Author's note: I do not own Gilmore Girls…

Thank you for the reviews and for keeping on reading I had thought finishing the story here decided otherwise although the next chapter might now come very quickly. Please review!

Chapter 17: Twice in Australia

Rory was sitting outside of the DragonFly Inn by herself. They had gone over everything and all was ready for the wedding on Saturday afternoon. They were done with all the preparation they could do in advance. It was late afternoon and they were expected for the rehearsal dinner later that night. Rory was reading a book and was listening to music on her iPod. Deep down, she had been hoping that Finn would be back by this time but she had not been able to reach him today. She was feeling a mix of worry, hurt and anger. Was Finn just not answering her calls or did something happen to him. As the song "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan came into her ears she stopped reading she just looked up lost in thoughts. It was still pretty warm for the start of June, and the day had been a picture perfect summer day. She closed her eyes and laid her head back, closing her eyes to enjoy the song. She suddenly felt someone approaching but did not make a case of it until she felt someone lips on hers. She did not even need to open her eyes, she knew it was him, she had smelled his cologne. They deepened the kiss a little while until they broke apart.

"So do you always kiss strangers like that?" Finn asked amused by the look on Rory's face.

"You're here, you're back… I was trying to reach you all day!"

"Still you kissed me without opening your eyes!"

"I knew it was you. But I did not expect you, I tried to reach you today but couldn't."

"Yeah, I wanted to surprise you. You like?"

"If I like that you're here… are you serious? " She answered back and kissed him again showing him how much she wanted him right now.

Once they parted, she saw that Finn still had his luggage with him.

"You did not go in yet?"

"Nope, I saw you and did not want to miss the chance to surprise you. How is everything coming along?"

"We are done. Well, for what we can do in advance… Now we are just waiting for the rehearsal dinner. So how about you? Is everything back to normal?"

"Not really but it's getting there. At least the second man is now out of danger."

"How about we go and put your stuff in the room." Rory asked with a smile indicating she intended a lot more.

"Miss Gilmore, are you proposing what I think you are?" Finn played with her a bit.

"How about you just come and find out?"

Rory just got up and was already going toward the Inn followed by Finn. As they passed through the door, Finn said Hi to Lorelei and Sookie.

"Hey, my favorite son in law! I did not think you would be here before tomorrow night!"

"Lorelei doll, I couldn't stay away. Now can I convince you to leave that old man of yours and elope with me instead?" Finn asked.

"Very tempting Mr. Mogan but what would we say to your girlfriend aka my daughter."

"How about… you couldn't resist the accent?"

"Maybe, but on the long run that caffeine addiction will win and Luke's the one that got it…"

"So no cold feet?"

"No… So we'll see you at dinner?"

"Sure thing…"

Finn then followed Rory upstairs Finn put down his bags and felt Rory's hand taking off his jacket. He looked at her and smiled before kissing her passionately. They continue undressing each other and made love, happy to find each other after a couple of days apart. After, both showered and got ready for the dinner.

That evening Lorelei and Luke's family enjoyed a dinner at the inn and everyone enjoyed themselves even Richard and Emily who were now getting used to the quirks of the inhabitants of Stars Hollow. Finn and Rory talked to everyone and then hung out with Lane since Zach was still touring. Finn played with Steve and Kwan until they both were exhausted giving time for Rory and Lane to talk. The next few days were filled with errands to run and Lorelei had to make sure that everything was cleared out before the wedding as she would then leave for two weeks. Finn and Rory had bought the couple their honeymoon package that included a trip to Greece on which they would take a one week cruise on the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean Sea.

On the Saturday, the wedding was perfect. Luke stood tall and handsome in his tuxedo and Jess was the best man. Lorelei was beautiful in her dress, flowers in her hair and a dazzling smile as Richard walked her down the aisle. Rory, the maid of honor was wearing a royal blue dress designed especially for her by Daphnée and had also flower in her hairs. Finn looked at Rory and her mother, they looked perfect, he could only imagine what Rory would look like on her wedding day, hopefully their wedding day. Sookie and Lane were bridesmaids and were also wearing blue dresses. The reception was held at the Inn also and everyone enjoyed themselves until the wee hours of the night. It was one of the most beautiful wedding the inn had ever had.

While Rory was dancing with Finn close to the end of the reception, Finn asked.

"Do you still think that it would be too early to get married?"

Rory did not know what to say… she thought for a moment. Finn could sense that Rory was unsure of how to answer the question.

"Don't worry… I was not about to ask… I just wanted to know your feeling on the subject."

"Oh… but I was not worried… I was just trying to figure out how to explain. I know I would love to get married someday. I am now just starting to work and we haven't even been together for 1 year so I think it would be a bit premature but Finn, I do want to spend my life with you… if you'll keep."

Finn did not answer anything… she started to wonder if she just scared him.

"You?" She now asked unsure.

"I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't think about it. But you are right on us not having been together for so long…. It's just that for me, I am certain I'll want to live with you as long as you'll endure me."

"Now, it seems that your accent is irresistible or so my mother says…" she said mockingly… "And you do cook for me; I guess you're a keeper."

"Now, don't forget that I am also exotic and sexy… Your own hot Aussie… talking of Aussies, do you think you could manager to take a couple of weeks vacations this summer?"

"I guess. I'll need to validate but I don't see why not."

"I was thinking of bringing you to my homeland. Show you where I was born and raised. What do you say?"

"I'd love to. But don't you need to stay here for your hotels."

"Well, yes but maybe if we can leave at the end of August, when things will become slower, I am sure my dad can take care of any emergencies and anyhow, we do have offices in Sydney if there is an emergency."

"Then I guess we'll go to Oz. Eileen will be very pleased, she keep asking me when I am going down for a visit."

"I love you Rory Gilmore."

"And I love you Finn Morgan."

In the following weeks, all was going so fast. Rory was working as usual on irregular schedule depending of her assignments and Finn worked long hours in order for the opening to take place as expected. Even though all sections of the hotels were not completely decorated, they were able to open on time. The opening was done on the third week of June. Rory accompanied Finn and all his family was there to support them. Finn was ecstatic. The rest of summer was spent working nonstop until mid-august when they were to leave for Australia. Rory was excited. She had not travel since her trip to London to meet with Logan while he was working there. Finn couldn't wait to show Rory around and present her to his friends still living down under. He had secured them the best suite at the Sydney hotel for the first two weeks when they would meet with friends and family but, the next week would be for them alone.

Finn had made sure the family estate on the beach was just for them. They had had a blast with Finn's friends. They were complete opposite of Finn's friends in the state. That is where she learned that Finn, while in Australia did go to public school, not private. They were not privileged. Some of them were also friends with Eileen so there was a couple of gathering at her house also. They did a bit of sightseeing during that time. Finn showed his favorite spots close to the city. As they were about to leave for the beach estate Rory couldn't help but wonder if Finn had wanted to come back here to live. She did not think she would be able to pack up and leave to be so far away from her mother. But honestly, she could see herself coming here for long periods at a time. With Finn, she couldn't help for fall for the city of Sydney.

They would drop by Eileen's before they were to go back to the States. They left borrowing one of Eileen's Jeep. When they arrived Rory was speechless. The house was beautiful. It had an old charm, kind of like those southern colonial houses. The estate was on 3 acres of land and in the back was the beach. There was a dock and 3 boats were currently docked in.

"Wow, this is beautiful"

Finn smiled, happy Rory liked the place.

"It is isn't it? We used to spend all of our summers here when I was younger. My grandparents left the place to my mother. We used to all be here all summer long, with my aunts and cousins. My father and uncles would come whenever they could."

"So you must have some wonderful memories from those years. Mind sharing one?"

"I have some wonderful memories… but my favorite one was from one Christmas. It was the first year everyone was able to be here at the same time in a while. My grandfather decided to have some fireworks on the beach. We all gathered around a bonfire and sat looking at the fireworks and sang. Lilyann was around 5. She fell asleep in my dad's arm. It was the last Christmas my grandfather was with us." Finn got lost for a minute in his thoughts.

Rory hugged Finn and kissed him tenderly. They climbed the stairs to the porch and Finn unlocked the door and let her walk in. Finn gave her the tour of the house and they put their stuff in one of the rooms. They had stopped to do some grocery on the way and had it delivered. It was the middle of the afternoon and they headed to sit on the beach. They stayed like this and talked for hours until the sun started to set. They went in and prepared supper. They ate and then sat on the balcony drinking the rest of their wine.

"You know, you are the first girl I brought here?"

"You never brought anyone home for holidays when you were younger?"

"No, not here. This is for family. It would have felt weird to bring someone here."

"And it is ok for me?"

"Yes, my grandparents would have loved you. They would have been happy that I met you."

"Well, my grandparents are pretty happy that I am with you. And the weirdest is that you are probably the only one that makes both my grandparents and my mother happy. Everyone is under your charming ways Mr. Morgan."

"Now, let's just see if a certain Miss Gilmore can resist my charm… and let's make some new memories." And he picked her up bridal style and brought her upstairs where they spent the rest of their evening making love part of the night.

The rest of the vacation was spent more or less the same way. Rory spent a lot of time reading on the beach while Finn surfed. She loved to see him surf… he looked so free. Some other time, Rory would read to Finn or vice versa while they were lying together on the beach or sitting in the backyard, holding hands. During her vacation Rory started to write some stories for young girls. She wondered if she wouldn't like to try to get them published. She was also wondering if she was working in the right field. She loved to read and was wondering if she could try out for a literary critic position that opened at her newspaper.

"Finn, I've been wondering if a change would be good for me."

"What exactly do you mean?"

"I find it hard to work irregular hours, it is making it hard on us as a couple and I can't plan anything. I feel like I am putting everyone and everything on hold. I know I need to be patient but I was wondering if maybe, being a reporter is not what I want anymore."

"Are you sure, you've always wanted to be a reporter."

"Yes, but now, I want to invest myself in something that will allow have weekends and evening with you… something that will allow me to plan time with family, friends. We were not even able to visit Colin and Steph or Logan in the last 6 months."

"So what do you have in mind?"

"There is an opening as a literary critic in the paper. I was wondering if I could apply. I have also been working on stories of my own. They are youth oriented, some even kids story. I think I will also send them to publishing company. Maybe they would be interested."

"Wow, you have really thought about it… Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

"Thank you, I did not doubt you would. I don't want to leave my current job before I secure something else though."

"I was also wondering. I see how happy you are while we have been here. You are happy in New York too, I know, but I don't know, I sense you miss being home. Am I right?"

"You felt it?"

"Yeah…"

"So I was wondering if I could have something that I could work from anywhere I wanted, we might be able to come here for months every year. What do you think?"

"You would come here for a couple of months at a time?"

"Well, I actually love it here. I see how you are and I think it would be only fair if you could come here let's say for 3 or 4 months every year."

"God I love you Rory." He took her in his arms and sat her on his knees. They stayed like this for a while. Both lost in thoughts.

When they came back from their trip to New York they immersed themselves in their work. Finn's hotels were doing great considering it was a completely new banner. He was also taking on a bit more work on other hotels. Rory had sent her résumé for the critic position but did not hear from it. She had send the manuscripts for her stories and did not yet hear back. She decided to also send résumés to publishing company for some position in edition. We were now at the end of September and nothing came of it. Finn had decided to bring Rory back to Walt Disney World on her birthday but this time they would be alone. They stayed only two days during the week-end before her birthday and they would have a week-end in Stars Hollow the following week where Lorelei had planned a birthday party for her. She had secured the days for the trip and they had a wonderful time, remembering their first hours as a couple. On the day of her birthday, Finn was in for a surprise. At 4:03, the phone rang… Finn woke up and answered the phone worried something had happened to someone in their family.

"Finn, Lorelei, can you put Rory on the phone?"

"Yes, is everything ok?"

"Well, yes, why do you ask?"

"Lorelei, I don't want to be rude but it is 4:03 in the freaking morning."

"I know… you don't remember last year?"

"Well, I remember a lot of things but nothing about you calling at night."

"It's tradition… put Rory on the phone, she'll explain."

"Rory, it's your mother… now I think you were right, she is crazy."

Rory woke up slowly, but knew what it was a bout and took the phone smiling and put it on speakerphone so Finn understood.

"Hey mom!"

"Rory, your boyfriend is rude…didn't you tell him…"

"Mom, time is ticking… we're already late now."

"Oh, right… it's so hard to believe that at exactly this time, many moons ago, I was lying in exactly this same position. Only I had a huge fat stomach, and big fat ankles, and I was swearing like a sailor..."

"On leave."

"On leave, right. And there I was... In labor and while some have called it the most meaningful experience of your life, to me it was something more akin to doing the splits on a crate of dynamite."

Rory mouthed to Finn that her mother did that every year on her birthday. He could not believe he was in the middle of this completely absurd conversation between in girlfriend and her mother. God he loved these women.
"And I was screaming and swearing, and being surrounded as I was by a hundred prominent doctors, I just assumed there was an actual use for the cup of ice chips they gave me…"

And Lorelei continued her story Rory stopping her from time to time until he heard…

"Happy birthday Kiddo… have a great one and I'll see you Friday!"

"By mom, I love you."

"By Lorelei… thank you for this highly entertaining wake up!"

"Anytime Hot Aussie!"

Rory hung up and looked at Finn so now you know what happened that night in Walt Disney World last year…

"She actually did this every year?"

"Yes, except when I had dropped out… that night, I dreamt Madeline Albright was my mother. Weird dream."

"Your mom sure is something… but now, I get to be the second to wish you happy birthday…" On that note, he started to kiss her and they ended up making love until the sun was up.

On that Friday, they headed out to Hartford for dinner with the Gilmores and then they were going to Stars Hollow. They had a great time but their stay was cut short as Rory was called to cover something on Sunday. She really was hoping she would find something since anyway; her contract was coming to an end soon. She had received a few rejection letters on her stories and was starting to wonder if it would amount to anything.

During the following weeks, nothing changed. Finn was trying to cheer her up and she honestly tried not to show too much but he knew her too well. They went to the Rocky Horror Picture show on Halloween as they had the year before and they had invited Colin and Steph but they could not make it… That evening Rory almost forgot her troubles with her job but it got back to her. So the following weekend Finn made reservation at a nice restaurant and wanted to cheer her up.

Early on one week Rory received some good news. She had had a phone call from one of the Publishing Company where she had sent her stories. They were really interested in her stories, both children and young adult and wanted to meet with her. She met with them on the Thursday and her meeting went pretty well. She mentioned that she would like to be able to work from distance for certain periods since she would spend a few months in Australia every year; they agreed as long as they were based in the countries she would be in, and they did have an office in Sydney.

She went home and tried to contain her excitement over this… The next day, her boss requested her for an impromptu meeting. They wanted to see with her if she would be interested to work for them beyond her contract. Rory mentioned that yes, she would but that she was looking forward to having a more regular schedule, and was now looking for something that would allow her to work from abroad a couple of months a year for family obligation. As the person Rory was replacing contacted them and asked to come back earlier, they wanted to offer Rory some other type of work. They knew she had applied for the literary critic position earlier in the fall, the position was not filled yet, and they were wondering if she would accept it. Of course, she would have some more assignments if she wanted to in the cultural department.

Rory was ecstatic. She could stay at the New York Times and still work more normal hours. And she would be able to write some features from time to time. She would also have a regular interview column twice a week and on Saturday with authors. She felt as if life was falling in order.

She decided to go shopping before the end of the day and she would buy a nice sexy dress and some new lingerie to celebrate. She decided not to let Finn know before their dinner the next day. She hid her new stuff in the guest bedroom before Finn was back and she tried to stay as calm as possible. Finn found her a bit different but still he could not get anything out of her.

"What time are we leaving again?"

"Reservation is at eight tonight."

"Where is it again, fancy or not?"

"Fancy Love. But don't worry, you look always perfect, so whatever you wear, you'll be fine."

"Oh, so if I wanted I could go in sweats."

"If you wanted to… you could." He knew very well, Rory would never wear sweats even to hang out at home so she was not serious. "Are you going to tell me what happened to make you all fidgety?"

"Nothing, nothing… I am not fidgety."

"Oh yes you are. Are you telling me that changing books 5 times in the last hour is normal."

"Might be, I like to read more than one type of literature at a time."

"Sure love." He knew something was up but could feel it was good news.

Rory went into the shower pretty early. She then proceeded to straighten her hair; she did not do it often as it took so long. Put on her makeup and then headed to the guest bedroom while Finn was in his shower. She put on her new clothes. She had bought a very form fitted red dress, it was different than her usual… but it made her feel sexy. It had large straps but was cut below the knee. She decided to put on her coat so that Finn would be surprised at the restaurant instead of before at home.

"Finn, we're going to be late!"

"Coming… Love. I am ready."

He came into the living room to find Rory wearing her long coat. Damn he thought, he had wished for a make out session before leaving but he could see she wouldn't be up for it. He himself was wearing a nice Armani suit. He grabbed his coat and keys while Rory met him at the door.

"We are not taking the car service?"

"Nope, I have plans for afterward and we'll need the car."

"What is it?"

"Nope, it's a surprise."

"Ok then, let's go."

Finn knew something was really up if she did not question him more on the surprise. Rory hated not knowing in advance.

They left for the restaurant. When they arrived, the valet parked the car and they headed toward the restaurant. Arriving inside, Finn offered to take Rory's coat to put it into the cloakroom. Rory slowly took it off, as Finn saw her, she could see the desire in his eyes; he passed one hand in his hair. He was fighting an urge to take her right there.

"Damn I am in trouble now Love. You look, wow, I am… wow, you are beautiful." He said and then whispered in her ears "And now I am just looking forward to arriving home and taking you out of this little red dress".

Rory blushed but was very pleased with herself. "You look handsome yourself by the way."

"Well Thank you love."

They headed to their table and had a wonderful meal; kissing every now and then. Touching whenever they could. Rory told Finn about her stories being picked up by a publisher and the new assignment she was getting at the New York Time. He was floored she had been able to keep this from him but was so happy for her. Their love for one another and their hunger for each other were palpable. After dessert, they asked for the bill and left the restaurant for Finn's surprise. He brought Rory to one of his own private bar where Stephanie and Collin were waiting for them.

"Hey Girlie… Look at you! Wow those legs! Colin, Look at Rory!" Stephanie shouted turning Colin around as he was ordering their drinks.

Rory blushed once more as Colin looked up at Rory and his mouth dropped open. Finn smiled broadly seeing his mate affected by his girlfriend.

"Wow reporter girl, I did not know you could look so…"

"Sexy" Finn finished for Colin laughing… "But she's mine mate so stop drooling." Rory was now completely red and Stephanie was laughing.

"Oh.. we're going to have so much fun tonight… do you think if we go to dance with stranger Finn will get jealous?"

"Humm… I'd rather dance with him instead… make the other jealous of him."

"You're right… damn both of you will eclipse anyone else tonight…"

They partied until closing time and Finn was now eager to get home… Rory couldn't either. She felt sexy in this dress and she wanted to be a bit adventurous. She took her coat off in the car and kissed Finn languorously in the car before he started it. The kissed deepened quickly and Finn stopped minutes later completely out of breath and so close to tearing the dress off of Rory rights there and now.

"Argh... we should have taken the car service… I could make deep passionate love to you in the back of the limo."

"Are you telling me I am the irresistible one?" Rory asked with a smirk on her face and spark in her eyes. She loved the effect she had had on him tonight. She knew he almost grabbed her and brought her to the office in the bar a couple of time while they were kissing. She had felt the lustful look from many men and jealous look from woman tonight.

"Come on Rory, I can barely look in front of me… I don't think I have ever wanted someone so bad right now. And I knew you are teasing me right now." He said as Rory was playing with the hem of her dress bringing it higher on her thigh as he was driving toward their apartment.

"How come we never saw that side of you…? Love… I am seriously wondering how you could have hidden this side of you so long."

"Well, I needed to find the right person and occasion."

"Love, I can only say I am glad I was the guy and that you found an occasion…" He added parking the car. As he stopped it he turned and started kissing Rory passionately. He then kissed her neck and trailed kisses toward the spot he knew would make her moan, right below and behind her ear. "Finn" Rory whispered "we need to go up before going further, there are cameras here."

"You are right but love, you have to know the effect you have on me and he looked down. She followed his glare and saw that his excitement was evident. They hurried up to their apartment and did not even make it to their bedroom. They barely slept during the night but since both were off the next day, they did not mind. They had something to celebrate and celebrate they did.

In the next few weeks, Rory had a lot more time at home. She was reading a lot of new books, some good, and some bad. She had to adjust her styling and honestly she was at first stressed out remembering the time she had blasted that ballerina at Yale. What she would write would affect the sales of the books. She did receive emails from readers agreeing with her or not and it helped her refine her approach.

When the holidays arrived they were both looking forward to have once again time for themselves. This time, they would stay in New York. Enjoying themselves and they were happy to spend a lot of time with family. The holidays went by quickly and soon they were once again back at work. They had decided to leave for Australia in early February and they would be back in June. Most of the time would be spent at the family estate on the beach but Finn had also bought a house in Sydney. They had decided to stay in Sydney for a couple of weeks when they arrived and then head to the estate. Rory was working on her text. They were now close to the final version of the children book. She loved the illustrations that accompanied the text. They were now working on the cover and layout of the text on the pages. Everything she could do over the Internet. For the other books, the young adult novel, they were at the second reading. Eileen was now pregnant with her second child and Finn and Rory would be there for the birth. Finn's parent would join them a bit later on and Lilyann and Anthony would join during their spring break.

On the first day of their arrival at the estate, Rory felt so happy to be back. She loved the house. She felt at home there. She couldn't really explain. They arrived once again during the afternoon and had food delivered. They unpacked in the same room as the other time. It was Finn's room from when he was younger but it had been redone a couple of years ago. Rory finished unpacking and then went to look for Finn. She could not find him in the house so she headed out. He was not on the balcony. She sat for a while but as she did not hear him coming and since it was now close to dinner time. She headed toward the beach, the only place she had not looked before. She was speechless when she arrived on site. Finn had had a gazebo installed on the beach; there was some outdoor furniture, a hammock for two, and a table with two chairs. Finn was standing leaning on one the gazebo. He was wearing linen pants and shirt, all in white. Dinner was already served and wine glasses waiting for them.

"Wow, were you waiting for me for long?"

"Well, I was about to call you out… I thought hunger would bring you eventually…"

Finn met her and hugged and kissed her.

"It's very beautiful Finn… did you did all of it? Is it a permanent installation?"

"Well, for the time we are here yes. And yes, I organised for it to be done by the time we were here. Eileen helped a lot!"

"It looks so perfect."

"Are you ready to eat?"

"Do you need to ask?"

"So then, let's go."

They sat at the table and ate. It was warm and just a bit windy. Finn had prepared his chocolate cake for dessert and they had coffee thermos to accompany it. After eating, Finn brought Rory to the lounging area. There was a complete outdoor sofa, he put on some light music and they sat there talking for a while. Maybe an hour later, Finn offered Rory a drink, which she took happily. He had prepared Martinis for the both of them… He brought them and put them on the table beside Rory before kneeling down to kiss Rory.

"Rory, since the first time we kissed on your birthday, you've made me want to be the best I can. I love you like I never thought it could be possible. Your love made my life a wonderful one. Would you, Rory Gilmore, make me the happiest man and accept to be my wife?" Finn produced the most wonderful ring. It was simple and delicate yet so stunning.

Rory was crying before Finn finished. "Yes!" She answered not even needing any time to think. Finn smiled broadly and put the ring on Rory's finger before kissing her. After a little while, they broke apart.

Finn couldn't stop smiling… he was going to get married to the most wonderful woman he ever met. Rory was dizzy in happiness…

"Rory, you want to call your mom? It should be late enough there for you not to wake her up."

"You don't mind?"

"I did not expect anything else… just join me in the hammock when finished."

Rory called her mom and she told everything in details. Finn could hear Rory's side of the conversation and kept smiling. He was completely happy at that moment. He knew whatever would happen, they would survive it.

Rory joined him more or less 5 minutes later. She climbed up and cuddled with him. They stared to the sky for a couple of minutes. Rory then broke the silence.

"Finn, I love you! You've just made me the happiest woman on earth."

"I love you too Love. Let me just show you how."

They made out in the hammock before going back to the outdoor couch. Finn made sure to close the drapes on the gazebo as he knew Rory would feel better and they made love on the beach. When they were about to fall asleep, Finn put back his clothes and put some blankets on Rory before bringing her back home to sleep.

They would call the rest of their family and friends the next day.