Rory adjusted the sleeve of her graduation gown as she listened to Olivia and Lucy's story of one of the professors doing the robot at the grad party the previous night and Paris's anecdote about how Doyle's sensitivity to spicy food would complicate their upcoming trip to India.
"You missed an awesome party last night, Gilmore. I thought you and Logan were going to swing by after your grandparents' shindig," Olivia said. Rory shrugged.
"Something came up. We didn't leave until after ten and went straight home," she said. Her friends looked at each other and back at her.
"Must have been a great party if you didn't leave until after ten. Were there lots of speeches in your honor?" Lucy asked as she took a swig of the champagne they'd brought.
"Well, my grandparents gave a speech and sang a song they wrote for me and I turned fifty shades of red. And afterwards, Logan surprised me with an incredible moonlight carriage ride of the campus," Rory replied.
"A romantic nighttime carriage ride of the campus? Wow, Huntzberger pulled out all the stops for your graduation, didn't he?" Paris asked. Rory smiled shyly.
"Well, it wasn't just for graduation," she said. The three other girls raised their eyebrows.
"Oh, she's got stars in her eyes and a big smile. Come on Rory, spill," Olivia said. Rory smiled happily and pulled the sleeve of her gown back to reveal her ring. Olivia, Lucy and Paris all gasped with Paris getting up for a better look.
"Rory! Is that what I think it is?" Lucy asked. Rory nodded.
"Yeah, Logan and I are engaged. He proposed yesterday morning," she said, feeling a couple of tears make their way down her face.
"Oh my gosh, congratulations!" Olivia squealed as she hugged Rory. As Lucy took her turn hugging Rory, she looked over her shoulder.
"Okay, it looks like you guys are lining up but I hope neither of you have plans tonight because we are celebrating!" she said. Olivia and Paris nodded in agreement as the four of them walked towards the path that would take them to their ceremonies.
"See you guys tonight, love you! And we want all the details, Rory!" Olivia called.
"Sounds good, see you then!" Rory called back as she continued to the building arm in arm with Paris. Paris was uncharacteristically quiet as they reached the building, and it was only when they were in the line-up that she turned to face Rory.
"So, you're engaged now," she said softly. Rory, a little wary of where this was going, nodded. Paris looked at her intently for a second before her face broke into a wide smile and she threw her arms around Rory. Rory was briefly taken aback, but she quickly wrapped her arms around Paris and squeezed her back. When they broke apart, Rory was amazed to see a few tears making their way out of Paris' eyes. "I'm-I'm so happy for you, Rory. I know you and Logan have had your ups and downs over the last three years, but I also know he's made you happier than I've ever seen you. You're happy, right?" Paris said. Rory nodded.
"I am. I'm so happy, Paris. A couple of days ago when you were opening your acceptance letters to law and medical schools, I felt lost and unsure of the future. And when Logan proposed, I knew this was the right path to take. This feels right. Going to California with him, starting a life and building our careers there, this is what I'm supposed to do," Rory said. Paris nodded and opened her mouth to say more but was interrupted at a call from the professor supervising.
"All right G's, you're on the move!" Paris grinned at Rory and hugged her one more time.
"I'll just have to hear the whole story from you tonight," she said. Rory nodded enthusiastically. Before the procession started moving, she glanced over and saw Logan standing with a group of people near some trees. He waved at her with a big smile on his face and she waved back as she blew him a kiss. Paris watched her best friend with a happy grin before she turned and started when she saw how far ahead everyone was. Turning back to Rory, who had a sappy smile on her face, she grabbed her hand. "Come on Gilmore, you and lover boy can make goo-goo eyes at each other later," she said. Rory giggled and Paris joined her as they waved to Logan and hurried to catch up with the rest of the procession.
Before Paris' name was called, she turned back to look at Rory. "Here we go, unto the breach. I'll see you after?" she asked. Rory nodded as her friend's name was announced and Paris grinned at her before she turned around and made her way to the podium. Rory played with her ring as she waited for the person in front of her to be called to collect their diploma. She thought sadly of Luke, and how much she wished he could be here today. Just then, she heard her name and she took a deep breath as she walked towards the stairs.
Logan checked his phone for the fifth time in the last ten minutes. Rory would be crossing the stage any minute now and after the ceremony he would meet up with her and her family for pictures. He, Finn, Colin, and Robert had managed to find seats together, along with a few other of their classmates they hadn't seen since the previous year. Finn glanced over at Logan and saw his friend's knee was bouncing.
"Got ants in your pants, mate?" he asked. Logan jumped and looked over to see his three friends watching him in amusement.
"No, I'm just excited to see Rory graduate," he said, before checking his phone once again. He hoped the surprise he'd planned for Rory would go off without a hitch. His friends weren't buying it.
"If you're so excited to see her graduate, why aren't you watching the stage like a hawk?" Colin asked.
"Because I have a surprise for her and I want to make sure they know where to meet me," Logan replied. His friends looked at each other and shrugged. They turned their attention back to the stage as Rory's name was finally called.
"Lorelai Leigh Gilmore!" Rory's heart felt like it would burst with excitement. For twenty-two years she'd dreamed of this moment. Years of hard work had paid off and she was finally here. As she accepted her diploma and swept her tassel over to the other side, she heard someone cheering for her.
"Yay Rory!" Rory looked over to see her mother and father on their feet clapping for her and she couldn't help smiling. Looking next to them, she saw her grandparents beaming at her and she grinned back. Her eyes lingered on her mother for a second longer before searching for Logan and found him in the fourth row on the left-hand side. The moment their eyes met he mouthed "I love you Ace," and gave her a thumbs up. She mouthed "I love you MAC," and blew him a kiss before walking off the stage and finding her seat. Lorelai watched as Rory blew a kiss to someone in another row that had to be Logan. In the sunlight she saw something glint on Rory's hand. Was that . . . no, it couldn't be. It couldn't be an engagement ring. Her daughter wouldn't do this to her!
Rory fanned herself with her diploma and took a drink of water from the bottle one of the attendants had handed her. The last name had been called and the dean asked the graduates to stand.
"Ladies and gentleman, I am proud to present Yale's graduating class of 2007!" Cheers rose from the crowd as the newly minted graduates began the procession out of their chairs. Rory looked for Logan and found him with the boys, all four had broad smiles on their faces and were applauding her loudly. Paris slipped up beside her and linked her arm with Rory's as they passed her parents and grandparents.
"We did it! We're graduates!" Paris exclaimed. Rory nodded as the two of them made their way towards some shaded trees.
"I know! I can't believe it's over!" she exclaimed. Paris hugged her tightly before pulling back to look at her.
"I don't want to kill the mood, Rory, but do your parents know Logan proposed?" she asked. Rory looked at Paris, who looked genuinely concerned. She slowly shook her head.
"No, not yet. We decided to wait until after the graduation party last night to announce it. You and Olivia and Lucy are the first people I've told," she admitted. Paris bit her lip as she glanced over Rory's shoulder and saw Logan approaching, with Lorelai, Chris, Emily and Richard not far behind him.
"I think your announcement might be coming sooner than you think. Do you want me to stay?" Paris asked. Rory shook her head.
"Thanks Paris, but I feel like my mother will blow a gasket when she finds out, and I'd rather you were as far away from the explosion as you can get. Will we see you and Doyle tonight?" Rory asked. Paris nodded.
"If you're sure. And of course, I wouldn't miss it! Just text me the details of where we're meeting and we'll be there," Paris said. With one more quick hug and a whispered good luck, she was gone. Rory jumped as she felt Logan's arms slide around her waist.
"Hey fiancée," he whispered. Rory smiled as she turned around and looked at him.
"Hey husband-to-be," she said back and then squealed as Logan lifted her up and spun her around.
"You did great! You didn't fall or anything. I remember stumbling and grabbing onto Marcia Hadley in front of me, so not the person to grab onto. Did you tell the girls?" Logan asked. Rory nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted as her family descended upon them. She grabbed onto Logan's hand and squeezed it. He squeezed back. This was the moment.
"Congratulations Rory!" Emily exclaimed as she stepped forward to hug her granddaughter. Rory let go of Logan's hand and hugged her grandmother back before accepting hugs from her grandfather and her parents.
"Are you two ready for pictures?" Richard asked in a pride-filled voice. Rory and Logan looked at each other and nodded.
"Actually, Grandpa, we have some news we want to share with you all first," Rory said. Richard and Emily looked at each other and so did Chris and Lorelai. Richard nodded.
"All right, what's this important news?" Richard asked. Rory and Logan looked at each other before Rory held out her left hand, her engagement ring on full display.
"OH MY GOD!" Emily let out a shriek that was very unlike her, startling her family and a few passersby. She grabbed Rory's hand for a closer look and then pulled Rory and Logan in for a hug. Logan's eyes almost popped out of his head as he was squeezed by Emily. Rory, for her part, squeezed her grandmother back as her eyes filled with tears of joy. She smiled when she saw her grandpa and father beaming at her, then she shifted her gaze over to her mother. Her heart sank. Lorelai looked absolutely livid; a vein was pulsing in her forehead. Rory swallowed hard and silently prayed that her mother wouldn't ruin this for them.
"All right, Emily, let them breathe," Richard said with a chuckle. Emily squeezed her granddaughter and future grandson-in-law one more time before she released them and dug for a tissue in her purse.
"I'm sorry, I'm just – I'm so happy for you both," she said as she wiped her eyes. Rory put a hand on her grandmother's arm.
"Thank you, Grandma, it means a lot. Logan and I have to thank you the both of you as well, we probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your advice," Rory said with a shudder. She squeezed her grandmother's arm before she stepped over to her grandfather who was shaking Logan's hand. "Thank you for helping Logan plan the perfect proposal for us, Grandpa. He told me the two of you were in cahoots," she said as she embraced Richard. Richard patted her on the back as he hugged her.
"You're quite welcome, Rory. Congratulations. I think you and Logan made the right choice in waiting to announce your engagement until after last night," he said. Lorelai and Emily looked at him in shock, but for different reasons.
"Richard! You knew Rory and Logan were engaged and you didn't tell me?" Emily exclaimed.
"You helped Logan plan his proposal to take my daughter away from me?!" Lorelai said at the same time. Rory and Logan looked at each other while Richard looked at his wife and then his daughter. Before he could speak, however, Rory jumped in.
"Grandma, I'm so sorry. It wasn't I didn't want to tell you, I wanted to tell you as soon I saw you last night but Logan and I agreed to wait because, well—" Rory fumbled for words and Logan came to her rescue.
"Emily, we didn't say anything last night because I wanted to ensure Rory wasn't overwhelmed. Last night was for her, and Richard helped me realize Rory isn't comfortable being the center of attention. She was already in the spotlight last night, and we knew if she'd worn her engagement ring last night, she would have been swamped with people asking her questions. We both would have," Logan explained. Rory nodded, hoping her grandmother would understand.
Emily listened to what Logan was telling her, and she had to admit he was right. Engagement rings attracted people's attention, and instead of the D.A.R. ladies asking Rory what her plans were for after graduation, they would have been asking when the wedding date was, how many children Rory and Logan were going to have and so on. "I understand. It sounds like the two of you discussed this, and I have to commend the both of you for making such a mature decision. Rory, I'm so proud of you and I couldn't be more thrilled for your happiness," she said. Lorelai couldn't contain herself any longer.
"How can you possibly be okay with this?!" she exploded. Rory turned from being hugged and congratulated by her father to see her mother fuming. Logan quickly stepped over to where Rory was and put an arm around her waist, silently offering his support.
"Lorelai, for heaven's sake, control yourself! This is Rory's graduation day and she just told us all the news she's been wanting to share since yesterday, and instead of being happy for her all you can think of is yourself and that she's being taken away from you, but she's not! She's engaged to be married to a man who loves her and who she loves. This is what happens, Lorelai, children grow up, leave home and start their own families!" Emily exclaimed. Lorelai shook her head stubbornly.
"That might be what happens to other kids, but not mine! Rory, take that ring off and come with me," Lorelai demanded. Rory shook her head and tightened her hold on Logan's hand that was around her waist.
"No, Mom. I love Logan and I'm going to marry him. You have two choices, you can fake it until you make it and stay here and take pictures with us for my graduation day, or you can leave now and go back to Stars Hollow. It's your decision, but I won't let you ruin my happiness over my engagement or my graduation day that I've worked for the last four years," Rory said firmly, though on the inside she was falling to pieces. Lorelai snorted.
"Sure, the day you've worked for the last four years. Have you forgotten about your lost semester after Mitchum Huntzberger told you that you didn't have it to make it as a journalist and you dropped out of Yale? You might want to check your diploma, make sure it actually has your name on it and not someone else's. Someone who actually earned their degree," Lorelai said with a nasty smile. Rory felt all the breath go out of her at her mother's words. She'd felt like she had just been viciously punched in the stomach. Emily and Richard, who had been taken aback and then proud at Rory's standing up to her mother, both looked at Lorelai with disapproval, horror and frustration along with Chris. Logan led Rory away to give her some time to pull herself together and calm down.
"Lorelai, that's enough! You had to bring that up today of all days, and you made your daughter walk away!" Emily exclaimed.
"I didn't make her walk away, it's not my fault she can't handle the truth!" Lorelai snapped back.
"I have to agree with Rory, Lorelai. If you can't even attempt to be happy for her so we can take family pictures, then you should leave," Richard said. Lorelai looked from her parents to Chris and hiked her purse up a little higher on her shoulder.
Logan had led Rory away to a secluded bench a few feet away from where her family stood. He sat with one arm around her and held one hand in his as he rubbed her back. Rory sniffled and gulped back tears.
"Why would she say that? Why would she remind me of that? And how can she say I didn't earn my diploma, I did! Yeah, I was lost and struggling for a while, but I got my act together and I went back to school. I crashed and burned; other people do that. No one gets their lives perfect so why does she expect me to?" Rory sobbed. Logan shook his head; he didn't have an answer for Rory.
"I know you earned your diploma, Rory, and for her to say you didn't is wrong on so many levels. I'm so, so sorry her reaction wasn't the one you hoped for," Logan said. Rory sniffled again and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Logan let go of her hand to dig in his jacket pocket for a package of Kleenex. He pulled one out and handed it to Rory. She quietly thanked him as she wiped her eyes again.
"I'm glad I wore waterproof mascara today," she said with a watery chuckle. Logan pressed a kiss to her hand and chuckled with her.
"Good foresight, Ace. What did the girls say when you told them about the engagement?" he asked. Rory grinned as she dried her eyes.
"They want to celebrate with us tonight, all three of them. Did you tell the boys?"
"No, not yet. I'll text them before we go to lunch. Are you ready to head back now?" Logan asked. Rory nodded and allowed Logan to help her stand. As they walked back hand in hand, she glanced over to see Logan texting someone who she assumed to be one of the boys.
When they reached her family, she was surprised to see her mother still standing there.
"Are you all right, Rory?" Emily asked. Rory nodded. "Good. I think your mother has something she wants to say to the both of you. Lorelai?" Emily asked. Lorelai took a deep breath; she hated being reprimanded like a child.
"I'm sorry, Rory. You earned your degree and congratulations to you both on your engagement," she said. Rory looked at her mother while the rest of her family looked on. She knew Lorelai wasn't sincere in her apology or congratulations, but Rory was determined to salvage today, not just for herself, but her grandparents, her father, and Logan too. She swallowed hard, raised her head high and smiled at her mother.
"Thanks Mom," she said. Logan, taking his lead from Rory, nodded.
"Thank you, Lorelai," he said. Lorelai looked at Logan disapprovingly but nodded. Richard, in an attempt to diffuse the tension, clapped his hands together.
"Well, we should do these pictures! We have a celebratory lunch to get to after all!" he exclaimed. The others nodded and Logan offered to take the pictures of Rory with her family. When Richard was taking pictures of Lorelai and Chris with Rory, Emily walked over to Logan. He smiled at the Gilmore matriarch.
"Emily, thank you. Thank you for your blessing and acceptance of my wish to marry Rory. I know there's going to be a lot of people who are against us, so it means a lot to have your and Richard's support," he said. Emily nodded and patted Logan's shoulder.
"Of course, Logan. I'm glad you and Rory were able to talk about your future and have the outcome you both wanted. Now I think it's your turn to take photos with the graduate," Emily said. Logan nodded and walked over to where Rory stood.
"Hey you. Just a few more pictures and we can go to lunch," Rory said as Logan wrapped an arm around her waist. He nodded and glanced over his shoulder.
"Logan, look at the camera! Rory, can we get a shot of you with the ring?" Richard asked. Rory nodded as she and Logan both smiled into the camera, with her holding her left hand up to reveal the ring.
A few pictures later, they were almost ready to leave when Logan glanced over Rory's shoulder and grinned as he saw the people walking towards them.
"We need to get a few more pictures, Ace," he said. Rory gave him a puzzled look, as did her parents and grandparents.
"What do you mean?" she asked. Logan nodded behind her.
"Turn around," he said. Rory frowned but turned around. Her confusion disappeared as her mouth dropped open.
"Luke! Lane!" she shrieked. Even though they were just a few feet away from her, Rory sprinted towards them, all dignity forgotten. Luke barely had time to move the flowers he held out of the way before she crashed into him and he wrapped his arms around her. Rory's shoulders shook with sobs of joy as she clung to Luke, who patted her on the back with his free hand. Rory sniffled as she pulled back to look at him and then at her best friend.
"I-I don't understand. No one could get extra tickets for today, they were all sold out," she said as she released Luke and hugged Lane.
"Well, we weren't here for the ceremony, but that doesn't make me any less proud of you Rory. Logan called me yesterday and said he'd tried to get extra tickets for us to come and wasn't able to, but would I please come and get some pictures with you after the ceremony," Luke explained. Rory listened to Luke in amazement before she turned to look at Logan with tears in her eyes. He shrugged and gave her a wink.
"Thank you, Logan. And thank you guys for coming," she said softly. Luke handed her the flowers he was holding. "Thank you, Luke," Rory said as she buried her face in them and inhaled deeply.
"You're welcome. Should we get some pictures?" Luke asked. Rory nodded. Before she could speak, Lane noticed her ring.
"Looks like your graduation isn't the only thing we're celebrating. Are you guys engaged?" she asked. Rory nodded as Luke did a double take. He hadn't even noticed Rory's ring.
"Wow! Wow! Congratulations Rory, congratulations Logan!" he exclaimed. He pulled Rory into another hug. Lorelai watched, burning with jealousy that Logan had come up with a way for Luke and Lane to attend Rory's graduation, she knew the townspeople would have a field day, and at the fact that Luke and Lane were genuinely happy for Rory.
Luke released Rory and moved towards Logan as Lane hugged Rory. He held out his hand and Logan shook it.
"Congratulations Logan," he said again. Logan nodded.
"Thanks Luke. And thank you for coming today. I'm sorry I couldn't get extra tickets," he said. Luke shook his head.
"Just being here to take pictures with Rory is enough," he said. Emily and Richard walked over then and greeted Luke.
"Luke, we're going for a celebratory lunch at the China Palace shortly, would you like to join us?" Emily asked. Luke looked surprised before nodding.
"Sure, that sounds great. Thank you, Emily," he said.
"Wonderful! Lane, how about you? Would you like to join us for lunch?" Emily asked as Rory and Lane walked over.
"I would love to, Mrs. Gilmore. Thank you," Lane said. Emily nodded before instructing Lane and Luke to stand with Rory. After a few more pictures were taken, Logan joining for some of them, the group dispersed with promises to meet at the restaurant. It was decided that Luke and Lane would follow Emily and Richard in Luke's truck and Lorelai and Christopher would follow them, and Logan and Rory would meet them at the restaurant after they'd dropped her flowers and diploma off at home.
As Rory and Logan walked towards the building she'd donned her cap and gown in, Rory laid her head on Logan's shoulder.
"Well, Ace, how does it feel to be graduated from Yale?" he asked. Rory grinned.
"It feels great. Thank you so much for finding a way for Luke and Lane to be here, Logan," she said. Logan smiled at her and clasped tighter the hand that wore his ring.
"Of course, Rory, I knew how much you wanted Luke to be here and how much it would mean to you to have him here on your graduation day. And Lane too," he said. Rory leaned in and kissed him.
"Best fiancé ever," she said.