Author's Notes: Hey, here's the next chapter! Thanks to all my reviewers:
Kat321-Luke does adore her, she thinks highly of him too. But they have been through a lot and Lorelai has become a little insecure about it. I'm sure, after they actually do get married she'll feel a lot more confident about their future. Glad you liked the stars part, I wasn't sure if I should keep that bit or not. I'm glad I did now.
Chloe2007-Yes, I do plan on showing the readers later down the track a few flashbacks of some events in the past, like when Richie got sick and how it brought them back together. Stay tuned. Your suggestions are muchly apriciated!
Jeremy Shane- Yay. Your reviews are more descriptive now. Makes me happy. And yes, Richie is indeed a coffee drinker now! Although, he's only four so he doesn't have a full-blown addiction...yet. Richie is so cute! I have a picture of him, still trying to find a way to show you all.
And thanks 'Like2CUhappy24-7' for your review also, glad you liked it.
Chapter Twelve: June Third
5:25am…
The sun peaked over the mountains into the small town of Stars Hollow, unaware that it wasn't only lighting up the start of a new day, but also the start of a new life…a new future. The sunlight washed over the rooftops and across the damp lawns, over the stands and mailboxes outside the stores until it finally washed into the very place where vows would be exchanged and where a new life was to break free; …the gazebo. There had been a light morning rain, but it had otherwise been a quiet, peaceful night all throughout the town. Now that the sun had risen, the town was filled with a happy, welcoming glow. With such a beautiful start to this day, it seemed almost too perfect…
--
6:00 am…
The town square was empty, not a soul in sight. The birds that were sitting in their tress could be heard chirping and moving around in the leaves. Miss Patty was still asleep, but her alarm was due to go off soon so she could open her dance class a bit earlier today, which wasn't something she usually did. Taylor Doose unlocked the front door of his Market and had his employees get right to work, while he crossed the street to open his candy store also, which he preferred to spend most of his day. Everyday Routines ran a bit different today, a little hastier since everyone in Stars Hollow knew that today wasn't just any day…
--
6:46am…
Kirk, Andrew and all the other helpers that they could find wandered into the town square to start setting up the tables, chairs and decorations for the big day. It wasn't until later but they were under strict orders from Emily to have it all set up well and truly before the guests even had to arrive. Lorelai hadn't let her mother have much control over the wedding, so no wedding professionals were hired or allowed to set up the equipment. But Emily was still going to be there to ensure it was dealt with accordingly. It wasn't Emily's idea of the perfect wedding for her daughter, but she put that aside since her only job until 11:30 was to ensure that this wedding was set up perfectly according to Lorelai's plans. Nothing was to go wrong; everything was to be done correctly. Emily wasn't going to let anything ruin this day…
--
7:35am…
The town was crowded. People were busying themselves in every direction; the birds had long left the scene due to the noise and sudden panicky people dashing around. The Gilmore House was silent; no one was up at this time, even on such an important day. But those at Sookie's house were already rushing about in the kitchen and getting ready to go out. The diner was closed, which was unusual for this time, but Luke had been up late last night and was still sleeping.
While the two main people of the event slept, the rest of the town busied themselves with all the major preparations…
--
8:40am…
Jess and Luke were busy with the diner, which was only crowded at odd times today. Some customers would come rushing in and the tables would be all taken, but in a matter of minutes, it would once again be all cleared out as if no one had come in at all…minus the mess they'd left behind. Lane had even joined in to give Luke some time to himself, which he didn't take. Any distraction was exactly what he needed. He did some yelling at Taylor; some arguing with slow customers, he also kicked a few annoying people out the door…and it made him feel very relaxed.
Paul Anka had finally lifted his ears and got up. He wandered for a drink from his water bowl in the kitchen and then sniffed around for some food. He started climbing the stairs cautiously (even though he hated stairs, these were inside and upwards, therefore he was reasonably okay with it), until he found one of the bedroom doors slightly ajar. Paul Anka's ears moved again as he heard a noise. Two small feet appeared in front of him as little Richie looked down at him with a smile.
'Good Morning' Richie said and gave Paul Anka a hug.
--
9:30am…
Lorelai finally forced her eyes open enough to glare at the small child that was jumping up and down on her bed.
'Mummy, get up!' Richie pleaded. 'I'm hungry! Food!' he said, jumping some more.
'Ask you sister' Lorelai groaned, rolling over.
'Which one?' Richie wondered and kept jumping. 'And they not here…out'
Lorelai groaned again and finally pulled herself out of bed, seeing her wedding dress hanging up nearby. She froze and took a very deep breath.
'I'm awake' she announced. 'Food, coffee…now'
'Food!' Richie jumped off the bed. 'Coffee!' he yelled, following his mother down the stairs. 'Now!' he continued, running into the kitchen where Paul Anka was eating his breakfast.
--
10:00am…
'Need help?' Liz asked, peaking into Luke's apartment, only to find him and Jess arguing and shoving each other as Jess attempted to help Luke get his tie right.
She felt very proud of her big brother, she already had T.J and Doula…but it made her feel so happy to know that Luke had someone. Lorelai, Richie…they both made him so happy. Whenever he was with them, Liz saw a look of joy on his face that she had never really seen all their lives, not until he'd started dating Lorelai.
'Why do I have to wear a tie?' Luke cursed.
'Cuz you're a man' Liz replied and went to give the boys a hand with the tie before one of them killed each other. 'Men where ties'
'If you want a sex change, just let us know' Jess said and Luke glared at him. 'Hey, you won't have to wear the tie' Jess shrugged, hiding a smirk.
--
10:30am…
Sookie was making sure her staff placed the cake correctly onto the table. If they messed anything up she was going to fire them on the spot, so they knew to be extra careful…if they had any value for their jobs at all.
Emily was wandering around the town square in panic since the wedding was due to start in an hour and there were still a few things to finalize.
The stress and tensions were so high at this point that people actually started losing track of the time. Luke and Lorelai were both in panic, both unaware that the other was just as panicked. But things were still going smoothly since Luke had Jess to argue with, and Lorelai had Richie to take care of.
--
And the moment finally arrived…11:30am.
Almost everyone was seated. Emily and Sookie's family were right at the front, sitting near Michel and then Liz's family. At the front stood Luke, standing very nervously beside Jackson and T.J. Opposite him was where Sookie, Rory, Liz and April stood in their beautiful bridesmaids dresses. Everyone in Stars Hollow had been invited and no one wanted to miss this for anything. This was the day that many town's folk had dreamed about but never thought would actually happen.
The music started to play and everyone stood up from his or her seat, turning towards the back.
After several more minutes, Lorelai still did not show…
Luke fiddled with his tie a little nervously and a few people had their doubtful faces, which they tried to hide but some knew Lorelai a little too well.
'I'll be right back' Sookie said and rushed off after convincing Rory to stay there.
--
'Lorelai?' Sookie called out and found her best friend in front of a mirror, just staring at her reflection while Richie held up a few things for her.
'Yeah?' Lorelai glanced over perfectly calm. She noticed Sookie breathed heavily in relief and glanced down at her watch.
'Has it started already?' Lorelai wondered. 'Oh, well um…tell everyone I'm sorry but you'll have to wait. My hair isn't right' she said, trying not to laugh. She then felt bad, finding humor to the fact that many people outside were so sure that she was going to bail, they were just so certain she could never really go through with a marriage.
'Mummy has to be pretty' Richie added, holding up another clip.
'You sly dog' Sookie sniggered at Lorelai's face. She wandered back towards the group and stopped the music. She walked up to the front where Luke was just about dying on the spot.
'Hey ah…' Sookie spoke into the microphone with a serious face but then couldn't keep her grin in. 'Lorelai saids to wait a few more minutes, her hair isn't right'
'Oh typical' Miss Patty rolled her eyes.
'Does she need some help?' Babette asked.
'Nah, she's fine' Sookie said and then moved to talk to Luke. 'I've never seen her this happy or…calm' she nodded. 'Don't worry, she's just being Lorelai' she winked.
--
Another few minutes ticked by and Emily was getting very impatient. She got up and went to find her stubborn daughter.
'Lorelai Gilmore!' she snapped as she entered the tent.
'Not for long' Lorelai replied. 'And I know people are waiting mum, but it's my day. Not theirs' she sighed, frowning at her hair. 'It won't sit up properly. It has to be perfect' she sighed and sat down.
'More flowers mummy?' Richie wondered, trying to help.
'No hon, the hair is being mean' Lorelai pouted.
'Stupid hair!' Richie snapped at it while stomping his foot, making Lorelai and Emily laugh.
'Yes, bad hair' Lorelai nodded and frowned as her mother moved to fix it. 'No mum…' Lorelai stared in disbelief as her mother actually fixed it into a perfect bun with a few loose strands on the side, just the way she wanted it. 'How did you do that?'
Emily rolled her eyes and helped Lorelai back to her feet. 'Your father is waiting, so is Luke…you don't want to give the wrong impression'
'But you gotta admit, it was pretty funny' Lorelai smirked, but her grin quickly disappeared at Emily's scowl. 'Okay, tell them to start the music again' she sighed.
'Breathe' Jackson reminded Luke as the music finally started up again.
'Yeah, not breathing ain't good…you'll go blue' T.J added.
Luke released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding the moment that he saw Lorelai turning the corner with her father and Richie. The only thing that went through his mind was how beautiful she looked. Her hair all tied up with flowers, the dress shining in the warm sunlight, but most of all…there was the smile that she wore. That glowing smile was of pure joy; it reached her blue eyes and made them seem to sparkle.
'Thank you' Lorelai whispered to her father as he gave her a kiss on the cheek and made his way to his seat. Richie was also the ring boy, so he walked over to his cousin Doula (whom was flower girl) and smiled at his parents.
Lorelai walked up to Luke and stood beside him, giving him a sky smile as he took her hand into his own.
"I love you", she mouthed before turning to face reverend Skinner.
'I wish to welcome all of Stars Hollow, family and close friends to this wonderful event today in which these two people that stand before me…'
'And now, you may kiss the bride' the reverend announced towards the end of the beautiful ceremony. Luke smiled and turned to Lorelai. He placed a hand on her waist before moving in to kiss her; slow at first but then she placed an arm on his cheek and around his neck, which deepened the kiss while the crowd cheered. Rory wolf whistled and some people laughed while Emily cast her some disapproving glances. But even Emily and Richard could not hold back their joy, in which their only daughter had finally properly tied the knots with someone she that she truly loved, and that was the caring father of her child.
The pair parted and Lorelai actually started blushing at all the attention they were receiving from the entire town.
'I now pronounce you…husband and wife' the reverend said, trying not to start laughing himself. He then glanced over to Kirk, whom nodded and pulled a lever.
Lorelai gasped as fake snow started to fall onto her and Luke.
'O, my god' she grinned and looked up at it as she reached to catch some of it with her hand. She turned to Luke, almost tearing up then. 'You did this?'
'Yeah well…' he shrugged. 'I can't exactly control weather, otherwise it would be real snow but…' he shrugged again and smiled. 'I love you, crazy Lorelai Gilmore'
'I'll hold you to that' Lorelai smiled and turned to the crowd, where Doula and Richie were jumping around in the fake snow.
'You know, I tried to imagine our wedding' Lorelai said as she and Luke wandered down the isle, their arms linked. 'But never did I imagine it was going to be this beautiful. Thank you'
'You're welcome' Luke replied, even though it wasn't all because of him. Everyone in the town had helped make this day possible.
Later that afternoon, the guests arrived at the ceremonial hall that Emily had rented out for the after party. It was out of town but it had to be something big enough for everyone, which it was. It was beautifully decorated and the meals were magnificent–courtesy of Sookie.
Lorelai laughed as Luke picked Richie up and moved him away from the food table, laughing and making Richie giggle until he couldn't breathe.
'Hi' Rory smiled, sitting down beside Lorelai.
'Hey' Lorelai smiled back.
'Are you happy?' Rory wondered, but anyone could see from ten miles away that Lorelai was positively glowing.
'Yes, I think I am' Lorelai nodded, looking over at Luke again. 'I really am'
'Good' Rory nodded. 'Luke looks happy too'
The girls glanced up as Richie and Luke approached their table with April.
'Hey, I heard the band is finally ready' Luke shrugged and held out his hand.
Lorelai looked away a little shyly and then took his hand, following him onto the dance floor. She placed one hand into his and another upon his shoulder, standing close. He entwined his fingers with hers and placed his other hand on her waist, smiling. They danced along to the music for a few minutes until a familiar voice was heard at the microphone.
'Ah hey' April said, clearing her throat. 'Before everyone joins the perfect couple on the dance floor, I would just like to sing a little poem by Martian Anthropologist, to congratulate my dad and step mum…' she took a deep breath. 'This is to you guys…I'm singing it from dad's point of view though' April nodded and cleared her throat again. And the moment April started singing, her beautiful voice actually surprised everyone in the room as no one had heard her sing before, apart from Rory on a few occasions.
'When daytime turns to twilight, when you and I are old…when many years have come and gone, and all the leaves are gold' she sung while Luke and Lorelai continued to dance slowly but gracefully. Lorelai listened to the words carefully, actually tearing up this time as Luke looked down at her with such love and loyally.
'When we have walked many more miles, through the grass so green…and we have talked many more times, of all the things we've seen'
'It's beautiful' Lorelai said as the crowd all paused to listen.
'It's true' Luke replied, not taking his eyes off her.
'When we have held each other's hands, through all the trials that came…and I have heard a million times, your lips whisper my name' April continued to sing. 'I'll still have you and you'll have me, and through remaining years…I'll smile with you and laugh with you, and kiss away your tears!'
Luke held Lorelai's hand and kissed the back of her palm. Lorelai then leaned against his shoulder and closed her eyes as if she was under a sort of spell. She just danced with him and lost herself to the moment, to the love this man held for her, in which she returned.
The band then kicked in and the floor filled with people moving in to join them. The music soon sped up and laughter quickly filled up the entire room.
'You're really good' Rory told April as she rejoined her at the table.
'Eh, I took lessons' April replied with a shrug. She pulled out her ringing cell phone and smiled.
'That Eddie?' Rory teased and then spoke in a dreamy-teasing voice. 'Oh Eddie'
'Shut up' April rolled her eyes and walked away to answer it. 'Hey Eddie, yeah…I miss you too'
Richie got sick of his cousin Doula and wandered around until he found his parents.
'I'm bored, where's the cake?' he wondered, breaking them out of their spell and their dancing stopped.
'Soon' Lorelai said and picked him up. She and Luke then continued to dance while holding Richie, whom enjoyed it. Plus he was up high and could see everything that was going on around them.
Lorelai smiled and gave Richie a kiss but then through the crowd, she was somehow able to spot Christopher entering rather awkwardly though the back doors.
'Excuse me' she whispered and left her boys there, wandering over to where Christopher was.
'What are you doing here?' she asked, annoyed that he seemed to show up when he was least wanted.
'I know this is a bad time, and I heard you were here…I didn't mean to…' Christopher sighed. 'I'm sorry it's just, I need your help and I don't know who else to go to'
'What happened? Is GiGi okay?' Lorelai sighed.
'Yeah, GiGi's fine…it's her mother Sherry, I think something's wrong with her' Christopher said.
'Oh' Lorelai nodded and glanced back towards the dance floor, seeing Luke watching her, the grin gone from his face. Lorelai turned back to Christopher and rolled her eyes. 'You came all the way out here, at after party of my wedding…to say that you think there is something wrong with Sherry?'
'I didn't know it was your wedding party!' Christopher frowned. 'And yeah, I know it's crazy but I don't know what to do! I think she's sick or something. She passed out during a lunch with her friend, she's avoiding hospitals but…you know what? Forget it, go back to your party' he sighed and left.
Lorelai glanced away and watched the crowd for a few more minutes but then went after Christopher.
'No, Chris wait' she sighed, making him pause. Lorelai shut the doors behind her and approached him on the darkened balcony. 'What do you think is wrong? I mean is it like cancer, or something?'
'I don't know, but she won't listen to me. She's pale, passing out a lot and seems really tired. But she won't see a doctor and I'm afraid that if something happens while she's with GiGi…I don't know but I don't want to risk it' he told her.
'Well I'm not sure what you can do…I mean she's not your girlfriend-'
'Ah, actually' Christopher sighed. 'She kind of is. I mean things are going great with us right now and we're trying to work it out, but she won't listen to me'
'That's healthy' Lorelai commented. 'And in this case, no amount of alcohol will help here…um, I don't know Chris, I'm not a miracle worker'
'I know, I'm sorry…I just didn't know what to do' Christopher shrugged. 'But thanks; Get back to your party'
'Will you be okay?' Lorelai asked and he nodded. 'Well call me if you need anything' she told him and headed back inside. 'I need pie' she realized and sighed. She looked back toward where Luke had been standing; only to find he wasn't there anymore. She searched the crowd until she found April with Richie.
'Hey, that song/poem or whatever was lovely' she commented April.
'Thanks' April smiled.
'Hey um, have you see your dad?' Lorelai asked as casually as she could.
'Ahh…' April thought about it but shrugged. 'I was on the phone'
'Eddie?' Lorelai guessed, trying not to tease.
'How do you know about Eddie?' April asked.
'Who's Eddie?' Richie wondered, looking up from his cake.
'Eddie is going to marry April one day' Lorelai teased, which made her stepdaughter roll her eyes and blush.
'Will there be cake?' Richie wondered.
'Defiantly' Lorelai nodded.
'How did you know?' April asked again.
'Rory told me, oh…be right back!' she dashed off through the crowd to where she saw Luke coming out of the kitchen. 'Luke!' she gasped, out of breath.
'Hey' Luke said; his tone a little less joyous and he didn't look at her in the eye.
'Luke' Lorelai sighed. 'Christopher thinks something is wrong with Sherry, apparently I'm a miracle worker now' she said, and thought of a clever way to shove that awkward Christopher moment off as nothing. 'I mean last week Babette had this issue with one of her gnomes and didn't know how to get it to sit up straight, and I suggested shoving some leaves there and resting it against a tree…which worked, and then with Andrew. He thought his…hey maybe I should have been a doctor' she thought aloud, glancing at Luke and seeing him rolling his eyes.
'You? A doctor' he scoffed. 'I doubt it…you hate blood'
'Yeah…maybe, or…is a "miracle worker" an actual occupation? Cuz I have a talent, everyone comes to me for a miracle' she nodded and smiled at him. 'Did I mention how great you look tonight?'
'Only five times' he replied and held her hand, leading her over to where Emily and Richard were gathering with Rory and the others. 'You look amazing' Luke added to Lorelai.
'Of course I look amazing' Lorelai joked, taking a seat beside him. 'I was born with the amazing gene, and passed in on to Rory…and then Richie, although his is yet to be discovered' Lorelai frowned at Richie's cake-covered hands and face. 'Nope, he defiantly takes after you' she joked.
The pair sat there for a moment in silence, just watching their friends and family having fun around them. The events of this big day finally began to really sink in and Lorelai really felt what it was like to be married. She'd never felt this when she and Christopher married, nor when she dated anyone other than Luke…it was a warm feeling of being complete. As if she had just taken a big step into a new phrase of her life, which she had but now she really felt like she had.
'It's nice' she spoke aloud.
'What is?' Luke questioned after taking a sip of his drink.
'This…us' Lorelai smiled. 'It's nice'
'It is nice' Luke nodded and kissed her cheek. 'This wedding…is it everything you hoped for?' he then wondered, slightly unsure.
'No' Lorelai admitted and faced him. 'It's more, it is so much more' she kissed his lips and then pulled him to his feet, dragging him onto the dance floor for the second time this night.
'Don't get too used to this' he sighed but knew there was nothing he could do about it. Besides if it made her happy…then why not?
Around midnight, the crowd had finally died down. Everyone was packing things up and Richie was being carried to Rory's car since he'd fallen asleep beside Doula many hours ago.
'You guys stay, we'll take care of Richie' Rory nodded.
'You sure hon?' Lorelai asked and Rory nodded, getting into the car with April. 'Okay, drive safe' Lorelai waved.
'Your parents are taking care of the clean up' Luke said, approaching her while trying to stifle a yawn.
'Good' Lorelai said and followed Luke out the back. They sat on a bench and just stared up at the stars. 'It's pretty' she smiled.
'Yeah, it is' Luke nodded and spotted a shooting star. 'Make a wish' he told her.
Lorelai closed her eyes and smiled.
'What did you wish for?' Luke asked curiously.
'If I tell you, it won't come true' Lorelai said with a sneer.
'Fine' Luke said and glanced back up at the sky.
'Hey Luke? I have a confession to make' Lorelai sighed after a few more minutes of peaceful silence.
'Yeah?' he asked and looked at her. 'What?'
'You remember when we first met?' Lorelai asked and he nodded, interested as to where she was going with this. 'Well you said were pining for me for eight years-'
'I wasn't pining' he frowned.
'Whatever, you "waited" then' Lorelai said. 'And when we first started dating, I really knew what it was like…to be in love. I mean I've loved the guys I've gone out with…But I don't think I have ever been in love, not until you' she smiled, placing her hand in his. 'I just want you to know that…when we started dating, I think I realized what it was like, but the feelings were already there. I just didn't know what they meant' she told him. 'You don't have to say anything, I just wanted you to know' she nodded and glanced back towards the stars.
Lorelai smiled again and leaned against Luke's shoulder, just sitting beside him. She felt calm, relaxed and for the first time in her life…Lorelai felt completely happy.
Author's Notes: Wow, that was a long chapter! Okay so you know the drill! Please review, I need opinons on this one! I would have showed the actual wedding ceremonial parts but then you'd be reading this chapter all day so...yeah. Questions, Suggestion, Opnions etc...I wanna hear it all! Please review, they motivate me to update faster! And they're as important to me as Coffee is to Lorelai! I need my 'bit'.
-Mel