As Rory completed her makeup, she heard the distinct rumble of thunder. "Oh perfect!" she grumbled, looking down at the casual yet cute sundress she'd slipped on earlier. "Well, I guess I'm not wearing this today," she said, exiting the bathroom and heading over to her closet. After a few moments' deliberation, Rory chose a long-sleeved white t-shirt and skinny jeans. Once she had changed, she artfully arranged a brown, blue and tan patterned scarf around her neck before putting on the silver hoops Logan had gifted her for Christmas. She pulled on knee-high brown boots and finished off her look with a navy blue double-breasted jacket. Her freshly straightened hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she had applied a clear lip balm to her lips.
There, she was ready. As she gathered what she needed for the afternoon, her phone rang. Rory set her oversized light brown tote on the bed and answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Rory? It's Bobbi!"
"Hi Bobbi, how's it going? Are we still good for lunch?" Rory asked.
"Yes, of course, that's actually why I'm calling. I was wondering, if it's not too much trouble, would you be able to pick me up from my hotel? I was going to walk to the restaurant, but it's pouring outside and like a prize idiot I never thought to pack a rain slicker or umbrella," Bobbi said.
"Oh, sure no problem! I'm about to leave. Just tell me where you're staying and I'll come get you," Rory said as she looked out the window and saw the rain beating against the deck.
"Thank you, sweetheart, you're a lifesaver!" Bobbi exclaimed. After getting directions from Bobbi, Rory told her she was on her way and they ended the call. Rory slipped her phone into her purse and threw on her raincoat. She grabbed an extra jacket, which she stuffed into her bag, and an umbrella before pulling her hood up. With one glance around to ensure she hadn't forgotten anything, Rory hurried out the door to her car, her umbrella protecting her from the worst of the rain.
Ten minutes later she was pulling into the hotel parking lot. As she drew closer to the entrance, she saw Bobbi, wearing jeans, leather boots, and a light jacket, standing outside under the overhang. Rory waved at her and Bobbi returned the gesture as the doorman escorted her to the car under an umbrella.
"Thank you so much!" Bobbi said to the doorman as she opened the car door.
"My pleasure, miss," he said, tipping his hat to the two women. Once Bobbi was safely out of the downpour and closed the door after her, she turned to look at Rory, who smiled at her.
"Connecticut weather can be unpredictable, especially in the summer," Rory said. Bobbi smiled back as she warmed her hands on the heating vents.
"I thought I'd seen rain in London, but my goodness I've never experienced anything like this," she said. Rory nodded as she pulled her bag onto her lap and took out the jacket she'd thrown in.
"I know this might be a bit short on you, but it's better than nothing, and it's waterproof too," she said, offering the jacket to Bobbi, who took it gratefully.
"You're an angel, thank you!" she exclaimed, slipping her arms into the jacket and zipping it before buckling her seatbelt.
"It's no problem, Bobbi. So, was this your first time coming to Connecticut?" Rory asked as she pulled away from the curb and signalled to turn out of the parking lot.
"Yes, it was. It's lovely. You were born and raised here?" Bobbi asked. Rory nodded, keeping her eyes on the road.
"Yup, I was born in Hartford, but raised in Stars Hollow. It's a small town about 30 minutes away," she said. An awkward silence descended upon the two women. Bobbi knew from Logan that Rory's mother had had her at a young age, but after the drama of the previous evening Bobbi didn't want to make Rory uncomfortable or upset, not when they were tentatively on their way to being friends. Rory, for her part, didn't know Bobbi well enough yet to share her life story, and she wasn't the kind of person who shared too much too quickly. She smiled as she thought of something to say.
"What part of England are you from?" she asked. Bobbi grinned back at her.
"I was born and raised in London. I did my Bachelor's degree at Oxford and then I did a PR course right after I graduated," Bobbi said as they pulled into the restaurant parking lot.
"Public Relations, I've heard that's a tough field to be in. You didn't want to become an event planner or anything like that?" Rory asked.
"Oh, darling, no. That's not for me, I'm perfectly happy using my knowledge at HPG, and I wanted to have a bit of freedom over my life. Some of my friends from the course work 40-70 hours a week, they basically live at the office," Bobbi explained, drawing the hood of her borrowed jacket over her head before they got out of the car. Rory shook her head as she opened the umbrella and they huddled under it.
"Gosh, that sounds. . . I don't know if I could do that job. I mean, I thought I wanted to be an overseas correspondent for so long, but when Logan and I moved in together and fell into a routine of coming home to each other every night, I realized that was more me," Rory said as they walked into the restaurant. After greeting the maître d', the two of them were quickly shown to a table. Bobbi waited until they were seated to continue the conversation.
"You're someone who likes stability," she said. Rory nodded as their server came over.
"Hello ladies, how are we doing today?"
"Wonderful, how are you?" Bobbi asked.
"I'm doing great, thank you. Can I get you started with something to drink?"
"Please. Bobbi, do you want to share a pot of tea?" Rory asked. Bobbi nodded.
"I think that sounds perfect, it's so cold outside," she said. After ordering a pot of peppermint tea, the waitress walked away and Bobbi and Rory picked up their menus.
"I am someone who likes stability and routine, I'm a planner, not a spontaneous, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl. Did Logan tell you I make pro/con lists before I make decisions?" Rory asked, continuing their conversation from before. Bobbi inclined her head.
"He did. I think that's a great way to make decisions and look at all your options. Rory, I just really want to say thank you for inviting me to your engagement party last night. The last two times we met, I felt as though you didn't like me very much," Bobbi said. Rory's stomach clenched with guilt. As she opened her mouth to answer, their server appeared with their tea and two cups and asked if they were ready to order. Bobbi asked for a Caesar salad with grilled chicken and garlic toast, and after a moment, Rory requested the same. Once the server had walked away, Rory turned her attention to Bobbi. Looking at the blonde across from her, Rory saw the look of vulnerability in Bobbi's eyes. She was reminded again of Logan's words that Bobbi wanted to be friends, and what better way to start a new friendship than to be completely honest?
"It wasn't that I didn't like you, Bobbi. I was intimidated by you, you were so confident in yourself, and I felt a little threatened by you because you and Logan spent a lot of time together in London. The year we were apart was the first time either of us had experienced a long-distance relationship. I had a pretty sheltered upbringing, so it's difficult for me to let my guard down around new people and let them in. I'm so sorry I made you feel that way," she said truthfully. Bobbi looked at her in disbelief. As she thought back to the previous evening, she wondered if what the entire party had learned about the Haydens' treatment of Rory and the resulting confrontation with Lorelai had anything to do with Rory's self-esteem and shyness. She had been confident in the way she had dealt with them all, but Bobbi sensed there was more to the story.
She and Rory weren't at the point where they could fully confide in each other yet, but the best thing Bobbi could do at that moment was meet Rory in the middle and show her she was someone who could be trusted.
"I'm gobsmacked, Rory. Never in my wildest dreams did I think you felt threatened by me, but hearing you say that, you being so quiet at that first dinner we shared makes a lot more sense now," Bobbi said as their server arrived with their salads. After they thanked her and she left, Bobbi continued. "As for Logan, if you heard the way he talked about you in London, Rory, you wouldn't have worried. He had a picture of you two and a photo of you on his desk, and whenever someone asked him about you, his whole face would light up. He talked our ears off about you. It was so clear to all of us how in love with you he is, and we were all so eager to meet you in New York."
Speechless, a warm feeling spread through Rory's body, ending in her fingertips and toes as they dug into their salads. Once she'd finished chewing, Rory spoke.
"I feel like such a jerk now, you were all so nice to me at that dinner and I – "she was stopped by Bobbi holding up a hand.
"Rory, neither of us holds that against you, so please don't beat yourself up about it. Okay?" she said. When Rory hesitated, Bobbi spoke again. "Okay?"
"Okay," Rory said quietly. Bobbi smiled kindly at her before changing the subject.
"Now, you were so busy last night, I never got the chance to hear the story about that beautiful ring on your finger," she said. The shy look on Rory's face disappeared and was replaced with a soft smile that lit up her eyes. As Rory told her the story of how Logan proposed, Bobbi found herself wondering how Rory's mother couldn't see what she, Nick, Philip and Hugo had seen the night before. From the moment she had met Rory, it was clear she and Logan shared a deep love, one that had been strong enough to withstand a yearlong separation.
"And after our walk led us to the library, that was when Logan asked me to spend the rest of our lives together," Rory finished. Enchanted, Bobbi rested a hand against her cheek and smiled.
"You and your grandpa must share a very deep connection for him to help Logan plan the perfect proposal," she said. Rory nodded.
"Yeah, he's a great man. He's always encouraged my love of reading," she said as their server arrived to take away their empty plates.
"Can I get you some dessert or more tea?" she asked. Rory and Bobbi shook their heads.
"No thank you, love. Just the bill please, and it's all on one," Bobbi said. The server nodded and walked away.
"Bobbi, you don't have to do that!" Rory protested. Bobbi flapped a hand as she pulled out her wallet.
"I want to, Rory. Think of it as a graduation gift and a start to a new friendship," she said.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Okay, on one condition. The next time the both of us are on this side of the country, I pay for lunch," Rory said. Bobbi grinned happily.
"You've got yourself a deal," she said. After Bobbi settled the bill, they left the restaurant. While they had been dining, it had stopped raining, leaving a grey, overcast sky behind. "What are your plans for the afternoon?" Bobbi asked.
"I have to go pick up some bridal magazines. Do you have any plans?" Rory asked. Bobbi shook her head.
"No, none."
"Would you want to come browse the magazine section with me and pick some out? I don't know what I should be looking for, it would be nice to have a second pair of eyes," said Rory. Bobbi gave her a bright smile.
"I would love to come help you! You're in luck, one of my girlfriends just got married a few months ago and we spent ages looking at wedding magazines," she said, linking arms with Rory as they walked to the latter's car. Their lunch had broken the ice between them, and Bobbi chattered the whole way to the store and into the magazine section. As Bobbi plucked copies of Brides, Bridal Guide and other magazines and placed them into Rory's hands, Rory was glad she'd given Bobbi a chance. Spending time with just Bobbi had Rory excited for the next time they would meet. Once they got past the awkwardness that came with spending one-on-one time with someone you'd only seen in group settings, Rory discovered that Bobbi was bubbly, warm, and kind, just like Logan had said.
"This was such a great afternoon, Bobbi. Thanks for coming to lunch with me," Rory said once they were back at Bobbi's hotel.
"It was, thank you for inviting me! I'm so glad we had the chance to spend some time together just the two of us," Bobbi said as she removed her borrowed jacket. "You and Logan leave for California on Tuesday?" Rory nodded.
"I agree, it was nice to have girl time. Yeah, I'm going to Stars Hollow tomorrow to say goodbye to Luke and Lane before we leave, and then Logan and I will spend the full day on Monday with my grandparents," she said. Bobbi handed her the jacket before she placed a hand on Rory's arm.
"Well, I hope you enjoy your visits. I'll see you the next time we're both in Connecticut," she said.
"Thanks, Bobbi, you guys have a safe flight back to London," Rory said as they shared a warm hug the best they could with the console between them.
"Thank you, you and Logan drive safely to California. Text me when you get there?" After Rory promised she would message Bobbi when they arrived in Palo Alto, they said their goodbyes and Bobbi got out of the car. The rain started again as Rory pulled away from the curb. As she drove back to the Gilmore mansion, she thought she might settle in with a cup of hot chocolate and begin perusing through the bridal magazines, a plan she set into motion once she'd reached her destination. Setting herself up at the dining room table, Rory opened a notebook and uncapped a pen to make her own notes.
She was so immersed in what she was doing that she jumped when she heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" she called.
"It's Logan!" Rory stood up and hurried over to the door. Unlocking and opening it, her drenched fiancé shook the water out of his hair before entering. "I can't believe how hard it's raining! I had to pull over on my way back from Honor's because the visibility was so bad!" he exclaimed. Rory gave him a sympathetic look as she closed and locked the door behind him.
"It was a day for umbrellas and raincoats. Before I left to meet Bobbi, she called me and asked if I would mind picking her up because she didn't have either."
"That was nice of you, Ace. Did you guys have a good lunch?" Logan asked, shivering.
"It was nice! Why don't you go shower? I'll make you a hot chocolate and tell you all about it," Rory said. Logan nodded; a shower sounded really good right now. Kissing her quickly, he promised to be out shortly before heading into the bedroom.
As Rory mixed a hot chocolate for Logan, her phone rang. She finished stirring and answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Rory? It's Lane."
"Hey Lane, what's going on? Are you staying dry in the deluge we're getting?"
"Yup, the boys and I have been hunkered down all day. Are you still coming tomorrow?"
"Of course, I can't leave without saying goodbye to you and Luke. After Tuesday, it will be emails and phone calls until Logan and I return at the end of August. How do you feel about a farewell burger and chilli fries at Luke's?" She heard Lane exhale heavily. "Lane?"
"That's actually what I'm calling about. It might be better if we order takeout and eat it at our place," Lane said. Rory frowned as she heard the shower shut off. Filling the kettle, she turned it on and leaned against the counter.
"Why? What's going on?" she asked, half-dreading the answer.
"Well, Taylor has been leading a charge against you ever since your showdown with him, Patty and Babette, and the engagement announcement in the newspaper was a big pain point for a lot of people, and when they heard that Luke and Zach and I had all been invited to your engagement party last night but they weren't, well, that was the gasoline on the fire. Zach and I got a lot of dirty looks today, and from what Zach said, so did Luke. I just thought you might not want to be in the public eye because I have a feeling that people's response will not be good," Lane said. Rory clenched her jaw, anger boiling her blood as the kettle whistled. Taylor leading a charge against her was one thing, but shunning Lane, Zach and Luke when they'd all supported her and Logan? That was just wrong. Taking a couple of deep breaths, she poured hot water into Logan's mug and stirred. When she spoke, her voice was steady.
"Lane, if we hide away, it looks like we have something to be ashamed of. And we don't, we're not guilty of anything. If there are people who are mad they weren't invited to our engagement party, maybe they should have given me a chance to tell my side. I'm so sorry the town is treating you guys this way, it's wrong and awful," Rory said as Logan came into the room. He quirked an eyebrow at her and she mouthed "Lane" while passing him his mug. He blew on it before taking a sip.
"Yeah, you're right. Hiding away won't do any good, and we're not the ones in the wrong here. As for the town, that's what happens when everyone knows your business and takes a side. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"I'll see you tomorrow," Rory confirmed before they hung up. Setting her phone on the counter, Rory pressed her hands to her eyes, her ring and watch glinting. A worried Logan set his mug on the counter and wrapped his arms around her waist. Rory rested her head on his shoulder, hands still covering her face. Logan could feel the tension in his fiancée's body as he listened to her heavy breathing. He rubbed comforting circles on her back with one hand and massaged her shoulder blades with the other.
"What can I do baby?" he murmured. Rory sniffled and shook her head as she lifted her head from his shoulder and put her arms around his neck.
"Nothing," she said quietly before telling him about her conversation with Lane. Logan's jaw clenched angrily, but his hands remained soft on Rory's back.
"Come on," he said, picking up his hot chocolate with one hand and holding hers with the other. After stopping at the table so Rory could get hers, he led her to the couch. As they settled down, Rory pulling her legs up underneath her, Logan reached for the throw covering the back of the couch and draped it over both of them. Rory leaned into him and he put an arm around her shoulders, stroking her upper arm with his thumb. They sat quietly, drinking their hot chocolates as the rain beat against the roof.
Neither of them spoke until they had placed the empty mugs on the coffee table.
"I don't want to encroach on your time with Luke and Lane tomorrow, but do you want me to come with you?" Logan asked. Rory shook her head as she sighed.
"I appreciate the offer, but if the town is saying bad things about me, I can only imagine what they must be saying about you. They're not kind to people who haven't lived in the Hollow all their lives. Do you remember Dean and Jess?" she asked. Logan grimaced as he nodded, he hadn't liked Dean since he'd witnessed him publicly dump Rory at this very house, and as for Jess, well, there was no love lost there. It had been clear the only time he had met Jess that he wanted Rory back. He turned his attention back to Rory. "Well, the first time Dean and I broke up, it was because he told me he loved me and I didn't say it back because I was scared to. Stars Hollow being as small as it is, everybody knew about the breakup the next day and treated Dean like he was the devil. Nobody knew the relationship had ended because I wasn't ready to tell him I loved him, they all thought something else had happened."
"That's a lot to take in. Is the reason you didn't say it back because of your dad not being around?" Logan asked. How had they never talked about this before? Rory nodded.
"Yeah, it was. I wasn't – "Rory paused and then started her sentence again. "I didn't know how to be vulnerable like that with someone. We'd only been together for three months, and, I don't know, I felt like saying we loved each other at that point was too fast. When everyone found out about the breakup, I was so embarrassed. I had people coming up to me at Luke's, Babette came over to our house to talk to me, but Mom got them to back off because I wasn't ready to deal with it yet," Rory said, her eyes far away. Logan watched her silently for a few minutes before he spoke.
"I can see the wheels turning in your head. What's going on in there, sweetie?" Rory smiled sadly as she met his eyes.
"I'm just realizing that if Dean and I ended our relationship twice, there never should have been a third time. We weren't meant to last, and our third attempt at a relationship happened because of our affair. I told you about Lindsay, right?" Logan nodded.
"Yeah, you did," he said. Rory sighed.
"I handled things so badly back then, and I regret the affair. If I could turn back the clock there are so many things I would do differently," she said.
"Well, you may not be able to go back in time, but what can happen now is entirely up to you. If you saw Lindsay tomorrow, what would you do?" Logan asked.
"I would tell her I'm sorry because I am," Rory answered honestly. She'd thought about that day in the square a lot. Ironically, it had been her mother who showed decorum and sense and tried to steer the conversation, even suggesting that there was a better place to talk. Rory knew had she had the chance to speak to Lindsay privately, she would have apologized then. Theresa Lister's verbal assault had left a large scar on Rory psychologically. As Rory thought about it, she realized she had let her fear of confrontation and desire to avoid it stop her from doing the right thing, which was to apologize to Lindsay and tell her the truth. But she wasn't like that now. Rory hadn't known it then, but she had a backbone, and this past week had shown her she had held herself back by not using it.
"You can do it, Ace. I know you can," Logan said, lifting their joined hands to press a kiss to each of her fingers before placing one on her ring. Rory smiled and touched her forehead to his. "What about Jess?" Logan asked. Rory exhaled deeply.
"Jess was different from Dean. Instead of breaking up with me in person, he left without saying goodbye to me or Luke. The town already had a bad opinion of him, he'd made life hard on himself since he got there, but I told you the story of how I broke my wrist right? When I was in the car with him?" Logan nodded. "Okay, well, after that happened, the town became . . . toxic and judgmental. Everyone blamed Jess, and the only person who listened when I said it wasn't his fault was Luke." Unconsciously, Rory stroked her wrist with her other hand before meeting Logan's eyes. "Logan, are you sure you want to marry me? I cheated on Dean with Jess, I had an affair that broke up a marriage, and I kissed Jess in Philadelphia when I was with you. God, I'm a terrible person and partner," Rory groaned, putting a hand on her forehead. Logan pulled it away from her face and held it in his own.
"Rory, we all make mistakes. The fact you're showing remorse for all of those moments says a lot," he said. "As for the kiss with Jess in Philadelphia, well, I think we can both take the blame for that. Had we talked the night after we went for dinner with him, really talked like we're talking now instead of ghosting each other, everything that followed could have been avoided. Yes, I still want to marry you, because I've seen what life looks like without you and it's incredibly lonely. You're my world, Rory."
"You're mine too, and you're right about everything you just said," Rory said softly. Logan rubbed small, comforting circles on her hands with his thumbs and looked up at her with a smile.
"Now that the heavy stuff is out of the way, tell me about your lunch with Bobbi," he said. Rory grinned and told Logan about the fun afternoon she and Bobbi had shared.
"She came to the store with me and helped me choose some wedding magazines," Rory said, getting off the couch and bounding over to the dining room table, where she scooped up the magazines and her writing utensils before settling down next to Logan, whose eyes widened as he saw the stack his fiancée was carrying.
"Did you buy the entire wedding collection? That's a lot of magazines Rory!" he exclaimed. Rory giggled as she arranged the magazines on the coffee table.
"Bobbi said she just did this with one of her girlfriends, and that it's a good idea to have options. I was taking notes when you came home," Rory said, holding up her notebook. Logan exhaled as he reached for one of the magazines.
"Well, I guess we better keep working on them then," he said. Rory let out a giddy squeal and opened her notebook.
The couple spent a joyful couple of hours flipping through the magazines, making notes of what they liked and what they didn't. Logan's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline at some of the dresses he saw.
"How do you go to the bathroom in that?!" he exclaimed, pointing to a wedding dress that had a fitted bodice and an extremely poofy skirt.
"You take your bridesmaids in there and they hold up the dress, girls have done it with prom dresses too," Rory responded, making a note. NO POOFY DRESSES she wrote in all caps. Logan shook his head in disbelief. They continued flipping through the magazines until the intercom Emily and Richard had installed buzzed.
"Rory? Logan? We're back," Emily's voice came through the speaker. Rory got up, stretched and headed over to respond.
"We're here Grandma, we'll be there in a minute," she said. Logan marked their place and stood up. The two of them braved the rain and ran to the main house, where they enjoyed catching up with Emily and Richard over a simple fare of tomato soup and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. They retired to the sitting room with nightcaps and visited a while longer before deciding to call it a night.
"How was your visit with Honor and Josh today?" Rory asked once she and Logan were lying in bed. Logan yawned.
"It was good. They said they're sorry they can't see both of us one more time before we move but they're heading to New York first thing tomorrow. Josh has some meetings there and then they're going to have a mini vacation in the city."
"That sounds nice. Maybe once we're settled in, they can come stay with us for a week," Rory suggested. Logan nodded as he smoothed his hand over her hair.
"While you're visiting Luke and Lane tomorrow, I thought I might go to my parents' house. Get some answers about why they left our engagement party without a word," he said. Rory hummed as she snuggled deeper into his embrace.
"I think that's a good idea, it will give you closure before we move, and then you're not left wondering," she said. Logan nodded and kissed her goodnight before the two of them drifted off to sleep.
The next day dawned beautiful and sunny. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast with her grandparents and Logan, Rory got ready to head to Stars Hollow. She smoothed down the white sundress she'd worn on the day of their engagement and left her hair loose. She came out of the bedroom to see Logan lounging on the couch with one of the magazines she'd bought the day before.
"Did I get you hooked?" she asked teasingly as she picked up her purse.
"I'm just imagining what you're going to look like on our wedding day, dressed in a beautiful gown like one of these," Logan said seriously, looking at her lovingly. Rory leaned down to kiss him.
"Aww, I'm looking forward to seeing you looking sharp in a tux," she said. Logan smiled and pulled her in for another kiss.
"You look beautiful. Have fun with Lane and tell her and Luke I said hi," he said.
"I will. Good luck with your parents and grandfather. Phone me if you need me," Rory said. After Logan promised he would, she kissed him goodbye and headed out the door.
As she drove to Stars Hollow, she took some deep breaths. "You can do this, Rory. You haven't done anything wrong. Remember what Grandma and Grandpa said. Hold your head high and don't let anyone ruin this for you," she told herself firmly. She could do this.
Once she'd arrived at Lane's, Rory parked her car and got out. Lane opened the door as Rory came up the short walk.
"Hey, come on in! I just got the boys down," Lane said in a hushed whisper. Rory carefully stepped over the threshold, knowing from past visits there was a squeaky board that made a loud sound whenever it was stepped on. Closing the door softly behind her, she tiptoed behind Lane as her oldest friend led her to their small living room. "Do you want something to drink, Rory?" Lane asked.
Rory shook her head as they settled themselves on the couch. "No, I'm okay, thanks. Where's Zach?" she asked.
"He had the morning shift at the diner. As soon as he gets back we can go, unless you've changed your mind about wanting to stay in?" Lane asked.
"Do you want to?" Rory queried, studying her friend. Up close, she saw how tired and stressed Lane looked. Had someone said something to her between now and their conversation yesterday? Lane shrugged.
"I mean, part of me does, but I also keep thinking about what you said yesterday, how we have nothing to hide and we haven't done anything wrong. It's up to you though, because once the townspeople see you, you're going to get much worse than just a few dirty looks." Rory propped her chin on her hand, thinking.
"Okay, how about this? We go, we try it, and then if both of us feel stressed, we'll get our food to go and come back here?" she suggested. Lane nodded. "I'm so sorry about this Lane, I'm sorry that the town has turned on you guys," Rory said. Lane shook her head.
"Honestly, if it wasn't for Lorelai we wouldn't be in this position. This has nothing to do with you, Rory. You didn't do anything except say yes to the man you love, and you shouldn't be penalized for that," Lane said as the door opened and Zach came in.
"Hey babe. Hey Rory," he said, setting his bag down. The girls greeted him as he came over and kissed Lane before sitting down in one of the armchairs.
"Hey, Zach. How was it today?" Lane asked her husband. Zach shrugged.
"Same as it's been the last few days. Colder than the North Pole. I think Luke is reaching the end of his rope," he said honestly. Rory shook her head and looked at Lane.
"I was just saying to Lane how sorry I am you guys have to deal with this," she said. Zach waved her apology away.
"Rory, if it wasn't this it would be something else. Don't let this stop you from seeing Luke, I know he's looking forward to seeing you," Zach said. Rory nodded as she and Lane stood up.
"Well, Lane and I came up with a plan just in case things go sideways," she said, adjusting her purse over her shoulder as Lane told Zach about what they'd decided to do.
"The twins have been down for about 15 minutes, hopefully, they nap for at least an hour," Lane said.
"I'll keep an ear out. Go, have fun," Zach said, picking up a music magazine and settling down. Rory and Lane bid him goodbye before walking out the door.
Seeing how it was a warm spring day, Lane and Rory decided to walk to Luke's. As they walked, Rory noticed a lot of people glaring at them and whispering behind their hands. She'd been feeling okay when she got to Stars Hollow, looking forward to seeing Lane and Luke one last time, but now she wasn't so sure. She was just debating if they should order takeout from Luke's and go back to Lane's after all when they came face to face with Lorelai.
"Rory, nice to see you in Stars Hollow. I'm glad to see you came to your senses and decided to leave that boy," Lorelai said smugly. Rory shook her head and held up her left hand.
"I'm still engaged, Mom. I just came to say goodbye to Luke and Lane before we leave the day after tomorrow," she said calmly. The smug smile slid off of Lorelai's face and was replaced by a glare.
"And what about the rest of the townspeople? You don't care about them enough to say goodbye, or enough about me to not throw your life away for a spoiled trust-fund kid?" Rory licked her lips as she fought to keep her voice steady.
"The townspeople have shunned Luke, Zach and Lane because they were invited to our engagement party and believed what you told them on my graduation day. I care that they're disregarding three people who have done nothing but support me since Logan and I got engaged. This is my life, Mom, and I'm going to live the way I want to. I'm not throwing my life away with Logan, I'm starting a life with him, and I'm starting to feel like a broken record because we've been over this. This is my decision, and if it turns out to be a mistake, then it's my mistake to learn from," Rory said. Lorelai's eyes flashed angrily; she wasn't getting through to Rory.
"Logan's going to cheat on you, it's in his blood and his job description," she taunted. "Does Logan know you had an affair with a married man?" Rory squared her jaw.
"Yes, he does. You're such a hypocrite, you know that? When it comes to cheating, I learned from the best because not only did you and Dad cheat while he was with Sherry, but you also slept with him while you were engaged to Luke! I regret all the times I cheated or played a role in cheating, but I never had anyone to show me a good example of a relationship because you were too concerned with being my friend rather than my parent when I needed you to be my mother," Rory said. Lorelai stared at her, who was this woman? This wasn't her daughter, her mini-me. Her daughter never would have stood up to her like that.
"Until you come to your senses and end your engagement with that boy, you are not welcome in my house," she said. Rory sighed sadly and ran a hand through her hair.
"So, we're back to this, huh? I don't do what you want, you freeze me out. Have it your way, Lorelai, but you're not going to win," Rory said as she and Lane walked away. Rory was silent as they continued to Luke's, and Lane was happy to let her have her space to process what just happened. They soundlessly walked up the steps to Luke's and went inside. Save for a few patrons, it was quiet. Luke looked up as the girls entered and sat down.
"Hey Rory, Lane!" he said, coming out from behind the counter and walking over to their table. Rory smiled at the man who had been her father figure all these years and got up to hug him.
"Hey Luke," she greeted happily. Luke patted her on the back before releasing her. Rory looked good in her summer dress, her engagement ring glinting on her finger.
"Where's your fiancé today?" he asked as Rory sat down.
"He went to see his parents and grandfather, they left our engagement party without saying a word so he went to get some answers," she responded. Luke raised his eyebrows as did Lane.
"Jeez, that's cold! Is Logan okay?" he asked.
"Besides being angry and hurt? If I know him, he'll be better when he comes back to my grandparents' place, we're staying there tonight and tomorrow before we leave on Tuesday," Rory said. Luke nodded.
"Do you guys want to peruse the menu or do you know what you want?" he asked. Lane and Rory looked at each other and grinned. Lane asked for a burger and Sprite while Rory requested a burger, a Coke and a plate of chilli fries for them to share. "I had a salad and garlic toast for lunch yesterday, I can't leave Connecticut without having one of your burgers Luke," she said. Luke chuckled and ruffled her hair before walking away. Lane turned her attention to Rory.
"Did you go out for lunch yesterday?" she asked. Rory nodded.
"Yeah, Bobbi and I went for lunch," she said before telling Lane about her afternoon with the British woman.
"It sounds like you guys had fun. Did you make it through the pile of bridal magazines yet?" Lane asked as she sipped her drink. Rory shook her head as she took a drink of her own.
"No, not yet. We're just deciding what we like and don't like right now so that when we come back at the end of the summer we can start the wedding planning," she explained as their food arrived.
"That makes sense. You can count on me to be around for that," Lane said with a wink, digging in. Rory nodded as she chewed and swallowed.
"Thanks, Lane, I appreciate that." The two girls enjoyed their lunch, ignoring the looks and whispers that were coming from those around them. Luke would come and chat with the girls in between his rounds of checking on the other customers.
Rory and Lane had finished their food and paid their bill when Theresa and Lindsay Lister came in. Spotting Rory, Theresa's eyes narrowed. How dare that girl get her happy ending after she destroyed her daughter's marriage and then show her face in this town with that rock on her finger? Well, Theresa wouldn't let her leave without letting her know what she thought of her. She approached the table and the smile on Lane's face disappeared as she saw her. Whatever was about to happen, it wasn't going to be good.
"Well, if it isn't our resident homewrecking slut," Theresa sneered, coming to a stop beside their table, Lindsay reluctantly following. Rory finished the last of her drink before she stood. In the past week, she'd stood up to the Huntzbergers, the Haydens and her parents, and if she could do all of that, she could stand up to Theresa Lister. This was her chance to make things right. Rory mustered her courage and took a deep breath before she spoke.
"You know, Theresa, I understand why you said those things to me three years ago, it was awful what I did and I've regretted it ever since. But you know something else? It takes two to tango, and Dean is just as much to blame as I am," she said before she turned her attention to Lindsay. "Lindsay, I'm sorry I hurt you and for the damage I caused to your marriage. I- "Rory was cut off suddenly as Theresa poured a pitcher of Coke, ice cubes and all, over her head. Rory gasped as the cold soda shocked her system.
"Rory!" Luke yelled, horrified as he rushed out from behind the bar and over to the group of women. The whole diner had stopped talking and was taking in the scene before them. "What the hell, Theresa?!" Luke exclaimed furiously as Lane leapt to her feet in anger. Even Lindsay looked shocked. Rory used her hands to wipe away the soda running down her face and looked at Theresa in disbelief. Kirk, Lulu, Patty and Babette were among their audience in the diner, while on the other side of the glass, Taylor's customers were watching the scene unfold. Theresa ignored Luke as she kept her focus on Rory.
"You think you can save your skin by spewing that pack of lies? Does your future husband know you seduced another woman's partner? Maybe he'll cheat on you, wouldn't that be sweet irony? And your Mom's not here to protect you this time," Theresa sneered.
"Theresa, back off!" Luke said angrily. He began to say more but was stopped by Rory holding up a hand.
"Luke, I appreciate you speaking up for me, but I've got this," she said. She squared her shoulders and met Theresa's eyes. "Just like last time, we're in a public place where you can make a scene. My mom tried to get you to stop, and you know what? If you had stopped for two seconds and listened, we could have gone somewhere private and I could have apologized then as well as told Lindsay the truth of what happened that night. I didn't seduce Dean. But once again, Theresa, you have publicly berated me and took it even further by dumping a pitcher of soda on me, which was a move I would expect of a jealous teenager, not a grown woman."
Lindsay, who had been silent all this time, spoke.
"Wait, the truth?" she asked. Theresa turned her eyes away from Rory and put a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"Don't listen to her, Lindsay. She's lying, again," Theresa said.
"Why would I be standing here, covered in soda, and say everything I did? I'm not lying, but if you're not interested in hearing the truth, if you want to keep this image you have in your head of me as the villain, there's nothing I can do to make you listen. No matter what I say, it won't make a difference," Rory said. Lane, picking up her and Rory's belongings, lightly laid a hand on Rory's arm. The soda was starting to dry, and Lane knew before long it would be sticky and uncomfortable.
"Let's go, Rory," she said softly, leading her friend away, the silent diner watching their every step. At the door, Lane turned back to face them all. "Are you all proud now? There would have been a time when any one of you would have come to Rory's defence, but Luke was the only one who had the decency to do it because he knows the truth, and so do I. Shun us all you want, but you're the ones who will pay for it in the end," was her parting shot before leading Rory out the door and down the steps.
A livid Luke turned back to Theresa and Lindsay, the latter looking like she would rather be anywhere but here. "Get the hell out of my diner, Theresa. For the foreseeable future, you're banned from Luke's!" he declared before returning behind the counter and grabbing some towels. When he looked up, Theresa was still standing there while Lindsay had made her way to the door. "The door is that way!" he snapped as he pointed. He followed Theresa as Caesar came out with a mop and bucket to clean up the mess. Luke turned back at the sound and Caesar gestured for him to go.
"I've got this Luke, go after Rory," he told his boss. Luke nodded and exited the diner before looking around for Rory and Lane. He saw them walking down the street, Rory with her head down and arms crossed. He raced after them, calling their names. As he caught up to them and they turned, his heart clenched at the sight of Rory's teary eyes. Frankly, he was surprised she'd held on as long as she did, he didn't think he would have been able to with that sort of humiliation.
"Rory, where's your car?" he asked. Rory sniffled.
"It's at Lane's. We walked because it was nice out," she said, visibly forcing herself not to cry.
"Let me get my truck, I'll drive you guys back," Luke said. The girls nodded and followed Luke back to his old green pick-up. He arranged the towels he'd brought in the middle seat before gesturing for Rory and Lane to climb in before getting in himself and starting the truck. They drove back to Lane's in silence, neither of them in the mood to talk after what had just happened.
When they arrived at Lane's, Luke helped Rory arrange the other clean towels he'd brought. The three of them stood outside in a small circle.
"Well, this isn't how I envisioned my farewell visit to Stars Hollow," Rory said. Luke and Lane shook their heads.
"Me neither. Do you want me to come back to Hartford with you?" Luke asked. Rory shook her head.
"No, that's okay. Thanks, Luke. I'd hug you both, but I'm covered in soda," she said. Luke shook his head and pulled the girl he'd always considered a daughter into his arms.
"I'm so sorry, Rory, I had no idea what she was going to do," he said. Rory blinked back tears, she had to be calm for the drive back to Hartford.
"I didn't either Luke, none of us did. I never thought she'd take it that far," she said, releasing Luke and hugging Lane.
"You call when you're back in Hartford okay? Say bye to Logan for us, and we'll see you guys at the end of the summer," Lane said, squeezing her best friend. Rory nodded against her shoulder. After another hug from Luke and Lane, Rory got into her car and backed down the driveway.
They waved as she drove away and watched her car go around the corner and disappear from view.
"I guess I'd better get back to the diner," Luke said. Lane nodded silently and waved at Luke as he too got in his vehicle and drove away. She stood outside for a few minutes before heading inside. Zach looked up as she came in.
"Where's Rory? I thought – Lane, what happened?" he asked, seeing the look on his wife's face. Lane sighed.
"Let me change and I'll tell you," she said as she headed into their bedroom.
Rory swallowed hard as she pulled into her grandparents' driveway. Logan was back from his parents' place, and she hoped his day had gone better than hers. She bit her lip as she looked down at herself. Should she go through the gate and to the pool house to change and shower? No, her grandparents and fiancé had probably heard her drive in, and if she didn't enter through the main house, they would wonder where she was, if something had happened to her.
With that thought, Rory got out of her car and headed towards the front door. She knocked once and didn't have to wait long before the maid opened the door, who couldn't stop a gasp of surprise at Rory's appearance.
"Danielle, who's at the door?" Emily called from the sitting room. Danielle looked at Rory, who took a deep breath before answering.
"It's me, Grandma," she said in a shaky off-kilter voice as she came around the corner and stood in the doorway of the sitting room. There were three simultaneous inhales as her fiancé and grandparents saw her. Logan moved first, leaping to his feet and rushing to his fiancée's side with Emily closely following and Richard right behind her.
"Rory, sweetheart, what happened?! Who did this to you?!" Emily exclaimed. Her granddaughter's beautiful white dress was stained all over and Emily knew it would have to go to the dry cleaners to get them out.
Rory opened her mouth to respond and then closed it again. The full recognition of that afternoon's events hit her at that second, causing her stomach to roll violently. Slapping a hand over her mouth, Rory turned on her heel and ran to the bathroom. Logan, Emily and Richard stared at each other in shock. A moment later, they heard her loudly vomiting into the toilet, shaking them out of their stupor. Emily sprang into action.
"Logan, go get Rory some clean clothes and her shower supplies. Richard, go to the kitchen and get some water. Danielle, please go upstairs and prepare the bathroom for a shower," Emily instructed. The other three scattered to fulfill their tasks as Emily took off in the direction of the bathroom. When she ran in, her heart broke at the sight of her grandchild. Rory was sobbing violently, gasping for air as she retched into the toilet, her hands on either side of the porcelain bowl.
Emily stepped further into the bathroom and knelt next to Rory. Ignoring how sticky her granddaughter was, she gathered Rory's hair back with one hand and rubbed her back with the other.
"Shh, shh Rory. I'm right here. Come on darling, can you take some deep breaths? Come on now," Emily coached her gently. Rory took another shuddering gasp as her stomach expelled the last of its contents. Emily continued to rub her back as she breathed with Rory, bringing her granddaughter's heart rate back down to normal. Rory sat back and looked at her grandmother brokenly through bloodshot eyes. She felt disgusting with her nose running and vomit all over her mouth. Emily reached for some tissues and gently wiped Rory's face. "What happened, Rory?" Emily asked. Rory's lips trembled and she wrapped her arms around her stomach.
"Grandma, I'm so embarrassed. I made a huge mistake three years ago and – and while Lane and I were at lunch today the person I hurt and her mother came into the diner and the mom dumped a pitcher of soda on me," Rory said in a shaking voice. Emily was too shocked to speak. She looked around at footsteps approaching and a moment later Richard appeared holding a glass of water, which he handed to his wife.
Emily held out the glass of water to Rory, who took it with shaking hands and carefully sipped the cool liquid.
"Good girl. Logan went and got some clean clothes for you, why don't we head upstairs and get you cleaned up and then you can tell us what happened?" Emily said. Rory gave a nod and reached out to flush the toilet before getting to her feet. Still holding the glass of water, she allowed her grandmother to lead her out of the bathroom and up the stairs. "If you throw your clothes outside the door, Rory, I'll have Danielle take them to the dry cleaners," Emily said. Rory nodded as she stepped into the bathroom.
"There are some towels in my car on the driver's seat. Luke lent them to me so the upholstery didn't get ruined," she said softly.
"All right, we'll get those too," Emily said before she closed the door behind her. She waited until Rory had undressed and placed her clothes outside the bathroom door, and then headed back downstairs. Once down on the main floor, Emily called for Danielle and asked her to take the garments and linens to the cleaners before joining her husband and Logan in the sitting room, where they all sat in silence.
They'd been having such a lovely conversation, discussing what they would do when Emily and Richard came to visit Logan and Rory in California and the wedding planners they would begin looking into at the end of the summer before Rory had arrived home. All of that, as well as Logan's meeting with his family, had been driven out of their minds at the sight of Rory.
Fifteen minutes later, Rory appeared, dressed in the loose pants and sweater Logan had brought in from the pool house. She sat down on the couch and snuggled into Logan as he put an arm around her and squeezed her tight.
"Rory, honey, who did that to you?" Richard asked. Rory took a deep breath before launching into her story. She didn't just tell them about the events of what had happened that afternoon, but about her affair with Dean and how it came about, the first confrontation with Theresa Lister and her regret and disgust with herself she'd been carrying since.
"I was going to tell Lindsay about what happened, I swear. I was about to tell her when her mom dumped the pitcher on me, and I wanted to leave right then but I knew if I walked away without saying anything I would regret it. I was going to tell Lindsay, but I couldn't do it with her mom there after what she did, I couldn't! I just wanted to get out of there," Rory sobbed as she finished her story, burying her face in Logan's chest and drenching his shirt. He rubbed her back as he looked across the coffee table at the elder Gilmores, whose faces were identical masks of anger. When Richard spoke, however, his voice was steady.
"Rory? Can you look at us?" he said gently. Rory sniffled and looked up, meeting the eyes of her grandparents. "While we're disappointed by your actions, it's clear that you regret the affair and that you only share part of the blame. Am I correct?" Richard asked. Rory nodded.
"If there was a way I could take it back, I would. I never should have believed Dean when he told me it was over, and I should have asked him to leave. I don't know what I was thinking," she said.
"Rory, don't keep beating yourself up about this. There may be another chance for you to tell Lindsay what you just told us, and I know that you'll take it because you would have today had you had the chance. In the meantime, we need to deal with Theresa Lister. Richard?" Emily said. Her husband nodded as he began to stand up.
"I'll go phone the lawyers," he said. Rory looked from her grandparents to Logan and back again.
"Phone the lawyers for what?" she asked.
"To press charges for assault and damage of property," Emily responded. Rory sat bolt upright as she violently shook her head.
"No, no, please don't, Grandpa. Please don't call the lawyers! Please," she begged. Richard sat back down and looked at his only granddaughter.
"Rory, sweetheart, we need to. What that woman did was assault, and we can't let her get away with it. Calling you names and telling you to go to hell in the street is one thing, but dumping a drinks pitcher over you is going too far," he said gently.
"He's right, Rory," Logan, who had been quiet this whole time, spoke. Emily nodded. Rory looked at her grandparents and her fiancé before nodding and curling back into Logan's arms.
"Okay," she said quietly. Her grandfather nodded and stood up.
"Emily, will you join me in the study please?" he asked. Emily nodded and followed her husband out of the room. Logan looked down at his fiancée, who was lying against his chest.
"Ace-"he started to say but was stopped by Rory shaking her head.
"Don't. Don't say anything, please. Just hold me," she whispered. Logan nodded and adjusted his grip on her. The two of them sat there silently, Logan holding Rory as her breathing evened out and she fell asleep in his arms.
Richard closed the door behind them and looked at Emily.
"Before we phone the lawyers, I think it would be prudent to go to Stars Hollow and speak to Luke," he said. Emily nodded.
"I agree, but we do that after the kids leave. Our focus right now is Rory and her emotional and mental state. Oh, Richard, that poor girl," Emily said, her eyes filling with tears for the first time since Rory had come home. In a week, Rory had, in some way or other, lost the people she cared about because she'd decided with her heart instead of following her head. Richard took his wife into his arms and hugged her.
"I know, but we'll help her through it," he said. Emily nodded and the two of them stood there silently as the gravity of the situation sunk in. They may have had their rough patches with Rory, but she was their only granddaughter. She was their only granddaughter and someone had hurt her. Richard and Emily Gilmore hadn't been there for the first fifteen years of Rory's life; therefore, they hadn't been present for all the other times Rory may have been hurt, but they were here now. They could protect her now, no one hurt their grandchild and got away with it. Richard released Emily and walked towards his desk to pick up the phone and dial their lawyer's number. After confirming an appointment for Wednesday, Richard hung up and he and Emily rejoined Rory and Logan in the sitting room.
The following day, the Gilmores and Logan enjoyed a pleasant day. While Emily took Rory to the spa for a massage and some pampering, Richard and Logan hit the squash courts before joining the two women for lunch at the club.
That evening, they got dressed up and Emily and Richard treated the young couple to an extravagant dinner at a Greek restaurant Rory loved before they headed back to the Gilmore residence. They spent some time in the sitting room with glasses of scotch, just enjoying each other's company before they all retired for the evening.
Rory moaned as the alarm went off at 5 am. Beside her, Logan grunted as he opened his eyes.
"It's moving day," he groaned. Rory yawned and nodded.
"Yup. Why didn't we fly to California instead of drive?" she asked. Logan tossed back the blankets and swung his legs out of bed.
"Because we both have cars, and your grandparents are helping with the move," he answered. A few days ago, they had decided to drive Rory's car to Palo Alto, while Logan's would be taken in a moving truck big enough to hold a vehicle. Their things had been packed into a moving van Emily and Richard had hired, and the movers would be leaving this morning with them.
Rory groaned and got out of bed too. "I guess we better get moving," she said sleepily. The couple dressed and gathered the last of their possessions from the pool house before walking into the main house, where Emily and Richard were waiting with hot coffee and pastries. They enjoyed one last breakfast together before Rory and Logan brushed their teeth, after which they loaded the last of the bags into Rory's car. Emily and Richard were standing outside in their bathrobes and slippers as Rory closed the hatch and she and Logan came over to her grandparents.
"Thank you both for everything this past week. I don't know how we would have gotten through it if we didn't have your support," Rory said softly. Emily patted her cheek.
"Of course, dear. Now listen, both of you. You stay in touch, not just emails, phone calls too," she said. Logan and Rory both nodded.
"We will, Emily," Logan said, squeezing his fiancée's hand. He'd known this moment would be hard for Rory, and her blue eyes filled with tears as she squeezed back.
"We promise, Grandma," she said, swallowing hard. Emily lifted her hands and wiped Rory's tears away, looking into her granddaughter's face.
"It's an honour to be your grandmother, Rory Gilmore," she said earnestly. Rory smiled through her tears as she dropped Logan's hand and hugged her grandmother.
"Thank you, Grandma. Thank you for everything," she said as she held onto Emily. Logan smiled as he watched before turning his attention to Richard. The older man was emotional too, and surprised Logan by pulling him into a hug.
"You two take care of each other in California," Richard said. Logan nodded as he swallowed.
"We will, sir," he managed to get out before Richard released him. Emily and Rory had broken out of their embrace, with Emily whispering in Rory's ear she could call anytime she wanted. Rory moved to hug her grandfather as Logan embraced Emily.
"We'll miss you, but we'll be here whenever you need us," Emily said as the two couples broke apart. Rory and Logan nodded and after another exchange of goodbyes, they headed to Rory's car, with Logan climbing in the driver's seat as Rory got into the passenger side. Logan started the car and Rory rolled down her window to call a final goodbye to her grandparents.
"Bye Grandma, Grandpa, we love you!" she called.
"We love you too, Rory!" Emily and Richard said together. Waving, Rory and Logan left the Gilmore residence, Rory waving out the window until the car was out of sight. Richard and Emily watched it disappear from view and went back into the house.
Rory rolled up her window and looked over at Logan. He took his eyes off the road for a second and looked over at her before placing one of his hands palm up on the console. Rory slid her hand into his and laced their fingers together.
"This is it, we're on our way!" Rory said. Logan grinned and squeezed her hand.
"Yes, we are. California, here we come!" he said.
Forty-four hours later, they arrived at their new home. They'd stopped at a hotel overnight after driving for most of the previous day and getting up early this morning. Rory looked up at the house as she got out of the car and came around to stand next to Logan.
"Welcome home, Ace," he said as he led her to the front door. They'd taken care of the paperwork while still in Connecticut, and their landlords were waiting with the keys.
Chapter 14! Logan and Rory are now in Palo Alto, what new adventures wait for them?
Reviews:
SAGMom (Chapter 1): Their living together still made sense for this story. Logan did ask permission but I didn't include it in this chapter because I didn't want to give too much away.
SAGMom (Chapter 2): Thank you so much :) I've gotten a lot of compliments on the way I've written Emily here. One review in particular that sticks out in my mind is this "Emily being warm and fuzzy is touching. She stepped out of that society matron role to be a genuinely concerned grandmother with compassion and tenderness." Rory and Logan are much more like Richard and Emily :) I loved writing the talk between Logan and Richard, I honestly believe had the two of them had a conversation as well as Rory and Logan talking, things would have been different.
SAGMom (Chapter 3): :) Rory and Logan were great at having mature conversations, it's a shame the writers forgot that. I always thought Lorelai's disdain for high society and the people's treatment of others was interesting, yet she didn't have a problem using the resources herself. Case in point: when she tallied up how many pairs of shoes she could buy with the cheque Richard gave her. I'm glad you appreciate Rory's acknowledgment and appreciation for her friendships :)
SAGMom (Chapter 4): Yes, the library is the perfect place for a proposal for a book lover like Rory! Thank you so much :) this was one of my favourite scenes to write!
SAGMom (Chapter 5): I guess we will have to wait and see about Mitchum. I agree, his OC allows for both, but at this point, I don't know what direction his character is going in.
SAGMom (Chapter 6): Yeah, she did! I wanted to include those two elements and have Rory and Logan enjoy the carriage ride together as an engaged couple. It's better with Logan in the carriage with Rory.
YaleAceBella12 (Chapter 13): More is coming!
Debbycooke (Chapter 13): I'm glad you are enjoying the story and my version of Emily Gilmore. Thank you so much :)
Kellybras (Chapter 13): Thank you!
December Jeffries2 (Chapter 13): Thank you so much, your reviews always make my day and encourage me to keep going! True love always prevails in the face of everything, it's what makes us strong enough to overcome obstacles together, as you said. I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)
Thank you, everyone, I hope you enjoyed Chapter 14, and I will be back soon.
Until then, xoxo