It was the day of the baby shower/ gender reveal. Lorelai was beyond excited. Emily, JJ, Rachel, Rebecca, and Penny had come over first thing in the morning to help Lorelai set things up as much as possible. She and Spencer had put together the piñata the day before because they didn't trust anyone not to spoil it and as they were the only two who knew it was easier that way. The piñata was hidden in their bedroom they would set it up later.

The girls had set everything up. Lorelai did nothing but delegate because she was told to do just that. Once everything was set up people started to show up. It was the family plus a few extra friends. Her Uncle and his family had come down for it as well and everyone was being introduced. John and Hunter were the last to arrive. Jack took his two friends and showed them the bouncy house that had been rented. That was becoming a staple at all their get together as it kept the kids busy.

They were having a BBQ and would likely be the last one of the year as it was pushing the end of September at this point. John came over and sat next to her. "How are you feeling?" He asked

"Very pregnant," Lorelai said she was 32 weeks pregnant at this point.

John chuckled. "No more popped ribs?" he asked

"Nope. That was caused by my own stupidity." Lorelai said

"I wondered. I knew that was the weekend you moved." John said

"Yeah. I lifted a box that was heavier than I should have been lifting." Lorelai said "But I did get it popped back in and I haven't lifted anything heavy since. Mr. overprotective over there has made sure of it." She nodded over to where Spencer was talking with Derek.

John chuckled. Becca came over. "What do you want to drink?"

"Some of the sweet tea please," Lorelai said

Becca went to get it for her.

"And yes. I have been ordered to sit and not move until the end of the party." Lorelai said

"Good," John said. "You shouldn't be doing anything except growing another human at this point."

"That's what I say too," Aaron said when he came over. "Dad this is John. John this is my father Aaron. You kind of spoke on the phone when we were at the beach." Lorelai said

The two men shook hands and said hello.

"And my husband is around here somewhere," John said

"We've met actually," Aaron said. "Maybe you can convince her to take her maternity leave." He said raising his eyebrow at his daughter.

"Don't you fly a lot for work? You're not still flying, are you? That is not safe." John said

"No. I'm not flying. I'm working from the offices here," Lorelai said. "For another four weeks if I go that long before I have the baby," Lorelai said

"Well. I mean does it hurt to take an extra four weeks." John said

"If I take the four weeks now I won't have the full year with the baby after they are born for maternity leave," Lorelai said

"And I told you not to worry about that. I will make sure you get the full year after they are born even if you have taken six weeks before they are born." Aaron said

"And we can talk about this later dad." Lorelai said.

Becca came back with the sweet tea, "thanks," Lorelai said

Becca nodded. "No problem."

Lorelai saw Dave walking by. "Dave can you please find something to take my father away because he's bugging me." She said with a smile.

Aaron chuckled. "Okay. Okay. We will talk later."

John chuckled.

Lorelai shook her head.

John nodded towards a playpen that was set up for Michael and Elizebeth (Kate's baby) were set up. Henry was trying to climb into it but was going to tip it over with his weight

"Henry! Don't!" Lorelai said

Henry jumped back and looked up "I just want to get my baby brother so he can play too!"

Will heard his son's name being said loudly and went towards it. "That is very nice Henry. But he is too little. He needs to play in there. And you can't climb in there your going to knock it over and the babies will get hurt" He said before mouthing thank you to Lorelai.

"He's the one who noticed first," Lorelai said nodding to John.

Will sent his son off to play before coming over to them. "Thank you both."

Lorelai introduced them.

The food was starting to be served. Spencer brought Lorelai over a plate and some water. Slowly everyone got food and ate. After a bit of cleanup. Spencer went and got the piñata and he and Derek set it up on the big oak tree. Spencer explained the game to the kids and explained that when the piñata broke it would release candy but also some confetti if the confetti was pink it would mean Lorelai was having a girl and it was blue she was having a boy. There was a video camera already set up to record it. The kids each took turns youngest to oldest to hit the piñata. After several hits, the piñata was broken into, and out came the candy and the PINK confetti. They were having a girl. The kids all jumped into the pile to grab candy. The adults all cheered and went to hug Lorelai and Spencer.

Jack ran over after getting his candy and hugged his sister.

Lorelai hugged him.

"It's a girl!" Jack said

"Yes. That's right." Lorelai said with a smile "She's your niece."

Jack was excited but he went back to play with his friends. Spencer was about to show them his science magic. Lorelai chuckled

"He's going to be a great dad," Emily said as she sat down next to Lorelai.

"He really is. He told me about the first time he showed you that trick." Lorelai said

Emily chuckled. "When I got pelted in the head."

"And then he showed you it and Hotch walked in," Lorelai said

"Yup," Emily said

"And you three left him to fend for himself," Lorelai said with a chuckle.

"Angry Hotch is scary Hotch," Emily said.

Lorelai chuckled. "Oh, I know."

The little rocket flew up higher than it ever had. And everyone was amazed.

"Oh, and by the way, you are going to be an amazing mom too," Emily said

Lorelai nodded a bit

"I heard you have some doubts about that," Emily said

"My dad told you?" Lorelai asked

Emily nodded.

"I've been working through the fears in therapy so I'm okay," Lorelai said

"Good," Emily said.

Aaron came over with a piece of cake for Lorelai.

"I'm going to get a piece," Emily said getting up and going. Aaron sat next to her. "I couldn't help but overhear. I hope it's okay I told Emily."

Lorelai nodded. "Of course. She's your partner. I get it." She said with a smile taking a bite of the cake.

"Do you have a drink?" he asked

Lorelai picked up her bottle of water. "Can't go more than thirty minutes before someone brings me a bottle of water or something."

"Good," Aaron said.

They both looked toward where Rachel and Brooke were playing with some of the kids.

"You never actually told me what you think of Brooke," Lorelai said to her dad.

Aaron smiled and nodded. "She seems like a very nice young woman. Your sister seems happy, and Brooke seems to be a good influence, so I think they are a good fit."

Lorelai smiled and nodded.

"How is my little granddaughter?" He asked

Lorelai smiled. "She's good. A little less active. But I'm thinking she's starting to run out of room."

"That's normal," JJ said as she sat in the chair on her other side.

"I know," Lorelai said with a smile.

"Have you two decided on a name?" JJ asked

"We have a few in mind. We're not sure yet. And no one is going to know her name until she's born." Lorelai said

JJ smiled and nodded.

It was time to open gifts. Spencer came over and Aaron stood up giving him his seat back. The other adults huddled around. The kids went back to jumping on the bouncy house.

The gifts were all opened. There was mostly gender-neutral stuff. But there were a few pink things. Lorelai looked up at Penny. "How did you know?"

"I didn't," Penny said with a smile.

"She brought stuff for both and wrapped them and when she found out the gender she slipped the gift in the pile," Derek said

Lorelai chuckled and shook her head.

"Be ready for her to spoil your baby," JJ said

"She spoils mine too," Kate said

Lorelai smiled and nodded. "Oh. I know. I was with her when she bought the stuff for both of your baby showers."

They finished opening gifts. Lorelai got up for the first time and went inside to pee. She went into the kitchen and grabbed herself a drink and her uncle came inside. "Isn't someone suppose to be doing that for you?" Matt asked with a smile

"I was up to use the bathroom. So, unless there is some magical way someone can go pee for me I had to get up and I'm just getting a drink." Lorelai said getting a bit snippy

"I'm just bugging you. How are you feeling?" He asked

"I'm good," Lorelai said with a smile. "Sorry. Didn't mean to get snippy."

"It's okay," Matt said. "You excited it's a girl?"

"I mean yes. But I would be happy as long as they are healthy." Lorelai said

Matt smiled and nodded.

"Can I ask you something?" Lorelai asked

"Anything," Matt asked.

"I have heard that my biological father was abusive. I know you didn't really know him because you two went different ways but was your father abusive? Or grandfather if you know?" Lorelai asked

Matt took a breath. "You worried about genetics making you like him?

Lorelai shrugged and leaned against the counter.

"Well no. My father was not abusive in any way. My mother either. Nor were any of my grandparents as far as I know." Matt said. "You know that genetics don't play a role in that though." He added

Lorelai shrugged.

"Come on. Talk." Matt said

"Okay. Yes. I have done the research. I know genetics don't play a role in that. Nature vs. Nurture. But I didn't exactly have the best start to my childhood either. Abuse is what I grew up with. So, nurture was abuse too for most of my life." Lorelai said. "And no, I have never, nor do I think I would ever hurt anyone much less a child but pregnancy and giving birth changes women so what if it changes me into someone who does…" Lorelai said

"There were drugs and alcohol involved in the abuse. Do you do drugs?" he asked

"No. Never." Lorelai said

"Have you ever drank to excess?" Matt asked

"Well. Yes. I've been drunk twice. But not on the regular. And haven't since before I was pregnant." Lorelai said. "But apparently when my birth mother found out she was pregnant she stopped all the drugs and alcohol until I was six months old," Lorelai said

"You are not your parents. None of us are our parents. We might have some traits in common. But we all forge our own paths. We all make our own decisions. Good and bad." Matt said

Lorelai nodded.

"Does Spencer know your fears?" Matt asked

"Yes. I made him and my dad promise if I become abusive or start using drugs or become an alcoholic that they will take the baby from me." Lorelai said

"And we both told you we know you won't be like that," Aaron said from behind them.

Lorelai looked behind her and sighed. "I know. But I can't help my feelings." Lorelai said

"The fact that you are worrying so much. Makes me know that you won't be like that." Matt said.

Lorelai nodded. "Well, I didn't mean to bring down the mood. And if I don't get back out there I'm sure I will worry Spencer." She said with a smile

She went back outside and sat in her seat with her drink.

Spencer looked over at her. "You were gone awhile."

"Yeah. Got into a conversation with my uncle." Lorelai said

Spencer nodded and smiled

The party started to die down and people started to help clean up. Lorelai wasn't allowed to help much which she was annoyed by. She went to lift and fold one of the chairs when she heard someone clear their throat behind her. She looked behind. It was Dave.

"Go. Sit down." He said with a smile.

"Come on. It's not that heavy." Lorelai said

"I'm sure you could handle it, but you don't have to," Dave said.

Lorelai sighed and went inside. She grabbed a bunch of the gift bags and headed to the nursery. She was not going to sit on her ass and do nothing.

Aaron peaked his head in. "Haven't painted yet?"

"No, because I didn't trust people not to look in." She said with a smile

"I hope you don't mean me," Aaron said.

Lorelai chuckled "No one specific."

"You're not planning on painting it alone are you?" Aaron asked

"Yeah. Spencer would let me get away with that." Lorelai said sarcastically

Aaron chuckled. "Good."

Spencer stuck his head in. "Nope. I wouldn't. Now, why aren't you sitting down and relaxing."

"Because I'm not an invalid," Lorelai said. "And if you keep treating me like one I will paint this room alone when you're not here."

Aaron took that moment to leave the two of them alone to talk.

Spencer took a breath. "Okay. I'm sorry. I know you can do things still."

"And I was on my butt pretty much all day so I'm going to do something to help clean up. I agreed to not lifting heavy things not stopping doing anything altogether." Lorelai said

Spencer nodded. "Okay."

Eventually, everyone left except Aaron and Emily. The four of them were sitting and having coffee and tea.

"If you need help with the nursery I can help," Emily said

"We were going to ask you both for help," Spencer said

"Derek and Penny too," Lorelai said

"Next weekend if you are available," Spencer said

Aaron and Emily nodded.

"We do have everything either here or should be here by next weekend and we want to make sure that it's set up before the baby is here," Lorelai said

They finished their drinks and Aaron and Emily left.

"Should we call your mom and thank her for the gift?" Lorelai asked

Spencer smiled and nodded, and they did video chat her and thanked her. She had been doing well lately. She had wanted to be there for the party but couldn't be. They had sent her a video of the gender reveal so she could be surprised as well.

"Do you have a name picked out?" Diana asked

"We have a couple of ideas, but we are keeping that to ourselves until the baby is born," Spencer said

"Lorelai. I think I owe you an apology." Diana said

"Oh?" Lorelai said

"The way I treated you after hearing your story," Diana said

Lorelai nodded. "I didn't think you remembered that."

"I hadn't for a while. Then I saw the news report online again and remembered." Diana said

"Great. So, it's being shared again." Lorelai said

"Oh. I thought you would know." Diana said

"It's not your fault. And don't worry about it. You were um. Not in a good place." Lorelai said

"I still want to apologize. I remember Spencer calling me not long after and giving me an ear full about it too. I know I hurt you and I owe you an apology. I'm sorry." Diana said

Lorelai looked up at Spencer. "You did?"

"I told you I would talk to her," Spencer said

"Well, yes. But talk and telling her off. Different." Lorelai said. "Anyways. I accept the apology."

Diana smiled and nodded.

They ended the call soon after. Lorelai looked at Spencer. "Told her off?"

Spencer looked at her. "I thought you understood that was what I meant. But yes. I told her that what she said had hurt you and in turn hurt me. That you couldn't control what had been done to you and that her telling you that she didn't want you with me because you were too 'damaged' was awfully mean and that no matter what was happening with her that she wasn't a mean person, so she needed to figure out what her issue was. That I didn't want to have to pick a side but if she continued to treat you badly I would be limiting contact with her." He said. "She kind of flipped out on me and hung up. A few hours later she called me back and apologized to me. But after that things were going bad with her meds and all I could do was make sure they were working to get her better med and when she got stabilized she seemed to have forgotten."

Lorelai nodded. "Okay."

"You okay?" He asked

She smiled and nodded. "Just tired. I'm thinking of a bath"

Spencer nodded.

Lorelai went to the bathroom and took herself a bath. Spencer finished clearing up the garbage and took it out to the garage. Before he went and showered. And went to the living room and continued reading the book he was reading.

Lorelai finished up her bath and got ready for bed. She looked in the mirror and put her hands on her tummy. "Okay, little girl. I'm making you a promise now. No matter what I will always love you. I will never do anything to hurt you. I will protect you from the evils in the world for as long as I can and when that evil finds you I will be here to pick up the pieces. You will come first. I love your daddy with all my heart, but I will always pick you if I have to."

She laid down. And fell asleep quickly. She started to have a very vivid dream.

*Dreamland*

"Hey, my perfect baby." Said a woman. It took her a second to recognize her as her birth mother. "I know. I wasn't there for you, and you have your doubts that you will be there for this baby. But I don't. This baby is going to have her mom and dad for a very long time. Just like you have your dad. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, but you had a mom. Even if it was only for a short time. Her birth mother led her to where another woman was sitting. It was Hailey.

"Hey, Lori," Hailey said taking her hands (Hailey was the only person who ever called her Lori). "I loved you dearly. You were my daughter. DNA and paperwork wouldn't have changed a thing. When Aaron took you in. You became my daughter. I have watched from up here. I have seen the way you have been with Jack and Rachel. I can not thank you enough for how you protected my babies. And I will protect yours from up here. Just like I have been protecting you. You are going to be an amazing mother and will have so much support from your dad and Emily. Tell your dad I am happy he found someone else to love. Tell him not to hold back. To show our son how to love and treat a woman." She said.

Lorelai wrapped her in a hug. "Thank you for showing me, true motherly love."

"Of course, Lorelai. You are my daughter." Hailey said hugging her and slowly the dream came to an end

*end of dreamland*

Lorelai opened her eyes and looked over at Spencer who was just getting into bed.

"Spenc." She said

"Hey. Sorry did I wake you?" He asked

Lorelai shook her head. "Can we name the baby Hailey?"

Spencer smiled and nodded. "I think that is the perfect name."

Lorelai smiled and told him about her dream.

Spencer listened and smiled "Does that mean you've released your fears?"

"I think so yes," Lorelai said

They both went to sleep soon after.