A few days after Lorelai's next treatment, Luke planned a day trip. He checked with Lorelai's oncologist to make sure her immune system was strong enough to handle the outdoors. She gave him the all clear. He didn't tell Lorelai what he had planned; he just told her that they would be spending the day out. He told her to bring a jacket as there was a chance that it would rain, but she forgot.

As they drove in the direction of Hartford, Lorelai became more and more curious as to where they were going.

"Hey, Luke it's almost lunch time. Are we going to stop for lunch? Or does the place we're going to sell food?" She asked as she looked over at him.

"You'll see." Luke replied with a small smile.

Lorelai smiled back and turned to look out the window. They didn't talk for the rest of the drive. Lorelai knew he wouldn't tell her where they we're going.

Meanwhile, Rory decided to spend the day with Emily. They were at the Gilmore house, enjoying brunch. Richard was away on another business trip.

"Grandma?" Rory said to get Emily's attention.

Emily seemed to be miles away. She turned her attention to Rory, "Yes?"

"You seem distracted. You want to talk about something? Is something bothering you?" Rory asked.

"Oh… it's just that I miss your Grandfather and I just want everything to be okay with your mother. I get worried sometimes." Emily admitted.

"We all do." Rory replied. She took a sip of her coffee. "But she can make it through this. We have to stay positive… no matter how hard that might be. She needs us."

Emily nodded. "I told her that I want to be there for her and she told me she wouldn't shut me out and we've talked since then and I went to her last treatment, but I just feel a little useless. I want to do something more to help her out."

"You're doing all you can." Rory smiled at her. "I think Mom feels like she's a burden and she needs to push us away sometimes to have alone time to think. But she knows that we're all here for her. She knows that she doesn't have to suffer alone." She wiped at the tear that had fallen down her cheek.

"You're right." Emily said stiffly. She sighed heavily. "Are you feeling all right? Are you going to be able to focus at Yale this fall?" She met Rory's gaze. Her expression was unreadable.

"I'm going to have to. Mom is my priority but school is important too. I'll call her everyday of course, but I think having Paris and Logan there with me will help me focus in a way. They'll be there for me…" She trailed off, lost in thought. She knew Paris would be supportive, but she was a little wary of Logan. She wanted things to go back to normal once she was back at Yale, but she wasn't sure if Logan would be ready to be with her. But she wouldn't blame him if he wasn't.

"How's Logan doing?" Emily asked.

"Um. We're taking a break right now. I'll see him when I go back to Yale."

"Oh." Emily seemed to be surprised. "Are you okay with that?" She asked gently.

Rory was touched that Emily cared. "Yeah. It was my idea. I could tell he was stressed out with everything that he has on his plate right now. I didn't want to rely on him for everything but I also wanted him to be there for me more. It's complicated." She shrugged.

"I understand." Emily conceded. "I want your grandfather to be here more often but he has to work too. We all need to handle all responsibilities but we also need to balance work life with home life. It's hard." She looked away.

Rory just nodded. She didn't want to tell Emily about Logan spending his time with Colin and Finn. They finished eating in silence then Rory said goodbye and promised to call later that night when Richard would return.

Luke switched lanes as they got closer to the highway exit that was close to their destination. Lorelai still had no idea where they were going.

"Close your eyes." He told Lorelai.

"What?"

"Close your eyes so it will be a surprise." He said.

Lorelai closed her eyes. Luke looked over at her for a split second. He smiled to himself. He hoped that she would like what he had planned for them.

He parked the truck and told her to wait. He got out and quickly walked around to the passenger side and opened to door. He reached for her hand and she threaded her fingers through his. He helped her out of the truck and they walked for a few minutes, Lorelai keeping her eyes closed.

Luke stopped, making Lorelai stop. "Open your eyes."

Lorelai grinned and opened her eyes. They were standing in front of a sign that said Goodwin Park.

"Oh." Lorelai whispered.

Luke squeezed her hand. "I thought we'd take a walk then eat lunch. I packed a picnic. Is that okay?" He said quietly. He wasn't sure if she would like that idea.

She turned and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "It's more than okay. It sounds perfect."

"Are you sure… we co-"

She cut him off. "I'm sure."

"Okay." He whispered.

"Give me your hat."

"What?" He was confused.

"Give me your hat. I want to wear it. It's hot and I think I'd sweat to death wearing this." Lorelai pointed to her head scarf.

"Oh, right." He said. It was a hot day. She hadn't brought her own baseball cap. He took off his blue cap and handed it to her. She removed her head scarf and put the hat on forwards.

Lorelai wasn't comfortable wearing nothing on her head in public. She was used to being bald, but she didn't like being stared at. You could still see that she was bald under the cap, but it still gave her more confidence.

Luke had also gotten used to her being bald. He missed her hair, but he knew it would grow back eventually and she knew that she was still beautiful to him.

"Come on." He tugged her hand gently. They started walking through the park.

"This really is nice. It's nice to get some fresh air." She said a few minutes later.

"Mmm hmm," He agreed.

They kept walking and Lorelai was happy that he hadn't let go of her hand.

"I'm surprised you're still holding my hand." She giggled softly.

"Why?" He asked.

"Because I know you aren't really a hand holding guy. You hold my hand when I'm scared or worried, just not when we're walking…"

"You like holding hands." He replied.

"Yes. You're the one who doesn't." She smirked.

"I don't hate it." He frowned.

"I guess so, but you do it because I like it." She claimed.

Luke didn't say anything. His thumb caressed her wrist.

"You do it to make me happy." She said gently.

"I like to see you happy." He said in a low voice. He liked to see her smile as it was a rare occurrence these days.

"I know." She responded. They walked around the park and made their way back to the truck. Luke took out the picnic basket from the back.

Lorelai was amazed that she hadn't noticed it before. He also picked up a blanket. He locked the truck and they headed over to a grassy area. Luke carried the basket in his hand and the blanket under his arm. Lorelai reached for his other hand but he put his arm around her shoulders instead.

Lorelai leaned against him. She thought back to a year ago. Who would have thought we would be here now? She thought. When he spent seven weeks with Liz and TJ last summer, she thought about him every day. She missed him like crazy and Rory was in Europe with Emily so she was lonely. Every day she would remember their kiss and smile to herself. She couldn't wait for him to come back so they could start their relationship. She was nervous to become more than friends but she also knew it was right, that they were right.

"Luke?" She said to get his attention.

"Yeah?" He answered, his eyes filled with concern.

Lorelai smiled to ease him. She figured he was worried that something was wrong. "Thank you for kissing me."

"Huh?" He was confused.

She laughed. "It is a weird thing to say… I mean thanks for taking a chance and kissing me. I'm just…" She looked at him. "Thankful that you kissed me that day and that we took a chance and made our friendship into something deeper you know? I'm just happy to have you." She looked down. She didn't think she worded that the best way.

"Me too," He said. He pulled her closer and rubbed her back. They found a spot and Luke spread out the blanket. He placed the basket on top of it then reached out for Lorelai.

He pulled her into a deep kiss, knocking the hat off.

When they pulled apart, she blinked. A slow smile spread across her face. "Well, that was… wow."

Luke grinned. He wanted to show her that he felt the same way.

"Let's eat." She said quickly.

Luke nodded and they sat down. He noticed that she didn't put the hat back on. He picked it up and put it on her backwards.

She stuck her tongue out at him. He didn't laugh or smile, he just looked at her. She leaned in and pecked his lips.

They sat and ate, chatted a little bit.

"Lorelai," He said seriously when they had finished eating.

"Hmm?" She mumbled.

"I know it will be hard for you… when Rory goes back to Yale. I'll be there for you." He said softly.

"I know." She said simply.

"I know it's not the same as her being there but…" He trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"I know hon. I know you'll never leave me and I know everything will be harder without Rory there… but you don't need to take care of everything by yourself." She sighed. "What I mean is you don't always need to drop everything to care of me." She stopped and looked at him.

Luke wouldn't meet her eyes. "But I want to."

She reached out and rubbed his arm. "I know and I appreciate it but you need to take care of yourself too. I worry about you too… remember that." She moved her hand to his cheek.

"Okay." He whispered. He knew she was right. They had talked about it before and he didn't want it to be a thing. They were both stubborn and they worried about each other. He knew nothing good would come out of arguing and that his health mattered too.

She met his gaze and he leaned in and captured her lips with his. They shared a few tender kisses before Lorelai pulled away. She looked up and frowned.

"Um when did it get so dark?"

Luke looked up and noticed that the clouds had covered the sun. It looked like rain was coming.

They looked at each other for minute, silently debating whether or not they should leave.

Lorelai felt a rain drop on her face. Before she could speak, it started raining harder. She gasped.

"Did you bring a jacket?" Luke asked.

Lorelai shook her head.

"I told you to being one!" He shouted.

It started to pour. Luke jumped up and started picking up their trash and putting it into the basket. Lorelai sat there with her eyes closed.

Luke stared at her. "Come on, let's go."

Lorelai stood up. Luke rolled up the blanket then held out his hand to her.

She didn't take his hand.

"Lorelai! Come on! We're getting soaked!"

Lorelai grinned. For some reason, the rain pleased her. She looked at Luke and saw the annoyed look on her face. She still didn't take his hand. She ran towards the truck, laughing.

Luke didn't think it was funny. He ran as fast as he could and caught up with her. They quickly got in the truck. Luke grunted. He was soaked from head to toe.

Lorelai had trouble catching her breath. Luke turned to face her.

"You okay? You shouldn't exert yourself like that." He patted her back.

She steadied her breathing. "I'm fine." She assured him.

"You're shaking." He pointed out.

"I'm just cold." Her teeth chattered. She was wearing a thin t-shirt and jeans.

Luke started the truck and turned the heat on. He drove as fast as he could.

When they got home, they rushed into the house. Luke ushered Lorelai upstairs and told her to take off her clothes.

Lorelai raised her eyebrows. "You want to see me naked?" She teased.

Luke rolled his eyes. "You need to take a hot shower."

"Will you join me?" She asked with a smile.

"I guess. I'm cold too." He said quietly.

She grinned as she started removing her clothes. He shook his head but smiled too and stepped into the bathroom.

Rory arrived home half an hour after Lorelai and Luke did.

"Mom?" She called out.

"Upstairs!" Lorelai shouted out.

Rory headed upstairs she stopped outside Lorelai's bedroom. The door was only a fraction open. She heard Lorelai giggling and she wasn't sure what was going on.

Luke and Lorelai were lying on the bed, Luke was tickling her.

"Stop!" She whispered between giggles. She didn't know what had gotten into him. They had been lying in the bed relaxing when Luke rolled over and started to rub her arm, which turned into him tickling her.

"Is it safe to come in?" Rory called from the hallway.

Lorelai pushed Luke's hand away.

"Yes sweets." She told Rory.

Luke blushed and got out of bed quickly. He wasn't wearing a shirt, only sweat pants.

As Rory stepped in the room, her eyes drifted from Lorelai to Luke.

Lorelai was fully dressed under the covers. Rory blushed and turned away as Luke put on a shirt.

"What's up hon? How was your day?" Lorelai asked Rory as she sat up.

"My day was fine. I just visited Lane. She and Zach are doing well."

"That's good. And how was brunch with Grandma?"

"It was good. How was your date?" Rory glanced at Luke. He was standing a bit awkwardly.

Lorelai gave Luke a look that said 'relax' and he did. "Our date was fun. Luke took me to a park and we had a picnic."

"Aww how sweet," Rory smiled.

Lorelai nodded. "But then it rained so we had to leave."

"We had to leave but you wanted to stay." Luke remarked.

Lorelai made a "tsk" sound. "I was having fun." She told him.

"I don't know why getting soaked is fun for you… you were freezing afterwards." He mumbled.

"I don't know either… it was just something I hadn't experienced in a while, I enjoyed it." Lorelai said.

Rory smiled at them. She was glad that Lorelai had fun and she knew that Luke felt the same way.

"Are you hungry? Luke was about to start dinner." Lorelai stood up and walked over to Rory.

"Yeah, I could eat." Rory said.

"Then let's head downstairs." Lorelai wrapped her arm around Rory. She looked at Luke.

"Are you coming babe?"

Luke nodded. He opened his mouth to say something, but his cell phone rang.

"I'll meet you guys downstairs in a few minutes." He picked up his phone from the nightstand. "It's Liz." He told them.

Lorelai and Rory left the room.

"Hey Liz,"

'Hi big brother, how's it going?"

"Fine,"

"How's Lorelai?"

"She's all right. We went out today, got some fresh air."

"That's nice and is Rory doing okay?"

"Yeah," Luke answered.

"So what's up? I missed your call last night." Liz said.

"Well, I wanted your opinion on something."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Um well I think I want to marry Lorelai." Luke told her.

"You think?" Liz laughed.

"I know I do." Luke clarified.

"That's great Luke. What did you want my opinion on? Do you want me to talk to Lorelai to find out if I think she'd say yes to a proposal?"

"No, no nothing like that. I think I want to wait to propose until after she's finished treatment." Luke swallowed nervously. "I want to make sure that she's beaten this first…"

"Oh Luke," Liz said softly. "You're scared that she might not make it."

Luke started to say no, but stopped. "Yeah," One of his biggest fears was Lorelai losing her battle.

"Well I think it would be a good idea to wait. You would have all your troubles behind you and it would be a time to celebrate. So if she said yes, you would have even more to celebrate… does that make sense?" Liz answered.

"It does." Luke told her. "I think I will wait… I believe that she will beat this. I just get scared sometimes." His voice broke.

"I know." Liz understood.

"I just get reminded of when dad died and I get scared." Luke admitted.

"Oh big brother," Liz whispered.

"But I'm trying to stay positive. I haven't bought a ring yet or anything… do you think I should?"

"Yeah, I think you should. You want to marry the girl you love! This is a big thing!" Liz sounded excited.

"I was married before." Luke pointed out.

"There was no love in that marriage." Liz deadpanned.

"You didn't even meet Nicole." Luke said harshly.

"No, but I know that you didn't love her. I know Lorelai is the only woman you've ever truly loved."

Luke thought about that for a second. "I loved Rachel."

"She was your first love. Lorelai is your true love."

"Yeah." Luke agreed. "I have to go."

"Okay. Keep me updated." Liz said quickly.

"I will. Love you." He was surprised that he had said that. He guessed that Lorelai's diagnosis had made him realize that you should tell people you love them because you could lose them in a blink of an eye.

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye." Luke hung up and headed downstairs.

The next couple of months flew by. They were a blur of treatments, dinners at the Gilmore house, and cherished moments. They were also rough nights where Lorelai didn't get any sleep. There were nights where Rory stayed up with her and they talked about anything besides cancer. There were also nights where Lorelai snuggled up to Luke he held her as she broke down. She was nearing the end of chemo and things were looking up a little.

The week before Rory was set to go back to Yale, Luke asked to talk to her while Lorelai napped. Rory had no idea what he wanted to talk about. She hoped he wouldn't tell her that she was too good for Logan. She still wanted things to work out with him, they had talked on the phone a few times and things were okay between them.

"So um… I'm going to ask your mom to marry me and I wanted to know what you think about that." Luke said slowly.

Rory was a little taken aback. She smiled. "Oh. Luke that's wonderful."

Luke raised his eyebrows.

"Really, it's great Luke. Mom loves you… and I do too. You've always been there for us and I know that will never change. I know Mom will say yes."

"Thanks Rory… I think she'll say yes too. I just wanted to ask you if you'd like to help me pick out a ring." Luke felt a tug on his heartstring.

"I'd love to." Rory replied. "Do you want to go now?"

"Sure." Luke smiled.

Rory left a note for Lorelai. It said that she and Luke had gone to pick up some groceries.

Author's note: Thanks for reading. I hope you liked this chapter, it's kind of a filler chapter.
Reviews are appreciated.