Unless otherwise stated it's in 3rd Person POV. Parts of this will be in specific person POV.
If you go back and reread the story you'll notice I've changed a couple of things, nothing major, just somethings I've noticed don't fly.
I don't own anything besides a few last names and the story line!
Recap for the last chapter:
Elias is dying and he wants to see Logan get married. Rory agreed to a quick engagement. He's going to propose for real in front of their families at the beach
G graduated high school and packed everything up to move to Cali with Rory.
Chris and Lorelai left to go on their 3 month vacation.
Rory & Logan are going to take Elias to the doctor and then meet the Huntzberger's, the Gilmore's, the Hayden's, & their friends (including Lane and her boys) at the beach for the week. Then Rory, Logan, G, Steph, & Finn are going to watch Colin graduate from Princeton Law.
Read & Review!
Monday
Everyone stayed at the Hayden's in Stars Hollow that night and the next day since the house would be too quiet for just Rory & Georgia. Logan went to wake Rory up at 7 on Monday so they could finish packing and pick Elias at 10. They got everything packed up and loaded into their car. Logan decided to drive Rory's car to pick Elias up so that the group could take the limo and Lane and the boys could take the SUV. Neither of them wanted Lane to have to drive up there since she hadn't been there before. She stopped at Lukes for breakfast but it was closed again. 'Gone Fishing'.
"Dang." Rory said looking at the sign. "I really wanted some good coffee to hit the road with."
"Well we can stop by Starbucks in Hartford. It's only 830 and grandfather isn't expecting us until 10. "
"Let's go to Lane's to make sure she knows the car's picking her up at noon."
They walked down the three blocks to Lane's house. Lane was outside drinking her coffee when she heard footsteps and the gate open.
"Hey you two. Are you ready for today?" Lane said excitedly. Over the course of Logan and Rory's relationship, Lane was slowly but surely getting used to Rory's new friends. At first, she was slightly uncomfortable with her friends wealth but she and Finn stayed up one night in California talking. He made her realize that none of them viewed her as a charity case. They were just happy that they could use their wealth to make others happy, whether that be someone who they didn't know or one of their friends. They also knew she wasn't using them for the money like some people.
"Yeah we are." Rory replied. "Logan's grandpa wants him to drive us to New York first so we're taking my car there and then we'll meet you at the Vineyard once Eli's done. The town car is coming at 12 for you. It's an SUV so there's enough room for the boys. If you want G to ride with you, she probably will."
"That'd be nice. I'll take the boys there around 1130 then so they can meet everyone. Do you know if there will be other kids there?"
"I'm not sure about that." Logan said "My cousins all have kids now and they might end up there too. Oh while I'm thinking of it, my parents want to have an "adult dinner" one night so she arranged to have a nanny to watch the boys."
"Are you sure?"
"She's on contract for our family so yeah. I was raised by nannies. It might not be ideal but they're not just run of the mill people. They're all trained and certified. Like I said, my cousins might bring their kids. Who knows. Well it's 9 and we need to get going to get to Hartford on time. Lane, we'll see you on the beach?"
"I'm so excited. Thank you both."
They walked over to Rory's car and made the drive to Hartford. Logan went inside Elias's house and helped him to the car. Rory decided to sit in the backseat so Eli could sit in the front. Logan had already programmed the route into the GPS and they were off.
"Rory, are you sure you want to become a Huntzberger?" Elias said after a few minutes of silence?
"I want to become Logan's wife and that means becoming a Huntzberger."
"Well I for one am excited about this nuptial. I want to pay for the wedding of course."
"Are you sure sir?"
"Now if you're becoming my granddaughter in law, you can't call me Sir. It's either Eli or Granddad. Up to you but no more of that sir talk. Logan, do you know where we are going?"
"Yes I just want to stop to get Ace some coffee. She's not the happiest camper if she doesn't have her coffee." Logan snickered.
Eli chuckled. "Well stop at Starbucks then. I'll take a medium coffee black, Rory want do you want?"
"I know what you want Ace. Granddad, do you want a muffin or bagel?"
"No thank you. I can only have black coffee before my tests. These will take around 3 hours. If you don't want to wait around, I understand."
"We'll be there for you. Every step of the way granddad." Logan said putting his hand on his shoulder.
"So Rory, are you staying in California then?"
"For the immediate future. I signed a year contract last month."
"That's great. I'm glad that you're making a name for yourself without your connections. I've always admired that. Do you two live together yet?"
"We haven't discussed that but so far we have separate apartments. That will change soon though of course."
"It's been 12 hours since we've been unofficially engaged." Rory added chuckling.
Logan ordered the drinks for everyone and paid the barista. When they got everything they were on their way to New York.
They got to the cancer center around 1230 and Elias checked in with reception. Thirty minutes later and mountains of paperwork, they came to get Eli and take him to the back.
"So Logan, I was thinking that maybe we should look into getting a new place. Just for us two. I'll keep my apartment just for the sole purpose of Georgia. She'll have her own space. Do you own your apartment or are you leasing?"
"I'm just leasing. I'm glad we're talking now because my lease ends in two months."
"Do you want to get a new place then?"
"All our own? We'd need a townhouse I think. We'd each need an office or one big one, have a few bedrooms so we have room for overnight guests. A dining room and kitchen. I know you might not be a master chef but I like to cook."
"I want a patio so we can grill in the summer and a balcony off of our bedroom so I can walk outside and drink my coffee in the morning. That's one big reason I got that place."
"So we'll start shopping when we get back?"
"Yeah. "Did you know that my granddad has never let anyone call him Eli besides my grandma. My mother tried to once when I was like 6 and he said, "it's dad to you". This was a few months after she died. She was a wonderful woman. Now that I think about what I remember and what I've been told, you're a lot like her. She was spunky and had a take no shit attitude about life."
They spent the next two hours talking about the Vineyard. Logan didn't let Rory know but he knew how he was going to plan the proposal. He just need to let Colin know to have the camera ready.
At 3, the doctor came up to them. "Are you Logan Huntzberger and Rory Hayden?"
"Yes we are."
"Elias asked that you come with me. I'm about to give him what results we have."
Rory and Logan got up to follow the doctor to the room Eli was in. Logan stood next to his grandpa and had his hand on his shoulder and his other arm around Rory. Rory put her hand on Eli's hand. They waited on the doctor to come back in. He came in with another doctor.
"Hello Mr. Huntzberger. My name is Anthony Rollins and this is my associate Tyler. I'm the head of oncology here at New York Cancer Research Center. I have your results here. They aren't the best. I wish I had better news. We were wrong about pancreatic cancer but unfortunately you have what is called Stage 4 Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and it has begun to spread to your liver. We have some treatment options available."
"How much time will that give him?" Logan asked. "If we go with the treatment plan you have. I'm assuming that the treatment isn't easy."
"You're correct. The treatment includes 4 to 5 rounds of chemotherapy and other various treatments. Those can give him up to five years."
"How long without the treatment?"
"You're looking at about a year at most. The cancer started in his kidney and spread over time to his liver. The cancer has spread, not the fastest spread I've seen but any growth isn't good. since his last scan four weeks ago." The doctor pulled up two scans dated a month apart and explained the differences to the three.
"Do we have time to figure out what we want to do?"
"No Logan." Eli said somberly. "I know what I'm going to do. Doctor, thank you for this information. I'm not going to go with the treatment. Logan- I've lived a long life. I don't want to end it in a hospital with tubes and everything. I can't."
"I understand Elias. Please take time to think and if you choose a different route let me know. I will leave this information with you along with my personal phone number. I also wrote you a prescription for some pain medicine."
The doctor walked out and Logan was going through the paperwork the doctor provided. "Logan, I know you think this is the worst thing to happen but it's not. I've lived a long life. I watched my grandchildren grow up and become wonderful people, I've watched a business that my father and I build grow so big that I don't recognize it."
"I know granddad. Let's go to the beach."
"I like that. I will talk to your dad and mom. Rory, can I sit in back on the way to the beach? I want to lay back and relax."
"Of course whatever you need."
"Let's go to dinner somewhere first. I'm hungry."
They went to a small Italian restaurant, had dinner, then got on the road for the 6 hour drive to the Vineyard. When they got there at 1130, they saw that everyone was still awake. Rory followed Logan inside and they decided to call it a night instead of joining everyone. Rory and Logan stayed at the Huntzberger house with Mitchum, Shira, Honor, Josh, and Elias. Colin, Steph, Finn, G, Lane, & the boys all stayed in the Hayden house while Richard, Emily, & Francine stayed at the Gilmore's.
When Logan and Rory got to their room he put their luggage down and held onto her silently crying. Rory closed the door and led him to the couch. He looked up at her with tears in his eyes and just kept crying. Everything that he held in while he was in New York came out. Thirty minutes later, someone knocked on the door. Logan went to the en suite bathroom while Rory opened the door. It was Shira.
She walked in and sat down on the couch.
"How long have you known?" she said softly. Logan walked out and looked at his mom, his eyes red and puffy like hers.
"Granddad told me Friday before dinner."
She sat there for a few minute, then she went and gave him a hug and whispered something in his ear. He kissed her cheek and she walked out the door.
"What was that?"
"She said she's glad I have you."
The rest of the night was spend on lighter subjects. They watched a movie and fell asleep during it.
Tuesday
Rory and Logan woke up and it was 9. Rory looked outside and saw Steve and Kwan running around the beach and building a castle. It was perfect weather to swim and play on the beach. She had some of the best memories here. She couldn't help but picture a little blond haired blue eyed boy running around and building sandcastles with his daddy. All of the properties were close to each other. Hayden's and Gilmore's were next door to each other and the Huntzberger was a few houses from those so they could all easily see each other.
Rory grabbed a cup of coffee and went outside. She saw Steph coming up to her.
"Hey Ro. How's it going? You okay? You look like shit."
"Thanks Steph. I'm okay. Just waking up." She made up a lie because she wanted Eli to tell people as he saw fit.
"I found out Colin's and my parents are coming down here too and then going up to Colin's graduation."
"Dang. Why?"
"They found out we were here."
"Where are their houses?"
"Mine is three down from Richard and Emily and Colin's is two from that."
"That's convenient. I'm still wondering how I didn't know all of you. I spent a couple weeks every summer here growing up."
"Probably because we didn't come much. Shira and Mitchum did but Logan and Honor spent time with their friends. They didn't have a relationship near as good as it is now. It's been in the past few months that Mitchum and Shira didn't tell Logan constantly that he was throwing his life away. I think part of that has to do with you. Colin says that his family likes you?"
"Yeah. Elias, Mitchum, and Shira all do. The way Logan described them I was going to be eaten up and thrown out alive for the wolves."
"That's normally how it is. Why do you think he never brought Stacey around? They would have called her horrible names and yelled at him in turn. Although she would have deserved everything thrown at her."
The rest of the day passed normally. They all decided on doing dinner on Thursday since the McCray's and Vanderbilt's were coming up tomorrow. Steph, Rory, G, and Lane went shopping for a few hours while Colin, Finn, and Logan played with Stevie and Kwan on the beach.
Mitchum stepped outside while Logan was sitting on the beach laughing with the 3 year old twins. He walked over to Logan and sat down next to him.
"You're entertaining children. It's a site I'd never think I'd see." Mitchum said to his son.
"These two are great. I've spent some time with them in Stars Hollow with Rory. They're adventurous and wild just like I was."
"Who knows, within the next few years we might see a brunette or blond child running around."
Rory and Logan hadn't said much about children besides that small comment to her mom the other night.
"Who knows. Not yet but maybe."
"Logan, I know you know about pop. How are you taking it?"
"I've known for a couple of days but yesterday really hit me. He'll never meet his great grandchildren. I know he's lived a full life but it's still sad."
"Logan, you know your granddad couldn't be more proud of you. He was unsure while you were in college but you've really proved yourself to him. You started a company from the ground up, you have a life for yourself in California, and you have a strong woman by your side. Hopefully she stays there."
"I hope so too dad. I know you probably think it's too soon to be talking about the future but I don't see one without her in it."
"She's good for you. I don't either. Why wait?"
With that last bit his dad walked back to the house. Logan knew how he was going to propose. He's known it since his granddad talked to him. He actually thought of it before but this news put the plan into action.
"I think they're ready for a nap." Colin said to Logan. He walked up to the Hayden house and took he two young boys to their room and put them down for a nap and texted Lane quickly to let her know.
"So I'm going to propose after dinner Thursday." Logan said to his two groomsmen. "And I need your help."
"Let's plan it!" Finn said excitedly. "What do you want to do?"
"Well after dinner, we'll all come back and have drinks on someone's deck. Probably the Gilmore/Hayden's since they're next to each other. I want someone to buy fireworks so they can go off and I can during them. Finn, do you want to buy the fireworks?"
"Finn and fire anything?" Colin interrupted. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure he doesn't want anything to ruin this so yes. He wants everything to be perfect for Rory, don't you Finn?"
"I'll get them tomorrow." Finn said. "Do you know how you're going to do it?"
"I think I'm going to work off the cuff. Colin, you need to be ready with the camera. Just act like you're taking picture of everyone. Finn, I'm going to propose, she's going to say yes, then you start the fireworks."
"So I don't get to hear the proposal?"
"No but Colin's going to have it on camera right?"
"Do you want stills and a rolling camera?"
"Yes."
"I can. My new phone actually takes pictures while recording."
"Great. So it's set?"
The next day flew by. Colin, Finn, Josh, and Logan went shopping for the fireworks and a few things for the weekend while the girls stayed at home with the kids and relaxed.
Thursday
Thursday night came and they went to dinner at Pier Point, the nicest restaurant on the island. Lane did keep the boys with a nanny but they moved them to the Huntzberger house since they were going to have an after dinner drinks at the Gilmore/Hayden houses. The party of 20 filled up the whole private section of the establishment which was fine by them because reporters noticed all of them there and started trying to get pictures of everyone at any opportunity possible. Rory and the girls were bamboozled during their shopping trip as were Logan and the boys.
They escaped the restaurant and got back to their houses. The maid had already set up some appetizer trays and a few drink carts around. Everyone was talking and so Logan called their attention.
"Everyone, can I have your attention." Logan said tapping on his glass. He was on the Hayden property so everyone that was on the Gilmore's part came over to that deck. He motioned over to the boys. Colin started recording and Finn started going to the fireworks. "I just want to make a toast. To Families. As most of you know I'm with Rory and have been for a while now. We both live in Palo Alto but visit often enough that I consider her family, my family and visa versa. I know that my parents will probably tell you that they would adopt her and disown me in a heartbeat if anything happened to us." Everyone around chuckled. "So I want to make sure that doesn't happen. Rory, I know we've known each other for only a short while but I love you more than I ever thought possible and I can't see my life without you." Rory had a big smile on her face and the other girls looked like they were going to cry. "I don't want anyone else by my side again. You're the single greatest thing to ever grace my presence. We met on a commercial flight from Palo Alto to Hartford and I haven't thought about anything or anyone but you since." Logan bent down on one knee and held out the ring that his granddad gave him. "Lorelai Leigh Gilmore-Hayden, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
"Of course. Yes, yes, yes. A million times yes." Rory said crying.
Logan stood up and grabbed her and spun her around. "Finn. Now!"
The next thing Rory knew fireworks were going off. Between them and in the sky at the same time. Logan put the ring on her finger and they kissed to make it official.
Logan put her down because he saw all the adults coming over to congratulate her.
Rory POV:
We had talked about proposing on the beach but I had no clue it would be this extravagant. Then again, Logan Huntzberger does nothing halfway. He knocked this one out of the park for sure. He had fireworks and everything planned. She was excited that she would finally get to wear her engagement ring.
"Rory, I'm so excited for you." Shira, Emily, & Francine said to her. "Do you want a long engagement?"
"We talked briefly about getting married but haven't put much plan into it." Rory lied "So we'll talk and I'll let you know." She and Shira exchanged a quick look. "If you'll excuse me I'm going to talk to my fiance now."
I ran over to Logan and kissed him again. I know we've only been together for a while but we've dealt with so much in that short time. I really can't see myself with anyone else.
Steph, Lane, Honor, and G walked up and hugged her. Honor grabbed my hand. "Oh my god. This was my grandma's ring. He had granddad's blessing." I sensed a little bit of jealously in her voice.
"I'm so surprised." I said. "I had no clue really."
"We should have known something was up. When the three stooges plan, something extravagant always happens." I knew that Steph was slightly jealous that Colin hadn't proposed yet.
We stayed around for about an hour then I heard Logan tapping his glass again. "Now my fiance and I are going to go on a walk and discuss some things. We will talk to everyone tomorrow. I know that the younger generation is leaving for Princeton along with the Vanderbilt's and McCray's so if we don't see you before we leave, thank you all for being here tonight. I know Rory didn't want a public gathering so I choose a gathering with her family. I consider each and every one of you family and I know Rory does as well."
Logan and I walked down to the Huntzberger house and sat on the swing on the front porch. He looked over at me and kissed me.
"Were you surprised?"
"Yes! I thought you would have waited. I'm so happy Logan. I was already asked a time frame of the wedding."
"I want my granddad to see it so if it's alright with you, I'd like to plan and execute it within the next few months."
"Logan, I don't care when we get married. I'm so happy and excited to be Mrs. Lorelai Huntzberger."
"Are you going to stay Gilmore-Hayden?"
"I don't think so. I think I'm going to be Huntzberger."
He kissed her again. We sat and decided on a September wedding. We know certain society members will accuse us of a shotgun wedding due to a pregnancy but I am alright with that. Our families would know soon why it's a sudden wedding.
"I know your granddad told your parents. Do you know if Honor and Josh know?"
"Yeah. I told Colin and Finn too because Josh and I were talking about it."
"I didn't say anything to anyone else yet. It's not mine to share."
"Ace. I was serious when I said that my parents would try to adopt you if we ever separated. They love you. I have never, I mean never seen my granddad take to anyone the way he took to you. Your dad's right. It's the Gilmore in you. All of my friends and family love you."
Third Person POV
Around 11, Lane and G came down because they were staying here with the young boys. Rory and Logan switched houses with them. Georgia ran up and gave Logan a hug and swiftly said "Remember, if you hurt her, I have a lot of acres of land to hide the body."
"Don't worry. I don't plan on it. Is everything closing down now?"
"Yeah, Logan your parents and granddad are on their way now. Ro, you might want to get into your room before Emily sees you and attacks you with wedding plans. They're planning for a spring wedding next year."
"Well they're mistaken. We're getting married in September." Rory answered.
"Why? Am I going to be an aunt as well?"
"No. Logan's granddad isn't doing well and they don't think he'll make it to see past Christmas this year."
"Logan. I am so sorry. I know what you're going through."
"Thanks G."
Lane went and gave Logan a hug as well. "If you need anything let me know. You've done so much for my boys and I. I could never repay you for the happiness they've had spending the week here."
"Them having a blast on the beach was thanks and payment enough."
Colin's graduation
Just like at G's graduation, Colin's graduation had the loudest cheering section. He graduated top of his class at Princeton Law. Cheering him on were Steph, Finn, Logan, Rory, and Georgia. His parents and Stephanie's parents were both there but they weren't as vocal as the group was. Rory made sure to get enough pictures that he could tell his children about each step that he took and which foot he stepped with first.
They were in the courtyard taking pictures with the graduate and the Rory noticed Colin motion to Logan. She didn't know what that was about. She realized that he had his phone out and then she turned around. Then it dawned on her what was happening.
"Stephanie Marie, you're the most amazing person I know. I don't think I would have gotten through highschool without you pushing me to prove myself wrong. I really wouldn't have made it through Yale without your voice constantly telling me that I needed to study instead of party. I was dumb not to realize how much I needed you before I did. I wouldn't have gone to Princeton and I wouldn't be this man standing before you without you by my side. Stephanie, will you do me the honor of taking my hand in marriage and always being the voice inside my head that tells me I can do better?"
"It's about damn time Colin. Yes." Stephanie said with tears. Colin picked her up and spun her around and kissed her. Then he put her down and put the ring on her finger.
Logan had the whole thing recorded. The next thing they heard was a rocket going off and they turned around. Finn had apparently taken some of the fireworks with him from the beach. The whole crowd applauded and she felt a pair of arms grabbing her.
"I'm so happy. Rory! We're both engaged." Steph said looking at her ring.
"Dang. He did a great job."
"Okay I need all the newly engaged couples to stand in front of this tree." Finn said with a smile. Rory, Logan, Stephanie, and Colin all stood in front of the picture. Rory whispered into Steph's ear and idea for the picture. They both put their left hands out and grabbed their guy by the tie. Everyone laughed and the picture was taken.
"So I have an announcement." Colin said. "We're moving."
"When? Is it on this continent?" Rory asked kind of sad. She knew that Colin's dad talked about opening a law firm in London. She hoped that they weren't going there.
"Yes. It is. I am officially the president of McCray and Associates in California!" Colin said excitedly. "We open our branch in San Francisco next month."
"Wait. San Francisco! That's only thirty minutes from Palo Alto." Rory said with a smile.
"Finn, it's official." G said. "You have to move to Palo Alto so we can all live in the same area."
"Love, I am a traveler but I have considered purchasing a place to call home there so I can have an address to send mail. I don't have an office per say. I go where the hotels are built."
"Actually we've talked about moving to Palo Alto since it's not as big as San Fran and it's an easy commute." Steph said to Rory and Logan.
"That would be amazing. Actually Logan and I have decided to find a new place to live so G, the apartment will soon be all yours. Of course when either set of grandparents or parents visit, they'll probably stay there but it's yours for when you want it."
"You know I'm living on campus for a couple of years."
"Yes, but do you really want to fly home when you have a small break?"
"Probably not."
Colin, Steph, and their parents all went out to dinner by themselves so Rory, Logan, G, and Finn decided to go back to Stars Hollow. The plane taking Logan, Rory, and G was leaving at 9 that morning so they wanted to be rested for the return to California. Finn decided to come back with them so he could look at real estate with the soon to be Huntzbergers.
I hope the proposals exceeded everyone's expectations. I've had so much fun writing this that I don't see an ending soon... I already have chapter 22 started.
Just to let you know, I cried when I re-read everything. I hope you did too!