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Logan hummed as he shut the water off and wrapped a towel around his waist. He dressed quickly and walked out of the bathroom as he buttoned his shirt. He heard a ripping sound followed by a "Rats!" and rounded the corner to see Rory rummaging through her dresser drawers, her dress on but not zipped up.
"What are you looking for, sweetie?" he asked. Rory jumped and looked over at him, she hadn't heard Logan come out of the bathroom.
"Another pair of pantyhose, I just ripped a huge run in these ones," she replied as she extracted a black pair of pantyhose from the drawer and stood up. Rory removed the ruined pantyhose and tossed them in the garbage before she sat down on the end of their bed and carefully worked the new ones up her legs. Once they were in place, she stood up and turned around, looking at Logan over her shoulder. "Will you zip me up, please?" she asked. Logan nodded and stepped over to Rory. He carefully zipped and hooked her dress before leaning in and gently pressed a kiss to the spot on her spine he knew drove her crazy. Rory trembled and turned to face him. "Thank you," she said.
"You're welcome. You look beautiful," Logan said as he picked up a navy-blue tie and turned up his collar. Rory smiled at him as she slid her arms into a gold jacket and buttoned it before she clasped a gold necklace around her neck.
"Thank you, you look so handsome. I'm so happy to have you, Logan. As my fiancé and as the man on my arm tonight." Logan smiled sweetly at her as he finished with his tie. Rory finished putting on the earrings Luke had given her for her twenty-first birthday and stepped over to adjust his tie until it was straight. Logan covered her hands with his own before she could pull them away.
"I'm really happy too, Ace. I'm so glad you said yes and I get to be by your side not just tonight but for the rest of our lives," he said softly. Rory grinned at him and touched her forehead to his. Then she sighed.
"Is it awful of me to wish we could just stay home and celebrate our engagement tonight?" she asked. Logan chuckled and stroked the backs of her hands with his thumbs.
"Well, your grandmother would probably have something to say about that, but how about after the party we go get ice cream and then come home and celebrate with champagne?" he suggested. Rory nodded and smiled.
"Sounds perfect," she said before pecking Logan on the lips. Logan kissed her back as he released her hands.
"All right then. Are you ready?" he asked. Rory nodded before she slipped her engagement ring off her finger and tucked it into the pocket of her jacket.
"Just because I'm not wearing this tonight, doesn't mean I don't want to not have it with me," she said with a wink. Logan grinned and nodded before he took her hand and the two of them left the apartment.
Rory looked around at the party her grandmother had put together for her graduation. When she and Logan had arrived, she'd been pulled immediately into a conversation with some of the D.A.R ladies and her grandmother. Searching for her fiancé, Rory spotted him chatting with her grandfather and some of her grandfather's business associates.
"We would love to have you back at the D.A.R., Rory. You were such a wonderful influence and had so many fresh ideas. Emily, you must be so proud of your granddaughter!" Toni exclaimed. Emily inclined her head and placed a hand on Rory's shoulder.
"We're very proud, thank you Toni. What do you think, Rory? Would you like to come and work at the D.A.R. again?" Emily asked. Rory brushed her hair over her shoulder and smiled at her grandmother before turning her attention to the rest of the group.
"Well actually, Logan and I are moving to California in about a week, but thank you very much for thinking of me," Rory said graciously. She looked over at her grandmother, who gave her a questioning look. Rory nodded as her grandmother looked at her, letting her eyes answer her grandmother's unasked question. Emily smiled and squeezed Rory's shoulder.
"California?! What's there?" Joan Vanderbilt asked.
"Logan got a job in Palo Alto with a start-up Internet company and I'm going to apply for positions at the newspapers. I never envisioned myself living in California but I'm open to trying new things. It will be an experience not having to wear winter boots and scarves for several months of the year," Rory said. Emily smiled into her champagne as Rory continued to talk excitedly about her new life with Logan in San Francisco.
Across the room, Logan was getting a fresh drink at the bar when Richard joined him. "The party seems to be a success. Emily's talent at putting an event together is enviable and yet at the same time it's something I'm sure I wouldn't want the responsibility of. It makes me nervous just thinking about the amount of work that went into this event," Richard said. Logan nodded as the bartender handed him a scotch. Thanking the man, he slipped him a ten-dollar bill with a wink before walking away with Richard.
"It certainly is, and I wholeheartedly agree with you Richard. Rory's having a good time," he said, looking over at where his fiancée was talking animatedly about something. He could see her hands gesturing and the bright smile she got when she was talking about something she was passionate about. Richard followed Logan's gaze, and then looked back at Logan, who was looking at his granddaughter with such an open expression of love and adoration it made Richard's heart swell with pride. He had no regrets in helping Logan plan the perfect proposal for Rory. He clapped Logan on the shoulder, making the younger man's knees buckle and pitch forward slightly.
"Oh, terribly sorry, son!" Richard said as he helped Logan right himself. Logan shook his head, slightly surprised at Richard's strength. He understood why Richard's doctor said he was in better shape than he had been before his heart attack.
"Don't worry about it, sir," he said good-naturedly before taking a sip of his scotch.
"All right," Richard said. He paused for a moment then, and looked around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard. "Logan, I have to ask. Did you and Rory manage to talk about the future?" he asked. Logan nodded as he looked up at Richard, and then around the room.
"We did, last night. And we got engaged this morning, but we're waiting until tomorrow to announce it," Logan explained. Richard nodded in understanding, he knew how quickly news travelled through the Hartford set, and if he knew Emily, she would have an engagement announcement in the Hartford paper first thing tomorrow.
"I think that's very sensible. Our plan went off without any problems?" Richard said. Logan nodded.
"It did, the library was the perfect place to propose to Rory. Sir, I-I can't thank you enough for your support. And for talking me out of proposing to Rory tonight in front of everyone, that was not one of my brighter ideas," Logan said.
"No trouble at all, Logan. Let's keep this between us for now. I won't say anything to Emily," Richard said with a conspirational wink. Logan winked back at him and turned to look for Rory again. She was listening to something one of the D.A.R. ladies was saying and nodding.
"Why don't you head over there, I'll catch up with you in a bit," Richard said, patting Logan gently on the shoulder. Logan nodded and set off across the room to his fiancée. Watching him go, Richard felt a relieved sense of satisfaction knowing his only granddaughter was going to be taken care of and loved by a man who would support her dreams every step of the way. As he turned to talk to one of his golfing friends, he reflected it wasn't very often he knew something before Emily did.
Rory shifted from one foot to the other as the D.A.R. ladies talked amongst themselves. She was just wondering if she could excuse herself to get a drink when Logan joined the group and slipped his hand into hers.
"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but do you mind if I borrow my girlfriend for a moment?" he asked. There was a unanimous chorus of "not at all!"
"Excuse me," Rory said politely as she laced her fingers with Logan's and allowed him to draw her away from the group.
"You looked like you needed rescuing," Logan said. Rory laughed and squeezed his hand.
"They wanted me to rejoin the D.A.R., but I told them we're moving to Palo Alto," Rory explained. Logan nodded as he wondered if Rory would have rejoined the D.A.R. after she'd graduated and he hadn't proposed. He focused on the last part of her statement and noticed she was blushing a little.
"Did you almost spill the beans, Ace?" he asked teasingly. Rory giggled and shook her head.
"No, it's hard though. I wanted to tell Grandma as soon as I saw her, but we agreed to keep it quiet until tomorrow," Rory admitted. Logan grimaced. "What?"
"About that, your grandpa knows we're engaged. He promised to keep it quiet though, he understands why we're waiting to announce it. You're not mad I told him, right?" Logan asked. Rory shook her head.
"Not at all, I'm happy he knows and I'm excited to tell everyone tomorrow," Rory replied. Logan nodded as he rubbed his thumb over the back of Rory's hand.
"I have to confess, I didn't just steal you away because you looked like you needed rescuing, I have something important I need to tell you," he said. Rory looked at him with her eyebrows raised.
"Oh really? And what might that be?" she asked flirtatiously. Logan smirked at her as he released her hand only to wrap his arm around her waist and draw her closer. He leaned towards her ear and spoke softly.
"You look beautiful, and I can't wait to be married to you," he said. Rory smiled at him as he pulled back.
"Aww," she said before she kissed him on the lips, thinking all the while that all she wanted to do was go home, pop a bottle of champagne and snuggle with Logan. Logan kissed her back, but the two of them broke apart at the sound of Christopher's voice as he and Lorelai approached.
"Hey kiddo! Getting excited for tomorrow?" Chris asked Rory, who nodded while keeping her hand on Logan's arm.
"Yes, I am, very excited. In more ways than one," Rory replied, her blue eyes sparkling as she looked at Logan and shared a secret smile with him. Lorelai peeked at Rory's left hand and saw there was no ring. If there was no ring, maybe Logan hadn't proposed after all and Lorelai could convince Rory to spend the summer with her riding roller coasters and stay in Stars Hollow. And yet, there was something different about her daughter tonight. Before she could ask Rory, however, Richard tapped his glass.
"If I could have everyone's attention, please! As you all know, we are here tonight to celebrate a tremendous accomplishment, but even more important than that, we are here to celebrate a young woman who has brought pride to her family. Our granddaughter, Rory Gilmore," Richard said. Rory's eyes welled up as she applauded with everyone else. Richard waited for the applause to die down before speaking again. "Rory, we are so proud of you and all you have achieved, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead for you in your next chapters. Now, for what's about to happen next, we hope you enjoy this, and also apologize," Richard said. Setting his glass down on the table, he put his glasses on before accepting a sheet of paper from Emily. Bemused, Rory looked on as her grandfather nodded to the pianist. Her confusion quickly turned to amusement and embarrassment as her grandparents sang a song they had written for her. Logan chuckled as he looked over at Rory; her face was bright red, but she had the biggest smile on her face. She leaned into him and buried her face in his jacket for a moment. He kissed her on the temple as she turned her head so that she was facing the front. As the song finished, he clapped along with everyone else. Rory walked over to where her grandparents were standing and hugged each of them. As she hugged Emily, Emily spoke in a low voice.
"Was that too much? Your grandfather and I thought it might be fun to do a song and a speech," she said. Rory shook her head.
"It was perfect, thank you Grandma. And thank you for encouraging me to talk to Logan," she said. Emily nodded and opened her mouth to ask Rory a question, but her attention was diverted by Logan joining the group. She watched as the young man nervously straightened his tie and placed his glass on the table before turning to face the room.
"If I could, I also have a few words I'd like to say about my girlfriend of the past three years," he said. Rory placed a hand on his shoulder as her grandparents moved off to the side. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her mother and father watching the proceedings, but while there was interest and joy on Christopher's face, Lorelai looked apprehensive. Rory fought down her anxiety and turned her attention to Logan, who was looking at her with love and admiration.
"You amaze me, Rory Gilmore, every day. You're the most extraordinary woman I've ever known, and while I don't know what the future holds or what's coming for us, the one thing I'm certain of is I love you more than anything else in this world. I know I love you and I can't wait to start a new chapter of our lives together in Palo Alto. Speaking of which, I have something for you," Logan said. He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out an envelope, which he handed to Rory. She gave him a puzzled look, but turned it over at a gesture from him and tore the flap open. She pulled out the piece of paper inside and unfolded it while the guests looked on in curiosity. A speech like that, they were expecting a marriage proposal from the Huntzberger heir. Lorelai watched as her daughter read whatever was on the paper before she let out a little squeal.
"What is it, Rory?" Emily asked, she'd been watching her granddaughter's face change from puzzlement to delight.
"It's a list of all the bookstores in Palo Alto!" Rory exclaimed excitedly before she launched herself into Logan's arms, nearly knocking him over with the force of her enthusiasm. Logan chuckled as he rubbed her back.
"That's one part of your graduation present," he whispered in her ear before he released her. Rory grinned at him as the party resumed.
"A list of bookstores, that is very Rory," Richard said as he and Emily joined them and Rory handed the list to him to look at. Logan nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted as Lorelai and Christopher joined the group.
"With that list of bookstores, I hope you've got a couple of gift cards to Amazon for bookcases. Or will you be buying them from Pottery Barn?" Lorelai asked snidely. Rory glared at her mother.
"Mom! What's the problem? And does it matter where we buy the bookshelves? Pottery Barn or Amazon, both are good quality and I'm sure we'll be happy with whatever we get for our home," she said.
"I'm just saying, you're going to need a lot, you might want to hire a couple of builders to put them together for you," Lorelai said. Rory's eyes narrowed as Christopher, Emily and Richard looked frustratedly at Lorelai. Rory felt the slight towards her and Logan, but she wasn't going to let her mother get the best of her.
"Don't worry Mom, Logan and I can figure out how to put bookshelves together, and if we get stuck, we'll call Luke since he knows his way around a toolbox. Excuse me, I need some air," Rory said. Gripping the paper in one hand and Logan's hand in the other, the couple walked outside. Emily looked at Lorelai.
"Was that necessary, Lorelai? He gives Rory a thoughtful gift and you go and insult their intelligence. Unless the bookshelves come without instructions, I don't think they'll have a problem," Emily said before she walked away, Richard following behind. Chris looked at Lorelai.
"So, drinks?" he suggested. Lorelai nodded. Before she followed Chris to the bar, she looked out the window trying to see where Logan and Rory had gone but there was no sign of them. Lorelai sighed as she walked away, a heavy feeling in her heart as she felt Rory slipping further and further away from her.
Logan looked over at his fiancée as they walked down the sidewalk. Rory's face was a mask of anger and hurt, and he had to quicken his pace as her steps became faster.
"Who does she think she is?! You give me a list of all the bookstores in Palo Alto, something we can both enjoy because we love to read, and she says that! I can only imagine what she would have said had she found out Grandpa wanted to get me a bookcase so I'd have a proper place to put all the books in my room, but instead you and I got the honor of that comment! Argh!" Rory growled. Logan sighed, he and Rory had had such a good day and she had been feeling calmer about her graduation, and now she was upset again. He looked up ahead and smiled as he saw the surprise he'd hired for that evening waiting for them.
"Rory, don't worry about your mom right now, okay? Who cares what she thinks? Remember what I said at home. Tonight is for you, and I have a surprise that I hope will make things better," he said. Rory nodded before she looked at him in befuddlement.
"What kind of surprise?" she asked. Logan smiled and gestured in front of them. Rory looked and gasped as she saw the carriage and white horse nearby.
"Logan! Is that for us?" she asked excitedly. Logan nodded and led her over to the carriage. He held her hand as he helped her in and waited until she was seated to climb up and settle himself next to her. The driver clicked his tongue and the horse started forward. Rory looked around eagerly as they rolled through the streets. What a beautiful way to experience the campus on the night of her engagement. She turned to look at Logan, who was watching her with a smile on his face.
"What do you think, Ace?" he asked. Rory smiled at him and took his hand, lacing their fingers together.
"It's perfect, thank you," she said softly.
"You're welcome. Happy engagement," he said tenderly. Rory rested her head on his shoulder and looked up at the sky above them. It was clear tonight, and she could see the constellations winking merrily at her as their carriage ride continued.
"Can we see the stars from the house in Palo Alto?" she asked. She felt Logan nod.
"I think so. There's a nice deck out the back we could sit on in the evening and look at the stars. How does that sound?" he asked.
"It sounds wonderful. I can't wait to get there," Rory said. Logan kissed the top of her head.
"Me too, Rory." Rory held his hand tighter as she thought about what their life would be like in California. She was ready to leave Connecticut behind and start the next chapter of her life with Logan.