Before reading a warning for miscarriage. The story focuses on the after effects of it on the main characters, mainly on Lorelai so void if it's not something you want to read.

The sun has blazed through the clouds each day and made itself known, giving light to the blooming green grass, and the flowers that decorate the town, making this one of Stars Hollow's hottest and arguably the nicest summers that its residents have faced. Lorelai strolls through town, her beach bag over her shoulder, sunglasses on. She's got her hair up in a messy bun because anything else would be too much in this heat. As she walks, her eyes linger over at the diner. Lorelai hasn't gone today, mainly because it's way too hot for coffee and even she will admit that.

Playful screams of children can be heard when she reaches the community pool. Lorelai scans the area for her best friend but finds that there's no Sookie yet. She walks around the pool, locating a nice spot that could fit all of them. Lorelai puts her arm into her bag, reaching for the towel in there. She pulls it out and lets her bag fall to the floor. Before Lorelai has a chance to sit on the laid out beach towel, the sight of a little girl sitting on her mother's lap captures her attention.

The girl looks about three. Her mother is brushing through the child's chocolate-coloured strands. It doesn't feel like years ago that Lorelai was doing the same to a little Rory. Brushing her hair, braiding it at the sweet girl's request because apparently it gets less dirty that way. She remembers how soft her hair always was, even after being in the water for so long, and how much the mundane moment is all Lorelai wishes to be doing. She hadn't realised that her hand had been resting on her stomach, nor that she had been zoned out staring until Sookie arrived.

'Lorelai?' Sookie asks and lightly touches Lorelai, trying to catch her attention.

'Oh, Sookie. When did you get here?' Lorelai turns to her friend, noticing that Martha is hugging her legs. Lorelai lightly places her hand on the girl's head. She glances over Sookie's shoulder, seeing Jackson with Davey. Everyone has arrived.

'We got here just a few minutes ago,' Sookie replies and then asks, 'Lorelai, are you okay?'

Lorelai nods in reply before asking, 'Where's your little one?'

'He's still under the weather and Jackson's parents came down to help us out. They practically pushed us out of the door before we had a chance to even think about staying.'

'That's nice of them,' Lorelai comments before crouching down to greet her goddaughter. 'Hey sweetie, are you ready for pool day?'

Martha looks at Lorelai with a grin on her face. She extends her short arms out for a hug. Lorelai happily leans into the embrace.

Lorelai helps Martha get out of her flower-covered dress, revealing the pink swimsuit. 'Oooh, nice kit,' she says, directing the comment to Sookie so her best friend knows she approves of the pick.

Sookie greets the comment with a smile and then replies with, 'Thanks. Got it at Walmart a few weeks back. She needed a new one for her swim class. They grow so fast.'

'You can say that again. Remember when Rory was this small?' Lorelai asks. A glimmer of joy shines in her eyes at the thought of her daughter at that young age.

'Aw, yeah. I do. With her book and Colonel Clucker in her arm,' Sookie replies as she pulls Martha to her and begins to apply sunscreen on the girl.

Lorelai sits down on her beach towel and watches Sookie with Martha. The gentle movements clearly show the love that binds the two together. Lorelai's hand lingers on her stomach again as she loses sight of the scene in front of her. Dread takes over her thoughts. The dread of her loss and how early the string binding her and her unborn child had been cut.

'Honey, are you alright?' Sookie's sweet and concerned voice makes Lorelai turn her attention to her friend.

Lorelai nods, but she doesn't let herself say anything.

'Martha and I will head in the water together if you rather stay here, sweetie.'

Her eyes draw down, looking at her worn-out flip-flops. 'I'll join you both soon,' Lorelai says softly. She knows there are concerned green eyes staring at her without having to glance over at the talented chef.

Before Sookie and Martha walk past, Sookie places her hand on Lorelai's shoulder for a moment.

To say Lorelai hates herself for it is an understatement. There is a nagging voice telling her that it's been months and she should just be over this by now, but then the crippling feeling of loss takes over her body. She's always been a natural swimmer, so she's never been faced with the heavy weight of water conquering her body, but she knows how it feels to lose all control of yourself to something greater and not be able to push back.

It's the light touch when he reaches her that pulls Lorelai back up from her thoughts. She glances up at the man she loves.

'Lorelai?'

She just smiles at Luke, but it falls when her eyes meet his. Lorelai stretches her arms out to him, wanting a hug more than ever. He doesn't think twice and sits down, pulling her towards him. She sinks into his embrace, pillowing her head into his neck.

'Are you really okay, Lorelai?' he whispers.

'Yes. I-I don't know. Just…just keep holding me for a little longer,' she whispers back.

Luke nods and does exactly that.

She leans into him and for a moment the children screaming, the splashing as each new dive bomb hits, and the yells of Taylor that always follows, are drowned out by one simple thing: him. The soft feeling of his t-shirt, a warmth that radiates through him. Something she can't quite understand but I would state is love and the understanding of the mutual hurt and loss they both carry with them.

'If this is too much…' he starts to whisper in her ear but stops when she begins to shake her head.

'No, it's okay.' She pulls apart from him just a little. 'It's nice to be here. It reminds me of last year. You and I, out enjoying the summer.'

'Here we're stuck with the nutjobs. My offer to go out of town again still stands.'

'No. I can't. It would feel weird. And being here, with the Inn and the town, they're all good distractions.'

'Okay.' He kisses her temple and then they hold each other again.

Luke would have stayed this way forever if it made Lorelai happy, if it made everything better, but when he glimpses at his watch he knows he has to go. 'I should head back to the diner,' he states.

'What? You're leaving?' she asks, pulling from their embrace to look at him with a glimmer of sadness in her eyes.

'I have to, the place is probably blown up by now.'

'Luke, the diner is fine. Please stay,' she says before letting her pout do its job.

'Stop. That's not going to work.'

'But you're all dressed up for pool time. Luuuuke, pleeease.' She leans forward and holds onto him tight.

'You can stop with the pleading, I'm going. But I'll come back. I just want to check up on things.'

Lorelai huffs. 'Fine. I advise you to bring me a treat to make up for this.'

'You act like it's a deep betrayal.'

'It is.' She pouts.

He kisses it. 'You'll live if I go for a few seconds.'

'No, I won't.'

He looks at her, trying to deduce if she really won't be okay without him here. 'Lorelai, if you really need me here, I won't go.'

'I know.' A smile forms on her face. 'Luke, I'll be okay. I'm just playing,' she says softly, meaning every word.

'Okay, I'm just checking.' He gives her a proper kiss before getting up and leaving.

Lorelai is left with her thoughts, which right now are on Luke and that kiss, but soon drifts back to the weird confusion it has been for months now. She glances up and tries to find her friend out in the haze of people in the pool. Many of the townies are noticeable in the crowd but Lorelai instantly finds Sookie with her little girl and Jackson, who is playing some sort of game in the water with Davey. She smiles at her friends and the family they have built together. Her gaze changes over to the direction of the diner. Her family may look different but she knows it's equally perfect, despite the setbacks.

Talking about her family, when she turns her sights back to the pool she sees an all too familiar face.

'Rory!' She can't help the surprised face at seeing her daughter there.

'Mum,' Rory replies, smiling back.

'You're here?' Lorelai asks, still in disbelief.

'Yep, I thought I would enjoy the pool.'

'Huh, no pools in London?'

'Oh no, there's plenty, but they're so far from home.'

'Home? Here home or London?' She asks, unable to hide how happy she feels simply with the idea of Rory being back in the States. London is just so far.

'Wait, what's with all the questions?'

Lorelai shrugs, 'I may be missing you, but who knows for sure.'

'You definitely missed me,' Rory says, a smile on her face.

'Shh. Come sit, and give mama a kiss.'

Rory does as asked, joining her mother on the beach towel and kissing her each.

'So you going for a dip?' Rory asks and starts pulling her t-shirt off.

'Not yet. Oh, that's nice.' She points at Rory's light blue and white striped bikini top.

'Thanks. It's new.'

'You get it in London?'

'Nope, in Brighton.'

'Oh, when were you in Brighton?'

'A few weeks ago. A work thing.'

'Huh, a work thing. Okay.' Lorelai narrows her eyes at Rory, not a hundred percent sure her daughter is being truthful or at least not telling her everything there is to know. Maybe she's reading too much into it?

'Mum? What is it?'

She shrugs and says, 'I don't know. I've just missed you, kid. I want you to fill me in on all the adventures you've been up to.'

'Oh you'll admit you miss me now?' she says lightheartedly and gets a scoff from Lorelai. 'There's not much to tell.' Rory's eyes rest out to the pool a few feet away.

'Right, okay. How was the flight here?'

'Long.'

'That boring then? No good movies?'

'Just a lot of sleeping. Are you heading into the water? The pool actually looks refreshing for a change.'

'You can tell with all the people?'

She chuckles. 'Come on, let's head in.'

Lorelai shakes her head. 'No, that's okay. You go. Right now I just want to be here, maybe catch up on my reading.'

'Wow, really? You think we pulled a freaky Friday because usually that's what I want to do?'

Lorelai smiles at the reference. 'If so, no sleeping with Luke because that's just weird.'

'Ew, ew, ew. Why do you always have to scar me when I'm around?'

'So you don't forget me,' Lorelai says with a slightly evil smile on her face.

'Sure. Just know you're paying my therapy bill.'

'If anyone should pay it's Emily Gilmore,' Lorelai comments back and Rory sighs.

'Mum, really? Does it always have to come back to grandma with you?'

'No, of course not, it's just the truth. She's done her damage too.'

Rory nods but her sights are on the pool.

'You can go if you want. Don't let me stop you.'

'No, you're not stopping anything. It's just that I don't know if I want to go in yet or not.' Rory's looking around the pool, scanning the faces in the crowd.

'Who are you looking for?' Lorelai asks.

Her daughter shakes her head. 'No one,' she replies but her tone of voice doesn't sound very convincing.

'Okay. Rory—' Lorelai is about to say something when Rory turns around to face her and shakes her head.

'Not going in just yet. Is Luke at the diner?' she asks her mother.

'Um.., he should be although he'll be back soon enough if he knows what's good for him.'

'I think I'll head there, grab myself a coffee. Do you want anything?'

'No, I think Luke will bring a little lunch when he comes back. Rory, are you sure you're okay?' Lorelai asks, noticing Rory's thoughts and mind are clearly elsewhere.

'Yes Mum, all good. I'll be back soon, okay?'

Lorelai just nods, unsure what to say and from the far-off look, Rory is already determined to go. She watches Rory head towards the direction of the diner, following the same path that Luke had taken just a few minutes ago.

It felt odd to her, that whole interaction, and now Lorelai sits on the towel and despite the roaring sounds around her, she's alone. She glances down, her hand on her stomach, exactly where the loneliness has filled her vacant body. She closes her eyes, holding back the tears that are frantic to escape.

Something in her clicks. A need to flee this feeling. This hate she's constantly consumed with and how desperately she wishes she wasn't this weak. Wishes she didn't have this inability to push past the emotions that conquer her still moments. The moments where there's nothing but her and the reality of it all staring right in front of her. Lorelai stands up and pulls off the clothes she's wearing. She's got her eyes set on the water, and that's where she runs to.

The cold. That's what she feels first, but she doesn't run from it. She dives in and the frosty water she's wrapped in is a welcomed friend. Every sound, every thought, every feeling is muffled by the cocoon of water she is in. Lorelai fights the ache in her chest telling her it's time for air, not wanting to let go of the distraction just yet. Her fight isn't as powerful as the dying need to breathe. She's gasping for air the moment she's back up. Lorelai tries running her fingers through her hair in hopes of getting the tangled wet strands out of her face. She looks around, unsure what part of the pool she's swam to. Her gaze turns to the other side when she hears her name being called out.

There is Sookie with Davey by her side. She waves at them and although part of her wants to run away from the world around her, the sweet smile on her friend and her boy makes Lorelai head towards them.

'Lorelai!' Davey jumps up and down at the sight of her.

'Hey, buddy. Have you been enjoying the pool?'

'Yep! I get to be in the big pool now.'

She chuckles. 'A big boy like you, of course, you can.'

'We were throwing around the ball if you want to join in,' Sookie invites.

Davey hands the small ball to Lorelai, who looks at it curiously. It's got Hot Wheels cars printed on it.

'Um...I don't know how good I'll be at throwing but sure.' She moves a few steps back and throws the ball in Sookie's direction. It actually reaches her friend. Sookie then lightly throws it to her son. Davey gets excited at catching it.

'That was easy,' he states as he starts moving away to create some distance between them. He looks at Lorelai and aims the ball at her. He takes a few seconds before he actually makes the throw. When he does, the ball comes towards Lorelai and she drives forward but the effort isn't enough for her to catch it. She goes to get the ball but it begins moving away with the current. Nothing she needs to worry about because after a quick swim, she's soon got the ball back in her hands.

'Ha, got it,' she exclaims when she stands up, the water comfortably resting above her navel. Lorelai turns to Sookie who's further away than expected but on the high of getting the ball, she gives the throw a go. Lorelai would have said it was a good attempt, although no one would really agree as it barely made it halfway and it had her scampering to get the ball back.

'What kind of throw was that?'

Lorelai hears the voice and turns around to see Luke. A smile instantly forms. He's only in those red swim shorts, so she replies with, 'I would be deeply offended Luke, if you weren't looking so yummy.'

'Lorelai,' he warns and looks around them to see if anyone picked up on what she said.

'What? It's not like anyone will disagree with me.'

Luke rolls his eyes and then picks up the ball. 'Should I give this back to you or is that just a safety hazard?' he asks when he starts to give her the ball but stops.

'Safety hazard? When am I ever a safety hazard?'

'Oh, please. There is a long list.'

'Mean,' she mumbles and they begin to walk back towards Sookie and Davey. Lorelai hands the ball to the little boy. He thanks her and looks around, wondering who he's going to pass the ball to when they're all close.

Luke notices and gestures to the kid that he's going long. He moves off and Davey grins. The boy gets in position and throws the ball at Luke, who of course shows off by catching it effortlessly. He glances over at Lorelai and winks. She so wants to wipe that smirk off his face…with a kiss, obviously.

The two of them keep playing catch until Davey grabs the ball and claims Luke must take it off him. To go along with it and because he's oddly enjoying this, Luke runs after the boy, being mindful that he could outrun Davey in a heartbeat if he wanted to.

While the boys tackle each other for possession of the ball, Lorelai and Sookie chat. Well, actually Sookie is the one doing the talking, something about a new sofa for their living room because the one they have now has clearly seen better days with the havoc the kids have put it in. And as Sookie goes on and on about the colour and size they want and need for their place, Lorelai's mind and sights are on Luke, on the way he's eliciting the burst of joy coming out of Davey's mouth every time he laughs. The sweet way he picks up the kid and puts him on his shoulders when he walks back to them.

'The champion over here,' he gestures to the boy on his shoulders, '..wants to grab ice cream, you ladies want to join?'

'Oh, Luke you don't have to do that. I'm happy to take him,' Sookie says but Luke instantly shakes his head.

'No, it's no bother.' He turns his attention to Lorelai. 'Ice cream?'

Lorelai nods. 'Could you grab it for us? Think the ladies want to get some sun.' She glances at Sookie to make sure the decision is mutual and the smile Lorelai gets in return tells her she's right.

Luke smiles and gives her an 'Okay.' After they've given their ice cream preferences, he heads out of the water and towards the Soda Shoppe where Taylor's ice cream truck is parked, serving the other members of the Hollow.

Lorelai and Sookie go out of the water. They both grab their towels and wrap themselves in them.

'He's good with Davey,' Sookie states when they sit down.

'Yeah, you think so?' Lorelai asks although she doesn't really need an answer. She sees it too. The way he cares. It's what he's always done for Rory. It's what he would have done if things hadn't gone sideways.

Sookie nods, 'Definitely, but he always has been. How are you both doing since…everything?'

'Things have been better since Christmas, but it's still a little odd here and there.'

'Well, honey, that's understandable. I'm glad it's getting better and I'm sure that it'll all be back to what it was.'

Lorelai nods and smiles at her friend, grateful for the encouragement and sweet words. 'I'm sure you're right. We kept tip-toeing around each other. It was difficult to know what to say. I don't know if we're completely back to normal, I don't know if normal is ever really going to come, but you're right, It'll be better.' She looks down at her hands. 'He's been great though. Luke. He's been great. I haven't for a second felt like I wasn't supported. If this had to happen with anyone, I'm glad it was with him. I...I couldn't imagine if this had happened when Chris and I were married.'

'I'm sure he would have still cared and been there for you.'

'Maybe, but I think you might be giving Chris more credit. He's only ever been reliable when he wanted to be. I hate that it took me so long to see through it all.'

Sookie just nods and lets Lorelai get what she has in mind out.

'Even before, with Rory. He tried, but he could have done so much more. She deserved better. Maybe even from me.'

'Lorelai, you did everything for that girl.'

'Yeah, but...I don't know. I could have been better, should have been. Especially when it came to Chris being in her life.'

'What do you mean?' Sookie asks.

Lorelai's gaze goes down to her hands as she starts to talk. 'I should have pushed him, got him to be the dad she needed and wanted. I shouldn't have...I don't know, kept grasping at the hope of being with him. It was a dead dream from the start and it took me so long to realise it wasn't even the dream that I wanted.'

Sookie listens and shakes her head several times, not agreeing with some of what her friend is saying. 'It wasn't your job to make him be a father. You always had the door open to him Lorelai, he just hardly used it. Maybe you did hold onto the idea of you and him for longer than you should have but look now, you've got your dream guy.'

Lorelai grins. 'Yeah, I do have my dream guy.' The smile falls slightly as she continues, 'I just hope I've been a good mother.'

'You're one of the best mothers I know,' Sookie says softly and places a gentle hand on her friend's arm.

Lorelai smiles at her and replies, 'So are you Sookie. Thank you.'

The boys come back with the cold dessert. Davey is holding his own, already licking the chocolate chip ice cream he chose. Luke holds Lorelai's cookie dough and Sookie's salted caramel ice cream. When Lorelai notices him come up, she smiles. She gets up and reaches for her dessert. She gives Luke's cheek a kiss.

'Thank you, Luke,' Sookie says and also kisses his cheek.

'Trying to steal my man?' Lorelai asks but only to tease her friend because she finds it funny that Luke's sporting a little blush.

'Nope, he's all yours. I'll stick to the ice cream though.' Sookie starts to eat.

Lorelai gestures for Luke to sit down and he does. 'Where's your ice cream mister?' she asks him.

'Didn't want any.' He reaches for Lorelai's hand, wanting to be close to her.

She leans her ice cream towards him. 'Have some for being so nice to me.'

He looks at her and seems like he's questioning whether he should have some. It's her soft, gentle eyes and the smile that makes him go for it.

'See, it didn't kill you.'

'It hasn't yet, but it will.'

'No it won't,' she says and taps his nose with the ice cream, coating it in vanilla.

'Hey!' He's about to wipe it clean when she stops him. She licks it off the tip of his nose.

'Mm, yum' Lorelai says before licking her lips, just to exaggerate it, to see Luke's reaction.

He goes bright red and mumbles her name disappointedly.

She leans in and whispers, 'Sorry' in his ear. She tries doing it as seductively as she can but she ends up giggling.

'Stop it. Lorelai. Behave,' Luke says but he is smiling; hearing her giggle like that makes him happier than the slight embarrassment.

'Shh, you like it, Mister.'

'Just eat your ice cream.'

Lorelai pouts but then does just that.

Luke turns his sights away from Lorelai and notices that Sookie has just been watching them, a grin on her face. His shade instantly changes to pink. 'What?' he questions but he knows exactly what she's been looking at.

'Oh, nothing. You're both just entertaining.'

'I know, right,' Lorelai agrees.

'Okay, I'm leaving.' Luke gets up and starts to leave them giggling like school girls.

'No, babe don't go. Want to go on a little walk?'

Luke nods and reaches his hand out for her to take.

She gets up and smiles at Sookie, giving her a little wave. Lorelai holds Luke's hand and the two of them walk along the streets of the Hollow for a little bit. Neither one of them says anything, but they're more than content to just be like this for now.

'Is everything okay?'

'Yeah. A lot of emotions today, but not all of them are bad, which is good.'

'Anything you really wanted to tell me on this walk?'

'Yep. Do you think Dinosaurs ever wanted to get facials?'

'What? Lorelai..' He rolls his eyes at the question.

'It was a valid question and I stand by it,' she says but when she notices his expression she reassures him, 'No Luke, I just wanted to walk with you.'

He smiles when she says it, happy she wanted the time and space with him. 'I've got to go back to the diner in a little bit, but we can do something later.'

She nods. 'Yeah, I think we can.' A smirk starts to form on her face. She gives Luke's hand a little squeeze which makes that smile of his grow just a little more.

They walk past the houses on Peach street. Most look alike, big and either white, yellow or light blue. The lawns are a lush green, the way Taylor likes it, and the fences are white. It's as picture perfect as expected. They go past a small townhouse. Lorelai dreamed of buying one when she first came to Stars Hollow, a little Rory in her arms. When she finally managed to get to the Crap Shack, it felt like the best achievement.

Lorelai glances up at Luke and asks, 'Are you happy living where we are?'

'Yeah, why?'

'Just making sure I haven't robbed you of a dream you had. You got us the Twickham house and I knocked that idea out and I don't want you to not get what you want because of me.'

'Lorelai, the only dream I've had is being with you. I'm happy where we are. Frankly, it makes sense. There are so many memories in that house, I wouldn't want to part from it either.'

She smiles at that. 'Okay, just making sure.'

Luke squeezes her hand in response, and they keep walking. They make their way around the town and back to the diner. She kisses Luke goodbye, but not before getting him to give her a coffee and a doughnut. Lorelai heads back home, doughnut frosting on her lips and an idea on her mind.

The rumble of Luke's truck is heard even over the music Lorelai is playing in the living room. She lowers it down but doesn't dare turn it off. No, you can't once Bowie is playing through the speakers, that's just rude. She grabs the shirt that's draped over the sofa and slips it on when Luke enters the house.

'Damn, it's hot out there,' he mumbles when he closes the door.

'Hey, this will cool you down,' Lorelai says, handing Luke a nice and cold Margarita.

'Oh, thanks.' Luke takes it from her and has a sip. 'Wow. You didn't go easy on the tequila, did you?'

'Why would I? We're having fun tonight,' she says joyfully.

He smiles and takes a moment to admire her outfit. She's got her hair up in a messy bun, she's in slightly ripped high-waisted shorts and the short-sleeved t-shirt she put on. It has a Hawaiian pattern. She hasn't buttoned it so it's showing off the black bralette that's making Luke smirk.

'Looks like we really are going to have some fun,' he says before having another sip.

'Yes we are, but someone is overdressed.' Lorelai gestures to Luke.

He follows her gesture, looking at himself and then back at her. 'Huh, that I am. I should go up and change.'

She nods in agreement and takes the cocktail from his hand. She places it on the table in the foyer and then leans in to kiss him deeply. 'But this first,' she mumbles between his lips.

The moment they part, Lorelai takes Luke's hand and leads him upstairs. Items of his clothing get sent to the floor and he sits on the edge of the bed.

'What clothes do you want me in?' he asks while watching her search through their wardrobe.

'Hmm..' She turns her head, glancing over her shoulder at him. 'I'm not sure I want you in anything. You look so good in that.' Lorelai smirks and admires the view for a little longer before turning back to the clothes in her hands.

A smile plays on his face at her lingering look. 'So why are you still searching?' he questions when he hears the scrapping of a hanger being pushed to one side.

'Because as much as I love you like that, I'm the only one that gets to see the goods.'

'We going out then?' he asks when Lorelai turns and hands him a light, short sleeve shirt.

'Just out to the garden, but you know how Babette is.'

'Oh, you don't have to tell me twice.' Luke puts on the shirt.

Lorelai watches for a few seconds before handing him the new shorts she got for him that matches her shirt. 'You'll need these too.'

He takes the shorts, looks at it and then at her with a puzzled look. 'Is there a reason why we're matching clothes?' he asks.

'Nope. It's just cute.'

'Sure, sure,' he mumbles before putting it on. 'So what gave you this idea?' Luke asks once he's gotten ready and is standing.

They've both left the room once she replies back with, 'Felt like we needed something fun to do. Something to reconnect.'

He follows as she leads the way to the backyard. Once out there Luke gets to see what she's been up to since he left her side earlier.

There are fairy lights draped around a picnic towel that Lorelai has placed on the grass. On it, she's placed a few snacks, some of which even Luke will eat, consisting of a cheese board with a number of different cheeses and meats. The light hum of crickets is replaced by Lorelai's voice when she says, 'Come on, sit.'

'What's all this?'

'Just a little fun,' she replies back as Luke sits down. She waves at Luke's lap and when he looks up at her confused, she gestures for him to open his legs so she can sit down between them. She then sits and leans against his chest, resting there.

They stay like this for a few minutes, nothing is said between them but nothing needs to be. The world around them seems so still and Lorelai sighs. She hasn't felt so calm in so long, and maybe it's the margaritas doing most of the calming, but either way, she's more than okay with it.

He leans his head forward enough that his lips are just about brushing the back of her ear. 'Thank you,' he whispers.

'What for?' she questions though she has a feeling she knows what he's referring to.

'Doing this. I don't think we've really stopped to just breathe.'

'We did, earlier.'

'We weren't alone,' he states.

Lorelai leans forward, just enough to be able to look back at him. She takes his face in her right hand and kisses him. 'I know. I'm sorry things have been so…'

'It's okay,' Luke replies, not needing her to finish her words to know what she means. 'I wished I could have done more for you. For both of you.'

'You did, sweetie,' she says before lightly kissing his lips.

'You did too, Lorelai. You need to stop blaming yourself.'

'I don't,' she says way too quickly to make Luke believe it. Her eyes drift down from him but he brings her gaze back up with a light nudge from his finger on her thin.

Luke kisses her and then says, 'It's not your fault.'

The flood of emotion happens almost instantly. All the thoughts, all the blame, all the haunted feelings she's tried so hard to keep at bay. Lorelai's eyes water and Luke settles her head gently down on his chest. In this moment, nothing matters but the fact she can hear Luke's heartbeat and that he doesn't blame her, doesn't hate her for what she was unable to give him.

'We'll be okay,' he whispers before kissing the top of her head.

Right here, right now, Lorelai believes those words more than anything in her life. 'Thank you,' she whispers. She pulls back to be able to face him properly. 'I promise that you won't always have to play the hero.'

'You say that like you've needed saving, but you haven't Lorelai. You've just needed support.'

His words sink in and something clicks in her. He's right. Support, that's all she's ever really needed. Support from her parents which she has hardly ever gotten, support from a partner which she finally has with Luke. 'When did you become all wise?' she asks.

Luke shrugs back at the question but then replies, 'I just know you well.'

Lorelai takes his hand and kisses the back of it. 'I'm glad.' She smiles and so does he.

They sit in the garden with each other's company as entertainment, oh and the margaritas, of course. They share work stories; Kirk and Michel are the main characters to those. They eat cheese, but mostly, they just sit and let the calm, cool, summer night wash away the unease of the last few months.

'Luke,' Lorelai says softly.

His gaze is up at the sky and even with Lorelai calling him, it doesn't fall but he does reply, 'Yeah?'

'I want to try.'

'Try what?' he asks now looking at her.

Lorelai pulls part of the soft picnic towel, needing something to do with her hands. 'I want to try to have another kid.'

'Oh,' Luke simply says, giving Lorelai little to no clue as to how he feels about it.

'If you don't want to, that's okay too. I just…It hit me today that there was a point where we were really happy about it all, and…I do want one. I want a kid with you.'

Luke takes her hands into his. 'I want it too.'

A smile forms on Lorelai's face. She hadn't realised how much she had hoped he would agree with her. She brings their joined hands to her lips and she kisses his hands lightly. 'Thank you. Promise me this is what you want, I don't want you to feel like I'm pushing you into a corner.'

'Lorelai, you're not. This is what I want. It's what we want and I think it always will be despite whatever happens.'

She shakes her head. 'I don't want to think about what could happen. We can worry about all that later, right now, we've got this and I'm happy.'

He nods in agreement and pulls her gently forward, breaking the small gap between them with a kiss.

Their night is spent right there together, letting the worries and pain they carry rest, while happiness takes charge of this moment.

Tomorrow and tomorrow will come and with it a mixture of challenges, but nothing they're not ready to tackle. And for now, no big summer surprises, just a summer full of love and healing.

It's all they need.