A/N - Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has read, and continues to ask for more! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post again, and posts might continue to be sporadic in the next week or two, but after that I will have more time to get back to regular updates.

Picking up where we left off, with Logan pulling off his Sixteen Candles moment...

"I can't believe you're here…"

"I was coming home tomorrow anyway."

"I know, but…"

He smirked and looked at me out of the corner of his eye as he drove. Classic Logan.

"So I take it you fixed things in Portland?"

"For now, yea… As long as Mitchum keeps to himself they should stay fixed."

"Mitchum is the only HPG partner joining your board, right?" He nodded. "So that's one seat. How much trouble could he stir up with one seat?"

He gave me a 'really?' look. "This is my father we're talking about. A single board seat wouldn't mean much to any other investor, but for Mitchum, the all-time champion of manipulation… I can't say that I blame them for having concerns."

"But you wooed them?"

"Well if offering their lawyers a chance to look at the merger contracts so they can see that there is still a divide between us and HPG counts as wooing, then yes."

"Good… For the record, contracts do not woo me." I looked at him incredulously.

He laughed, "Yea, I think we established that one already… Do you know where we're going?"

"Not really. I had the address, but I left it in the Jeep, so I hope my mom figured it out… By the way, what's with the car?" It was definitely his type of car, but not his Porsche.

"I flew straight into Boston this morning, so I rented it at the airport. I thought maybe, since you took tomorrow off of work I could talk you into staying the night here and driving home with me tomorrow…"

I loved the idea of it, but really all I could think about was the work I had to do. He could see the wheels in my head turning.

"Come on, Ace… I'm going to go out on a pretty sturdy limb here and guess that you haven't stopped working since we got off the phone yesterday."

There was no use in denying it. "So?"

"So, take the night off. We're going to the reception anyway, what's the difference if you we drive home tonight or stay here and drive home tomorrow?"

He was laying it on thick. "Fine, but I'm bringing my laptop."

"You're killing me, Ace… I haven't seen you in a week; a week that we have both spent working. I'm asking for one work-free night. "

"How about one night with minimal work?"

"Are you trying to negotiate a night I have plans for?"

"You have plans?" Intriguing.

A sly smile spread across his face as we pulled into a parking lot behind my mom, "I might."

Life is never boring with this guy. "How do you do this?"

"Do what?"

"Pull off stuff like this? You hopped a flight this morning and already have plans made for tonight?"

All I got in response was a wink before he got out of the car and came around to open my door. I stood up, but was still holding out for an answer.

But he just smiled and shook his head. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you…" He pulled me in closer and plant a very convincing kiss on my lips, "…and then I'd be left with no one to surprise."

"That's really quite a conundrum you've got there..."

"It's only a problem if you keep trying to ruin the surprises."

It was hard to fight that argument, so I settled for another kiss.

With a look that was indicative of the satisfaction he felt coming out on top of that battle, he put an arm around my shoulders and turned me towards the restaurant, "Come on, let's go see how pissed Paris is going to be when I show up inside."

Mom had walked up just in time to hear that last comment and took the liberty of adding, "Dead man walking."

The McMasters had rented the banquet room on the second floor of a nice restaurant downtown, and were all already inside and mingling when we walked in.

"Well, I guess we should have hired some security." Paris had appeared out of nowhere at our side.

Logan couldn't hold back a smile. He had always taken some perverse pleasure in antagonizing her. "Paris! I'm so sorry I missed the ceremony. I'm sure it was lovely."

"Funny, I don't remember sending you an invitation."

"Did you really expect me to miss out on a chance to give you and Doyle my congratulations?"

She gave a slightly irritated smile, "A girl can only dream… Rory?" She clearly meant that she wanted to have a word with me, so I followed her and glanced back to Logan who was having way too much fun with this.

"Paris, I swear I did not know he was coming. He was supposed to be in Portland until tomorrow, but he showed up outside City Hall, Jake Ryan style."

"Well wouldn't John Hughes be proud?"

"Actually, I think he would." She glared at me. "Oh come on Paris, he's genuinely happy for you guys. He was very impressed that Doyle stuck it out long enough for you to come to your senses and make it official."

"I'm still not sold on you two being together again."

"I know. You've made your feelings on him very clear on multiple occasions, but I told you, he's not the same as he was in college. Look…" I turned her around to see Logan and my mom making semi-comfortable small talk. "…even my mom is giving him a chance."

She was still hesitant, "Alright… but I'm telling you right now that if you end up needing a drunken night of wallowing, you're going to have to come to Boston. I don't have time to come to you."

Oh Paris. I had no reason to believe that I would need such a night, but it was a start. "Deal. Will you play nice now?"

She nodded, "I've got about twenty more of Doyle's cousins to thank for coming, anyway…"

"By all means, make the rounds." I met up with Mom and Logan on the way to the bar.

"So am I off the chopping block?"

"Well, she's not vying for presidency of the Logan fan club, but I think you'll live."

Logan accepted the compromise and turned to the bar tender, "Scotch neat and two martinis."

Mom was dramatic about her impression, "You've got a good one here, Ror."

"Yea, he's alright."

He turned back to us with our drinks, "Good to know I'm so appreciated."

"Logan?"

A mischievous smile spread across his face when he heard Doyle's shocked tone. "Doyle!" As Logan turned back to shake his hand I could see a surprised, almost scared look on his face, and I had to bite my lip to hold back a smile.

"Congratulations, Man!"

"Uh… thanks. What are…?" He dropped his voice to a whisper, "Does Paris know you're here?" Doyle actually looked at me for this one, so I nodded to reassure him. He breathed a sigh of relief, presumably because that meant he wouldn't have to be the one to break the news to her.

"Well, then thanks for coming…" He took to drinks, one of which I'm sure was promised to his new wife, and walked away from the bar.

"Well, that was a warmer welcome than Paris gave…"

"Yea, well, Paris has never been afraid of you."

"No, but I have on occasion feared for my well-being around her."

Mom chimed in to the conversation, "Haven't we all?"

We grabbed seats at one of the tables on the perimeter of the room.

After dinner, Doyle's sister got up to make a toast, and I had to hold back a laugh when I saw that Paris was making no effort to be appreciative of the gesture, only faking a smile when it was time to hold up her glass. She clearly hadn't had enough to drink to pretend to like her new sister-in-law. It took some persuading, but eventually Doyle got Paris to agree to participate in an official first dance.

She acquiesced to about a minute of the two of them dancing alone before she'd had enough of the ceremony of it all. "Alright, somebody else needs to get out here and dance or this is just silly."

Doyle's parents got up, followed by some of his aunts and uncles. Logan stood up and put his hand out to me. I raised an eyebrow at him.

He smirked, "Bride's orders."

I rolled my eyes, but took his hand. I stood up and left my sweater on my chair, only remembering about my dress when I felt Logan's hand on my back, which was now at least half exposed. He leaned in close and whispered in my ear as he took my hand in one of his, and put his other on my waist, "That's a hell of a dress…"

I was almost embarrassed, "Blame my mother."

He raised his eyebrows half-jokingly, "Blame her?

I rolled my eyes at him.

"I mean, it's a little weird that I have to give her credit for something like this, but…"

This time I couldn't help but laugh, and he kissed my cheek before raising his head. As we danced I smiled, remembering when we had danced at my grandparents vow renewal, and how I had somehow mustered the courage to confront him about his intentions with me.

He saw the look on my face and inquired, "What's that face for?"

"Oh nothing…"

"Ace…"

"Just remembering the first wedding we were at together…"

Logan nodded, remembering equally as well, and then shook his head, "If only I had known what I was getting myself into…"

"Hey!" He was really on a roll with goading people this evening.

"What? I never would have let you drag me into that dressing room if I had known what was going to happen ten minutes later…"

Thankfully, enough time had passed that I could now laugh about being interrupted not only by my mom, but also by my dad and Luke, both of whom were ready to fight Logan. "Well, I think you're safe tonight. No dressing rooms here…"

He leaned in close again, "Damn."

I feigned a scandalized look and he winked.

"So, I never got a real answer… Can we forget about work tonight?"

I sighed, thinking about everything I still had to do. "I have two emails that I have to send tonight."

He was already skeptical, but I wasn't finished yet.

"And I have to get home and get some research done tomorrow morning."

"Afternoon."

"Now who's negotiating?"

He shrugged, "I'm going to take as much as I can get."

"This is your fault anyway…"

"My fault?"

I knew it wasn't entirely true, but he deserved some of what he dished out. "Yes. You're the one who talked me into this."

"Oh, I talked you into it? Because I seem to remember you saying yes to this quest for The Times before you and I talked about it…" Then he took a big risk in how he chose to drive his point home, "Besides, you do have a history of saying no to me."

I had said no to Logan on multiple occasions for a myriad of reasons, but from his tone and the look on his face I knew that he was referring to one occasion in particular.

I froze. I had no response to that one, but he was struggling to hold back a smile. I can't believe he was joking about this. I just stood there, mouth half open with no words coming out.

He was actually laughing as he pulled me in closer to him, uprooting me from where I had become stuck. "Relax, Ace…" He kissed me. "So what do you say, one night of being irresponsible?"

I was about to concede when his phone rang. He tried to ignore it.

"Logan…"

"Nope; I'm being irresponsible."

There was a time when irresponsible was his default, but I could tell that now it was taking a determined effort for him to not take his phone out of his suit pocket. I just smiled at him, knowing it was only a matter of seconds before he gave in.

Sure enough after one more ring he gave a frustrated sigh, "Two minutes, then it's Old School all the way." He kissed me on the cheek before her pulled out his phone and stepped into the hallway.

With no ceremonial cutting, Paris' decision I'm sure, the waiters were delivering slices of cake to the tables, so I went back and sat down next to Mom. I felt bad that I had dragged her here now that Logan had shown up. "Having fun?"

She tilted her empty martini glass, "Well I'm very happy for Paris, but I'd be having more fun if I didn't have to drive home tonight…"

Another wave of guilt hit me when I realized that I was pretty much abandoning her by letting Logan kidnap me for the evening, and apparently she could read it on my face as I took a bite of cake.

"And, I take it I'm making the drive on my own?"

I gave her an apologetic smile. "Well if you really want the company, you're going to have break it to Logan. Apparently he has plans…"

"Plans?"

"Don't ask me, I have no idea what they are."

"Well, as long as you're not running off to get married."

"Mom…"

She gave me a knowing look, "I saw the two of you out there, all lovey-dovey and him whispering in your ear…"

"And what, you have super-tuned hearing senses that let you hear us plotting?"

She almost spit cake out of her mouth hearing my insinuation that we had been talking about getting married.

"I'm kidding. We were not talking about getting married… at least not…." I got lost in my head for a second replaying what had happened.

"Rory?"

I really hadn't meant to leave her hanging like that, but I was still so surprised by his comfortable attitude towards the whole thing, "He was joking about the proposal."

"Joking? Like, 'Haha remember when I proposed and you turned me down and we didn't speak for years' joking?"

"Yea… Well, no not exactly like that, but… Like he's okay with it; like it doesn't bother him anymore."

She considered it, "Well, that's a good thing, right?"

I thought about my minor panic that day when Les found the ring. "Yea, but…"

"But?"

I took another bite of cake and tried to say it as nonchalantly as possible, "He still has the ring."

Her eyes got wide, but she didn't have to say anything.

"I know. But he doesn't know that I know. Leslie found it when she was snooping."

"So what does…?"

I saw Logan coming back towards the table so I hurriedly cut off her question, truncating the conversation that we would have to finish later, "I don't know, but…"

He sat down next to me, "But, what?"

Quick, new subject. "But… that was more than two minutes. I get to send my emails."

"Fine…" He turned to my mom, "…Is it alright if I steal her from you?"

She waved her hands, "Take her… this party's getting too wild for me anyway."

The music had picked up again and Paris and Doyle were making their way back to the dance floor, so I caught up with her before they could get too wrapped up in one of their infamous dance routines.

"Hey, I think we're going to take off… Leave you to party with the in-laws."

"Yea, I guess they're not so bad". I knew she meant it; the last time I saw her smile like that was when Napolitano was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security. She looked over my shoulder at Logan, who was picking up my sweater from the chair. "You're happy?"

Logan looked up to see both of us looking at him and waved tentatively. His nervousness made me smile. "Yea…"

Satisfied, she gave Logan a nod and then turned back to me, "Well, look at us… building careers, having relationships…"

"Mhm, very Leia and Han Solo…"

"Having our cake and eating it too."

"It was good cake, too."

Knowing I was referring to both the literal and metaphorical cake she agreed, "Very."

We shared an appreciative smile and a hug before she headed back to the dance floor. Good for Paris. Even if she is crazy, she deserves to be happy.

The three of us headed to the car, and on the way it occurred to me that everything except for my purse and my work bag were back at my mom's house.

"Crap."

Logan shook his head immediately, knowing that I was threatening his night again. "Stop…"

"But all my stuff…"

"So?"

"So I don't…"

"Forget it. We're going. We'll get your stuff tomorrow."

I gave him a frustrated look; he countered with a pleading one. I forgot how exhausting this whole reckless spontaneity thing was.

I turned to Mom and realizing that it was starting to get dark asked, "You going to be alright driving home?"

She theatrically held out my bag from her car, "Go before I change my mind…"

We said our goodbyes and waited until Mom was on the road.

"Okay, come on…" He was pulling me towards the car.

"Logan, where are we going?"

"What part of surprise don't you understand?"

"I have to…"

"Send your emails, I know…" He opened the door for me with that smirk of his spread across his face, "Let's go."

Only a few minutes later we pulled up in front of the Four Seasons Hotel across the street from Boston Common… and to think, I was under the impression that his gestures had scaled back.

He checked in at the front desk and handed me the room key, "Go upstairs, and take care of your emails. When I get back, we're done with work."

Was he kidding? "Logan, what are…?"

He smiled, obviously kvelling that I was slightly astounded by his antics, "I'll see you in half an hour."

Talk about Classic Logan. "Where are you going?"

"You better get up stairs. I'm hiding your laptop when I get back."

I shook my head, "You're crazy."

He smirked and snaked an arm around my waist, "And you love me."

I couldn't hold back my smile. He cradled my head with his other hand and kissed me, the kind of kiss that almost embarrassed me to share in the very public lobby of a fancy hotel.

"Logan…"

His smirk only widened, but he didn't give me a chance to protest before he pulled away, heading towards the door. "Thirty minutes."

I smiled to myself in the elevator on the way up to the room. What have I gotten myself into? I doubt that I will ever be able to actually keep up with him… At least I will never be bored… A thought that was only reinforced when I opened the door to the suite he had booked. I was right, he's crazy. But he's right too… I love him.

I wouldn't put it past him to actually confiscate my laptop when he gets back, so I sat down at the desk to give my article one last read through before I sent it to Gerry. As for my Obama article, I managed to get through the last few notes Dominic had sent back to me just as Logan opened the door.

"Ace?"

Almost done… "Hm?"

He walked up behind me, "Hey, I know that face. You're still working. Time's up."

"Five more minutes."

"Ace…"

"It's for The Times."

He collapsed into the chair next to the desk, looking slightly defeated, "Five minutes."

I smiled as I typed… Point for New Logan. I should really stop pitting New Logan against Old Logan. I had loved him despite his flaws before; and I know he isn't perfect now, but this balance that he seems to have found is very endearing.

With just a few seconds to spare in my five minute extension I sent off my latest draft to Dominic and shut my laptop. Logan had been scrolling through his phone, but when he heard the laptop click closed he put the phone down and extolled dramatically, "Finally."

"Oh hush. You can't rush greatness."

He raised his eyebrows, "Greatness, huh?"

Admittedly my confidence was a little shaken after the last couple of days. I shrugged, "We'll see…"

He gave me a quick kiss, "Okay… Come on." He is not messing around about this no-more-work policy.

"Alright… Where are we going?"

Ignoring my question he ushered me into the other room, "Go change."

"Logan, I told you all my stuff is at…"

He handed me a shopping bag and winked, "Don't get me wrong, I like the dress… but it's not quite practical."

I shook my head. He was really bringing out his A-game tonight. I took the bag, changed my clothes and met him by the door where he handed me a coat.

"Logan…" This was getting ridiculous.

"I don't want to hear it… It's cold outside."

Was he finally letting me in on his master plan? "Outside?"

He smiled, but didn't divulge anything else, just led me out the door and down to the lobby. Knowing Logan, I expected that one of the cars at the curb was waiting for us, but instead he grabbed my hand and we crossed the street towards Boston Common.

We took one of the paths that lead into the park and he put his arm around my shoulder as we walked. I'd never gotten a chance to see The Common before and even in the dark it was nice, but I had to wonder if this was really what his plan was all about.

"So… a walk in the park?"

He looked down at me curiously, but with a smile on his face, "Do you have a problem with a walk in the park?"

"No, I do not have a problem with a walk in the park; In fact, did you know that Boston Common is likely the first public park to be named in a city area? Earlier than ones established in London, even."

He shook his head and laughed, "No, but I'm not at all surprised that you know that." He kissed my head as we continued our stroll. "So the question was really just a lead in to your history lesson?"

"No…"

"Are you disappointed by a walk in the park?"

"No…"

"Then what's with the curiosity?"

"Nothing, just wondering why you made such a big deal about staying in Boston tonight… We have a very large park at home, you know."

"Really? I hadn't heard…"

"Oh yea, apparently it's pretty impressive; long and narrow, and there's something about it being centrally located…"

"Ah, well we'll have to check it out sometime… In the meantime, we are in the middle of a pretty nice park here."

"We are indeed… just out for a casual stroll, right?"

That grin gave him away; I knew he had something else up his sleeve. He steered me around a bend in the path towards the Frog Pond. As we rounded the corner I saw the carousel lit up about a hundred yards away, and I could vaguely hear the music playing, but there was no one else around. For a second I thought maybe it was just because it was late and cold, but then it occurred to me that it wasn't even spring yet… why would the carousel be open at night in the winter? Of course it's not open. I looked at Logan.

His smile widened and he took my hand, leading me towards the music.

"Logan, this is ridiculous."

"Is it really ridiculous to want to do show my girlfriend how much I missed her?"

"You were gone for a week. And most guys would send their girlfriends a post card… flowers if they're really feeling guilty."

He tilted his head and looked exceptionally pleased with himself, "Am I most guys?"

I can't believe that he, well I guess I can, but that doesn't make it any less over the top. "How did you even…?"

He shrugged, "I know a guy."

I should have known it was a silly question when I asked it. He always knows a guy. I shook my head, but couldn't help but smile, and I let him lead me through what would normally be the cue for the ride.

"Preschool is not what I pictured when you said we were going Old School…"

"Are you telling me that you don't think this is fun?"

"No, but you really didn't have to do all of this…"

He smirked, "I know…"

How could I say no to that face? I kissed him… It really was kind of fun to have it to ourselves.

"So, what will it be? He gestured to the array of options for animals to ride, but I took his hand and led him towards the chariot seat.

"Really? You were that kid? A whole menagerie to choose from and you pick the bench?"

"No I was not that kid. Maybe I'd just like to sit with some company… unless that's not exciting enough for you?"

He smiled, "No, company's good… Hold on."

I hadn't noticed until he walked towards the center of the carousel, but there was actually a ride operator sitting in the booth, and he handed Logan a basket.

He came back to sit next to me on the bench and took out a blanket, a thermos, and two mugs. He really thought this one through, complete with hot coffee.

"Well you really are full of surprises…"

When we had our mugs, and he had laid the blanket across our laps, he waved to the operator who nodded in response and started the ride.

"You know this is outrageous, right?"

He shrugged with a grin and kissed me, "But is it worth abandoning work for the night?"

I couldn't have stopped the smile that spread across my face as I nodded if I wanted to. I leaned into him and rested my head on his shoulder and he rapped his arm around me. It might be outrageous, but I couldn't be happier.

After a few turns around the carousel I was curious, "Is all of this really just to say that you missed me?"

He kissed the top of my head, "Maybe."

"You know I would have been perfectly happy for you to come home and sit like this on the couch…"

"Anybody could come home and do that. Besides…"

I picked my head up to look at him when he paused. His mood had leveled out considerably from his practical giddiness only a few minutes before.

"…I know this week hasn't been easy, and I hate that I wasn't there for you."

I let out a sigh. He shouldn't feel guilty for having his own work to take care of. "Logan, just because you weren't in New York doesn't mean you weren't there for me."

It wasn't enough. He sat up and turned so he was facing me. "Ace, it's not just…"

It occurred to me that he might be thinking about the future as much as he was about the last week. "Logan…"

"…I don't want to mess this up. I need you to know that you are as important as, more important to me than work. I'm not going to be like my dad…"

Whoa, pump the breaks. "You are not like Mitchum."

"Rory, things are going to be crazy for the next few weeks, maybe longer than that with the merger, and I don't want…"

"Logan, this isn't going to work if you're going to feel guilty every time you have to work late or take a business trip. I know how this works. We've done this before. You were in London for practically a year and we made it work…"

"I know, but…"

I kissed him. He needs to relax. "I'm not going to feel abandoned. I have my own work to handle, too. It might not be easy, but we'll figure it out. It In the meantime I'll be here…" I reached for my purse and pulled out the key chain he had given me; the rocket. I took it off of the ring and put it in his hand, "…promise."

He finally took a deep breath. "Here..." He took my keys and put the key chain back on the ring, "…I'm going to hold you to that."

"Good."

I was ready to get back into my spot, cuddled up against his chest, and get back to enjoying the night, but he hadn't sat back yet. Instead he was reaching into his pocket, and for a second my breath caught in my chest and I imagined the ring that I thought was still sitting in his dresser.

I exhaled when I saw that he was only retrieving his wallet. He opened it and pulled out a little slip of paper. His slightly smug smile had returned as he handed it to me, "I've got one more thing for you."

I got excited when I realized what it was; I bit my lip trying to contain my sudden urge to laugh. I had all but forgotten… His fortune from our 'first date'.

He winked at me. "You going to open it or what?"

I had been dying to know what had made him become so attached to it.

"Love is at your hands. Be glad and hold on to it."

I looked at him, and he smiled, "I told you… I'm going to hold you to it."

** I do not own any characters or content related to Gilmore Girls or any other entities mentioned. **

A/N - Keep the love coming! What do you think about Logan's promise to not be like Mitchum? Where do you think we should go from here?

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