"Gracie put your shoes on baby. We need to go to the store before your brother gets back." Rory calls to the four year old Friday afternoon.
"Okay mommy." Gracie says going to do as told. At the store Gracie walks next to Rory while she gets what she needs. Finished she goes to pay. "Mommy can I get this?" Gracie asks pointing to a candy bar.
"No honey. That's the one you don't like."
"I like it now." Gracie pouts.
Rory puts their things in the belt and when Gracie sees she's not looking she puts the candy bar on.
"Yes mommy." Gracie whines when Rory sees it and puts it back.
"The last time we got that for you you made a big mess."
"But I like it now." Gracie says.
"I said no." Rory tells her daughter paying.
"I'm going to cry." She threatens shocking Rory and causing the cashier the raise her eyebrows.
"Crying won't get you what you want." Rory says. "And I'll tell you now if you throw a tantrum you will be going to timeout when we get home."
"I want it mommy." Gracie cries hitting Rory when she sees her paying.
"Do you mind if I leave the cart here while we go to the bathroom?" Rory asks the elderly cashier.
"Of course not." She says. Rory pushes the cart to the side and carries Gracie to the bathroom.
"You are in timeout for not listening." Rory stands Gracie in a corner.
"No mommy. I'm sorry." Gracie cries trying to go to Rory.
Rory walks her back to the corner not saying anything to her. Gracie upset hits Rory again.
"Now you've lost your riding lessons for today." She says and Gracie cries more. She stays in timeout and does her time. "You need to tell me sorry for not listening and hitting me.
"I'm sorry mommy." Gracie cries giving her a hug.
"Lets go." Rory says after cleaning Gracie's face. "Hold onto the cart honey." She tells her when they get back to the front.
"I don't want to." Gracie pouts
"You've already lost your riding lessons for the day. Do you want to loose something else?" Rory asks in a warning and Gracie holds onto the cart. "Thank you." Rory smiles at the cashier.
"Have a good day."
"Don't kick the chair honey. Your shoes are dirty." Rory says as she drives down the road "Gracie." She says when the four year old continues.
"Ow mommy." Gracie cries when Rory reaches back to tap Gracie's leg after she doesn't stop.
"I'm going to tap your leg again if you don't stop." Rory warns when Gracie resumes kicking the chair.
"No." She cries when she sees Rory reaching back again.
"When we get home you're taking a nap."
"I'm not sleepy."
"Go to your room. I'll bring your milk."
"I'll listen mommy." Gracie whines.
"Hey." Lorelai says.
"Grandma." Gracie runs to Lorelai hoping she'll save her from her mother.
"Were we expecting you?"
"No I had to come up to get something for the inn and I was hoping Luke and I could steal the kids for the weekend." Lorelai says as Gracie snuggles with her on the sofa.
"Yes." Gracie says
"Bentley can go but I'm going to have to talk to Logan about Gracie." Rory tells Lorelai going to get Gracie's milk.
"Where is Bentley?" Lorelai asks as Gracie drinks her milk and goes to sleep.
"With Mitchum. He should be here soon."
"What'd she do?" Lorelai nods down at Gracie who is now sleeping.
"Threw a tantrum in the store after I told her she couldn't have a candy bar that she doesn't even like." Rory says. "The last time we let her get it she got the chocolate all over when she spit it out. Logan and I told her we weren't getting it for her anymore."
"This angel?"
"Yes this angel." Rory says. "She got herself timeout in the store bathroom. What shocks me is after I told her no she said she was gong to cry. Like she was threatening me."
"Woah." Lorelai says.
"Yeah. So I'll talk to Logan when he gets home."
"How about Bentley?"
"Everything is no." Rory smiles. "Even if it's yes."
"Cute." Lorelai smiles as Rory goes to open the door.
"Hi baby boy." Rory smile taking him when he reaches for her. "Hi Mitchum."
"Hi Rory." He says. "Where's Gracie?"
"Sleeping. Do you want to come in?"
"I can't. I'm meeting Shira and some friends for dinner across town." He says. "Bye Bentley."
"Bye bye." He waves leaning to give Mitchum a kiss.
"Bye Mitchum." Rory closes the door and goes back to the living room
"Ma." Bentley smiles when he sees Lorelai.
"Hey stud." Lorelai smiles at her grandson
"You smell like a puppy dog." Rory tells Bentley. "Come have your bath."
"Ma." He wiggles from Rory's arms and runs to Lorelai.
"You want me to give you your bath?"
"No." He smiles at her
"That means yes." Rory laughs
"Do you want me to put her in her bed?"
"You can lay her on the rocker."
"Hello." Logan calls a few hours later.
"Dada." Bentley runs to him.
"Hi buddy." Logan scoops Bentley into his arms. "Hi Lorelai."
"Hey Logan."
"Hi princess. No hug?" He says to Gracie who is sitting next to Lorelai hugging her arm.
"She knows she's in t...r...o...u...b...l...e." She tells him when he kisses his daughter's cheek. "Rory's upstairs."
"I'm going to go change." He says putting Bentley down to play. "What'd Gracie do babe?" Logan asks walking into the room.
"Threw a tantrum at the store." She walks over to give him a kiss. Hugging him she tells him what happened. "Mom wants to take them for the weekend. I told her Bentley can go but I wanted to talk to you about Gracie. Should we keep her here?"
"Yes. The way she behaved today was unacceptable and she needs to learn. We can go down early on Sunday so she can spend time with your parents before we head home." Logan says. "Can you send her up?"
"Daddy wants to talk to you honey." Rory says when she gets downstairs.
"I don't want to." Gracie says hugging Lorelai's arm tighter.
"You need to." Rory says, her tone letting Gracie know not to test her. Pouting she gets up and with her head down goes upstairs.
"Do you want to tell me what happened at the store today?" Logan asks when Gracie makes it to the room.
"No." She shakes her head not looking up.
"Mommy told me." He says bringing Gracie to stand in front of him. With a finger under her chin he brings her head up to look at him. "And because of how you behaved we decided that you cannot go with grandma today."
"No daddy." Gracie cries. "I promise I won't do it again."
"You can spend time with grandma before she leaves."
"I want to go." Gracie cries stomping her foot.
"I suggest you stop right now or you'll be in your room for the rest of the night." Logan warns.
"Bad daddy." Gracie cries running to her room.
"Where is she?" Rory asks when Logan comes down alone.
"Upset in her room."
"Do you mind if I go talk to her?"
"Go ahead."
"Hey sweets." Lorelai says taking a seat on the glider in Gracie's room. "What's going on?" She asks and Gracie runs to her.
"Mommy and daddy say I don't go with you." She cries burying her face in Lorelai's chest.
"Do you know why they said no?"
"Acause I was bad in the store."
"That's right. And are you going to do that again?"
"No." Gracie sniffles.
"Good." Lorelai wipes Gracie's tears. "Come I'll give you your bath."
"I want to go with you." Gracie says as Lorelai washes her hair.
"I know you do but mommy and daddy said no."
"You tell daddy mommy yes."
"I can't do that baby. They are your mommy and daddy and they make the decisions. And they decide that you have to stay home this time."
"I don't like that." Gracie cries.
"I know you don't but that's how it is." Lorelai says taking Gracie out of the tub. "You need to make sure you listen to mommy and daddy so you can come with me next time."
During dinner Gracie pouts and picks at her food. Rory and Logan choose to ignore their daughters mood instead of feeding into it.
"I love you sweetie. Make sure you listen to mommy and daddy." Lorelai hugs and kisses Gracie when she and Bentley are ready to go.
"I want to go." Gracie says as tears slip from her eyes. "Please daddy."
"You'll see grandma and papa on Sunday." Rory tells Gracie. "Are you going to be a good boy for grandma and papa?"
"No." Bentley smiles.
"I love you." She kisses him and passes him to Logan. "Are you sure you don't need anything?"
"Yes there's diapers from last time and plenty of clothes. Luke is getting milk for him on his way home."
"Okay." Rory says taking Bentley back from Logan.
"I love you sweetie." Lorelai says kissing Gracie again and passing her to Logan. Crying Gracie buries her face in Logan's neck.
"Bye mom drive safe." Rory waves.
"Bye bye." Bentley waves happily.
"I need to make a few calls. Do you want to come with me?"
"No." Gracie pouts going to Rory.
"I'm going to hop in the shower."
"Can I have milk in your bed?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry I was bad." Gracie hugs Rory while her milk is warming
"I love you baby." Rory kisses Gracie
In her parents bed Gracie watches a movie while Rory showers. After ten minutes she gets up with her blanket and goes to the stairs. Holding her cup between her teeth Gracie makes her way downstairs and to Logan's office. Standing at the door she looks at him. When he look up and sees Gracie he smiles and holds his arms out to her. She runs to him and settles on his lap.
"You know no matter what I love you more than anything?"
"I love you too daddy." Gracie says drinking her milk. Snuggling into him she goes to sleep.
"There she is." Rory comes in fifteen minutes later. "What do you want to do tomorrow? I think not getting into with mom and loosing her riding lessons are punishment enough." Rory says taking Gracie empty cup. "Let's do something fun."
"We can go out on the boat and have a picnic on the island.
"That's perfect." Rory smiles. "I'll tuck her in."
"I'll be done in ten minutes." He says kissing Gracie.
The next morning Rory and Logan are in the kitchen eating breakfast when Gracie comes in.
"Good morning baby." Roy smiles at her daughter bringing her to her lap when she walks over to her. "We're going on the boat today." She kisses her.
"Good morning princess." Logan kisses Gracie's cheek and gives her milk. "Do you want to eat breakfast now or later?"
"Later." She says sleepily.
"Come get dressed." Rory stand with Gracie.
"Mommy did you get the udder sandcastle maker?"
"I forgot honey. We can stop by the store on the way to the marina." Rory says helping Gracie get dressed. She has a cute stripped bathing suit with a white coverup on top.
"Ready to go?" Logan asks when they come back down.
"Yes we need to stop to get a new sandcastle maker. Remember they lost some of the pieces the last time we went to the beach."
"Okay." Logan says picking Gracie up.
At the marina Logan carries Gracie on and puts her down before helping Rory.
"Good morning Jeff, thanks to doing this last minute for us." Logan says to the captain.
"Anytime." Jeff says. "Good morning Miss Gracie.
"Hi Mr. Jeff." Gracie says going to the side of the boat to look at the water.
"Good morning Mrs. Huntzberger. Where's the little guy?"
"Stars Hollow. And remember it's Rory." She reminds
"I will Rory." He smiles. "We'll be setting off in ten minutes."
"Thanks." Logan shakes his hand
"I sawed a fish." She says excited running to her parents.
"Cool." Rory smiles while Logan puts sunblock on her. When he's done Rory gives Gracie a bagel with cream cheese and Gracie goes to look to more fish while they set off.
"I want milk." Gracie walks back to her parents.
"Here sweetie." Logan passes it to her and she sits on Rory's lap.
After a forty-five minute boat ride they make it to their destination. Logan helps Jeff put the small motorboat in the water while Rory buckles Gracie in a life jacket. With their things loaded Logan drives them to the island.
Logan helps Gracie out and she runs to the waters edge while her parents unload the boat and secure it.
"Gracie come take your coverup off." Rory calls and Gracie runs over to her.
"Can I go mommy?"
"Wait for daddy." She says while Logan helps her lay out the blanket in the shade. "I've got the rest." She tells Logan once the blanket is in place. "Go play."
"Come daddy." Gracie bounces waiting for him to take his shirt off.
"Let's go princess." Logan says and Gracie takes off for the water with Logan right behind her.
Rory smiles watching from her spot as her husband and daughter splash each other. Taking the camera from her bag she snaps a few pictures before going to join them.
"Mommy." Gracie smiles before Logan grabs her and throws her to Rory. "Daddy." Gracie laughs when she comes back up.
"Again?" Rory asks.
"Yes." Gracie nods.
The three play in the water for twenty more minutes before getting out. Logan helps Gracie fly the kite her got to her and they build a sandcastle. Gracie eats her lunch and falls asleep while drinking her milk.
"Want to go for a walk Ace?"
"Yes." She makes sure Gracie is covered and takes Logan's hand. They stay within sight of Gracie while they walk along the beach. Both turn their attention to their daughter when they see her moving. Once she settles they continue.
"I'm going to take the boat out to fish. Are you and Gracie okay?"
"Yeah. She's sleeping and I have my book." Rory says. "Have fun." She kisses him.
"I won't be long."
"Take your time." She smiles up at him.
Rory reads for a little before laying down next to Gracie and falling asleep.
"Babe." Logan runs his fingers through her hair. "Babe we need to head back." He tells Rory.
"Okay." She slowly sits up.
"Nice nap?"
"Yes." She nods yawning.
"I'll take Gracie if you take the blanket."
"The basket?"
"I already put it in the boat." He holds Gracie while Rory folds the blanket.
Logan passes Gracie to Rory and drives them back to the boat. Jeff helps them back on and he and Logan store the motorboat.
"I packed us some clothes so we can go it to eat."
"Where do you want to go?"
"The place we met your dad at for you birthday."
"Okay."
"Go shower. I'll wake her." Rory says.
"I won't be long."
"Gracie wake up baby." Rory rubs Gracie cheek and she brushes it away. "Wake up honey."
"Seepy." Gracie yawns opening her eyes.
"Hello sleepyhead. We need to get showers."
"No." Gracie yawns closing her eyes again.
"Yes." Rory says. "We're going out to eat. Daddy should be out of the shower, it's our turn." Rory stands with Gracie.
With the water temperature adjusted Rory takes off their clothes and they get in. She washes Gracie's hair and then her own. Once they're washed Rory put her robe on and wraps Gracie in a towel. She drys her off and puts an undershirt, socks and underwear on Gracie.
"Go find daddy."
Making her way upstairs Gracie finds Logan sitting in a chair. She walks over to him and he lifts her to his lap.
"Hi sweetie." He smiles while she moves herself to sit sideways on his lap with her head resting on his chest looking out at the water. "Are you okay?"
"I'm sleepy." She tells him. The two sit in silence while Logan slowly runs a hand up and down her back.
"We need to get dressed." He stands when they are fifteen minutes away from the marina. He dresses Gracie and sends her to Rory to get her hair brushed while he puts on his shirt.
Docked Logan thanks Jeff again and carries Gracie to the car holding Rory's hand.
"I need to go pee pee."
"We're almost there honey." Logan tells Gracie.
"Are you okay honey?" Rory asks. "You're very quiet?"
"I'm still sleepy." She says reaching for Rory's hand.
"But you feel okay?"
"Yes." She nods playing with Rory's wedding rings.
"Mr. Huntzberger we weren't expecting you tonight." The maître d' of the restaurant says.
"Sorry it's last minute." He apologizes.
"No need to apologize. If you'll give me ten minutes your regular table will be ready."
"Thank you." Logan smiles. "Our table will be ready in ten minutes." He tells Rory when she comes back with Gracie. "What are you going to eat princess?" He asks picking her up.
"Chicken and rice."
"Mr. Huntzberger I'll show you to your table." The maître d' says.
"Thank you." Logan follows. At the table he sits Gracie in her chair while Rory is helped into hers.
"Do you know what you're going to get?"
"I'm trying to decide between the steak and salmon." Logan says.
"I want that." Gracie says.
"The salmon instead of the chicken?"
"Yes."
"With the rice and sauce?"
"Yes." Gracie nods.
"Hello I'm Jen. I'll be your waiter this evening. May I get you drinks?"
"I'll have a white wine." Rory says. "Do you have lemonade?"
"We have regular and pink."
"Can she have a pink lemonade?"
"Of course." Jen smiles at Gracie. "And for you sir?"
"I take a white wine also."
"I'll be right out with your drinks." Jen says. "Compliments of the chef." She comes back with a plate of appetizers.
"What is it daddy?" Gracie asks looking at the plate.
"Looks like crab cakes." He says. "Thank you." He says to Jen.
"Yummy." Gracie smiles as Logan puts one on a plate for her.
Jen comes back with their drinks and takes their orders. Gracie colors while they wait for their food to come. Gracie puts the crayons away when their food is delivered.
"Is it good?"
"Uh huh." Gracie nods offering Logan some.
"Yummy."
"Mommy can I sit with you?" Gracie asks when she finishes.
"Yes honey." Gracie goes over to Rory and snuggles into her. "Baby has a full belly and is ready to go to sleep." Rory kisses Gracie's cheek and finished her food.
After sharing and slice of chocolate cake Logan pays. He takes Gracie from Rory and they go to the car. Home he tucks her in bed leaving her in the undershirt Rory put on her.
"Grandma papa." Gracie smiles when the park in Stars Hollow the next morning. "Mommy open."
"Hold on sweetie." Rory says opening Gracie's door.
"Grandma." Gracie runs to Lorelai when she comes out of the house.
"Hi sweetie." Lorelai picks Gracie up. "Are you being good for mommy and daddy?"
"Yes."
"Hi mom. Where Bentley?"
"Inside."
"Mama." The fifteen month old runs over to her when he sees her come in.
"Hi baby." She picks him up.
"Mama mama." He pats her chest.
"Okay baby." Rory takes a seat.
"Is he still nursing?" Lorelai asks taking a seat next to Rory.
"Only a couple of times a day." Rory answers as Bentley holds his foot while he nurses. "He mainly drinks from the sippy cup. Did he give you any problems?"
"No." Lorelai shakes her head. "He was an angel. How's Gracie doing?" Lorelai asks when Gracie goes to find Luke in the kitchen.
"Good. After you left she told me she was sorry for being bad." Rory says. "We took her out on the boat yesterday. That's why I didn't call. I forgot my phone in the car and by the time we got back it was late."
"Mommy papa's taking me to the park." Gracie says coming out in Luke's arms.
The Huntzberger's stay in Stars Hollow for the rest of the day leaving in the late evening.
Finally after months of trying the site is letting me upload. This one had to be rewritten after getting delete accidentally. I'm going I try to post another chapter this weekend. Hope you enjoy.