A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains sexual and heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. It's 2024. Happy New Year. Seven days (a week) into January and things are already hectic. I'm moving in two weeks, so things might be slowing down until after I have settled, and gotten into a new routine. I hope the first week of 2024 has been good for you, and that you have amazing plans for the rest of the year. Thanks to Hot Coffee and Good Stories for your feedback on this story. I hope you're enjoying it. Have a fantastic day, thanks, and enjoy these two chapters. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083 D.

Lorelai is almost at the end of her pregnancy, but it's not going to be smooth sailing, so warnings for heavy themes. Thanks. D.

The Year After the Year in A Life

Chapter Seven: July

July 2017 – Eight Months Pregnant

At the start of her eighth months of pregnancy, Lorelai was really feeling it. She had been confined mostly to the couch, unable to get up the stairs, and was struggling to do even the most basic things. She fell asleep in the middle of a movie, and she never does that. Dr. Heston told her that it was normal, but she didn't feel like it was normal. She felt like everything was weighing down on her. Rory had been having morning sickness in her own pregnancy, finding out that she's three months along already. Eli was hoping for a boy, but would be happy with whatever, so long as the baby is healthy. Rory had been staying with her mother when she could, mostly writing her book, whilst Lorelai looked over the new Dragonfly Expansion through the eyes of Michele's video calls. It looked amazing, and she couldn't wait to see it in person when she was able to. Luke had been working nonstop the last few days, wanting to have as much time under his belt as he could, for when the baby comes, because he knows that Lorelai is going to be under enough stress after the birth as well. The fourth of July is coming up, and usually, they would go away to the Danes Family cabin for a few days, have a celebration out there, but Luke doesn't want to risk something happening whilst they're in the middle of the woods, in a cabin, with no cell reception. Lorelai was bummed, but had agreed with him, but her husband was going to let her go to the Annual Fourth of July Festival that Taylor was putting on. It's the same one every year, but somehow, always different. Rory had told her mother about what had happened with Christopher, and she had been mad. Mad that he had said those things, mad that he had done that to Rory. Her daughter didn't seem too flummoxed by it though, reminding her that Luke is her dad, and it's as good as legal. He had filed the paperwork straight away after Father's Day, then took Rory and his grandbabies out for lunch. When Rory told Luke about Christopher, he threatened to beat him up again, and when Rory questioned him about the 'again' wording, he just whispered 'The Dark Year', before turning to look at something Monica had said. She knows that her parents have worked through all that stuff, but they still don't talk about it. At least, not to her. Well Luke hasn't. Her mother has told her side of the story, still wondering if she had done things differently, if she had just stayed instead of running, but Rory (who Lorelai thinks has been spending too much time with Luke) just told her that she can't dwell on the past, or on the 'what if's'.

With things settling down now, and coming to an end in her final pregnancy, Lorelai was finally feeling her age. Not that she has anything to worry about, because as soon as this pregnancy is over, she's going to put on some sexy underwear, and seduce her husband. Luke doesn't seem to mind either way, but she has to do something nice for him, after all the things that he has done for her. Christopher hadn't contacted Rory again, not since their disastrous lunch, but he had contacted Emily, who in turn, had contacted her daughter, asking what was going on with Christopher, because he had called her, wanting her to talk to Rory. When Lorelai explained it to her mother, the Gilmore Matriarch was blown away, and demanded that Lorelai not let Rory talk to him again. Despite the fact that her daughter is in her thirties, and can make her own choices, Lorelai had to agree with her mother. Not that she was happy with having to do that but did it anyway. Luke was in a frenzy. It was busier than normal in the Diner, with the summer tourist revenue up from last year, it was madness. Kirk had been driving him insane all day, and so had Taylor, looking at him from that stupid little window that goes into his stupid little store. When he was finally able to take a lunch break, Luke escaped upstairs, to his old apartment, that he keeps for when Jess stays, or for work. He mostly uses it just as an office again, but the beds are still there. He's sitting at the table, doing work, when his cell phone rings. He hates this stupid phone, he only has it for the kids and his wife, in case they need to contact him for an emergency. He smiles when he hears Lorelai's voice, groaning when he realises that she's not calling to just talk to him, she's trying to rile him up, get him hot and bothered, and to be honest… obviously with everything going on, they haven't been having sex, so anything Lorelai says right now would probably turn him on. Her whispering seductively down the phone has Luke's receptors firing off, and without thinking about it, he moves his hand down to adjust himself slightly, refusing to get turned on. But it's Lorelai… his wife is irresistible. Especially over the phone. The number of times they've had, what she commonly refers to as 'phone sex' is more than Luke would care to admit. He would also never admit that he kind of likes it. At least, never out loud, or to Lorelai's face. That would be fuelling this insanity.

'Luke… I know you are hard baby. Your breathing has changed. It's the same breathing you have when you're hard, and you're trying to fight it… you forget I know you Luke,' she said, and he could just hear the smirk.

'Fine, I'm hard. What are you going to do about it Lorelai?' he asked, sighing as he unbuckled his belt, and undid the button, sliding the zipper down, before putting his hand into his boxers, and getting a hold of himself

'Well, I want you to think of me… naked… playing with myself, because I know how much you like it when I do that Luke,' she whispered, and the image was clear in his mind as he stroked himself slowly, a strangled 'oh god' escaped his mouth

'Get me off Lorelai. I have to go back downstairs, and I really don't want to do it with a boner,' he replied, sitting back in his chair, as his wife worked her magic.

Rory, at three months pregnant, was having a much easier time, than her eight-month pregnant mother, in summer. The author had just finished her second book, when there was a knock on the door, and then a frantic looking Paris on the other side. Rory stood aside to let her in, asking her why she's in Stars Hollow. For a moment, there was nothing that came out of Paris' mouth, then she blurted out that she's pregnant… again… but that she and Doyle have been having some difficulties, and he's in California working at the moment. Rory then told her that too is pregnant, causing the blonde woman to excitedly hug her best friend, and then go off on a tangent about how fun it's going to be to raise their kids together. Rory asked about Doyle, what they're going to do, if they're alright… Paris just shrugged, sitting down on the sofa, head in her hands. Admitting that she loves Doyle and that she doesn't want things to change, was the first step. Rory, ever the voice of reason for Paris Gellar, asked her if maybe moving to California would be the next best step. She and Doyle need to work things out, and they can't do that on opposite coasts. Standing up again, Paris reminded her best friend of her job, and Rory reminded her that she can work anywhere. She can dominate anywhere. She can rule the world from anywhere. But the thing that shocked Rory the most, was when the woman told her that she knows all that, that's not the reason she's hesitant to leave. Rory asked her with her facial expression what her reason was, and Paris simply just told Rory that it was her. She needs her best friend. Rory reminded her that they can call each other, video call, talk all the time, and that Rory can come and visit, and vice versa, but that Paris needs to do this, for her kids, for the unborn kid, and for her marriage. The two ladies hugged each other, promising to keep in touch forever, and then Rory told Paris that they should go to the pool, that it's too hot to be inside. The blonde woman nodded, linking her arm with Rory's as they prepared the Stone children to go swimming. Eli is at work today, and sometimes Rory wishes that she was working in an office, but only for a moment. As she and Paris follow behind the Stone kids towards the pool, they talk about everything, and Rory tells her best friend that her mother is eight months pregnant, and that she's scared. Scared that she could lose her mother, and her little unborn sister. Paris keeps the statistics to herself, just leaning her head on Rory's shoulder, and promising her that it will all be okay.

Lorelai, confined to the couch (bed rest), was hating summer. Luke had fixed their air conditioner, so she's not sweltering, but she wishes that she could be at the lake, or the pool, or just outside even. The Diner Owner had made her promise to stay put, knowing that she has meetings (video conferences) made him feel better about going to work. Lorelai is a big girl, she knows how to use the phone if something goes wrong, she can just call someone. She is surprised when Emily shows up at the house, carrying a bag, immediately going over to her daughter, sitting beside her. Emily talks about her life in Nantucket, and that the house sold, and how she is honouring her father. She talks about her job at the Whale Museum, and then presents Lorelai with some things for the baby. A genuine smile appears on the Inn Owners face as she lifts the tiny little baby clothes into the air, to get a good look at them. The one with a bow tie around the collar, brings tears to her eyes, whilst she just hugs her mother and whispers 'they're perfect' into her ear, as they remember Richard. Emily has been trying to tell Lorelai something for a while, but she doesn't know how, and knowing that her daughter is in a fragile state at the moment, she doesn't know if she should. Lorelai shifts in her seat, trying to get comfortable, because her back is killing her, and she's doing nothing but sitting around all day. When Michele' calls at two, he gives Emily and Lorelai a virtual tour around the new Dragonfly Expansion, and Emily laments that she very much likes it. Lorelai tells Michele' that he's doing an amazing job, she's going to be sad to see him leave her. He promises to find someone 'never as good as him, but good enough' to help her run things, and be a concierge. Lorelai speaks with Tom after that, asking how their progress is going, and he tells her a few things that need touching up, and gives her the updates that she needs, before explaining that Michele' has been very good at sticking to their proposed plans. The contractor also sends his well wishes and congratulations to the very pregnant Lorelai, who just thanks him, before ending the meeting. Not long after that, Lorelai feels herself getting tired, resting her head on Emily's shoulder. The woman just smiles, patting her daughter's head, and then just holding her as she dozes lightly. A loud add appearing on the TV wakes Lorelai, and she jumps slightly, chuckling as Emily struggles to turn it off, before wistfully looking ahead, a small smile on her face.

'You and Jack huh?' Lorelai asked in a whisper, seeing the expression on her mother's face, as smirk on her own

'We're ah… he's ah… Lorelai I don't know how to do this. I love you father very much, and this won't ever diminish that, and Jack understands. He's the same with his wife who passed a few years ago,' Emily said, surprised when Lorelai grabbed her hand.

'Mom, if he makes you happy… truly happy, then I think you should go for it. Dad loves you, and he always will. He'd want you to be happy as well. It doesn't mean you have to dive in headfirst, hard and fast… but he'd want you to not be lonely mom. Besides, from what I've seen of Jack… he seems nice,' Lorelai replied, turning to look away, remembering her father

'Thank you, Lorelai,' Emily said, smiling at her daughter, whilst Lorelai just nodded

On July fourth, the Stars Hollow Annual Fourth of July Festival was in full swing. Luke had promised Lorelai that she could go, if she didn't overexert herself, and she didn't stay standing for too long. Currently, she and Sookie are sitting on one of the benches in the Square, watching the commotion happening around them. Rory had spoken to her mother about Paris and Doyle, and the touching things that Paris had said to her, and Lorelai had congratulated her daughter on figuring it all out. Rory's morning sickness had kicked in, but she was lucky that it was only brief. She and Eli are currently chatting with Lane and Zach, whilst their respective children are playing in the middle of the square. The Danes children are at their summer sport programs but will be back in time for the Fireworks tonight, and Luke is working. He'd never had any intentions of attending the festival, and he can see it from the Diner anyway. But of course, he is married to Lorelai. She can get him to do things he never would have done on his own. Like attend stupid town things, and those stupid meetings that Taylor insists on having. He's a sucker when it comes to Lorelai Gilmore. But he's proud of that fact. When people call him out on it, he admits to it, because that means that he can say that Lorelai is his. He has Lorelai Gilmore. When Caesar pokes his head out of the kitchen, asking his boss if he's okay, Luke just nods, grabbing the plates, and walking them over to the table, spotting Rory and Eli, sending them a wave as they walk along with Zach and Lane. For the most part, Taylor is also looking out for Lorelai, so when Kirk goes over to her, and begins bothering her and Sookie, Taylor is the one who steps in and snaps, always helping her, but then making some condescending comment afterwards, you know for "appearances". Lorelai just laughs, looking over at Sookie who rolls her eyes, but is smiling as well. For the most part, the Fourth of July Festival is the same every year, but this year they have something very different happening, and it was the idea of the kids in the town, to make it more family appealing. The festival is centred around families, and kids, with bouncing castles, and carnival games. Lorelai feels like a kid herself, surrounded by all of these things. Her hand resting on her stomach, her eyes closed, as she imagines a future with this new little baby, and the rest of her family surrounding her.

Sookie took Lorelai back home at about two, in time for her kids to come bursting through the front doors, each of them still on a high from their respective activities. Lorelai made herself comfortable on the sofa, listening to her boys and Katie tell her all about their days, and how much fun it was. Luke, who had come home for his lunch break, was also regaled with the stories from his kids, excitedly asking the boys how they enjoyed their days, and asking them if it's something they might want to keep doing. Ben was adamant that he wasn't going to, but Lorelai saw that look in his eyes. It's that 'I'm going to look tough by saying I don't want to but I really to want to' look. Smiling to herself, she hugged her youngest son close to her, pressing a kiss to his temple, whispering that she loves him so much, that he can be whoever he wants to be, and do whatever he wants to do. Ben stood back, looking at his mother, who just smiled at him, taking his hand, before she was interrupted by Katie telling her mother about Miss Patty's ballet class, before prancing around the room, showing her parents the moves, she had learned. When Rory and Eli showed up a few hours later, in time for their special family Fourth of July dinner, Katie showed off her moves again, and Rory looked over at her mother, who was lost in the memory of a young Rory doing the same thing when she was about Katie's age. Prancing around the room, the perfect work ethic coming out, and the stubbornness, also a Gilmore-Danes trait, as she refused to give up, until it was perfect. Lorelai couldn't stop the tears that formed in her eyes, apologising, telling Luke that she just got caught up in a memory of Rory doing something similar to Katie. Luke smiled, kissing her temple, before holding her close, watching as Katie danced around the living room, Rory filming it on her phone. Paris had invited herself over to join the family's dinner, and whilst Rory profusely apologised to her parents, Lorelai just waved her hand in a gesture, telling her that it's fine, the more the merrier. When Paris arrived at six, she greeted the family cheerfully, introducing herself to each of Rory's siblings, then to Luke and Lorelai, before placing her hands on Lorelai's stomach, and asking her how she is feeling as they sat down together at the table. Whilst Paris just talked most of the way through dinner, Lorelai was fending off the back pain, the ankle pain, and the constant need to pee. Luke was watching his wife, his concern and worry growing more and more as he saw her face pinch in pain each time she moved.

'Lorelai, are you alright?' he asked, placing his cutlery down, the table went quiet

'What? Yeah, I'm just… oh god… Luke…' she said suddenly, gripping the side of the table, as Luke shot to his feet, Rory did as well

'Come on. Can you stand up? I'll take you back to the couch,' he said, as she carefully stood, but then collapsed in pain, Luke catching her, calling to Rory who had already acted, getting everything sorted out, whilst Luke slowly led her mother out to their car

'I was being good. I've been doing everything right Luke. I promise I didn't push myself too hard today at all,' she whispered, and he just kissed her, telling her that he knows, but they need to go. She nodded, as Rory got in the car, telling them that she left the kids with Paris, they'll be fine.

Lorelai had been in the hospital for a week. She had experienced Braxton Hicks contractions, which usually don't occur until at least a week before actual labour, but Dr. Heston had explained that the baby had tried to kick start labour, a month early. Luke had been frantic, especially when he saw that Lorelai was bleeding heavily. She was immediately rushed into surgery, where they were able to stop the bleeding, and as much as they wanted to deliver the baby, Dr. Heston was adamant that she would be alright. Currently, Lorelai is in her hospital bed, monitors hooked to her arms, and her stomach, those ones monitoring her baby, whose heartbeat is all she has at the moment. She has that to hold onto, mostly because no one will tell her what is going on. The Braxton Hicks contractions have stopped, but Dr. Heston was worried about the bleeding, and wants to keep her in for observation. Luke knows that his wife won't want to spend the next month here, in a hospital bed, but he doesn't want them to leave either. If they're both here, they're safe. They can have people watching them. However, that doesn't seem to be the case, and at the end of the first week, the hospital, against the advice of Dr. Heston, releases Lorelai to go back home. As furious as the doctor is, no one is more furious than Emily Gilmore, who demands to speak with the Head of the Hospital, and the board. Whilst her mother handles that, Lorelai tries to focus on other things… like the fact that she had missed her granddaughters second birthday. Monica was showing her the things that she got for her birthday, and Rory told her that it was just a small party, them, and Lane's kids, because her mother was in the hospital, the Danes children have been staying with Rory and Eli, but they were at school, and Rory didn't want them to miss the day, so they had a small party after school as well. Because Monica is only two, it's not really any use having a big party, they can worry about that later. Rory is also pregnant, and didn't feel like doing much, leaving Eli to dote on his wife and girls, something he loves to do. Right now, Rory is waiting for her parents to get home, so that she can rant to her mother about how ridiculous it is, that they're releasing her from the hospital, when she has placenta previa, and is so close to giving birth. A risky pregnancy that falls under the 'urgent' category. Lorelai is kind of relieved to be going home but is also scared. She holds Luke's hand all the way home, the other resting on her belly, rubbing it slowly, as she whispers words to her child.

Once they get back home, Lorelai is helped inside by Luke and Rory, taking her spot on the couch, both now unsure of what to do. Dr. Heston had been furious that they would not keep her in the hospital, and as much as Lorelai doesn't want to spend the end of her pregnancy there, she knows that it would be better. Better for her, and for the baby. Luke called Dr. Heston, letting her know they were home, and she asked him to keep her informed about Lorelai, that if she has any more pain, bring her back. Luke thanked her for her help, and she promised to kick the pants of the people at the hospital. Apparently, Emily had made waves with her phone call as well, demanding that her daughter be kept in the hospital, and that if anything were to happen to her, or her grandchild, then Emily was going to sue them. Lorelai was telling Luke about her mothers' new boyfriend. He listened, kind of amused that Emily is 'dating' teasing Lorelai about her 'new daddy', before she snaps at him, telling him that no one will replace Richard. Luke calmed her, promised that he was just joking around, trying to lighten the mood, and she nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. The baby was doing flips and rolling around in her stomach, and Luke just curled up to her, his hand resting on her belly. This will be their miracle baby. If she makes it through this… it will be a miracle baby. Rory decided to head back to the Crap Shack, promising both her parents that she will take it easy as well, because she's pregnant also. With a kiss to her mother's cheek, and a hug for Luke, she left The Lake House, watching them snuggle together on the couch, as she closed the front door, heading down the path. Rory dawdled through town, just taking everything in. As summer is coming to an end, the fall schooling season begins, and to be honest, she'll just be glad to have her baby back at school. Oh, don't get her wrong, she loves her kids… but sometimes a mommy needs a break as well, and both Katie and Lori are starting first grade together, so that will be good. They'll have friend already. Eli is waiting for her when she gets home, waving to Babette who is entering her own house, as she too enters hers. Her husband had made dinner, and set the table with candles, stating that the girls are still with Lane, she's dropping them off later, and he thought they would take advantage of that, and have a nice dinner together. Rory kissed her husband, running her hands down his torso, his on her hips, as she pressed him back against the wall, heating the kiss up, until Eli pulled away. He is plenty aware of how high Rory's libido goes when she's pregnant.

'How about we eat dinner first, and then we can have sex?' Eli asked, smirking at the look on her face, before pulling out a chair for her, and gesturing for her to sit down

'Fine, but I'm taking my bra off first, because my boobs hurt, and this stupid thing isn't helping,' she said, removing it from under her shirt, tossing it away.

'Ah… that's… yep. Well, I made dinner, so let's… ah let's eat,' he said, and Rory smirked at him, but grabbed her fork.

'How was work? Did you get all that filing done?' she asked, and they sunk into a regular conversation.

There were complications coming out of surgery… we had to take some precautions… you need to be prepared for the worst… Luke sat upright in bed, breathing heavily, trying to regain his normal breathing pattern. Not having Lorelai sleeping beside him has been horrible. The nightmares are worse. He gets out of bed, checking on the kids, before heading downstairs, where he finds Lorelai asleep on the couch. He sits down beside her, then snuggles himself up to her, on the couch. It's amazing they can both fit on it, but they do, and he lays his arm over her belly, whispering for his daughter to hang in there, that they love her, and can't wait to meet her. Lorelai stirs, but doesn't wake, and Luke grips her tighter. In his life, he has lost a lot of things. Lorelai will not be one of those things. He wakes up to a bright light, shining through the gaps in the curtains, and realises that he's not in their bed. Sitting up, he sees Lorelai is already up, smirking at him as he rubs the sleep from his eyes. He sits up, moving over to her, and kisses her. Holding her head in his hands, he presses their lips together, deepening the kiss in desperation. Desperation to hold her close, to make her stay. Eventually, when they have to break apart for air, Lorelai caresses his cheek, and just whispers 'nightmare?' to Luke, who just nods, and she kisses him back. Not needing words to tell him anything, just her kiss to say that she's here, she's not going anywhere. They make out on the couch for a while, until they hear footsteps at the top of the stairs, and then Katie bounding down them, shouting for her mommy, who hugs her good morning, whilst the Twins are still waking up, slumping down the stairs. Luke claps his hands together, waking them all up, and loudly announcing 'pancakes' to the Danes Family. Katie cheers, asking her dad if she can help, whilst the Twins raise their hands, and both say 'yay' unenthusiastically. Luke whacks both of them over the head on his way to the kitchen, then grabs them both in a headlock when they try to attack him back. Lorelai is just laughing. April comes downstairs then, saying good morning to Lorelai in the middle of a yawn, before asking her how she's feeling. They chat for a while; April tells Lorelai that she and Peter had sex. Lorelai's eyes widen a little, and she shoots a look towards the kitchen, before patting the couch beside her. April sits down, she's kind of rocking back and forth. Lorelai puts a hand on her shoulder, the smile enough to calm the MIT student, as she explains. She and Peter had been talking about it, and both had agreed to wait a while. They didn't want to rush into it, but it had happened the week before she came down here, and it was good, she would do it again. Lorelai asked if they were safe, and April nodded. Anna had put her on the pill the day she turned sixteen (that had been an argument between Luke and Lorelai for the ages). Lorelai and April talked a bit more, and the MIT Student found comfort in her stepmother's words, hugging her, before begging her not to tell her dad. Lorelai winked, miming zipping her lips, as April nodded and smiled.

Surprisingly, later that day, Luke got a call from Anna Nardini, April's mother, asking him if she got there alright, and how Lorelai is going. They talked for a little, before the subject of Peter came up. Luke was in the middle of making food for someone at the Diner, when Anna mentioned something about April's 'birth control', and he shouted into the phone loudly, apologising to Kirk, who jumped a little at him raising his voice, before he ducked back into the kitchen, whispering that April shouldn't be on birth control, because she's not having sex. Anna chuckled, telling Luke that he's naive, before explaining that April and Peter are sleeping together. Or they've slept together. Luke started ranting at the woman, telling her how irresponsible it is to let April do something like that, before Anna clapped back at him, telling Luke that she's in her twenties, she can do what she wants. Luke hung the phone up, turning when the bell above the door to the Diner jingled, admitting April, Rory, and Lane, chatting, and laughing. Don't confront her here… don't say anything in the Diner. The last thing I need is Patty and Babette blabbing this around the town… Luke said to himself, not realising that he was glaring at the table the girls were sitting at. Rory ordered for them, but was reserved, realising that Luke was in one of his moods, basically grunting responses at them, instead of talking. April stood up to use the restrooms, lightly punching her father's shoulder, telling him to 'lighten up dad, from whatever has you in this mood', before heading away from him. Rory wasn't sure what was going on, but she had a feeling it has something to do with April and Peter. Her stepsister had filled her in on the fact that she and her boyfriend had slept together, and that she's worried on how to tell Luke. It seems like Luke might already know, meaning that Lorelai told him… or more likely, it was Anna. Rory doesn't like that woman. The fact that she made such a big show of getting April birth control when she turned sixteen, still made Rory mad. She had blatantly said such things in front of both Lorelai and Rory… both of whom didn't say anything, but the fight between her mom and Luke was hard to listen to. Luke had backed Anna, basically saying that he didn't want April to end up like Lorelai, who had [obviously] taken offence to the statement, and so had Rory. But it had worked out, it had been fixed, and Luke had realised that he had come down hard on Lorelai, because he was both worried about April, but also scared. Lorelai had reminded him of how great Rory turned out to be, despite the fact that she was born when Lorelai was sixteen, and that she would never preach to anyone to follow in her footsteps. Rory had told Luke the same thing. It wasn't a great week that week.

'Hey, what's up with dad, he's acting gruffer than usual?' April asked, as she re-joined the girls at the table

'Um, it might have had something to do with your mom mentioning your, ah… birth control,' Rory said, leaning forwards so that no one else would hear, as April's eyes widened

'Ah dammit. I told her not to say anything. You know how dad is about that stuff. Lorelai is so cool about talking about sex and all that stuff, but you mention it to dad, and it's like a nuclear bomb has gone off,' April said, and Rory nodded, agreeing with her

'Well, you might want to sit down, have a chat with him. It's usually better after that. Also, don't mention that mom knows, she has enough to worry about without an irate Luke on her back right now,' Rory said, and April nodded, she wouldn't do that anyway.

The conversation that April and Luke had a week ago was good. Although Luke still wasn't happy about the fact that his daughter was sexually active, he was glad that she was protected, and so was he. This statement said, with an amendment, telling his wife that he loves her, and he doesn't regret Rory. She nods, knowing what Luke had meant, but the implications of that argument were still in the back of her mind, and when April had talked to her, she remembered that week. It was a terrible week. Lorelai was sick, and after Anna had shown up in Stars Hollow with April, telling them both that at sixteenth, she had put her daughter on The Pill, so as to protect her from… things… it had all really gone to crap. Lorelai was trying to raise the twins, whilst Luke was with April, and the implication that Anna had put her daughter on birth control at sixteen, to prevent what happened to Lorelai, from happening, rung clear through the air…. It was only made worse, when Rory had come to visit that day, and both she and her mother were in the Diner, when Luke brought it up. The ensuing fight the talk of the town for days, as the implications of that argument settled, and Luke realised what he had essentially done to the Gilmore Girls. In agreeing with Anna, (he did want his daughter protected, but he also knows that it was different for Lorelai), he had essentially told his [then girlfriend] and Rory, that she had made a mistake, that Rory was a mistake, and that April shouldn't be near her, for fear of her making that same mistake. That wasn't what he had meant, but that was how it had come across, to Lorelai, to Rory, and to the town. Rory had given him the cold shoulder, returning to Chicago on the behest of her mother, leaving Lorelai to take the brunt of Luke's… whatever. She refused to let him see the twins, then she found out that she was pregnant again, and that just made things spiral even more, until she and Luke locked themselves in their house [then the Crap Shack] to fight it out, with Lorelai expressing her fear of history repeating in their relationship, and Luke expressing fear that he's going to lose her and Rory. The makeup sex was fantastic, but the fight wasn't. When Lorelai had told Luke that she was pregnant in the middle of that fight, it had been out of desperation of wanting it to end. She had been so scared, and so had he. But they have moved long past that. April had promised her father and Lorelai that they would meet Peter, but that he's extremely busy with school, and couldn't make it here for the Summer, but he would most likely be here for Thanksgiving. Luke was okay with that, at least he'll have an opportunity to grill the young man that took his daughters virginity.

To wind down the summer, Taylor had organised a Throw Away Market. Anything that you wanted to get rid of, you could try and sell, and at the end, whatever is left over, will be put in donation bags, and given to the Woodbridge Fire Brigade, to give as packets for people who are in need. Lorelai and Rory were interested in helping out, but Luke had been firmly against it, mostly because April had suggested cleaning out the shed, where Luke keeps all of his things that he doesn't need anymore, and that was where they were heading first. Jess had also come down, mostly to see his mom, but also to help the girls, especially after he heard what they were doing and why. He led the fray, helping, and listening to Luke complaining. Rory was having so much fun, listening to Luke telling stories about his childhood whenever they found something of his from the past. Most of the stuff they found, they kept, to be organised back into the shed at a later date, but there were even some things Luke found that he told the girls they could take. Rory called it quits just before five that evening, and she, April, and Jess headed inside to organise movie night. Luke grabbed the small pile of things they had left out in the yard, and returned them to the shed, spotting two boxes in the back with his name on them. Tilting his head in confusion, he moved over to the boxes, grabbing one, and placing it on the table, opening it. He quickly realised that this was not anything to do with him. This was one of the 'Luke Boxes' that Rory had made for her mother when they were separated for that year. Curiosity got the better of him, and he opened the flaps, noticing that it was mostly empty, he's assuming that whatever was in there, had gone back into the house, or Lorelai had taken out again, but there were some small things still in there. Like the wooden dragon from the Faire, some cooking utensils (he smirked at that one), and buried in the bottom of the box, was a long, black, velvet box. He grabbed it out, and opened it, seeing the necklace that he had given to her twelve years ago, neatly inside. Does Lorelai know that this is out here? Maybe she forgot about it after that other one I gave her? Luke grabbed it, and put it in his pocket, he figured he would give it back to her, it's hers anyway. Hearing voices, he quickly shut the box, shoved it back with the other one, and went back inside. He had snuck upstairs to put the jewellery box in his nightstand when he heard her voice.

'Whatcha got there honey?' Lorelai asked, she had been trying to use the stairs, slowly, as per Dr. Heston's request that she move around a little.

'Oh ah, nothing just… something I found. It's a surprise,' he said, standing back against the nightstand, as she approached him

'Luke… fine. I won't snoop. I just came up to get a book for April,' she said, [waddling] moving slowly to her side of the bed, grabbing the book off her nightstand, and patting it to her side, smiling at Luke, who reached out for her when she came back around to him, pulling her into a kiss

'Let's get back downstairs before the kids come up here and find us,' he said, and Lorelai smirked, lightly brushing her hand over his covered cock, before leaving the room, and Luke growling after her.

The end of July brought plans for the next couple of months. April had cleared enough time in her schedule to stay until after Lorelai's expected due date, so she would be here to help out as well and look after the kids if needed. Eli and Rory were organising a trip to Nantucket to see Emily, hopefully able to do it after her mother gives birth as well, and the game that Lorelai had gotten tickets for Luke to, was at the end of August, just before the kids go back to school in the Fall. Luke had already made bookings for a hotel in Boston, so they could stay, go to the game, and maybe have a look around. Whilst the rest of her family were planning holidays, and time off, Lorelai was planning on what to do if things go sour. If things don't go the way she wants them too. In the nursery, she was sitting in the rocking chair, hands on her bump, talking softly to her daughter. She hadn't done this with any of her other kids, then again, she wasn't forty-nine when she had them either. Luke had been adamant against making any kind of video's or leaving any kinds of letters should things go wrong, but spending a lot of time sitting around, Lorelai had gone against that. She had finished all the letters to the important people, and had recorded something special for her baby, placing it in a special envelope with 'sixteen' written in neat cursive along the envelope. Luke won't be happy if he finds these before he is meant to, and they're just a precaution, and in case something happens. If everything works out like she hopes it will, then she'll take them all back. Lorelai must have dozed off in that chair because she was woken by a hand, pushing hair out of her face, and pressing a kiss to her forehead. Smiling, she looked up to see her husband standing over her, his hand out, as he helped her to stand up. She leaned into him, hugging him the best she could, the bump between them, feeling the baby twirling around as she felt protected between her parent's bodies. Luke rested his chin on Lorelai's head, slowly moving side to side in a silent dance, hearing his wife sigh in content, just being here with him, in this room, in this time, at this moment. It was all he would need for a while. The rest they can deal with later. It was twenty minutes later when their kids found them, Rory and April pulling out their phones to snap a picture, and a video, before Luke turned on them, raising an eyebrow. He turned back to kiss his wife, before guiding her back to the chair, and excusing himself.

Not only would this be some difficult few weeks for Lorelai, but also for her daughter Rory. Just after coming back from her three-month doctor's appointment, she and Eli arrived back at the Crap Shack, and got out of the car, linking arms, and approaching the front porch, unexpecting to see Logan Huntzberger siting on the steps. Both stopped in their tracks. It wasn't known to anyone how she and Elijah got together, not even her mother knows the truth, and she is determined to keep it that way. Now that he's here, Rory feels the tension in the air growing. Eli glares at his wife's ex, staying close to her as she asks him what he's doing here, at her house, in Stars Hollow. The 'time off' that she and Eli had six years ago, was caused by Logan. Rory had never admitted that to anyone, except for her husband. She was growing complacent in her newfound relationship with Eli. It was too easy for her. He was always there when she needed him to be, and always kind, never thought about himself before her, he was the complete opposite to Logan. But apparently Rory is a masochist. During their 'separation', Rory was spiralling. She didn't know what to do. The alumnus party at Yale was enough to knock her over the edge. Logan was there, they slept together, she regretted it the next day, and realised that she wanted to be with Eli. Unbeknownst to Rory, at that point, she was already three months pregnant (Eli is definitely the father), but she hadn't taken a test, until after she slept with Logan. For a while, she thought the baby might have been his, but the doctor confirmed that it couldn't be, due to her being three months along, and only have slept with Logan two months ago, the timelines wouldn't match up. She had called Eli, told him she was pregnant, and they had agreed to meet up. The fight was horrible. He admitted to sleeping with someone, and she admitted to sleeping with Logan. They had said terrible things to each other, placated only by the fact that Rory was sure he was the father, because the timeline between her sleeping with him, and with Logan wouldn't have matched the length of her pregnancy. In a way, it was Logan who brought them back together, after Eli punched him, and promised to be there for Rory and the baby. Now he's here, in her town. At their house. I'm going to kill Colin for giving Logan our information… she thought, staying close to Eli, who had an arm around her waist, still glaring at his wife's ex-boyfriend.

'Hey Ace, long time no see. Elijah, how are you buddy?'

'What are you doing here Logan? Aren't you living in London now?' Rory asked, moving towards the house, Eli following, as Logan turned to face them on the porch

'Heard you had a kid, just wanted to clear up some rumours before I marry Odette,' he said, and Rory scoffed at him, taking Eli's hand.

'The baby isn't yours Logan. I was pregnant before we slept together. Eli is the father, he always was [and will be]. Now please leave and tell Colin I'm going to have words with him about him giving out my information. My best to Odette,' she said, entering the house, slamming the door whilst Eli just stood, arms crossed, waiting for Logan to leave, not entering the house until he was sure the man was gone.

Just before midnight on July thirty first, Rory was woken by her cell phone ringing loudly. Eli growled something about her answering the damn thing, and she did, growling to whomever was calling her. Upon hearing Luke's voice, she sat up quickly, pulling the sheet up to cover her naked body, because that's weird, not that Luke would know. She listened as her dad told her that her mom had collapsed earlier in the night, and by the time Luke found her, she was bleeding heavily. As the clock ticked over to midnight, Rory asked Luke if her mother is alright, but he didn't answer, just telling her the name of the hospital, and hanging up. My mother doesn't deserve this. I have to get to her. As she ran around her bedroom, getting dressed, Eli stirred. She told him to go back to sleep, she'll call him later, let him know what is going on, but that she has to be with her mother. He groaned something, but Rory was already out of the room, and down the stairs, jumping into her car before anything else. She sped to Hartford General Hospital, parking quickly, and running into the building. She followed the instructions Luke had given her, finding him arguing with a doctor. She ran over to him, hugging him tightly, asking about her mother and the baby, but Luke just said that he doesn't know anything, that Dr. Heston isn't here yet, and the hospital is being uncooperative. Rory called Paris. Then she called April. Both threatening to kill her upon being woken, until they heard why she was calling. Luke was pacing now, and Rory could see the unshed tears in his eyes. She ran over and hugged him. Held onto him for dear life, letting her own tears fall, as he held her, feeling safe in his arms. They settled in for a long couple of days… because no doubt that's what it would be.

A/N: Slowing down for a couple of weeks until I'm settled after my move, so stay tuned. In the next chapter, Lorelai gives birth to the newest Danes family members. Look forward to that soon. Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic day. D.