"What the hell?" Luke sighed.

Rory crumbled into sobs, still on the couch. When Luke tried to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder she jumped up. "I'm sorry," she cried and ran to the door. Luke went after her and grabbed her wrist before she could open the front door.

"You're not driving like this. And you can't leave. You and your Mom are best friends, you can't just leave like this." He tugged her arm encouragingly.

Rory turned and curled into Luke, she cried into his chest and clung to his shirt. When she finally caught her breath she spoke with her head still resting on him, "I talked to Grandpa last night. I wanted to see if I could fix things or at least pave the way to getting things fixed."

"What happened?" Luke asked softly as he led her to her room.

Rory sat on her bed next to Luke, his arm around her shoulders, her head resting on him, "I told Grandpa EVERYTHING that happened leading up to the vow renewal. How much we all loved each other for years while not being an official family. How I love you and can rely on you. That you're the first man to make me feel loved and safe. I told him that I think you're the perfect person for Mom and that you both bring out the best in each other. I told him all the things you've done around here, how you're a real friend and how you've been there for us never expecting or wanting anything in return. And I told him about you giving Mom the money for the Dragonfly. I then told him a few new stories of Chris that he didn't know. Like how he disappears from my life for months on end and only called recently when he needed Mom's help with Gigi. I told him about how Chris promised me that he was going to be there for us at Sookie's wedding and then bailed. It was really eye opening for Grandpa."

"Wow," was all Luke could manage to say with the large lump in his throat.

Rory lifted her head and grabbed a tissue from her nightstand. As she wiped her nose she continued, "Grandma had come into the room at some point and I didn't know. Apparently she heard most of what I said. She definitely heard the part when I listed off the things I thought they would want in a man Mom would marry and how you fit them all to a T."

All Luke could do was snort.

"Grandma started to cry. She wasn't like this," Rory motioned to herself, "but I saw tears. She admitted that she could be a snob and that she was doing to you what Gran did to her. She apologized to me for not seeing what it was Mom and I really wanted. She apologized for not taking the time to really get to know you. And then she asked me if I think she ruined things forever."

"What did you say?" Luke asked.

"The only honest answer I could give her, which is 'I really don't know', right? It's not for me to say. I know Mom pretty well, but her relationship with her parents and my relationship with them are two very different things. I want everything to be calm and peaceful, I want them all to get along. I want Grandma and Grandpa sitting beside you and Mom when I graduate from Yale."

Luke let out a big sigh, he squeezed his arm around her in an attempt to be comforting. "Kid, you know that wild horses couldn't drag your Mom and I away from your graduation. Or any other milestone or regular day you want us at. I think your grandparents feel the same way, you know that everyone loves you more than anything. We can get through the graduation ceremony."

"But what about your kid?" Rory asked with sad eyes. "I know they are far from perfect, but they do love us. And your kid deserves to have their love."

"Let me ask you an honest question," Luke said softly. "Do you really think they would love MY kid the same way they love you?"

"Yeah," she sniffed. "I really do."

"Let's go talk to your Mom," Luke insisted.

"Are you sure?"

"Come on." Luke began to leave Rory's room and nodded towards the kitchen. Rory gave him a weak smile, and followed him. It didn't take them long to realize Lorelai wasn't in the house anymore.

"Where'd she go?" Luke and Rory asked each other in unison.

XoXoXoXoXo

Lorelai closed the door of her Jeep, took a deep breath and headed to the door. She didn't hesitate before ringing the bell as she normally did. A moment later the door opened and Lorelai was standing face to face with her Mother.

"Hi Mom," Lorelai said.

Emily's face dropped, she looked horrified, "Oh my God, what happened? Is Rory okay?"

It took Lorelai a second to realize Emily wasn't insulting Lorelai's parenting, she just didn't think Lorelai would be on her doorstep for anything other than horrible news. "Rory's fine. Can I come in?"

"Yes, of course. Come in," Emily stepped aside allowing Lorelai to enter.

"Who was at the door?" Richard asked as he came down the stairs in a tux.

It was then Lorelai noticed Emily was in a beautiful wine coloured gown.

"Hi Dad," Lorelai said, taking a little enjoyment at the shocked look on his face when he saw her.

"Lorelai, is everything okay? What are you doing here?" Richard asked, slightly panicked.

"Dad, Mom, everything is okay. I just wanted to talk. Can we go sit in the living room?"

Richard and Emily nodded, both too shocked to say anything.

Lorelai sat on her usual couch with Emily across from her. Richard stopped by the drink cart, "Would anyone like a drink?"

"Just come sit, Dad." Lorelai then took a deep breath, "So Rory and I had a fight this afternoon, a fight where we both ended up in separate rooms crying. But when I went to go find her and settle things, I ended up overhearing her talking to Luke. She said that she was here last night telling you all the amazing things about Luke. All the ways he's probably the guy you would pick for me if only his Father left him an oil company instead of a shop in a small town. But then I heard her say that you admitted that you were wrong," She was looking at Emily. "She said you were in tears and wanted to make things right. Is that true?"

"You think Rory was lying?" Emily asked.

"No, I just wanted to see what you had to say to me."

Richard was looking back and forth between the two like it was a tennis match.

Emily took a deep breath, "Lorelai, we have spent enough time being at odds or not speaking to one another. I don't know why I do the things I do. But I know I want you to be happy, I want you to have everything in life that makes me happy and I guess it has taken me this long to realize what makes me happy and what makes you happy are very different. You're my only child and I want you to have all the best things in the world. But after hearing Rory talk about the life the two of you have, how happy both of you are and how Luke is a big part of what makes the two of you so happy … Well, I guess you already are happy. I'm sorry Lorelai. Truth is, I never really liked Christopher. He's weak and not an intellectual match for you. He's horribly immature and selfish."

"So WHY were you constantly pushing us together?" Lorelai sighed. "I got it when I told you I was pregnant. Chris was the father and I understand that the way you two were raised there was only one answer. But it's been years! You've seen how even when I left the door open to Chris he rarely used it. You know that Rory was disappointed and practically abandoned by him for years at a time. Why do you keep pushing him on me?"

"Honestly?" Emily exhaled, threw her hands up and finally gave her daughter the truth. "He's from our world, he always wanted to get in your Father's and my good graces and he doesn't get along with his own parents. If you want the truth, I thought if you were with him, he would influence you to be nicer to us. And since he didn't want to see his own parents, we would get first priority for holidays and such. Also, his name carried weigh in our social circle so -"
"Wow, Mom." Lorelai smiled and shook her head.

"What?" Emily snapped. "You wanted the truth!"

"I know. I just never thought you would tell me. I'm saying 'Wow' because I'm impressed."

Richard smiled as he watched his two favourite women open up to each other. He stood, "I need a scotch. Can I get either of you a drink?"

"I'll take a scotch too please," Emily nodded.

Lorelai laughed, "Martini, please. Oh no! Wait, forget it. Nothing for me."

Richard didn't pay any attention to Lorelai but Emily's eyes became as big as saucers.

Lorelai shifted uncomfortably and tried to avoid her Mother's stare. "You know I should probably go. Why don't we all have dinner at my house tomorrow night? We can talk more and you guys can see Luke and I as a couple." She was getting up as she spoke. "But I can see the two of you are dressed to go out and look at me taking up all your time. Selfish much? Haha. Okay so I'll see you tomorrow? Seven-ish work for you?"

"Lorelai Victoria Gilmore! Sit yourself down." Emily commanded.

Feeling like she was fifteen all over again, Lorelai sighed and flopped onto the sofa.

Richard was confused, one second it seemed like the girls were patching things up and out of nowhere Lorelai started babbling like when she was in trouble and Emily was a drill sergeant. "Lorelai, I appreciate you coming here and getting things on the right track," he smiled as he handed Emily her drink. "We were just off to an associate's child's wedding. Missing the ceremony is fine by me."

"Yes Lorelai," Emily smiled. "We still have time. Are you sure you won't join us with a drink?"

"No thank you, Mom." Lorelai tried to keep calm.

"Why?"

"Emily, why are you hounding her? She doesn't want a drink," Richard huffed.

Emily tilted her head while maintaining eye contact with Lorelai. She was asking 'why' without saying anything.

Lorelai sighed, "Well I'm going to go. Rory's at my place and I want to spend some time with her before she needs to head back to school." She stood up and grabbed her purse. She turned to look at her Mom, making sure to lock eyes. "So you'll come for dinner tomorrow? I'd love for us to talk more, with Luke and Rory there. I think it will be nice for all of us to get together."

Understanding what Lorelai was saying Emily nodded, "Of course we'll be there. Can we bring something?"

Lorelai's whole body relaxed, "You don't have to bring a thing. Just come and Mom -" Lorelai smiled mischievously. "The dinner will be hosted at MY home. The meal will be prepared and served by Luke. I hope you will dress accordingly!"

Emily got to her feet, she and Richard seeing Lorelai to the door, "Of course WE'LL be dressed properly!"

"Great," Lorelai smiled as she opened the door. "I don't remember the last time I saw you two in jeans! If ever! This will be a great night." She closed the door before they could respond and she laughed all the way to her car.