Hey guys here is the next chapter. I am going to be kind of busy the next few days but I will do my best to write when I can so you will have an update soon. Thanks :)
Two weeks later, the trial was only one week away. The foundation for the house had already been built and Tom and his men were making good progress on the rest of the house. Lorelai and Sookie had figured out how to make the wedding at the Inn even though it meant bumping a few guests to a different date at a lesser charge.
The menu was set after a long and difficult battle between Sookie and Luke about what food would be best. Sookie had agreed to let her team of chefs handle the actual cooking during the wedding but Lorelai knew she would more than likely see her sneaking off during the wedding to check on thing sin the kitchen.
The old house had been sold and Lorelai and Luke had started packing up all of Lorelai's things and deciding what they wanted to keep and get rid of. On the weekends, Rory came by to go through her own things and decide what she would want to take with her to New York as well.
With everything going on, Lorelai hadn't had much time to think about the trial. But as the date got closer, she was beginning to feel more anxious about it. On this particular morning Luke was already down in the Diner serving the breakfast crowd. Lorelai was tossing and turning in bed as another nightmare reliving the night that Christopher had attacked her began to take over her brain.
She flinched as she felt his right hand grab hold of her waist as he continued to push her against the counter, "Chris please stop…"
His lips were against her ear as he continued to yell at her and his hand dug harder into her hip making her gasp in surprise and fear, "Do you wish it was him who was here with you tonight? Do you wish it was him who was touching you when we make love? Is that it? Do you picture him when I'm inside of you?"
The tears were falling freely now and she tried to push him off of her but it was no use. "Stop. Please stop!"
"Answer me Lorelai!" He said shoving her back against the counter again making her shriek, "Do you wish it was him when I kiss you? Do you wish it was him holding you at night?" He asked as other hand crushed the letter against her other side. "You want him Lorelai? Not me?"
She could barely breath now she was so afraid, she wanted to run and get as far away from his as she could but she knew she couldn't fight him off. "Chris-" She chocked out as he continued to shove her back, digging the hard surface into her lower back. "You're hurting me. Please…please stop."
"I bet you are thinking your precious Luke would never do this aren't you?" He said pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes. "Is there anytime you aren't thinking of him?"
"Stop! I'm not thinking about anyone else! You're my husband!" She yelled hopefully as the tears spilled down her cheeks and onto her shirt.
Chris glared at her as he pulled all the way away finally letting her go, "Don't you forget that."
Lorelai woke with a jolt and threw her legs over the side of the bed. She was sweating and shaking as she ran to the bathroom and leaned over the toilet and began to throw up. She was crying as she held the toilet close and emptied the contents of her stomach as she tried to hold herself up.
The bathroom door opened slowly, "Lorelai? I heard some commotion up here…are you okay?"
She sniffled and shook her head, "Luke go back downstairs. Please…"
Luke sighed and walked further into the bathroom, "Hey…it's okay. It's just me. If you're sick you don't have to hide it from me."
"Luke please…just go…" She said as she continued to cry. "Get out of here!"
"Fine…but come out here when you are ready. I want to talk to you. I'm not going anywhere…" He whispered as he reluctantly walked out of the bathroom.
She heard the door close behind him as she lifted herself up off the floor and flushed the toilet. She ran her shaky hands under the water and splashed some on her face. She checked her appearance in the mirror and saw her the bags under her eyes and knew he would be able to tell she had been crying pretty hard.
Sighing, she reached for her toothbrush and brushed her teeth. When she finished, she rested her hands on the side of the sink and took a few deep breaths trying to calm herself down. It had only been a dream…and yet it felt just as real as when it actually happened.
She took one more glance in the mirror before turning and walking out of the bathroom and into the bedroom where Luke was sitting with Paul Anka. "Hey…" He whispered.
She sighed and sat down beside him and pulled Paul Anka up onto her lap. "Hey…"
Luke watched her for a moment as she ran her hands through the dogs long fur, unable to look at him. "Are you okay?"
Licking her lips she fidgeted in her seat and shrugged, "I just had a bad dream…"
"About what?" When she didn't answer he nodded, "The dream about Chris again?"
She nodded slowly, "Yeah…I'm sorry. I just can't seem to stop it…"
He shook his head and moved closer to her, "Lorelai you don't have to apologize to me about a dream. We can't help the dreams we have…especially our nightmares."
She whimpered, "It felt so real Luke…it always does. I hate it."
He sighed and patted the spot beside him signaling Paul Anka to move, then he pulled Lorelai up against him and lay back so he could hold her close. "It's okay…it was just a dream. It's wasn't real…"
She sighed and held him close, "But it was…it actually happened Luke. And I can't seem to shake it…"
He ran his hand up and down her back, thinking back to that night that Rory had come to him to tell him what happened. He would never forget the way that Lorelai looked as she cracked open the door, the far and pain on her face had ripped through him like a knife. And then when he had seen the mark on her face he felt like someone had ripped his heart out. He never wanted to live through that again, he couldn't imagine what it was like for Lorelai to relive it in her dreams.
"I know it happened. And I hate that it happened…I wish I could change it all for you but I can't." He said holding her close, "But Chris is out of your life…and he will be permanently after the trial. You don't have to be afraid of him anymore…"
"I can't help it." She said snuggling into him, "I feel like whenever things are good for me something happens to ruin it all. And I've never been as happy as I am right now and I'm worried it won't last…"
"It will last." He said giving her a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "I'm not going anywhere Lorelai. I promise that this time nothing will tear us apart…"
She sat up slowly and looked down at him, "But you don't know that…you can't know that. No one can Luke…we don't know what will happen in the future."
Luke sighed and reached his hand up to stroke her face, "Things have been so good lately. You're just upset because the trial is coming up and you are nervous. Don't let Christopher have the power to upset you like this Lorelai."
"I'm not trying too. But it's the truth isn't it? No one can see what is going to happen in the future. No one can be sure that we will be together forever." She said starting to get upset again as she felt her eyes well up with tears.
Sitting up Luke was quiet for a moment, "You're right…no one can assure that but I can assure you that I love you. And after everything that we have been through nothing is going to change that. I know that now…"
She sniffled sadly and looked down at her hands in her lap, "I don't mean to upset you…things have been good and I don't want to ruin that. I'm just…I'm…"
"You're scared…" Luke whispered softly.
She swallowed the growing lump in her throat and nodded slowly, "Yeah. I am…I'm really scared Luke. I'm scared of everything…and I don't want to be."
"Tell me what you're scared of…" He whispered reaching a hand out to her to encourage her to talk more to him.
"I'm scared of find a way to screw this up. I'm scared about Rory moving to New York. I'm scared of letting you down and losing you again." She let out a shaky breath, "And I'm scared of seeing Christopher at the trial…"
He squeezed her hand, "First of all…you aren't going to screw this up, let me down or lose me, okay? Lets be clear about that." He scooted even closer to her. "And I know you are scared about Rory moving away but she's a big girl and you taught her well. She knows how to take care of herself because she learned from watching you take care of the two of you for so many years…"
"I just want her to be safe and happy…" Lorelai whispered softly.
Luke nodded, "And that's what makes you a good mother. And she will be safe, she will have Paris with her and your Dad found her a great apartment. And as far as seeing Christopher again…" He took a deep breath, thinking about having to face him himself, "I'm going to be with you the whole time, and so are your parents, Rory and Sookie. Christopher won't be able to get anywhere near you…he's going away for what he did. And after that you know your Dad said when he does get out of jail we can put a restraining order on him. No matter what I will never let him or any other person lay a hand on you…that's one thing I can promise you."
She tried to smile as the tears continued to fall, "Promise?"
He nodded slowly and leaned forward to kiss her gently, "I promise."
She let out a sigh of relief and leaned against him, "Can you stay with me for a few more minutes?"
He smiled and lay back down on the bed and pulled her up against him, "Of course."
Lorelai held him close as Paul Anka moved closer to snuggle with them both. He rested his head against her leg and she smiled holding her two favorite guys close. She was still scared about the trial but she knew that with Luke by her side she would be able to handle it all.
An hour later, Lorelai had showered and calmed down enough to have a quick breakfast in the Diner. She kissed Luke goodbye and thanked him for calming her down before she left for work. As she was crossing the street she saw Miss Patty standing outsid her study and she stopped to say hello.
"Good morning Miss Patty." She said with a smile as she held her coffee in her hand.
"Lorelai! You look beautiful today, but then again you always do." She said smiling at her before she whispered, "And look at that…I can't even see the bruises anymore."
Lorelai smiled nervously, "Yeah, they seem to have finally disappeared."
"And there will never be another bruise on that beautiful face of yours!" She said leaning forward to touch Lorelai's cheek softly. "The trial is coming up isn't it?"
"It's a week from today…" Lorelai said nervously shuffling her feet on the ground.
Miss Patty nodded her head and tried to smile reassuringly, "I know you are probably nervous but you shouldn't be. Knowing your father, he has hired the best lawyers in all of New England!"
Lorelai looked back up and smiled, "He did. And Christopher is actually pleading guilty so it shouldn't be a long trial…I guess I'm just nervous to actually see him."
Patty smiled sadly, "I can understand that…but Luke and Rory will be with you the whole time, won't they?"
Lorelai nodded, "Yes, and my parents and Sookie. I know I have seen Chris since this all happened I just don't know how I will react to seeing him in court. It seems so surreal that we have to deal with this situation right now. I'm honestly still having a hard time even accepting that it happened in the first place. For as long as I have known Chris I never, ever thought he could be capable of something like this."
"We never want to think the people we care about can do such awful things honey." Patty said softly, "When my husband hit me…I was floored. I was in denial for the longest time and unlike you I didn't press charges. I wish to God I did because he continued to hurt me for years until he found another woman. We got divorced and he married her…I heard through the grape vine he did a real number on her too. I always felt guilty about that…"
Lorelai frowned, "It wasn't your fault…"
Patty shrugged, "But maybe if I had told the police he would have been stopped. Then maybe she wouldn't have been hurt…"
"It's no good blaming yourself for it now Patty, it's in the past. It can't be changed. And that woman could have pressed charges too…" Lorelai tried to reason with her.
Patty nodded, "You're right, so just remember that you shouldn't be ashamed either about any of this. I know you feel like because of your history with Luke it was your fault this happened but it isn't. Christopher made his own decisions…when you see him in that court room don't get nervous and think its your fault. Okay?"
Lorelai nodded slowly, "I'll try to remember that…" She paused for a moment and then whispered nervously, "Um…can I actually ask you for a favor?"
Miss Patty smiled at her, "Sure doll, you know you can ask me anything!"
"Well…do you think you could come to the trial? I know its kind of last minute and I'm sure you probably have better things to do." She paused and shrugged her shoulders, "But it might be nice to have more support there…especially from someone who understands what I went through…"
The older woman's eyes began to shine with tears, "Oh sweetie of course I'll be there. Every time you feel unsure of anything you look right at me, okay?"
Lorelai smiled and felt tears welling up in her own eyes, "Thank you Miss Patty. Thank you so much."
She leaned forward and hugged her dear friend and said a silent prayer thanking God for giving her such good friends and family. She knew without them she wouldn't be able to get through this. They were there to remind her that everything was going to be okay and that none of this was her fault. She knew if she was alone she would have fallen a part a long time ago and let Chris get away with it. To be honest she could still be with him if it wasn't for all of them. And for that and so much she was eternally grateful.
The two women said their goodbyes and Lorelai continued on her way to The Dragonfly. When she walked in she was surprised to see Michel standing behind the desk with a smile on his face.
Ever since this had all happened he had been extremely kind to her, his usual scowl and sarcastic comments were hidden away somewhere. As thankful as she was to him for being so supportive and understanding she still wished things would go back to the way they had been. She didn't want to be handled with care anymore like most people had been doing with her.
"Good morning Michel. Sorry I'm a little late…I had a rough start this morning." She said as she placed her bag in her office before returning to stand beside him.
"Not to worry!" Michel said cheerfully, "Things have been pretty slow here. I printed out the menus for the new lunch specials Sookie asked for. I had a meeting with the maid staff to go over the new cleaning regulations and I made sure to rearrange all the guests for over Labor Day Weekend."
Lorelai stared at him in disbelief, "You did all of that before ten o'clock and you call it a slow morning?"
Michel shrugged, "It was no trouble at all. I didn't want you to have to worry about all of that with everything else you have going on."
Lorelai smiled at him, "Michel you know I appreciate how helpful you have been lately. You've been working so much extra because of all the time I have taken off and that has been great. But…you don't have to pretend to like me anymore. It's okay…I can handle the old snarky Michel. In fact I would welcome him right about now! You're starting to scare me…"
Michel tried to keep smiling, "I just want to help you in whatever way I can Lorelai. You shouldn't have to worry about things falling apart here when you have to be focusing on the trial, the wedding and Rory moving. That's a lot to handle without adding the stress of work."
Lorelai shrugged, "I don't mind really. Having work to focus on has helped distract me from the trial and Rory moving. And to be honest most of the wedding preparations are already taken care of thanks to Sookie and my parents. All I really need to do is find my dress now because Rory picked out bridesmaid dresses for everyone."
"You don't have a dress yet?" Michel asked with a frown. "The wedding is less then a month away!"
Lorelai sighed, "I know…but I just can't find the perfect dress. I mean I feel like I had it before and now I can't wear that…it would be bad luck. Luke saw it and that was for a wedding that never even happened. Luke and I want a completely fresh start this time around which would require a whole new dress."
Michel was quiet for a moment letting her words sink in, "You know I haven't decided what I wanted to give you for a wedding present yet…"
Lorelai shook her head, "Michel you don't have to get me a present. All the over time you have been working has been a big enough present! You'll be working a lot while I am on my honey moon too so don't worry about it."
Michel shook his head, "Nonsense. I have to get you a present! I just wasn't sure what to get you that would satisfy your lumberjacks taste as well as yours." He said this with a roll of his eyes and she watched as he scowled.
Lorelai chuckled, she could see the old Michel starting to creep back in. "Yes we do have very different tastes. But Really you don't have to get us anything…but if you insist on something don't worry about Luke. He usually just goes along with whatever I say…" She said with a smile and a shrug.
"Yes well…what if I helped you find your perfect wedding dress?" Michel asked eying her curiously.
"How would you do that?" She asked curiously, she suddenly had visions of herself wearing a dress with giant flowers and a train as long as Princess Diana's and she began to wonder how she could get out of this.
"Well my cousin Alexia works at Kleinfelds in New York City. She owes me a favor so if you wanted I could get you an appointment there this weekend…" He said with a smile.
Lorelai's eyes lit up. "Kleinfelds? Sookie and I called there a few weeks ago and they said they didn't have an opening until at least November!"
Michel shrugged, "It helps to know people in high places Lorelai…how long have I been telling you this? When your fashion sense consists of rhinestones and hello kitty t-shirts you don't end up meeting people in high fashion…"
Lorelai glared at him, "Ha Ha! Very funny Michel." She pouted, "I take it back…I think I want the new nice Michel back!"
Michel rolled his eyes, "Do you want me to call my cousin or not? We could go up with Sookie and Rory this weekend and get you a dress and then you can check out Rory's new apartment. I know you have wanted to see it. It might be a good distraction for you too."
Lorelai smiled at him, "Michel that would be so amazing! Can you really do it?"
Michel nodded, "But of course! Consider it my gift to you."
The smile on her face only grew, "So I uh…I know you aren't big on hugs but do you think this one time you could make an exception?"
Michel tried to grimace but he couldn't help but smile at her, "Oh fine…but it must be a quick one!"
Lorelai giggled and threw her arms around the tiny French man and gave him a tight squeeze. When he began to squirm she pulled away, snuck a quick kiss on his cheek (much to his surprise and dismay) and ran off to the kitchen to tell Sookie they were going to the City for the weekend!
Very early that Saturday morning, Sookie, Lorelai, Rory, Liz and Michel packed up Sookie's van and Michel's Prius and were ready to go. They were going to pick up Emily and April along the way so that they too could be a part of the wedding dress shopping.
Luke stood outside the Diner with a tray full of to go cup's filled with coffee and couldn't help but smile. He hadn't seen Lorelai this happy in a long time and what made it even better was knowing that she was happy because she was going to get a wedding dress to marry HIM.
Lorelai pulled herself away from her friends and walked over to him on the curb, "We shouldn't be back to late tonight. Seeing as we are leaving at the ass crack of dawn we should make good time."
"So charming…" Luke said with a chuckle, "Although I am impressed that you are so cheerful before six am!"
Lorelai shrugged, "Why wouldn't I be cheerful? I get to spend a whole day playing dress up with some of my favorite people…minus Michel…" She mumbled under her breath, "And at the end of the day hopefully I'll have my perfect wedding dress to marry my perfect man." She finished her speech with a peck on his lips.
He smiled and kissed her back, "Well at the moment Michel probably should be one of your favorite people. Without him there would be no shopping at this Klidenhoffer place…"
Lorelai giggled, "Kleinfelds…"
Luke rolled his eyes, "Whatever. The point is you should be nice to Michel. At least for today and then tomorrow you can go back to being mean to him as usual."
"He's mean to me too!" She said with a playful pout, "I only give back what he dishes out first!"
Luke laughed, "Whatever you say dear."
She huffed and then smiled, "I can't wait to marry you in my pretty, pretty dress."
Luke smiled and took his free hand to hold her hips tightly, "I can't wait to marry you period." He pecked her lips softly, "Thanks for picking up April. It really means a lot to her that you want her to be there."
"Of course she has to be there!" Lorelai said, "She's one of my bridesmaids and my future stepdaughter. I can't make this decisions without her."
"And that is one of the many reasons why I love you." He said leaning into kiss her again, "But you better get going before your mother starts calling you demanding to know why you are late."
Lorelai sighed, "Why did I have invite her again?"
"Because she is your mother and she is paying for the wedding…" He said with a laugh as she pretended to drag her feet behind her.
"Oh fine. But as soon as the wedding is over I say we drop her!" Lorelai said with an evil smirk.
"Hopeless…" Luke muttered as she got into the passenger seat.
"What did you say babe?" She asked turning to him after she buckled her seatbelt.
"Nothing." He said with a chuckle as he handed her the coffee. "You guys drive safe and call me as soon as you get there and before you leave."
"Yes Dad…" Sookie and Lorelai said together.
He rolled his eyes, "Just be careful okay? People in New York City drive like maniacs!"
"Yes! Ranting Luke! I love ranting Luke!" Lorelai said clapping her hands as she remembered his last City rant.
"Well if we don't leave before he really gets going we'll never make it for our appointment." Liz said from the back seat.
Luke chuckled, "Have fun. I'll see you when you get home."
"And you'll have delicious cheese burgers and friends waiting for us after our hard day of wedding dress shopping right?" Lorelai said leaning her head out the window.
He smiled down at her, "You got it." He leaned down and pecked her lips, "Love you."
"Love you too Burger Boy! See you later!" She waved as Sookie began to pull away and Michel followed behind them in his car with Rory.
Luke stood on the curb and smiled as he waved to them and couldn't stop his mind from imagining just how good Lorelai would look in her perfect dress…
When they finally made it to Kleinfeld's, Alexia brought them to a private showing room where dressed lined the walls. The girls stood in amazement at all the white lace and satin stared back at them.
Lorelai leaned over to Michel, "Remind me to give you a raise…"
Michel smiled at her, "Oh trust me…I will!"
Alexia smiled and clapped her hands together, "So Michel told me when the wedding is so that doesn't leave us much time…do you have any idea of a style you might want?"
Before Lorelai could open her mouth Emily piped in, "She wants a ballgown."
Lorelai glared at her, "Uh no I don't, I want a-"
"I think you would look amazing in a mermaid style dress!" Sookie said clapping her hands together excitedly.
"Not really my style Sooks, I was thinking more along the lines of-" Lorelai tried again.
"Oh what about one of those super sexy ones that are like see through? Luke would love that!" Liz said with a suggestive smirk.
"Lorelai you will have absolutely NO cut outs on your wedding dress." Emily said angrily with her hand on her hips.
Lorelai sighed, "I wasn't planning on it but I-"
"What about a big train and lots of flowers?" Michel asked already walking around and grazing throught he racks.
Rory looked over and saw the nervous look on her mothers face, she quickly walked to her side and looped arms with her. "Why don't we let Mom take a look at a few dresses and get an idea about what she wants? Then we can give her some opinions…but only if they are positive opinions!"
Lorelai smiled at her daughter and mouthed a silent thank you as they walked towards the racks. Everyone dispersed and began to browse through the racks on their own, keeping their opinions to themselves. Lorelai, Rory and April all stood together and began to sort through dresses.
"I think you will look beautiful no matter what you wear." April said, "Dad will think so too, he always talks about how pretty you are."
Lorelai blushed, "Thank you April…you're so sweet."
Rory smiled at her Mom and soon to be step-sister and began to browse the dresses again, "How do you feel about lace, Mom?" She asked as she pulled a few dresses out.
Lorelai smiled, "I like it. I think I could see myself in a dress with lace."
"Want to try a few on?" Rory asked holding out two different dresses for her.
Lorelai nodded and they walked together to the dressing room to try them on. Alexia and Rory helped her put them on and Lorelai modeled them on by one for her friends and family. After an hour, the perfect dress was still yet to be found. Lorelai was beginning to feel discouraged as they took a break for lunch brought in by some of Alexia's co-workers.
"Don't worry Mom…" Rory whispered to her as she squeezed her hand. "We'll find it."
Lorelai tried to smile back, but the truth was she was starting to worry they wouldn't find it before they left the store today. With just under a month until the wedding she worried she wouldn't find a dress at all. They sat all together talking casually as they ate and discussing other wedding details.
A few minutes later, something seemed to catch Emily's eyes and she wandered away leaving everyone else behind. When she returned, she was holding a dress in her hand with capped sleeves, a plunging neckline and lace from top to bottom. It wasn't poofy but would show off Lorelai's curves and had a satin ribbon around the middle.
"Oh my goodness…" Lorelai whispered as she saw the dress. "That dress is beautiful…"
"I know you don't necessarily like my style…but I saw this and I knew you had to try it on. I think it would look beautiful on you…" Emily said with a small smile as her eyes welled up with tears.
Lorelai walked over to her Mom and took the dress from her, "Will you help me put it on?"
Emily looked at her daughter with a surprised expression, she only nodded because the lump in her throat made it impossible for her to speak. Together they walked to the dressing room and closed the door behind them as the rest of their party waited for them. Silently, Lorelai took everything off except her undergarmets and then Emily helped her slip into the dress.
When the back was zipped up and they realized it was the perfect size, both mother and daughter gasped as their eyes met in the mirror. The dress was perfect…the length, color and style fit her perfectly and Lorelai immediately knew this was her dress.
"Oh Lorelai…" Emily whispered as she put a hand over her mouth, "You look stunning…the most beautiful bride."
Lorelai reached up behind her and took her Mother's hand, their eyes met in the mirror and she smiled. "Thank you Mom…"
Emily cocked her head to the side, "For what?"
"For everything…for finding this dress…for being so supportive of me through the trial and with my engagement to Luke. I know we haven't always had the easiest relationship but having you here means so much to me. I hope you know that…" She whispered.
Emily smiled and squeezed her daughters hand, "I do know that. And it means a great deal to me that you want me here…"
Lorelai smiled and then turned to face her, "Can we go show it to everyone?"
Emily nodded and stepped aside to open the door for her daughter, together they walked out of the dressing room. Emily made sure Lorelai didn't trip over the back of the dress. As they stepped into the showing room, everyone immediately went silent and Rory stood up and walked straight to her Mother.
"Mom…" Rory whispered reaching her hand out for her. "Mom you look so beautiful…"
Lorelai smiled, "You think so? I really love this dress but I want you to like it too."
"If you don't get this dress I may have to kill you." Rory teased, "This is definitely the dress…the perfect dress."
Lorelai beamed at her daughter and looked over at her friends and family, most of whom were crying. "What do you all think?"
"I agree with Rory…it's perfect." Sookie said as the tears streamed down her face, "I've never seen such a beautiful bride."
"Dad's gonna love it…" April said with a smile.
Lorelai smiled and turne to Liz, "What do you think Liz?"
Liz continued to smile at her and then stood up, "I think it's amazing…but it needs one final touch…"
Lorelai stared at her questioningly but smiled when she watched her future sister-in-law walk across the room and pick up a flowered wreath. Liz walked up behind her and placed it ontop of her head and arranged it against her dark curls.
"Just like your first date at my wedding…I know Luke loved those flowers." She said squeezing Lorelai's shoulder. "Now its perfect…"
Lorelai looked at herself in the mirror and felt the rush of emotions wash over her. She couldn't believe she was actually standing here with the people she loved picking out her wedding dress to Luke. Sure she technically had already done this but this time around it was different…and this perfect dress proved it.
Alexis walked over to her, "So Lorelai…is this your dress?"
Lorelai nodded through tear filled eyes, "Yes. This is my dress!"
Everyone cheered, Lorelai hugged Michel and thanked him a hundred times for setting this up and they went to the alterations room. Very little had to be done but they assured Lorelai the dress would be delivered to her in two weeks. Michel and Emily paid for the dress together and then the group went out on the town in the city before heading home.
After checking out Rory's apartment, they dropped off April and Emily. Rory went to go pack, Sookie went home to her kids, Liz went home to Doula and TJ and Michel went home to his dogs. Lorelai practically skipped from the car to the Diner and happily walked in as Luke was cleaning up.
He glanced up at her and smiled when he saw how happy she looked, "I thought you were going to call. I was waiting to make dinner for you all…"
She shrugged and plopped down in her usual chair at the counter, "Everyone decided to head home. We dropped off April, she said she would call you tomorrow."
Luke nodded, "How did it go? You look happy so that has to be a good sign right?"
Lorelai leaned across the table and kissed him gently, "I am very happy. Very, very happy, In fact I don't think I have ever been this happy."
"So did you find the perfect dress?" He asked smiling down at her.
Lorelai sighed happily, "Oh Luke its amazing. So much better than that other dress! And you'll never guess who picked it out first!"
"Michel?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No! My Mom!" Lorelai said with a laugh as he slid a cup of coffee in front of her.
"You actually liked a dress your Mom picked out?" Luke asked in disbelief. "Who are you and what have you done with my fiancé Lorelai Gilmore?"
Lorelai sighed happily and took a sip of the coffee, "I know it sounds crazy but she found it and showed it to me…and as soon as I put it on I just knew I had to buy it. Everyone loved it and Liz helped me find the perfect accessory to go with it."
"That scares me…" Luke said with a grumble, "We aren't having a Renaissance themed wedding are we? Because I refuse to wear tights…"
"Air pants babe…air pants." She said laughing thinking about how much T.J. had loved them. "But no we are not having a Renaissance wedding, I can promise you that. But I do think you will appreciate the little something she added to my dress."
Luke nodded, "I can't wait to see it…"
She smiled up at him as he began to wipe down the counter, she watched him for a moment. "Hey Luke?"
"Yeah?" He asked smiling as he continued to finish closing up.
"You're happy right?" She asked softly as she looked up at him over the edge of her coffee mug.
Luke stopped what he was doing and stared at her for a moment, "What?"
She bit her lip nervously, "I just…I want to know if you are happy. Everything has been really revolved around me lately, ya know? And everything is happening so fast and I just…I want to make sure you are as happy as I am. I want you to want this too…"
Luke reached for a towel and wiped his hands off before walking around the counter. He was glad that no one was currently in the Diner and he could talk to her alone.
"Lorelai…" He said as he sat down beside her at the counter. "Of course I'm happy. You know I love you, right?"
She smiled at him and turned her body to face him, "I know you love me. I just…I guess I just want to make sure you are happy and okay with how fast things are moving."
"I asked you to marry me…" Luke whispered trying to crack a smile, "I know it was fast but I didn't want to wait anymore." He paused, "Where is this really coming from?"
She sighed and shrugged, looking down at her hands, "Last time around we had a problem with communication. I just want to make sure everything is okay with us…that there is nothing either of us are hiding. I want to be completely open this time around…"
Luke nodded, "So do I. I promise you that this is what I want Lorelai…this is what I have wanted for so long. We've made a lot of mistakes in the past but I just…I want to marry you. I want to start our life together as soon as possible."
She sighed happily and leaned forward, "So you want to have the wedding and me and my pretty, pretty white dress?"
Luke smiled at her, "Yes. I do."
"You already know your lines!" Lorelai said beaming at him as she leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips.
Luke chuckled against her lips and kissed her back, reaching out to hold her hips. "They aren't to hard to remember."
She pulled back and stuck her tongue out at him, "Be nice Mr. Danes…"
"I'm always nice." He said as he scotched his stool closer to her, he chuckled as Lorelai huffed and he leaned forward again to kiss her. "But I am serious Lorelai…I am happy. So happy…I didn't think we would ever be together again and I know there is a lot going on right now but this is what I want. YOU are what I want."
Lorelai squeezed his hand gently, "You know…even though this whole situation with Christopher is terrible…" She shrugged, "In a way I am kind of happy it happened…I feel like I was to afraid to get out of that relationship even though I wanted to be with you. Not that I would ever want this to happen…it pushed us back to each other and for that I am grateful."
Luke nodded to show he understood, then he caressed her face gently. "I hated being apart from you…"
"I hated it too…" She whispered leaning in to his touch before she looked over at the counter, "Are you almost done cleaning?"
Luke nodded and pulled away, "Should be done in about five minutes. Want to head upstairs and I'll meet you there?"
She smiled and pecked his lips gently, "Yes please." She kissed him again, "And bring pie please!"
Luke chuckled as she pulled away and practically skipped up the stairs towards his apartment. He stood up quickly and got to work to finish cleaning so he could join her upstairs.
When Lorelai entered the apartment, she threw her bag on the recliner and immediately walked to the closet to pull out her favorite blue flannel. She put it against her nose and inhaled deeply, smiling when the overwhelming smell of Luke washed over her. She stripped down and went to freshen up in the bathroom before slipping on the flannel.
When she finished, she walked into the kitchen and was about to pour herself a glass of water when she heard the door open. She smiled when a plate with a rather large piece of pie was put in front of her and Luke's free hand wrapped around her waist.
"What's going on under there…" Luke whispered as he slid his hand on her hip under the hem of his shirt.
She giggled and leaned against him, "Nothing…"
Luke growled when he felt nothing but smooth, warm skin against his fingers. "You aren't kidding…"
She smiled and put the pie down before turning in his arms and wrapping her arms around his neck, "When we get married can I expect pie every night before bed?"
"If I give it to you every night it won't be special anymore." He said before Lorelai laughed, "That sounded dirty…"
"Yes it did." She said as she leaned against his lips to kiss him gently, "But you should know by now that every time with you is special…"
He smiled down at her, "I'm glad you still think so…" He pushed a strand of hair out of her face, "How are you feeling about everything now?"
"You mean us or the trial?" She asked leaning back against the counter.
Luke shrugged, "Both I guess."
Lorelai sighed and let her hands slide down his chest, playing with the buttons on his shirt. "Well I feel great about us. And the trial…I'm not necessarily looking forward to it but I know it will be okay."
"I saw Miss Patty today in the Diner, she said she is coming to the trial too." Luke said holding her close.
Lorelai smiled, "Yeah…we talked the other morning after I had that dream. She's been through this…except she didn't press charges. She knows how scary it is and to have her there to support me will be really helpful."
Luke smiled, "I think that's great. You know that this town loves you…you are very loveable."
She smiled back, "I'm glad you think so…"
Luke reached behind her and broke off a piece of pie before bring it up to her lips, "Here." Lorelai happily took the pie from his fingers and moaned happily, he smiled and continued to talk. "I went to work on the house today with Tom and the guys."
"Aw, how are the guys? I miss the guys. I should go over tomorrow and bring them some beers." She said as she licked her lips.
"They don't need beers Lorelai," He said rolling his eyes, "If you liquor them up while they are building the house the second floor will cave in on our first night there!"
Lorelai giggled, "Man that would be a great story to tell people…"
"With that amount of money we are paying for this house I'd like it to stay standing at least for a few years." He said with a groan.
She smiled, "Fine…" She reached for her water and took a sip, "So how did it look? When I went over yesterday morning they were finishing up the staircase."
Luke nodded, "That's all done, all the walls are up too. It's going to be done sooner than we expected. Plumbing starts next week."
She beamed up at him, "I can't believe it! I'm so excited to actually start moving things in."
"I know. Tom said it will be done by the time we get back from our honeymoon." Luke said reaching for another piece of pie, "And speaking of the honeymoon we really need to pick a place to go…"
Lorelai nodded, "I know. We should finalize that tomorrow…neither of us have to work so we can spend some time looking at different places."
Luke nodded as he fed her more pie, "Good. Oh and I talked to Jess today, he flies in the Thursday before the wedding and he's going to stay with Liz and T.J. he said."
"Good. I'm glad he will be here…I know how important it is for you to have him as your best man." She said smiling at him.
"And you and Rory are okay with seeing him?" Luke asked, "I don't want to make anyone any uncomfortable…"
Lorelai shook her head, "I talked to her a lot about it. She is totally okay with it, she said they have been talking a lot through e-mails lately. It sounds like they are friends more than anything and I want him there too…he's your family."
He nodded once, "Okay then…"
"And you're okay with me and Rory spending the night together at the house before the wedding?" She asked.
Luke nodded, "Yeah. April and I are going to spend the night here at the apartment too. Although all of your stuff will be moved out by then so I don't know what you will sleep on…"
"We'll keep one mattress there." Lorelai said with a smile, "That's all we had the first night we slept there too."
"You'll call me if you need anything right?" He asked staring down at her, even though he knew this was important to her he hated spending nights apart.
"It is bad luck to see the bride the night before the wedding but yes…we will call you right away if we need you." She said holding him against her.
"Well then I guess its all coming together…" He said unable to contain the smile on his face.
"I know. Now that I have the dress it feels even more real…" She whispered leaning in even closer.
He leaned down and kissed her gently, "Hey Lorelai?" He whispered against her lips.
She smiled in between kisses and responded, "Yes?"
"Think we can do some more of that baby making practice thing you are so fond of?" He asked rubbing small circles against her hips.
She laughed and nodded her head, "Yes please!"
He smirked and gripped her hips tightly making her squeal as he lifted her up with ease and she wrapped her legs around his waist. They left the pie on the counter for later and made their way to the bed never stopping their kissing as they went. When Luke lay her down underneath him she smiled up at him and knew that tonight she wouldn't be having any nightmares while she was in his arms…
So hope you liked the chapter! The next chapter will be the trial and I just want to remind everyone I am not a lawyer or anyone involved in criminal law so I have only really seen trials on TV. Christopher is pleading guilty but I'm still having lawyer have to take the stand but try not to judge to harshly on my lack of skills when it comes to writting about a trial hahah! Anyway! I'll try and update soon :)