I left the last chapter on yet another cliffhanger. I know I'm mean. This chapter is the funeral and I won't focus too much on that. It's also the official sleep over and mother-daughter talk. I own nothing like normal.

last chapter end: Logan looked down at her and smiled. She looked up and then kissed him. His whole world stopped for a minute. When he opened his eyes she had walked away. He walked up to her and grabbed her and kissed her again.

"I'll see you later."
"Now that's a proper goodbye." She said. "I have to get ready and be in Hartford soon. See you."

Rory finished making coffee by the time Lorelai, Chris, and Georgia came to the dining room.

"Hey Ror. I haven't gotten to talk to you since you've been home." Georgia said. "You've been gallivanting all over with boys and living a fabulous life."
"Georgia Hayden. Maybe I have been gallivanting all over but you've been busy with your boyfriend James." Rory said laughing. "I promise we'll have sister time together soon. If not on this trip then one weekend you can fly out and spend it with me."
"When are you going back?" She asked.
"Not until Thursday." It was currently Sunday so they still had a few days together.
"And your boss is okay with you taking time off already?" Chris inquired.
"Well when your supreme court justice grandfather dies, it would look horrible on his part if I could leave due to work." Rory laughed. "Not really, I told him my grandpa died and I needed a week off. He was okay with it. Grievance period he said."
"That's good. I don't see Logan anywhere. Didn't he stay last night?" Lorelai asked.
"Yes but he left about 20 minutes ago. He still had to get ready."
"What's that smile about Rory? Please don't tell me anything dirty happened last night."
"No nothing happened. I just met him first of all. Secondly, I was too tired to move last night let alone do anything else."
"Eeww I don't want this conversation to go any further." Georgia said laughing.
"Yes I agree let's move on." Chris said. "Summer started breakfast in the kitchen it should be done soon. I'm gong to go check on it. Please talk about all girl subjects while I'm gone."
"G, you're 18. If I want to talk about my sex life or lack thereof when you're around it's perfectly acceptable." Rory said point blank.
G started laughing and so did Rory.
"So Ror, if it wasn't sex you talked about, what made you smile back then?" Lorelai asked.
"We kissed. Well I kissed him first and broke away and he kissed me again."
"Ah honey. I'm so happy for you. Your dad and I approve by the way. Not that you care but we do."
"I don't know what's going to happen though."

Summer walked in with breakfast and stopped at Rory.
"Rory! You left your phone in the kitchen. Here you go."
"Thanks Summer. How have you been? It's been a while since I've seen you?"
"I'm doing great. Did you know Clint's wife had another son?"
"Oh no I didn't! I'm so excited! What's his name?"
"Clinton the 5th by we call him CJ for short."

Rory looked at her phone after Summer walked away and noticed a couple of messages.

-Ace, sorry if that was too forward. I don't know if it was or not since you started it. I haven't dated much since my ex but I'd like to take you on a date Monday night if you're not busy. Let me know. The message was time stamped at 8:12 AM and it was already 8:40. She hoped he wouldn't read into this.

-Logan, I left my phone in the kitchen sorry. I should tell you I'm not much of a dater either but I would love to go to dinner. We'll talk more at dinner tonight? -Ace

Ten minutes later her phone went off again.

-Whew! You had me worried there for a bit. I thought you changed your mind and wanted to break anything off in person. We'll def talk today. Good luck and remember I'm here. Cry on my shoulder if you need to.
-I might take you up on that. I'm giving a speech.

Time for the funeral was approaching. Rory got dressed and went to the church. The family had one last chance to say goodbye and to put something in the casket. Rory decided on the most recent copy of the PADN that she wrote in. Georgia put her copy of a law dictionary that he gave her when she announced she was becoming a lawyer. Chris put a picture of the two of them when they were younger and Chris had received his degree from Princeton. Francine put the first piece of jewelry he gave her 45 years ago. It was a simple tennis bracelet but it meant the world to her.

The preacher gave his words and Rory gave her eulogy. There were tears and promises made. The whole family sat outside the doors of the church and waited for the funeral procession to begin. Rory found Logan and he gave her a hug. Nothing more but a hug to let her know he was there for him. Chris, Lorelai. and Georgia rode in the limo. Rory decided not to that she would wait back and ride in a car alone. When she got into the car she was surprised to see not only Logan but Colin, Steph, and Finn.

"Hey Ace. That speech was beautifully written. You did great. No tears. You didn't trip." Logan said.
"I think she needs a drink. What about you?" Finn said.
"Finn, is that your answer to everything?" Rory asked. "Ex boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, drink. Meet a new friend, drink. Grandpa's wake, drink!"
"Basically my life motto. Drink." Finn replied laughing. "In all seriousness, your grandpa would have been proud."
"Thanks Finn. That means a lot. So I have dinner to go to, are you with me throughout that?"
"Well we are here during the ride. Colin has to get back to Princeton. He has classes day after tomorrow and I have to go to work. We couldn't just leave though without saying goodbye to our new best friend. I see some visits to Cali in the future." Steph explained.
"Oh and me being there wasn't enough of an incentive?" Logan asked acting hurt. "Ace, I think my friends like you more than they do me."
"We also need your phone number too!"
They all exchanged phone numbers and got to the graveside. When those processions were done Colin and Steph got into the town car with Colin's dad and girlfriend. Finn got into the town car with Logan and Rory and they made their way back to the Hayden house.

Dinner was an uneventful affair so the younger set, including Rory's sister Georgia, excused themselves to the pool house to watch movies. Logan had already warned Finn to not think twice about G. That she was completely off limits.

They decided on Casablanca to watch for the night.

"So Rory met Logan on the plane home by fate you said Logan." Georgia asked which Logan nodding in agreement. "Then they were texting and you brought your three best friends and spoiled my big sister within 24 hours of meeting and within 36 you kissed her right?"
"WAIT YOU KISSED" Finn yelled.
"Oh that wasn't public knowledge?" Georgia said.
"Mate. Why didn't you tell me? I totally win the pool!" Finn said.
"What do you mean pool?" Logan asked.
"Colin, Steph, Robert, and I all pooled $100 each on when you two would finally kiss and admit your feelings." he started. "I said it would be before the funeral. Colin said it would be tomorrow. Steph said it wouldn't be until California. Robert said that you wouldn't gather the courage for over a month. Ha! I'm so calling them! I win! I win! He picked up his phone and called Colin and shouted "I WIN!".

Colin was on speaker phone. "What do you mean! Huntz did you kiss her? Did you tell her that you like her? Couldn't have held out another 12 hours?" Ah Finn. I'll pay you when I see you next. Huntz-"
"Yes Colin"
"Don't hurt her. She's one of us. Rory-"
"Yes Colin"
"Don't hurt him. He's one of us. See ya guys later. Yeah Yeah yea Finn we know. You win."

"So we've been outed." Logan looked sheepishly at Rory.
"So it seems. What does this mean? Are we official? Are we dating? Are we casual?"
"How about we talk about it tomorrow at dinner? For now, lets sit here and watch this movie.

The rest of the night they sat and watched the movie. Rory laid on Logan's chest and ended up falling asleep. G fell asleep on the floor with a pillow and Finn fell asleep on the chair.

The family came in and saw everyone and especially noticed Rory and Logan. Both the Hayden's and Gilmore's approved of this relationship, Emily was reserved though only because she knew how Shira and her family could be. She would have to make sure they didn't do anything to deter a relationship if they wanted.

Rory woke up because she heard the door open and realized that her mom was there.

"Hey mom." Rory said sleepily.
"Hey girl. How's it going?" Lorelai asked.
Rory looked around and noticed it was on the play screen for Casablanca. "What time is it?"
"1 in the morning. You look like you've been out for a while."
"Yeah we fell asleep around 10 or so."
"You coming home tonight or are you going to sleep in the main house. No matter how cool your dad and I are we can't just approve of you sleeping with another boy, clothed or not."
"I think I'll come home. I have to work on paper stuff anyway. Bill wants an article submitted by Tuesday."
"OK well we're getting ready to leave but we can drive your car home and you can take the car service. Wake G and bring her with you. She has school tomorrow after all."
"OK see you shortly." Rory started nudging Logan.
"What's up Ace. I guess we fell asleep." Logan said.
"Yeah it's time to go home. I have to wake G up and you wake Finn. G & I are going home for the night. I'll call you tomorrow?"
"You better." Logan chuckled. He kissed her a sweet kiss and moved to wake Finn up. "I think we'll end up at the same place. Do you want to have lunch tomorrow?"
"Actually I think I'm having lunch with mom and G tomorrow but we can do dinner?"
"Dinners probably better. I have no clue when I'll be alive"

They woke up their respective person and went separate ways. Not without another goodnight kiss though. This time with a little more passion and fire.

Rory made it home 30 minutes later and saw a message on her phone.

-I really want to make this work. You and I. I have no clue how to do this but I know that I can't go without knowing you better and seeing if we're as perfect for each other as I'm letting myself believe. If you need time to think and process, I understand. I'll wait. I'm very patient once I figure out what I want.
-I feel the same way. I can't stop thinking about you. I know we've known each other less than 3 days but you've been stronger than I thought possible in the worst time of my life. See you tomorrow. xoxo
-xoxo. Sweet Dreams Ace.

"Awe you and prince charming talking already?" Lorelai came up with two cups of coffee and sat on the couch next to Rory.
"Yes. Mom I don't know what to do. He likes me and I like him. We come from the same world. It seems perfect. I want to know when the other shoe drops!" Rory cried out.
"You know, when your dad and I first started dating he said all the right things and did everything right. I fell in lust with him then. I really liked him then. It wasn't until I discovered that when he gets home from work he just throws his shoes to the side instead of putting them up and he left the toothpaste cap off of the toothpaste and a bunch of other habits that I fell in love with him. I realized who he was and that he had flaws. Just remember. Everyone has flaws. Some can be overlooked. Others, not so much."
"I feel like we could eventually be a his and hers towels commitment but how do I know? I thought Tristan was but he turned out to be opposite. It took me a while but I think I finally know without a shadow of a doubt that Tristan leaving me was the best. I looked past a lot of bad. You know what he did, how he got. Should I let Logan know about all of that?"
"I don't think that's a first date conversation. That's more of a fifth date or full trust kind of story. In fact, I think if you told him while he was in Connecticut, you would be having a relationship with metal bars between you. That's why I haven't told your dad everything.
"There is just something about when I look into his eyes. I don't know what it is but I feel... I feel like..."
"you're at home?" Lorelai finished.
"Exactly. I feel like I can let my guards down. I feel like everything has a place and everything is going to be okay. Is this weird to have these feeling so soon?"
"No hun. That's what it should feel like. Are you awake for a while or are you tired?"
"A little of both but I need to work on my next article. I told Logan that we, being you, G, & I, were having lunch tomorrow. We can make an all morning/afternoon thing. Shopping and lunch?"
"Okay sweets. I'm going to bed. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Tell G how you're feeling. I have a feeling that she'll have more input on this that I do. Love you babe."
"Night mom. Love you too."

Good evening Hartford, since that's where GPS says I'm at. This weekend has been a crazy tumulus turn of events. I flew home on Thursday on the red eye to get home because my Grandpa Straub passed away. He was a wonderful man who had a great life. He might have only had one son and two granddaughters but he had more love than some people that are into the double digits as far as family is concerned. Straub Alexander Hayden just in case anyone wants to look up his business accomplishments. He was on the supreme court and a very powerful ally to have in your corner. Does anyone believe in fate? Fate as a noun the definition is the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. I feel like I've had a turn of good fate in my life. My grandfather might have left but I know he'll live on in our lives. My fate came in the form of a blond on a plane and the three amigos. More to discuss later on that subject. While I'm in Hartford I am checking out new restaurants so if anyone is in the mood for good chinese, like me, I'm always in that mood, China Garden is the place to be. Call ahead with a reservation for best results and the coffee cart outside the Yale main library. I've got some more family thing this week but then I'll be back in sunny Palo Alto. I know that my plants haven't been watered in a few days. Oops! Signing off. Rory!

Rory finished her article and turned it in. When she looked at the clock she realized it was 4:30. Dang time change. She couldn't sleep. She wondered for a second if a certain blond could or not. She contemplated texting him something random but decided against it. Don't be too clingy she kept telling herself. She got up to make another cup of coffee and decided to write out what she had to do for the next 3 days. She was thankful for a second that Logan booked their tickets home for Thursday instead of Wednesday. Ok

-See Lane and boys.
-See Paris and new BF
-Visit Lukes and have amazing coffee
-Spend time getting to know cute blonde.

She looked at the clock again and realized it was 4:50 and knew Luke's would be open shortly. She left a note for her mom saying that she went to Lukes and to Lanes. It was only a ten minute walk to Luke's Diner but it felt longer in the cool air of CT. She looked and the same Williams Hardware store sign hung up over the door. She looked in a Lane was opening. This was perfect! This would give her some time before the morning crowd came in.

"LANE!" Rory belowed!
"RORY!" Lane shouted back while running to her. "What are you doing here?"
"Um my grandpas funeral." Rory said with a look.
"No I mean here at 5 in the morning." Lane laughed. "I'm sorry about your grandpa. I know you two were close."
"Thanks. It's getting a little easier."
"So what are you doing here at 5 AM?" Well it's only 3 AM in California. Just kidding. I fell asleep for a few hours at my grandmas house so I'm awake now. I figured I'd come get some coffee. I've been craving it since I arrived."
"When did you get back?"
"I took the red-eye out Thursday."
"I've spent all my time in Hartford. I'm here until Thursday. I have so much to tell you! Most of which have happened in the past 3 days and it's not about the funeral. Although there was an incident at the wake."
"Well we have about a half hour until the morning crowd rolls in. Spill."
"Lane, what are you doing we have... Rory!" Luke exclaimed.
"Luke, it's not that often that my best friend comes into town. Please set up today and I'll owe you a day next week!"
"Fine, go sit, I'll bring the coffee over."
"Ok so it starts on the plane..." and Rory told Lane everything about Logan. She didn't go into details of their conversation but she did tell her about some of the text messages.
"Oh my god. So let me get this straight! You get on a plane for a terrible horrible reason but it ends up being the best thing that could ever happen! That is so romantic and dreamy." Lane gushes.
"I know. So enough about me. How are Stevie and Kwan?"
"The twins are three now and getting too big. Zack is... well I don't really know. He's traveling a lot. He calls at least twice a week from various places. Last week he was in Amsterdam. This week he's going to Australia. Next week he'll be in California somewhere. That's about all I know."
"I'm sorry things are tough."
"It's been better but it could be worse. I know he loves us. He sends us pictures daily via email and pays for everything."
"But how are you two? I know he's being a great dad but what about husband?"
"The husband department is... well lacking..."
"Are you still together?"
"Somewhat. He said something about reevaluating our marriage and how he might have been too young. We're going to talk when he comes home next month. I'm preparing for the worst. Hope for the best prepare for the worst that's what they say right?"
"Lane, I'm here for you. Whatever happens. So what else have you been doing?"
"Well besides working, let's see. Cleaning up after twin tornadoes and oh ya did I mention work?"
"Lane, I seriously think you need to take a vacation to California with me. I'm leaving Thursday and I'll pay for your ticket and you can stay with me so you won't have any expenses."
"I don't know. I'll have to check with mom to see if she can keep the kids and Luke about vacation."
"Go." They heard Luke grunt.
"I was planning on taking time off to go fishing anyways. I'll pay you what you normally would have worked. If your mom can't watch the kids talk to Liz and Lorelai. You need a vacation."
"So I'm going with you?" Lane looked at me sheepishly.
"You're going with me! You will have so much fun! I can't wait! I've got to go plus you have breakfast rush coming in. I'll call you to figure out the particulars."
"Thank you. You're a lifesaver."

an: after the toothpaste i had a bunch typed out then accidentally messed up! GAHHHH. I saved it but wanted to vent for a second! Sorry the sleepover didn't happen. I realized that the characters have lives to get back to in order for this story to work. Next chapter will be Logan and Rory's date Plus Rory and Paris will meet up somewhere.