As always I enjoy writing about my favorite TV couple :) Here is the next chapter. There was this moment after I finished it that felt like it might be the end...but I have at least two more chapters planned out. So keep an eye out for them.

I am also done with the next chapter for "If You Ever Want To Fall In Love"...and just came up with my next idea for "Luke and Lorelai: A Playlist" so keep an eye out for those too!

Two weeks later, the Danes family had set a comfortable new routine. Jack was enjoying school. He was catching up quickly but still took time to meet with counselors to deal with all his emotions from the past few months. Rory had found an apartment in Hartford she would be renting as of November 1st. For now she continued to stay with her family in Stars Hollow. Jess had turned the apartment above the Diner into his own space and was writing on his next novel. April had decided to take the rest of the semester off and was looking at colleges in New England to transfer to come January.

Luke and Lorelai had both returned to work but made sure to keep time open for the kids. Two days a week Elise went to work with Lorelai and had a nice set up in her office. The other days she spent with either Babette and Morey or Emily and Richard. Today was Friday, and the following day was Saturday and the day of the renewal. Lorelai was finishing up at the office when she looked up and noticed Luke standing in the doorway with a sheepish smile on his face.

She cocked her head to the side and walked around the desk to greet him, "What are you doing here?"

Luke shrugged, "Wanted to see you."

She smiled and placed a hand on his chest before leaning up to kiss him softly, "Well hello."

"Hi." He said kissing her again, he leaned her against the door frame slightly.

She glanced around and smiled, "This happens to be a very good spot for us…"

Luke nodded slowly, "It does. One of my favorite spots actually…"

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "You surprised the hell out of me that night when you kissed me...wasn't expecting it at all."

He smirked, "Not even a little bit? Not after the wedding and the flowers?"

She shrugged, "I was trying to figure out what was happening...in some ways it took us forever to get to that point...and yet in that moment it all started to happen so fast. One minute we were friends...and then we were dancing at the wedding and everything started to change."

He nodded slowly, "I guess that's true…"

"You never did tell me why you asked me to Liz's wedding…" She said carefully. "What made you finally decide to take the jump?"

He groaned and stepped back slightly, "All these years later and I thought I had successfully avoided this question."

She smirked at him, "You have to remember that my mind is like a vault babe...I keep things stored away until the perfect moment." He chuckled and she poked his sides, "I've always wondered about the book you referred too…"

He grimaced slightly, "Um…"

She smiled, "Tell me...I want to know."

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "Remember that book you saw in Jess's backpack at the wedding?"

Her eyes widened slowly, "That was yours?"

He nodded, "Yup. You made some comment about Dr. Phil books that day I came to check out the Inn before it opened. And we were talking about relationships and all this other stuff...and I don't know why but I had this moment of panic. Nicole and I were divorced and I was feeling alone and confused and I thought what do I have to lose? So I got one of those stupid self help books and it had all these scenarios and…"

"And what?" She asked as she leaned into him slowly.

"Every time the annoying guy asked a question...it was you." He said with a shrug.

She frowned slightly, "What do you mean it was me?"

He sighed and walked over to the bench on the porch, he sat down and shrugged. "It asked who I wanted to share good news with. Who I wanted to spend time with. Who made me happy…" He shrugged, "And the only face I saw was you…"

She smiled and walked towards him to sit down beside him, "Luke…"

"I think I always knew it was you...but having to actually visualize it made it so much clearer." He said softly, "I think for a long time I tried to deny my feelings for you but then in that moment I couldn't anymore...so I decided to finally take the risk and ask you to Liz's wedding. I figured it would be dateish but still casual enough in case something went wrong that we could just...go back to the way it was before…"

Lorelai leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, "I love you."

He smiled and turned his face towards hers, his cheeks were slightly red as he whispered, "I love you too. And I realized it that night…"

"At the wedding?" She asked curiously, "Really?"

He nodded, "When we were dancing...I thought my heart was going to burst from my chest. But it felt right...it felt so right to hold you like that. And I remember thinking this is what I want...she's what I want. What I need…"

She sighed softly and leaned in to rest her head on his shoulder, "I still maintain that you were taking lessons before that…"

He chuckled, "Nope. Just never had an opportunity to show you have well I danced…"

"And then you walked me home...and asked me out again. I couldn't believe it." She said with a laugh, "For years there were so many times when I thought you might but you didn't...and then all of a sudden you were and I couldn't believe it."

"I've always been a little slow with things…" He said with a sad smile as he squeezed her hand in his, "Sorry about that…"

She sighed and snuggled closer to him, "Don't be sorry luke. Sometimes I think we needed all that time to get it right. Despite all the pain we caused each other...I think we needed to go through all that to realize how much we actually loved each other."

"Maybe…" He whispered as he began to play with the rings on her finger.

She lifted her head of his shoulder and smiled, "It doesn't really matter how long it took though does it? We're here now...getting married again tomorrow. We have four amazing kids and the most wonderful life."

Luke smiled and pushed some hair out of her face, "We do have a wonderful life…"

She smiled, leaned forward and pecked his lips. "Let me close a few things up, and then maybe we can go pick up Jack together? Elise is with my parents today. Babette and Morey went away for the weekend. They are going to drop her off in a little bit."

Luke smiled and kissed her back, "Sounds good."

He watched her stand up slowly and walk towards the Inn. She hesitated in the doorway and turned back to him with a sly smile on her face. He smirked, stood up and seemed to be able to read her mind. He pulled her flush against him and kissed her as passionately as he possibly could.

"To bad room 7 is occupied…" She said with a smirk.

"Evil, evil woman…" Luke said shaking his head back and forth.

She giggled and pushed him back, "You get me all to yourself for 5 days babe. I promise to make it worth your while."

He smiled as she walked towards the desk and began to look forward to their mini getaway. Since having children they had not had as much time alone together. Not that he was complaining...he loved Jack and Elise. But he couldn't pretend that he didn't miss the days when it was just the two of them sometimes. And given everything that happened in the last month or so...he was even more grateful for some time to show this woman just how much he loved her.

Once they picked up Jack, they headed back to the house together. No one else was home and Jack raced to the door to greet Paul Anka. Lorelai smiled as she carried his backpack into the kitchen and emptied his lunch box.

"So Elise and I will stay here with Jess and Rory right?" Jack asked as he sat on the ground in the kitchen with the dog.

Lorelai nodded, "Yep. And Grandma and Grandpa will be around a lot too." She turned towards him and leaned against the sink as Luke walked into to the kitchen, "Are you okay with Daddy and I being gone for a few days?"

Jack nodded slowly, "I think so…"

She frowned slightly and walked over to her son, scooping him up in her arms, "Jack…"

"You're going to come back right?" Jack asked softly.

Lorelai frowned and leaned forward to kiss his nose, "Of course we are baby."

Luke stepped towards them and rubbed his sons back gently, "Jack if you don't want us to go we can-"

"No. I want you guys to go and have fun." Jack said with a shrug, "I just get a little nervous now every time someone has to leave…"

Lorelai pulled her only son close and held him tightly to her, "I know Jack. I know...but I promise Daddy and I will be back before you know it. And we'll call as much as we can."

Jack wrapped his arms around his Mom's neck and leaned his head on her shoulder, "When you get back...Grandpa says he'll know how long Christopher has to go to jail for…"

Jack had worked hard recently to learn to say Christopher's name rather than refer to him as he or him. It had been hard at first to say the name of the man that had caused so much pain. But he had come a long way in his progress…

"That's right…" Luke whispered, "But you don't have to see him Jack…"

Jack smiled softly and nodded, "Okay…"

Lorelai sighed and kissed his face gently, "Everything is going to be fine little man. I promise."

"I know Mommy…" Jack whispered as he hugged her closely, "I trust you…"

Lorelai looked at Luke who just gave her a wink. They heard a car pull up in the driveway and Jack hopped down from Lorelai's arms. He ran off towards the front door and ran out to greet his grandparents and sister.

Luke reached for Lorelai's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "You okay?"

She bit her lip gently, "We're doing the right thing, right? I mean leaving...with everything going on...is it okay?"

Luke sighed and stepped closer to her, "Lorelai...we don't have to go if you don't want too. But we also agreed that it would probably good for all of us to get back to normal a little and for you and I to have some space…"

She nodded slowly and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I know. And I want to be with you. I just get scared now…"

"I know…" Luke whispered as he held her close, "But we can't live in fear Lorelai…"

She squeezed him tightly, "You're a really good husband, did you know that?"

He smiled and kissed the side of her face, "I do my best…"

She pulled away and held his cheek in her hand, "Well I'm pretty damn lucky you want to marry me all over again…"

She leaned into kiss him again when they heard a voice, "Alright you two...save it for the wedding night."

They jumped apart and Lorelai laughed when she saw Jess standing in the kitchen with Jack and Richard. "Geez Jess…" Luke mumbled.

He smirked, "Lorelai your Mom is upstairs in your room with your dress for the final fitting. She's got Elise too."

Lorelai blushed and nodded, "Okay…" She gave Luke a look that said "We will finish this later" and then walked towards her bedroom.

Richard stepped into the kitchen and clapped Luke on the back, "So...any pre wedding jitters?"

Luke smiled, "A lot less than the first time…"

"Well...you have given my daughter a wonderful life Luke. And a father that's all I could ever ask for." He said with a smile.

Luke swallowed hard, "We've had a few hiccups in the road…"

Jess smiled at his Uncle and slowly ushered Jack into the living room. Richard stared at his son-in-law for a moment, "Luke…"

"You think that Christopher will be locked away for good this time?" Luke whispered, "I feel like I always expect him to creep up again...ruin something else."

Richard nodded slowly, "I can understand that fear. Christopher has caused a hell of a lot of damage over the years. If I remember correctly he broke you and Lorelai up at my own vow renewal…"

Luke grimaced slightly, "Uh yeah...he did…"

Richard leaned against the counter, "He does have a way of showing up at the worst possible time…"

Luke was quiet for a moment, "I just hate that he has caused Lorelai so much pain…"He shrugged, "I mean Lord knows I have too but...the things he has done are uncontrollable. I never want her to feel that scared again…Seeing her face when she realized he had Jack was the worst thing I had ever seen. It broke my heart and I felt like I had failed her as a husband…"

Richard swallowed hard, "Luke I made plenty of mistakes in both my marriage and my relationship with my daughter. I wish I could have been half the provider you have been-"

"Richard…" Luke whispered slowly.

Richard shook his head, "I gave my family material things. But you have given them a real life...and love which is something Lorelai always craved. I owe you a great deal Luke…you changed my daughter's life for the better."

"Well...she's a hell of a woman." Luke whispered, "She's changed my life for the better too…"

Richard clapped his hand on Luke's shoulder, "Things haven't always been easy for you too...but you've proved you can handle anything. And I believe that this will be a great new chapter in your lives together…"

Luke smiled, "I hope so…"

Richard cleared his throat nervously, "You know...I'm not going to be around forever Luke. I figure I've been lucky to be around this long given my medical history…"

Luke's smile faltered, "Richard…"

"And the one thing that gives me comfort is knowing that you will still be here to take care of my girls." Richard said softly.

Luke nodded slowly, "I will Richard. Always...Emily too."

Richard coughed gently trying to keep his emotions in check, "I know you will Luke...I know…"

Just then jack ran into the room and smiled at his Dad, "Daddy! Mommy looks so pretty!"

Luke turned towards his son and smiled, "You're Mommy is always pretty buddy."

"But tomorrow she's going to look even prettier…" Jack said with a smile.

Luke smiled and picked up his son, "I have no doubt in that Jack…"

Upstairs, Lorelai twirled in her lacey white dress. It ended at her knees and showcased her long legs which she knew Luke appreciated. It was long sleeve and hugged her curves in all the right places. She turned in front of the mirror and turned towards her Mother.

"Does it look okay?" She asked softly, "I mean I've had three kids now...my body isn't exactly what it used to be…"

Emily smirked as she bounced Elise up and down, "Lorelai you look stunning. Luke is going to love it."

Lorelai turned and smiled at Elise whose big wide blue eyes were stuck to her, "What do you think baby girl?"

"Momma pretty." Elise giggled as she reached for one of Lorelai's curls.

Lorelai smiled and pulled Elise close, "You're the pretty one baby girl…"

Emily smiled, "You and Luke did make some beautiful babies…"

Lorelai smiled as she pretended to dance with Elise, "We sure did…"

Emily's voice cracked as she spoke, "I remember the day that Luke called and said you went into labor with Jack...and then when we got there you…" She glanced down slowly, "Oh Lorelai...I was so afraid we were going to lose you."

Lorelai frowned, placed her daughter on the floor with her toys and walked towards her Mother. "Mom...you of all people know just how stubborn and determined I can be. I wasn't about to leave my babies…"

Emily watched as Elise walked back to Lorelai and held onto her leg. Lorelai smiled down at her daughter and ruffled her curls gently, "You are an incredible mother Lorelai...truly. I wish I could have been more like you…"

Lorelai frowned and looked up at her mother, "Mom…"

"I did a lot of things that hurt you over the years...and I realize now how misguided I was." She whispered.

Lorelai reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Mom...you and I have always had a difficult relationship. But...I don't know what I would have done without you during these last few years. Having you beside me after Chris hurt me...it meant more than you could possibly know. It made me feel stronger...and you've been amazing with the kids. They adore you and Dad...it feels so good to have you in their lives this time around." She shrugged softly, "We can't change the past Mom...but I am so grateful that you are here now."

Emily took a deep breath and hugged her daughter to her, "I am so proud of you Lorelai. You are the strongest woman I know…"

Lorelai squeezed her tight, "I learned from you...never let 'em see you sweat."

"Lorelai?" A voice called up the stairs.

Lorelai poked her head out the bedroom door and smiled, "What's up babe?"

"Are we expecting people tonight?" Luke called up to her.

She frowned, "Not that I know of…" She whispered, "Why?"

"Uh...look out the window." Luke called up to her.

Lorelai walked back into the bedroom and looked out the window beside her bed. She gasped when she saw her favorite Stars hollow residents walking towards her house with arms full of food, tables, chairs and music. "What on earth?"

Emily smiled, "Why don't you change and meet us downstairs."

She turned back towards her Mom, "Mom what is all this?"

Emily shook her head, "Just meet us downstairs…"

Lorelai watched her Mother pick up her daughter and walk out of the room towards the hallway and stairs. Lorelai reached behind her and began to unzip her dress. She pushed it down her body, placed it in the garment bag and hid it in the closet. She quickly pulled on a pair of jeans and a cute shirt before quickly walking downstairs to meet her family. Everyone but Luke was standing on the porch, she spotted Jess, April and Rory helping their friends and family set up in the back yard.

"What the heck is going on?" Lorelai asked as she placed a hand on Luke's back.

He glanced towards her, "This wasn't you?"

She shook her head, "No...it wasn't you?"

"No." Luke said quickly, he noticed Sookie walking towards them.

Sookie smiled and stepped up on the porch, "Hey you two love birds."

"Sookie what is all this?" Lorelai asked softly as she glanced around the yard.

"Well we knew that we couldn't be there for the ceremony tomorrow...but we all wanted to throw you a little party tonight anyway." She said with a shrug.

"Sookie…" Lorelai said placing a hand over her heart.

Sookie smiled at her best friend, "You guys have been through a hell of a lot...and this was our way of reminding you we are all here for you. "

Lorelai's eyes welled up with tears, "You guys planned all this without us knowing?"

Sookie smiled, "It was pretty easy...you've been so busy lately that we talked about it as soon as we found out about the renewal. I called Rory and she filled us in on all the details and now here we are. Caesar and I took care of all the food...Kirk, Lane and Zach covered the music for the night. Everyone else got the tables and chairs together and here we are. It's not much...but we wanted to do something for you guys."

Lorelai leaned forward and pulled her best friend in for a hug, "Sookie this is amazing...thank you."

Sookie felt her own tears brewing, "I don't know how you've held it all together Lorelai…"

Lorelai pulled away and wiped at her tears, "I've got a pretty great guy by my side…"

Luke glanced at his wife and squeezed her hand, "Thank you Sookie...this is an amazing surprise."

"Mommy! Mommy!" Jack yelled as he ran towards her, "Sookie made a huge cake!"

Lorelai laughed when she noticed that her son had already cut into it, "She did huh?" She knelt down and wiped at her son's face, "Chocolate with her butter cream frosting?"

Jack nodded, "Yep! It's delicious! You gotta try it!"

Lorelai scooped him up and smiled at her husband, "Guess we can't have a second wedding without a second wedding party…"

Luke smirked, "Guess not…"

"Dance with me later?" She asked softly with a twinkle in her eyes, "This all started with a dance…"

Luke smiled at her, "You got it babe…"

"Will you dance with me too Mommy?" Jack asked from his Mother's arms.

Lorelai smiled as the first song began to play into the night, "You little man are my first dancing partner of the night...come on."

Sookie and Luke stood back and watched as Lorelai carried Jack out towards the designated dance floor. Luke put his arm around Sookie's shoulder and smiled as he watched Lorelai twirl Jack around and around making the young boy laugh loudly.

"How she keeps smiling through everything she's been through is still amazing to me…" Sookie whispered.

Luke sighed, "I don't know how she does it either...but she keeps me going that's for sure."

"I always knew you two would make a great couple…" Sookie whispered, "You are exactly what she needed Luke. You made her realize how muchs he was worth…"

Luke smiled softly, "Sometimes I barely remember life before her...it all seems like such a blur. Now I realize it was because I was missing a light in my life...I was missing her. You talk about me changing her life but she changed mine too Sookie. If it wasn't for her I'd still be locked away in the apartment above the Diner barely living. After my parents died...I didn't see the point in living. But she reminded me that there was still a lot of good in the world." He smiled as Lorelai dipped their son, "She is everything good in this world…"

Sookie wiped at her tears gently, "That was beautiful Luke…"

He smirked and rolled his eyes gently, "Yeah well...I have to keep part of my reputation in tact okay? Don't let anyone know about that little speech I just gave…"

Sookie laughed, "I won't…"

Rory walked up to her Step-Father and Mother's best friend and smiled, "Hey...think I can steal him for a dance?"

Luke's heart swelled at her words, Sookie smiled and stepped back, "I have to go check on the food anyway…" She poked Luke, "Try not to step on her toes too much…"

Rory smiled, "Haven't you heard Sookie? Luke's a natural born dancer…"

Luke rolled his eyes and Sookie laughed, "Aw geez…"

Rory smiled and pulled Luke's arm towards the grass where their friends and family were dancing. She smiled at her Mom who gave her a slow nod to let her know she was with her. Luke started to lead Rory on the dance floor and looked around at all the people that cared for them.

"Hey Luke?" Rory asked as she moved to the music with him.

"Yeah?" He asked softly, "What's on your mind kid?"

Rory took a deep breath and pulled back enough just to be able to see his face, "Mom and I did some research the other night…"

He frowned a little, "Research about what?"

Her cheeks turned slightly red and she smiled at him, "About if it's possible for someone my age to be legally adopted…"

Luke stopped dancing for a moment and stared at his step-daughter, "What?"

They had stopped dancing but she wasn't surprised, "You're my father…" She whispered, "You've always been my father Luke…"

He took a deep breath and glanced at his wife who was still dancing with Jack but her eyes were directly on him. Her eyes were bright with tears and she winked softly at him.

"Rory…" Luke whispered softly, "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"There are ways to make it happen. There are forms and all that we can sign…" She took a deep breath, "I already sent a letter to Christopher...he signed off on it."

His eyes widened in surprise, "He did?"

Rory smiled, "I think he finally realized there was no use fighting it anymore...he knows you've been the one there for me all these years."

He paused and stared at her for a moment, "Are you sure about this Rory? This is a big decision…"

She nodded slowly, "Luke I don't know why we didn't do it when you and Mom got married to begin with. You're the guy that helped teach me how to ride a bike...who took care of me when I had the chicken pox. You cooked for me...moved me into school, came to my graduations. You beat up my first boyfriend when he broke my heart…"

He swallowed hard, "Rory…"

Her eyes welled up with tears, "You took care of Mom and I no matter what...and someday when and if I get married you are going to be the man that walks me down the aisle to my future husband. I'm tired of asking April, Jack and Elise if I can borrow you from time to time...I want you to be my Dad too. For real."

He cleared his throat fighting the tears back, "Wow…"

She blushed slightly, "I know it's a big deal...and if it's to weird for you I can understand that. But…" She shrugged slowly, "I figured everyone already knows it...I already feel it. Why not make it official?"

Luke took a deep breath and then pulled her in for a tight hug, "Of course I'll do it kid."

Rory breathed a sigh of relief and hugged him close, "Thank God…"

He laughed slightly and pulled away, "Did you think I'd say no?"

She shrugged, "I wasn't totally sure. Mom said you'd be up for it...but I didn't know if your Dad card was already full…"

He frowned slightly, "Rory you were my first kid...I may not have biologically had you. But from the minute you came into the Diner I would have done anything for you if you asked me too."

She wiped at a tear softly, "I know…"

He smiled and brushed her tears away, "Hey don't cry…"

She looked down slowly, "All of this has been really hard...because somewhere in the back of my mind I just always assumed Chris would pull it together. I never thought he'd stoop this low…" She sighed and looked back at him, "But having you here...protecting Mom...and me. That has made all the difference and I am so damn grateful for it Luke." She paused softly and blushed, "I mean...I'm so grateful for it Dad."

His smile grew slightly, "Dad…"

She nodded slowly, "Is that weird for me to call you that?"

He shook his head, "No...it's actually really nice."

She smiled and put her hand on his shoulder to start to dance again, "It feels right…"

"Sure does." He said as he began to lead her along the dance floor again.

He caught Lorelai's eyes as they danced and he mouthed the words "I love you." She repeated the same motions and winked at him as she danced with her son.

Later that night, Lorelai had just handed a sleeping Elise to her Mother who began walking her towards the house. She smiled as she watched them go and finally felt her mind and heart begin to relax. Her thoughts were interrupted by a pair of lips pressing against her exposed neck.

"You better hope my groom doesn't spot you mister...he tends to get a little jealous." She said with a smirk.

He chuckled and turned her around to face him, "Lorelai…"

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Hey there mister…having fun?"

Luke glanced back towards his friends and family as they continued to eat, drink and dance into the night, "Yeah. I can't believe they did all this...very sweet. But I haven't had a minute alone with you since it started…"

"They've kept us busy that's for sure." She said with a smile, "I guess it's a good thing we are going on another little honey moon."

He was quiet for a moment before turning back to his wife, "So...adopting Rory?" She beamed at him, "You're okay with this?"

"Of course I am." She said pulling him closer, "Luke you've been her father since the day we met you. It just took us all a while to realize that…she loves you. You've filled that void that Christopher left. You picked up all the pieces of her heart when he hurt her over and over. You're the best thing that happened to the both of us...this just seals the deal."

He stared at his wife for a moment and brushed some hair from her face, "And...he agreed to it?"

Lorelai's face faltered a little, "I wrote him a letter about it…" He tensed slightly, "I know I should have told you but Rory wanted me to wait until we got a response from him."

"When did this all happen?" He asked curiously.

"Soon after he tried to take his life…" Lorelai whispered, "I wrote to him about that...and about the impending trial. And then I talked about Rory...and how she has been affected by this more than either of us could have realized. I told him if he cared about her at all he would give her a fresh start...something good to hold on to."

"And what did he say?" Luke asked curiously.

She bit her lip nervously and pulled a piece of paper from her back pocket and handed it to him, "He wrote to you…"

He glanced up at her in shock, "To me?"

She nodded slowly, "I read it first because I was a little nervous…"

He nodded slowly and took the paper. They walked slowly towards the back yard and sat by the edge of the lake. Lorelai waited patiently until he was ready to read what Christopher had written. After a few moments he unfolded the paper and looked down at the page in front of him.

Luke,
I have no doubt that I am the last person you want to hear from. But when I got Lorelai's letter I realized you were the only person in all of this that I had not really apologized too. I'm not sure an apology will mean much coming from me...but it's about damn time I take responsibility for a few things. What I did in taking Jack was beyond wrong. I wasn't thinking...and I truly hope that he is okay. He's a hell of a kid...you and Lorelai have done an amazing job with him. But that doesn't surprise me seeing as how well Rory turned out…
I know now that I messed up from day one with Rory and Lorelai. I never gave them the attention and love that they deserved. I didn't know why I didn't...but now I know it's because I wasn't capable of giving them what they need. And for years that killed me...especially when I realized that you had filled that hole. So truth be told...I never hated you Luke. I was both thankful you were there when I couldn't be and jealous that you got to be that man for them.
I should have respected your relationship with Lorelai when it first started. Showing up at Richard and Emily's renewal the way I did was a really stupid thing to do. But I panicked (something I would do often in the years to follow) and I did my best to make you run away. And for awhile you did...but then you got back together. I tried to tell myself that it was for the best. But every time I saw Lorelai I saw all the things that I had let slip away. And that night she came to me...I knew better. But I took the opportunity to make her mine again.
I thought if I spoiled her with trips and new things for the house she'd forget about you. But it wasn't until our sham of a marriage that I realized how deep her love for you was. And the night that I attacked her was my lowest point...I realized you were the better man and every instinct in my snapped. My three biggest regrets in my life are abandoning Lorelai and Rory when she was a baby, hitting Lorelai and kidnapping Jack. Nothing I ever do will be able to make up for those things.
When I got Lorelai's letter...I won't pretend that it didn't break the last bit of my heart. But deep down I think I have always know that you were Rory's father even if not biologically. You have been the man there when I was supposed to be. I don't have the right to ask you for anything...but I think I know you well enough to know that you will do it despite your hate for me. Enclosed are the papers signing off on Rory's legal adoption. I give you these forms under one condition...you never break her heart the way that I did. And that goes for Lorelai too.
Give them the life they deserve. Give them the love I never could. And if you can...from time to time check in my daughter Gigi as well. She has been just as damaged from all of this as the rest of us.
I want you to know I don't blame you for wanting me dead. But that day you once again proved you are stronger than I am. I know that you didn't stop yourself for your own benefit. You did it for your family. You knew that if you did kill me...it would break them. You think of others before you think about your own needs...a trait I apparently never learned. You're a good man Luke. And I know you will do everything in your power to keep them safe from selfish people like me.
Enjoy your life with them. Lord knows you scored the two greatest girls I've ever known. And from the looks of it the rest of your family is just as amazing. This is the last you will hear from me. That is one promise I will be able to keep.

Christopher

Luke glanced up and didn't even try to hide the tears in his eyes, "Wow…"

Lorelai leaned over and wiped his cheeks gently, "That was pretty much my reaction too…"

He let out a shaky breath and pulled out the second piece of paper. It was the signed form for Luke to legally adopt Rory. He stared at Christopher's signature for a moment. Simply staring at it made him think that all the pain that he had caused was finally starting to fade.

He swallowed hard and looked at his wife, "I guess this is really the end of all that with him…"

She nodded slowly, "It is…" She looped her arm with his and rested her head against his shoulder, "It's over…"

He let out a breath and rested his cheek against the top of her head, "Thank God…"

She closed her eyes for a moment, "I don't think we should go to his sentencing...just get the news from my Dad. I want it all behind us...I don't want to think about him or see him again. I want this to be it...no turning back."

He placed his hand over hers on his arm, "Okay…"

He felt her tears against his shirt, "Luke…"

He shifted slightly to lift her chin, "Hey...what is it?"

She shook her head slowly and leaned forward to kiss him softly, "It's just overwhelming how much I love you sometimes...how much I need you. And reading his words reaffirmed how much I love you. How thankful I am that I decided to come here to Stars Hollow…" She glanced at him with a soft gaze, "Rory and I could have ended up anywhere Luke...but something drew me here. And sometimes...I think it was you."

He smiled, "You didn't know me when you first moved here…"

She nodded, "No...but I felt something when I came here. I felt safe...and that feeling grew stronger when I finally did meet you. You saved me Luke...as much as people think I had it all together back then...but I kept a straight face on the outside. Behind closed doors when Rory wasn't looking I was barely holding on. I felt so alone...and then you came into my life and I finally started to feel at peace...I finally started to feel like I could handle things. I wasn't so scared...you were there every time I needed you. And you will never know how much that meant to me Luke...I'll never be able to express how much I needed it back then. How much I still need you…"

He let out a shaky breath, "I needed you too Lorelai...I may not have had a kid back then." He smirked, "At least not one that I was aware of…" She couldn't help but laugh slightly, "But I wasn't living...I was just existing. And then you came in and turned everything upside down. I needed you just as much as you needed me…"

She snuggled into his shoulder slightly, "Never leave me…"

He shook his head and kissed the top of her head, "Never." He held her close, "Even when we were apart Lorelai...I was still with you."

She smiled softly, "I know…"

"I love you…" He whispered, "And I'm going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know that. And our children...all four of them."

She lifted her head again and kissed him softly, "I love you too."

"Fireflies Mommy!" Jack yelled as he ran up towards them.

Lorelai smiled and pulled him onto her lap, "Where baby?"

He pointed straight over there heads, "Right there! Look!" She watched him count slowly, "There are...6 of them!"

Lorelai smiled as Rory and April came up beside them, April handed Luke Elise. "Six of them huh?"

Jack looked around, "And there are six of us!"

Lorelai squeezed him tighter, "Yes there are honey…"

April smiled and handed her Dad a pen, "Why don't we make that official?"

Luke chuckled and smiled at his daughter, "You were in on this too?"

"Rory wanted to check with me first. Make sure it was okay which of course I thought was silly. She's already my sister. This just makes it that much more official." She said with a smile.

Luke turned towards Rory, "You sure about this kid?"

She smiled and leaned against her Mother, "Positive."

Luke unfolded the paperwork Christopher had signed and looked down on the line he was supposed to sign off on. He took a deep breath and then signed his own name. He handed the paper to Lorelai who quickly added her signature below his.

"One more signature from a judge and it's permanent." Lorelai said with a wink as she glanced at her daughter.

"It's about time…" Rory whispered as she stared at Luke, "Right Dad?"

Lorelai's heart squeezed in her chest, and Luke just kept smiling at her, "Right kid…"

Jack pointed in the sky, "Hey look! There are seven of them now!" He turned towards his Mom, "Mommy are you having another baby?"

Her eyes bulged in her head, "No!"

Everyone was quiet for a moment before a bark from behind them pulled them out of their thoughts. They all began to laugh as Paul Anka trotted down towards them at the lake. He plopped down in front of Luke and he just laughed. "There's our seventh member…"

"See Paul Anka...told you Daddy loved you." She whispered.

Everyone started to laugh again as they sat together as a whole family. The healing process was finally starting...

Hope you liked it! I promise I will write the next two chapters. Even though this feels like a good ending...I will still show the renewal and all that too. I will try and update soon. Thanks!