A/N: Chapter Six is set in June. I hope you're enjoying this story, and that you're having a wonderful holiday period. I am pumped to be back to uploading on this story, and my other stories. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy. Happy New Year. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083.


The Year After the Year in a Life

Chapter Six: June

June 2017 – Seven Months Pregnant

The first day of Summer brought with it its own issues. First, Lorelai had been extremely sick recently, and Luke had confined her to the house. Secondly, their air conditioner had broken down, and it's going to take at least a week to get fixed, meaning they're all living in a hot house, with nothing to cool them down, and it's making them all irritable. Third, Lorelai is pregnant, and she hates the summer when she's not pregnant, but at seven months, and feeling like crap… she's not doing too good… and finally, the kids are on break from school, meaning that the house is loud, and there are constantly kids here, and all they want is just a vacation, but Luke won't let them go anywhere, especially because Dr. Heston is worried about the slight shift in Lorelai's pregnancy, and where the placenta is located. So, Luke is currently running a bath for his wife, listening to her babble on about the Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer festival, that Taylor plans for this time of the year, and how it's gone to his head again, and she thinks that he needs to calm it all down, or at least let Kirk have some time off. Rory and Eli are looking after the kids, they had offered to take them all to the pool, after Rory saw how stressed her mother was, and Luke's face begging her to take them. They love their children, as all parents do, but sometimes they can be annoying. Annoying, loud, messy, and chatty. When Rory was younger, she would just go read. She'd be so quiet in fact, that Lorelai wouldn't even know her daughter was in the same room until she gave her a heart attack, looking down and seeing her there. But that was just Rory. When her bath is run, Luke calls her into the bathroom, and Lorelai stands there, whilst he carefully undresses her, running his hands lightly over her skin. They haven't had sex in a while, mostly because after her stint in the hospital, Luke was worried about pushing things too much, and they weren't supposed to be having sex anyway. Okay so sue him. He wants his wife, it's obvious to everyone… especially Lorelai, who looks down to see him tenting in his shorts, smirking at the look on his face, especially after he takes off her bra, and leans down to kiss the top of her breasts. The Inn Owner takes Luke's hand, as he helps her into the tub, and she whispers, asking him if he wants a hand with his 'little problem', gesturing to his erection with her head, a smirk on her lips. Luke smirks back, whilst Lorelai reaches out to run a hand down his arm, and Luke undresses himself, getting into the bath with Lorelai, whose hand immediately goes to his hardened cock, stroking it slowly, whilst she caresses her own breasts.

In four days, Lori turns six, and her parents are planning a party for her, which apparently, means the entirety of her Kindergarten class has been invited. Rory and Lorelai were chatting about it last night, and the Inn Owner lamented that she can't believe her granddaughter is six, whilst Rory told her that she can't believe her daughter is six, and that she'll be starting first grade. Luke had offered to let Rory have the party here, but she respectfully declined, stating that she and Eli want to throw the party themselves, just to prove that they're good parents. Lorelai told her that she is a good parent, they both are, but understood her daughters need to do it by herself. She had done it by herself for a long time, and Rory wants to prove that she can be like her mother. April is also coming to stay with them over Summer. The MIT girl had wanted to be here hopefully for the birth of her sibling, but at least so she can spend some time with her dad, and her family. Luke had been boasting about April's latest achievements so proudly, and Lorelai just loves watching him talk about all their kids like that. She somehow picked up a chest infection the other day. She thinks it might have been from Sookie or Jackson, who were here the other day, checking up on her after their Memorial Day Trip, where they had mentioned that one of their kids had come down with the infection, and it may have skipped them, and hit Lorelai. The only problem with that, is that Lorelai is seven months pregnant, and a chest infection in her condition, could be fatal. Luke was furious when he woke up to his wife, gasping for air, then coughing her lungs up (metaphorically). Dr. Heston had prescribed her something that was pregnancy safe, but told Luke to keep an eye on her, make sure it doesn't fester. She's doing better now, but Luke is still being overprotective. But he gets that way around her seventh month. He always has. After Lorelai (and Luke) had finished in the bath, they both went downstairs, Luke told Lorelai to sit on the sofa, whilst he went and made them some lunch. He had given Lane the responsibility of running the Diner for the day, so he could take today off to be with Lorelai, even though the woman had almost begged for her husband to go back to work, just so she could have some quiet time. She's been good. Relaxing, especially after Memorial Day, where they went away, and Lorelai probably overdid it a little. They had come home, and she had some spotting. But nothing since then. The doors burst open, and five kids come running into the house.

'MOM! We found out where Kirk has been hiding all those extra decorations that he and Taylor use for the festivals, so we went and got them, and put them back in Miss Patty's, but he caught us, and chased us, so we hid behind the Diner, and he got so mad… so mad that Taylor had no choice but to dump a bucket of water over his head… and…'

'Wow, Liam… slow down buddy. That sounds like quite an adventure you guys had. But you know, you shouldn't be mean to Kirk. He's a nice guy, just trying to do his jobs,' Lorelai said, but the vision that had put in her head almost made her laugh.

'It was hilarious though mom. Are you feeling better today?' Ben asked, going to sit beside his mother, who wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close to her

'Yes, much better. We have to think of something to get your niece for her birthday, it's on Friday,' Lorelai said, and Ben nodded whilst the other kids were preoccupied with setting up the TV so they could play some game on the gaming station.


The Crap Shack was swarming with little kids. When Lorelai had asked her daughter what Lori's theme for her party was, and she had replied 'pink', Lorelai had tilted her head towards her in confusion. Rory had just shrugged, explaining that when they had asked the young girl what she wanted to be her theme, she simply said that she wanted the colour. So that is what they did. Everything was pink (or white) and matched the theme. Lorelai felt the nostalgia rush back to her as they entered the Crap Shack, looking around at all the kids, and the pink stuff, before handing the presents they had gotten for Lori to Eli, who put them on the present pile, before hugging each of them. Sookie greeted her best friend as Luke led her over to the chair, and told her to sit down, handing her a blanket, which Lorelai refused because hello, it's summer… he sighed, but placed it on the chair behind her head, just in case she gets cold. Then he turned and went into the kitchen to help Rory with the party food. Whilst Lorelai watched the kids playing whatever game Eli had set up first, Sookie was watching her best friend. Michele' is also meant to be coming today, and since Lorelai has been back at work, doing half days (to appease Luke whilst she's on 'bed rest'), he's been nicer, calmer. Almost tolerable, especially towards Sookie and their customers. But he had been so excited about coming to Lori's birthday, and had called Sookie in a panic yesterday, wanting to know what to buy for the young girl. Rory had laughed when Sookie had told her the story, remembering when Michele wouldn't even come near her kids in the beginning, but him looking after the Twins, and Katie, really put him in a better frame of mind for kids. Also, because Ben and Liam kind of scare him with being identical. In the kitchen, Rory was having a mini breakdown, which ended with her just wrapping her arms around Luke's waist, asking him why she had thought that doing this was a good idea. He chuckled, wrapping her in a hug, and telling her that she is an amazing mother, and that she probably got the idea to do this from her own mother, who always made her birthday parties, something to remember. Rory chuckled, pulling back from Luke, reminding him about her sixteenth birthday party, which he sighed, then laughed, remembering well. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back from Luke, then turned back to the tray on the table. Rory told Luke that she not only learnt how to be a good mother from Lorelai, but also how to be a good parent from him. He shot her a confused look, and she told him that he is her father. He taught her about many things, and that he's always here for her when she needs him. The thank you was muffled, after Luke wrapped her in a hug, both of them chuckling to force back the emotional tears that were falling.

Sookie had made the cake, (like she always does), and at midday, they brought it out, chuckling at the shape. Per Lori's request, Sookie had made her a Unicorn Cake, decorated and all. It was amazing, and Rory made sure to take some pictures of it, before it was destroyed. The young girl in question squealed in excitement when she saw the cake, before her father and grandmother told her to calm down. Lorelai had a hand on her stomach, watching the scene in front of her. Rory glanced over at her mother, saw the pained look on her face, but then got distracted by her youngest daughter Moni latching onto her leg, asking if she can help her sister blow out the candles. They were all so caught up in singing Happy Birthday, and then cutting the cake and giving it out to the kids, that Lorelai was able to just slip off to the bathroom without anyone worrying about her. Luke returned to the living room with plates, handing them to Rory as Sookie placed a piece of cake on each one, calling the kids to come and get one. He saw the chair that Lorelai was supposed to be sitting in, empty, and worried slightly, until he saw his wife coming out of the bathroom. She grabbed his arm to steady herself slightly, as Luke walked with her back to the chair, and she sat down, nodding to him, gesturing to the kids, not wanting to make a scene at their granddaughter's birthday party. Lori ran over to them with two plates of cake, and handed them each one, before spinning around, asking the if they liked her dress and wings. Moni came over as well, doing the same thing as her sister, whilst Luke and Lorelai just smiled and nodded. They adore those girls. Eli and Rory ran around attending to the needs of all the kids, whilst the adults watched them playing their silly games, and just having a wonderful time. The Twins were helping their brother-in-law run some of the games, but Ben had decided to join in, and was happily wearing the pink decorations that Katie had brought over to her brother. Lorelai just smiled as Luke snapped pictures of their kids, and of Rory, who demanded that her mother be in some shots, the two of them laughing in one, smiling in another, and then Rory pretending that she had been told off. Luke took all the pictures, and Sookie tried to contain her emotions as she watched the two Gilmore Girls messing around. Lorelai hugged her eldest daughter, chuckling as she ran off to get Monica, just before she knocked everything off the table. At two pm, Rory called the kids inside so that Lori could open her presents, the barrage of kids barrelling into the house, and sitting around the room, whilst Lori went over to stand with her parents.

'First of all, we would just like to thank everyone for coming to Lori's sixth birthday party, it's been wonderful to have everyone here,' Eli said, patting his daughters' shoulders

'We're going to get Lori to open her presents now, so everyone take a seat please,' Rory said, clapping her hands together, as she lifted Moni onto her lap, smiling as the youngest Stone family member handed her sister the presents. No one noticed the new addition to the room, watching Lori open her gifts.

'Who is that one from sweetie?' Eli asked, looking for the tag that on the paper

'It's from me,' the voice said, everyone turned to see Christopher Hayden standing in the room then 'Hey Kiddo,' directed towards Rory, who was surprised to see her father standing there


Chris hadn't been the best at being a father, or a grandfather. When Rory had called him to tell him that she was getting married, he had made it his mission to be at her wedding, to walk her down the aisle. That is his job, as her father, to walk her down the aisle. But, of course, he never made it to her wedding. He never made it to her engagement party, showing up a few days later, and taking Rory out for dinner, but it didn't matter. Because the people who mattered the most to Rory were there, doing the things that he should have been doing. When Lori was born, Rory had called her father, asking him to come meet his granddaughter at the hospital. She gave birth in Hartford; he was in Boston. He never showed up at the hospital. He never showed up to see Monica when she was born either. That had been Chris' pattern though. He never made it to her highschool graduation. The only reason he was at her college graduation, was because he and her mother were… whatever they were. But he missed all the other big events in her life. Now, he's standing in the room, at her daughters sixth birthday, having made no attempt to contact her, or RSVP to the invitation that she had emailed him. Lori asked her mother who the man was, and Rory knelt down to her two daughters, telling them that this is their other grandfather, Grandpa Christopher. Lori looked at her sister, who was hiding behind her father's legs. Lori whispered something to Rory, who nodded, taking the present she was holding, whilst the six-year-old moved closer to Christopher, and he knelt down. She hugged him, thanking him for the present, and for coming to her birthday party, before turning and running back to her chair. Moni didn't move, so Rory picked her up, and walked over towards her father, introducing her to Chris, who just waved, not wanting to push his luck with the young girl. Monica waved back to him, then squirmed to get down, running over to her sister. Eli came forward, introduced himself to Chris, and shook his hand. Chris didn't miss the man wrapping his arm around his daughter's waist, holding her close, as if he was going to hurt her. Lori opened the present from Chris, seeing the Barbie, and cheerfully showing her mother. To be honest, Lori doesn't like Barbie, but her mother had always told her to be grateful for all the gifts she gets, even if she doesn't like them. The room slowly went back to normal, as Lori ploughed through the gifts on the table, and Chris stayed towards the back of the room, watching. To be honest, he didn't know if this was a good idea, but he took the chance anyway.

At three, the party finished, and the guests started to file out. Everyone left, except for the Stone Family, and the Danes Family… and Chris. He had stayed behind to help clean up. Rory had pulled her father aside, asked him what he was thinking, just showing up here. He explained to her that he had wanted to come, meet his granddaughters, that he made the effort, that he's going to make more of an effort. Rory scoffed at him, rubbing her forehead, before heading back into the lounge. The Twins were helping Lori take all her presents upstairs, so when they came back down and saw Chris sitting on the couch, their loud question of who the strange man is, alerted Chris to Luke and Lorelai. He hadn't seen them earlier, and his simple greeting of 'Hey Lor, Luke…' seemed to make things more awkward. The identical twins were looking at him, both tilting their heads, the exact same expressions on their faces, making Lorelai smirk, Rory hiding her smile behind her hand, as she watched her brothers studying her father. Luke knelt down to explain that the man is Rory's biological father, Christopher. Ben whispered something in his father's ear, and Luke smirked, fist bumping his son, before standing back up, winking at Rory, who shook her head, smiling. When another young girl came running back into the room, he noticed that she too, looked a lot like the Twins, but also a lot like Rory. She ran straight to Lorelai, who smiled down at the young girl, pushing a strand of hair from her forehead, pushing it behind her ear, whispering to her, before she too noticed that he was sitting there. Katie went over and introduced herself first, surprised when Chris said that he was Rory's father, looking back at her own father, who just nodded. She looked confused but asked if he had enjoyed the party. He replied that he had, before the twins stepped forwards, Liam introduced himself first, shaking Chris' hand, before looking over at Rory who was smiling at the interaction. Ben was more hesitant. It was clear that he didn't like Chris that much (which Luke was secretly proud of), but was polite, introducing himself politely, and shaking the man's hand, before telling him that he's a 'little bit late to the party'. Chris chuckled, looking down at the ground, before looking back up at Ben, nodding. Rory called for the kids to go upstairs with the girls so that the adults can all talk. It was clear that she had some things she wanted to say to Chris. Ben led the Danes kids up the stairs, and Rory waited until she heard the door upstairs close, before she turned towards her father.

'I don't know what you're playing at, showing up here without warning. I told you, that you could come, but I was expecting you to reply to the RSVP with a phone call, not just show up,' Rory said, arms crossed, looking so much like Lorelai in that moment

'I know kid, I'm sorry. I just thought it would be a nice surprise you know,' Chris said

'We don't like surprises Chris, you should know that about us by now,' Lorelai said from her chair, it was then that he noticed she was pregnant

'Talk about not liking surprises… you're pregnant? Hell, I didn't even know about the twins or Katie. Rory doesn't really tell me anything about you,' Chris said, smiling that stupid smile that Luke really wanted to punch off his smug face.

'If she wanted you to know dad, she would have told you herself,' Rory replied, and Chris knew that was true, which meant that she didn't want him to know.


Chris had been staying with Rory and Eli, for the last two days, since Lori's sixth birthday. In that time, the girls had warmed up to him a little bit, and Lorelai had told her daughter that she can decide whether or not she wants the girls to have a relationship with Chris. After talking with Eli, who was against them forming a close bond with his "father-in-law", she had decided that they could get to know him. Eli had made it clear that he doesn't like Christopher, but for the sake of his girls, he was being civil about the whole thing. Chris had been good, hanging out with the girls, and getting to know them. Rory had wanted to say more to him. Ask him why he wasn't there for her wedding, or when the girls were born… she wanted to know why… but deep down, she already knew why. She knew that was just who her father is. He's not her father. Not in the typical sense of what a dad should be. Her father is Luke. It's always been Luke. He's been more of a typical father to her, than Christopher has ever been. Things had been going well, until Chris gave Rory and Eli a present, telling them that it's a belated wedding gift. Rory's hand slapping the top of the table was a silencer, as she stood up, shouting at Christopher that he's 'never going to change' before storming out of the house, leaving Eli to open the gift, scoffing when he sees that it's a coffee maker. He begrudgingly thanks the man, before standing to get the girls ready for their outing to the pool. They're meeting up with their aunt and uncles to go swimming. Chris had invited himself along after hearing that it was happening, which had again annoyed Rory, but she didn't say anything, however she did call her mother to give her the heads up. Unbeknownst to Rory, Lorelai was going through her own thing. She had woken up that morning, with severe pain in her lower abdomen. It had been so bad, that she had woken Luke up, grunting in pain. They had asked Sookie to take the kids to the pool for them, and Luke had put his wife in the car, speeding off towards Dr. Heston's office in Hartford. Lorelai was clutching her stomach, leaning forwards, tears filling her eyes, asking the baby to be okay. Luke had a hand on her hand, trying to fight his own tears, trying to be strong for his wife and baby. Dr. Heston had said that she may feel some pain in the lower abdomen, but that if it was bad, they should come in and see her. That is what they're doing.

Chris was chatting with his granddaughters as they walked through Stars Hollow to the local pool, Rory and Eli following behind. When they got to the Diner, Rory noticed that Luke wasn't inside, and neither was her mother, but Sookie was waiting for them with her siblings, explaining that she was asked to look after them until they came to pick them up. Rory asked what was going on, and Sookie looked over at Christopher, before explaining that Luke had to take Lorelai to the hospital, but that she's okay, she just had some pain. Rory was worried, but Sookie patted her shoulder, told them to take the kids to the pool, that Luke will call her when they know more. Rory nodded, grabbing her little sister's hand, and the twins ran ahead, Eli calling after them to slow down, whilst Chris stood near to them, wondering what was wrong with Lorelai. Rory pulled out her phone as soon as they got to the pool, making sure the kids were situated, before she moved off to the side to call her stepfather. Luke answered on the third ring, barely getting anything out before Rory was talking a mile an hour at him, asking what was going on, if her mother is okay, if the baby is okay. Luke had to shout her name to get her to calm down long enough for him to explain that they're going to keep her mother in for some observations. Rory, more worried now than before, asked again about her unborn sister, but Luke just sighed, then told her that they don't know anything else at the moment, but he'll keep her posted. Rory thanked him, hanging up the phone, before walking back over to her husband and the kids. Christopher, noticing that his daughter was distressed, asked her if she's okay. Rory shook her head, bursting into tears, wrapping her arms around Chris, he held her close. Eli saw the interaction, and shouted to the kids to stop splashing, before moving over towards his wife. Chris went to watch the kids, whilst Rory told Eli that her mother is in hospital. She knows that Luke will keep them posted, but she's overly emotional, having so much happen in the last few days, what with the party, and Chris showing up randomly, and now he's been here for three days, and she doesn't know how to feel about it. The girls seem to like him fine enough, but her brothers are wary of him. Ben even asked her why they never knew about him before, but she didn't know how to explain it to them, knowing that her mother and Luke wanted to wait to tell them that she was a teenage pregnancy.

'Hey, your mom is a fighter babe. Remember that okay? She's not going to give up,' Eli said, rubbing her back as Rory sat down on one of the lounge chairs putting sunscreen on

'I know, this pregnancy is just… it's been so hard for mom. It's been hard on all of us, and I know it's selfish, but I don't want to lose my mother… I just… don't know how I'd feel about that baby if it happens…' Rory said, then apologised for thinking that

'Hey, listen to me. Your mom isn't going anywhere, and neither is your sister, okay? Look at me Rory, I love you, your mom loves you and so does Luke. Whatever happens, we're a family, all of us,' Eli said, and Rory nodded, kissing him before her daughter making lewd noises caused them to break the kiss and chuckle

'Thanks for the pep talk, babe. I needed that,' Rory whispered, standing up and going over to the edge, sitting down on the side, where her brothers splashed her, and she threatened to come after them.


Lorelai had been in hospital for almost a week now, and everyone was worried. There had been some evidence of heavy bleeding around where the placenta is currently located but performing any kind of early delivery wouldn't be good for the baby, so they had to take some precautions. That meant, that Lorelai is remaining in hospital, so they can monitor the bleeding, and the baby. For the last three days, the heartbeat has been the only thing keeping them going. Knowing that their baby girl is still fighting, has kept them fighting as well, but Luke can tell that his wife is ready to go home. Lorelai really doesn't want to spend the next two months here. If she can avoid it, she will. But Dr. Heston has been worried about sending Lorelai back home, knowing that if the baby tries to start labour at any point, Lorelai could bleed out in an instant. Luke had begged her to stay, just for the week that was recommended by her OB/GYN, and she had agreed. Rory had been in and out the last couple of days, the days after she was admitted, Rory showed up with all the kids, and her husband in tow… Christopher had been staying with them, but he'd left after they finished at the pool, something about 'business in Boston'. Eli had been glad to see him go, but Rory had been expecting it. She had asked if he was going to be around on Father's Day, but he couldn't guarantee that. Which she knew would be the case, and she already has a father that she gives gifts to anyway. What had been a surprise, was April showing up at the hospital. That had lifted Lorelai's spirits, her stepdaughter moving straight over to her, hugging her, and whispering that she knows everything will be alright. Luke had hugged his daughter, excited to see her, the surprise welcome at the current time. April had then regaled them all with her stories about MIT, and the guy that she has been seeing. Luke's head shot around to look at her, causing Rory and Lorelai to chuckle, whilst April's eyes just widened, before she rolled them, smirking at her father when he looked furious. The questions then turned to her boyfriend, Lorelai's hand on Luke's arm seeming to keep him calm enough to not lash out and threaten to kill the boy. But April showed them a picture, said that his name is Peter, he's the same age as her, they've been friends for two years, and recently started dating. Rory looked between her mother and Luke, who were looking at each other now, small smiles on their faces, Lorelai simply nodding to her husband, squeezing his hand, before he turned back to his daughter, and told her that he can't wait to meet him. April's mouth dropped open in shock, as did Rory's, but Lorelai just smiled. That earned her a hug from April, and a whispered 'thanks Lorelai' in her ear. She just nodded towards her stepdaughter, then awkwardly winked at her.

On the eleventh, Lorelai was still in hospital, and she was getting restless. The baby had been doing well, and so was Lorelai, but Dr. Heston was still worried about the bleeding. As the baby begins to kick and move around more, she is worried that if she hits the placenta, it could burst, and all hell could break loose. The only choice they have is to go in, and move the placenta themselves, but the risks to the baby, and to Lorelai are preventing them from doing that. The small bleed they found had been patched up easily enough (although painfully for Lorelai), and that had been an extra two days of recovery. Rory had been feeling off the last few days, and had gone home to rest herself, having spent basically a week straight at the hospital. Whilst she was back at the house, she was able to write some more of her book, in between her girls giving her a concert, and helping Eli with some of his own work. Luke was adamant that Lorelai was going to stay in the hospital, until Dr. Heston gave her all clear that she could leave. The emotions of the Danes family were running high, even more so for the pregnant Lorelai, who had burst into tears after a particularly nasty argument between herself and Luke, which had then led to them making out on Lorelai's hospital bed, before Rory was the one who broke them apart. They had laughed and apologised, and that was that. Now, Luke was out talking with the doctors, and Lorelai was waiting for him to come back. The door opened, and her mother's head appeared around the door. Emily had been unable to come to Lori's party, because she had been sick, but Rory had forgiven her, as she had come to see them a few days ago, and spent the whole day with the girls, taking them out, and giving them gifts. Lorelai smiled as her mother approached her, gently hugging her, asking how she is, and how the baby is, placing her hand on Lorelai's stomach, smiling when she felt the baby kicking under her hand. Lorelai told her mother how she was, lamenting that she really wants to go home. Emily demanded that she listen to the doctors, and to her husband, before taking the seat beside her bed, wringing her hands together in her lap. She was about to tell something to her daughter, when Luke re-entered the room, smiling at Emily, asking her how she is, how she's feeling. They chatted for a while; Lorelai disappointed that they weren't releasing her anytime soon. Emily left just before seven, promising to come back and check on her girls, stepping out of the room. Lorelai groaned when they brought her dinner in, Luke just laughed at what she had ordered.

'This is horrible. I want a Luke's cheeseburger,' she said, scrunching up her nose as she ate what she thinks is Chicken

'Rory is supposed to be coming back with food Lorelai. Just hold out until she gets here. How are you feeling?' he asked, for the hundredth time that day

'Hun, I'm fine. Just like I was ten minutes ago… I'm scared though. I'm really scared Luke. What if… what if the baby… what if I… we don't…'

'NO! We can't do the what if's Lorelai. We have to be positive okay. God, I love you, I love both of you. You're stubborn Lorelai Gilmore. You and this kid… you're both stubborn, and I know you'll fight till the end,' Luke said, whispering the last part as he pressed their foreheads together, wiping Lorelai's tears with his fingers.


On June eighteenth, Luke was woken by his children, jumping on the bed, opening his eyes, and smiling. He grabbed the boys and tickled them, Katie tackled him from behind as they played around, shouting 'Happy Father's Day Daddy'. Luke laughed, settling back against the pillows, missing his wife sitting beside him. He had reluctantly come home to have a proper night's sleep, after Lorelai promised that she would call him this morning. When April and Rory entered the room, they were both smirking. Luke looked over at them, before the realisation set in. The two girls looked at each other, then launched themselves onto the bed, laughing and hugging Luke from either side, whilst the younger kids also joined in. That was when he saw a flash, and then Eli smirking from the foot of the bed. He had taken a picture of Luke and all the kids together. Rory was on her back, laughing hysterically with April, Luke telling both of them to act their ages, to which he just to two supposed young ladies, poking their tongues out at him. He couldn't stop the smile. Rory then handed him her iPad, where Lorelai was on the screen smiling at him. Luke explained that the kids had launched an assault on him this morning, and as Eli and Rory ushered them out of the room, telling them they're cooking breakfast for Luke, Lorelai laughed at the expression on her husband's face. Eli is a decent cook, so he knows they're in safe hands, and April has shown some talent in the kitchen as well. They talked for a while, whilst Luke got up, and went to gather his things for a shower. Lorelai suggested that he undress for her, and he smirked, before placing the iPad on its stand in the bathroom, and turning it to face the wall, hearing Lorelai's aghast sound before laughing, and grabbing the device again. He explained that he's going to shower, let the kids do their Father's Day thing, then he'll come to the hospital. She nodded, saying that she loves him, and he replies back, flicking the cover over the device, and throwing it on to the bed, heading into the bathroom. When he finally got downstairs, the kids had set the table, and the presents piled on top of each other were balancing precariously on the edge of the table. Rory and April made a big show of things, the kids joining in, whilst his granddaughters joined in with their aunts and uncles. Eli told Luke that his girls had also woken him up this morning, so he knows how he feels. Luke patted his shoulder, before Katie pulled him over to his seat, and told him to sit down, patting his arm, and grinning that smile that all of his kids inherited from their mother.

Just after eleven, the families piled into their cars, and made their way to the hospital in Hartford. Apparently, Lorelai has a special gift for him, that she wanted to give to him herself, which he doesn't need, but will take anyway. Rory had been acting strange since they got in the car, she was on her phone, looking out the window every now and then, and just before they got to the hospital, she sat back in her seat, gasping, her eyes going wide. Luke was about ask what was wrong, but didn't get a chance, because the kids started shouting that they were at the hospital, and then he got distracted trying to find a park, and when finally did, he had to chase after the kids, so they didn't get lost in the hospital. Rory had snuck off, whispering to Eli that she would be back in a moment, leaving them to head to Lorelai's room. The twins burst through the door, shouting to their mother, and running over to her. Lorelai spread her arms wide, as Luke lifted the kids on to the bed so they could hug her, before settling them on the couch with their distractions. Lorelai handed her husband an envelope with a card, and he leaned down to give her a kiss, ignoring their kids begging them to stop. Lori and Monica were asking their grandmother question after question about what was going on, until April came into the room, then they started bothering her with questions, Eli just chuckling and apologising to the MIT student, who just waved him off. She loves her nieces to the moon and back. Luke opened the card, gaping when he saw the tickets that Lorelai had clipped to the other side. Eli had moved around to read over Luke's shoulder, grabbing the ticket to have a better look at it, before making a sound of approval, hi-fiving Luke, excitedly exclaiming how awesome it is. Lorelai had gotten them tickets to a Red Sox Game. She and Rory had scoured the internet and had to get Jackson to help them get the right ones, but she had gotten them for a game happening after she had the baby, so that they could all go together. Luke dived on her, kissing her, always surprised by Lorelai. Eli excitedly told the kids, the boys were thrilled, dancing around the room, with their sister and nieces. Lorelai was smiling and laughing, winking at her husband, who was also smiling at their family, even more so when Moni made April and Eli join in the dancing. They all stopped when Rory entered the room, looking shocked by something. Eli already knew but had to keep his poker face.

'Rory, what's wrong?' Lorelai asked, sitting up in her bed, worried that it was something bad

'Mom, I'm pregnant,' she said, a smile appearing on her face, she and Lorelai excitedly screamed, before Rory ran over and hugged her mother, bouncing on the balls of her feet

'Oh my god, sweetie that's so great. How are you feeling? Does Eli know, you did tell him before you told us right?' she asked, as Luke hugged her, smiling as he hugged Eli as well.

'Yes, it was his 'Father's Day' present, and I'm feeling fine at the moment. Mom, I'm so happy,' she said, and Lorelai nodded, smiling as Rory hugged April, then her siblings, before dancing around with them, Lorelai and Luke just watching their family around them.


With the news that Rory was pregnant, and the news that Lorelai could go home, things had been looking up for the two families. Rory told her mother that she had heard from Chris again, he's back in Hartford, and wants to see her and the girls. She asked Lorelai whether or not she should tell him about her being pregnant. Helping her mother get comfortable on the sofa now back at The Lake House, Lorelai told her that her relationship with her father is between her and Christopher, Lorelai has nothing to do with it, and she's old enough now to make up her own mind. Just before they had left the hospital on Father's Day, Rory had given something special to Luke, asking him if he would officially adopt her, and if she could just call him dad. It had made Luke cry (happily), and Lorelai (because she's pregnant) had also started crying, having not known that her daughter was going to do that, but supporting the choice. Luke asked if he could still adopt her, considering that she's in her thirties, and Rory explained to him that if doesn't matter how old she is, Paris had assured her that it was still legal, and she wants to make it official. The best part is that because she's in her thirties, they don't need Christopher's permission. Now she has a choice to make. Taking the girls to see their paternal grandfather is their right, and she heard her mother's words in her head: "don't let them have the relationship I had with my parents, with Christopher. He's their grandfather, he deserves to have contact with them… it's up to him how much time he chooses to use to spend with them, but he still deserves to have contact". Her mother, as usual, is right, but she doesn't know if she can do that to her girls. Sure, what if he says that he's going to be there, and she leaves the girls with him, and then he disappears? What will happen then? Rory had never been against Christopher having contact, it's just that he's never been reliable. He wasn't there when she wanted him to be, and now that she doesn't know, if she wants him there. Eli had been against it, only begrudgingly agreeing after Lorelai had told him about Rory's relationships with her grandparents. Luke was also against Christopher being anywhere near the girls, as usual, telling Lorelai that he understands that Christopher is a part of Rory's life, but that he's just looking out for them. Lorelai had nodded, explaining that she was leaving it up to Rory, because they're her children. She's their mother, and she's old enough now to know Christopher for who he is. Luke had gone back to work, it felt good for him to get back, and Lorelai was content to just… be. Dr. Heston had told her that she doesn't want her doing anything stressful. Michele told her that the opening of the new Dragonfly expansion is at the end of August. She misses her Inn.

At lunch, on the 21st, of June, Rory drove to Hartford with the girls to meet her father for lunch. Christopher was already there (shocker) and stood up waving cheerfully in greeting. The girls hugged him, then took their seats, as he chatted with them. Moni was still a bit scared of Christopher and let her sister do most of the talking. Of course, you can never trust a six-year-old, and before Rory had even had time to ask her father anything, her daughter had told him that she's having a baby. Christopher's head shot towards his daughter, where Rory nodded, confirming that she is pregnant. Chris stood up, hugging her in congratulations, asking her questions, whilst Rory just explained that she has a doctor's appointment tomorrow, doesn't know anything else. Chris asked her to keep him in the loop, and she nodded, her emails usually consist of just the basic details, and he's not that great at keeping up with them, but she'll do it. Just so she can say that she did when he complains. After the pregnancy news, they settled down to eat lunch, and by the end, Moni was openly communicating with her grandpa Christopher. Rory had come back from the bathroom, grabbing the girl's bags, and her own, before Chris asked her if the girls call Luke, 'Grandpa Luke'. She took a minute, thankful that she wasn't looking at him, before turning around and simply saying that they call him 'Grandpa'. She knelt back down to help her two-year-old into her jacket, whilst Chris just took in that information. It has been a long time since he's seen Rory, and he'll admit to not being the most reliable guy in the world, he's never really had it together, but he's trying now. He's wants to be there for her, and for his grandkids, and for their lives. He doesn't get that with Gigi either because she's in Paris with her mother right now. He questioned as to why he wasn't 'Grandpa', even though he's their paternal grandparent. Rory snapped at him, telling him it's because he's never known them. They know Luke, he's been there, he's seen them grow up, he is, for all intents and purposes, their grandfather, just like he is her father in all the ways that counts. Explaining all of this to Chris, didn't seem to ease the man's mind, and he asked why she had kept them so distant. Rory scoffed, walking with the girls out to her car, strapping them into their seats, whilst Chris babbled on, about how he has been kept so out of their lives, that he doesn't even know his own grandchildren. Rory slammed the door closed, turning to face her father, pointing a finger in his face, snapping at him.

'Oh my god! You were never there. You weren't there when Eli and I were having problems. You weren't there when Mom was in the hospital, or when I got married. You weren't there when Lori was born, or when Monica was born. You haven't been there for a long time. Do they know about you? Yes. I told them that you are their grandfather, I call you Grandpa Christopher, because that is who you are to them. Luke is their grandfather. He's their grandfather in the way that you should be, but you're not. He's my father the way you should have been… but you're not. You are the man whose sperm impregnated my mother, but you were never my father. You don't get to claim that, and you don't get to claim grandfather either. You are 'Grandpa Christopher', or you're Christopher. I don't care which. I have to go, the girls need to get home,' she said, walking around to the driver's side of the car

'Rory, that's not fair. I am still your father. I have been working at trying to be that. I've been working at trying to be better, and yes. I admit I haven't been the best father. I will cop to missing many of the biggest moments in your life. But I'm trying. I'm trying to be better,' Chris said, holding her door open, so she couldn't close it

'I know that dad okay. I know you're trying. But I'm just not ready to trust you yet. Thank you for lunch, we should do it again soon, and I'll keep you updated on my pregnancy,' she said, hugging him, before getting back in the car, closing the door

'I love you Rory, you're my daughter okay. I love you, and I love my granddaughters, and that little grandchild whatever they become,' he said, through the slightly opened window, she nodded, smiling before backing out of the space, driving off as Christopher stood in the same spot, watching his daughter, all grown up, guilty for missing it all.


As the end of June approached, Miss Patty told them about an opportunity for the kids to have some summer fun, with the school hosting some Summer School Sporting Days, that the twins might be interested in. Luke had grabbed a pamphlet from Patty, and was talking about it with Lorelai, who teasingly asked if he was more excited about it than the boys would be. Luke smirked at her, holding the paper in his hands, reading about all the things they could do. Lorelai had thought the boys would be excited to sign up for a few of the activities, and when they had suggested it to their sons, Liam had been excited and immediately got Luke to sign him up, but Ben had told his parents that he wanted to think about it. He was more interested in taking one of Miss Patty's dance courses but couldn't tell his parents that. His sister had told him to go for it, that there isn't any reason for his parents to say no, that if it's something he's interested in doing, then he should do it. Rory had a feeling about Ben, and she knew that her mother also had the same feeling. She had seen her baby boy leaning more towards the creative things, rather than the heavy sports, even though he does enjoy participating in them. She and Rory had had a discussion and had both come to the conclusion that Ben might possibly grow up to be gay. Lorelai hadn't said anything to her boy, he's only eight, but had hugged him tight, and told him that he can be whomever he wants to be, and do whatever he wants to do, and no one can tell him he can't. Liam begged his brother to sign up with him, and even though he was hesitant to do it, Ben couldn't deny that it sounded fun, so he too signed up, both boys signed up for Baseball, Football, and Soccer. For the rest of the night, the twins had talked about nothing, other than their summer programs. Lorelai was excited for them, and had promised to come and watch them play, which had caused Luke to laugh, and his wife to shoot him the look that she normally does when he says something that she's going to hold against him, or possibly against him. Of course, it might be hard to convince Luke to let her attend, despite the fact that she'll be sitting down, and it won't be stressful. With the boys sorted for the summer, Katie asked her parents if she could sign up for one of Miss Patty's classes, that the dance teacher is running over the summer, and Lorelai let her, telling they would talk to Patty tomorrow. After that, the kids left them alone, to get themselves ready for bed. Lorelai leaned her head on her husband's shoulder, hands on her stomach, closing her eyes as she dreamed of a beautiful future with her family.


A/N: Happy New Year. Make some resolutions that are reachable for the new year. Happy 2024. D.