A/N: DISCLAIMER: This chapter contains brief allusion to heavy subjects. Please be warned. With this story, I really wanted to just get all of these ideas out of my head, and onto the page. Of course, it's all just made up, and i certainly don't own any of these characters, or the show, however, i do love the show, and the fandom. It's one of my favourites. We also learn more about Rory's beau in this episode. I figured she deserved to have one good, healthy relationship, because the show certainly didn't give her that after Dean in Season One. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
The Year After the Year in a Life
Chapter Two: February
February 2017 – 3 Months Pregnant
'The blood test showed an anomaly. That is something you might want to look into…' Taylor had said to her, after she had done her test for the Dance Marathon 2016. Frowning, Lorelai turned and left, muttering under her breath about all the things she wanted to do to hurt Taylor, for not letting her participate in this event. Luke had been adamant that he would not be doing it this year, but that was fine, because neither was Jackson, so Sookie and Lorelai had decided to enter together. But now that this has come up, she has to get herself checked out by a professional doctor, and have the results to Taylor by Friday, or she won't be able to participate. Entering the Diner, she slumps down at a seat by the window at her favourite table. Luke looks up, spotting his wife's slumped posture, and figures that something is wrong. Moving over to Lorelai, Luke greets a couple of customers who enter the establishment, then greets his wife, with a chaste kiss. She looks up at him, pouting, before he asks her what is wrong. She explains that Taylor is going to die, and that she is going to kill him. Luke asks her why, and he should know from all the years that he has known Lorelai Gilmore, to never ask why. But he does, and she explains that she had her physical for the Dance Marathon, and it showed that there was an anomaly in her blood work. Luke tilts his head to the side, studying her, then asks her if she's made an appointment with the doctor, she nods. Whilst she goes off on a rant about how they can kill Taylor, Luke's mind is running in circles, thinking about all the things that might be wrong with his wife. But he only circles back to one thing, and it makes him freak out internally, before he stands, cutting Lorelai off, explaining that he 'ah should get back to work', and then basically runs off to the kitchen, leaning against the wall, silently praying that whatever is going on, it isn't because Lorelai is sick. It's not because she has… Cancer. He can't live with the knowledge that he could lose the woman that he loves. They wasted so much time running away from one another, that now, they're trying to catch up. Now they're older. They're living on edge, because as they get older, there is more than a likelihood that something is going to go wrong. This whole thing had started because she had told Taylor that she didn't want to help make the decorations for the Twinkle Lights Festival this year, and he had taken that to mean that she was a bad person. I'm going to hurt that little man so badly… she had thought to herself.
The following morning, Luke and Lorelai were sitting in her doctor's office in Hartford, whilst waiting for the results of the secondary blood test that Lorelai had come to take. She's feeling like crap. She would rather be anywhere but here, like snuggled up in bed, with a TV, and a bowl of ice cream. The thought of ice cream makes her mouth water, and she has to take a deep breath to calm herself down. Beside her, Luke has his elbows resting on his legs, head in his hands, anything he can do to try and calm himself down enough to be here for Lorelai when she gets whatever news they're going to get. He's about to begin a silent tirade about Taylor, when Dr Heston, Lorelai's doctor, enters the room. She's smiling, so that is something he supposes. Lorelai looks over at him, taking his hand. Dr. Heston talks about all of Lorelai's other stats, telling her that they look good, that for the most part, she is healthy. Luke closes his eyes, preparing to hear the words… then Dr. Heston mentions that Lorelai has an abnormally high HcG level, before telling the two occupants that that means Lorelai is pregnant. They both burst into laughter. Pregnant? I'm forty-eight. I can't be pregnant… Lorelai said to herself, but they both calmed down when they saw that Dr. Heston was still being serious. She explained that the abnormality in Lorelai's blood test, was the high level of the pregnancy hormone, and that she is about nine weeks along. Luke asks 'how' and is shocked when Dr. Heston explains that Lorelai can still get pregnant, and that there is a possibility that she can carry to full term, and deliver a happy, and healthy baby. Lorelai is just staring at anything that isn't Luke, the doctor, or the floor. She can't believe that this is happening. Which she must have said out loud, because Luke and Dr. Heston looked at her, telling her that there are, of course, risks. High risks, and that she would be considered as a 'High Risk Pregnancy', which leads to other health problems. Luke is holding onto her hand, and he's asking all the right things. What the statistics are for Lorelai delivering healthy and happy, and for risks to her life, or the baby's life during the duration of the pregnancy. Dr. Heston gave them some information packets, and then brought up another heavy topic. She asked Lorelai if she wanted to go through with the pregnancy, or if she wanted to abort it. Both she and Luke flinched at the word, at the thought of aborting their baby. She understands that she's high risk, that by the time she delivers this baby, she will be forty-nine. She knows that. She understands that… and yet she wants to keep the baby… she tells all of this to Luke, who kisses her, whispering that he wants that too.
'Lorelai, we can do this. You gave birth to the twins, and to Katie, and that was a difficult pregnancy, but we did it together, and we can do this together as well. Just the thought of not knowing our baby… I love you Lorelai,' Luke said, holding her hand
'I want to go through with the pregnancy. I'll do whatever it takes to deliver healthy and carry to full term,' Lorelai said, turning to her doctor
'I need you both to understand the risks. You don't have to dwell on them, but you at least have to acknowledge them, and understand that they are there, and they could happen,' Dr. Heston said, and the two nodded, before thanking her.
'So, Luke Danes, we're having another baby. You realise, that between the two of us now, we have six kids. That is a lot of kids… we're going to need a bigger house,' Lorelai said off handily, as she and Luke walked out to the parking lot hand in hand.
Lorelai had worked out that the conception was whilst they were on their honeymoon, as she enters her twelfth week of pregnancy, and the 'fun' stuff starts. Luke woke to the sound of retching coming from the bathroom and bolted to his feet. He opened the door, to see his wife on her knees, throwing up and knelt beside her, holding her hair back with one hand, grabbing a hair tie with the other, and tying it in a loose ponytail, then moved to rub her back in what he hoped was a comforting matter. Lorelai groaned, reaching up to flush the toilet, before sitting back against the wall of the bathroom, as Luke stood to get her a glass of water. She thanked him, sipping at the clear liquid. They sat there for just a moment, before the sounds of 'MOM LIAM IS MAKING A MESS' came reverberating up the stairs, causing the two to chuckle. Luke helped Lorelai to her feet, and she put her slippers on, following Luke downstairs, and into the kitchen, where the Twins were eating their breakfasts, and Katie was colouring in her book that Taylor had given to her. At eight years old, Liam Richard Danes, and Benjamin Lucas Danes are the spitting image of each other, and a mix of Luke and Lorelai. Katie, at five, has the same blue eyes as her parents and siblings, but has Lorelai's darker colour of hair, which has a natural wave to it. All three of their children's personalities… well they're exactly like their parents. The Twins both love to play sports, but Ben is a little more bookish and academic than his brother as well. Katie, at the moment, just loves her books, drawing, and ballet. However, she will also join in playing sports if she feels like it. The Twins are also very smart, and have a shared intellect that no one else understands, except for them. Luke knows that they will have to tell the kids… all the kids… at some point, but he knows that Lorelai would like to tell Rory first. Ben and his mother make small talk at the table, about an assignment, and a boy in his class who is mean to him, whilst she helps Katie with her breakfast at the same time. Luke tells him to stand up for himself, or tell a teacher, causing Ben to look at his father, eyebrow raised, which is the same look that Lorelai has when she's questioning Luke about something stupid, he said… it's amusement. It's the same raised eyebrow… he's a mini-Lorelai. Luke loves his children, but that is scary. He raises his hands in surrender, and Lorelai winks at her youngest son, before snatching an apple from the fruit bowl. Liam makes a joke about his mother going soft on Dad's 'healthy eating tree', and the Inn Owner then realises why her son said that… she's eating an apple. Luke looks down at the floor, then back up, ready to tell the kids… then the doorbell rings, and Ben runs to answer it, whilst Liam asks his father about the sugar content of the school's cafeteria food, setting Luke off on a rant. Returning from answering the door, Ben is followed into the kitchen by Sookie. Katie excitedly greets her aunt, jumping up from the chair to hug her.
Completely forgetting that Sookie was coming to take her to work, Lorelai jumps to her feet, loudly calling out apologies as she rushes upstairs to shower and get ready, whilst Luke tries to make his breakfast, but keeps glancing up at the roof, as if he could see Lorelai through the slats in the floorboards. Sookie is chatting with the Twins, whilst also helping Katie back onto her chair, where she resumes eating her breakfast, so he doesn't think she's noticed. A few moments later, Lorelai is back downstairs, throwing things into her bag, and moving over to kiss the Twins and Katie, and then Luke, who subtly places a hand on her stomach, whispering 'I love you' to her through the kiss. Sookie makes an 'aww', then tells her best-friend that they have to go. With one last kiss to Luke, she waves goodbye and is pulled out the door by Sookie. She really shouldn't have gone to work today, but they have an important guest coming, and she really needs to be there, so that Michele' doesn't scare them off, or give them the wrong impression, although the Frenchman promised to be on his best behaviour, if Lorelai gave him the next two Sunday's off. She agreed, not needing to know why, or what for. Arriving at the Inn, Sookie was talking animatedly about something that the kids had done, and how she's excited for Rory to be coming back for a couple of weeks, and then about the trip away that she and Jackson had planned for the four of them… Lorelai snaps back to listening, remembering the trip, and realising that she's not going to be able to convince Luke to let them go… especially because she's almost four months pregnant, and that's when 'over-protective' Luke kicks in. I have to tell Rory before I tell Sookie… although last time, I told Rory first, and then Sookie and she was mad… and then they were both mad… and it was frustrating… she thought to herself, and realised that she had worked herself up now, and was emotional, breaking Sookie's train of thought to rant about how she was sorry, and that she thinks that Sookie and Jackson's relationship is so sweet, and her kids are adorable… Sookie gapes at her best-friend before taking a moment to calm her down, guiding her to her office, where she tells her to sit, relax, and wait for their guest to arrive. She nods, taking a deep breath. Luke drives the kids to the Diner, and from there, they walk to the school, dropping their little sister off at kinder, before walking to the Elementary School. It's not too far, and Luke trusts them, besides its Stars Hollow… nothing ever happens here… Once inside the Diner, Luke starts working, chatting with different people as they come in, and makes a mental note to call Lorelai to make sure she's taking it easy. At the Inn, Lorelai just finishes checking in their guest, when her cell phone rings.
'Mom, it's Rory. I'm just letting you know that we're landing at two, then we're going to drive to Stars Hollow, so we should be there by three, provided that Lori and Moni are well behaved… but you know what they're like,' Rory said into the phone, the love in her voice as she spoke of her children
'Oh hun, I can't wait to see you, or my grandbabies… oh and you know… it will be nice to see Elijah too… I have some big things to tell you… really big things… 'Lorelai replied, then winced, thinking maybe she should have said anything over the phone
'Mom, is everything alright? I'm worried now,' Rory said, and Lorelai cringed
'Rory, I promise, that I am fine. Everyone is fine. I will tell you when you get here, so hurry,' she replied, her face always lighting up whenever she talks to Rory
Rory had met Elijah Stone on the road when she was working as a journalist. Back in 2008, they were just friends, but had an immediate connection. However, she was still getting over Logan, and he was seeing someone, so they kept their relationship completely friendly. A year later (2009), she and Eli ran into each other in New York, at an event that Rory was invited too, and both were single, and interested, so they started talking. The talking, eventually led to Elijah asking Rory out, and the rest is history. In 2011, after a bad fight, Elijah and Rory decided to spend some time apart, after which Rory discovered that she was pregnant. She and Elijah eventually got back together, after working through their issues, and in 2013, they married in a big ceremony in Stars Hollow (of course). Their second daughter was born in 2014, and they decided to move to Chicago, where Elijah had been offered his dream job. Rory longed to be closer to Stars Hollow, and she and Elijah had discussed possibly moving back to Connecticut, maybe to Hartford. It would mean that she's closer to her mother, and her siblings. She likes that idea. Walking through the Hartford Airport, holding her five-year old's hand, whilst her husband carried their two-year-old, Rory could never had imagined that this would be her life. Now thirty-two years old, married with two kids… and Elijah is the perfect guy for her. Like Luke gets her mother, Eli gets her. Of course, Luke (at first) didn't really like Elijah, but as they spent more time together, he got used to the idea of Rory being married, and being with Elijah, and he came to realise that he's not that bad (most likely Lorelai had knocked some sense into him). Rory was basically bouncing in her seat as they neared Stars Hollow. The girls [thankfully] had fallen asleep in the car, so they wouldn't be too loud on the drive. The last time she was in The Hollow, was for her mother and Luke's wedding. It had been wonderful, to see the big smile on her mother's face, and to see the smile on Luke's. It had been a long time coming, and standing there, surrounded by their friends, family and the crazy townies, Rory couldn't wipe the happy tears from her eyes. Eli loudly announced, after a big sigh, that he 'needs coffee'. Rory smirked, she had found out that Eli was as addicted to coffee as she and her mother when they first met. That had been another thing they had clicked about. The first time he'd had a coffee from Luke's he'd obsessed about it for weeks, begging Luke to open a Diner in Chicago, so that he could have his coffee. They stopped at the Diner, and got out, the girls ran inside, bursting through the door shouting 'GRANDPA'at the top of their lungs.
Luke heard his granddaughters, before he saw them. He put down the plates he was carrying and knelt down to scoop them up, spinning them around, before greeting Rory, and then Eli. He put the girls down, and hugged his stepdaughter, and son-in-law. Eli asked for coffee, Luke turned his head to look at Rory, who just grinned, winking at Eli, who blushed, and Luke smirked… Good to know that Rory has power over that sap… he thought to himself, before turning around to get coffee's. Placing the coffees on the table, Luke excused himself, promising to be back, as he went around delivering the orders to his customers, whilst Rory just watched the man in his element. Ever since Luke and her mother had gotten back together, everything just seemed to be right. It was just falling into place. The only thing missing now was…RORY! Her best-friend Lane called her name, and Rory squealed slightly, standing to hug Lane, who was bouncing up and down, talking a mile a minute about the boys and Zach and the band. She greeted Eli with a hug, then excused herself to get ready. She's working tonight, so that Luke can be home with the family. He had promised Lorelai that he would cook tonight, since Rory and the girls were coming home. Rory excused herself from the Diner when her cell phone rang, answering it hoping that it was her publicist, calling to tell her that her book is being released sooner than they had planned. But when she heard the deep voice saying, 'Hey kiddo', her hopes were dashed, and her day got a little cloudier. It's not that she and her father don't have a relationship, they do. They email, and video call, and sometimes chat like this. But as far as seeing each other… Rory hasn't seen Christopher in person for six years. He never came to see her when she was pregnant, or when the girls were born, he called, and sent gifts, and Rory had had to tell Luke that he can't go and kill Christopher, because they don't want him to end up in prison. It was just weird, that the entire time he was complaining about never having a proper relationship with Rory, he wasn't doing anything to change it. It's the same with Gigi. He barely sees Gigi, granted she lives in Paris with her mother, but still. Just like he barely sees Rory, and she lives in Chicago… which is closer to where her father works, than Paris. So, he's never met his biological granddaughters in person… but he's seen them via video call, and he sends them gifts and whatnot. But Rory had long ago given up hope of her father being any more than what he always was… a deadbeat.
'What do you want Dad?' she asked, rubbing her forehead, already a headache is forming
'So, I'm going to be in Hartford for a couple of weeks, and I know you're staying with your mom, so I was thinking we could meet up, and I could meet my grandbabies, and your husband…' he said, leaving it open for Rory
'Now? After all this time, you want to meet them now? I'll have to think about it and talk to Eli. I'll get back to you,' she replied, hanging up before he could say goodbye
'Hey Rory, everything okay?' Luke asked, as she re-entered the Diner. Rory just wrapped her arms around his middle in a hug, that Luke happily returned.
At the Crapshack, Lorelai was waiting for Rory to get back, having fetched herself a snack from the kitchen, she was now curled up on the sofa, eating carrot sticks. Damn this kid and Luke's genes being all healthy… she thought, then remembered some of the cravings she had had when she was pregnant with the Twins. Everything that had sugar in it, made her either gag, or feel like gagging, and Luke had found it hilarious. She didn't think it was so funny, but he did. Even the scent of coffee made her nauseous, which had led to a hormonal breakdown from Lorelai, after which she and Luke christened the kitchen with makeup sex. See, there are better things to do in the kitchen… she reminded herself, smirking to herself. Suddenly, she heard shouting from outside, and excitedly stood up. Before she could even knock, Lorelai had yanked the front door open, and pulled her eldest daughter into a bone crushing hug, before pushing her aside to hug her grandbabies. Lori animatedly told Lorelai all about what she had been learning at school, all whilst Eli was helping with the bags. Rory patted her eldest daughter on the head, and told her to calm down, pulling out the iPad, and handing it to her. That kept her occupied, whilst Moni napped on the sofa, watching cartoons on TV. Rory, Eli, and Lorelai went into the kitchen, where they sat down and chatted, and Lorelai begged them for details about their 'wacky' neighbours that had moved in next door to them. Whilst Eli was regaling Lorelai with some tales about their neighbours, Rory was watching her mother. She seemed… more closed off… which worried the newly minted author, because her mother is anything but reserved. It's Lorelai Gilmore… she says what she means and means what she says… most of the time. But her mother hadn't given anything away, however Rory had been wanting to hear what this 'big' thing was that she had been talking about on the phone. She knows that her mother usually gives her the news before anyone else, and she loves that in their relationship, but she also understands that sometimes, she needs to tell other people first, and has been trying to get her mother to see that over the years, because she can't always be here. She loves her mother. More than anything… but it's true. They both have busy schedules, and she just wants her mother to be able to know that she won't be mad if she hears the news, second, third or fourth… as long as she hears it from Lorelai… all will be good. Just as she had worked up the courage to ask her mother what was going on, the front doors opened, emitting two almost eight-year-old boys, who were arguing, and being scolded by their father, who was carrying their five-year-old sister in his arms.
Rory stood up, excited to see her siblings, who ran to her the minute they saw her. She has long been an advocate for the Danes children. When her brothers ask her to tell stories from when she was their age, she always tells them with as much detail as possible. Luke had tried to shield his kids from certain things, like he and Lorelai had both agreed not to tell them about Rory being a teenage pregnancy, until they were a little older. They had also agreed not to share with them, the truth about Santa, and although the boys had unfortunately had that ruined for them at age six, they keep the secret in order to perverse Katie's joy of Christmas. There is still much magic and joy at Christmas. Mostly because of Lorelai… Rory asks them how their days were, how they're liking school, what they're studying, whilst Lorelai and Luke have a silent conversation, and she shakes her head, to indicate that she hasn't told Rory yet. He nods, excusing himself to go upstairs and change, whilst the Twins regail their sister and brother-in-law with stories from their youths, and Katie shows off some of the new moves she has been learning at Ballet. When Rory found out that her mother was pregnant… with Twins… she was so excited, but she was also nervous. It hadn't been that long since she and Luke had gotten back together, and Rory herself was still a little bitter about the whole thing. But she had been assured both by Luke and Lorelai, that this is something they wanted, and that would make them happy… and on the day that her brothers were born, Rory had to admit, that in that moment, she had never seen her mother happier. Then after Katie was born, she saw that smile again. That one that she knows is her mother's true happiness. Of course, she always smiles when Luke's around, but having a baby… she can understand that as well. It's a joyous occasion. Even in her mother's case, where it was touch and go for a while. But now, she wouldn't have it any other way. She excitedly tells people that she has identical twin siblings and a little sister, and happily shares that they're 'almost eight years old, but act like they're thirty and that her five-year-old sister acts like the adult most of the time'. It shocks some people, that she is so much older than them, but she doesn't care anymore. The stigma about all that stuff has died off now. Once the kids have exhausted all their topics, they excuse themselves to the living room, where they sit down with the girls, and watch TV. Elijah, sensing that something big is going to be said, offers to leave for a while, let them all talk, but Luke tells him to stay, that he's going to find out anyway, so he may as well hear it from them. Rory looks at her mother worriedly, but Lorelai just takes her hands, and pats them softly, before tears form in her eyes… damn hormones… and she looks up at her first born.
'Rory, I'm pregnant,' she said, as Luke sat down beside his wife, a grin on his face, the happiness obvious
'Oh my god… this is… wow mom. It's unexpected but it's good. It's good right?' she asked, hugging her mother, and then hugging Luke
'You had a better reaction than we did. When Dr. Heston told us, we laughed. Yes, it's good Rory. It's going to be… difficult… but it's good. We're excited about it,' Luke said, as he and Lorelai made eye contact, and she smiled and nodded
'Okay well… wow. Mom, I really am happy for you. How are you feeling? Do you need us to do anything? Where are you going to live now? What about the kids? Have you told the kids? Oooo… babe we can give them the crib back, the one that they gave us for the girls and…' Luke cut Rory's tirade off, by telling her that she needs to relax, to be honest, they haven't discussed anything like that, but Rory and Lorelai ended up in a conversation about it anyway, whilst the guys just went about their stuff.
Taylor had decided that this year, would be the very first, Stars Hollow Valentine's Day Festival. That meant, that the entire town was going hearts, cupids, and those stupid balloons that Luke hates. The only reason that he participates in festivals, is because of Lorelai. Most of the time, it's because she has convinced one, or both of his kids, to come and pull, what he has affectionately dubbed the 'Gilmore Face'. Although, it might just be because he doesn't want his kids to grow up hating everything like he does. He wants them to enjoy everything. So, when Taylor Doose reluctantly steps into the Diner that morning, carrying a small box of decorations for the Festival, Luke sighs, drops his head, takes a deep breath, then growls out for Taylor to 'leave the box, he'll decorate later'. He swears that Taylor sways a little on his feet, and he reaches out to steady the man, before smiling and patting his shoulder. He knows better than to say anything, instead just leaving the box, and turning to leave the Diner. A few minutes later, Rory and Lorelai enter, followed by Lori, and Moni, who are basically bouncing on the balls of their feet, begging their grandfather for ice cream. Luke rolls his eyes, points to Rory, and blames her for her eating habits, to which Rory points to Lorelai, who just smiles, taking a seat at the table, closing her eyes for a moment to steady herself. Rory places a hand on her mother's forearm, asking her if she's alright. Lorelai nods, but Luke can tell from where he's standing that she's trying hard to fight the nausea. He takes her over a glass of soda water, and gives Rory coffee, well aware that they're in the Diner, and people might think it weird to see her not drinking coffee, he pours her one, under the guise, then tells Rory to drink it, causing the young woman to smirk at him. Lorelai thanks him, sipping at the water, before asking Rory what her plans are for today. She keeps them tight lipped, because she and Elijah had talked about checking out some properties both here, and in Hartford. Lorelai was excited to be looking after her grandbabies for the afternoon, and Emily was even going to come over to see her great grandbabies. Luke had mentioned to her when she had mentioned this last night, that she could use the opportunity to tell her mother. Now that Emily lives in Nantucket, they don't see her as much, and Lorelai had actually been missing her. As much as she is aware that her mother and she don't always see eye to eye, she knows that her mother is all she has left. Great, so I'm going to tell my mother that I'm pregnant at forty-eight… what will her reaction be to that one… she thought to herself.
Lori had spotted the box of decorations that Taylor had dropped off and had asked her grandfather what they were for. Luke explained that Taylor wants him to decorate the Diner for the new festival, and she excitedly clapped, her eyes widening, as she kneeled up on the stool to get a better look inside. Rory called for her daughter to get down, chuckling when her first born made that face… that one that her mother use to tell her she made all the time… the Rory face. When Eli arrived at the Diner, Rory took her leave, reminding her children to be good for their grandmother, and their great grandmother, and to be careful with them. Lorelai gave her daughter a quick parting kiss on the cheek, ushered them out the door, then walked over to the box that Lori was looking through, picking up a flying cupid with an arrow, raising an eyebrow at Luke, when he sighed. She chuckled, made a joke about him being 'Taylor whipped' then offered to help with the decorations. Luke made her take the girls home, stating that Jess was going to be here shortly, that he'll make his nephew help him out. Lorelai begged her husband to take pictures of Jess doing that, before kissing him, chuckling when two sets of 'eww Grandma…' came from behind them, both Luke and Lorelai turning to look at their grandbabies, who were grinning as though innocent. Lorelai and the kids took their leave. Lorelai had barely gotten inside the house, when the knock on the door came… Damn Emily Gilmore and her penchant for being right on time… she thought, as she opened the door, greeting her mother, before stepping aside to let her in. Emily went straight to her great grandbabies, whilst Lorelai just watched her, leaning against the door frame. If there is one thing that Emily Gilmore loves, it's her grandbabies, and her great grandbabies. Of course, she loves her daughter as well. Since Richard had passed away, she has grown closer to her daughter, or maybe it's that after she helped Lorelai out with the Dragonfly expansion money, it's that she doesn't feel the need to stick to all that upper class baloney. Besides, she sees how happy Luke and Lorelai are, and she can't take that away from her daughter. Now, when she talks about her son-in-law, she does so with pride, cutting down anyone who sneers, or says something horrible about Luke. Because in a way… Luke Danes rescued her daughter, and her granddaughter, and brought them back to her… in a way… besides, she has to admit… the food in his Diner is wonderful. He is a good cook.
'So, Mom, how was your trip?' Lorelai asked, sitting down on the couch next to her mother, whilst the girls played with the toys on the floor
'It was pleasant, thank you Lorelai. How are the kids?' she asked, noticing her daughter shifting beside her
'They're great. Studying hard. Freakishly healthy like their father, I can't understand it sometimes. Katie is obsessed with Ballet, and Miss Patty has been teaching her all these new moves. She's just like Rory when she did ballet… they're great. Mom, I have to tell you something, and it will come as a shock, I know it did to Luke and me… but I'm pregnant,' she said, not looking at Emily
'Pregnant? You're forty-eight years old Lorelai. How can you possibly be pregnant? What about the baby? Will you be able to carry full term? How about the risks? I'm sure there are high risks with a pregnancy at your age…' Lorelai stopped her mother, by just taking her hands, nodding, and then crying. Emily hugged her, whispering that she's happy for her, if she and Luke are happy about it.
On Valentine's Day, Lorelai woke up to nausea, which ended with her in the bathroom. Emily had asked them about living arrangements, and whilst both Luke and Lorelai knew that more space would be beneficial, they just didn't have the money right now to be moving. However, Emily surprised her daughter, by reminding her about the house she had wanted to buy them for their wedding the first time… stating that she and her father had purchased the house already, and that they had given it a Stars Hollow address, so that it's there for them, if they want it. She can give it to them as a baby gift. Lorelai took the pictures from her mother, the flashbacks to that day in the realtor's office hitting her like a tonne of bricks. Luke looked at the pictures, telling both Gilmore women that it's a 'nice house, big yard, plenty of room… could be something to look into'. Lorelai had never considered ever leaving the Crapshack. However, Rory and Eli, upon hearing about the house that Emily had brought for Lorelai and Luke, announced that they were looking to purchase a new home, and that they could buy the Crapshack, keep it in the family, as it's big enough for the four of them. Lorelai thought about all of this whilst she was brushing her teeth, wondering if it would be worth it. Rory and Elijah would live in this house, and she, Luke and the kids would make the other house their new home. It's not a bad house, it's beautiful. She's just got an attachment to this house. Rory promised her mother that if they decided to go through with it, she could always come and visit. It was something that needs to be discussed, especially now that they're adding another member to the family. Besides, eight bedrooms… the Twins wouldn't have to share, and there would be guest bedrooms, and Katie would have her own room, and it wouldn't be tiny, and having Rory and her grandbabies back in Stars Hollow… Lorelai thought more about the idea as she had her morning shower and headed downstairs. Luke had promised that Valentine's Day this year, wouldn't be a big deal, as for the last nine years, they've done something small. Their first year back together, they spent apart, working. Convinced that the holiday was ridiculous. The second year, Lorelai was pregnant with the Twins, and Luke took them away on a small vacation before the babies came. Then every year after that, it's been small gifts, gestures of love, and great Valentine's Day sex. This year, with the new festival, Lorelai had just suggested, for her present, that Luke accompany her. He had reluctantly agreed, and Lorelai had given him a 'reward', which was unexpected. But to be honest, Luke would have gone anyway. He would do anything for Lorelai. She is his everything, her, and the kids.
Luke had also been seriously considering taking the house that Emily and Richard had brought for them. When the elder Gilmore woman explained that they had originally purchased it for them, as a wedding gift the first time, Luke had cringed, remembering back to that time was not pleasant, and in fact, they both try to forget it. They have moved forward, they have forgiven, and forgotten. It's better that way. But Lorelai did say that she loved this house. He had loved the Twickham House, but alas, that was also a part of their relationship history that would stay buried, and besides, seeing this one that the Gilmore's purchased, Luke had already fallen in love with the idea of a yard, so that he and the boys [and Katie] could play sports, and Paul Anka could run around (not that he does), and it has plenty of bedrooms, and they could even turn a room into a library for April and Rory… before he knew what he was doing (like talking to his wife), Luke had told Emily that they want it. They want the house, they're going to live there, and let Rory and Eli buy the Crapshack. Luke had said all of this to his mother-in-law over the phone, Emily excitedly emailed him the details, including the lease and forms to put it in their name, and all those things they need. Then she told Luke to tell Lorelai, and he sighed. He'd just up and made this big life decision without consulting her… again… and he knows that it's going to backfire in his face, but the house is amazing, and it's in Stars Hollow, not far from the Diner, or the Inn, and still close enough to the Town, so that Lorelai can be involved. Later that afternoon, before the festival was set to begin, Emily, Luke, Eli, Rory, and Jess went out to the house, and took a tour. Rory was taken aback by its beauty and jumped at Luke's suggestion to turn one rooms in the house into a library. She was also excited by the prospect of herself and Eli owning their own home. The only person missing from this picture was the one that mattered the most: Lorelai. Rory had texted her mother to meet them here, and when Lorelai had gotten that text whilst at work, she had figured that something was happening. Picking the kids up from School, Lorelai drove the short distance to the house, meeting the others standing out the front. Luke went over to help her out of the car, taking Katie from her as she stood beside him, kissing her, and whispering 'Happy Valentine's Day' in her ear, before presenting her with the keys.
'So, we're moving, are we? Well, it's nice to know that at least, so that when I show up at The Crapshack after a long day of work, and wonder why all our stuff is gone, I'll at least know where to find you,' she said, the sarcasm heavy in her voice, as Luke cringed, the others smirking at the realisation, and then Rory turned worried
'It's a beautiful house Lorelai, and your mother is right. We need more space, and it's in Stars Hollow, and it's ours. We just have to change the title name, and the deed, and it's ours. Rory and Eli will buy the Crapshack, and live there but this… this place is amazing,' Luke said, as the Twins ran around in the front yard, Katie squirming to be put down so she could too
'Oh, hi honey, remember me, your husband? Well, I was just calling to ask if you wanted to move into the house that your parents brought for us… oh you don't? well I would have known that if I'd called to ask you, okay, I love you,' Lorelai said, mockingly as she pretended to talk into her phone
'Okay, yes. I should have asked instead of just making the decision. But we needed to make it Lorelai. We don't have enough room at The Crapshack, and we're having a baby. We need the space. It's in Stars Hollow, it's not far from town… but if you're really against it, we won't move, and Rory and Eli can live there instead,' Luke said, whilst Lorelai just glared at the house, like it had personally done her wrong.
'Well, it looks like we're moving…' she said, forcing a smile onto her face, as Luke picked her up, and twirled her around in a hug, the rest of the family joining in, only Rory saw her mother's true expression, and it worried her.
The moving could happen later, which was what Luke and Eli were talking about, as they made their way back into town for the Valentine's Day Festival. Rory had wanted to talk to her mother, because clearly, she's not happy with the decision that Luke has made, but her grandmother had accosted her to ask her about her latest book. Jess had also noticed Lorelai's 'less than impressed' look when they had been at the house and had mentioned it to his uncle. Their conversations stopped as they rounded the corner in the Town Square and saw the magnificence that had been revealed. Kirk had done a fantastic job at decorating, and Taylor was amazed by it as well, cheerfully greeting the Gilmore-Danes-Stone Families as they approached. Lorelai found Sookie, and excused herself from the group, Luke watching her walk off towards her best friend. He usually hates these town things. The Twins had run off to find their own friends, and Katie had run off with her cousins, and Eli and Rory had gone exploring to see what the new festival has to offer. Emily was looking after Lori and Moni. Lorelai told Sookie about the house, and how Luke had made the choice to have them move there. Figuring that this wasn't something that she wanted others to be hearing, the two ladies moved off to the side, where a sofa had been put, and sat down. Lorelai told Sookie that she's pregnant, the screams could be heard across the Square, but she had quickly recovered, and they moved onto talking about the house. Lorelai told her about the last time her mother had brought up that house, just before things with Luke went really bad the last time. Everything that house represented was in a past neither of them wanted to remember. Before she knew it, Lorelai was crying again… actually not crying… sobbing into Sookie's shoulder, as her best friend comforted her. She spoke of new memories. Of taking those old memories, and stomping on them, and making new ones. Happy ones, from this time. Not from that time. Sookie reminded her that they're married now. They have kids of their own now. That things between them are really good. They have a balance. It's not like it was before. They're not hiding things, and no more secret children are coming out of the woodwork… only out of your body… Sookie had said, pointing to Lorelai's stomach, the two women chuckling. Lorelai knew that they could make happy memories in that house, after all, they had managed to make happy memories in The Crapshack after all that had happened. Sookie made sure that she was okay, before heading off to find Jackson and some snacks. Lorelai stayed sitting on the couch, until she felt a weight beside her, and that familiar scent she knows so well. Luke wrapped an arm around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
Once all the deeds, and titles for the new house are settled, they can begin the process of moving in. Emily had all the information they would need, they just had to sign everything, and it would be theirs. Luke had begun crunching the numbers with Eli later that night, after they had returned to The Crapshack after the festival. Lorelai and Rory had stayed in the lounge, the kids had long since gone to bed. Lorelai told her daughter about what she and Sookie had been talking about, and Rory had said the same thing as the chef. That they can make happy memories, to erase the bad ones. She knows that's true, really, she does, but there is still that ache in her heart when she thinks about that house. Just jump Lorelai… don't run… just jump… she told herself, it was the mantra that she had in her head. She didn't want to disappoint. Besides, it's true. They do need more space… and a library would be pretty cool. Their new date for moving in was settled as March 2nd. Rory and Elijah had to go back to Chicago to settle some things there, before they could put an offer in on the house, but Luke and Lorelai wouldn't let anyone else buy it. If anyone is going to live here, it's going to be her daughter and her daughter's little family. After three movies, Lorelai announced that she was going to bed, and Eli and Rory headed to bed as well, the kids long since asleep. When Luke joined his wife in their bedroom, he was wary. He'd done this big thing, just jumping onto this moving thing, without consulting Lorelai, and hadn't considered anything else in the moment. Rory had cornered him, just before she left, and explained why her mother had been acting so strange, the meaning she has associated with this house… that they need to make good memories there, and not dwell on the old ones. That had been a rough time in their lives. In trying to get to know April, Luke had essentially pushed Lorelai away… so far away, that she couldn't hold on anymore… like he was dragging her along in the water, and she hit a rock and fell. He's not proud of how he handled that situation, or the horrible year that followed, but they worked through all of that. However, he never knew about the house, or its significance, or what it might mean for Lorelai. Luke changed into his sleepwear. Lorelai was sitting on her side of the bed, facing away from Luke, moisturising her hands. The Diner Owner crawled over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, and beginning to massage her.
'Rory told me about the house, and its significance. I know I made this big decision without including you. I just saw this wonderful opportunity, and I jumped. I know we said we'd try that every now and then, but I should have talked to you first, especially because of your reservations about it…' Luke whispered, as he massaged his wife, feeling her tense up slightly at his words
'Yeah well, what's done is done. You jumped… you lead. Where you lead, I will follow,' Lorelai said, also quietly
'Lorelai…'
'My mother showed me that house, told me that it was a wedding gift from her and my father. We weren't in a good place. It was the first time I'd had to admit out loud that we weren't getting married… that there wasn't going to be a wedding… you'd pushed me away so far Luke… I understand you wanted to get to know April, and I respect that. But that house… I look at that house and I feel that pain all over again… and maybe it's my crazy hormones right now… but that's just how I feel. Sookie and Rory are right though as well. We'll make happy memories there, that will lessen that pain, and eventually it will go away,' Lorelai said, all this in a whisper as Luke felt himself getting emotional at hearing his wife talk about her pain, all he could think to do was hug her, and he did, pressing a kiss to her lips as they fell back onto the bed together.
Since the revelation that Lorelai still harboured some pain about that time in their lives, Luke had done his darnedest to make sure that she knew he loved her. It had been rough that night, to hear Lorelai talking the way that she was, and he hadn't reacted. He hadn't been there. He hadn't seen that house, or felt those emotions, or known that that was what she was feeling, because he had… he had pushed her away, and every day he regrets that. But they got through that, and they're here now. They have the Twins, and Katie, and they're married, and Lorelai has slightly warmed up to the idea of moving into the new house, after Rory and Luke made it sound so fun. However, Luke could still see that slight pained look in her eye whenever it was brought up, so he wanted to do something to make it better, to make the first happy memory in their new house, that Rory had (with Lori's help) decided to name The Lake House, because it's near a lake. Luke had rolled his eyes, but the smile on his face was evident, and kind of negated the annoyed look he'd had when his stepdaughter had told him that she was 'naming the house', he'd only accepted it, because Lori had given those damn Gilmore eyes, and he's not immune to them. He found that out the hard way. Lorelai has gotten him to do many a thing with those Gilmore eyes. The Danes children had been so excited about moving to The Lake House, and finally having their own rooms, that they had cleaned up the rooms they're currently using, and had thrown things out that were old, or that they didn't want, and had made a collection of things they wanted to take with them. Elijah, Jess, and Luke had been absent the last few days, and although Rory had made it known that they had to return to Chicago to settle their apartment before moving back here in March, Eli had let her in on the plan to make something special for her mother, to give her a happy memory of the house. Rory had overheard the conversation between Luke and her mother the other night. She hadn't been eavesdropping on purpose. She just heard the sad voice that her mother had and decided to… okay she was eavesdropping… but what she heard hurt her as well, so she was glad that Luke was trying to make it better… and the fact that her mother admitted that she was right… well she can't use that particular moment to gloat, because she was eavesdropping, but she still has the satisfaction. Surprisingly, she had been able to keep the secret from her mother.
The day before Elijah and Rory were set to return to Chicago to close out some affairs, Luke announced to his wife that he has a surprise for her. Lorelai had been very tired the last couple of weeks, since the Valentine's Day Festival, and had been resting a lot. Luke had promised that it wouldn't take too long, and then blindfolded her. He, and the rest of the family, drove to The Lake House, and he helped the still blindfolded Lorelai out of the car, into the house, and up the stairs. Rory couldn't even contain her own emotions when she saw what the boys had been doing. They had made a nursery for the new baby. When her blindfold was finally removed, Lorelai gasped in surprise at the room. It was beautiful. They don't even know the sex of their baby yet, but the room was so well done in gender neutral colours, that it won't matter if it's a boy or a girl. They had recycled some of the Twins' old things, from when they were babies, as well as a few new things, including a rocking chair that Luke had made. Realising that they were at the new house, Lorelai smiled, turning to look at her husband, who just whispered that he loves her… always and forever… before she just kissed him, hands on his face, his hands going around her waist. Lorelai whispered 'thank you' in his ear, knowing the reason he had done this, and Luke buried his face in her neck, to hide his own tears from the others. No one said anything, they just let Luke and Lorelai have their moment. After that, things seemed to be okay. Lorelai turned to look back at the house as they were leaving, noting that the pain wasn't as bad, but it was still there. There will have to be many more happy memories made there to fully heal that still broken part of her heart, a part she didn't even know was still there, until this was brought up again. By the time they got back to the Crapshack, it was time for Rory and Eli, and the girls to leave. The hugged goodbye, then watched as the Stone Family drove off, before Luke and Lorelai were left to themselves again… for about five minutes… then the kids came home from school, arguing about who was going to get to pick the movie tonight. Lorelai declared that none of them were choosing the movie, and that they should all be doing homework instead, groans of annoyance as Liam and Ben stomped up the steps to the Crapshack, whilst Katie just ran up the stairs, and into the house, shouting after her brothers, who were muttering things under their breaths.
'They get their lack of academic excitement from you,' Lorelai said, as she and Luke entered the house, spotting their kids working at the kitchen table
'Ironic, because April and Rory were so studious…' Luke replied, moving about to start preparations for dinner
'Yes well, they can't all be smart. But we'll settle for above average,' Lorelai said, kissing each of her children's heads, before turning around to leave the room, announcing that she's going to take a bath
'Dad, is something going on with Mom? She's seemed… sadder these last couple of weeks,' Liam asked, ever astute to the feelings of his mother, Luke just told him the general response, then grunted at them to do their homework.
A/N: I was never a huge fan of April. I don't know why they chose to go that way in Season Six, in my opinion, that is when the show was kind of ruined, when they introduced April. But since the revival, i've kind of been okay with her being a part of the family, so I gave her a better story line, as well as Luke and Lorelai and how he handled the whole situation. Thank you for reading. D.