I actually found some time to write tonight which was awesome. I hope you like this finalish chapter. I say that because there will be an epilogue. Enjoy! Thanks for the support as always!
The day before Christmas Eve, Lorelai was busy at work at the Inn. The place was packed for the Holiday season which was proving to be a great distraction to everything going on. Since Thanksgiving, not much had come of their fight for Sadie. Jessica had called a few times but Lorelai was unable to get herself to talk to her, not because she was angry but because it was to painful.
Luke had talked to her a few times...he learned that she was currently living with a friend in New York. She had word that Sadie was still with her parents but no one was saying much else. He relayed the information onto Lorelai and she just smiled, saying that she was sure Sadie was where the court believed was best for her.
Luke knew this wasn't how she really felt. But from experience, he knew that Lorelai would say anything to make people think she was doing okay. Since their talk on the beach, they had gotten closer. But with friends and family, Lorelai still put on a front to try and look stronger than she was.
In their private moments, neither one of them was afraid to show their pain and frustration. Neither of them had brought up the possibility of adopting another child...it didn't seem like a possibility at the moment. For now they were learning to heal as husband and wife…
Lorelai was finishing up her notes to Tobin when she heard the front door open. She looked up just in time to see both Rory and April coming in from the snowy outside. Her face immediately lit up.
"What are you doing here? I thought you wouldn't be here until tomorrow!" She said walking around the desk to walk over to them both, instantly pulling them in for a double hug.
Both girls hugged her back, "We figured we'd get an extra night of celebrations and surprise you." April said.
Lorelai pulled back, "I'm so glad you did! Does your Dad know you are here yet?"
"No. Rory just picked me up from the airport and we came straight here. We thought we'd go to the Diner with you for dinner and surprise him? I know he is working late since the place is closed the next three days." April said.
Lorelai beamed at them, "He is going to be so happy to see you. Both of you." She said turning to her own daughter, she squeezed her hand.
Rory smiled, "Almost done here?"
Lorelai nodded, "I am. Just need to write one more note to Tobin then we can head out."
Rory nodded, "Great. Can I use your bathroom first? Way to much coffee on the road."
Lorelai giggled, "You know where it is."
Rory smiled and stepped behind her Mom and her step-sister leaving Lorelai with April, "I never thought I'd hear her say there was such a thing as too much coffee."
Lorelai smiled, "I'm sure she will take that statement back later."
April smiled at her Step-Mother, "So...I haven't wanted to pry too much." Her face flushed, "But how are you doing?"
Lorelai sighed and put an arm around the young woman and walked with her towards the desk, "Oh honey...I'm fine."
April watched her carefully, "Rory kind of told me all the details...the stuff that Dad conveniently left out."
Lorelai smiled at April, "You know that your Dad just doesn't like to worry you if he doesn't have to hon. There wasn't anything you could have done. Besides...we're good." April gave her a look, "I mean it."
"So married life...other than everything else going on is okay?" April asked curiously.
Leaning across the desk, Lorelai took April's hand and gave it a squeeze, "We're solid kid. I promise."
April took a deep breath and smiled, "Good. Because I don't know if I've ever said this...but I really like you two together. You make Dad happy."
Lorelai smiled and looked down, "Well he makes me just as happy April."
"I used to worry that all those years ago...I had ruined everything between you two." She whispered softly.
Lorelai sighed and walked around the desk again, she put her arms on April's shoulders, "April...your Father and I ruined what we had. Not you. You did nothing. I am so glad you found him...you are a huge part of this family and I love you. I hope you know that."
April smiled right back at her, "I do know that. I've always known that." She blushed, "I hope you know I love you too."
Lorelai winked and gave her shoulder a squeeze, "You're a hell of a kid." April gave her a look and Lorelai laughed, "Sorry...a hell of a young woman. And I'm glad to know you."
April smiled as she watched Lorelai walk around the desk, "I'm glad to know you too."
Lorelai smiled and picked up her pen, "Let me finish this note and then we can go surprise your Dad. He is going to be so excited to see you both here early. We've missed you both."
April gave her a smile and watched as she worked, happy to be home with her family.
Twenty minutes later, Lorelai walked into the Diner alone. She smiled at her neighbors and friends, waved to familiar Diner patrons and found her favorite spot at the counter. Luke walked out from the store room and smiled at her.
"Hey. You done with work?" He asked putting two cans of pickles on the counter.
"Yes sir. Officially off for the next few days." She said with a smile.
Luke smiled then looked at the clock, "A few more hours and I'll be able to say the same thing."
Lorelai smiled, "Tired?"
Luke sighed, "A bit. It's been busy today...just looking forward to spending a few days at home with the family and away from these crazy people."
Lorelai smiled, "You'll just be with your other crazy people."
Luke chuckled, "This is true. But...I'll be happy to be surrounded by the chaos."
Lorelai nodded, "That's good to hear...because you might be surrounded by the chaos sooner than expected."
Luke frowned, "What do you mean?"
Her face lit up and turned to the door, "Surprise!"
Luke looked up just as April and Rory came in through the door, "What are you two doing here?" He said with a laugh as he walked around the counter.
"Thought we'd get an extra night at home." April said running over to her Dad and hugging him.
Luke pulled her away and looked at her, "What did I tell you about growing up last time I saw you?"
April rolled her eyes, "That I had tos top it but as I explained...I can't really help it. It's nature. It's science."
He sighed and shook his head, "Oh fine…" He turned to Rory, "I gave up hope on you years ago. Mostly because you started drinking coffee at 13."
Rory smiled and hugged him, 'It's cute that you think that I didn't drink coffee before that at home."
He pulled away and frowned, "You are all hopeless. Did you know that? Totally hopeless."
Rory smirked up at him, "Well you're officially stuck with me now."
He smiled, "Trust me...I wouldn't want it any other way."
Rory nodded, "Good. I'm glad to hear that. Now...what's a girl gotta do around here to get a cheeseburger and fries?"
He chuckled and pointed towards the counter, "Sit down. Should I make that a triple order?"
"Yes please!" April and Lorelai said together.
He nodded and started to walk towards the kitchen, "I'll get that started." He stopped when he got to the doorway and turned to look at his three favorite girls, he smiled softly, "It's good to have you all home."
Lorelai beamed at him and looked at the two girls, "It's good to be home." Rory answered.
He smiled and blushed softly before turning to walk out of the dining area to start their dinner. April and Rory were looking at something on April's phone when Babette and Patty walked up behind Lorelai.
"Hey shugah." Babette said with a smile, "Girls are home for the Holiday?"
Lorelai smiled at them, "Yeah. They surprised us by coming home a night earlier than expected."
Patty smiled back, "I'm sure you're glad to have them home."
"Very much so." She said with a smile, "The house has been empty…" He paused and blushed, realizing she was showing her weakness and pain, she cleared her throat, "It will be good to have two other people to help tease Luke." She said quickly.
Babette and Patty smiled at each other, knowing that Lorelai didn't want to talk about Sadie, "I heard TJ, Liz and Doula are coming home too." Patty said.
"Jess too." Lorelai said with a smile, "And my Mom is coming for the night as well."
"Well you will have a full house!" Babette said with a smile, "Got enough room?"
"Jess is staying in the apartment and Liz, TJ and Doula are staying at Carrie's house because she went to Florida to see Barry's family this year." Lorelai answered.
"I've always wondered how Carrie and Barry have stayed together all these years...the woman can't keep her hands to herself." Babette said, "She even made a pass at my Morey once!"
Lorelai smiled, "I try not to ask questions. As long as she keeps her hands off of Luke...I'm okay with it."
Babette chuckled, "Fair enough. You let us know if you need a little more room. We've got space."
Lorelai smiled, "Thanks Babette."
"I'm glad Luke is closing for a few days. You all need some family time." Patty said with a smile, "First one as man and wife."
Lorelai beamed, "I know…"
"Big gift plans?" Patty teased leaning into her.
Lorelai shook her head, "We decided not to really do gifts this year since we spent so much money on the honeymoon. It was well worth it."
Patty wiggled her eyebrows, "Oh I believe it honey...even at his age your honey still looks like he can handle himself in the bedroom."
Lorelai's face flushed, "Patty…"
"She didn't deny it…" Babette said nudging her friend, "He's definitely still got it."
Lorelai shook her head and just smiled at them, "Merry Christmas you two…"
Patty smiled back at her and gave her a meaningful look, "Merry Christmas Lorelai. I hope Santa brings you everything you've ever wanted."
"Me too." Babette said giving her a soft look before walking away.
Lorelai watched them go and smiled, knowing that not even Santa could bring her what she really wanted. She took a deep breath and turned back to her girls.
April smiled, "They never change do they?"
"Nope." Lorelai said reaching for the coffee cup that Luke had placed in front of her, "Until the day they die they'll be thinking about my husband sexual ability."
"Just what every daughter wants to hear." April said with a sigh.
"Sorry kid...there's not getting around it." Rory said with a smile, "They are who they are."
"And we really wouldn't want them any other way…" Lorelai said with a smile.
"I guess we wouldn't." April said with a smile, "This town is one of a kind."
Lorelai looked around, "That it is…."
"So...what are the Christmas plans?" Rory asked as Luke walked up to them with their plates.
"Well…" Lorelai said, "You know I have an itinerary."
"She's been working on it for days." Luke said with a chuckle, "Didn't want to waste a second."
"My time with my girls is precious." Lorelai said with a pout, "Every second counts."
Luke nodded, "I'm not complaining. I'm happy to spend as much time with them as possible too."
"Let's just say by the time you're done with your trip home...you'll be needing a long vacation away from me." Lorelai teased.
Rory shook her head, "There can never be enough Mommy time for me."
"I'm going to hold you to that." Lorelai said with a smirk, she turned to Luke and winked at him as she bit into a fry.
Luke smiled back and felt grateful that despite what they were going through...they still had a strong family to have their back. They would work through it all together.
The following day, the house was packed with chaos. But the kind of chaos that Lorelai thrived on. She felt so content being surrounded by her family. Everyone except Emily was there so far. She was standing in the kitchen cleaning out her coffee mug when Liz walked in laughing.
"Doula can't get enough of that dog of yours." Liz said with a laugh, "What a weird little aurora he has going on."
Lorelai smiled, "He's something special...that's for sure."
Liz smiled and leaned against the counter, "It feels good to be home this year...it's been too long."
Lorelai smiled at her sister-in-law, "We've missed you around here."
"We've actually been thinking of moving back home…" Liz said softly, "Think my brother will freak?"
Lorelai smiled at her, "No. I think he'll be happy to have you home. He's missed his fishing sessions with Doula."
"She's missed her Uncle. A lot." She said with a smile, "And you."
"She's a great kid Liz. She's growing up so fast too…" Lorelai said with a sigh, "Don't you hate how they do that?"
Liz shook her head, "They never seem to listen when you tell them to slow down."
"No they don't." She said with a chuckle, "Dman kids."
Liz watched as Lorelai's face fell slightly, "Lorelai I know we haven't talked about…"
Lorelai stood up a little straighter, "Honestly Liz...there isn't anything to talk about. Okay? Everything is fine. Sadie was never ours to begin with…"
Liz frowned, "It doesn't make it hurt any less."
Lorelai frowned and looked down at the kitchen floor, "No...it doesn't."
Liz walked over to her and put an arm around her shoulders, "But things with you and Luke are good?"
Lorelai lifted her head and smile, "I can honestly say I have never loved your brother more Liz. He's been my rock."
Liz squeezed her closer, "I always knew you two would find your wormhole…"
Lorelai smiled, she had learned long ago not to question anything Liz said, "We're good Liz."
Liz nodded, "Well good. That's all that matters."
Lorelai smiled as she heard her cell phone ringing, "Oh that must be my Mom. I should get that."
Liz nodded, "Sure. I'll go see if TJ has driven Luke and Jess over the edge yet."
Lorelai laughed, "Remind him that he promised he there would would be no violence this year." She teased.
Liz smiled and walked out of the room as Lorelai picked up her cellphone and sat down at the table, "Hey Mom."
"Lorelai, hello." She heard Emily said on the other end of the phone.
"Did you finally get on the boat? I wish you had let me come get you…" She said with a frown.
She heard her Mother sigh, "Actually...that's why I'm calling."
Lorelai sat up a little straighter, "What are you talking about?"
"Lorelai something came up and I…" She paused for a moment, "I'm not going to be able to make it for Christmas after all."
Lorelai's mouth dropped open, "What? You have to be kidding. Mom everyone is finally hear this year! The girls want to see you, I want to see you! What could possibly be more important than spending the holiday without your family?"
Emily sighed again, "A friend of mine needs some help...she's going through some things. There is nothing I can do. I promise I will try and come see the girls before they leave."
"So you're totally serious right now? You're actually not coming?" Lorelai said in disbelief.
"I'm very sorry Lorelai. But no…" She whispered.
Lorelai sighed, "Fine. Okay. Well...then I hope you have a great holiday wherever you're going. I guess I'll talk to you in a few days."
"Please extend my sincerest apologies to Luke everyone else." Emily said.
"Yeah. I will…" Lorelai whispered, she paused, "Merry Christmas Mom."
"Merry Christmas Lorelai." Emily answered back.
Lorelai ended the phone call and put it down on top of the table. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she felt frustrated. Hearing the laughter coming from the living room, she suddenly had to get out of the house. Standing up, she walked to the foyer and picked up Paul Anka's leash. She walked back towards the living room and patted her leg for the dog to come closer to her.
"Where are you going?" Rory asked, "Where's Grandma?"
Lorelai hooked the leash onto Paul Anka's collar, "She isn't coming."
Luke frowned and walked over to her, "What do you mean she isn't coming?"
Lorelai shrugged, "Something came up and she isn't going to be able to make it."
Rory and April shared a nervous look, "Mom-"
"I'm going to take Paul Anka for a walk." She whispered quickly before turning to walk out of the room before anyone could say another word.
Luke sighed and turned back to his family, "I'll uh...be back."
Luke hurried after her, grabbing both of their coats since Lorelai had left without grabbing her own coat. When the door shut, Jess walked up to Rory and April and whispered, "Do you think this is a good sign?"
Rory looked over at Jess and sighed unsure of how to respond. She turned back to the rest of the family and tried to smile needing to hold it together for all of them now as her Mother always had.
Outside, Luke trudged through the snow to catch up to his wife, "Lorelai wait."
A shivering Lorelai didn't turn to look at him, "I'm fine Luke."
He sighed and reached for her arm, "Yes. But I don't want you to get pneumonia."
"It wouldn't matter." She said with a frown, "My Mom isn't even coming to Christmas."
Luke frowned and rubbed her arms as she slipped on the coat, "What did she say?"
"Nothing. Just that a friend needed her and she had to go see her." She shrugged, "It's fine…"
"It's not fine. You're upset. And I get that." He said softly, "You're allowed to be upset."
She narrowed her eyes at him, "It's just...if I had ever done something like this she would have gone ballistic. And you know I'm right. I'd never hear the end of it. World War 3 would have undoubtedly erupted. And now with my Dad gone...it would just be nice to have her here. Plus…"
He watched her face flush with sadness and smiled, "Plus...we're missing someone else too."
She sighed and kicked at the snowy ground, "Rory's first Christmas was so fun. She didn't really know what was going on and I didn't have much for her. But it was amazing to feel that Christmas spirit with her...stupid I know."
Luke shook his head, "Not stupid."
Her eyes welled up with tears, "I was at that little Christmas store near Woodbury the other day...they had stockings with names on them." She frowned and looked at him, "There was one that said Sadie…"
He sighed and pulled her into his arms, "You know that I would make this better if I could."
She nuzzled into his neck, "I know. None of this is your fault...I'm just feeling overwhelmed. And sad…"
"I know. You know I know…" He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands, "But...we do have a house full of crazy people who really love us. That counts for something, doesn't it?"
She smiled and nodded slowly, her eyes welling up with tears again, "It does."
"I told you before and I'll say it again...we're going to figure this all out together. You and me. We're a team." He said softly, "No matter what happens we're doing this together."
"Okay." She whispered softly, "Thanks...I'll try and make this my only Christmas meltdown."
He smirked, "In all the years I've known you there's always been more than one Christmas meltdown." He teased.
He smiled at him, "Want to make me a Santa Burger to cheer me up?"
He groaned and threw his head back, "I thought we agreed to never bring that up again."
She shook her head, "No...I never agreed to anything. You asked me to never bring it up again and I said I couldn't make any promises. Therefore...I have done nothing wrong."
He sighed and looked back at her, his hands on his hips, "Well I'm not doing it again."
"Good." She leaned forward and kissed him gently, "Though it was a sweet gesture...it was also one of the grossest things anyone has ever made me before. And that includes the time Kirk tried to make that jelly bean casserole for Easter."
Luke shook his head, "Yeah well...back then I was more of a sucker for you than I am now."
She rolled her eyes, "Please...we both know you're still puddy in my hand babe. If I begged you to make me that gross thing again right now...you'd grumble and complain and then stalk of and present me with it later with a scowl." He glared at her, "Tell me I'm wrong."
He rolled his eyes, "You're not wrong."
She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him again, "See? You're still a sucker for me babe." She lifted her hand to show her wedding rings, "And this says you always will be."
He chuckled and shook his head, "I love you crazy lady."
She gave his lips one more peck and smiled, "I love you too." She looked out at the snowy road ahead, "Walk with me? I think I need a few more minutes with my two favorite guys before facing it all again…"
Luke smiled and slid his hand into hers, "You got it."
She squeezed his hand and started to walk again, knowing that despite the pain she was damn lucky to have this man right beside her.
That night, they all sat around the living room before Liz, TJ, Doula and Jess were going to disperse to where they were staying for the night. Now that Emily wasn't coming, Rory and April were going to bunk in her old room instead of on the couch.
Rory walked over to her Mom who was sitting quietly on the couch, staring up at the large Christmas Tree. Lorelai turned to her daughter and smiled as she held out an old book to her. "Really?"
Rory smiled and snuggled up to her Mom, "It's tradition Mom. You have too."
Lorelai smiled, "Aren't you a little old to hear the Grinch?"
Rory shook her head, "Never! You of all people know how sacred tradition is. We can't skip it."
Doula sat beside her Aunt and cousin and smiled, "I love this book."
"Me too." Rory said smiling, "Mom used to read it to me every Christmas Eve when I was a kid. Still does."
Doula smiled at her Aunt, "Will you read it to us now?"
Lorelai smiled, "Sure."
"Don't leave out the Grinchy voice." April said sitting on the floor next to Jess, "That's my favorite part."
"They really should have cast you instead of Jim Carrey." Jess teased.
"They offered me the roll but green really isn't my color." Lorelai said with a dramatic sigh.
Luke rolled his eyes, "Don't feed into her demented mind Jess. You know it only makes things worse."
"You're the one who married her." Jess teased back, "I'm just stuck with her on Holidays now."
Doula glared at her brother, "Will you be quiet? I want to hear the story!"
Lorelai smiled and opened the book, she took a deep breath and began to read finally letting herself relax with her family on her favorite holiday. "Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot…"
Luke smiled as he watched his wife read to his niece, nephew and daughters. He couldn't help but think of how amazing it would be to witness her someday reading to a small child that they shared together. He felt the lump form in his throat, not wanting anyone to see him becoming emotional he turned and walked out of the living room and into the kitchen.
Jess watched him go, he caught Rory's eye and she just gave him a sad smile. Standing up, he excused himself too and rounded the corner to see Luke drying the dishes from dinner.
"The real life Grinch doesn't want to hear the story of how his heart grew three sizes?" Jess teased as he sat at the table.
Luke shot him a look, "Nice.
Jess chuckled, "Just kidding...your heart growing had nothing to do with Christmas. It had everything to do with Lorelai Gilmore."
Luke sighed and put the towel and the bowl down, "Yeah well somehow in the last month I feel like it's shrunk again…"
Jess watched his Uncle carefully for a moment, "That kid really got do you, huh?"
Luke frowned, "Probably sounds crazy, I know. But yeah Jess. She did. Something about it felt right...I don't know why but it just did."
Jess shook his head, "It doesn't sound crazy to me."
Luke looked up at his nephew, "It doesn't?"
Jess shook his head again and stood up, "No. It doesn't...Luke despite what you want people to believe we all know you're a good guy under the tough exterior."
He frowned, "Oh really?"
Jess nodded, "What guy would take in his delinquent nephew if he didn't have a heart?"
"You weren't a delinquent." Jess gave him a look and Luke laughed, "Okay maybe a little...but you just needed a little guidance."
Jess nodded, "And you gave that to me. Without you I'd probably be in jail right now…"
Luke frowned, "All I did was give you a roof over your head for a bit and a crappy air mattress."
"You did a hell of a lot more than that and you know it." Jess said glaring at him, "Just like you've done a hell of a lot for all the people in the living room and quite frankly this town. Whether you like it or not Luke...you're a good guy. And I'm sorry that the court didn't see that. Sadie would have been given an incredible gift if she had been allowed to stay here with you and Lorelai."
Luke took a deep breath, "We would have been given an incredible gift too Jess…"
Jess nodded once knowing how hard this was for his Uncle. He also knew better than to push him to hard so he changed the subject, "Want some help drying? Or you want to go hear the rest of the story? I don't think we've missed the good part yet."
Luke smiled, "Come on." He put an arm around his nephew and followed him back to the living room, smiling when he saw Doula and his girls laughing at Lorelai's animated story telling.
The following morning, everyone gathered back at Lorelai and Luke's house to exchanged presents. Luke was bringing everyone coffee when he noticed Rory, April and Jess whispering in the corner.
He sat down next to his wife, "What are they whispering about?" He asked.
Lorelai shook her head, "I don't know. All three of their phones went off and they just went over there." Lorelai said as she put together a toy for Doula. "They weren't keen on sharing." She shrugged and reached for her coffee mug, "Maybe our incredible gift will be arriving soon." She teased, "Think they got us a luxury yacht that is being transported as we speak causing Taylor to have a major meltdown?"
Luke chuckled, "No...I highly doubt it. Although I would like to see Taylor if a luxury yacht tried to be transported through town."
"It would be pretty funny." She said with a smile, she stopped what she was doing and looked up at him, "Hey…"
He turned from the three whispering kids in the corner and looked at his wife, "Hm?"
She smiled and leaned forward, "Merry Christmas babe."
He smiled softly and kissed her gently, "Merry Christmas Lorelai."
Just as he pressed his lips to hers again there was a quick knock on the back door, Luke frowned, "Who could that be on Christmas morning?"
"No one!" Rory said quickly, "Just uh...Lane dropping something off quick. I got it!"
"And I'm going to help her!" April said quickly as she ran after her.
"Me too." Jess said shooting his Mom a quick and meaningful look.
Lorelai and Luke watched all three of them dash towards the kitchen. Luke turned to look at his sister, "What was that about?"
Liz and TJ looked at each other nervously, "You know what's great about Christmas?" TJ asked without thinking, "The smell of the fresh pine trees." He breathed deeply, "Doesn't it just give you a homey feeling?"
Lorelai glared at him, "Uh sure TJ...but seriously where are they going?"
"Oh no where." Liz said waving a hand at her sister-in-law, "You know what I want to do? Let's look at the wedding album of yours again."
Luke sighed, "Liz we've looked at it three times since you got here. The pictures haven't changed."
"Oh but Lorelai was so beautiful. Don't you want to relive the magic?" Liz said squeezing between them.
Another noise startled them, but this time it was from the porch, "What the hell was that?" Lorelai asked as Paul Anka barked from beside her.
"Um…" Liz looked at her daughter anxiously, "Reindeer?"
Doula rolled her eyes, "Man you really suck at this Mom."
Liz's eyes widened, "I'm panicking. I don't know what to do!"
Luke frowned, "Seriously Liz...what is going on?"
The door opened again and April, Jess and Rory entered from the front porch. All three of them had huge smiles on their faces. Lorelai narrowed her eyes at her daughter, "Rory...what did you do?" She looked at Jess and then April, "What did all of you do?"
April turned to Rory, "You start…"
Rory took a deep breath, "Mom…" She paused and looked at the man who had been more of a Father to her than her own biological father, "Luke...let me start by saying that you should know that there are a lot of people in this town who care a lot about you."
Lorelai swallowed hard, "Rory, what's going on? You're making making me nervous."
Rory ignored her Mom and pushed on, "You two are the first people to jump whenever anyone else is in need. You've done so much for so many people…" The lump formed in her throat and she shook her head, "Jess you go...I can't. I'm too emotional."
He smiled and stepped up next to her, "So...when you all needed a little help everyone wanted to chip in."
Luke frowned, "Jess what are you talking about? Help with what? We're fine."
April smiled, "There is a reason that Emily didn't come last night...but it had nothing to do with one of her friends."
Lorelai and Luke were so confused they never heard the door open again and didn't notice more people walking into the house. "Well then where was she?" Lorelai asked.
The next voice they heard startled both Luke and Lorelai, "She was driving home from New Hampshire with a very special gift from all of us to you two."
Lorelai and Luke turned to see Emily standing in front of a woman they recognized as Sadie's social worker. And in her arms...was Sadie.
Liz stood up slowly and moved away to let Luke and Lorelai have their moment. Lorelai's hands started shaking and she reached out for her husband, "I...I don't understand." She whispered.
Emily smiled, "After Thanksgiving...I hired a Private Investigator. He has been watching Sadie to make sure that she was being treated well. I also hired lawyers and adoption agents to help with this process."
Lorelai stood up slowly, "How...how is she here?"
Sadie squealed when she saw Lorelai and held her arms out for the familiar face, "She's been missing you." The woman said.
Luke stood up to walk behind his wife as she took Sadie into her arms, "Can someone explain exactly what is happening here?"
"Mom…" Rory whispered, "Sadie's grandparents were neglecting her. The Police were called to the house numerous times. The Private Investigator proved that it was not a safe environment for her. They lost their custody rights."
Lorelai pressed a kiss to Sadie's head, "But...I still don't understand-"
"If you still want to adopt her…" The woman said, "Then all you have to do is sign the papers."
Luke squeezed his wife's shoulder, "What?"
"My office was flooded with letters. All from your friends and family telling me that the best possible home for Sadie would be with you two. I even had some face to face visits from your daughters. And a few of your friends...Sookie and Jackson." She said with a smile.
"Oh my God…" Lorelai whispered, she looked down at the little girl, "You're...you're saying that if we want to adopt her we can?"
She nodded again, "Sadie's Mother has already signed over her rights. So have her Grandparents to avoid any legal issues. They also signed documents agreeing to have no further contact unless they are contacted by you. Should they break that they face serious legal action."
Lorelai couldn't hold the tears back any longer, "I can't believe this…" She looked back at her husband, "Luke?"
His own eyes showed tears and he just smiled, "You already know my answer Lorelai."
Lorelai looked down at the little girl in her arms who just gazed up at Lorelai with love and adoration, "Is this really happening?"
"She belongs here Mom…" Rory whispered from beside her, "Full circle...this was meant to happen and we couldn't let this go without a fight."
Lorelai leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Sadie's face making her giggle, she turned to her husband, "Where's your pen?"
He smirked at her, willing to play along, "What pen?"
She rolled her eyes, "The pen you take orders with."
He scoffed playfully, "You have to stop assuming I carry a pen around with me everywhere."
"Good thing as a writer I do." Rory said with a smile as she held a pen up.
Everyone in the room laughed and Lorelai turned back to Sadie's social worker, "Where are those papers?"
Emily smiled and took Sadie from Lorelai again as they both walked to the coffee table with papers in hand. Their family stood around them as they watched them sign the papers together and hand them back. Once it was settled, the room grew quiet and Emily walked over and handed Sadie to Luke.
Luke stared at the baby in awe, "Welcome home Sadie girl…"
She squealed with delight and clapped her hands making everyone laugh. The door cracked open and Babette poked her head in, "Hey...can we come in now or what? Kirk is so anxious I think he might wet himself."
Luke groaned, "There all here aren't they?"
"Yep. They are all here." Jess said with a smirk, "Only this time you can't kick them out...they all helped bring Sadie home."
Lorelai smiled and rested her chin on her husbands shoulder, "What do you say Mr. Scrooge? Do we have room for some more to share dinner with?"
Luke turned to her and smiled, pulling Sadie to his chest, "Let them in…"
April opened the door all the way as their friends flooded into the house carrying gifts and trays of food. It was once again pure chaos...but the kind of chaos that they needed and loved. All their friends brought gifts for little Sadie and Lorelai and Luke were floored by the love and support being given to them.
As Rory turned on some music to celebrate, Emily walked over to her daughter, son-in-law and new granddaughter, "Merry Christmas Lorelai. Merry Christmas Luke."
"Mom I can't believe you did all of this." Lorelai said, still trying to process everything that had happened. "Is this real?"
Emily smiled, "It truly was a group effort. The kids were right...you have a lot of people who love you. Everyone wanted to help."
Luke shook his head, "Emily...this is above and beyond anything you could have given us."
Lorelai frowned, "In fact now that I think of it...adoption is pretty darn expensive Mom. How-"
Emily shook her head and smiled, "I used that money your Father had originally set aside for the Diner's expansion."
Lorelai and Luke looked back at her in shock, "What?"
Emily shrugged, "I think this is a much better use for it...your Father would have more than agreed with me. Plus who needs an expansion? You've got all you need right here…"
"Mom…" Lorelai whispered, "I will never be able to thank you enough for this."
Emily shook her head, "There is no need to thank me Lorelai. Just…" She looked down at the baby, "Love one another. That's all I ask…"
Lorelai pulled her Mom in for a hug, "I love you Mom."
Emily's face flushed and she felt her heart jump in her chest, "I-I love you too Lorelai."
When she pulled away she smiled at Luke and Sadie then excused herself to talk to Patty and Babette. Luke gave his wife a look and she seemed to understand, she followed him up the stairs and towards the bedroom beside theirs where Sadie had slept when she stayed with them. He silently handed Sadie to Lorelai and smiled, "I know we said no gifts…"
She frowned, "Luke...what did you do?"
He cocked his head to corner of the room, "For you."
She followed his gaze and gasped when she saw a beautiful wooden rocking chair she had never seen before, "Luke…"
He sighed, "I started making it when Sadie first was staying with us...I wasn't sure I'd ever finish it. But then I thought I would...you know for someday if Rory and April had kids. Or if we had gone through with the adoption thing...you haven't come in here so you never noticed it."
With shaky legs, Lorelai walked with Sadie over to the rocking chair and sat down, "Oh Luke it's so beautiful…"
He walked up next to her and kneeled down beside her, "Look at her…"
Lorelai looked down to see Sadie beginning to fall asleep in Lorelai's arms, "Is this really happening?" She whispered again.
He leaned in closer and kissed Sadie's head, "It is. She's here...with us."
Lorelai's eyes welled up with tears as she heard her family and friends beginning to sing Christmas Carols downstairs, "We really have a wonderful life Luke...not to sound corny. But we do. We always did…" She looked down at the baby in her arms and smiled, "But now…"
"Now it's perfect." He whispered softly, "It's absolutely perfect."
She smiled at him, "Merry Christmas Daddy."
He smirked at her, "Merry Christmas Mommy…"
He leaned in and gave her another kiss before dropping a kiss to Sadie's little head again. They stayed up there just the the three of them only for a little while...relishing in their new found little family. Finally feeling that everything had fallen into place...everything had come full circle. And now they were right where they always belonged.
So Sadie is finally back where she belongs with our favorite Stars Hollow couple. I hope you enjoyed it! As I mentioned - there will be an epilogue to follow soon. I loved the full circle tweet that helped inspired this story and I hope I didn't let you all down. More stories to come when I can and hopefully I will finish Love Me Now as well!