Lorelai was holding on to Luke's arm waiting in line with their daughters. They had talked him into going through Taylor's maze. Once inside the girls were laughing and ditched their parents. Of course Luke didn't mind being ditched with Lorelai, he pulled her into a dead end section and kissed her hard and deep. When he pulled away she had a mischievous smile.

"What did I do to deserve that," she asked while toying with his shirt.

He smirked at her, "It was actually an apology."

"Apology? Well I don't know what you did that required that type of apology, but I'll forgive you if you do that again."

Luke's eyes fell to his shoes, "Just you know, you made this weekend happen with the girls. And it could have been this way before. I should have fought Anna, you should have been a part of this from the get go."

Lorelai sighed and nodded, "Yeah. Well, all we can do is go forward. As long as you don't shut me out again, we're all good."

He pulled her in for another kiss.

"Well Hello Kittens! Do I need to report your lewd behaviour to Taylor?" Sookie smiled.

Luke turned a few shades of red as Lorelai laughed. They joined Sookie, Jackson and their kids to finish the maze and find Rory and April.

The large group of friends then decided to have dinner at the Diner so Luke could help Caesar while still seeing his girls.

Sookie made sure to sit beside Lorelai so they could chat.

"Oh my goodness, just how long are you going to make me wait until you two make the announcement?" Sookie whined.

"What announcement?" Lorelai asked.

"Please tell me you and Luke are getting married soon!"

"Oh Honey, you know we're waiting on that for just a little while," Lorelai sighed. "I think the announcement about the Dragonfly will come first."

"What announcement about the Dragonfly?" Rory asked excitedly. Her and April's attention suddenly focused on Lorelai.

"Sorry," Sookie said while sinking into her seat.

"Well, I guess now is as good of a time as any," Lorelai said to Sookie. She motioned for Luke to come over so he could be a part of it. "Well everyone," she looked down the table at her and Sookie's families. "Sookie and I got word today from Taylor that our hopes to expand the Dragonfly are a go. Now we won't be getting the Twickham house like we first thought. But it turns out that the person who bought the Independence Inn from Mia had some type of money issue and they need to unload the property. We offered a fair deal considering he hasn't done a thing since the fire. We will spend a good few months giving Tom lots of work turning it into our Dragonfly Deux."

"Deux?" Davey asked.

"It means two in French. It was Rory's idea and it made Michel so happy," Sookie explained.

Rory blushed and looked at Luke who was watching on. She knew that he was well aware of all that was being said, but his look of pride as he gazed at her mother just made her so happy. When Rory's eyes met Luke's his smile widened and he winked at her. He was telling her how proud of her he was with just that look. It warmed her to the core because she finally felt like she could look at him like a Dad.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

The following week, Luke woke up happy. April was back in New Mexico but she called every other day with an update of a new place she was excited to visit with him on their boat trip. Rory was busy studying for finals; she called him the night before to thank him for the care package he sent with pie, danishes, and a bag of his special blend of coffee. And finally, in his arms was the love of his life. Life was pretty good. He shifted to kiss her temple, knowing that it wouldn't disturb her after they wore each other out the night before. He let his mind drift, planning his route and the stops on his boat trip with April. He was thinking about what type of gift he could bring back for Lorelai and Rory. Then his smile bloomed as he thought about coming home from that trip and starting to plan his future with Lorelai. He was hoping that just a few weeks ago at Mia's wedding they really began their future. But if that was true he knew there was a tough conversation, he wanted to move. Either that or they needed a significant addition to this house. He wanted a bigger kitchen to make meals comfortably. He wanted Rory and April to each have their own rooms and he wanted more kids, so they needed more room. Now all he needed to do was come up with a way to talk about this with her without freaking her out.

Later that day Luke was busy at the diner and the phone rang just as the lunch rush was dying down.

"Luke's."

"Hey, Dad," April greeted.

"April, hey. What's going on?" He asked with a big smile.

"Not much. How are you?"

"Good. Doing the lunch thing."

Trying to extend the conversation, April started to babble, "I tried you on your home phone first. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Well another 10 minutes, and I'd have been up there. So, what's going on? Just call to say hi?" Luke was clearing off the counter as he spoke.

April sighed nervously, "Actually, I've got some news."

"Good news, I hope."

"Good and bad, actually."

Luke took a seat and braced himself. "Tell me."

After exhaling a deep breath, April started speaking quickly, "Well, in January, I filled out this application for the Metropolitan museum science camp. I wasn't even gonna do it, but Mr. Lazovic, my chemistry teacher - he wrote me this really nice recommendation. Anyway, I totally forgot about it, 'cause I didn't think I'd ever get in, but I did."

"Wow, April. Congratulations. That's terrific," Luke said full of pride.

" Yeah, it is. The only problem is it's six weeks, and it's right during our boat trip," April explained sadly.

"Oh."

"Yeah and I've been so torn because I really want to take this trip with you, but this camp is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They only take eighth-graders, so this would be the only year I could go, and they would have kids from all over the world there, and they'd have Nobel-winning scientists come and teach classes and stuff."

He could tell his daughter was torn, but knew what she wanted, "Yeah well, that sounds, uh, pretty incredible."

"Yeah, but I really want to take this trip with you," her voice ringing with sincerity.

Luke knew to put his feelings aside and make this okay for her, "Yeah, look, it's too good an opportunity for you to pass up."

Shocked, April asked. "You think?"

" I do," he insisted. " I mean the boat's not going anywhere. We'll do it next summer."

" Okay. Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," he said so strongly that he almost believed it himself.

"Okay," she said with a sigh of relief. "And It's only six weeks, so I could definitely spend the last two weeks of the summer with you."

"Well then that's great. We'll take a little trip somewhere."

"Yeah, definitely," she agreed excitedly.

"I am so proud of you, kid."

"Thanks, Dad. Um, I'm gonna tell mom that we talked, okay?"

"Okay. I'll call you later."

"Love you."

"Love you, too," he smiled, then hung up the phone. He sighed as he went back to work, obviously not as happy as he was before the call.

Seconds later he was shaken from his reverie by the bells over the door and the most beautiful voice calling out, "Coffee, I need coffee stat!"

He filled a cup to the brim and placed it by her favourite stool.

"You really are the perfect man," she smiled as she sat. "Now kiss me before I get coffee breath!"

He shook his head and as he leaned over the counter he said, "If coffee breath bothered me -" but was cut off by their lips meeting.

"- You certainly wouldn't be with me," she finished for him. "So how's your day going so far?" She asked before taking a nice gulp of coffee.

His shoulders slumped a bit, "April can't do the boat trip."

"What?!"

Luke was instantly comforted by her disappointment and upset for him. "It's technically good news. She got into some prestigious science program for six weeks and the bulk of it is over the time we would have had together. She said she can be here for two weeks, so that's better than nothing. I'll go over my plans and see about having a week on the boat and then a week here in town."

Lorelai got up and went to hug him. "It still sucks," she said near his ear. "You were excited and made all those plans."

Luke wrapped his arms around her, grateful to have her. She knew him so well, she knew that he could be happy for his daughter and severely disappointed in the same moment. She was the one who always encouraged him to feel his emotions and it was clear that she got him in a way no one else ever did.

"Oh!" Lorelai gasped as she pulled away, "I have a great idea to cheer you up."

Luke kept his hold on her, "Sure! I'll tell Caesar that I'll be upstairs for a bit." He smirked and swayed his body against hers in the empty diner.

Lorelai laughed, "Not that! I mean, sure, later. But that's not what I was going to suggest."

"What's your idea?"

"Babette and Miss Patty are singing at KC's tonight. Come with me and laugh and drink and get your mind off of this."

Luke sighed, "I gave everyone here the night off to go there. I can't, I'll stay here. You go, have fun and I'll meet up with you after."

Lorelai pouted, tilted her chin down and batted her eyelashes at him, "You're going to send me to the bar all by myself?"

He swatted her butt and smiled, "You'll be fine. They all know you're mine and won't mess with you."

"Why Butch I feel so safe and secure knowin' that I'm yours!" She said with her breathy Southern accent.

Luke rolled his eyes, kissed her and went to fill a to-go cup for her.

The door flew open and Rory rushed into the diner, "I need pie!" She then sat down and dropped her head onto the table.

"I bombed my final!"

Luke gracefully placed a plate with apple pie and a large mug of coffee in front of Rory as Lorelai sat beside her.

"I'm sure it's not as bad as you think," Lorelai said reassuringly.

Rory shoved a large piece of pie in her mouth and then reached into her bag. She pulled out a blue booklet, "I forgot to turn in my last book, I'm going to fail."

"You're not going to fail. Besides, you already have the job at the Times, right?"

"They could rescind the offer if I fail. They hired me with the notion that I would be a Yale graduate. What am I going to do?"

Luke was standing behind Lorelai watching Rory meltdown. "Kid, even if you fail this one test you won't fail that entire course, will you?"

Rory sighed petulantly, "No. But it won't be the grade that I should have gotten."

Luke exhaled, "Rory, come on. You'll have your Yale diploma. Are the jobs you are applying for going to ask for your full transcript?"

Rory continued to attack the pie, "No."

"There you go," Luke said, thinking he solved the problem.

Lorelai saw Rory was still upset, "Hey I have a great idea!"

"Luke won't go with me to KC's tonight to hear Patty and Babette sing. YOU should come with me and then we can laugh at the karaoke singers."

Rory's face lit up, "Yeah! Maybe that will cheer me up."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

It seemed like the whole town was at KC's that night. Patty and Babette thoroughly entertained the crowd with their act. Morey had bought the whole place their first round so the regular karaoke patrons wouldn't be too upset.

Lorelai and Rory were at a table with Lane and Zack having a great time. Lorelai kept glancing at the door hoping that Luke would come, especially after Zack told her that he invited Luke as well.

Kirk was singing Culture Club's Do You Really Want to Hurt Me as the crowd cheered.

Rory gave Lorelai a look, "How you feeling there, Mom?"

Lorelai chuckled, "Ah I must be drunk, 'cause he sounds pretty good."

"Well, get those pipes warmed up, 'cause you're on deck," Rory grinned evilly.

" I can't follow Kirk. He can really sing!"
Rory rolled her eyes as Kirk sang off-key, "Come on, Mom. If you don't, then you're gonna ruin all this good cheering up you've been doing."

"You are relentless," Lorelai gave in.

Smugly, Rory smiled, "I'm thinking something early Madonna."

Zack stood up, "Okay, this is just sinful."

"Be nice," Lane giggled the command.

"I'm just saying If you're gonna do Boy George, at least commit to the high heels and the makeup."

They all chuckled and gave Zack their drink orders as he went to the bar.

Lane turned to Rory, "So, really, what's going on with you?"

" Oh, I just had a bit of a meltdown, that's all. There's this exam that I bombed. I was pretty bummed about it, but my Mom and Luke talked me down, and everything's fine now. What's going on with you?"

"Well, Zack is going on a 2-month tour this summer as the lead guitarist of Vapor Rub, and, yes, I'm serious."

"Vapor Rub? Whatever happened to Hep Alien?"

"Well, Hep Alien will live to rock again, but right now, opportunity calls," Lane said.

"Isn't it gonna be hard for you guys to be apart?" Rory was also thinking of her and Logan.

"Definitely, but, you know, it's only two months. And we'll make it work. Life is long."

Impressed, Rory nodded, "When did you get so mature?"

"I think the mature gene kicks in once you become a Mother."

"Ah," Rory nodded again and watched her own Mother take a final swig of her Long Island Iced Tea and head to the stage.

The crowd applauded for Kirk and then picked up into a thunderous roar for Lorelai.

Very obviously trying to mask her nerves Lorelai joked, "Honey, it's another embarrassing moment for your diary."

The music began and she quickly said, "Happy graduation."

The place was silent as Lorelai began to sing I Will Always Love You. "If I... should stay

I would only be in your way…"

Smiling, Lane turned to Rory, "She's a Whitney fan?"

"Oh, I think it's Dolly-inspired," Rory responded without taking her eyes off her Mother,

"But I know I'll think of you each step of the way,

and I-I-I will always love you…"

The crowd was cheering and clapping. Everyone with giant smiles except Patty and Babette who seemed to think she was stealing their thunder.

"I will always love you."

Just then Luke walked in. Lorelai's heart skipped a beat and suddenly she was singing to him, not Rory. Luke made his way to the bar, dropped his head with a little embarrassment knowing the whole bar had just turned to see what caught Lorelai's attention.

Her voice, now serious and sweet rang through the bar, "Bittersweet memories,

that's all I'm taking with me,

so goodbye please don't c-cry,

We both know I'm not what you need,

and I will always love you,

I will always love you."

Luke couldn't take his eyes from her and was smiling. He discreetly winked at her, making her smile widen.

"I hope life treats you kind,

and I hope you have all you dreamed of,

and I wish you joy and happiness,

but above all I wish you love,

and I-I-I will always love you,

I will always love you,

I will always... love you."

When she finished singing she gave a shy smile and the room cheered and cheered their hearts out.

Luke was staring at her in wonder, he was in awe of how she could captivate a room. Even though he knew all of these people loved her, he was still impressed that she was willing to go up there and make herself that vulnerable. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He walked through the crowd and made his way to the stage. Her eyes were locked on his, he held out his hand, she took it and he led her out the front door of the bar.

As soon as the door closed behind them he swept her in his arms and pressed her against the wall as he kissed her fiercely. He wasn't one for public displays of affection, but he had to kiss her right now! And he knew most of the town was inside that bar and those who weren't were probably asleep. They kissed long and deep. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, snaking her fingers into the curls peeking out from under his cap. He slid his hands affectionately up and down her sides, barely brushing the sides of her breasts each time. She bowed her back off the wall and pushed herself against him. He snaked his arms around her trying to get her even closer. His hands glided down her back and into her pockets on her butt. The denim was tight so he couldn't do much but he loved having his hands there, ensuring her body stayed close to him.

When they finally came up for air he smiled down at her, "You know I'll always love you too, right?"

She smirked, "I kinda figured. But it's always nice to hear."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."
"Well if we're talking about what's nice to hear, I might start making you sing for your supper from now on."