One Last Meeting

It was less than a week until the mediation hearing; Sam and Lorelai were once again sitting in Charlie Jameson's office, going over last minute details for the hearing. "So Luke," The older man looked at Sam, "Your daughter is a very intelligent young girl."

"I could have told you that," Sam chuckled.

"I know you knew that a DNA test would be needed since you aren't listed on her birth certificate," The lawyer continued, "As it turns out, the lab she used when she tested your DNA last year is one of the labs used by the courts. She sent me the results, her uncle is one of the technicians so it won't need to be verified since his name is in the report."

"Anna is gonna love that," Lorelai chuckled wryly.

"I just hope she doesn't come down too hard April or her brother," Sam sighed.

"She's a big girl; I'm sure she'll get over it eventually." Charlie assured him, "I don't want to keep you too long, you know how lawyers like to charge those exorbitant fees." He chuckled at his joke, "Do either of you have any questions before we go?"

"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer me to write down my character reference?" Lorelai asked, looking a little nervous.

"I'm sure. Your message would make more of an impact verbally than it would on paper." Charlie gave her a fatherly smile, "Besides, we already have enough letters. Not only did your daughter, Rory write in, but Jess Mariano sent something in, as did someone by the name of Lane VanGerbig."

"Rory," Sam chuckled, "I bet that was her doing. Jess is my nephew who stayed with me off and on for the better part of two years and Lane is one of my employees as well as one of Rory's best friends."

"From what I read, they all hold you both in high esteem," The wizened Lawyer commented.

"'High esteem?'" Lorelai questioned, "Did Jess really use those words?"

"No, but he did say that he respected both of you and that you two are and I quote, '…the best parents a kid could ask for.' He goes on to say that despite the fact he put both of you through a lot but you never really gave up on him, even if you might not have liked him very much at times if at all." Charlie informed them. "Miss VanGerbig,"

"Mrs." The couple corrected in unison.

"I apologize," Charlie chuckled, "Mrs. VanGerbig had nothing but glowing praise for the two of you as well; she even went as far as to say that denying a child the opportunity to have either of you individually is on par with committing a crime, especially when they can get both of you."

"Remind me to remind you to give that girl a raise." Lorelai joked. "So, sounds like we have the testimonies in order, is there anything else we need to do between now and the court date?"

"No," The Lawyer shook his head, "Just make sure to show up on time. I'll see the two of you on Thursday."

"Thank you again for your help." Sam shook the man's hand before stepping to the side.

Lorelai stood and extended her thanks and hand as well, "Say hello to your parents for me." Charlie request was met with a small smile and nod before Sam placed his hand on the small of Lorelai's back and led her out of the office and to the truck.

"It'll all be over soon." Lorelai smiled up at him as he opened the door for her.

"Yeah it will," Sam nodded before rounding the truck and sliding into the driver's seat, "I just hope that the outcome is in April's best interest, even if that means me not being able to see her as often."

"Oh Babe," Lorelai touched his cheek with the palm of her hand, her ring glittering on her finger, "It'll all work out, you'll see. The judge would have to be crazy to take her away from you."

"Well let's just hope the only crazy person in that courtroom is you, Crazy Lady." Sam smiled affectionately at Lorelai.

"You just worry about what you have to do, Angel Boy." Lorelai kissed his cheek before turning forward in the cab as they drove back toward Stars Hollow in reflective silence.