NOTE: This is my third attempt at posting this chapter. Every time I do, the format messes up. Trying to figure out what I am doing wrong.

Because of this, the story might be confusing. Apologies. I hope to fix it soon.

As always, thank you for reading. Enjoy!

Truce

January 16, 2017

West Hartford and Darien, CT

Reviewing her desk calendar Rory noted the date, January 16, 2017, or aka week #15, well into her second trimester. At this point, Rory was not only feeling, but also starting to look her pregnant state. All in all wasn't so bad.

The immense exhaustion felt in the first trimester had given way to a newfound energy. She considered herself lucky that so far her pregnancy has been uneventful. She recalled Paris and her pregnancy where it seemed she was perpetually nauseated and was seemingly throwing up every five seconds. She was thankful seeing that her first trimester was fraught with other stresses.
Rory unconsciously knocked on her desk. She was lucky, very lucky.

To stay on top of her quickly filling calendar, Rory set up standing appointments with her OB every third Monday of the month. Today's doctor's appointment was especially worrisome, as it would mark the first time she would see Logan in over a month. Since their blow-up in the diner, communication had been restricted to "need-to-know" texts. How are you feeling? Anything new? Time and location of the appointment. How long will it take? All communications were short and right to the point, no dwelling or second-guessing.

Logan pulled into the first parking space he saw. After cutting the engine, he sat for a few minutes to get his bearings. In a few minutes, he will join Rory at his first appointment with Rory's OB. This would also be the first time since their confrontation at the diner that he would see her. He spent the previous week nervous about this meeting; try as he might to forgive Rory, to put aside his anger over her not telling him about being pregnant in a timely manner, he just couldn't. Logan realized it wasn't just about her not telling him right away, it was his suspicion about her not telling him at all. Nightmare scenarios of him opening his door to an eighteen-year-old kid claiming him as his/her father haunted him. Then there was the disappointment when he realized that she did not feel the same way about him. While he regretted their "Vegas" agreement, he thought she too was not 100% behind it either, that in some way she wished there was more. Her not wanting to make a go of it confirmed, she didn't love him like he loved her.

The second he stepped into the waiting room he immediately felt uncomfortable. There, the lone male, in the busy waiting room of Rory's OB/GYN. Yes, there were other men there, but they had female partners with them but he, having arrived at the appointment 20 minutes early, was alone. He sat down in a row of empty and started thumbing through a parenting magazine, arriving on an article about baby gear. He couldn't believe the things he found. There were the things he knew about (strollers, cribs, car seats), things that he didn't know about but looked interesting (moby wraps, backpack carriers, bike seats), and then there were the things that just seemed downright weird (diaper wipe warmers, shopping cart covers). He was about to delve into an article of disposable vs. cloth diapers when Rory arrived.

Rory arrived at the doctor's office to find Logan already there immersed in a parenting magazine. As she walks to him she sees that he is looking at gear. She finds that a bit endearing.

"Hi," she said as casual as possible.

"Hello, yourself" Logan replied in a neutral tone.

"Been here long?"

"About 10 minutes. I thought it would bad to be late on the first day."

Rory sat in the seat next to him "What are you looking at?" she asked

"Baby gear. It's amazing what it takes to raise a baby these days. You know that there are germ repellant seat covers for shopping carts?"

"Yes, I remember Paris received one after her son was born. She opened it and launched into a 20-minute tirade on the benefits of germs and how our overly clean society is turning Americans into paranoid immune challenged zombie snowflakes. It was a really fun Bris!"

Logan smirked picturing Paris' tirade. She could be very funny when she didn't mean to be.

"So are you clear on what is happening today?" Rory asked.

"Yes, you're having your general check-up, blood work, and an ultrasound."

"Have you given any thought as to whether or not you want to know the sex of the baby?"

"I'd like to know. I'd like to be prepared. I am kind of through with surprises for a while."

"I hear ya"

"And you?"

"I'm still deciding. It will probably be a curtain-time decision." "Ok, you're choice."

"Yep, it is...Logan..."

Rory was interrupted by the nurse calling them in. As soon as they walked in Rory was handed a cup. She headed to the bathroom while Logan went to the exam room. A minute or two later Rory joined Logan.

"What happened there?" Logan Inquired

"I have to pee in a cup every exam. Check for preeclampsia. We must escape the fate of Sybil Crawley." Rory matter-a factly replied.

Making a note in his head to research preeclampsia. "Yes, that would be good," Logan responded.

The nurse took Rory's weight (5 lbs. weight gain) blood pressure (normal). "Everything looks good. So just change into your gown and the doctor will be in shortly." After the nurse left, Rory contemplated the hospital gown, looking at Logan with some concern.

"What?" Logan asked.

"I have to change into this gown," Rory replied.

"So?"

"Which means I have to take off my clothes."

"And?"

"Well, you're here. Can I please have some privacy?"

"Are you serious? Need I remind you that getting naked that got us into this situation in the first place."

"Our circumstances have changed?"

"You know what? Fine. Let me know when you're ready."

Logan left in a huff. He exited the room and stood outside the door feeling a bit self-conscious. As he waited he looked up at the walls to see bulletin boards filled with baby announcements. Some just pictures with the vitals, others with professional photographs and no doubt created by a graphic designer. He was reading the announcement of Wallace Allen Pitman III when someone came up behind him. "Hello, are you looking for someone?" asked the person who Logan assumed was Rory's doctor asked.

"Umm yes, I am just waiting for for...the patient in this room. She's getting dressed."

"Oh, you're here with Rory Gilmore?"

"Yes."

"I'm Dr. Miller, Rory's OB."

"Great" Logan said shaking his hand, "Good to meet you. Logan, Logan Huntzberger. I am the father."

"Good to meet you too. First appointment?"

"Yes, I'm a bit overwhelmed."

"Well, we will do our best to make things calm."

Logan got a good vibe from him, which helped him feel better. Dr. Miller knocked on the door and after getting the all clear from Rory, proceeded in with Logan following.

"Hi, Dr. Miller, nice to see you again. I see you've met Logan." Rory said when they walked into the room.

"Yes, we just got acquainted outside. Ok, shall we start?" Dr. Miler replied.

Dr. Miller proceeded with the exam. They discussed how Rory was feeling ("I finally got my energy back.") and her diet ("My stepfather hides the french fries and pureeing kale in my milkshakes.") The three discussed testing and debate amnio vs. Marker test (marker test, less evasive.)

"Any movement?", asked Dr. Miller.

"I feel some fluttering now and then," replied Rory.

The look of extreme frustration on Logan's face was evident.

"Ok, so do you have any questions for me?" Dr. Miller continued, acting as if he didn't notice the change of mood in the room.

"Yes," Logan said, "so when is the due date?"

"July 5th. But remember that is an estimate it can happen before or after the date. This is one of those things one cannot predict."

"Unless we decide to induce or have a c-section," Rory interjected.

"Have you talked about that?" Dr. Miller responded.

Logan and Rory looked at each other uncomfortably.

"I am open to whatever you want to do, right up to delivery time." Dr. Miller reassured them.

"So who is permitted to be at the birth? And will you be there?" Logan asked the doctor.

"That depends. We work on rotation here, so if I am not on call or am not available then one of my colleagues will attend the birth. We all have the same approach so I assure you no matter who you get you will have the best of care. As for who is permitted to be in the room well, of course, there will be Rory, the delivery team and me and after that, it depends on you. Some fathers want to be there, others wait outside. Some just want just the parents-to-be, other have invited the whole neighborhood. It's up to you, just no video cameras, please.

"We still have to discuss the specifics," Rory said.

"Sure," Said Dr. Miller, "Again, you have plenty of time."

With the exam over, Logan and the doctor left to let Rory get dressed. Outside Logan said his goodbyes, shaking Dr. Miller's hand again before he went on to the next patient. Rory and Logan then proceed to the radiology room for the ultrasound. Logan helped Rory onto the exam bed and then sat down. The tension between them was palpable.

"Have you thought about whether you want to be in the room during the delivery?" Rory asked trying to ease the tension.

"Yes, I would like to be there," answered Logan

"My mom was planning to be there too. I mean if you don't mind."

"Sure, you are, after all, the one who is steering this ship."

Rory was now visibly irritated, "What is that suppose to mean?"

"What do you mean?" The equally irritated Logan responded.

"You have just been a total pill this entire morning."

Logan was exasperated. "I just meant that since you are the one who is going to be pushing a brand new human out of your body, that you should have control over who is spectating. That's all."

"Okaay!"

"Is there anything else?"

"No."

After a tense moment of silence Logan burst out, "So, you've been feeling fluttering? You didn't tell me that."

"We haven't exactly been chatty lately." Rory chided.

"Well, that's pretty important, you didn't think to even mention it?"

"Honestly, I didn't think that was worth mentioning."

"Well, I would like to know about things like that."

"Well, I'm sorry."

Taking her reply as sarcastic, Logan shot back, "Yes, because we know this is all about you, your timeline..."

Rory looked at Logan incredulously, "Are you STILL upset about that? "

Logan, equally incredulous, "Yes! Would you have told me by now if we hadn't run into each other, or would it have been Lorelai that is here with you right now?"

"Oh my God, you need to let it go!"

"You know you didn't even apologize for waiting so long."

Before Rory could respond the ultrasound tech arrived. Logan and Rory looked away from each other, gathering their emotions so not to further embarrass themselves in front of the tech (and maybe the whole office) who obviously heard them arguing. Rory laid down and pulled up her shirt, revealing the early stages of a baby bump. The tech began the ultrasound.

Logan watched as the tech squeezed a gel onto Rory's abdomen and then applied the ultrasound scope onto her lower belly. "Just breath normally, " she instructed Rory as she maneuvered the scope around her belly. "Ok...hold on...there!" she said, turning the monitor towards Rory and Logan who bewilderedly looked at the screen as the tech points out the aspect so the ultrasound, the baby's head, the torso, the arms, and legs. They saw and heard the heartbeat. At one point the baby turned its head, looking straight at them.

"So, do you want to know the sex?"

"No." they both answered in unison and in awe. They looked at each other surprised.

"Ah, a couple that likes mystery." The Tech mused.

With the ultrasound finished, the tech printed copies of the images and handed them to Logan while Rory cleaned up. Looking at the print of the ultrasound, Logan was struck by the reality of their situation. The first image Rory gave him was merely a picture of a large dot, this one actually had some substance. This was real, very, very real. He looked at Rory with some sympathy. He imagined the shock she must have experienced when she found out all those weeks ago. Given her situation and the state of their relationship, the stress must have been awful. While he wasn't happy that she waited so long, he knew that she was sincere about wanting him to be involved. That is enough, Logan thought, that is enough for now.

Rory and Logan thanked the tech and after she left the Logan looked at Rory, "Can I buy you lunch?" He asked in a conciliatory tone.

Rory looked at him and smiled.

An hour later Rory and Logan found themselves sitting in a pub eating burgers, and fries. "Please don't tell Luke I ate fries." Rory playfully pleaded.

"I wouldn't dream of it." He answered smiling.

"What time do you have to be back to work?"

"I took the day off."

"Really?"

"Big day Ace."

After a few seconds of silence, Rory spoke up, "I'm sorry." she said. "No Rory..." Logan replied

"No, let me finish. I'm sorry. You're right I should have told you sooner. It was just such a shock when I found out. It took 20 positive tests over a span of a week until it finally sank in. And then my mom and Luke got married, and then I had to tell my mom, and well that didn't go well."

"What do you mean?"

"She has been really and supportive and wonderful, but it was a bit of a shock for her, and she initially didn't take it well. She not only didn't take it well, but she was mad at herself for not taking it well, and that became a vicious circle. To her, it was history repeating itself, and she kind of felt like she failed."

"At what?"

"At being a parent. The one thing a parent does not want it to have their children repeat their mistakes."

"Yea, but she was 16 with very little options. You are 33, with options and lots of support."

"Yes, but still, the circumstances..."

"You DO know you have support right?"

"Yes, I do," Rory answered with a smile. "Anyway, this does not excuse me waiting for so long. After our confrontation at the diner, I laid in bed that night with the scenario of you coming home from your honeymoon to the news that I was pregnant playing over and over in my head. Ugh, it was awful. That would have been a stellar way to start a marriage."

" Well, knowing what we know now, it would seem that a surprise pregnancy resulting from a torrid affair would have been the least of our problems. But, thank you for your apology."

"Thank you for accepting my apology. So have you told anyone?"

"Honor knows and I assume Josh knows too."

"How did she take it?"

"At first she was scared because she thought I was talking about Odette. Honor never really bonded with Odette. She always felt there was something not right about her."

"You sister is insightful."

"She knows me well. Anyway, initially, she was scared because she thought I had gotten myself on a "Bridget-Tom-Giselle" triangle. She was highly relieved and excited when she found out it was you."

"Well, I always liked her."

"Yes, and she always liked you. She was kind of crushed when we broke up the first time."

Rory looked away, a bit uncomfortable. She quickly changed the subject, "When are you going to tell your parents?"

"Well, Mitchum is in Dallas this week and gets back tomorrow. Shira is at a spa and gets back the day after. Honor has arranged to have a family dinner Friday evening at her house. She figured if we double team them the initial fallout will be minimal."

"You have a great sister."

"She's the best. So Ace, where are we?"

"In a pub eating junk food, hello?"

"No, I mean where are we relationship wise? How are we going about this? I accept that we are not together, I don't like it, but respect where you are in terms of your life, but we are going to have to function if this co-parenting thing is going to work."

"Yes, I know."

"Can I call you? Can we Facetime? Because this only texting all the time leaves a lot to be desired."

"Yes we can call, Facetime, e-mail, text, send smoke signals."

"And your appointments are every third Monday?"

"Up until the last month, when they are once a week, and then every other day if we are overdue."

"And you're still ok with me being there?"

"Yes, but they are not that long, so its ok if you don't make ALL of them."

"Well, I will certainly try..."

"Thanks"

"Good. And if you ever need anything, just let me know."

"Thanks. I will be sure to keep you apprised of flutters or any other news."

" Good. So what are your plans? Now that Emily's sold the house where are you going to work?"

"Well, I didn't tell you, but I started the job at Moses Nyguen's firm. So I will actually be in the city three-four days a week."

"Really?"

"Yes, I've been doing this for about two weeks now. I'm staying with Paris and Doyle while I'm there."

"Brave girl, and when you're not in the city you're staying with your mom and Luke?"

"No, I found an apartment! I am living in the space above The Gazette. It's a great place. Good vibe. I'm glad to be in my own space. You should see it sometime."

"I'll make a point of it. So how is the book?"

"Good! I've written about 10 chapters. I'm feeling a bit blocked. Jess is seeing if he can get an editor friend to review it."

"Jess?"

"Luke's nephew, he was with me at Olivia's reception? He's is part owner of a press..."

"Yes, I remember Jess."

"Oh, yes...well anyway, He's also been talking to me about how to pitch the book. Hopefully, it will get picked up."

"Well you know you have an "in" in the business"

"Yes, but I would rather do it on my own."

"Fair enough Ace. I'm sure it will be great. You're a great writer."

"Thanks for being my cheerleader."

"Anytime! So, let's toast."

They both picked up their respective glasses of Lemonade.

" Truce?"

"Truce."

"To cooperation, co-parenting, and little baby Huntzberger."

"Gilmore"

"Gilmore-Huntzberger"

" Sounds good to me."

They clinked their glasses. Logan then took the ultrasound out of this pocket and the two soon-to-be parents admired the images of their baby.

Later that evening, Logan found himself again at Honor's house. After dinner with her family and putting the kids to bed ("We want Uncle Logan to read us a story!") Logan, Honor, and Josh sat down to talk. Logan showed them the ultrasound pictures.

"Wow", Josh said as he passed the picture back to Logan, "this is real."

"As real as it gets" Logan responded.

"So, boy or girl?" Honor inquired rather excitedly.

"We don't know. We decided to be surprised."

" Can I see the picture again?"

Logan handed the image to Honor. She and Josh studied the picture, turning it upside down and around. Their exchange during their analysis of the ultrasound made Logan grin; they were so an old married couple.

"Ha! I think I know!" Honor said waving the image in the air victoriously.

"DON'T tell me!" Logan warned.

"I won't," she said with a sly smile.

"So what next?" Josh asked.

"Well, we now have to inform them, right?" Honor stated.

"Yes, are we all set for dinner?" Logan asked.

"Yes, Friday evening at six. Let's just hope they don't cancel." Josh said.

"Oh, they won't. I had Theo and Charlotte invite them personally. You know that they won't disappoint them." Honor assured them.

"Isn't it funny that they never gave us the time of day when we were young, but drop everything for your kids?" Logan asked.

"The prerogative of grandparents." Honor replied.

"How do you think they will take it?" Josh asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

"Oh, you know, with great fanfare and celebration," Logan said sarcastically.

"It will be fine." Honor said, "They'll have to accept it, they have no choice."

"Yes, but it will not be pleasant," added Logan

"Well, yea, of course it won't! But you've done worse and gotten through it."

"Ok, we'll just get it over with and move on."

"Don't stress Logan," Honor assured him, "it will be ok."