OK, here is the rest of the Thanksgiving Weekend. Don't own anything. The next installment will be awhile; I have to make revisions to my dissertation chapters.
Friday Night
Rory is sitting on the rider's side while Logan is driving his Porsche back to Honor's; she is trying to think of a way to get Logan started talking and is not sure if the contemplative state is him dreading Saturday a bit prematurely or if it has to do with the conversation with Jess and potentially something being said that upset him. While the two of them have been improving their communication skills, Rory is still hesitant in case it involves Jess. So, she decides to try approaching the quiet from a very roundabout approach.
"Why didn't you take the car to California?" Rory asks.
"Excuse me?" Logan is obviously not expecting that question.
"Why didn't you take this car to California? I mean, it is a nice car, and you enjoy driving it, and you have one like it there. Why not just borrow a car from Honor when you are here and have this one in California?"
"Not sure where this is coming from, but I just didn't want to drive across the country alone in this car."
"So, if someone had been available to go with you, you would have taken it?" Rory's voice is accusatory, implying that she thinks he is somehow blaming her for being on the road and not being available to ride with him and that is why he had to buy a second car.
"I think you are reading too much into my statement. Colin or Finn would have also been acceptable companions." Logan doesn't want to start a fight. He is also curious why Rory's face was so upset when he mentioned her calling him butt-faced miscreant after the skit he and the boys had put on when the girl was there visiting. He thought it was a great story, and the revenge joke was brilliant. He was also jealous that Rory had a strong relationship with her Grandfather, allowing them to play the joke back. He wants to understand more of the Jess dynamic but is worried about Saturday and knows he needs Rory to be in his corner, so he is making a consciences choice to avoid Jess at this time. "So, are you really concerned about why I didn't take this car but just bought a new one?" he asks, deciding to stay on the hopefully safe topic.
She shrugs and looks over at him, "Just curious."
He glances her way and takes her hand, "Really curious about something else?"
"Maybe." She again says it in a small way, chewing on her lip.
"Out with it, Rory." He decides it is better to talk now and hopefully have the air clear by Saturday. He also realizes she might be worried about the Gilmore dinner tomorrow and doesn't know how to broach it. "Which dinner are you most worried about?"
"Oh, thank god!" she exclaims, "I was worried that you were worried about Saturday and didn't realize the absolute disaster that could be tomorrow now that Mom and Luke are coming to my grandparents. I was so happy when it was just us with Honor and Josh going, but adding Luke and my Mom is stressful. My grandparents are great with us, but they are always so snide and snarky but in a completely polite society way to poor Luke, and that just raises my Mom's hackles, and it is never all that comfortable. Logan, we need to write out our talking points. I thought we were only going to need to do that for Saturday, but now tomorrow too. When do we get just 'us' time? All of this work to just eat a couple of meals. I think you should plan to have pizza ordered in case, although Josh did get their housekeeper…
"Gabriela," Logan interjects.
"Yes, Gabriela, to leave soup. Good job on the name of the housekeeper, by the way, but will that really be enough if we end up not being able to eat? I am worried. Very worried. This really does have the potential to be much more stressful than originally planned. Think I can talk my grandparents out of having Mom and Luke come?" Rory looked at Logan with a look of desperation.
"Ace, if anyone can convince them to change the plan, it is you."
"But do you think I should? There will be a buffer there with Honor and Josh."
"Do you honestly think that will keep Emily from the denigrating comments?"
Her shoulders sagged, and a pout crossed her lips, "No. Oh, this is supposed to be a nice break and now it is just stressful. Is this what our lives are always going to be?"
Logan shrugged, "I don't know, Ace; I don't have a crystal ball, but if history is any indication."
Rory searched her purse and pulled out her cell phone, "Going in for the Sting."
"Rory, how lovely. Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving Grandpa. Did you have a good day?"
"We did, we did; what can I do for you?"
"Um, Grandpa, why didn't you come to Star's Hollow for dinner? We missed you. Even Mitchum and Elias were there."
"Your grandmother wasn't feeling well, and with you coming here tomorrow, we decided it was best if she rested and recovered."
"Grandma isn't feeling well?"
"She is much better now. Would you like to speak with her? She just walked by my office." Richard covers the mouthpiece and calls for Emily to join him in the office; she walks in wearing a bathrobe, "It is Rory." Emily nods, and Richard puts her on speakerphone.
With a scratchy voice, "Hello, Rory."
"Oh, Grandma, you don't sound well. Are you sure you are up for tomorrow?"
"Well, I stayed home today, and your grandfather took excellent care of me, so I think I will be more than well enough to host you and Logan tomorrow."
Rory looks at Logan, "And Honor, Josh, Mom, and Luke?" she asks.
Emily looks at Richard and shakes her head no; Richard speaks, "Ah, Rory, do you think you can ask Honor and Josh not to come? I am not sure that Emily is up to hosting them and with her unwell, we don't want to risk Honor getting sick with the baby and all."
Rory sighs, not the couple she was just trying to get uninvited, but she understands and agrees with the concern, "We can certainly let them know of the illness."
Logan speaks up, "Honor will appreciate you thinking of her and her health with being 8 months pregnant, Emily; that is very kind of you.
"Of course, Logan, we want her to stay healthy.
Again, thank you, Emily,
Emily sat next to Richard, "So, how was today? Everyone well fed?"
"Grandma, it was wonderful."
Logan adds, "Yes, Emily, we had a lovely time, and we have leftovers." Rory gives him a thumbs-up for the leftovers
Emily feels better, "Good, then Honor and Josh will not go hungry tomorrow."
"They will be well-fed," Logan confirms.
Rory cuts in, "Um, Grandma, Grandpa, what about Mom and Luke? I was thinking it might be nice for it to be just the four of us."
"Well, Rory, I think that is lovely," Richard responds and leans forward in his chair.
"I'll call Mom and let her know."
"Are you sure she won't be upset?" interjects Emily
"Grandma, she will not be upset, and I will call."
"Alright, if you insist."
"You rest, and we will see you tomorrow."
"seven o'clock."
"Looking forward to it."
"Wonderful!" and with that, the phone line goes dead.
"Logan, we only have one dinner left to dread."
"That is a relief."
"At least we took one off the list." She rubs his arm and knows he is not looking forward to the Huntzberger dinner.
"Logan, I'm sorry this dinner is making you."
He interrupts, "Ace, it isn't just the dinner."
"Well, what is it?" she asks
"Seriously?"
"Oh," Rory realizes, it is the impending separation, the elephant in the room that they both avoid.
"I know we will see each other again in less than a month."
"I am not looking forward to the separation either."
"Really?" Logan sounds relieved that she is also dreading the separation.
"Really. I um. Sometimes, I wonder if I am making a mistake being on the road." Her voice sounds so small, and Logan feels guilty that his heart is singing at the words.
"I really needed to hear that." He pulled over to the side of the road.
"Why are you stopping?" she turns in the seat to see he has tears rolling down his cheeks. "Logan, you are crying, oh, my god, you're crying. Why are you crying?" she wraps her arms around him and just pulls him in.
"Our lives are so busy, and we don't see each other, and when we talk, it is about the trail or work or your Mom's wedding, the impending arrival of Jason. I just, I needed to hear that you missed me and thought about if what we are doing is right for us."
"I think about it all the time."
"Thanks, Ace."
"So?"
"So?" Logan looks confused as he wipes away the tears.
"Are we doing the right thing?" Rory is concerned and feeling lots of conflict about what comes next.
"Of course we are." He answers
"How are you so certain?"
"Because you would regret leaving the road, and I would regret being the reason you left. Our relationship can't be based on regret. It is like a very wise Viola De Lesseps told me once: I can't ask you not to go."
Logan pulls up to the Gilmore house, gets out of the car walks around to open the car door.
"Thank you," she says, putting her hand in his as she steps out.
"Thank you for a great day."
"It was nice going for a walk around the campus."
"We seem to do that a lot."
"It's special," she says as she reaches out and pushes the doorbell.
The door opens, "Hello, hello, well, come on in, you two. Annabel, please take their coats; where is the maid when you need one? Here, you two, I'll take your coats; Richard, the kids are here." Emily calls out.
"Hello, Emily," Logan hands her a beautiful bouquet.
"Thank you, Logan, you are always so thoughtful."
"Rory," Richard hugs and kisses Rory on the cheek.
"Logan, my boy," and shakes Logan's hand. "Good to see you both."
"Well, come in, come in," Emily beckons, using her singsong voice
"Can I get you a drink? Logan, Macallan neat, still your drink; I have a nice 18-year-old bottle."
"Sounds perfect," Logan responds as he and Rory take a seat next to each other on the loveseat.
"Rory, are you drinking a martini or glass of wine?"
"I'll have a glass of white wine, please, Grandpa. Thank you."
"Here you go." Richard hands each of them their glasses and returns to the drink cart to retrieve the glass of wine for Emily and his glass of scotch, which he places on the table. Richard and Emily are sitting in separate chairs, flanking the table. Glasses are raised, and Richard opens the evening with a "Happy Thanksgiving," all glasses rise and come together before each person takes a sip and returns their respective glass to the table.
After some benign chit-chat, Richard looks at his watch, and the doorbell rings, "Ah, our other guests have arrived."
Rory turns to her Grandmother, "Other guests? I thought I told Mom and Luke not to come because you weren't feeling well."
Emily reaches out and touches Rory's leg, "Don't worry dear, it isn't your Mom and Luke."
Christopher's voice is heard as he greets Richard walking into the living room. Rory jumps up, "Dad, Gigi. Hi, I was not expecting you. Grandma, why didn't you tell me Dad was coming?" she is hugging Gigi, and Logan gets up to shake hands and hug Gigi. Rory sees the Nanny standing in the foyer and she beckons her in.
Christopher and Emily decide Gigi and the Nanny should make their way into the kitchen so they can eat and then head up to Rory's room for TV, given that Gigi is generally in bed by 8 o'clock.
Rory follows them into the kitchen to spend a few minutes with her half-sister. Even though there isn't much to discuss with an almost 5-year-old other than adventures in pre-school and finger painting, she still wants to ensure a relationship is being formed. She leaves as the food comes out for them to eat and assures the Nanny that if she needs anything, please just ask.
Rory returns to the living room to find them in deep conversation about the latest Hartford gossip, of which she is very grateful to be reasonably oblivious, and decides to change the subject. "Dad, what did you two do for Thanksgiving yesterday?"
"We spent it with my Mother; she has really embraced being a Grandmother."
Rory sits next to Logan who takes her hand as she responds, "Glad to hear that she is there for one of her granddaughters."
Chris realizes how insensitive he sounded, "Rory, sorry. I, um, didn't mean to."
Shaking her head, "Don't worry about it, Dad. I have had amazing grandparents here, and I want Gigi to also know the love of a Grandmother. Since Straub died and I never hear about Sherry or her parent's involvement, I am glad that Francine is stepping up."
Chris nods, taking another sip from his drink, "She is, and I am grateful."
Richard picks up his glass and commands the room, "Very well now, Christopher; however, we didn't invite you to visit with Gigi."
"True, Richard. Rory, your grandfather, and I need to talk with you. Richard, can we go into the study?"
Rory looks confused. "Dad, Logan, and I are getting married. Whatever you say can be said here in front of him."
"Rory, paperwork is involved; I think the study is best for the details. However, you are correct. We can certainly give you the big picture here."
Rory and Logan look at each other, and Rory turns back to look at her Grandpa expectantly. "Shoot"
"Chris, I think we should just discuss the money that is in the account now." Richard is looking a little uncomfortable.
"Agreed, Richard."
Rory is looking perplexed, "Money? Grandpa, I still have plenty of money left from my graduation present. And the wedding isn't, well, we haven't set a date yet."
Chris signals he will take the lead, "Rory, now that you are 23, the first of your trusts have matured, and we have to give you the account information and the cards that are attached to them."
"Excuse me, my trusts?" Rory has moved forward on the seat and asks, "what exactly are my trusts?" She is thrown by any talk of trusts, while Logan has a huge smirk.
Richard clears his throat and leans forward, "Now, Rory, the money from the Gilmores is incremental. As I said, we can go over the dollar amounts in the office, but just know that as of today, the account that goes with this checkbook and the card is worth around $7 million, with $2 being liquid. As of Monday, you can contact the accountant who can liquidate whatever you need for ease of access." Richard hands her an envelope from his chest pocket.
The blood has drained from her face, and her mouth is barely closed, "Grandpa, did you say $7 million?"
"Yes, I did." Richard pushes the envelope into her lap.
"Grandpa, there must be some mistake." She is in total shock as to precisely what is happening. "I can't take that type of money."
Emily is sitting in the chair drinking her wine, "Oh, nonsense, Rory, of course you can and you will. This is not just from Richard's side but also mine. And this is just the first one."
"First one?" Rory asks and Logan is now looking at them but not saying anything as he doesn't want to be unseemly.
"Yes, Rory, the first one. We weren't sure if you were going to be attending graduate school; well, you know what your needs would be, so the funds have been split up over the next few years, and they have different structures to maximize their value and protect you." Emily says in her exasperated tone as she continues to drink her wine.
"Protect me?" Rory's hand is hovering with the wine glass in it but not reaching her mouth or the table.
Chris has been sitting by, "Rory, don't worry about it. Your grandfather and I have put all of the funds under the control of the same accounting firm, but we have a couple of different managers and advisors to ensure their growth. The first one you are getting from the Hayden side is substantially small this year, only $2 and a half million." Chris leans forward and hands her the envelope with the details on that account. "We can go over the details after dinner; we just wanted to make sure you knew about it in case Gigi and I need to leave early."
"Right, you and Gigi leave early," Rory repeats, stunned but finally taking a sip of her wine. "Are you sure it is a million, not a thousand? I mean, I would be happy with a hundred. $700 and $250, that would be good."
Emily laughs, "Rory, you are so sweet; of course, it isn't hundreds or thousands. We have been setting this aside for you and working with the planners since you were born."
"But what about you and Grandpa?"
Richard smiles, "Oh, there is nothing for you to worry about. I have a pension linked to the health insurance and my inheritance, and Emily has hers, too. What we are giving you now is for now, and for the next few years, the next 3 will transfer to you, with the last one being when you turn 30. By then, you should be well on your way to making what you need, plus what you and Logan are making. This will ensure you can buy a house and do whatever you want. Just think of it as your nest egg." Richard sips from his glass again.
Rory looks at Logan, "nest egg, we have a nest egg."
Logan's gaze is full of reassurance, "I am familiar with these particular eggs." Which elicits a smirk, eventually returning to his genuine smile.
"Right, of course you are," Rory says with a smirk as Logan pats her hand.
Richard clears his throat once more. "Rory, it would probably be best if you don't disclose the exact amount to your mother right now. She was not part of the planning process."
"Mom doesn't know?" Rory is still wrapping her head around this.
"No, she doesn't," Richard repeats firmly.
Rory looks at her Dad, "Dad?"
Chris looks down and then back at Rory, "No, I didn't tell her. I didn't know Straub and Francine had set money aside for you. And before you say anything, there is also one for Gigi. They did the same thing as Richard and Emily with multiple trusts, the largest one being accessible when you turn 30."
"When I turn 30?" she repeats sounding like she was finally comprehending what was happening.
"Yes, well, we have had enough talk of money. Emily, are we having the traditional meal or did you go with something more interesting than turkey for tonight?" Chris decides it is time to change the topic.
The evening continued with talk of the candidates and how Rory had been covering them and the speech she had drafted for Obama along with the articles she had contributed to, and the next one she was looking at writing for the AP on Oprah and her support of Obama. By the time dinner was over, Rory was feeling much better. She joined her Grandfather and Dad in the study to complete the signature cards and set up access to the website to keep tabs on the accounting firm and her accounts. After she saw the numbers and was brought up to speed on the plan that her Mom would be getting the million dollars for her wedding present, she agreed not saying anything to her Mom was best. Mostly, she was aware that she and Logan had a lot to discuss
"So, Grandpa, I just want to be clear. I don't need a prenup with Logan because these are structured so that only I can access them. Then whoever I designate as the beneficiary, and two of the future ones can be converted to charitable giving funds so I could run a philanthropy?" she clarified, as she leaned on the desk after putting down the pen from signing what seemed like a hundred papers and the essential signature cards and credit cards. "Oh, and all of my bills will go to the accountants, who will pay everything on my behalf, except bills that I need to pay from my paycheck, like the cell phone and items associated with my work?"
Richard nodded and smiled, "Yes, that is correct. The credit card bills will go to the accountant. It will be helpful for you to get in the habit of sharing everything with them, as they will be filing taxes and need to make decisions, but I understand that it will take some getting used to. This year will not be complicated for them, as you just received access this month. Next year, it is important."
"Ok. I guess Logan and I need to have a serious talk about money now. It is no longer going to be about me being uncomfortable with him paying for everything and me not knowing how to feel like an equal on the financial front." Rory is thinking about how this talk is going to go and how they will share expenses now. There is a wave of relief that she is now his equal financially, even though he never made a big deal about it, or at least she thinks she is his equal financially; at least she is closer to it.
Richard looks at her and cocks his eyebrow.
"Just thinking about the parity between Logan and myself on the financial front." She answered.
Richard smiled, "his parents are more showy with their money, but don't worry, you are on equal footing." Richard stood up and gave her a little hug, which she returned.
"Thank you, Grandpa." The two share another hug before Rory walks out of the office in search of Logan.
Richard enters the living room and pours himself a final drink as Emily walks in and sits on the chair. Addressing Emily, "I think that went quite well."
She crosses her legs, responding to him, "I agree."
"Good." He hands Emily a glass of port.
"Lorelai won't be as easy."
"Don't remind me"
In the car, Logan and Rory are almost back to Honor and Josh's.
"So, Ace, do I ask?"
"Ask away."
"How does it feel to be one of us?"
She wrinkles her nose, "I knew you were going to bring up that article."
"Too soon?"
"Definitely."
A few minutes later she turns her head, "So, aren't you going to ask the actual question?"
"And what exactly is the actual question?"
"Your parents."
"What about my parents?"
"Are we telling your parents?"
"Do you want to tell them?" he asks
"Should we?"
"Do you think it will help?"
"I don't know. They are your parents."
"Let's see, my Grandfather will view you as a dowry, my father he, I actually don't know, and my mother – it might just piss her off."
"OK, so if your mother is there, we tell them."
"I like the way you think, Gilmore." Logan pulled her in for a deep kiss as he turned off the engine.
"Time to burn those calories."
Saturday
"Good morning, Honor, Josh." Rory smiles as she accepts the cup of coffee being handed to her. "Are you ready for the big day? Seem to remember the last time I was with your family you two had just gotten engaged."
"Well, that is a sunny memory." Logan deadpanned as he walked in, giving Rory a kiss.
"In Philadelphia," Rory smirked. She notices that Honor has been rubbing her abdomen continuously. " you OK, Honor?"
"Braxton hicks, Josh, water, please. I have been feeling crampy on and off this week, and I find it goes away when I drink a lot of water."
Josh hands her the water and pushes two plates toward Logan and Rory with eggs, bacon, and fruit on them.
"Ah, thanks, Josh. You're a regular Anthony Bourdain." Rory picks up the fork and starts eating.
"Replenishing?" Logan smirks
"My gym goes away after tomorrow." Patting his hand with wiggly eyebrows.
"Guys," Josh complains
Rory looks guilty, "Sorry."
"Changing gears, are we going together or separate?" Logan inquires as he finishes eating his breakfast.
Josh looks at Honor, who is on her third glass of water and still rubbing, "Separate, just in case Honor can't make it through the entire day. She has been uncomfortable since Thanksgiving afternoon."
"But if we go together, it gives us a reason to leave early, too," Rory says, pointing between her and Logan.
"Someone has to be Pip," Josh counters.
Rory immediately perks up lifting her hand, "I vote Logan," and with that, Honor and Josh also put up their hands. "I have such Great Expectations for you, MAC." She says, smiling.
The two couples are standing outside the Huntzberger home, none of them looking too eager to ring the doorbell. Rory remembers how impressive it seemed the first time, her excitement about meeting the family, and her confidence that Friday night dinners had prepared her for anything. This time, she is thinking about the last conversation with Shira and having an awful pit in her stomach at the idea of seeing her again. Looking at the other three faces, it is clear they all have their demons. Trying to lighten the mood, "So, is this the 5th or 9th level?"
Logan and Honor both respond by saying the fifth, while Josh echoes Rory's thoughts on it being the 9th. "And from the outside, it just looks like the third," she says as she approaches the doorbell.
"Hades, here we come."
Rory is pleasantly surprised when she recognizes the maid from her first visit, "Hello again." The maid looks at her for a moment and then smiles in recognition and then her smile fades as she clearly remembers the tension and early exit. Coats are handed off, and Logan takes Rory's hand as Josh puts his arm around Honor's waist; they all walk into the same living room past the Velasquez, only this time, there is no excitement from Rory upon noticing it, but notice it she does. She finds herself distracted thinking about the trust funds and her suddenly having enough money that she, too, could buy a Velasquez.
Logan notices she has slowed down, "you ok there, Ace?"
"I could buy a Velasquez, Logan."
"Figured that out, did you?" he teases
"Hey, no teasing" she requests
"No teasing." He confirms.
Rory's nose wrinkles; damn, the smell of smoke is drifting in through the open patio door. All four look at each other while Josh and Honor approach the old man sitting in the chair.
Honor and Josh both acknowledge Elias, "Grandpa, happy Thanksgiving." Honor gives him a little peck on the cheek while Josh shakes his hand, "Elias, good to see you."
"Grandpa, nice to see you." Logan goes over and shakes his hand and notes the glass still has something in it, "you remember Rory?"
He glares at Logan and responds curtly, "Logan. Rory." Without getting up he has dominated the room with anger.
"Shira, get in here," He calls out. However, no one enters the room.
Rory notices that nothing about the room has changed; it is still large and museum-like, although, at the moment, it feels more mausoleum-like. Suddenly, her grandparent's house seems warm and inviting in comparison. In her memory can hear Elias' voice, "You should know better than this, Logan; I know you like to joke around and tease us, but I always thought at the end of the day you understood what your responsibilities to this family always were" it was Elias who has been trying to run her off the entire time. Rory realizes that everything hinges on Elias when it comes to Shira; if he approves, then Shira backs off. Mitchum stays away; he just works and leaves everything regarding the family to Shira and Elias. She might have won a battle with Shira in California, but she has to slay Elias to win the war. Logan is handing her a drink, "club soda," she mouths, and he smiles, nodding his head, knowing she wants to keep her wits about her.
"Logan, I seem to need to use the lady's room." Rory is standing up and Logan stands too.
Honor picks up that something is wrong, "Rory, I also need to go; little Jason here is dancing on my bladder; let me show you the powder room." Josh helps her stand up, and Honor walks in toward the center hall, beckoning Rory, who follows.
Rory catches up, "Honor, thanks, but I was hoping to pull Logan away. I need to talk with him."
"I know, but trust me, it is better if the two ladies leave, and then Logan comes to check on us. Logan can get a better barometer of the room if we aren't there; my Grandpa can't help himself when it is just the men."
Rory nods and follows Honor as they make their way down a hallway into what looks like a theater restroom, with a sitting area with mirrors, before entering the actual bathroom. "Who the heck has a bathroom that looks like it belongs in a theatre?" Rory says out loud.
"Someone who thinks they are going to be hosting balls as if they are Queen Charlotte." Honor says as she walks through the sitting area
"oh geez." Rory sits in one of the chairs in front of a mirror, waiting for Honor.
"Rory,"
"Yes"
"I'm sorry."
"Me too." They sit quietly for a moment, "I told Shira I was going to marry Logan, and it didn't matter what she said."
Honor waited; she could tell there was more.
"I realized today that it isn't Shira. Well, she is in the Anti-Rory Army, but she is a soldier; Elias is the general."
Honor nodded, "I think you are right. Where is my Dad in all this?"
"He is in the Air Force."
Honor laughed at the placement of her family members, "And am I the Navy?" she is still rubbing at her abdomen and looking uncomfortable.
"Red Cross," Rory responded.
"Ah, thank you. I always thought I would look good in one of those hats." She puts her hands above her head, acting like she has an old nurse's cap on.
"Honor, I just found out last night that I am inheriting a lot of money and have just come in control of two trust funds. Is that ammunition against your Grandpa?"
Honor thinks momentarily, "I think you might want to get Logan in here. If you were marrying me, the money would matter a lot. But I honestly don't know and do you really care if you are on their good side?"
"It would make dinner here more comfortable."
"it is never comfortable, and it has nothing to with being pregnant." She says, obviously still feeling the exhaustion of being pregnant
"tolerable," Rory counters. "Honor, have the, what did you call them?"
"Braxton hicks." She supplied.
"Have they gone away?" Rory finishes
"I think there is a reason the last month is known as tired of being pregnant; I can't get comfortable and just always feel like there is a pressure – he is trying to get out." I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday. It is more pressure than it was before, but nothing outside of what my OB described and told me to expect."
"Ok," Rory says, looking slightly reassured but worried about not seeing Logan yet.
Back in the living room, Logan, Josh, and Elias are sitting, making small talk about books and boats. Logan feels stuck in a bad dream with the 'society polite talk.' He knows Rory is highly uncomfortable; they had decided before coming that if she asked about using the bathroom, it was her signal she wanted to talk and strategize; he just had not counted on Honor going with her. He can still smell the smoke drifting in from the patio, so he knows his mother is there and is trying to decide if he is going to go outside or track down Rory; when Elias switches gears from discussing the boat to asking him a question, but he missed it.
"Excuse me, Grandpa, I was distracted; what did you say?"
"I said I was going to tell Rory that I thought her piece in the Wall Street Journal was excellent, but she ran off so quickly."
"I can go get her, and you can tell her; she will appreciate hearing that."
"Doesn't mean she is suitable for the family, but I do see why her grandparents talk about her writing talent." He goes on.
Logan's hackles are raised, "Excuse me, not suitable?"
"Logan, I already stated my case." Elias is confident that he is going to win.
"Rory happens to be the perfect wife for me in my new job. Actually, everyone there has a spouse or significant other who is employed in another field and contributing successfully."
"That is not how it is done at Huntzberger Publishing Group," Elias emphasizes.
"Good thing I am not at HPG then." Logan retorts
"Logan, you have a responsibility to this family. You were raised to take over. It is acceptable for you to have a few years away getting some experience like your father did, but ultimately."
"No, Grandpa, there is no ultimately." Logan countered and stood up. "Excuse me; I need to go find my fiancée."
Logan was walking toward the wing of the house where he was sure that Honor would have taken Rory, as he knew they could sit and have privacy, when he saw his father emerging from his study. "Oh, so you are here."
"Hello, Logan, good to see you too."
"Leaving your father to do your dirty work?" Logan responded.
"Excuse me?" Mitchum is annoyed, "what did he do now?"
"Same thing as he did the first time I brought Rory into this house. I am going to get her, and we are leaving. I thought that since Grandpa came to Thanksgiving dinner in Stars Hollow and said Mom would behave, it meant he was accepting this relationship. Not sure how I allowed myself to be duped like that."
"Wait, Logan, what are you talking about? Your Grandpa is supportive of your relationship with Rory. That is why I brought him to Stars Hollow for Thanksgiving dinner. He had a great time with Babette, Morey, and Patty. What exactly did he say to you?"
"He said she is unsuitable for our family after telling me how good he thought her Wall Street Journal article was."
"What the?" This blindsides Mitchum. He has plans, he had laid them out to Elias and Honor. He needed Logan back and knew the only way to do that was to embrace Rory. He had even told Elias and Honor that he would support Logan and Rory in hiring full-time planners and personal assistants to do the entertainment piece. Thus, the reason he hadn't said anything to Shira, she was already enough of a pain, but if she was told to her face she could be replaced so easily, well, right now, he still needed her to attend functions, and think she was important. Mitchum was sure that once Rory saw how the newspaper industry was faring with the private equity firms taking over, he would be able to appeal to her sense of doing the right thing, saving the HPG papers from being taken over by someone who didn't care about the integrity of the news. Damn, one more thing he had to fix. "Logan, whatever he said, it does not reflect my feelings. I am one hundred percent behind you and Rory. I have never been against you two."
Logan's eyes are narrowing. His father does nothing out of fatherly love; there is always an agenda, and he is sure that Mitchum Huntzerberger's approval of his relationship with Rory was not benevolent. "Dad, what is in this for you?"
"Logan, I told you when you came here to get your stuff to move to California that I am not against this relationship. I didn't condone what your mother did with Fallén, and she wouldn't talk about it when she came back. So, I assumed that Rory had done what she does."
"Which is?" Logan inquires
"Make it clear that she is in your life for good, and we don't have a say." Mitchum had long ago figured out that Rory was going to defend Logan. Elevator rides and hospital visits had taught him she was not one to tangle with. He wished he had someone willing to have his back like that; it might make it more appealing to be home.
Logan is hesitant and suspicious, but Rory wants to extend the olive branch to his father and grandfather since they have come to Stars Hollow, and she hasn't heard what his grandfather has said. Could he trust his father to have his back? No, he knew it wasn't having his back, but was the agenda of wanting him back at HPG enough to make it so they accepted Rory? He would deal with all of that after the wedding. "OK, Dad. I will go get Honor and Rory and return to the parlor, but if Grandpa or Mom say anything, we are out of here."
Mitchum can see that his son has grown up and is used to being in charge and getting his way. This is precisely what he had hoped for, "Logan, give me 5 minutes before you return, and then we will head into the dining room."
Logan walks away, and Mitchum goes in to confront his father.
Logan finds Rory and Honor just where he thought he would. He tells them he met his father in the hall. Honor excuses herself to return to the group while Logan sits beside Rory. "I don't think we should mention anything about the money unless somehow it comes up and you feel you need to say something. My Mom was still on the patio when I came to find you, so whatever is going on with her."
Rory notices that Logan has not been able to maintain eye contact; he has been making minimal eye contact, which she has learned is one of the many tells that there is something he hasn't told her. "So, going to tell me, Huntzberger? Or going to leave me hanging like a rhinestone penis shirt story?"
"You did promise to tell me later."
"Yeah, but that is a real hook, and to leave you hanging, limp." She finishes.
Logan rolls his eyes, god she is incredible. He tells her what Elias said and then the conversation with his father in the hall.
Rory leans in and kisses him.
"What was that for?"
"I appreciate the honesty. This is what we promised: improved communication."
"I am not sure that telling you my grandfather is an ass counts on the improved communication front, but I like the kiss."
"Sketchy on the improved communication, but you gave me a torch before walking into a den of wolves, so thanks."
Rory and Logan stood up, and he put his arm around her, "You and me, Ace."
"Got our torches and a horn."
By the time dinner was over, they had covered a lot of ground. Rory was guarded, talking only about the trail. Shira and Elias were quiet for the most part. Only when the conversation shifted to the impending arrival of Jason did the mood shift. Maria was putting down the pie in front of Honor when her arm flew up and hit the plate as it was coming down, knocking it to the floor.
"Ow, wow, that one hurt. Josh, I thought they said that if I drank a lot of water, this Braxton Hicks would go away, but in the past hour, they have only been getting worse."
Josh took her hand, trying to rub it, and started to say something. But she squeezed his hand so hard that he wanted to retrieve it. "Ouch, Honor, that hurts."
"Oh, does it; so sorry, you should feel what I am feeling." Honor is now breathing hard and squeezing her eyes shut. "Damn, this really hurts."
Shira is taken aback, "Honor, we are at the table, watch your language and tone."
Logan pulls out his phone to look at the time. Honor seems to be looking more comfortable. But he thinks they should probably get going, given it is so late and she has had a long day. Plus, he and Rory only have tomorrow together, so he wants to get out of there before it all explodes.
Maria brings another piece of pie for Honor, who pushes it back. "I am not hungry."
Josh looks at her and realizes she didn't have any of her dinner but just pushed the food around. "You didn't eat any dinner." He comments
She gives him a don't say anything look, "I wasn't really hungry. Plus, these cramps are just. Oh, ouch, damn, that hurt."
"Honor," Shira admonishes.
Logan looks at his phone. It was only about 4 minutes tops since the last one, "Hey, Hon, um, doctors say anything about contractions and how far apart …?"
Honor glares at Logan, "I am having Braxton Hicks, Logan. The baby isn't due for another three weeks at least. I think this has been a lot for the last couple of days, and I need to go home and rest."
Logan shrugs; he trusts her to have discussed this with her doctor, "OK."
"Come on, Josh, let's go." She goes to stand up and suddenly realizes her seat is wet as she feels the cold against her legs. "Oh, my god, my legs are wet. Josh, we have to go home." She feels humiliated that she somehow lost control of her bladder. Josh reaches over and helps her up; more liquid runs down as she stands.
"Honor, that is not; oh, my god, Honor, your water has broken."
"What?" while the wave of relief that she didn't pee herself feels good, the wave of panic that the baby is coming is much stronger.
Logan stands, "Josh, you take her to the hospital. I'll return to the house, get her bag, and meet you there. Ace, ready?"
On the ride back to Honor's, Logan and Rory plan to take the bag to the hospital immediately and find out just how far along Honor is. Rory assures Logan, after having been there for Sherry, Lane, and Sookie, that this can be a prolonged process.
"How slow, Ace?"
"Well, at least eight hours and sometimes days," Rory remembers Sookie and how slowly Davey came.
"Days, huh? Ok, we will take the bag, ask the doctor how much time and decide from there."
"Great plan. You do realize that we will most likely have to see your family again this weekend with this development."
"Definitely the downside to the development." He echoes the disappointment in her voice.
"Upside, we meet Jason, assuming he comes before I leave on Monday."
"I think Josh and Honor will understand if we sleep at the house tonight." He reassures her.
Sunday
Logan and Rory wake to Logna's phone buzzing; Josh has texted, "Pushing, here soon, call."
Logan starts to call Josh, but Rory pulls his hand away, "Pretty sure he meant for you to call your parents, not him."
"Oh, right." Logan has a sheepish grin
Sitting in the hospital waiting room are five very expectant but quiet people. Josh comes out with a huge grin. "Jason is here, 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches, arrived at 9:02." Logan jumps up and shakes his hand, and Rory hugs him while the others move slowly.
Elias sits and looks at his watch, "It is 9:30; why did you wait so long?"
"Because my wife and son needed a few minutes." Josh's voice was very protective.