It was 9am when Rory staggered into the kitchen next morning. Lorelai was gulping down her third cup of coffee and Luke was cooking scrambled eggs.

'Mmmm smells delicious.'

'I married him for his culinary skills,'

'I married her for her sparkling wit.' He hit back.

Pouring herself a large mug of coffee, she joined her mum at the table.

'Hello honeys. Only me'. Called Babette as she let herself in the back door.

'Well if it isn't the blushing bride-to-be.'

'Hey Babette.' She greeted her with a hug.

'oooh It's great to see you honey. Can't stop. I'll see you tomorrow night.' She winked at Lorelai.

'Tomorrow night?' questioned Rory.

'The woman's delusional.' Lorelai quickly changed the subject. 'So, plan of action for today?'

Letting it go, Rory thought for a beat.

'I promised Lane I'd call in and check out the shop; then I thought coffee and lunch at Luke's followed by collecting my flowers and then Andrew should be getting in.'

'ooooh Andrew.' Mocked Lorelai. Not Andy or Drew. Always Andrew. She loved him though and he seemed such a perfect match for Rory. Hailing from the English countryside, he studied Literature at Oxford before moving to New York for a job at Publishing Company. Emily and Richard loved him – his father owned an estate in Kent; she loved him and most importantly Rory loved him. Naturally she had her suspicions at first – she had never loved any of Rory's boyfriends, but she had quickly warmed to him. He had that English charm down, without being snobbish. Lorelai often likened him to a younger, much better looking Hugh Grant.

Kim's Antiques had undergone a massive facelift since she had last been home. Since Mr and Mrs Kim had gone to Korea, Lane and Zac had taken over the shop and house, transforming it into Stars Hollow Music. On first impressions, Rory was impressed. She had expected no less from her best friend though. She hadn't made it through the door when Steve and Kwan almost wrestled her to the ground.

'Auntie Rory!' they cheered in unison.

'Hey tigers. Look what I got you.' She handed them both a bar of candy.

'Thanks Auntie Rory.' They chorused again. They were too cute, though she was sure she couldn't cope with them for more than an hour at a time.

Making her way through the shop which was lined with every great album you could ever wish for, she found Lane, sifting through vinyl sleeves.

'Rory!' she dropped what she was doing and embraced her best friend. 'It is so good to see you. Female company's in short supply around here sometimes.'

'So, how are you? What's the goss?'

'Never mind my goss. You're the one getting married in less than a week.'

'Less than a week.' She repeated as if it was only just dawning on her.

'Suck it up sister, and get ready for joining the old wives club.'

Steve tearing past wearing his coat as a cape interrupted their laughter.

'Dave, what have I told you about running inside?' Lane said 'He won't listen. Never does. As soon as Zac so much as looks at him, he's as good as gold. Where's the fairness in that?'

'Totally unfair.'

Rory helped Lane put on the new stock as they caught up. Realising the time, she gathered her things to leave.

'We really ought to do this more often.' She promised her friend.

'It's been great' agreed Lane 'Just like old times.'

'Just like old times' she repeated, suddenly feeling really nostalgic.

'What time do you call this?' mock-scolded Lorelai as Rory dashed into Luke's.

'Time to order. You can't be mad at me anyway, it's my wedding week.'

'Wedding week?'

'Yeah, you get a birthday week, the least I should get is a wedding week. By rights it should be a lot longer than a week.'

Lorelai pondered this for a moment. 'And I have to be super nice to you for this said wedding week?'

'Yes.'

'Huh?'

Luke brought over two coffees.

'I'll have a cheeseburger, with chilli fries, and mayo on the side.'

'And I shall have the same. Except no mayo please.'

'I'll bring 'em over.'

'Thank you honey' Loreali called after him. 'I'll thank you properly later.'

'Dirty'

'He hates that.'

'As much as Daddy Luke?'

'More than Daddy Luke.'

'I miss winding up Luke.'

'All the more reason you should move to Stars Hollow.'

'Have I ever mentioned how much like Emily you are starting to sound?'

'Ouch. Am I pushing the moving to Stars Hollow thing a little too much?'

'Just a tad.'

Lorelai mimed zipping up her mouth.

'Let me see, let me see, let me see.' Lorelai skipped down the porch steps to get a peek at the flowers. Rory had opted for artificial, as she didn't trust herself, or her mother, to keep real ones alive.

'Inside, inside.'

Like a child in a candy shop, Lorelai skipped on the spot waiting for her daughter to open the box.

'Wow.' Was all she could manage when the flowers were unveiled. Beautiful cream calla lilies tied with golden ribbons.

'Beautiful huh?' beamed Rory.

'Beautiful. Really beautiful honey. So beautiful.'

'Coffee?'

Rory shook her head. 'I'm gonna be late for picking up Andrew.'

Lorelai pulled a face which Rory chose to ignore. 'See you later. And remember Andrew hates pineapple on pizza.'

''kay.'