Jess was released the next morning, and Rory drove him directly to Hartford. They were admitted to see Dean. He looked surprised to see Jess. "Hey." he greeted them.
"Hi." Rory returned the greeting.
"I'm here to apologize." Jess began, without preamble. "I enjoyed messing with you. The bag boy jokes, the apron, the stupid pranks, being at Rory's house, and most of all, the basket festival. I was doing it just to mess with you. That time, when you came over and we were inside with Paris, Paris covered for me. She came outside and explained the story we were going to tell you. I went over that night almost in innocence. I was just messing with Rory.
"Then you came over, and I couldn't resist. I shouldn't have pushed you like that. I should've owned up to coming over that night. And then, with the festival. I did that just to annoy you, but then you truly got upset, as you should have. And I banked on Rory's loyalty to Stars Hollow. I shouldn't have gotten involved. I'm sorry." Jess finished, and waited for Dean to respond.
"I'm sorry for not wanting you and Jess to be friends, Rory." Dean said. "Jess, I'm sorry I punched you. I never meant for you to get hurt so badly."
"It's okay. I forgive you. Do you forgive me?" Jess asked Dean. Dean nodded.
"And, Dean," Rory said, taking a deep breath, "I asked for your forgiveness and you gave it to me, but I want to ask for your forgiveness specifically for kissing Jess while you and I were still together, at the wedding. I'm sorry. It would've been okay if we weren't together, but we were, and I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me?"
"Yes." Dean nodded again. The three talked for a while, crying, forgiving, and building friendships that would last forever.
"We have to go." Rory finally said, because visiting hours were over for the morning. "But we'll be back to visit."
"Take care of yourself." Jess added.
"You do the same." Dean nodded.
Before they left, Rory and Jess met Mark, and Rory thanked him for everything, direct or indirect, he had done for them all. "It's no trouble at all." he assured her, and Rory knew as she and Jess left, that Dean would be in good hands.