. "I was just saving the Universe from imploding. Liz and TJ found Grandma and Grandpa."

"No! And I missed it? How purple did mom get?" Lorelai smiled giddily.

"There were many shades of many different colours all around," Rory laughed.

"What happened?" Luke came up behind them, handing a glass of wine to Lorelai.

"Your sister found my parents," Lorelai giggled.

"And we missed it?"

"I know! Okay, here's the plan. You round them up and we'll lock them all in a room with one-way glass, and we can charge people to watch the mayhem ensue! We could make millions!"

"I honestly don't know who I'd be rooting for in that one," Luke sighed.

"You guys are mean," Rory said.

"Ah, that's what makes us work so well together, right Mr. Gilmore?"

"Geez, will you stop calling me that? I'm not changing my name," Luke rolled his eyes.

"It's only fair. If you want me to change mine, you change yours."

"How about we just keep our original names and call it even?"

"Patriarchist."

"Crazy-woman! Rory, what did I get myself into?"

"You knew very well, sir, and I thank you for taking her off my hands."

"Hey guys, you haven't seen a little girl running around like the Tasmanian Devil, have you?" April popped her head in, wringing her hands.

"No, sorry. You lose Doula?"

April nodded. "In hindsight, hide and seek was probably not the best game to play in a crowded inn. Should have pulled out the Jenga."

"Toppling towers and a three year old? Really?" Lorelai asked.

"Good point. Either way, I have to find her again. Any ideas?"

They heard a crashing door and a wild giggle across the room.

"I think you may have a lead," Luke sighed.

"Rory why don't you go keep an eye on her while April gets their jackets. Doula might want to play in the snow for a while," Lorelai offered.

"Good idea," April said. "I'll be right back!"

Rory ran to the balcony door to catch the monster child before she got too far. She followed the giggling, thanking the fact that it was still close. To her surprise Doula wasn't the only one out there. Jess had her on his lap, and she was passing him something secretly, laughing proudly.

"What are you doing? What are those?" She tried to look closer at the small bags Doula had taken out of the pockets of her skirt. "Those are the party favours! The chocolate espresso beans are supposed to be on the tables for the guests to take home after! How did she get them?"

"Relax, I just told her to get the ones from the tables where everyone left. She hasn't had... many? Right Doula?" The little girl grinned and laughed maniacally, teeth clearly covered in chocolate.

"Your mother is going to kill you, you know that right?"

"Doula? I found your snow-suit!" April ran out holding a jacket and some mitts. "Oh, hi," she said to her older cousin. She leaned down to the little girl, "Doula, do you want to make a snowman with me?"

"Snowman!" Doula screamed in excitement.

"Okay, but you have to give all those bags to Jess now, okay? And right after that we're going to read a story and go to bed. Do you understand?"

"SNOWMAN!" Doula said and dug more bags out of her pockets and threw them at Jess. She grabbed for her coat and April raced after her.

"That sneak, she told me she'd given me all of them. Poor April's gonna have a rough night."

"Like brother like sister I guess," Rory crossed her arms over her chest.

"What does that mean?" Jess stood.

"Oh nothing," Rory said. "I guess it just runs in the family, not knowing what's actually yours or not. The whole staying with what you've got thing is hard to follow."

"Are we still talking about Doula here? Because it sure sounds like you're accusing her of something," he said angrily.

"No, I'm not accusing Doula of anything. She's fine. She's a kid. She doesn't know any better."

"Oh, and I do?"

"You should by now! We're not teenagers anymore, you can't just use people!" Rory nearly shouted at him.

"What, like you tried to use me before?" he scoffed.

"That was different. I never actually went through with anything," Rory defended herself.

"Ya, that took a while to establish if I remember."

"Hey, don't go blaming me for-"

"And don't get angry at me when you don't know what you're talking about! You were there too, or did you forget?" Jess spat. "If I'm so guilty and terrible for what happened last time, then what are you in all this? Look in a goddamn mirror for once, before you call in the brigade on me, Rory."

"That's not fair!" Rory felt angry tears start to well up in her eyes, and focused on keeping them down. "I didn't mean to put Allie in that position. I was drunk, and-"

"Stop it. You obviously didn't read what I left in your room, so don't waste my time," Jess pushed past her towards the door.

"What did you leave in my room?" Rory asked, confused.

Jess paused. "Just for the record," he spat over his shoulder. "We broke up months ago. But thanks for checking that first before all this." He stormed off, leaving Rory frozen on the balcony.

She wiped her eyes in her room a short time later. The manila envelope was hiding under her dress bag. She must have thrown it over top without realizing it when she was rushing to get ready.

Rory took a breath and opened the envelope. She pulled out a bunch of pages with a cover that said "Epilogue." The last chapter of Jess' book.

She put it down and sighed, reaching for the Kleenex. She didn't know what she'd been expecting. A letter with all the answers? A long confession of his undying love? She put the paper on her bed and went to the bathroom to splash some water on her face.

But he'd made it sound so important, like he did have something significant to say in there. She picked up the papers again and turned the page. She gasped after reading the first little bit, and grabbed a pencil.