Sorry for the delay! I always have a hard time writing wedding scenes! I think they always look the same and I get stuck. But hopefully this one is okay. There is more to it than just the ceremony anyway! I will try and update soon! Two more chapters after this :) Thank you all you lovely readers!
The following morning Luke woke up as the light streamed in through the window. He yawned, turned slowly and chuckled to himself when he saw his wife fast asleep but with two young children laying over her. Elise was snuggled up to her side with her head against her chest. Jack was laying with his head on her stomach and his legs draped to the side.
Lorelai's eyes fluttered open when she heard his soft chuckle, she glanced down at her and then cringed, "Ow...my neck kills." She said with a laugh.
Luke smiled and scooped Jack up off of her, "Come here buddy…"
Jack yawned and snuggled into his side, "Wedding day?"
Luke smiled and glanced up at his wife who was gently stroking Elise's hair, "Yep. Wedding day."
Lorelai beamed at him and then felt Elise begin to stir, "Hey there sleepy girl…" She whispered, "When did you crawl into bed with us?"
She yawned softly and pointed to her brother, "Jack Jack did it."
Lorelai and Luke laughed, "Did you go get Elise?" Luke asked his son.
Jack shrugged, "I poked my head in my room on the way here and she was already out of the crib and playing on the floor…"
Lorelai tickled the little girl's sides making her giggle, "You little escapee! What are we going to do with you?"
"Big girl bed!" Elise said clapping her hands.
Lorelai pouted and lifted her up to place on her stomach, "No...you have to stay Mommy's baby girl forever. The other three betrayed me and got big! I thought we had a deal? You stay small forever and I give you all cookies you want…"
Luke smirked, "Unfortunately that wouldn't keep her small either…" He said with a laugh as he leaned over to tug on one of Elise's black curls.
Lorelai sighed dramatically and then turned to her husband with a smile, "Let's have another one!"
Luke groaned, "No way. Four's enough for me."
Jack laughed and jumped off the bed, he helped his sister down, "Let's go wake up Rory and April."
"Apple and Roro!" Elise yelled as she ran after her brother.
Luke smiled and watched them go, he turned and saw his wife pouting at him. He smirked and moved to lay over her, "Don't give me the pout missy...no more kids."
She whined and held onto his arms, "But we make such good looking ones! Why deny the world of that beauty?"
He chuckled and began to prep kisses against her neck, "Because I'm too old for five…" He lifted his head, "And you know that it wouldn't be safe…" The sad look on his face sobered her up and she nodded.
"I know…" She whispered, "But I hate how fast they are growing up...and not just Elise and Jack. Rory's a full fledged adult and April is well on her way there too...I don't want them to leave us behind."
He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her, "I know. But they won't babe...they are all going to be closer now."
She nodded slowly and reached her hands up to cup his face, "Just because we can't have another baby...doesn't mean we can't do the thing that usually creates babies right?"
He laughed again and shook his head, "Nope. We're definitely not giving that up. I'm quite fond of that activity. Plus this next week I plan on having you in bed as much as possible."
She giggled as he began to nip at her earlobe, "God I can't wait…"
He pulled away just enough to look her in the eye, "You gotta marry me first…"
She raised an eyebrow, "Technically we already are married...I gotta wait again?"
He bit his lip and looked her up and down, "I guess I can make an exception because you're so damn irresistible…"
She smiled as he lowered his lips to hers, "MOMMY!"
Elise's shrill voice pulled them apart, Luke fell onto his back with a groan and Lorelai only laughed. She sat up and reached for a sweater before getting out of bed, "Coming honey." She turned back to her husband with a mischievous look, "But you're gonna have to wait until later for me to c-"
"Don't finish that sentence." He said laughing to himself, "You're terrible!"
She giggled and leaned over to kiss his cheek, "And lucky you...you get to marry me twice!"
She practically skipped out the door and Luke watched her go, he gathered the pillows up around him and sighed happily, "You have no idea how lucky I am beautiful girl…"
Soon after waking, the house was a buzz with movement. Trying to wrangle a five and 1 and a half year old into packing and getting ready for a wedding wasn't easy. Luckily, Emily and Richard showed up soon to help with the chaos. And somehow, by 3:00pm everything was packed in the cars and ready to head to the marina. Luke was told to get in one car so that Lorelai could quickly slip on her dress without him seeing until they were on the boat.
Luke boarded the boat with Jack, Jess, Liz, TJ, Emily, Richard, Doula, and even Paul Anka. He was told to stand behind the wheel, he would steer them out into the ocean before the ceremony, not able to turn around and see Lorelai until the time was right. Lorelai walked with April, Rory and little Elise to the boat and took their places as Luke steered them out of the marina and into the open water.
Lorelai stole glances at him, she could only see him from behind but she already knew he looked incredibly handsome in his khakis and button down white shirt. Jess helped Luke anchor the boat and they took their place at the front of the boat. When they were ready, the rest of the family gathered around the area and Richard escorted Lorelai to the front.
Luke took a deep breath when he saw her, once again taken aback by her beauty. It was hard to believe that she had ever agreed to be his wife, and now they were about to renew their love for one another. They never took their eyes off of each other as Richard placed Lorelai's hand in Luke's.
Jess smiled at them both as April stood with Jack beside her father, and Rory held Elise beside her mother. "When Luke and Lorelai first asked me to perform this ceremony...I wasn't sure what to expect. I was lucky enough to stand as Luke's best man during their first wedding...and although someone has taken my place…" He smirked at Jack who stuck his tongue out at his cousin making everyone laugh, "I'm more than okay with the change up…" He turned back to Luke and Lorelai, "My Uncle Luke has been a huge part of my life since I was born. He was there when my own father wasn't...and over the years I watched him struggle to find his own happiness. And when I was sent to live in Stars Hollow...I realized he had found it…"
Lorelai blushed as she looked down at her joined hands with her husband. Luke gave her hand a squeeze and a wink making her heartbeat speed up.
Jess smiled and pressed on, "From the moment I saw Luke around Lorelai...I knew that he loved her. And at first I didn't fully understand or appreciate their relationship...but over time I came to realize that they were perfect for each other. No two people have been through more than you two...no two people have faced more obstacles. But somehow...you have grown together...become stronger...become the couple we all strive to be. When trying to decide what to say today...I found a reading that I've asked Rory to share with you...that I think perfectly describes your love…"
He turned towards Rory and smiled as she pulled out a piece of paper, she held Elise against her hip as she began to read:
"Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.
And when it subsides you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together
that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement,
it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.
That is just being 'in love', which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,
and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love,
have roots that grow towards each other underground,
and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches,
they find that they are one tree, and not two."
Rory smiled at her Mother and now legal Father as she finished her reading and turned back towards Jess. Lorelai wiped at her tears and Luke gave her a reassuring smile as they turned back to Jess.
"You two have overcome obstacles that most people have never had to face. You have lost each other...and found each other in times of darkness. You made a choice to love each other fully and completely. And in these last few months alone...your love has been tested in ways that some people could never overcome. But you both did...and that is why we are all here today to reaffirm your love for one another. To strengthen even more your commitment and journey into the future. And with your four children by your side...I now ask you to face each other like you did 6 years ago." Jess said with a smile.
Lorelai and Luke turned to stare directly at each other, he took her hands in his and smiled. She took a deep breath and slowly the rest of the world, and the pain of the last few months seemed to melt away.
Jess smiled, "Luke...repeat after me: I believe in this marriage more strongly than ever. Lorelai it is with joy born of experience and trust that I commit myself once again to be your husband."
Luke squeezed Lorelai's hands, "I believe in this marriage more strongly than ever. Lorelai, it is with joy born of experience and trust that I commit myself once again to be your husband."
Jess nodded and turned to Lorelai, "And now your turn…"
Lorelai took a deep breath and Luke gave her hands a squeeze, "I believe in this marriage more strongly than ever. Luke, it is with the joy born of experience and trust that I commit myself once again to be your wife." Her voice cracked slightly as she finished speaking, and Luke lifted one hand to wipe away her tears before joining their hands once more.
"Seeing as we don't have new rings-" Jess started.
Luke held up a finger, "Actually I have a ring for her…"
Lorelai's eyes widened, "Luke what-"
He shook his head, "Don't argue with me on our wedding day…"
Everyone laughed and she smirked at him, "But…" She trailed off and gasped as he held up a beautiful sapphire ring that sparkled in the sinking sun, "Luke…"
He lifted her hand and carefully slipped the ring on her finger, "It reminded me of your eyes…" He whispered so only she could hear him.
She bit her lip nervously, trying to keep the tears at bay. "Luke you didn't have too…"
"I wanted too." He said closing his hand over hers, "I love you…"
She sniffled slightly, "I love you too...so much."
He stood up straighter and turned back to his nephew, "Sorry...went off script there."
Jess smiled, "In as much as you Luke, and you Lorelai, have reaffirmed your commitment in matrimony and have witnessed the same before family and friends, it is my honor to recognize your commitment to one another as husband and wife. You may kiss the Bride."
Luke turned back towards his wife and slowly pulled her up against him. She smiled and let one hand rest against his chest, while the other went to his cheek to hold him close. He smiled as she leaned in, and when their lips finally touched their family around them clapped and cheered loudly.
When they finally pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his, "God I love you…" She whispered.
Luke smiled and squeezed her hips, "I love you too…" He felt a slight tug at his shirt and he looked down to see his son staring up at him, "Hey little man…" He lifted him up and held him between he and his wife, "What did you think of your first wedding?"
"Not so bad. But I could do without the kissing…" He said with a scrunched up nose.
Everyone laughed around them, "Sorry bud...I really enjoy kissing your Mom so at some point you're going to have to get used to that…"
Jack rolled his eyes, "Fine…" He turned to look at his Mom, "But you look really pretty Mommy."
Lorelai smiled and leaned up on her tip toes to press a kiss to his cheek, "Thank you Jack Jack."
"You need a family picture." Liz said excitedly, "All of you stand together now!"
Lorelai smiled and took Elise from Rory's arms and held her close. Luke held onto Jack as April settled in beside him and Rory beside Lorelai. All six of them turned towards the camera and just as Liz was going to take the picture they heard a bark.
"Mommy we forgot Paul Anka!" Jack yelled.
"Pa Ank! Pa Ank!" Elise chimed in loudly.
Lorelai laughed, "How could we forget him?" She patted her leg with her free hand, "Come here boy!"
Paul Anka jumped down from his spot on the bench and pitter pattered over to them. He sat down in front of them, showing off his little bow tie and then all seven of them faced the camera. Liz took a few pictures until all the kids were beginning to get restless, and then Luke pulled up the anchor to set sail again.
Emily and Richard took out the champagne they had packed, and juice for the kids. Sookie had even packed them snacks and even cupcakes in place of a full cake. As they sailed around the harbor the family members rejoiced in the ability to be truly happy after so much pain in the last few months.
Later on, Lorelai detached herself from her parents and walked over to Luke as he steered them back towards the marina. Everyone but them was going to get off the boat and head home. Jess, April and Rory would be taking April and Jack while Luke and Lorelai were gone. Luke and Lorelai were going to sail up north towards Maine and take a few much deserved days to themselves.
With the marina in sight, Lorelai wrapped her arms around his middle and breathed him in, "Hi husband…"
He smiled and placed one hand over hers, "Hi wife…"
She held out her hand and let her new sapphire ring and diamond engagement ring glisten in the night air, "I can't believe you got me a ring…you spoil me…"
He smiled and squeezed her hand still on his stomach, "I enjoy spoiling you. You deserve it…"
She kissed the back of neck softly, "Today was perfect…"
He nodded in agreement, "It was...after everything that's happened lately...it felt good to have a reason to celebrate."
She sighed softly, "I don't know how I would have survived any of this without you Luke...you're the one thing I know I can always count on. I'd be lost without you...I was lost without you for so long."
Luke lifted one of her hands to his lips, "Lorelai…"
"I mean it Luke...you're the one thing that keeps me grounded. When Jack was…" She paused as her voice broke off, "There were so many moments when I just wanted to crawl into bed and never get out until I knew he was safe. But as soon as you held my hand...or spoke to me I knew that I could survive all of it. That WE could survive all of it. And we have…" She turned and saw Jack laughing with Jess about something, "He's home...and we're all going to be okay."
Luke let out a gentle breath and pulled her up beside him, "We are going to be okay…"
Emily walked towards the happy couple with a sleepy Elise in her arms, "She was wanting you…"
Lorelai smiled and pulled Elise into her arms, "Hi little one…"
"Momma pretty…" Elise mumbled in the crook of her neck, "Daddy handsome…"
Lorelai giggled and pressed a kiss to her daughter's head, "You're the pretty one little girl. So pretty…"
Elise lifted her tired head and pressed her lips together, "Love."
Lorelai leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips, "I love you too."
"Daddy…" Elise whispered and Lorelai lifted Elise up so she could kiss Luke, "Love."
He kissed her nose and ruffled her hair, "I love you too Elise."
Jack walked up towards them and climbed up on the stool in front of his Dad, "Can I help you steer us in Dad?"
"Sure thing bud." Luke said placing his hands over his son's small ones, "How are you feeling about Mommy and I going away for awhile? You still okay with it?"
Jack nodded, "Yeah. Grandpa says that sometimes Mommy's and Daddy's need alone time. But that you'll get us some cool presents so that's a plus."
Lorelai laughed and leaned against her husband's shoulder, "Jack…"
He turned back and smiled slightly at his Mom, "I will miss you...but I'll be okay."
Lorelai leaned down and pressed a kiss to his head, "You can call us anytime baby."
"I know. But I'll be with Jess, Rory and April. And Jess says we can have ice cream for breakfast so...that's awesome." Jack said with a smirk.
Luke chuckled, "I should say I'm mad but he'll be the one who has to deal with the sugar rush so I'll allow it."
Lorelai smiled and kissed his shoulder, "It will be the best birth control they could ever ask for…" She whispered in his ear making him chuckle.
Luke squeezed his son's hands over the wheel, "You're a strong boy Jack...the days will fly by and then Mom and I will be home. You'll be so busy with school and having fun with your sisters and Jess I'm sure you'll barely miss us."
"I always miss you." Jack said softly. "But Grandma says when you miss someone it's a sign that you love them and that means we're lucky. We have a good family she says."
Lorelai smiled, "We have an amazing family Jack Jack…"
The dock's started to come into view and Jack smiled as he turned back to his Mom, "We have the best family…"
Lorelai smiled and pulled him up against her as she felt Elise sleeping against her. Luke steered the boat to his spot in the marina and they gathered all their things. Luke and Lorelai walked with their family off the boat and back to the cars to say their goodbyes. Hugs were given and Jess took Luke and Lorelai's bags and brought them back to the boat for them so they could say goodbye to the kids.
Elise was fast asleep against Rory's arms and both Luke and Lorelai gave her a kiss. They said goodbye to April and Rory and saved Jack for last. Luke scooped him up in his arms and held him close, "You gotta be the man of the house while I'm gone bud...I don't trust Jess." He teased.
Jack smiled, "I'll make sure the house is still standing when you get back."
Luke chuckled and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "I appreciate that."
Jack turned towards his Mom and saw she had tears in her eyes, "Don't cry Mommy...I'm okay."
Lorelai sighed softly and leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek, "I know you're okay honey. I'm just so proud of you...you're so strong. And you make me feel so lucky to be your Mom."
Jack smiled and reached out to wrap his arms around her, Luke let Lorelai hold him close for a moment. Jess stepped up to them and when they were ready, took Jack from their arms. "Your stuff is all set on the boat. We'll see you in a few days."
Luke smiled, "Thank you for everything Jess...especially for officiating the ceremony."
Jess smiled, "I was happy to do it. You guys have fun. Try not to worry too much. We got everything covered here."
They finished their tearful goodbyes and watched as they got in the cars and began to drive away. Luke took Lorelai's hand, lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. She smiled and let him lead her back towards the boat. He helped her onto the deck and untied the boat before taking is place behind the wheel agian.
She smiled, "I'm going to head downstairs and change. As much as I love this dress...I'm ready to put something else on."
Luke smiled and pulled her close as he started to steer, "You look incredible in it. But I'm sure it looks even better off…"
She laughed and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "I should be grateful that you still find me attractive after all these years…"
He smirked and let his hand slide down her back to her ass, "Oh I find you more than just attractive...I find you to be the sexiest woman I have ever laid eyes on. I can't get enough of you...and I plan to get my fill during the next few days."
She smiled and leaned into him again, "We did start something this morning we weren't able to finish…"
Luke groaned when she nibbled on her ear, "I should have left the boat at the dock…"
She giggled and pulled away, "Let's go out a bit more. Anchor out there. Then you can take me downstairs…"
Luke gave her behind a squeeze causing her to jump and swat at his chest before walking across the deck. She went down below and found their bags set up on the floor beside the bed they would share. They had taken small trips on the boat before, and Lorelai had come to enjoy the gentle sway of the boat at night as they lay together.
She lifted her bag and began to rifle through the items. She had packed a few new lingerie items but suddenly noticed Luke's bag on the floor. She smiled to herself, lifted it to the bed and opened it. She pulled out one of his flannel shirts and knew that it was the perfect thing to wear. She went to the small bathroom to freshen up, she made sure to add a dab of the perfume Luke liked best on her wrists, behind her ear, on her neck and the hollow of her throat. She slipped into the familiar flannel, lifting it to her nose to breath in the smell of him. She smiled to herself and then began to tiptoe back up the little staircase.
Luke sensed her coming and turned to look at her, he smiled when he saw what she was wearing, "Look at you…"
She smiled and tugged at the sleeves of his shirt, "It was the most comfortable thing I could find."
Luke smiled and steered them out a little further before walking over to the anchor. He dropped it to the bottom of the ocean and checked everything on the boat. He turned back around and saw Lorelai hugging her arms around her, staring off across the ocean at the low hanging October moon.
It was a relatively warm October night, but there was still a slight chill in the air. Walking over to her, he wrapped his arms around her middle and pulled her against his chest, "Cold?"
She wrapped her arms over his, "Happy…"
He smiled and pressed a kiss to her neck, "Good…" He breathed her in, "Did you put that stuff on to torture me?"
She giggled and turned in his arms, "Well it is our wedding night...I wanted to look and smell good for you."
He smirked and nuzzled the side of her face, "You make me crazy all the time...you know that?"
She wrapped her arms around his middle and held him close, "And yet you wanted to marry me again...there must be something wrong with you."
He pulled away and held her face in his hands, "I told you...I'd marry you 100 times if I could. I don't know why I didn't jump at the chance the first time around…"
She shook her head slightly and pulled at the buttons on his shirt, "Babe don't…"
He nodded, "I know. I know...it doesn't do us any good to dwell on all that. But I mean it...I was crazy back then...having you as my wife has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love our life…"
She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight with unshed tears, "I love our life too…"
He reached up to push a strand of hair out of her face, "I know lately it's been…" He paused, "Difficult…"
She nodded, "It has...but we survived it all somehow. Together…"
"There's probably going to be many more obstacles we face over the years to come…" Luke whispered, "Good and bad things…"
"Hopefully more good than bad…" She whispered softly.
He smiled and gave her a nod, "I just want you to know that even during the hard times...I'm always going to be right here. No matter what we have to face...I'm going to do whatever I can to take care of you and our family. Always."
She smiled and pressed up on her toes to kiss him, "You always have…"
He rested his forehead against hers, "Rory called me Dad five times today…"
She laughed and pulled him closer, "Keeping count?"
He chuckled, "It's just new...and nice...and…" He shrugged, "Just nice…"
She smiled and pressed a kiss to his jaw, "She's so happy...I can see it. It's like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders...like she's been able to fully let all the pain he caused her go…"
Luke smiled and kissed her forehead, "He's caused her a hell of a lot of pain over the years...especially during the last few."
Lorelai looked down at his chest, staring at her ring as she spoke to him, "When she was little...she used to ask me so many questions about him. She always wanted to know where he was...why he wasn't with us. And when he came to visit...her face would light up. She'd talk a mile a minute and for the first hour...he seemed to genuinely enjoy it. And then slowly his patience would wear thin...and he'd become colder...but she was so desperate for his love...she'd try even harder. And it would break my heart to see her fall apart every time he walked away…"
Luke pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Lorelai…"
"And for a long time...I just figured I'd never be able to give her more than just me. But then we met you…" She whispered in a cracked voice, "And I'd never seen her take to someone as quickly as she did with you…" She smiled up at him, "She felt comfortable with you from the start...she adored you."
He smiled, "Well I adored her...she had me wrapped her around finger from the start."
Her smile grew, "Oh I know it...and she knew it. And it felt so good to have someone who loved her as much as I did...even when we weren't' together I knew you'd do anything for her. And that feeling only got stronger when she got the chicken pox and were by my side to take care of her." She swallowed hard, "When she was really little I always felt so alone...but as soon as I met you it was different. I knew no matter what happened I could count on you...and I always did. I always have and I always will…"
"It was easy to fall in love with you two...you were both like a breath of fresh air. My life was so…" He shrugged, "So dull...so meaningless before you showed up. I needed you both as much as you needed me...somedays I really only got out of bed in the hopes that I'd see you both walk in…"
She nuzzled his neck slightly, "Oh Luke…"
He lifted her head again so she could see him and hear his words fully, "Don't you for one second think that I didn't need you...that I still don't need you. Because I do. These last few months...you were my rock too Lorelai. You always have been. You've been the person that brings be me back down again when I need it. You remind me to live...to enjoy this life and to live it to the fullest. I feel so incredibly lucky to have you as my wife...and the mother of my children. I adore you...more and more everyday I fall in love with you."
She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him passionately, "Take me downstairs…"
Luke smiled and turned her body and began to walk with her. Once they got down below, Lorelai crawled up onto the bed and kneeled up on the mattress waiting for him. He stared at her for a moment, sitting there in his shirt, smiling up at him with so much love it made his heart beat faster. He started to unbutton his shirt as he stepped towards her and crawled up on the bed. She moved his hands away to take over for him and he smiled as he began to unbutton his shirt on her.
"No kids to interrupt us…" She whispered as his lips found their way to his neck, "No employees to call with a crisis...no crazy neighbors…"
He nipped at her neck and up the side of her face and back to her lips, "Just you and me…"
"You and me…" She whispered as he lay her back on the bed, she smiled when he pushed open the flannel shirt, "Luke…" She whispered as she arched into him.
"Let's get married every year…" Luke whispered softly against her skin, "Every damn year…"
She giggled as he continued kissing up and down her body, "Luke…"
He smiled and pulled away to look down at her, "My wife…"
She lifted her hand and caressed his face, "My husband…"
Luke leaned down again and pressed his lips to hers...and the rest of the world melted away…
Back in Stars Hollow Elise was fast asleep in her bed. But Jack was still hopped up on cake and excitement from the day. He was currently jumping up and down on his bed while April, Jess and Rory stared at him wondering if he would ever go to sleep. Though they were all tired, all three of them couldn't deny the fact that they were just glad that Jack was here with them at all.
Jack made one final jump and then landed with a thump and a laugh on the bed, "What do we get to do tomorrow?"
Rory smiled and sat down beside her brother, "What do you want to do?"
Jack shrugged, and then began to pull at the blanket at his side, "I don't know…"
Rory frowned and reached for his hand, "You okay Jack? Missing Mom and Dad?"
Jack shook his head, "No. I know they are having fun and will be home soon. I was just thinking...about how scared I was when Christopher took me. But also...how happy I was when I saw Mommy's face."
Jess sat down on the other side of Jack, "I can imagine that that was a really good moment for you…"
Jack frowned slightly, "What do you think would have happened if Mommy and Daddy didn't find me that day?"
April swallowed hard and crawled up on the bed with the three of them, "They would have found you soon or later Jack. Nothing was going to keep them from you…"
Jack smiled, "That's what Mommy says…"
"Jack...if there is anything I know...it's that we have really great parents who would do anything for us." Rory whispered, "But just so you know...so would me, April and Jess." She smiled at the other two beside her, "And if at anytime in the next few days...you need a little reminder or a little extra love...you just tell us. Even after this week too...we're always here."
Jack nodded, "I know…" He paused, "Are you okay?"
Rory smiled and squeezed his hand, "I'm more than okay bud."
"Dad says he's officially your Daddy now." Jack whispered, "So you don't have to share him anymore."
"No. I don't. Are you okay with that?" Rory asked softly.
Jack nodded, "You've always been my sister. Nothing changes that."
"And nothing ever will." Lorelai said with a smile as she leaned forward to kiss his cheek.
He turned towards his cousin, "Mommy says all of you are going to be closer now."
Jess nodded, "Yep. I'll be living up above the Diner. You'll see me all the time."
"And I'll be here for awhile until I find an apartment in Hartford. But that's not far at all." Rory said with a smile.
"And what about you?" Jack asked softly, "You aren't going back to California?"
April smiled, "Nope. I'm hoping to be going to school very close to here...and very close to Rory."
Rory turned towards her, "What do you mean?"
April smiled, "I sent out my application to Yale yesterday...we'll see what they say. Although Grandpa says not to worry…"
Rory's face lit up, "You want to go to Yale?"
April nodded, "I want to follow in my sister's footsteps. Yale is an amazing school and it's in the perfect location. This is where I want to be right now...where I need to be."
"Maybe I'll go to Yale someday too!" Jack yelled happily.
"Maybe you will…" Rory said ruffling his hair, "But in order to do that...you need sleep!"
Jack sighed, "Oh fine…" He pulled back the covers and climbed into bed, "But if I'm going to bed that means we have ice cream for breakfast tomorrow." He turned toward his cousin, "You promised after all."
Jess smirked, "I already stocked the fridge dude. Parents away, the kids will play!"
Jack lifted his small hand out to Jess, "That's why you're my favorite cousin. Just don't tell Doula…"
Jess laughed and high fived him, "Your secret is safe with me bud. Get some sleep."
April leaned down and kissed his forehead and Rory did the same, then they turned and walked out of the room. Together the three of them walked downstairs and sat around the living room quietly.
"Well we pulled the wedding off." April said pulling her legs up under her. "I hope they have fun and can actually relax while they are away...God knows they deserve it."
Jess nodded as he rubbed his neck, "Yes they definitely do…"
Rory smiled, "They both looked so happy…" Paul Anka jumped up beside her on the couch and rested his head on her legs, "It felt nice to see them happy again…"
"I liked that reading you picked out Jess…" April whispered, "Especially that last part...about the roots...what was it?"
Jess smiled, "Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree, and not two…"
April smiled, "It seems to describe them perfectly…"
Rory nodded, "I agree. Over those ten years of back and forth they built a bond that is truly unbreakable. I've learned that they can really overcome anything...it inspires me."
"Me too." April said with a smile, "I hope someday I can find a love like that…"
Jess smirked, "Try not to give Uncle Luke a heart attack when you bring your first real serious boyfriend home…"
"Oh please...it will happen either way." Rory said with a laugh, "He got into a fist fight with Dean during our first break up."
"He did? How did I never know that? Remind me to give him a pat on the back when they get home." Jess said with a smirk.
Rory rolled her eyes and slapped him, "Grow up…"
Jess smirked, "You both deserve the best…" He said softly, "And whoever you both end up with will be incredibly lucky…"
April smiled, "Speaking of which...are you still having lunch with Logan this week Rory?"
Rory nodded slowly, "Yeah...I'm not quite sure what to expect from it. But...it's happening."
"What about you? Heard anymore from Meg?" April asked Jess.
He smiled, "I heard she gave birth to a healthy baby girl last week…"
"How are you dealing with that?" April asked curiously, "And...everything with your Dad?"
Jess shrugged, "It's a lot all at once...but I think I have some inspiration for my next book. So that's good right?"
Rory smiled and reached out to squeeze his hand, "It's very good. And for the record...you deserve the best too Jess…"
He smiled softly at her, "Thanks Rory…"
April yawned slightly, "Well...I don't know about you but I am exhausted. And if we are going to be dealing with those two for the next five days...I should probably get to sleep."
Rory smiled, "I agree." She turned towards Jess, "You staying at the apartment or here?"
Jess smiled, "I'm staying right here. I'll probably camp down here on the couch."
"You sure?" Rory asked softly, "You'd probably be more comfortable at the apartment-"
"I'm not leaving." Jess said with a smile, "Besides I gotta make Jack that sundae in the morning."
She smiled and gave his hand a squeeze again, "Goodnight Jess."
He gave both girls a wave and went to get pillows and blankets for the the couch and settled down to go to sleep. Upstairs April and Rory settled into their own room and fell into a peaceful sleep for the first time in a long time.
Back on the boat, Luke and Lorelai lay entwined on the bed looking out of the small window where the moon shone in. Lorelai had one leg up over his hip, her head and arm rested against his chest as his hand trailed up and down her naked back.
She smiled softly and kissed his chest gently, "I always thought I'd be uncomfortable on the boat...but right now I feel so at peace."
Luke smiled and kissed the top of her head, "Good…"
She closed her eyes and traced invisible patterns on his chest, "Remember the first time we had sex on the boat?"
Luke chuckled, "Which boat?" He teased.
She lifted her head slowly, "What?"
He smirked at her, "You don't remember the time we had sex on the old boat when it was still in your garage?"
She gasped slightly and sat up, "Oh my God! I totally forgot about that!"
He laughed and stared up at her, "I was working on it...we had gotten back together after the first break up and you walked in and just watched me work. Next thing I knew you were pulling the garage door shut and pouncing on me. We couldn't make it inside so we did it on the boat…"
She laughed and put a hand over her face, "I remember I got a splinter in my butt…"
He chuckled, "Yes you did."
She laughed some more and leaned down to kiss him gently, "Well I was referring to the first time on this boat...but that was a good time too."
He smiled, "The first time on this boat...you told me you were going downstairs to change and you came back up on the deck wearing nothing but a Captain's hat…"
She giggled, "I looked so good in that hat…"
He smirked, "I can't argue with that…"
She leaned back down and rested her chin on his chest, "Well eight years of pent up sexual tension had to come out somehow…"
He smiled and reached a hand out to caress her face, "I guess you're right."
She smiled and pressed a kiss to his chest, "Think when we're old and grey we'll still want each other?"
He smirked, "Well I'm already going grey and I still want you...I'll always want you."
She smiled and pulled herself up over him, "Well just in case...why don't we go for a record number of sex during the next few days…"
Luke smiled and rolled her over causing her to gasp and then giggle up at him, "Two times down...a million more to go."
She laughed as his lips attacked her neck and she pulled him as close as possible knowing that she could never get enough of him. He was her rock, her best friend, her life and her lover. And she had never been more grateful to have him by her side...
I will try and update as soon as possible :)