It had been a couple of weeks since that night of discussing memories. Aaron had taken a few days off to spend time with his kids since he knew they were all in need of family time. Aaron had gotten the drawing enlarged and had it framed and he and Lorelai hung it up. When they were done Lorelai looked at her dad. "I have to admit it's weird seeing one of my drawings so large. I am glad I added color to it though."
Aaron smiled. "I can understand why it might be a bit strange, but you are incredibly talented." He told her.
"Thanks, dad." She said, "I'm sure I will adjust."
Aaron nodded.
"So, um. I finished my master's," she said.
Aaron looked at her and smiled. "That is amazing. Final mark?" he asked
"ninety-three present. A little lower than I would have liked but.." She said
"Lorelai ninety-three present that is incredible. Be proud of yourself you deserve it." He told her
Lorelai smiled. "When did you want to do the -small get-together?" she asked
Aaron smiled. "How about next week? Where do you want to do it?" He asked
"I don't know. How about we wait till the following weekend, and we can line it up with thanksgiving?" She asked
Aaron raised an eyebrow "And you would do all the cooking. Not a chance. Thanksgiving is already scheduled, and we are not combining the two."
"It's just two weekends in a row people have other friends and other commitments," Lorelai said
Aaron took out his phone and opened the text app.
Aaron: "Lorelai has finished her master's we are planning the celebration for this weekend. Anyone have any objections to the celebration this weekend and still thanksgiving the following?"
He send out a text to everyone who would be invited. Within a few minutes, he had a reply from all and showed Lorelai. "Nice try." He said with a smile
Lorelai sighed. She never really liked being the center of attention and her dad liked to take every opportunity to celebrate any of his kids.
Lorelai suggested renting out a room at a restaurant in the area. Aaron agreed and he arranged and made the plans.
/\/\/\/\
That weekend came and everyone went to the restaurant. Lorelai insisted that it be casual, so people obliged.
Lorelai went into the room that had been decorated and a banner with congratulations hung across one wall. She smiled. She saw Henry chasing Kelsey around the room and Kelsey telling him to stop. She chuckled. She picked up little Henry when he ran passed her. "Hey, Henry."
Henry hugged her "Hi!
Kelsey ran and hugged her too. Lorelai smiled. "Hey, Kelsey."
Everyone went over to Lorelai and congratulate her. JJ took Henry from her and told him to stop chasing his sister. They all sat down and chatted away.
"Do you know when you'll be back at work?" Emily asked
"Well, I have been cleared to start slowly getting back into the field. Can't do anything too crazy yet, but I will be back at the office on Monday after thanksgiving." She told them
"You can't do anything crazy. Ever." Aaron said
Lorelai chuckled. "Sorry. Poor choice of words. I can't do everything yet. I have to take things slow. Better?"
"Much," Aaron told her.
"What grade did you end up with in the end?" Spencer asked
"Spencer you don't ask that!" JJ said
Lorelai chuckled. "No. It's okay. Ninety-three percent was my final grade."
The room cheered.
"That's fantastic," David said.
"Thank you," She said.
It was a fun afternoon. It was a good thing they ended up with a large party room because the kids ran around playing tag when they got bored.
The party started to die down after a few hours. Lorelai thanked everyone for coming. Lorelai and Rachel were the last to leave. Aaron had taken Jack a little earlier because he was getting tired and cranky. Lorelai looked at Rachel. "Ready to go?" She asked
Rachel nodded.
The two of them started the drive home.
"So. What has been going on with that boy you had in your closet?" Lorelai asked
Rachel shrugged. "You scared him…"
Lorelai bit her lip. "Sorry. That was not my intent and am I really scary?" She asked
"Well, that day you were to him," Rachel told her
"If it will help invite him over. When I am there, and I can be -less scary." Lorelai told her.
"No. It's okay. He was a jerk anyways." Rachel said
Lorelai nodded. "Boys can be like that yeah. You will find the right one someday.
"Like you have?" Rachel asked
Lorelai smiled. "He is one of the good ones yes."
They got home and had a quiet night just watching TV until it was time for bed.