Ready

March 2017

New York

Later that night back at Logan's place, Rory was looking at her engagement ring while brushing her teeth when she realized something. "Umm, Logan, " she asked as she got into bed, "we were only separated for about two hours this afternoon. You mean to tell me that you bought an engagement ring within that period of time with Hayden in tow?"

"Well, no," replied Logan sheepishly, "I've had it for a while."

"How long?"

"I bought it the day after we saw each other in Philadelphia. You know after we made the date to meet-up?"

"You're kidding? A little overconfident there Mr. Huntzberger?"

"No, I bought it just in case. Believe me, I played many scenarios in my head on how that date was going to end. The ring was me being optimistic? Of course, you telling me that you were pregnant didn't even enter my mind."

"Wow. I really ruined that day for you. You and me and proposals...geez"

"Well, I held on to it because I had hope. Third time's a charm I guess." He replied with a smile.

"I guess it is."

"You know I almost didn't bring the ring with me? Hayden and I had a pretty serious debate about it."

"Really now?"

"Yes, there was a little debate and he told me to just do it. It was time."

"That's one insightful kid."

"Yes, he is! So how are we going about this? Want to go for the big over-the-top wedding? My mom would love it!" Logan said with the twinge of sarcasm.

"No!"

"We can go to the city registry next week or fly to Vegas tomorrow. Have that Elvis wedding of your dreams. We can just get it done, no fuss."

"Elope? As romantic as it sounds, I don't think I want to do that either. I can't get married without my mom, grandma, and the rest of the family. And Lane...and even Paris."

"Paris?"

"I know, knock me over with a feather."

"Well, we can have a small ceremony, but we're going to have to fight for it. It got really ugly the last time..."

"When you were planning with Odette."

"Yea..."

"We can avoid that."

The next morning Rory, Logan, and Hayden took off for Stars Hallow. They broke the news to Lorelai and Luke in the middle of the Saturday afternoon lunch rush, who met the news with overwhelming joy and relief (Luke was so happy that he gave out free dessert and coffee to everyone for the rest of the day.) A call was made to Emily, who immediately made plans with Rory to go through their clothing storage in search of Emily's wedding gown.

"Grandma that's generous of you, but it won't it be a bit too formal for what we are planning?" Rory warned.

"Oh, you can take it and see if the dressmaker can modify it to your taste. It's would be such a shame if it was not used again." Emily reassured.

Next, they cornered Taylor, who Logan charmed into opening up the Star Hollow event calendar so they could secure a group of possible dates. After a quick visit with Christopher, Honor and Josh, and Logan's parents, as well as phone calls to Emily, Francine, April, Lane, Paris, Colin, Finn, and Robert, a date was picked, May 19, 2018.

"Logan that is so soon," Shira lamented to Logan in private after being informed of the date, "are you sure this is what you want?"

"Well no mom, this is what Rory wants. If it were up to me we would have gotten married today in Vegas. Be happy that you were invited."

With that Shira dropped the subject.

The wedding planning began in earnest. They had barely six weeks to go and much to do. Sookie took on the task of catering without begin asked while Lorelai, with Kirk as her assistant, took charge of the décor and reception arrangements. They decided that the ceremony itself would be in the town square and that the reception would take place at the new Dragonfly Annex.

Because it was important to his parents, Logan and Rory agreed to have the Huntzberger family minister officiate the wedding along with Reverand Skinner, while Lane and Zach were asked to provide the music. The next month was a flurry of activity, contacting guests, mailing invites, seating arrangements, food tasting, flowers, as well as weekly visits the dressmaker to check on the design and fit of Emily's refashioned wedding dress and, thanks to the constant reminders from Mitchum and Emily, a couple of meetings with their respective lawyers to iron out their prenup.

Before they knew it their wedding week arrived. Rory and Hayden went ahead to Stars Hollow to check on the wedding preparations. Remembering the chaos she witnessed and participated in when her friends got married, she was confirmed in her choice to keep the wedding small and simple. "Everything is under control," Lorelai told her upon her arrival. Thanks to Lorelai's experience, planning, and a network of help, the wedding was in fact under control. However, despite her mother's assurances, Rory had her checklist anyway and proceeded to go over every detail. The weather forecast called for cool but clear making the outdoor ceremony they desired possible. The tents and other items for their early evening reception were delivered with Kirk supervising the setup. Sookie was cooking up a storm and ahead of schedule, while the wedding desserts from Weston's were all set. Lorelei and Rory finished the preparations in the apartment above the diner, making bouquets, boutonnieres, and other flower arrangements.

The wedding day finally arrived. Rory, looking out the window of the diner, watched as relatives and friends started gathering in the square. She saw Logan, looking rather sharp in his freshly pressed gray suit, carrying Hayden while walking around and greeting their guests. "Kid" Rory heard Lorelai say, "Nervous?" "No, not really. Just excited. Mom, everything looks so beautiful! Thanks."

"Don't thank me, thank Kirk. I gave him the idea and he went with it. I tell you, wedding coordinator may be his calling."

"I am glad we had a nice day."

"Luck has been running on your side lately. Enjoy it."

Rory got up and walked around the diner.

"Just how much money do you think we've spent eating here?"

"Oh, I don't want to know. Perhaps enough to buy a small Caribbean island and then some."

"I think we would have saved so much money if we learned how to cook."

"Yes, but think of all the fun we would have missed just staying home? Our lives were made all the richer because we didn't cook."

Rory picked up a mug and let out a small laugh.

"What are you thinking?" Lorelai asked.

"Do you remember my first meal here?"

"Yes, it was the third day after we moved into the house."

"You were trying so hard to be domesticated, insisting on cooking breakfast for me every morning."

"And after I nearly burned down the house the third time, we gave up and came here."

"I remember, Luke refused to give me coffee."

"Well, you were only 10."

"Yes, he gave me hot chocolate instead, so I drank your coffee."

"How long was it before he gave up?"

"About two weeks. I think your diatribes on coffee and our shared DNA wore him down."

"You've come a long way since then kid,"

"So have you!"

"Yes, life is good. It took a weird turn, but life is good."

"Sometimes those turns is just what we need to find our true destination. Life full circle."

"Wow, well aren't you just Ms. Profound today."

"I can't help it, it's my wedding day!"

"Oh honey, I am so happy for you. He's not 1/2 bad that Logan guy."

"Yes, and he makes cute babies too!"

"The cutest!" "

Mom, you think things are going to change now that I am getting married?"

"In what way?"

"I don't know, it seems like such a momentous occasion. One would think there would be a great change."

"No, I think things will evolve as they will. Good, bad, easy, difficult, no matter where you are or what you're doing I've got your back kid. Always."

"Thanks, mom, I have yours too." Rory's phone dinged, indicating a text from Lane. "Lane says they're ready for us," Rory informed Lorelai. Lorelei turned to her daughter, brimming with pride. "Are you ready?" Lorelai asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

A few minutes later, wearing a dress fashioned from Emily wedding dress, Francine's jewelry, and carrying a bouquet wrapped with one of Richard's bowties, Rory walked down the aisle holding her mother's hand. Waiting for her at the other end at the foot of the gazebo surrounded by their families was the smiling Logan. It was a relaxed ceremony. Lane and Zach provided simple yet beautiful music. The ministers who officiated the ceremony spoke of the nature of love and marriage, weaving in stories of their interactions with Rory and Logan throughout the years. Honor read a poem about love and family, with Logan and Rory reciting their own carefully crafted vows. Twenty minutes later, with the exchange of rings and a kiss, Rory and Logan were married. In a shower of flower petals and applause, the newly married couple walked down the aisle where they kissed again, then proceeded to the Annex to their reception.

It was a wonderful reception, filled with, delicious food, great music, and lots of stories and laughter. Mitchum, Shira, and Honor entertained with various stories and pictures of Logan's lifetime of exploits, while Lane and Paris shared tales of Rory's childhood and teenage years. April and Gigi gave a touching speech on having Rory as a sister, while Colin, Finn, and Robert recited a funny if not off-color limerick about Logan. Then it was Lorelai's turn. "... You two, my God, I think I speak for everyone when I say we are so happy and RELIEVED that we have finally arrived on this day. It's been a long time coming. It was a rocky journey, one that would have ripped mere mortals apart, but like that that is goblin made, that strife only made you stronger. Hang on to that moxy you two. We all love you and wish you a lifetime of joy."

With the early sunset and the onset of the early spring chill, the party began to break up mid-evening. Grateful for everyone's support, Logan and Rory made sure to say goodbye to every guest. Having said their farewells, they gave Hayden a big hug and kiss then joined hands to leave to spend their first night together as husband and wife.

"Ready?" Logan asked

"Ready", Rory replied.

Together they headed out towards the wide-open future.