DISCLAIMER:
I own NOTHING!
I love reviews if you would like to leave me one. :-)
I started writing this story about a month ago, and just randomly decided to publish it, so I've been re-reading and editing everything, publishing each chapter as I go. However, this is the last chapter that I had pre-written, so there may be a lack of updates for a while. I'll be writing whenever I can, and get new chapters up as soon as I have them ready, but this next week may be pretty slow for updates as I have a lot of stuff on my calendar.
Thank you to everyone who has been reading and leaving me reviews this weekend. I love reading what you have to say, and for those who have pointed out things that I have overlooked, thank you, I've made adjustments. Both me and my editor seem to have missed a few things, but thank you for pointing them out.
I hope you all are enjoying this story, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Drop me some reviews! :-)
Saturday October 8, 2016
5:00pm
Stars Hollow, Connecticut
Luke and Lorelai escorted Rory, Logan, Honor, Josh and Christopher as they all walked through the streets of Stars Hollow, on their way to the town square for the party that was waiting for them.
"Oh holy crap! Mom! You did all of this?!" Rory asked as the square came into view.
"I might have had some help." Lorelai admitted
"We all helped." Honor spoke up. "We wanted your birthday to be special."
"It looks beautiful! Thank you so much!" Rory said as they walked the final block to the square.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone in attendance screamed as the family crossed the street, stepping into the town square.
"Wow! This is incredible!" Logan told them.
"And just think, this is your FIRST Lorelai Gilmore party." Rory excitedly told him.
"Hey Rory! Happy birthday!" Sookie said hurrying over to the group.
"Thank you Sookie! And thank you for all of this! I know you had a big hand in all the planning and set up."
"Hey, you know me, it was my pleasure. I enjoyed doing all of it. Plus, you know that I would do anything for you. You're family."
"Thank you Sookie! You are so amazing! Actually, can I tell you a secret? But you can't tell anyone right now except Jackson."
"Of course! My lips are sealed!"
"Logan and I got married last night." Rory whispered in her ear.
"No way!? Congratulations Honey!" Sookie squealed loudly. "I am so excited for you! So your mom knows?"
"Of course! We told her and Luke first. Then Grandma and Grandpa, Honor, Josh and my Dad. And Logan's parents we just called. But that's it."
"Wow! That is so amazing Sweetie! You will have to give me all the details later on."
"We definitely will. Mom has a picture on the mantle."
"Well I can't wait for you to tell me all about it! I know you have a ton on your plate lately, your mom told me about your new job. But do you maybe have time for breakfast sometime soon?"
"Um, I think we can do that. Hey Mom!" Rory yelled across the way to her mother.
"Yeah, what's up?" Lorelai asked, stepping up to Rory and Sookie. "What's going on?"
"Do you think that maybe Logan and I can stay at the Dragonfly tonight? We were going to go back to Hartford tonight, but we need to go to the city tomorrow anyway. And Sookie wants to do breakfast soon, so we can catch her up on everything, so I was thinking maybe we could stay if you have any rooms?"
"Uh yeah, you can have the bungalow suite. Your dad has a room upstairs and I might have given Honor and Josh your bedroom at the house. But you can stay in the bungalow, or if you want, you can take the apartment over the diner?"
"The bungalow sounds perfect! Thank you Mom!"
"No problem. So breakfast at the Dragonfly tomorrow?"
"Yes! For sure! I told Sookie . . ."
"You did?"
"Of course! She's family."
"Don't worry Lorelai, my lips are sealed." Sookie told her.
"Please, it's not you that I am worried about at all." Lorelai laughed. "I'm actually really glad that she told you because now I don't have to worry about slipping up."
"We'll bring the pictures and video with us to the Dragonfly." Rory told her.
"I can't wait!" Sookie said excitedly. "Now go enjoy your party. There will be plenty of time for us to chat later."
"Definitely! Thank you again Sookie! You too Mom! You two are such an amazing team. In a way I've always felt like I have two mothers with the two of you. I love you both so much!"
"And now I'm crying!" Sookie laughed as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Thank you Honey! Come here, I need a hug."
"I love you Sookie! Thank you so much for everything over the years. Having you in my life has meant so much to me!"
"You are so welcome Sweetie! Now go! You are turning me into a blubbering mess!"
"Ok." Rory agreed letting go of Sookie, and squeezing Lorelai's hand, then walking away to find her new husband in the the crowd of people.
"So Lorelai, how does it feel?" Sookie asked after Rory was gone.
"Surreal. I can't believe it. But I really do actually like him now. He's been amazing to Rory."
"I'm so glad that you don't hate him anymore."
"He actually grew up! He's a doctor now. It's what every mother wants for their little girl."
"She seems so happy. Happier than I've seen her in years!"
"She really does, doesn't she?!" Lorelai agreed.
"Hey, there you are!" Rory said finding Logan in the middle of a large group of people in the middle of the party. "What's going on?"
"I think I'm trapped." he whispered in her ear.
"Rory, Darling! You've got yourself such a handsome young man here!" Miss Patty said loudly.
"Thank you Miss Patty! I definitely agree!"
"Any wedding dates picked out yet?"
"Uh, not yet. But we'll let you know."
"Well you know we all expect an invite!"
"Don't worry, we promise you will get one!" Rory said as Logan snaked his arm around her waist.
"Rory, We hear that Logan here is a doctor?" Gypsy asked.
"Yes he is."
"You must be so proud!"
"Thank you, I am!"
"How did you two meet?"
"We went to Yale together. I brought him home once before, remember the hay bale maze?"
"Oh come on, who could possibly forget the hay bale maze?" Miss Patty laughed. "Half the town was having allergy attacks for weeks!"
"See, that's why you should let my mom plan all the town events, instead of Taylor!" Rory told them.
"I agree! That is a great idea!"
"You should go try to convince her." Rory said, shooting an evil smile her mother's way.
"Yes we should! Come on Gypsy. Let's go find Lorelai. Happy birthday Honey!"
"Thanks Miss Patty!"
"Happy birthday Rory!" Gypsy added.
"Thank you Gypsy!"
"You really think that's a good idea?" Logan asked after they were gone.
"Hey, I saved you, didn't I?!" Rory asked.
"You did. And I am very grateful!" Logan said giving her a gentle kiss. "Should we go find some food? I'm sure you are probably starving by now. We haven't eaten since this morning."
"Yes! Most definitely! I hope Luke is grilling. I need a cheeseburger!"
"Um, Rory . . ." Logan said pointing to a table across the way from them.
"Oh my gosh! Is that?!"
"It looks like a wedding cake." Logan said seeing the gigantic cake displayed in all of it's magnificent glory.
"Sookie has definitely out done herself!" Rory said as they got closer to get a good look.
"Wow!" Logan said taking a good look at the huge 8 layer cake in front of them, covered in a gorgeous design of colorful icing and flowers. "This is the most incredible cake that I've ever seen!"
"Every layer is a different flavor." Jackson said stepping up next to them. "Sookie wanted to do something really special for you. Happy birthday Rory! And congratulations to both of you!"
"Thanks Jackson!" Rory smiled. "Sookie is so talented!"
"Yes she is! Every cake is masterpiece."
"How long have Mom and Sookie been planning this?"
"Just since Thursday afternoon."
"They did all of this in just two days?!" Logan asked.
"Oh, this is nothing! You should see what they can do if you give them a full week!" Jackson told him. "I hope you guys are hungry. Luke is grilling and there is all kind of food. Sookie has been making all of Rory's favorites."
"Ok, now THAT I am excited for!" Logan told them.
"Well go get yourselves some food! Let me know what you think later on, ok?"
"We will. Thank you Jackson!"
"Happy birthday Rory!" Jackson said, then turned and walked away.
"Rory Gilmore, you have so much explaining to do!" a voice said behind Rory as she and Logan filled their plates with food a couple of minutes later.
"Oh my gosh! Lane! I am so glad you are here!" Rory gushed seeing her best friend. "I have so much to tell you!"
"I just saw you the other day, and then a couple of days later I get a text message saying that you are engaged, and then I hear about this fancy new job that you suddenly got . . ."
"And that's only about half of it!" Rory laughed.
"Oh gosh, there's more?!" Lane asked.
"What can I say, my life is never dull!"
"How are you doing Lane? It's been a really long time." Logan said with a smile.
"I'm doing great! It has been a long time. You look incredible! Rory was telling me that you're a doctor now."
"I am. For a few years now."
"Wow! That is so cool!"
"Lane, come sit with us. I have so much to tell you!"
"Yes, most definitely!" Lane said following her friends to a table in the corner of the square. "Rory, I'm dieing to see your ring!"
"There is actually more than one. Logan gave me the ring he bought me back at Yale, and then gave me his grandmother's ring too." Rory said holding out both of her hands toward her friend.
"Oh my gosh! These are gorgeous!" Lane gushed. "Wow! I just love all the sparkles! . . . Hold on a second . . . Rory, there is an extra . . . And Logan has . . ." Lane started noticing the extra ring on Rory's left hand, then noticing the ring on Logan's finger. "Are you already . . ."
"That is what I needed to tell you." Rory said softly. "But it's still a secret."
"Holy cow!"
"I know!"
"But when?!" Lane asked.
"Last night."
"Last night!?" Lane asked in a completely shocked voice.
"It's kind of a long story. But it happened on a beach in Saint Croix."
"Wow! That sounds so romantic!"
"It was. It was just after midnight, and the weather was so nice, everything was beautiful, and completely perfect! It was amazing!"
"Congratulations! Are there pictures?"
"They're at my mom's. I have a couple on my phone, but there are too many people here. You should come over later though. There is a video too."
"Oh, I am so there! I can't believe it . . . And on your birthday too! That is so amazing!"
"It's everything I've ever dreamed of and more!" Rory told her.
"I am so happy for you Rory!" Lane said pulling her best friend into a tight embrace.
"Thanks Lane!"
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"I know. You are the very last person that I am worried about. You can tell Zack of course. I would never ask you to keep anything from him."
"And I would never ask you to keep anything from Logan either."
"Well thank you, I appreciate that." Logan told her.
"I am just so happy for you guys! Rory is my very best friend, and I hate to say it, but it's been years since I have seen her this happy."
"I've been hearing that a lot lately." Logan laughed.
"You two are just so perfect together."
"Well thank you!" Rory told her.
"So tell me about this new job. Your mom said something about you taking over Logan's family's company?"
"I did. That is kind of a long story too. Logan's dad had a heart attack the other day."
"Oh no! Is he ok?"
"Yeah, it'll just be a long recovery. Logan is forcing him to actually take care of himself, so he won't be able to work for several months. Logan bailed on the family years ago and has no interest in ever going back to that company, and getting sucked back in."
"Plus, he's a big shot doctor now!" Lane added.
"And Honor didn't want to step up to run the place. She has no experience in the area. So Logan asked if I would step in. I have a ton of experience, and he seems to think that I can do it. We've had to deal with a huge media mess lately because of it though."
"I saw that. You were on tv, being followed for like 2 days."
"It's completely insane, right?! And I'm sure that as soon as word gets out about . . ."
"Omg, you know that they'll come right back with a vengeance."
"Right?! That's why we're keeping it quiet for right now. Plus, Mom and grandma are going to be planning a big society type wedding after Mitchum is doing better. Logan and I just didn't want to wait that long, you know?"
"Well yeah! It's been how many years now?!" Lane asked.
"Right!? See, you get it!"
"I do. I totally get it! Logan originally asked you to marry him, what, like ten years ago?"
"Nine." Logan interjected.
"Exactly! It's been way too long. I wouldn't be able to wait any longer either. Part of me is sad that I wasn't there, but I am so happy for you! You guys deserve this!"
"Well, you'll be there next time. Maid of honor, right? Please say yes!"
"Well, yeah, of course!" Lane agreed. "You were mine, so it's only fair!"
"Well I won't be surprised if Grandma and Logan's mom try to turn it into some big media showcase."
"Turn what into a media showcase?" Honor asked, sitting down at the table next to lane.
"The wedding." Logan told her.
"Oh yes, the wedding of the golden boy will most definitely be a media showcase!"
"Lane, have you met Logan's sister Honor?"
"No, I have not. Hi Honor, it is so nice to finally meet you!" Lane said reaching her hand out toward Honor. "I'm Rory's best friend Lane."
"It's nice to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you."
"I told Lane about last night." Rory said looking toward Honor.
"Oh, excellent! We are all watching that video tonight, right?"
"Oh, it's mandatory! I already told Lane that she has to come over."
"I am so excited! I can't wait to see it! I can't believe that you didn't tell me about it sooner though. I'm normally the one person you call with all of that stuff." Honor said elbowing her brother.
"If it makes you feel better, I didn't call anybody. I texted Dad's pilot asking where the closest tropical island was that we could get to in only a few hours. He's literally the only person who had any knowledge of anything. But even he didn't know the plan. He just flew us there and back."
"Oh, that is so romantic!" Lane swooned.
"Logan has always been so sweet like that. But he usually lets me help, so I at least know what is going on, and he has someone to cover for him, and post bail when he needs it."
"And this is why I've always wished that I had a sister!" Lane told them.
"Eh, they're pretty over rated!" Logan laughed.
"Hey, you take that back! I've been nothing but good to you all of these years! You wouldn't have made it through middle school without me!" Honor defended herself to her little brother.
"No, I wouldn't have made it past age 2 without you."
"And you had better remember that! You need me!"
"See! I never had that growing up! It's unfair that I missed out!" Lane told them.
"Yeah, but you and I had each other, Lane. And we did pretty good together."
"That's true! You've always been there when I needed you."
"And you've done the exact same for me! It's always been you and I Lane. Now it's just you, me, and the 4 boys."
"And how completely weird is that?!" Lane laughed. "I can't wait for you guys to have kids someday!"
"Me either!" Honor agreed.
"Hey there Shuga! I've been looking all over for you!" another voice said joining the group at the table.
"Hey Babbette! Thanks for coming!"
"Oh you are welcome honey! Happy birthday!"
"Thank you Babbette! Where's Morey at?"
"He's around here somewhere." Babbette said taking a seat at the table next to Honor.
"Babbette, you remember Logan right? This is his sister Honor." Rory said introducing them.
"We met last night." Honor told her. "Thank you so much for all of your help with the decorations today!"
"It's no problem! I've lived next door to the girls forever. Rory is practically a daughter to me. I'd do anything for her!"
"Babbette, you are so sweet! Thank you!" Rory told her.
"Rory, your Momma says that you are getting married?"
"Apparently that's the rumor."
"So it's not true then? You're not getting married? But I thought this was a birthday and an engagement party?"
"No, Babbette, it's true. There is just a lot going on. We just don't have any big plans made yet. Logan and Honor's dad is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack, and I'm just starting a new job. It's going to be a while before we start making any plans."
"You can always do what I did, and run off and elope on an island somewhere."
"You know, that does sound tempting!" Logan chuckled as Rory elbowed him.
"Where did you elope to?" Honor asked.
"We went to Tahiti! Oh, it was just gorgeous there! Beautiful beaches, with white sand as far as the eyes can see!"
"It sounds lovely!"
"We'll have to go there someday." Rory told her. "We have a business trip coming up, but maybe in the next few years we'll be able to go."
"Where are you headed to on business?" Honor asked.
"We need to go check on the London office, get a little bit of face time in. Then stop into the Copenhagen office too. Then we were thinking of stopping off in a couple of other cities. Extending the trip into a mini vacation." Logan told her.
"And when are you leaving?"
"In the next few days. We need to go see Dad tomorrow, and do a few other things in the city. Then we have dinner with the Gilmores tomorrow night."
"Bring me back some chocolate from that factory I like?"
"Don't I always?" Logan asked.
"When will you be back?" Babbette asked.
"I'm not sure. I guess it kind of depends on work stuff. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully it'll only be a week or so." Rory told her.
"Well you have a safe trip Honey!" Babbette said as she got up from the table. "I'll catch up with you later. I need to keep myself moving. Too much sitting is never good at my age."
"We'll see you later Babbette."
"So this is a working honeymoon?" Honor asked.
"Something like that." Logan laughed.
"Damn she knows you well!" Lane told them. "Rory, do you see how well Honor reads her brother? She knows everything that he's up to!"
"I know, it's awesome! I'm still learning how to do that."
"I hope you guys have the best time! Where all are you planning to go?"
"I want to hit Paris, Rome and Italy."
"I absolutely LOVE Paris, Rome and Italy!" Honor told them. "If it was just a work thing, I would ask to tag along."
"Honor, you have the freedom to travel wherever you want to, whenever you want to." Logan told her.
"I know. But someone needs to keep an eye on Dad while you're gone. And there is never any telling what Mom will get up to with all the stress of everything going on lately. Someone needs to keep mom out of the psych ward. But I'm sure that you guys will have a great trip. Plus, I'm sure I'll get to go to some cool places soon enough. I'll be traveling with Rory when you are working, remember?"
"That is true. And our plans aren't set in stone yet. We just started talking about this today."
"You should go on your honeymoon. You are totally right about the other offices needing to be checked up on. And getting away right now is the perfect time. Do you need me to watch Rocky?"
"No, but thank you. He's with Collin and Stephanie. Finn picked him up when everything blew up the other day."
"Speaking of Finn . . ." Rory said pointing across the square.
"I'll go." Logan said getting up from his seat. "It's your birthday. You should enjoy the party."
"We just need to hire Finn a babysitter." Honor told them.
"I thought that's what Collin was for." Rory agreed.
"Yeah, me too." Logan said kissing Rory on the forehead, then heading toward where Finn was standing looking around the party.
"Hey Lane, where are your boys?" Rory asked.
"Um . . . Over by the food table with Zack, why?"
"Because I'm about to do us all a huge favor. I am hiring them to babysit Finn. Their college tuition is about to be paid!" Rory said getting up from the table and heading toward Zack and the twins.
"I'm confused." Lane said looking toward Honor.
"Logan's best friend Finn, he's pretty much a combination of a two year old and a blender without a lid when it comes to certain situations, including parties. The guy needs a babysitter most of the time, and your kids seem like they can't be easily manipulated. The way I see it, Rory offers them something they want, and then convinces them to babysit Finn and ignore everything he says with the promise, that whatever he offers them to do his own evil bidding, they'll get from her just for keeping him out of trouble. Finn has a ton of money, so Rory will probably use that against him and pay your boys out of Finn's pocket. We've all done it." Honor explained.
"Sounds interesting. Should I be worried?"
"Only if you think your boys can be easily manipulated."
"Naw, they've got my mother's evil eye on them. They'll be fine." Lane laughed. "You can't get by with much in this town, without my mother finding out about it, and everyone is terrified of her!"
"Hey Zack!" Rory said as she approached Zack and the twins. "Hey boys! I have a little proposition for you."
"Hey Rory! Happy birthday!" Zack said giving Rory a brief hug.
"Happy birthday Aunt Rory!" the twins said in unison.
"Thank you! Hey boys, how would you like to make some money?" Rory asked.
"Really?" Steve asked.
"What's the catch?" Quan questioned.
"No catch. I'll give you each $20 if you will do something for me. You see that guy over there with Uncle Logan? I need you to watch him for me, and keep him out of trouble. Don't let him do anything that you aren't allowed to do, ok? None of Miss Patty's punch, no leaving this area, no pranks. And most importantly, don't let him bribe you. Whatever he offers you to let him or you guys do something that you aren't allowed to do, even if it's money or an x-box. Whatever he offers you, as long as you tell him no, I'll make sure that you get paid anyway, ok?"
"Are you serious? So if he says that he'll buy us an x-box if we let him open all your presents, as long as we tell him no and don't let him do it, you'll buy us an x-box?"
"That's right! All you have to do is not let him do anything that you aren't allowed to do, and report everything back to me. Anything he offers you, you just tell me and Uncle Logan, and we'll make sure that you get it, ok? Can you two do that for me? Can you watch Finn?"
"You'll give us $20?" Steve asked.
"Let's go raid Uncle Logan's wallet." Rory told them, leading them toward Finn and Logan.
"Dear Sweet Rory, what do we have here? Are these children?" Finn asked as Rory approached Finn and Logan with the twins behind her.
"Babe, I need your wallet." Rory said holding her hand out toward Logan.
"Um, ok?" Logan asked.
"Finn, these are my nephews, Steve and Quan. They are your babysitters tonight. Their entire job is to keep you out of trouble, and to completely ignore everything that you say and offer them." Rory explained.
"Good deal!" Logan laughed. "How much do I owe you?"
"Aunt Rory said $20 each." Steve told him.
"I like it!" Logan said pulling his wallet out, and handing each kid a twenty dollar bill.
"Cool! Thanks Uncle Logan!" Quan said happily.
"Now remember you guys. You have to stay with Finn at all times. It is VERY important, ok?" Rory told them. "Do not let him out of your sight! Even to go to the bathroom. And whatever he offers you, what do you say?"
"We tell him no, and you'll pay us later." Steve told her.
"That's right! Now Finn, whatever you offer them, you are paying up. Logan just paid the boys, but anything else, whether it's an x-box or a million dollars, it will be coming out of your wallet, so use your riches wisely! Logan and I will be collecting for the twins later on. Do you understand?"
"You are having the children babysit me?" Finn asked. "You must be crazy!"
"Oh no, don't worry Finn. We've got this. You've got the best babysitters in town." Rory laughed. "Boys, don't let him turn you! Mrs. Kim is watching! Don't forget!"
"Come on Quan, we've got this!" Steve said stepping up next to Finn.
"Thanks boys! You're awesome!" Rory told them, then grabbed Logan's hand and pulled him away, back into the crowded party.
"You really think Finn can't sway them?" Logan asked.
"That's why I told them that Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim is watching. This is going to be so easy!" Rory told him.
"Lane realizes that their college tuition is now paid for, right?"
"I already told her."
"You're a genius, Ace!"
"I have my moments. But this one is mostly self serving."
"And how is that?" Logan asked.
"Because it frees you up to hang out with me instead of keeping Finn from destroying or buying the entire town."
"Well any time that I can hang out with you is a definite bonus for me!" Logan said kissing his wife.
"Hey birthday girl!" a voice said from behind Logan.
"Stephanie! I am so happy to see you guys! Hi Valerie!" Rory waving to Stephanie and Collin's little girl. "Thank you so much for coming!"
"You are so welcome! I love your little town. It's so cute!"
"It definitely has its moments." Rory agreed. "Where is Collin?"
"I sent him to babysit Finn."
"That is actually not necessary. I hired a babysitter of my own. Well, two actually."
"You did?"
"I bribed my twin almost 9 year old nephews. We paid them $20 each to ignore everything Finn says to them, and keep him out of trouble, with the promise that whatever Finn offers them, we'll make sure they get."
"And you're going to make sure Finn pays for every cent, right?"
"Of course! I'm not completely crazy, or stupid enough to pay them myself!"
"Nice! But question. Are you sure that they can't be swayed by Finn? I mean, he is a perpetual child!"
"Oh trust me, the boys have got this. I told them that their super uptight and uber strict grandmother is watching, and to make sure that Finn doesn't do anything that they aren't allowed to do."
"That's awesome!
"I'm pretty sure they'll be getting a new x-box by the end of the night."
"And their college tuition will be fully paid!"
"I said that too." Logan laughed. "Valerie, come see Uncle Logan!" Logan said holding his arms out for Collin and Stephanie's daughter."
"I told Lane the same thing. Someday it'll be Valerie taking all of Finn's money." Rory told her.
"Do you ever wonder if Finn does this stuff on purpose? Maybe as a ruise. A way to share with others without them realizing that he's doing it on purpose? Maybe helping in disguise?"
"I doubt it." Logan told her. He doesn't act like that while sober."
"But when is Finn ever sober?!" Stephanie asked with a laugh.
"Right?!" Rory agreed. "I'm pretty sure that I've NEVER seen him sober!"
"Finn doesn't even wake up sober in the morning. I'm pretty sure his blood type is Jamison and Brandy by now."
"Hey Valerie, let's go get you a cookie. Do you want a cookie?" Logan asked.
"Hey, can she at least eat something non sugar first?" Stephanie asked as Logan started to walk away with her daughter. "Crap! He's going to have her so hyped up on sugar tonight."
"That's the price you pay when you give the kids to the aunts and uncles!" Rory laughed. "I do it with Paris and Lane's kids all the time."
"Yeah, but they're older. You just said that your nephews are 8. My kid is just turned one a couple months ago."
"Paris' twins are only 2. I still give them sugar even when she begs me not to. It's our right as the fun non parents."
"Well just a warning then, payback will be coming! Just you wait, when you have kids, every single thing that you did that annoyed us when you decided to spoil our kids, we'll be doing right back!" Stephanie told her.
"I'll hold you to that. Come on, there is some amazing food here, you've gotta go try some of it!"
"I heard your mom planned this whole party in just two days."
"She did. It's pretty easy in a tiny town though. Just about everyone you see lives here. The only people who don't are those of us that you know."
"Wow! This is incredible! Did you see that cake over there?!"
"Sookie, the chef at my mom's inn made it. She is completely amazing!"
"You'll have to give me her info. I'll definitely use her for our next event."
"Sookie would love that!" Rory said as they followed Logan and Valerie toward the food tables.
"Oh my goodness! Who is this little angel!?" Lorelai asked, spotting Logan with little Valerie.
"This is Collin and Stephanie's little girl." Logan told her.
"Oh she is so precious! Can I hold her?!"
"Sure. I was just going to give her a cookie."
"Come her sweet baby girl! Hi my little angel! I'm Nana Lorelai! What is your name?"
"Her name is Valerie." Rory spoke up, stepping up next to Logan. "Mom, this is Stephanie. She's Collin's wife, and Valerie's mother. Stephanie, this is my mother, Lorelai."
"Hi Stephanie, it is so nice to meet you! Your daughter is just beautiful!"
"Thank you! You are too sweet! It is really great to finally meet you Lorelai! I have heard so much about you!"
"Can I just keep your little girl?! She is so precious!" Lorelai said snuggling little Valerie close. "I haven't gotten to snuggle any babies in forever!"
"Um, sure! Just let me know when you want me to take her back." Stephanie told her.
"My mom is amazing with kids! They all somehow love her." Rory explained.
"I can tell. Valerie never snuggles up to anyone like that. Only me!"
"Well I love her! I will watch her any time. You just bring this sweet angel to Nana Lorelai, and we will have a great time, won't we?!"
"That sounds like a plea for grandkids to me." Stephanie said laughing.
"She's been doing that a lot lately. She hangs out with Lane's kids, and spoils Paris' kids whenever she is in the city. And a couple of weeks ago, she was begging Logan to bring Rocky to her, just so she could play with him. I think my mother is starting to loose her mind."
"Starting to?" Logan asked.
"You two just need to hurry up and give her some babies to love on." Stephanie said nudging Logan in the side.
"Yeah, we'll get right on that. It's not like we don't have anything else going on right now." he said putting his arm around Rory's shoulders.
"Logan . . . What is that?" Stephanie asked pointing to Logan's left hand.
"Shhhhh!" Rory quickly said, making a zipping motion over her mouth.
"What?! Are you serious?!"
"Hold on . . ." Logan told her. "Collin! Come here!"
"What's up?!" Collin called back in Logan's direction.
"Come here! Geez!" Logan said, then led Collin, Stephanie and Rory across the street, and away from the party.
"Sorry, too many eyes, ears, and super big mouths." Rory told them.
"So there is a reason for the ring on your finger then?" Stephanie asked.
"Wait, what?!" Collin asked.
"Logan has a ring on his finger."
"As your attorney, BOTH of yours, WHY am I just finding out about this?!" Collin asked. "You don't go and do this kind of thing without telling me first. You both know that!"
"It just happened last night." Logan told them. "We weren't planning to hide it from you, we just hadn't gotten the chance to tell you."
"You got married last night?!" Stephanie asked.
"We flew to St. Croix. It was a spur of the moment thing."
"Who all knows?" Collin asked. "How much damage control am I going to need to do?"
"Only our families know." Rory told them. "A couple of my friends, but they're family. No one is going to say anything."
"And you think this isn't going to get out? Because let me tell you, with everything else going on right now, the media is going to be doing all kind of research on Rory, and this is bound to come out, probably within the next 48 hours."
"Well, the good news is that we got married on a Friday night, at midnight, on a beach in St. Croix, which means that the official marriage license won't even be entered into the court records until Monday." Logan told them.
"Which gives you until tomorrow to make sure that anyone who you don't want finding out about your marriage from the media, gets a phone call." Collin advised.
"Logan, I didn't even think about the media getting the records." Rory told him.
"Hey, it's fine, don't worry about it. Everyone who needs to know, already knows. We've told our families, and our closest friends, and now our attorney knows. For all I care, we can go announce it to the entire town, right now."
"You know who doesn't know though, that we do need to tell before anyone else finds out?"
"Who?" Logan asked.
"Paris and Doyle."
"Where are Paris and Doyle? I would think they should be here."
"I know, right?! We need to go ask mom."
"Well if you are planning to announce it tonight, will you please let me know first?" Collin asked.
"Of course! We're sorry we didn't tell you sooner. This is literally the first chance we got, and Stephanie noticed before we could say anything." Rory told them.
"What can I say, I am just pro at picking up on that sort of thing. Congratulations you guys! We really are happy for you!" Stephanie said reaching out to hug Rory.
"Thanks Stephanie!"
"I fully understand why you guys ran off and get married. I really do. And I truly am happy for you. I just really would like a heads up next time, before you two run off and do something that I am the one who will have to deal with the fall out on. Can you please remember to give me at least a one hour heads up next time?" Collin asked.
"Sure, but only one hour!" Logan agreed.
"Thank you! Congratulations you two. I'm glad that you are both finally happy."
"Thank you Collin!" Rory said giving him a hug. "Thank you for everything lately!"
"You're welcome. But please, I'm serious about this. I need at least a one hour window."
"We'll do our best." Rory told him.