Thank you for your continued support and I'm glad you enjoyed the little bit of happiness in the last chapter! :) Here's the next chapter and it's a big one! ;)
Chapter 26
Charlotte woke up and glanced at the clock which said it was 7:00. She looked across at Rory's bed and smirked as she saw her sister already up writing in her notebook. "Already making lists?" She said.
Rory grinned at her. "Well I've got so much to do this morning. I need to make sure I have time for it all." She said.
"Trust you to still be making your lists on today of all days!" Charlotte teased.
"Yeah yeah, I'm weird. I know!" Rory smirked. "According to my list, I need to have a shower now." She grinned getting up and heading out of the bedroom.
"Hey Ror?" Charlotte said.
"Yeah?" Rory said turning round.
"You're getting married today." She smiled softly.
Rory smiled. "I know." She said happily.
"How are you feeling?"
"I can't wait." She beamed before disappearing off to have a shower.
Charlotte grinned before getting up and going into the kitchen to make coffee for when Rory was out of the shower. She smiled as their mom entered the kitchen.
"Oooh coffee! Thank god!" Lorelai said. "Where's the bride?"
"In the shower." Charlotte said. "She's made herself a very organised schedule of her morning events." She smirked.
"Sounds like Rory." Lorelai laughed.
"Do we have anything good in for breakfast?" Charlotte asked looking round.
"I don't know. I was meant to do the shopping yesterday but I got stuck at the inn." She said.
"So no then." Charlotte smirked just as the doorbell rang. "That won't be Grandma and Grandpa yet, will it?" She said.
"I wouldn't put it past them." Lorelai said.
Charlotte walked to the door and opened it. She grinned when she saw who it was. "Oh my god, you saviour!" She exclaimed.
"Breakfast provided by Luke." Jess smirked handing her some take out bags.
"Tell him we love him!" She grinned.
"And how about the delivery man? Do you love him too?" Jess smirked.
"Maybe." She teased him. "You want to come in?" She asked.
"Nah, I better get back to Sam. He's already pacing around."
"He's ok though right?" Charlotte checked.
"He's good. He just wants it to happen." Jess smiled. "How about Rory?"
"She's Rory. Written a list about everything she needs to do this morning and how long she has for it." Charlotte grinned.
"Sounds about right." Jess chuckled.
"But she's really excited." She smiled.
"It brings it all back doesn't it?" Jess smiled. "The wanting it to just happen."
Charlotte smiled. "Yeah, it does." She said softly. She leant forward and gave him a kiss. "Thanks for the breakfast."
"You're welcome. See you in the square."
"Did you see her?" Sam asked.
"Rory? No. But Charlotte said she was up early arranging what needed to be done." Jess smirked.
Sam smiled at that. "Sounds like Rory."
"Yeah. Charlotte said she's really excited." Jess smiled.
"Yeah?" Sam said glancing at him.
"Yeah. So stop worrying and stop pacing. It's driving me crazy!" He smirked.
"Ha, says the person who was exactly the same on his wedding day." Luke said as he made some breakfast for Jack.
"Uh hello, pot, kettle, black?" Jess retorted.
Luke smirked slightly. "Yeah ok, you got me." He glanced at Sam. "Just try to relax. Come and eat something." He told him.
"Yeah ok." Sam sighed going to sit next to Jack.
"And you, be useful and go get some cards." Luke told Jess.
"What did your last slave die of?" Jess said.
"Not getting me cards." Luke smirked.
"Despot." Jess grumbled but got up and went off in search for some cards.
Later that morning, Charlotte was with Rory, doing her hair, in Rory's room while Lorelai was getting Mia ready for the day. "I can't believe today will happen and then you will have to go back to London." She said.
"I know. But my boss has been so understanding." Rory sighed. "And well...Lizzie's getting stronger now isn't she? You know I wouldn't go if she was still critical."
"I know." Charlotte assured her.
"Are you sure you and Jess will be ok not seeing her today? I feel bad..." Rory said.
"Don't be. Today's your day. We spent most of the day yesterday with her and the hospital said they would call if anything changes." Charlotte said. "Don't worry about it ok? Focus on you today. You're getting married." She smiled.
Rory smiled. "Yeah it doesn't seem real." She admitted.
"Yeah I remember the feeling." Charlotte said softly.
There was a knock on the door then and Lorelai peeked her head round. "Hon, your grandmother's here." She smiled.
"Oh great! Tell her she can come in." Rory said. "Is dad here yet with Penny and Gigi?"
"Not yet but I received a text from him and he said he's on his way." She said.
"Ok good. And is Luke coming here before we leave as well?" She asked.
"Yeah I think so. I'll ring him." She smiled.
"Thanks mom." Rory said.
"I'll just finish getting Mia ready and then we can get that dress on you." Lorelai smiled softly. "I know you don't have it on yet but you look beautiful."
"Thanks mom." Rory smiled softly.
"And what am, chopped liver?" Charlotte joked.
"You look beautiful too." Lorelai grinned.
"Why thank you." Charlotte grinned.
Lorelai then went off to find Mia again and Emily slowly walked in. "Morning girls."
"Hi Grandma." Rory smiled.
"How great does her hair look?" Charlotte grinned.
"Very pretty." Emily nodded approvingly.
"Thanks for coming, Grandma." Rory said softly.
"Of course I came! It's my granddaughter's wedding day." Emily said.
"I know. I just know it's short notice and I know you haven't always been that...well, approving of Sam..." Rory said hesitantly.
"Are you happy with him?" Emily asked softly.
"Yeah. Really happy." Rory said softly.
"Well that's all that matters. I know I can sometimes be...judgemental...but recent events have shown me that life's too short to focus on the small things. If you're happy, then your grandfather and I are happy." She said.
Rory blinked back tears. "Thank you Grandma." She said softly.
"What about Jess?" Charlotte quipped.
Emily rolled her eyes. "I've never had a problem with Jess, Charlotte."
"Uh, yeah you have." She said.
"Ok! No arguing on my big day!" Rory intercepted. She was grateful when there was a knock on her door again. "Come in!" She called.
Lane and Paris then entered. "Hey bride!" Lane grinned.
"Hey!" Rory grinned getting up to hug her. "Paris, I'm so happy you could make it!" She said hugging her as well.
"Do you think I would miss my best friend's wedding?" Paris said.
"Aw Paris, I'm hurt." Charlotte smirked.
Paris rolled her eyes. "You look good." She told Rory.
"Thanks." Rory said, smirking slightly at her friend's usual bluntness.
"Right, time for the dress hon!" Lorelai came in with Mia. "Go change upstairs and we'll wait in the living room."
"Ok!" Rory grinned and she disappeared off as everyone else trailed out to the living room.
"Is there room for one more in here?" Richard asked as he stuck his head round the diner apartment.
"Of course, Richard. I need to get off now anyway." Luke said. "I'll see you in the square. Good luck." He gave Sam a pat on the shoulder.
"Thanks." Sam nodded before glancing at Richard. "Hey...thanks for coming. I know it was short notice."
"Nonsense. Emily and I wouldn't miss this for the world." Richard said.
"Even if I'm not the kind of guy you expected marrying your granddaughter..." Sam said hesitantly.
"Nonsense. You love Rory and that's good enough for me." He said. He glanced at him. "You're going to look after her?"
"Of course." Sam nodded.
"Then I am very happy for you both." Richard smiled.
"Thank you." Sam let out a breath.
"You better get your jacket on. It's about time." Jess said.
"Really?" He said glancing at the time. He was surprised to see he was right. Playing card games sure did make the time fly.
"You ready?" Jess said.
Sam got his jacket and put it on, before letting out a big breath. "Ready." He said.
"Let's go then." Jess smiled.
"Oh Rory..." Lorelai breathed out as she watched her daughter walk down the stairs in her dress. "You look..."
"Beautiful." Charlotte smiled.
"Incredible." Lorelai blinked back tears. "Oh hon..."
"You really think so?" Rory smiled tremulously.
"I'm so proud to be your mom." Lorelai said softly giving her a careful hug.
"Your mom's right. You look beautiful." Emily smiled. "I..uh..I brought this with me. Your mom and Charlotte wore it at their weddings and I wondered whether you would like to wear it at yours." She said handing her the item.
"The tiara." Rory said softly. "I'd love to. Thank you." She smiled putting it on.
"We better get off or we'll be late." Emily said.
"Can you give us a minute?" Lorelai asked. "Take Mia with you so she's ready."
"Of course." Emily said understanding and she, Lane, Paris and Mia left to head towards the square.
"Do you think the tiara suits me?" Rory asked them.
"It's perfect." Lorelai smiled softly.
"Yeah. You really do look amazing, Ror." Charlotte said.
"Thanks." Rory said taking a deep breath. "This is it. I can't believe it." She said.
"You ready?" Lorelai smiled.
"So ready." Rory smiled as she saw Luke and Chris come in.
"Let's get this show on the road!" Charlotte grinned.
Charlotte, Lane and Paris had all walked down the aisle and took their positions on the bride's side. Sam took a deep breath and glanced at Jess who was stood beside him and who gave him a supportive smile. He knew Rory was next to walk down the aisle and he could barely contain himself. He tried to regulate his breathing before looking down the aisle and he felt his heart skip a beat as he saw Rory walking towards him.
Rory couldn't take his eyes off Sam as her dad and Luke walked her up the aisle. She felt all her nerves disappear in that moment as she knew this was right. Now she just couldn't wait to be married to him. She got to the end of the aisle and she kissed her dad's cheek before giving Luke a hug and surprising him with a kiss on the cheek as well. She then went and stood next to Sam. "Hey.." She breathed out.
"You look...incredible." Sam said.
"Thanks." Rory ducked her head slightly.
The ceremony then started and soon they got to the vows. "Now I believe Rory and Sam have written their own vows..." Reverend Skinner said. "Sam, would you like to start?" He said.
"Yeah.." Sam said taking a deep breath. "Rory..." He said facing her. "I know everyone's cynical about the cliche love at first sight but with you, it was." He started, feeling his voice shake already. He took another breath to try and contain his emotions. "The first time I saw you, I knew. I thought you were the most beautiful girl I'd ever met. And that hasn't changed. You really changed my life. I was a bit lost at the time but suddenly I met you and everything just felt better. You gave me a reason to live. You gave me a reason to be happy." He said blinking back some tears. "I love you so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." He said sincerely.
"Rory..." Reverend Skinner prompted.
"Wow..." Rory said emotionally, wiping away some tears. "Sam, I love you. I feel so grateful that you came to Stars Hollow that day and Jess introduced us. We started off as friends but slowly it developed into something more and it felt so...right. I'd never felt this feeling before and that's how I knew it was right. I knew you were the one. I can't imagine my life without you so I can definitely say today is the best day of my life." She smiled tremulously.
"Thank you both." Reverend Skinner smiled at them. "By the power vested in me, I can now pronounce you husband and wife. You can now kiss the bride."
Sam smiled and pulled Rory towards her before pulling her into a loving kiss. "I love you." He said.
"I love you too." Rory smiled.
Later that afternoon, after the meal, it was time for speeches. Lorelai stood up first. "I know it's not traditional for the mother of the bride to say something but I wanted to say at least something." She said. "I can't believe both my daughters are now married. It makes me feel old." She joked getting some chuckles. "Rory, I could not be more proud of you. You look beautiful today and I am so so happy for you. You know how much you mean to me and Sam, you've been part of the family for so long now so I'm happy it's now official." She smiled at them both. "I wish you both every happiness in what the future brings you and I can't wait to be part of that adventure. To Rory and Sam!" She said holding up his glass.
"To Rory and Sam!" Everyone said.
Chris stood up next. "I'll keep this short but Luke and I just wanted to say how honoured we were to be part of your big day today." He smiled at his daughter. "We know how much Sam makes you happy. We love you and we wish you every happiness for the future." He said before handing the microphone to Charlotte.
"So I'll try and get through this without getting too emotional!" Charlotte joked. She turned to Rory. "Ror, you know how much you mean to me. You've been there for me through all the highs and lows and I can't thank you enough. You've always been there by my side. You're the best sister anyone could ever ask for." She smiled tremulously at Rory, who was also blinking back tears. She turned to Sam. "Sam, you know how much I like you. I've never seen Rory so happy with anyone before. I know you'll look after her and I know you love her. But I must warn you, if you ever hurt her, I'll be first in queue to kick your ass." She smirked.
Sam chuckled. "Duly noted." He smirked.
"But seriously, you two are such a good match. It's clear you belong together and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. So let's toast to their future!" She smiled holding up her glass.
"To their future!" Everyone echoed.
Jess stood up next. "I knew I shouldn't have gone last." He grumbled making everyone laugh. "As Sam's best man, I just want to let everyone know that...he used to sleep with a teddy called Blue." He smirked. "And I'm sorry, Rory, he still has him!" He said causing everyone to laugh.
"Thanks mate." Sam shook his head.
"Hey, it's the best man's job to embarrass the groom isn't it? I'm just following tradition." Jess smirked. "But I guess it's too late to run for the hills now, Rory." He joked, seeing Rory laugh. "Seriously though..." He said turning serious. "Sam, you've been one of the few constants in my life and I want you to know how much I appreciate your friendship. You deserved to find someone who made you happy and I know Rory does. I knew from the first day I introduced you to her that you'd fallen for her. And in time, I know the feeling was mutual." He smiled. "Rory, you have been like family to me for years now and I'm happy that you and my best mate ended up together. He's a good guy. A really good guy. But I know you know that already." He said, seeing Rory nodding and giving Sam a kiss. "I know you're like family to me but since Charlotte's given Sam a warning, as his best mate I feel like I should return the favour and tell you if you hurt him, I'll be after you." He joked.
"Noted!" Rory grinned.
"To Rory and Sam!" Jess said holding his glass up.
The party was soon in full swing and Rory and Sam got on the dancefloor for their first dance. As the song played and Rory and Sam danced slowly together.
"Have you enjoyed today?" Rory asked.
"Are you kidding? Best day of my life." Sam smiled.
Rory smiled. "Yeah. Me too." She said softly, leaning her head on his shoulder as they continued to dance.
"Hey Rory?" Sam said.
"Yeah?"
"How would you feel if I came back to London with you?" He said.
"What, like a visit? Ooh or we can have our honeymoon there? But is it really a honeymoon if it's in a place I work?" Rory said.
"Probably not." Sam chuckled. "But no, I don't mean like a visit. I mean, like...permanently..." He said.
"What?" Rory said surprised.
"You said yourself that you don't know what your future there may hold." Sam said. "And, well, I don't think I could stand to be away from you for any longer."
"So, you mean you'd live with me? We'd live together in London?" Rory said, a smile appearing on her face.
"Yeah...So..what do you say?" Sam smiled. "Want to live together as husband and wife?"
"Are you kidding?" Rory exclaimed excitedly. "I say yes! I'd love it if you came with me."
"Good. Because I've already booked my ticket." Sam smirked. "I love you, Rory."
"I love you too, hubby!" Rory grinned, leaning in for a kiss.
So I hope you liked it! :) Please keep the reviews coming as I love reading your comments! :) Thanks again for all your support! It really does mean so much to me. :)