Hello! I am SO SORRY for the long delay. Life is much busier than when I used to write stories. This big new job of mine is great but makes me exhausted when I get home. Hard to find time to write. But I have not given up on this story or "Love Me Now". I told you the reason for my hesitance with "Love Me Now" but I promise I will finish it.
There are probably two more chapters of this story and then I will hopefully focus on that one. Then I also have another pre-series story I am thinking about too because I had so much fun with "If you ever want to fall in love" I will hopefully write at least an epilogue for that one as well. Thanks for your continued patience and support! Without further wait here is chapter 8. Enjoy!
Lorelai's head rested against the cold window of Luke's truck. She watched the small island pass by her as Luke drove to their destination. She felt her heart squeeze in her chest when she thought about what had brought them here.
"So that's...it?" Rory asked softly as they sat in the living room of Luke and Lorelai's house. "There's nothing else you can do?"
Lorelai sat on the couch with Paul Anka curled up in her lap as she fought the urge to cry. Emily stood by the fireplace, shaking her head sadly.
Luke sighed, "The judge decided it would be best for Sadie to be with her actual family."
Rory scoffed, "But I thought they were unfit to actually take care of her? They abused Sadie and kept her around drugs."
Luke sighed, "They said there wasn't any evidence of that."
Rory frowned, "So you'll just never see her again?" Lorelai couldn't hold it in any longer, a sob escaped her throat and she buried her face in Paul Anka's fur.
Everyone stood still for a moment before Emily quickly shuffled over to her daughter and sat beside her, "You should come to Thanksgiving at my house. I know we said we'd do it here...but I think it would be best if you get out of the house a little bit."
Lorelai shook her head, "No. I don't even want to celebrate."
Rory sighed, "Mom...I think that this is actually a good idea. It will be good to go somewhere different for awhile. Get your mind off things."
Lorelai didn't respond and Luke walked over to her, he kneeled down in front of her, "IT's not a bad idea Lorelai…"
Lifting her head to look at him with a tear stained face, she hiccuped, "Luke…"
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, "I know. I know…" He gave her her arm a squeeze, "Let's just get away for a little while. Alright? I'll close the Diner for a few days."
She nodded slowly and looked at her Mom, she tried to smile, "O-Okay."
Emily smiled and rubbed her daughter's back, "Good."
Now the day before Thanksgiving they had packed their bags into the truck, drove it onto the ferry and were now driving towards Emily's new house. Luke pulled into the driveway and reached a hand over Paul Anka and squeezed Lorelai's hand.
"We're here." He whispered softly, thinking she was asleep.
She took a deep breath and turned towards him, "Yeah. Okay…"
He sighed when he saw her reach for the door handle to exit the truck. She helped Paul Anka climb down onto the pavement and took her bag with her. He watched her go...wishing he could make things better for her. He had been trying to be as positive as possible, keeping a smile on his face for Lorelai's sake. But deep down he was falling apart just as much as she was because he missed Sadie more than he could believe.
He thought back to the first night after they found out Sadie wasn't going to be coming back to them.
After he finally got Lorelai to go to sleep late that night, he had gone downstairs to let Paul Anka out again. He was standing on the front porch waiting as Paul Anka did what he needed to do. Luke sighed and looked at the porch railing, he noticed it was loose and splintered. A large piece sticking out, a piece that could hurt anyone including a baby. He made a mental note to fix it and then remembered…
It didn't really matter. He didn't need to go about baby proofing the place. There was going to be no baby. Sadie wasn't coming home. She wasn't going to be theirs.
Luke felt his hands start to shake and his heart start to pound in his chest. He had been trying to remain calm on the outside for Lorelai. He wanted to be strong for her. He wanted to be the husband and partner that she needed.
He wanted to fix everything.
The only problem was there was no way to fix it this time.
The only way to fix it would be if the Judge agreed that where Sadie belonged was with Luke and Lorelai. But...that wasn't going to happen. A insane amount of rage flooded through him and he leaned forward and ripped the loose porch rail out of its spot. The movement felt good, it felt freeing and he leaned forward and kicked at the rest of the splintered parts. He kicked it over and over again until half the railing in that section was either on the grass, in the pushes or scattered around him.
He let out a huff of breath and tried to let his heart rate get back to normal. The front door flew open and he heard someone say, "What the hell is-" Rory paused and stayed put in the door frame, "Luke…"
He looked up quickly and saw Paul Anka whimpering at the base of the stairs, "Rory…" He looked at the wreckage around him and immediately felt regret. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry."
She sighed and walked towards him, quietly closing the door behind him. "It's okay."
He shook his head, "No...no it's not okay. This wasn't right. I shouldn't have reacted this way."
Rory smiled sadly and sat down on the porch swing, "Contrary to what you have always believed Luke...you're allowed to be human. You're allowed to have emotions and feel something. You don't have to be a monosyllabic cave man all the time…"
He let out a sad little laugh then leaned against the part of the porch rail that was still sturdy, "Rory...I don't know how to fix this one."
She took a deep breath and smiled at him, "I don't think you can Luke."
He frowned and looked up at her, amazed by how grown up she looked in this moment, "Then what good am I to your Mom?"
She tilted her head to the side and frowned back at him, "What?"
He sighed, "What good am I to your Mom if I can't fix this? That's what I do Rory. That's my job. That's what she expects from me. But if I can't fix it...then-"
"Luke." She said standing up quickly, "You do find amazing ways to fix things for her. But you are so much more than that to her. How do you not know that after all these years?"
He licked his lips, "But I-"
"No buts." She said shaking her head, "I know how much you both wanted this. I wish I could change it for you both...I hate that you're both hurting. But…" She shrugged, "I know you'll both be okay. Do you know why?"
He shook his head, "No...why?"
She smiled, "Because you two are the real deal. I've known that since I was a kid...even when you were just friends." She paused and laughed gently, "Although I'm not sure you were ever just friends. You've always been more than that. You're the guy for her Luke. You've overcome so many crazy things together. I know you can work through this. Will it be hard?" She shrugged, "Of course. This one is going to hurt...probably for a long time. But you two are stronger than this. You'll figure it out together."
Luke stared at her for a moment, "When did you become an adult?"
She smiled, "I suppose the technical and legal answer to that is on my birthday in 2003."
Luke chuckled, "You are so much like your Mother it's actually scary."
She smiled and reached a hand out to squeeze his arm, "Have I told you that I am so happy that you guys made it official?"
Luke's cheeks reddened, "Uh...no. You haven't."
"Well I am Luke." She shrugged, "I know so much has happened since the wedding but I've always wanted this for you two. For all of us."
Luke swallowed hard, "I've always wanted it too...I'm sorry it took so long for us to get here."
Rory shook her head, "It doesn't matter how long it took Luke. All that matters is that you're here now."
He smiled, "Yeah...I guess that's true."
She watched him carefully for a moment, "And I know that you April...and that I'm not exactly a kid anymore but I've always considered you to be…" She blushed, "To be more of a Dad than my own Dad ever was. I'm not sure if that means anything to you...but it means a hell of a lot to me."
He swallowed the lump in his throat, "It means a hell of a lot to me too Rory. I've watched you grow up and I am so proud of the woman you've become. I hope you know that. Anything and everything you need...I'm right here."
She smiled and leaned up to hug him tightly, "I've always counted on that."
He squeezed her back, "You think we'll be okay?"
She pulled back and squeezed his hand, "I think in time...yeah. We'll all be okay."
He took a deep breath then looked down at the porch, "I made a real mess…"
Rory smiled at him, "Good thing you have so much practice in repairing these porch rails…"
Luke chuckled and smiled at her, "Yeah. Good thing…"
She cocked her head towards the house, "Come on. You need some rest too…"
Luke smiled, "Thanks for the pep talk kid."
She shrugged, "I figured I owed you after all the years of giving me advice and extra pie when I was upset."
He chuckled as they walked towards the door, he turned to Paul Anka, "Come on buddy. I promise not to break anything else."
Paul Anka scampered up the steps, nudged Luke's leg with his nose and then entered the house when Rory opened the door for him. Luke looked back at the porch railing, sighed and let himself feel that ache for a moment. Then the turned, said goodnight to Rory and locked the door. He climbed up the steps to his bedroom, kicked off his shoes and pulled back the covers again.
Laying down on his back, he turned to look at Lorelai. Even in her sleep, he saw the worry and pain etched on her beautiful face. He sighed and reached his arms out, needing to feel her in his arms. She mumbled softly but snuggled into his chest as he held her close. He wasn't sure of a lot of things at the moment...but he was sure that this was where he was supposed to be.
Right here beside this woman...no matter what happened or didn't happen next.
When Luke carried their bags into the house, he heard Emily babbling on and on to Lorelai about their meal for the following day. Emily had insisted on getting a caterer so that Luke wouldn't have to worry himself with cooking dinner. He had relented...only because she wouldn't let it go.
But now...he wished he had something to do. Something to keep him occupied and away from his own thoughts and pain.
"The guest room is all set up for you. I put extra towels in the bathroom. Extra blankets are in the closet if you get cold." She said babbling in her nervousness, "Rory will be here later, right?"
Lorelai nodded and pushed her hair behind her ear, "Yeah. She had to take a later ferry but she'll be here."
"And definitely no April?" Emily said turning to her son-in-law.
Luke shook his head, "Uh no...we decided she'd spend Christmas with me this year instead."
"Okay." Emily said with a nod, "Well then it will just be the four of us. Nice and quaint."
"Right...just the four of us." Lorelai said bitterly, "No one else."
Emily grimaced for a moment, realizing what Lorelai was thinking, "Lorelai I-"
"I think I'll take a nap." Lorelai said picking up her bag and walking towards the guest room.
Luke watched Emily stare after her, unsure of what to say or do. He sighed when he heard the bedroom door shut behind his wife, "Don't take it personally." Luke whispered.
Emily turned back towards him, "I see she hasn't been feeling any better?"
Luke shook his head, "Not really."
Emily sighed and crossed her arms over her chest, "Have you spoken to Jessica or her parents?"
Luke put the rest of their bags down on the ground, "Jessica called yesterday...but Lorelai wasn't ready to talk to her."
Emily frowned, "What did Jessica say?"
He shook his head, "Not much really. Just that she was sorry for the way things had turned out...sorry that she had dragged us into this to begin with. Asked if Lorelai was okay…"
"Yes I wish she hadn't dragged you all into this either." She said with a huff.
Luke frowned, "Yeah...maybe."
Emily stared at him for a moment, "You don't regret it?"
Luke was quiet as he thought of how to respond, "I never saw this one coming Emily. But…" He shrugged, "That little girl is special. And I am happy that I met her. Doesn't make it hurt any damn less."
Emily gave him a thoughtful smile, "You're hurting too."
"Yeah. I am…" Luke whispered, unsure of if he had ever had this type of conversation with his Mother-in-law, "But Lorelai needs me so-"
"I assumed you didn't want children. Or at least not want more children." Emily said with a shrug.
His face flushed, "Lorelai and I…" He took a deep breath and cleared his throat, "We uh...we made some mistakes. Didn't talk things through the way we maybe should have. It wasn't a matter of not wanting kids...it just didn't happen I guess."
Emily nodded, "Hm."
He frowned, "But we have Rory and April. And…" He shrugged, "We have each other."
Emily smiled at him, "Yes. You do…you've always had each other."
He swallowed hard, "Emily I know that this isn't the life you pictured for Lorelai...that I'm not want you and Richard wanted for her." His face flushed, "But I hope you know how much she means to me. How much I care for her."
Emily smiled softly, "Luke believe it or not...I've known how you felt about my daughter long before you got together. Long before Lorelai ever really saw it."
His eyes went wide, "Oh?"
"I may have protested in the past…" She looked down the hall to where Lorelai had gone too but then turned back to him, "But I couldn't have asked for a better partner for my daughter than you."
"I don't know how...but I'm going to get us through this one Emily." He whispered.
She smiled at him, "I have no doubt in that Luke. No doubt at all…"
He smiled back at her, "I should bring our stuff down to our room…"
Emily nodded, "Sure. Of course. I have food in the dining room if you are hungry."
Luke nodded, "Okay. I'll be out in a minute."
Emily smiled and turned to walk out of the foyer leaving him alone. He picked up their bags again and walked down the hall, Paul Anka followed hot on his heels. Luke opened the bedroom door and walked into the dimly lit room. Lorelai had drawn the shades and crawled right into bed. Paul Anka climbed up on the bed beside her, resting his head on her hip. She didn't even flinch.
Luke placed their bags on the floor near the dresser and walked over to the window. He pushed back the curtain slightly to peek out at the vast ocean and beach. Normally he knew that Lorelai would bask in this view...but not today.
He closed the curtain again and then walked over to the bed. He sat down behind her, one foot resting on the floor as he turned his body slightly to look at her. Reaching out, he put a gentle hand on her back.
"The view from our room is beautiful." He whispered softly, knowing there was no way she was possibly asleep yet.
She was quiet for a moment, then he heard her mumble a meek, "Yeah…"
He took a deep breath, "I know your Mom didn't want me to cook at all. But...I was thinking of making apple crumble that you and Rory love so much. I'd have to run down to the market in town though."
"Okay." She whispered, still not turning towards him.
He sighed and leaned further into her, "Lorelai…"
"I'm fine Luke." She whispered, "Just tired...I just need sleep. That's all."
He sighed and kissed her arm gently, "Okay. Sure...I'll leave you alone to sleep." She didn't say anything else and he stood up, he pet Paul Anka's head gently, "You want to come with me Paul Anka?" The old dog snuggled further into Lorelai's side and he knew that the quirky dog was loyal to Lorelai no matter what, "Okay...you stay here and rest too."
He walked towards the door and paused for a moment, he was about to turn the door knob when he heard Lorelai whisper his name. He turned back to her and called out to her, "Yeah?"
"I love you. You know that, right?" She whispered.
He took a deep breath and walked back towards the bed, leaning down he pressed a kiss to her lips, "I know." He kissed her again, "I love you too."
She gave him a small, but weak smile and then snuggled further into the blankets and pillows. He squeezed her arm and then stood up and walked out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
He walked back down the hall and into the dining room where Emily was reading as she ate a small lunch. Luke sat down at the table across from her, he smiled as he reached for a finger sandwich, "This looks great. Thank you." Emily gave him a smile, "I think I may run into town in a bit. Grab a few things at the market."
Emily put her book down, "What do you need? I told you that I had everything taken care of for tomorrow. I want you to relax."
Luke nodded as he swallowed a bite of food, "I know. And I appreciate that. I just...was thinking of making my apple crumble. It's one of Lorelai's favorites. I thought it might cheer her up."
Emily smiled softly at him, "Oh. Well...that sounds nice. I'm sure she will appreciate that."
Luke nodded, "She uh...just wants to rest a bit."
Emily gave him another sad smile, "I won't bother her...I'll just be reading unless she needs me."
Luke smiled thankfully then went back to his lunch, wishing he could make this easier for all of them…
The following day, everyone was making small talk. Rory talked a lot about her book, trying to make up for the fact that her Mother wasn't her usual perky self. It suddenly became clear how much they all depended on Lorelai's constant chatter to keep things going.
Luke bit into one of the appetizers and smiled, "These are great."
"Oh yes. Island Catering came very well recommended." Emily said lifting her wine glass, "It smells divine in the kitchen."
"I'm sure it will be great Grandma." Rory said with a smile.
"I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries." Emily said softly, "You've always made a wonderful Thanksgiving spread Luke I just thought you might like to relax today. Take your mind off of-" She paused and looked down, "I just mean I thought for once you'd like someone to wait on you."
Lorelai sighed and adjusted her skirt, "You wanted him to try and forget that we don't have any important responsibilities. No one to take care of. No one to-"
"Mom I'm sure that's not what Grandma meant." Rory whispered.
"No. I know." Lorelai said standing up, she reached for another appetizer, "Anyone need a refill?"
Luke gave both Emily and Rory a nervous glance, "So uh...sounds like we'll have a full house for Christmas. April will be visiting and Jess is coming. I even think my sister and TJ are bringing Doula."
"Didn't you say they were involved in some sort of cult?" Emily asked curiously.
Luke chuckled, "I uh...I don't think they realized they were until quite recently to be honest."
"Sookie said she was coming this year too." Rory said with a smile, "She called me yesterday."
Lorelai nodded, "I'm sure she wants to check up on me or something."
Rory frowned, "I think she just wants to spend Christmas with us...it's been a few years."
"Well we have plenty of room." Lorelai said, "We'll clear out the crib and-"
"Lorelai…" Luke said with a sigh, "No one is-"
"I know. I know." She said with a nod, "No one is trying to bring anything up but it's just sitting there like a...like a…God what's that phrase? A something in the room...a-"
"An elephant in the room." Emily whispered sadly.
"Right. An elephant in the room." Lorelai said quickly, "Big old, MASSIVE elephant just sitting right here on Mom's glass coffee table. Staring at my like the fool that I am."
"Mom you are not a fool." Rory said sadly, "No one thinks you are a fool."
"Oh but I am." She said with a sad laugh, "I mean I let Jessica into my life. I fell head over heels for a baby that wasn't mine. I was stupid enough to think that they would just hand her over to me. No questions asked. I mean how dumb could I be? How clueless? Why do I always jump into these situations without thinking about the repercussions."
Luke stood up and walked towards her, "Lorelai…"
"I never think." She said with a hiccup, "I never think about anyone else or how it will impact the people in my life. I want what I want and I go for it. I'm selfish."
Luke frowned and stood right in front of her, "Hey...no. No you aren't selfish. Lorelai come on-"
"I never asked you if you wanted kids." She said, throwing her hands up in the air, "When we got back together I didn't say anything. I ruined your chance at the kid you wanted."
"I could have said something too." He whispered to her.
"You did!" She said quickly, "You talked about plants. You said 'there's the kid' but I didn't pick up on the signals. God…" She turned to Rory, "How did you turn out so brilliant when you have a dunce for a Mother?"
"Lorelai that's enough." Emily said standing up, Lorelai opened her mouth to respond but Emily shook her head, "No. I will not stand here and let you belittle yourself like this. You did nothing wrong. You took in a young girl who needed help because she reminded you of yourself. That doesn't make you stupid or selfish...it makes you loving and compassionate. You were trying to help her. You didn't know what was going to happen...none of this is your fault."
"Yeah well...if I had just left well enough alone I wouldn't have fallen so damn hard for that little girl. I wouldn't have let myself think that something would happen that will never happen. I wouldn't be…" She sniffled and shook her head, "I wouldn't be completely heart broken."
Rory frowned and stood up, "Mom-"
"No." Lorelai said shaking her head, "I just...I can't do this. I can't pretend that everything is fine." She pushed past her husband, "I need some air."
Rory went to go after her but Luke put his hand out, "Give her a minute. Then I'll talk to her…"
"Luke…" She said softly.
He smiled sadly, "I know." He nodded slowly, "I know. But...like you said this one is going to hurt for awhile."
Rory swallowed hard and stood there nervously. Emily walked over to her granddaughter and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "Come on. I wanted to show you the new Library I set up. I think you'll like it."
Rory gave Luke one more nervous glance, he just smiled and tried to reassure her that everything was going to be fine. He waited until they had walked out of the room, then turned to Paul Anka. "Come on boy." He grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch, walked to the foyer and hooked up the leash to Paul Anka's collar and went out the front door.
It didn't take long to find her sitting by the water on the cold sand. He let Paul Anka run free, he reached Lorelai before Luke did. He watched Lorelai pull Paul Anka into his arms and bury her face into his furry neck. He waited a moment and then walked all the way up to her, he sat down behind her and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.
He heard her sigh but she settled into her spot against his chest, resting her head in the crook of his neck, "I'm sorry."
He wrapped his strong arms around her and squeezed tight, "No need for an apology."
She closed her eyes and breathed in the salty air and the smell of her husband, "I shouldn't have snapped like that. My Mom and Rory are probably upset."
"They are upset because they are worried about you." He whispered, "No other reason. They love you." He paused then squeezed her gently, "I love you."
She was quiet as she let his words sink in, and then the tears came, "I want it to stop hurting Luke."
He squeezed his eyes tightly and held her even closer, "I know. I do too. I want it to stop hurting for you and I want it to stop hurting for me too."
She sniffled, "See? I'm selfish. I'm so wrapped up in my own feelings I haven't been considering your own feelings."
"Shh…" He whispered kissing the side of her face, "You are NOT selfish and I don't want to hear you say that again. You are the least selfish person I know. You always do things for others...always take care of all of us. You're allowed to be upset about this."
"I didn't see this one coming Luke. Of all the things we have faced together...I didn't expect this one. I didn't expect to fall for that girl so fast. I didn't expect to care so much." She said with a sniffle.
"I know. I didn't see it coming either and I never would have expected to fall so quickly either." He shrugged, "Although I suppose that's not something new for me."
She turned her head slightly to look at him out of the corner of her eye, "What do you mean?"
"Rory and April had me wrapped up in their lives quickly. I wanted to take care of them just like I wanted to take care of Sadie." He said with a whisper.
She squeezed his arms gently, "Luke…"
"And you…" He chuckled softly, "Lord knows I didn't stand a chance with you. I'd say I was in love with you within seconds."
She rolled her eyes and swatted his arm, "Shut up."
He kissed the side of her face, "Maybe not as strong as I am now but I definitely felt that instant connection."
She turned in his arms, "Yeah?"
"Yeah." He whispered leaning down to kiss her, "And every moment I have shared with you since then has meant the world to me Lorelai. Even the difficult times...they were all worth it because it made us stronger. We're here. Together. And I know…" The lump formed in his throat "I know it feels like there is this giant weight hanging over us. Like we are missing out on something...but I meant it when I said that I don't need more than what we have right now. I can be with you forever and be happy. I just wish I could fix this for you. I wish I could fix it for both of us."
She sighed and kissed his cheek gently before settling back against his chest, "I can be happy with you too Luke. I am happy. So happy. I feel ridiculously lucky to have you. I just…" She sighed, "I know that I'm always going to wonder."
He nodded against her, "I know. I probably always will too. I think that's a normal thing…"
"Do you think she'll be okay?" She whispered in a strained voice, "Do you think they'll man up and really take care of her like she deserves?"
He felt his heart squeeze in his chest, "I hope so."
She frowned and looked out at the raging ocean as Paul Anka lay at her feet, "She's too little. She won't remember us…"
He swallowed the lump in his throat, "No. I guess she won't."
"Isn't that weird? I'll never be able to forget her but she'll have no idea who we are unless someone tells her about us. I doubt that her grandparents will...maybe Jessica if she ever decides to be in her life again." She said with a sigh.
"Maybe." He whispered giving her a little squeeze. He heard her sigh and settle further into his arms, "I guess...I mean we could look into adoptoption. With...with another child if it's something we want."
He felt her freeze for a moment, "We...we could."
He paused, "But…" Then fidgeted nervously.
"But it won't be Sadie." She whispered softly, "It won't be the same."
"No. I suppose it won't." He said sadly as he nuzzled into the side of her face, "She was pretty special."
"Yeah. She was…" She whispered softly, "She was such a good baby. So innocent...she deserved more. I wouldn't have been the perfect Mom but I would have given her anything she wanted. I would have made sure she was happy."
"I know. That's what you did with Rory. You gave her everything she could possibly need or want no matter what. You loved her unconditionally." He whispered. "You're an incredible Mom. April adores you too. I hope you know that."
She smiled softly, "I wish she was here."
"Me too. But we'll see her in a few weeks." He said with a soft smile, "We'll all be together."
She took a deep breath then rubbed her hands down his arms, she rested her hands over his, "You know you're an incredible Father Luke. To April of course...but to Rory too. You did all the things that Christopher wasn't around to do. The things he disappointed her on...you were there. You were always there."
"She was easy to love. So is April. I love them both very much." He whispered, "They're my girls."
Lorelai smiled and squeezed his hands in hers, "Your girls."
"Plus you know I got a son too…" He said with a little laugh.
Lorelai tilted her head to look at him, "Jess?"
Luke smiled, "Well I guess in a way yeah…" He tilted his head towards Paul Anka, "But I meant the crazy mutt to be honest."
Lorelai gasped and smiled, "Did you hear that buddy? He finally admitted that he's your Daddy!"
Luke chuckled, "Oh here we go…"
"Your Daddy loves you Paul Anka!" The old dog just sat up in front of her, wagging his tail, his tongue sticking out as he panted happily, "You're Daddy's good boy."
Luke sighed and rested his forehead against her back, "I'll never live this one down."
She chuckled, "No. But you don't regret it because it made me smile when I was sad."
He smiled and kissed her cheek, "I told you a long time ago. I just like to see you happy Lorelai."
She sighed and snuggled into him, "You make me happy Luke. And I...I'll be happy again. I just need to wallow a bit more...this one is going to hurt longer than other pains."
Luke sighed and pressed a kiss to her head again, "I know. It is definitely going to hurt for awhile."
"But we'll figure it out. Right?" he asked looking at him out of the corner of her eyes, "Together?"
He nodded once, kissed her again and whispered, "Together."
From the big bay window in the living room, Rory watched her Mom and Luke sitting together, "Dinner is almost ready." Emily said walking towards her.
Rory turned to her Grandmother, "Great. It smells awesome."
Emily followed her granddaughters gaze, "You're worried about your Mom. Luke too…"
Rory frowned, "Yeah. I am."
Emily smiled and wrapped an arm around the young woman, "I know. But it's okay...everything will work out in the end. These kinds of things always do."
Rory turned her head and cocked her head to the side, "What do you mean?"
Emily smiled and shook her head, "Oh nothing...I just mean that your Mom and Luke have a strong relationship. They'll make it through. Everything will work out the way it's supposed too." She pointed towards the beach again, "Looks like they are coming back in. Let's have dinner."
Rory watched her Grandmother go and wondered what she really meant by everything would work out the way it was supposed too. She didn't have time to overthink because the door opened again and Luke and Lorelai walked in, Paul Anka followed.
Rory turned towards her Mom and Luke, "Hey...dinner's just about ready."
Lorelai smiled, "I know. My stomach's six sense picked up on that. You know how it works."
Rory smiled, happy to see that despite her pain her Mom still had her sense of humor, "Mom-"
Lorelai shook her head, "I'm sorry for the freak out kid. But I promise I'll be okay...just going to take a little longer than I expected to get over this one."
Rory walked over to her Mom and pulled her into her arms, "I know."
Lorelai took a deep breath and squeezed her tight, "I love you."
"I love you back." Rory said pulling away, "And I'm here. Okay? No matter what."
Lorelai beamed at her daughter, "You're a really great kid, you know that?"
"That's because you are a really great Mom." She said squeezing her hand. "Don't forget that."
Tears welled up in Lorelai's eyes and she smiled, "I won't."
"Come on." Rory said pulling her towards the living room, "Let's see how much we can stuff ourselves with before we get a 'jeeze' from Luke."
"Jeez." Luke said with an eye roll, "Really? That's what brings you joy?"
Lorelai gasped, "We didn't even have to eat anything this year!"
"You're getting soft on us Luke. To easy to wear down now." Rory teased poking his arm.
He chuckled and shook his head, "Let's hope this year neither of you choke on a turkey bone."
"It was one time! And Kirk dared me to a turkey eating contest! Did you really think I'd back down?" Lorelai said with a sigh.
He shook his head and walked towards the dining room, "I'm going to eat now. Maybe I'll actually get a shot at some mashed potatoes if I get there before you." He turned and gave her a playful wink making both girls smile.
Rory smiled at her Mom, "You really okay?"
Lorelai sighed, "I'm really okay hon. I promise. I just...I need some time to process this one. But I'm realizing I can't keep it all bottled up. Luke and I need to work through this together…"
Rory squeezed her Mom's arm, "You have me too."
"I know." Lorelai whispered, she looked up and saw her Mom, "And I have you too...right Mom?"
Emily smiled, "Right."
Lorelai frowned, "I'm sorry that I-"
"No need to apologize." Emily sadi putting an arm around to her daughter, "We've overcome much worse. Now come eat…"
Lorelai smiled thankfully at her Mom and let her daughter walk her towards the living room. She sat beside her husband and he reached out a hand to squeeze her knee. She smiled at him and then looked around the table.
Despite the pain she was feeling...she also knew that she was loved and that wasn't't going to change. They would figure out the rest in time. She just had to learn how to let herself grieve and let herself lean on these three people who loved her so much.
She just hoped that Sadie would have someone who loved her this much too...
More soon when I can. Promise! I missed writing about my favorite couple.