Chapter 12
When: Friday, December 31, 2027
Where: The Logan Huntzburger Estate in the Hamptons
New Year's Eve at party central. That is what Rory has been calling the house today. The house had been full since last night. This is how Rory likes it. Sure she enjoys alone time with Logan. They have never had a problem finding time for themselves. Even when the kids were small they could find the time.
Rory was still in a boot, but the doctor changed it to a walking boot. The caterers are busy setting up. The party planners are busy decorating. Rory is sitting at the writing desk in the family room. Laptop opened. She is working on the last of the edits on her latest book. She was having a hard time consternating. It was quiet, no one was bothering her, she just couldn't get her mind off Richie graduating this year. Her first baby.
She remembers his first day of kindergarten. He was being so brave. He had been talking about going to big boy school. Logan had been telling him all week how proud he was of him. Richie was up before Rory and Logan. When Logan and Rory got downstairs, Sarah, their nanny, was trying to convince Richie that he had his uniform sweater buttoned up wrong and that he could not eat breakfast with his backpack on. Tommy the cook was telling him what was in his lunch bag.
When Logan was putting him in the car to go to school, Richie told Logan that he loved him. That was Rory's clue that this was not going to be as easy as they thought. When they got to the school and parked, Rory got Richie out of the car. She put him down for him to walk, he took her hand. They walked into the building between Logan and Rory. Richie had met his teacher during the open house. He was still excited about going to school until he realized that Rory and Logan were not going to stay.
Logan had to pull Rory out of the room. She held it together until they got in the car. They sat in the parking lot, Logan held Rory while she cried. Rory was first in line when school was dismissed. Richie was happy to see Rory. He talked all the way home about the friends and the picture he colored. The next morning Rory and Logan both dropped him off at school. When Logan got him out of the car, Richie didn't wait for them. "Bye Mommy, Bye Daddy. I love you." Yes, that was the start of 13 years of school. She and Logan have spent several hours visiting schools, talking to the principal. Their children are good kids, just a little too much Huntzburger.
Richie touched her shoulder. Rory jumped. "Mom, I have been calling you, but you didn't answer," Richie said.
"I'm sorry, I was thinking about your first day of school. Do you remember crying that first day?" Rory asked. Richie shook his head. "Did I ever tell you that I cried in your dad's arms in the parking lot? Rory asked.
"No," Richie said.
Rory smiled. "You didn't come in here to hear me tell tales of your school days. What did you need?" Rory asked.
"I was looking for Dad. I called his cell, but he didn't answer. He always answers. Even when he is in a meeting." Richie said.
"Yes, your dad made me that promise when you were born," Rory said smiling. She stood up, Richie had to catch her. She is wobbly. "I think he is in his office with Hayden," Rory said walking to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
"I know he is not having the birds and bees speech because he was there when he had it with me," Richie said.
Rory turned around to look at Richie. "I guess I would be out of line if I asked you to wait until you are married," Rory asked. Looking at him with her puppy dog eyes.
"Sorry Mom," He said. "That ….""
"Stop talking, I don't want to know anything else. Be careful. Never trust a girl that tells you she has birth control under control." Rory said.
"Stop. I have a hard enough time talking to Dad about this. I sure don't want to talk to my Mom about it. Eww. Do you know how embarrassing it is that all my friends know that you and dad have sex. Most of my friend's parents only had sex to produce an heir." Richie said. Rory was laughing.
Logan and Hayden were talking in his office about MaryLyn. "If you and MaryLyn are going to date, We need to set some ground rules," Logan said. Hayden rolled his eyes. Logan tried again. "Have you talked to Uncle Finn?" Logan asked.
"MaryLyn talked to Aunt Rose. She told her she would take care of it." Logan raised an eyebrow. "Hayden, I turn my head at a lot concerning what you and your brother do, but if you are going to be in a relationship, you are going to man up," Logan said.
"I know, I suggested I talk to him, but they both told me to wait," Hayden said.
"Talk to Uncle Finn. Then the six of us will sit down and discuss some ground rules." Logan said. Hayden nodded. "I suggest unless you want to spend the night hiding from Uncle Finn, that you talk to him before the party starts."
The party was well on the way, Finn is dancing with Rosemary. She is wearing a black, Military Style Fringe Sheath Gown by Mac Duggal. Finn loved showing his wife off. They have been married for 17 years. He was still amazed that he got this beautiful woman to marry him.
He and Hayden talked earlier. To start with he was not too excited about the match. Sure he loves Hayden like a son, but Hayden is a Huntzburger. But after talking with him, then him and MaryLyn, he was cautious but agreed with some rules.
Honor and Josh were dancing. Josh too was astonished that a woman like Honor was his wife. She was, as always, beautiful. She is wearing a black Patricia Sequin Gown by Sachin & Babi. Josh learned years ago that the uncomfortable feeling he had when they were first married, around Mitchum, was worth it. He still didn't like being in a room alone with him, but he would do it every day if it meant going home to Honor.
Stephanie and Collin were standing by the open patio doors talking with Rory and Logan. They were laughing and enjoying themselves. The kids have already formed a sub party in Logan's office. He made them promise not to leave the property. His last count there were about 15 young people over the age of 16. MaryLyn and Katie were the youngest.
Rory and Logan had pulled off another successful New Year's Eve party.
