Hey guys, I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to update this! I had some unexpected issues going on in my personal life and haven't had time to write more chapters. But I did not forget about you all! At last here is the next chapter :) I hope you like it.
By the way, I can't remember exactly when it was that Christopher found the letter during the show. But for the sake of this story it's around the beginning of summer. Okay anyway, read and enjoy and I will try and update soon!
The following Friday night, Lorelai was curled up on the couch flipping through the channels on the TV. She hadn't left the house much in the past few days, she didn't feel like seeing anyone with the bruises on her face. She knew in this town it was inevitable that everyone knew what had happened, she also knew they meant well. But she just couldn't handle their pity at the moment, she needed to find a way to really start to move on with her life.
Rory had gone back to school and attended classes and finished up assignments she needed to do. She had promised Lorelai she would be back for the weekend even though Lorelai tried to protest and make her stay at school. April was still staying with them, and slept in Rory's room on an air mattress. Lorelai had assumed that Luke would go back to his apartment with her when she showed up but he had also refused to leave her side.
As much as she loved their support she was hoping to get back to normal soon, she hated everyone following her every move. She had at least been able to shake her parents for a few days, they were busy dealing with legal matters for the upcoming case against Christopher. She was pretty sure if her Mother had insisted on staying at the house too she would have lost it.
Despite all the company, she couldn't pretend that she wasn't becoming restless and depressed. She knew she needed to get out, but she couldn't seem to step out the front door which was strange because the attack had happened here. She had felt that staying in the house would be to hard but instead the idea of leaving made it feel even more real to her.
Sighing, she turned the TV off and laid her head back on the couch and closed her eyes. Luke was in the kitchen washing dishes and April had run to the store to pick up a few things for a project she had for school. When she heard the front door open, she was confused when she heard a number of different voices echoing through the hallway.
Sitting up, she watched as Rory, April, Lane and Sookie walked through the foyer and into the living room. "What's going on?" Lorelai asked nervously, "Rory I didn't think you would be back until much later…"
"Well I'm a good liar Mom." Rory said smiling as she placed a bag down on the coffee table and sat down beside her, "I got back a few hours ago but I had some calls to make and errands to run."
"I don't understand…" Lorelai said looking up at the rest of the girls just as Luke walked into the living room with a smile on his face.
"Lorelai sweetie," Sookie started, "I know how difficult this is but you really need to get out of the house. Staying locked away in here isn't going to make you feel any better and its only going to make you more depressed."
"Sookie…" Lorelai said shaking her head as she pulled at the sleeves of her long sleeve shirt, "I really don't want to go anywhere looking like this…I don't want anyone to see me."
"I happen to think you look beautiful." Luke said walking up behind the couch and placing a hand on her shoulder, "And Sookie's right, you need to get out of the house."
Lorelai cringed, "But I can't face anyone right now…you know I love this town but I can't imagine the questions they are going to have and I just-"
"This town does like its gossip but when it comes to serious matters they know where the line is." Lane said cutting Lorelai off, "And if for some reason they don't, they will have to face us."
Lorelai sighed, "Well where exactly would I be going?"
"To a party in the square." April said excitedly, "Ceaser and Dad have all your favorite foods cooking there as we speak and Westons has a great set up of deserts."
Lorelai looked over at Luke and raised an eyebrow, "When exactly did you have time to cook today? You were with me most of the day…"
"Well you did take a three hour nap and almost an hour long shower." He said with a smirk, "Babette came over while you were sleeping and stayed until I got back."
Lorelai sighed and looked back down at her hands, "Guys I don't know about this…"
Rory reached for her Mom's hands and squeezed them tightly, "Mom…I know how scared you are. I know how difficult this is for you to deal with but you aren't the type of woman who sits and home and cries…you're a woman of action."
Lorelai cringed and looked up at her daughter, "This is different Rory…"
Rory shook her head, "It's only different if you make it different Mom. If you stay locked up in here you let Dad win…"
Her daughter's words rang clear in her mind and she realized she was right, "I don't want that…I just…I'm so ashamed." She whispered as the tears threatened to spill over.
Rory shook her head and scooted closer to her, "You have NOTHING to be ashamed of Mom. Dad did this…not you."
"But they all know why he did it…they all know what I did to Luke…" She said glancing nervously over at him as he rounded the couch.
"Oh Mom…" Rory whispered softly, "Mom no one is mad at you or blames you for anything."
Luke sat on the coffee table and leaned closer to her, "Lorelai everyone in this town loves you. You know that...they just want to help you. We all do. And I think getting out and having a little fun will do you a lot of good. Screw Christopher, you can't be ashamed because he is a freaking coward."
"But Luke-" She tried to protest.
He shook his head, "No. No buts. If you tell me you don't want to go because you just don't want to have fun then I won't make you go. But if you try and tell me you don't want to go because you feel ashamed or embarrassed then I'm dragging you down there like you've dragged me to a million of those other festivals."
"Luke…" She chocked out trying not to laugh as she wiped at her tears.
He smiled at her, "Come on…I'll even dance with you."
"Slow songs and fast songs?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
He smirked at her, "Whatever you want."
"I'm going to hold you to that mister." She said with a small nervous smile.
He smiled back, "So does that mean you'll go?"
She took a deep breath and nodded slowly, "Yes…I'll go."
He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her forehead gently before he stood up and walked towards the door, "Okay. Then I'll get out of the way. I'll see you there okay?"
"Wait…you're leaving?" Lorelai asked nervously.
Luke smiled and looked towards the girls smiling, "I think they can take it from here."
"But where will you be?" She asked as she leaned against the back of the couch suddenly feeling afraid again.
He smiled softly at her and walked back over to her, kneeling behind the couch he looked her in the eye. "I'll meet you at the Diner when you're ready okay? Just call me. I'll be with you the whole time."
"Promise?" She asked in a shaky voice.
"I promise." He leaned forward and this time placed a kiss on her lips. "I'll see you in a little bit okay? I need to help Ceaser finish cooking."
She nodded slowly, "Okay…"
He winked encouragingly at her and then waved at the girls before walking out of the house. Slowly, Lorelai turned back to the four girls staring at her by the couch and took a nervous breath.
"So…what now?" Lorelai asked skeptically.
Rory reached for the bag, "Now the real fun begins!"
"First things first, lets go pick out an outfit!" Sookie said reaching for her best friend and pulling her up off the couch.
"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to regret this?" She groaned as the girls pulled her upstairs towards her bedroom.
An hour later, Lorelai was standing in front of the mirror in her bedroom admiring her friends and daughters work. They had made sure her curls were perfect and picked out a beautiful red dress she had protested against at first. But Sookie insisted on the dress reminding Lorelai of the dress she had worn at Rory's graduation years before. Sookie said that Luke had been unable to keep his eyes off of her that day which had made Lorelai turn the color of the actual dress.
Lane had carefully applied just the right amount of make up to Lorelai's face that hid the still present bruise on her face. It wasn't as dark as it had been but it was still very visible until Lane had worked her magic. She still felt uncomfortable in her own skin, something that she had never really experienced. She had always been aware of her flaws like any other girl but she had felt confident enough in her appearance to look past them.
But now, after everything that had happened in the last few months she didn't recognize herself anymore when she looked in the mirror. Since the attack, she had made sure to avoid mirrors at all cost and even now when she was all dolled up she still didn't feel like herself.
A small knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts, and she smiled when she saw April poke her head in. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Lorelai smiled and motioned for her to come in, "Of course."
April smiled back and walked over to her with a small bag in her hands, "My Dad wanted me to give to this to you before we left."
Lorelai stared at her questioningly, "What is it?"
April lifted her hands and passed her the gift, "Open it and find out."
Her eyes flickered from April to the bag and then took it slowly, she pulled the card out first and opened it and began to read her eyes welling up with tears before she even finished the first word.
Lorelai,
The last few months away from you have been the hardest months of my life. We may never be able to erase the hurt we both caused but I think we can learn from it. From now on I promise you that I will be open with you about everything. When I say no more secrets I mean no more secrets. You're stuck with me Lorelai. I'm never, ever letting you go again.
I know lately you haven't felt very comfortable or confident with yourself. One of the things I have always loved about you is the way you carry yourself and are always so strong. I miss that Lorelai and I know she's still in there somewhere. I want you to wear this necklace to remember exactly who you are. I was never more proud of you then that night at the Dragonfly opening because you had made all of your dreams come true. Remember that woman Lorelai and show Christopher and everyone else that nothing can bring you down.
I love you Lorelai Gilmore.
And on the days when you don't feel your best, I'll be right by your side.
Love,
Luke
The tears were flowing freely by the time she finished the letter and opened the bag to reveal a beautiful silver dragonfly necklace.
"Oh Luke…" She whispered softly.
April smiled at her, "Do the tears mean you like it?"
Lorelai smiled and looked up at the young girl, "I love it."
"Good." April said smiling, "Dad was really nervous when he gave it to me. He wants you to be happy Lorelai. I may not have known him for very long but I can tell that he really loves you…he's been so sad while you guys were apart."
Lorelai swallowed nervously and stared at the young girl, "Your Dad is an amazing man April. I've tried to live without him but I know now that I can't…"
"Well good. Because you two clearly belong together." April said with a smile.
"Clearly." Lorelai said with a smile as she wiped a few stray tears away. "Can you help me with this?"
April smiled and took the necklace from her, "Sure."
Turning around, Lorelai looked in the mirror and held her hair back as April clasped the necklace around her neck. Her hands instinctively reached up to the silver dragonfly and rubbed the cool metal gently and felt her heart skip a beat. For the first time in a long time, she was starting to feel like the old Lorelai again.
"You look really pretty." April whispered, "Dad's gonna die when he sees you."
Lorelai smiled at her through the mirror, "Well I certainly hope not." She teased.
April smiled, "You ready?"
Lorelai smiled, "As ready as I'll ever be…"
April stepped aside and watched Lorelai reach for her sweater before they walked out of her bedroom. She met the rest of the girls downstairs and met their approving smiles before she called Luke and they walked out the front door towards the town square.
Lorelai looked around nervously at all the people already at the party. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she was faintly aware of her the girls talking around her. She was suddenly beginning to feel unsure again and she wanted to turn and run as fast as she could back to her house. But when her eyes fell on Luke walked from the gazebo towards her she reached for the necklace and reminded herself to keep breathing.
"You look beautiful…" He whispered to her as he stepped all the way up in front of her.
"Thank you." Her eyes lingered over his jeans and buttoned up white shirt, "You look very handsome."
He shrugged and pulled at his collar, "Patty said I had to leave the plaid and hat at home tonight."
Lorelai smiled, "I wouldn't have minded if you had stuck with the old uniform. I'm pretty fond of it." She said as she pulled his hands away from his collar, "But you do look pretty amazing tonight, all dressed up."
"Only for you." He said with a smirk.
"I'm going to go check on the boys and Zach. You better save a dance for me later Lorelai I've picked out some good tracks for us." Lane said as she walked away.
Sookie looked past Lorelai, "Oh no…Davey is in a stage three meltdown. Jackson can never handle stage three…" She started to walk away, "Meet you later at the cake station?" Sookie said with a smile.
"You got it." Lorelai said with a smile.
Rory smiled and put an arm around April, "I think April and I will start at the onion ring station and work our way towards the build your own burger table. See you guys later?" She said with a knowing smile at her Mom.
Lorelai nodded, "Pace yourself."
Rory smiled and leaned forward to hug her Mom, "I love you Mom. Have fun tonight."
Lorelai held her close, "I love you too kid. Thank you for everything."
"Remember you deserve to be happy…" She whispered. "Let yourself be happy."
Rory pulled away and started to walk with April towards the food. Lorelai looked around the town square and smiled as she watched all of her friends laugh, talk eat and drink and she suddenly was starting to feel at peace again. She turned towards Luke and took a nervous breath.
"I can't believe you're out here during one of these crazy parties." She said with a shy smile.
Luke shrugged, "You've always been able to make me do crazy things."
She smirked, "Like our first Halloween together when I made you dress up like Captain Jack Sparrow when we passed out candy?"
Luke grimaced, "Damn it Lorelai, you know I only did that because I lost a bet and you swore you would never bring that up again!"
She giggled, "I'm just agreeing with what you said about being able to make you do all sorts of crazy things."
"Yes. Okay. We all know it. We don't have to relive every ridiculous moment." He said with a grimace.
She laughed and leaned forward, taking his hands in hers. "Well if you remember correctly, after all the trick or treater's were gone I got to live out my Captain Jack fantasy which I think you thoroughly enjoyed…"
He gulped nervously, "I plead the fifth…"
She smiled and looked down, she gently toyed with the necklace again. "I really love my necklace."
He smiled and reached up to push her hair out of her face. "I'm glad. I really was proud of you that night Lorelai…just like I'm proud of you right now."
She smirked, "I don't think you have much to be proud of right now Luke…"
He shook his head and reached out to squeeze her hand, "Of course there is. Lorelai you are so strong…the strongest woman I have ever known."
She felt her eyes well up with tears, "I don't feel very strong."
"Well you should…look how far you've come Lorelai." He whispered to her, "When bad things happen to me I shut the rest of the world out crawl away into my little cave. That's exactly what I did when things went bad for us…but I should have fought harder."
"You tried…" She whispered. "You came to me and said you would run off to Maryland but I had already screwed it all up."
"I still should have fought Lorelai…even then. I knew deep down that I had pushed you to him but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to admit that I had screwed up long before you did. I run away when things get tough because its easy. But you fight back." He said honestly.
"Not always…" She whispered.
He shook his head again, "Maybe not right away but you do. You always do and I love you for that Lorelai. I love everything about you but I admire that so much about you. I want you to remember how strong you are, but I also want you to know that I'm here now. I'm not leaving again. I promise."
Her hands slipped from the necklace slowly and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you so much."
He breathed her in gently, "I love you too."
She pulled away and wiped at a few tears, "Come on…I'm starving."
He chuckled, "One track mind…"
She shrugged, "Some things never change…"
He smiled and let her drag him towards the countless tables full of fried food.
An hour later, Luke had gone back to the grill to help Ceaser fill up the tables again with more food. Lorelai was standing with Miss Patty and Babbette as they munched on a plate of cookies.
"So sugah…I really hope you aren't mad at me for calling Rory." Babette said nervously. "I know you said you weren't but-"
Lorelai shook her head, "Oh Babette I'm not mad at all. I should never have asked you guys to leave that night anyway. I was just in shock ya know? I couldn't believe what had happened and I was scared…"
"I know. But I didn't want to do anything to upset you." Babette said, "But I was just so worried about ya."
"I'm very grateful for everything that you did. Really I am." Lorelai said reaching for her friends hand. "Thank you."
"You know…you and Luke look pretty close…" Miss Patty said with a smile.
Lorelai blushed, "He's been amazing through all of this. I don't know why…or how he's even able to look at me but I haven't felt this safe in a very long time."
"That man loves you honey. He always has." Miss Patty said with a sympathetic smile, "You two may have gotten side tracked but you found your way back to each other and now you are where you belong."
"He's been so damn sweet." Babette said smiling, "But to be honest I'm surprised he didn't beat the crap out of Christopher…I thought he might that first night."
Lorelai grimaced, "Don't think he didn't want too. But I told him he couldn't. He'd lose April if he did and I don't want that to happen."
"How's it going with the girl?" Miss Patty asked, "I know it was a issue for you guys before…but she's been here for a few days. That's good right?"
"It wasn't about April. It was about the fact that Luke and I didn't have the best communication skills." Lorelai said honestly.
"No kidding. It only took you two eight years to admit your feelings to each other!" Babette said with a sigh.
"Remember the look on his face when he heard that Lorelai wasn't marrying Max?" Patty asked Babette.
"Oh my goodness yes! And remember that time Luke tried to make it work with Nicole and he said he was going to move into the apartment with her? God Lorelai you were so upset but you wouldn't admit why!" Babette said.
Lorelai grimaced again, "God you two really do know everything that happens in this town…"
The blushed, "Oh sorry dear…we just…" Miss Patty smiled sincerely, "We just have always wanted you two to be happy. And we've known Luke since he was a baby…we've always worried about him."
"But when he found you we thought if he could just admit how he felt he could finally be happy." Babette said.
"I know…" Lorelai whispered softly. "I want him to be happy too…"
"Its always been hard for him sweetheart. He lost his parents at such a young age and he's always been afraid to let people in. Especially after Rachel left…" Miss Patty said.
"And came back and then left again…" Babette pointed out.
"And again and-" Patty started.
"I got it." Lorelai said with a sad smile, "The thing is…this time I think we both know that this is it ya know? We've tried being apart, we tried to pretend that we didn't want to be together but it just doesn't work. I love him and no matter what I'm sticking with him."
"Good. That's good honey." Patty said reaching for her hand. "You two are just so adorable together."
"And I mean clearly the man loves you, that was evident the moment he dressed up like Captain Jack that one Halloween!" Babette teased, "Oh the dreams I had that night…" She said with an lust filled glint in her eyes.
"Babette!" Lorelai said swatting at her arm playfully.
"How you ever managed to get him to do that I'll never know." She said with a smile, "But I sure am grateful you did. I'm sad we never got a picture of it though."
Lorelai smirked, "I have pictures…"
"Naughty girl!" Patty said happily, "You better share those!"
"Not a chance…" Lorelai said with a chuckle, "But…I will tell you he was really good at playing the part."
"Oh God where is Morey? I need to get out of here…" Babette said fanning herself.
Lorelai couldn't stop laughing as Babette ran off towards her husband leaving her alone with Patty.
"So how are you really sweetie?" Patty asked, "Rory said the case is coming together and that since you weren't actually married it should go quicker."
Lorelai nodded, "That's what my Dad said, yes. Hopefully it will be as quick as possible. I just want to put it all behind me and move on with my life, you know?"
Patty nodded, "Oh trust me…I know."
Lorelai looked around and then licked her lips nervously, "I don't know if it's my place to ask but…how did you get past it when it happened to you?"
Patty smiled, "Not in any healthy ways. I don't want to give you any advice because my ways weren't helpful. Besides, you have Luke and Rory and everyone in this town. All you need to do is focus on the people around you and remember we all love you. You deserve so much more than what that man did to you Lorelai and you need to remember that."
Lorelai nodded slowly, "I know. I just can't help but feel like I pushed him to this point you know? I was so stupid to agree to marry Christopher, I just…I was so sad and I think I thought I could force myself to love him so I would forget about Luke. But honestly it only made it hurt more."
Patty nodded her understanding, "I know. But nothing anyone does can permit someone laying his or her hands on you sweetheart. Christopher may have had a right to be angry but he had no right to hurt you like that. Besides…he's no angel. Clearly before this happened he had his own secrets and I think we all know he knew you didn't want to be married…he just swooped in at the opportune moment. He prayed on you when you were weak because he knew that was his only chance…you may have made mistakes but so did he. Unforgivable mistakes."
Lorelai was quiet for a moment, "Can I ask you something else?"
"You can ask me anything sweetie." Patty said reaching her hand out to squeeze her arm encouragingly.
"How have you been able to give your heart away so easily?" Lorelai asked, "I know I love Luke…I love him more than anything. I'm just afraid of ruining it all again. I don't think I'll survive it this time if I we don't find a way to fix it."
"Oh honey…" Patty said gently, "No one can predict what will happen. I can't say that things will always be easy for you two. Especially with everything that has gone on in the last year…you still have a lot to work on. But I believe in love Lorelai…and I believe that the two of you have a love that can make it through this."
"You believe in love even after everything you've been through?" Lorelai asked.
"I will always believe in love Lorelai. It is the purest most beautiful thing in the world. I may not have found the one in my life but I've had other kinds of love, which are just as great. I've had the love of friends, of a town and the love of dance and that was the love I was meant to have." She smiled softly and squeezed her arm again, "But you have the love of your daughter, your friends and a man and you can't let that slip away no matter how scared you might be. Take the chance sweetie…"
Lorelai smiled, "I think I will."
"Good." She smiled and looked out across the crowd again, "Oh good lord…Babette and Morey didn't even make it past the gazebo. Let me go break that up before they scare the kids for life."
Lorelai chuckled as she watched her walk away, she thought about what Patty had said. She knew that some people weren't lucky enough to find the kind of love she had with Luke. Even before they had gotten together her feelings for him had scared her to death. And even though things hadn't always been so good between them, the happy times definitely outweighed the bad times.
She didn't understand how he would ever forgive her for marrying Christopher but she believed him when he said he wasn't letting her go again. She knew they couldn't erase everything that had happened in the past few months but she knew they didn't have too. She knew their love was strong enough to make it through it all of this, and she knew that there was no life without Luke Danes.
"Hey are you having fun?" Rory asked interrupting her Mom's thoughts.
Lorelai smiled down at her daughter, "I am. I'm glad you all forced me to come tonight. You were right, I really needed to get out of the house."
Rory smiled and held up a plate for her, "Luke made Boysenberry pie. Just for you."
"He really is one of a kind that man." Lorelai said with a smile as she took the plate from her daughter.
"Yes he is." Rory smiled and watched her Mom closely, "How are you holding up?"
Lorelai smiled, "I feel a lot better today than I have in the last few days. I'm starting to think everything is going to be alright."
"That's because it is." Rory said softly, "You are so strong Mom, you always have been. You've always been so strong for me and I've never thanked you for that. But this time I want to be strong for you…I know you're worried about me missing school but I want you to know I'm here for you. Anything you need Mom…you know you can always count on me."
"When did you grow up?" Lorelai asked reaching up to stroke her daughters face, "I swear it was just days ago when you were dancing around the potting shed to Madonna and now you're about to graduate college. How the hell did that happen?"
Rory laughed, "Well I had a pretty amazing Mom who made the last 21 years so much fun they went by in a flash!"
Lorelai frowned, "Well if I ever do have another kids remind me to make their life extremely boring so it goes by extremely slow."
Rory rolled her eyes, "I'll keep that in mind." She paused for a moment before smiling, "You think you will have another kid?"
Lorelai's face flushed and she shrugged, "Oh honey I have no idea. I mean Luke and I have so many things to work on I don't think that's even something we could begin to discuss right now."
Rory nodded slowly, "True. But is it something you think you want?"
Lorelai swallowed hard, "I think maybe it is…" She paused, "How would you feel about that?"
"Mom…anything that would make you happy will make me happy. And you know how I feel about Luke…I want all of us to be a family. And I always did want a brother or sister." She shrugged, "I have Gigi but I never get to see her. And if you and Luke do end up together…I get April so that in itself is a sibling. But…I think I'd like a little baby brother or sister to play with too."
Lorelai smiled, "Good to know." She waited a moment, "You know you'll always be my first love right? You Rory Gilmore are the best thing I ever did. I don't ever want to imagine my life without you."
Rory smiled, "This is your chance Mom…your chance to finally be happy. Take it. Don't let anything stand in the way of it okay? Not this time."
Lorelai nodded, "I won't. I promise."
"Good." She said with a smile as she looked past her Mom, "I think its time you take Luke up on that dance…" She reached for her Moms hand and squeezed it gently before walking away, "Have fun."
Lorelai turned slowly and saw Luke walking slowly wards her, "Hey…" He whispered.
She smiled and placed the plate of pie down on the table beside her, "Hey…Ceaser okay manning the grill by himself?"
"I think he'll be okay for awhile. Most people are heading towards the desert table by now anyway." He said with a shrug.
She nodded towards her plate, "I appreciate that you made me some boysenberry pie…"
He smiled, "I have a full one back at the diner for you. Think you can walk away from this one for now?"
"It depends…what do I get if I walk away from it?" She teased.
"Dance with me…" He whispered holding his hand out to her slowly.
Her heart skipped a beat as she reached for him, "I would love too."
He smiled and led her out to the middle of the town square where other couples were dancing. Her heart was pounding in her chest as he pulled her up against him and placed one hand on her hip and took her other hand in his.
She leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder, "Luke?"
He held her close and breathed her in, "Yeah?"
"Do you remember when you told me you bought the Twickham house? And how you talked about kids…" She whispered nervously.
His steps faltered for a moment but he quickly fell back in line, "Yeah…why?"
She pulled away just slightly to look at him, "Do you uh…do you still want all that? You know the marriage and kids and stuff?"
He smiled at her, "Lorelai…"
"I mean I know that day I told you Chris and I weren't actually married I told you I only wanted to be married once. I meant that I wanted to be married to you." She sighed nervously, "And it's probably way to early in all of this to even be discussing this all but I just…I feel like we've wasted so much time. And I think we need to be better about communication if we're going to try this again. I don't want to screw it up.
"Lorelai-" He tried again.
"And I know you have April now so I mean you are a Dad so maybe you don't want all that again and that's okay. I just want to know now…ya know so we don't get further into this and then realize we aren't on the same page. I don't want to hurt you again and I can't get hurt again because I know I won't be able to handle it." She said quickly continuing to babble.
"Lorelai I-" He said more forcefully.
"I just want you to know that I love you. And that I'm in. I'm all in and I'm so so sorry about everything that had happened. I want a future with you Luke. It's all I've ever wanted but I was to afraid before but I don't' want to be afraid anymore." She huffed, "I mean technically I'm more afraid now then I ever have been but the idea of losing you again scares me more than what happened with Chris. I just…I need you to know how I really feel…and what I really want. And I guess I need to know what you want too…even if its not the same thing I just need to know now before we go any further…"
"I want to marry you." He said quickly before she could interrupt him. "I want to marry you, and have kids with you. I want you to try and feed them all sorts of terrible junk food and fight with you about making sure they eat healthy. I want you watch you dress them up in ridiculous yet adorable outfits for Halloween. I want to watch your face light up when they open their presents on Christmas. I want to grow old with you and hound you about your coffee consumption until the day I die. That's what I want Lorelai. That's what I've always wanted. And yes there is a lot going on right now and we have things to work on but this is it Lorelai. This is it for us. If you're in…I'm in."
She let him lead her across the grass as they continued to dance, "So uh…we're on the same page?"
"I guess we are." He whispered reaching up to brush her hair out of her face.
"It's not to fast?" She whispered nervously.
"I mean we should probably wait until the case is over…" Luke whispered sadly, "But as soon as you're ready I'm getting a ring on your finger Lorelai." He raised an eyebrow, "And this time I'm doing the asking."
Lorelai felt the tears prickle in her eyes, but for the first time in a long time they weren't sad tears but happy tears. "God I love you."
"I love you too. And this time around…I'm not going to be afraid to say it." He said honestly.
She smiled and stroked his cheek, "Good, because pretty much everyone in Stars Hollow just heard you say that…"
He looked around and realized everyone was watching them, "Aw Geez…"
She laughed and held him close, "You taking it back Danes?"
He groaned and then looked down at her smiling face and pulled her closer, "No. I'm not."
She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him gently before whispering. "Good. Because there's no getting rid of me this time."
He laughed and pulled her close to try and kiss her again before Rory and April jumped up in between them.
"Alright you two, enough of the kissy faces. You owe your daughters a dance!" Rory said triumphantly, she turned to Lane and smiled.
'Express Yourself' by Madonna came blasting through the speakers and Lorelai couldn't help but laugh. "Madonna?"
"Just like in the potting shed, I even remember all the moves." Rory said with a smile as she twirled around.
"No way am I dancing to this." Luke said with his hands on his hips.
"Oh come on Dad." April said laughing, "You can't say no to us."
"Yes I can." He said standing tall in front of them, "I won't do this."
April looked over at Rory, "Is this one of the times where I use the pout you taught me?"
Rory smiled, "Not only are you going to do it but all three of us are going to do it."
Luke shook his head, "Oh no. No you won't. It's not gonna work. I won't do this."
Lorelai giggled and linked her arms with the two girls, "On the count of three?"
"One." Rory whispered staring straight at Luke.
"Come on…" Luke whispered nervously.
"Two…" April continued.
"This isn't fair…" Luke said shaking his head.
"Three…" Lorelai finished for them.
Luke stared helplessly as the three most important women in his life pouted in front of him. He groaned and tried to kick his feet at the ground attempting to look away from them.
"I can't believe you two taught her that." Luke said sternly. "This is just…I can't believe…" He groaned again and walked closer to them. "Damn it. One dance!"
The girls cheered triumphantly and Luke couldn't help but laugh as April and Rory twirled around and Lorelai pulled him close as she sang to him. Despite the fact that he hated everyone was watching and laughing at him he almost didn't care anymore. He was finally back where he belonged and he was pretty sure he'd do just about anything they might ask him to do if it meant they were happy. Even if it meant making a complete fool out of himself…as long as his girls were happy...he was happy.
So what did you think? I will try and update soon! I promise!