thank you for reading/reviewing!

sheisbeautiful-sheisnotme - i love that, and that's how I feel when I read your reviews too! :) so grateful for your continued support and love for my story! PS sorry for missing the This is Us reference two chapters ago LOL total fail!

enjoy xoxo

disclaimer: I own nothing

The journey to Nantucket is long and takes most of the rest of the day. Lorelai keeps conversation light and silly on the drive, which Rory greatly appreciates and finds soothing (to know that in a world that's changed so much, her mom stays the same). They arrive at almost ten that night, and have a quick dinner that Emily saved for them from earlier. The three women talk briefly about their travels over hot cups of tea before Rory yawns one too many times and Emily insists they get to bed. She finds herself falling asleep quickly, ironically with swirling thoughts of the likelihood of not being able to sleep away from home and away from Jess. She wakes with no recollection of her rest, no dreams to be remembered, and so she knows she must have slept hard. She stretches in the comfortable queen size bed, soft sheets skimming against her bare legs and shivers - at the feeling of being rested and pampered by the details of Emily's guest room. She turns on her side and looks to see if Lorelai is still asleep in the queen size bed opposite hers by the window, having decided to share a room so they wouldn't need to force any of the staff to move. It's empty, and her suitcase is open on top of it with clothes strewn around. Rory grins softly and sits up in bed with a deep inhale. Her senses fill with an invigorating combination of fresh coffee and salty air. She closes her eyes for a moment and says an internal thank you, one of many she's sure, to Jess for talking her into this.

She puts on slippers and a sweatshirt before following the scent down to the kitchen. Lorelai stands leaning against the kitchen island with a mug in her hands and a loving smile on her face for Rory.

"Morning sweets. Slept well?"

Rory grins and nods, but her eyes widen as she catches the time on the oven clock.

"You guys let me sleep until noon?! Well, you I expect, but Grandma?"

Before responding, Lorelai steps up to the coffee machine and pours a cup for Rory.

"Your grandmother has been busy tending to her garden this morning. Or, rather, overseeing someone else do it."

"I don't want her to think I'm a lazy bum. You know how she is about that stuff! She installed an intercom in the pool house when I lived with her just so she could get me up early."

"Ah, I thought we promised never to mention the dark year! My ears!" Lorelai jokes with a look of horror which earns her a glare from Rory. Then she smiles and hands over the hot coffee,

"Rory don't worry about it. She's fine, and she's much more chill than she used to be, remember? This is a vacation and you needed the sleep. And I'm sure Jess will be very pleased to hear you slept for twelve hours straight with no tap dancing breaks."

Knowing she can't argue with that, she takes a seat at the island and sips her coffee. She looks up at the eyes so similar to her own, and realizes she's failed to check in on her mom's life since everything started.

"How are you handling everything, mom?"

Lorelai grins in response and leans forward on the counter.

"I'm okay, actually. Lucky for me, the hospitality industry is still necessary. I mean, we had to close the spa for now, but we were able to apply for a small business loan so fortunately we are not suffering too much. And you know I love being home more, I've almost finished Bette Davis's film catalog."

"Isn't that over a hundred movies?"

"Yep, I've gone through so much popcorn that Luke finally decided to order it in bulk from one of his suppliers for me."

"I didn't realize Luke was so connected!"

"Me neither! I love my man of mystery."

Rory laughs and smiles, "and how is he doing?"

"He's good. He and Caesar have been doing takeout orders from the diner. They turned one of the windows in the diner into a pickup window. My big, strong man built a ledge on the outside and now people can just walk up to pick their food up. It's cool, it's like our very own McDonalds!"

"Oh, I'm sure Luke would love to hear you compare his restaurant to fast food."

Lorelai laughs and turns to pour herself another coffee.

"And, speaking of coffee - "

"Who was speaking of coffee?"

She raises her eyebrow at Rory and points to her cup, "hello? Any time coffee is in the room we should speak of it. It deserves to be part of the conversation, and it deserves to be the subject of it too."

"So sorry. Do continue."

"My sweet husband still always has a giant coffee ready for me in the mornings. I come by and I go to the window, and I flirt with him until he gets tired of me and hands it over. Sometimes I even convince him to pull his mask down and kiss me! In a way, nothing has really changed."

Rory's smile falls to a gloomy one.

"That sounds nice."

"It is nice, to still have some normalcy and routine. It definitely helps things feel less crazy," she looks her daughter over and asks, "you don't have anything like that right now, do you?"

She thinks for a moment and shrugs.

"Jess still cooks us dinner every night. But…nothing else really. Even reading on the weekends doesn't feel normal because we can't really go anywhere. We used to go out for coffee or to breakfast and then read in the park or go to a museum or something," she hesitates and then says in a quieter tone, "He's been extra busy with work, which is a great thing. We are fortunate. I'm still getting paid by the times, albeit a little bit less than before, but Jess and Truncheon are doing great. People really want to support small businesses right now, and ever since they got the website setup for online orders, they've had tons of them come in. It's great."

Lorelai sighs and nods, "it's great, but it's different. I hear you. I think you're…used to being the person in your relationship that's going a hundred miles an hour, the one that's schedule you two have had to work around. The one that always has something on the agenda. That switch and imbalance of workloads now is probably making things feel stranger for you, huh?"

Rory chews on her bottom lip as she takes in Lorelai's words, which hit close to home. That's part of why she has felt so empty and unproductive. While Jess has always been dedicated to his work, it hasn't been an object for them until this past year. With the extra work he's taken on, with the new Truncheon becoming busier and more of a local staple in their area. His work has taken on a larger role in their lives. And it is not something that she wants to change, she's happy for him and fully supports his work. But…it has added this weird additional layer of challenge for her to face mentally. She feels unequal in a way, being the person stuck at home without a purpose (that she can see) beyond a partner to Jess. It's not what she ever wanted in a relationship, and even though it's temporary, it has a hold on her spirit.

"Oh good, you're awake," Emily enters the kitchen, throwing a smile in Rory's direction, then looking back at Lorelai, "have you not moved since I left you here two hours ago?"

"How could I? I've been incredibly busy. You know, contemplating the finiteness of life. The expansiveness of the universe. The meaning of Britney Spears' Instagram posts."

"Why do I bother," Emily sighs, then walks over to the fridge, "let's eat lunch before the manicurists get here, girls. Berta made the most delicious sandwiches for us. I don't know exactly what's in them, but they are a little spicy and a little sweet. And very satisfying."

"What do you mean manicurists?" Lorelai asks, watching her mother take food out of the fridge and begin to plate it for them.

"What do you mean what do I mean? People that do nails. I booked three people to come here and do our nails for us right after we spoke on the phone the other day. I'm just so excited to have you both here! I thought it would be a wonderful little treat for us."

Rory's eyes widen, "But Grandma, you could get sick."

Emily shakes her head and places a plate of food in front of Rory.

"Nonsense. I paid for their tests and paid them to quarantine for the last few days. Plus, they will have all the right gear, and we will do it in the backyard."

Lorelai claps her hands, "that sounds great! It's been so long since I've been pampered. Thanks Mom!"

Rory looks incredulously at her mom, and then back at Emily who has now placed a glass of lemonade and a bowl of fruit in front of Rory too. Emily meets her look with a furrowed brow.

"What are you waiting for? Eat your lunch. And there's an extra sandwich in the fridge if you're still hungry. Oh, and I know how you two like your snacks," she points in the air and spins around to open a cabinet, then she turns back with a bag of plain potato chips, "there are so many flavors to choose from these days, I had no idea. I just picked something we could all agree on."

Lorelai snatches the chips from her hand and opens them immediately to start snacking. Emily rolls her eyes at her uncouthness. Rory looks at her plate but feels too weird to start eating. She gulps before looking back up at her mom and grandmother.

"It doesn't feel right, doing something so luxurious. It feels exploitative."

"Exploitative?" Emily exclaims, "Giving people work that can't openly run their business to make money right now? Don't be silly."

Rory doesn't know how to respond to that, and so she instead forces herself to start eating. All three of them let the subject drop to finish their food, and then Emily excuses herself to get changed and urges them to do the same.

Rory and Lorelai stand at the sink together, washing their dishes from lunch and coffee. The older Gilmore clears her throat while scrubbing a mug and nudges Rory's arm with her elbow.

"It will be nice."

She looks up at her mom with uncertainty.

"Besides, we deserve this. To relax and enjoy ourselves."

"Oh sure, we deserve to be pampered because we have the means to do that while other people out there are suffering and broke!"

Rory snaps back, unable to hold back her anxious righteousness any longer. Lorelai's eyes widen, and she quickly turns off the sink and dries her hands. She then places a hand on one of Rory's raised shoulders, which causes her to relax and take a breath.

"Rory, babe. The whole world is struggling right now. You can't take that all on."

"I'm not trying to take it all on, I'm just trying to be fair. If I can't be out there making a difference, the least I can do is avoid hurting anyone! I should have stayed home, we shouldn't have even traveled up here! It's not right."

"Hey. Listen to me," Lorelai says gently, squeezing her shoulders. Rory quiets and gives her her attention. "We aren't hurting anyone. I'm sure your grandmother is paying them well and I bet that makes a difference to them and their families. And yes, it is messed up in a way that because she has money we get to do this. However, it's not her fault the world works that way and at least she's putting it in other people's pockets. I know you care about everything, and that you're a journalist who wants to change the world. But this whole thing - it's beyond you and me. It's not in your hands right now. We aren't doing anything egregious. Small group of people, outside and safe. Now if your grandmother had said 'we're having a party' and invited her friends and neighbors and all kinds of staff to pamper us and maybe give us makeovers Princess Diaries style, well that would be a little much and then I would have put up a fight."

"Would you though?" Rory challenges with a raised brow. Lorelai makes a face.

"I like to think I would. Though I do love a good makeover. That Mia was a lucky girl, in many ways."

"Mom-"

"But that's not what's happening, this is just one small treat. And isn't it crazy that I'm talking you into doing something with your grandmother? Little freaky Friday, isn't it?"

"It is," Rory admits, posture softening.

"Mhm. You know, Jess wants you to relax and have a good time too. So…let your mind and your hands rest. Let them be manicured!" she jokes, moving her hand from Rory's shoulder to hold one of hers. It gets her daughter to crack a small smile.

"We have to make the best of this time just like everyone else. And today, that means letting my mother treat us to manicures. And delicious sandwiches with the most basic potato chips she could find."

Rory huffs out a laugh and Lorelai grins.

"Okay," she finally nods and holds her free hand out in front of her, "I guess I could use one anyway."

"Those cuticles do look a little rough," Lorelai mumbles and it earns her a glare, she then says more seriously, "I love you, honey. And I hope one day you will be less hard on yourself, but even if you never get there - me and lots of other people that love you will always be happy to remind you to give yourself a break."

Immediately, Rory engulfs Lorelai in a tight embrace and says, "I love you too."

"So, what color are you thinking? Do you want to match? Oh, or maybe one of us does all pastels, and the other can do all neutrals with a different one on each finger. And maybe we can convince your grandmother to do neon colors! I would kill to see her with bright green nails."

"I think you should keep dreaming. And I want to do red. I haven't had red nails since college."

"Oh, I see. You want to be a little vixen for Jess when you go home."

"Okay, let's go get changed," she quickly changes the subject, ignoring her mom's words, "I'm sure Grandma wouldn't approve of my Powerpuff Girls shorts with company over."

"I love those shorts!"

"That's because you bought us matching pairs."

"I know, they're so cute! I've always thought of myself as a Bubbles."

"Hmm yes. I can see that. I'm sure that I'm Blossom."

Lorelai gasps, "and Emily is Buttercup! Let's go tell her."

"Okay but you know she's just going to roll her eyes at you."

Lorelai smirks wide, "I know. I'm keeping count. Once last night and twice today already."

"What are you planning to do with that information?"

"Use it to cheer myself up on tough days."

Having slept late, Rory finds herself still wide awake after dinner and a movie that night. Lorelai snoozes next to her on the couch in Emily's living room, while Emily herself has retired to her bedroom already. She smiles softly at her mother and takes the blanket off the back of the couch to cover her with it. She crosses her arms over her chest, looking up at the portrait of her grandfather across the room. A faint smile graces her lips as she thinks about the words she spoke into the air for him to hear in his library. She wonders if her Grandmother ever does that; she can easily imagine her sitting in the recliner in this room, drinking a cocktail and talking at him about this and that. Gossiping about the idiotic socialites back home in Hartford, telling him about her work and things that happen around the house. Hopefully telling him about Rory herself, and how proud she is of her. That thought pulls her from her imagination and pulls her away from his portrait. Now she stands at the French doors that look out at the backyard, at the gleaming ocean in all of its moonlit glory. Without a second thought, she grabs another blanket off the recliner nearby. She wraps it around her body and takes quiet steps out into the night air.

Walking across the patio, she takes a lantern from a post and treks silently across the yard to the chairs Emily has set out on the beach. But the calming sound of the ocean waves beckon her closer, and so she continues forward until the sand is wet under her feet. Immediately she thinks of how much she hated wet grass when she was younger. But this feeling of slowly sinking into the seemingly flat earth is pleasant, and she smiles at the sensation of it on her skin. They were never really beach people, her and her mother. Now she ponders on how much of that was simply the lack of access to it, and the cost of traveling to a beach area at the most popular times of year. Or maybe the crowds and traffic Lorelai didn't want to deal with, she imagines that sort of thing is probably extra stressful as a single mother. Not to mention the need to work a lot since it was just the two of them.

And this brings her to a most unexpected thought; that maybe she should encourage Jess to have more of a relationship with Jimmy. If not for himself, then for their future children. So they can grow up having family to visit on California beaches, and more than that, so they can grow up knowing there are people all over the country that care about them. People that will always welcome them no matter how much time has gone by between visits. Places to go that won't cost them money and they will be taken care of. And maybe her own father will get it together and try to make amends too, and then their children might have him in their lives as well. Because perhaps it shouldn't matter what their relationship with their fathers is if they can prove themselves enough to be trusted as grandparents. Maybe if Lorelai could have seen that at her young age, she would have more memories with Richard to reminisce on now that he's gone. She knows one thing though, that she wants Emily to spend a lot of time with their children when the time comes. She imagines trips to this very beach, their kids excited to see what fancy beach toys Emily has added to the rotation. And Lorelai would be there too, of course. She can already feel the wealth of love surrounding these occasions, and she places a hand on her heart to quell its swelling.

But then she thinks, will visits to family be the only time she spends full days with her children? The bloom in her chest turns to a tight grip, as she is reminded of Jess's desire to be a stay at home dad so she can continue to be a traveling journalist. He would be so great at it, she's sure, but that thought dually makes her sad. Because standing on the beach, feeling relaxed and rested for the first time in over month, she realizes how truly accurate that might be. She has traveled from home for the first time in months and immediately she was able to sleep through the night. Maybe Jess being a stay at home parent is the only way their family could make sense, because clearly her sanity seems to depend on not being confined to one place for long periods of time. What kind of parent would rather be on the road for work more often than home with her children?

Suddenly she's cold again, and her happy imagination has twisted into something ominous. Her body trembles and she turns around to head back to the house. However, as she looks up, she sees Emily sitting a few yards away from her in one of her beach chairs. She nods and holds a bottle of wine in the air, indicating that Rory join her for a drink. She hesitates, wanting to be alone with her whirling thoughts, but remembers what Jess said about the meaning of her Grandfather's words. She smiles softly and walks to join her grandmother.

"It's lovely out here at night, isn't it? I find it so tranquil," Emily comments with a subdued smile, then she picks up the wine bottle and fills an empty glass and hands it to Rory. She then lifts her own up, "cheers. To private beaches and surviving another day on this tumultuous planet."

Rory genuinely grins now and clinks her glass with Emily's, "I'll drink to that."

The two sip their wine and sit in silence for a beat.

"I hope you don't mind me joining you out here. I saw you from my bedroom window and couldn't help myself."

"Of course I don't mind. You couldn't sleep?"

Emily shrugs and then looks over at her with one of those perceptive looks of hers,

"How could I when I know you're out here worrying yourself silly?"

Rory's face drops and she looks down at her lap. Emily stays quiet, waiting for Rory to look back up at her.

Then she says knowingly, "Everything seems so important when you're young."

Rory takes a breath, "funny. I don't feel young."

"That's another thing. You never feel young until you're older, and realize how not youthful you are," she sighs, "typically it occurs when you try to bend over to pick something up, and find yourself grunting and cursing with every move, or worse, getting stuck like that."

That makes the side of Rory's mouth curve up.

"Your mother mentioned that you've been dealing with some sleep troubles yourself."

Rory looks back at the ocean, then takes a large sip of her wine before responding.

"It's been hard. Being stuck at home when I've spent the last few years…in motion."

"Mmm, you mean work of course," she replies, then places her wine down and puts her joined hands in her lap. She looks up at Rory, and her heart clenches slightly at the sad smile on Emily's face.

"You take after your Grandfather in that way."

Rory's mouth twitches, but she can't quite form a smile.

"I'm sure you remember how out of sorts he was that time he tried to retire."

The feeling of uselessness burns in her stomach, thinking about that time and how she feels now.

"I know how he felt."

"I know you do, dear. That's what I mean," she places a hand on top of Rory's on the arm of her chair, "work was his life. He loved me, and he loved his family dearly. But work was what he did. He was lost without it. Though I'm sure the way I treated him then didn't make that any easier for him…"

Rory squeezes her hand at that confession.

"It's okay, Grandma. We all should have grace with each other when things change. It affects everyone differently."

Emily's lips perk up, "Very astutely said. You get that from him too. Maybe you should take your own advice, though he wasn't very good at that either."

The two share a nostalgic smile, and then release their hands and sit back in their respective chairs. Their gazes turn back towards the water, mesmerized by its constant flowing and receding across the beach.

"Over the years I have heard many comments about my lifestyle," Emily's soft but solid voice causes Rory to turn her attention to her, "about it being frivolous, meaningless, even pointless. Because I ran a household and was involved in society while your grandfather worked for us. To inept outsiders, I looked like a trophy wife of sorts."

Rory goes to rebuke that, but Emily turns to look at her sharply, and it's clear she has more to say.

"Those words never bothered me. I have always known my worth, and it was my choice to live my life in that way. Do you know how many women don't get a choice? I could have worked a traditional job if I wanted to. I could have joined your grandfather's company, I had options and choices and prospects. It was my choice to live my life as Emily Gilmore, Queen of the house, wife of a good man, and mother to an intelligent daughter. A woman who enjoyed 'trivial' things like decorating a pool house, throwing dinner parties, managing our home staff, philanthropic endeavors, and so on."

Rory listens intently, and although she always knew her Grandmother to be a strong woman, she can see it more plainly in this context.

"What I think has served me most ardently, however, is my ability to simply enjoy existing. I can confidently say that I am satisfied with being in my own company. Spending my time how I want to spend it, without feeling guilty for not serving some larger 'purpose'. I don't think many people can say that, do you?"

Rory slowly shakes her head, "No. I…definitely can't say it for myself."

Emily takes a breath through her nose and nods in agreement.

"It's truly a nice feeling, Rory. To be at peace with yourself and happy to live. It severely lessens the pressure of expectations, ones that you have for yourself and ones that you might feel from others," she takes her wine glass and sips it, and then leans forward to look Rory in the eyes, "and while I don't expect you to completely jump to the other side of the spectrum, I think it could do you some good to find a nice place in between. It can be pleasant to not have your worth wrapped up completely in your work, in my experience."

Rory's eyes roam all over her grandmother, in awe of her and taking in her words. She gets the feeling that Emily is taking Richard's place in her life as that pillar of strength, and she is overcome with gratitude. For her Grandmother, Grandfather, her mom, and for Jess - at pushing her out of her comfort zone to go on this trip. A memory hits her then, being a teenager at a dinner at the Hartford house with her mom and Christopher as well as his parents. How Emily comforted her in the kitchen after the Hayden's made her existence feel like a burden to everyone in the room. The feelings it gave her then are the same that this conversation has given her now, and she understands that Emily actually has always been more of a support to her than she may have given her credit for. Perhaps her Grandfather's larger than life presence shadowed that, but now she basks in it.

"Grandma, remember when I asked to use the house in Hartford before it sold?"

Emily looks at her curiously and nods in confirmation.

"I was writing a book. A memoir, actually. It was going to be called Gilmore girls."

Her eyebrow raises, "Was?"

"Yeah," Rory replies sort of sadly, "I stopped writing it after the miscarriage. It became…excruciating work."

Emily gives her a kind look of understanding and waits for her to continue.

"I hope one day to go back and finish it. I'm not there yet, mentally, but I believe I will get there. Anyway, It was going to focus mainly on me and mom, because I didn't think you would want to be in it, you know, because of your place in society and relationship with mom. But…I would love to include you. As my grandmother, as mom's mom, as the girl before you were a Gilmore girl - in whatever capacity you're comfortable with."

Emily is silent, and her face gives away nothing.

"What do you think, Grandma? Would you be comfortable with that if I ever decide to finish writing it?"

Emily stares at her, brows furrowed and serious. After a moment, it slowly turns into a smile.

"I would be honored, Rory. Promise me you will try to get back to it before I die so I have the great privilege of reading it?"

"Really? That's great! And even though I don't want to think about that, of course I will," she grins softly back at Emily. The two lean forward and share a half hug before sitting back comfortably again.

"One more promise," Emily insists, face back to her infamous hard, scrutinizing look. Rory nods nervously.

"When the time comes, let it be your main focus. Don't be afraid to take time off work to create something for yourself. And don't think twice about asking me for financial help to do so if you need it. Agreed?"

Rory's body relaxes completely. She smiles and shakes her head in disbelief at this generosity. But Emily's look is severe, and she knows that she isn't going to take no for an answer.

"Okay. Agreed."

...

"Hi baby," Jess's sleepy voice answers her phone call that Sunday morning. She had stayed talking to Emily late into the night on Friday. After sleeping in the next morning, the three women spent all of Saturday watching movies. They each picked a favorite to watch and agreed on Casablanca as their last choice of the day. It was a relaxing and fun time full of cheer and laughter, and sometimes crying depending on the film. Rory felt normal, actually normal, for the first time in months, completely forgetting about the problems outside of her control.

She can tell Jess has turned the phone slightly away from his mouth to yawn and smiles.

"It still catches me by surprise sometimes when you call me that outside of the bedroom."

She can hear the smile in his voice, "I can't help myself. You're my baby, and I get the urge to tell you sometimes more than others."

"You're adorable," she says with a laughing smile, "does it bother you that I don't call you baby? Or any other term of endearment?"

"Not at all. I love hearing you say my name," he insists, and she hears him grunt as he gets out of bed, "how's Nantucket, baby?"

She grins.

"It's…great."

"Oh yeah? You sleeping okay?"

"Like a baby."

"How fitting," his smirk is evident, but she also hears relief in his voice, "that's good to hear. And how's the food? I'm sure Emily only provides the best."

"Oh yes, it's amazing. I haven't missed a single meal, or snack, or dessert, or nightcap. I just had the most amazing coconut French toast with pineapple syrup for breakfast! It was so good I had two servings, and lots of strawberries on the side."

"Wow you're making me want to go up there just for a bite."

"It's all been so good, Jess. The button on my jeans actually feels like it's about to pop off."

"That is one of the sexiest things you've ever said to me."

She blushes, "Stop it."

"I'm serious," he replies, and there is no hint of teasing in his tone. Her smile weakens at his sincerity.

"It is nice to have a real appetite again," she whispers.

"I'm stocking up my Instacart as we speak. What are you in the mood for this week? Anything you want."

Her lips twitch, "Actually, I was calling to run something by you."

"Not just because you miss me?"

"Well, that too of course. But…I think I want to stay here with my Grandmother another week. Maybe two weeks."

"You should do it then. Stay as long as you'd like," she can hear the smile in his voice.

"Okay, I will. I should be able to take a train back, but if not mom said she will come back and get me."

"I'll come get you when you're ready. I could use a little road trip. And maybe stick around for a dinner with Emily."

Rory smiles wide, "We would love that."

"Okay, then it's a plan."

"Great! Thank you."

"Just tell me when."

"I will, Jess. It won't be for too long. I do miss you."

"I miss you too," he pauses and then asks carefully, "And you're not worried about not being around if work calls you back?"

She ponders this for a moment and smiles to herself.

"Nope. They can wait a little longer if needed."

"Huh," Jess makes his signature sound, but it's an extremely pleased sounding one, "by the way, I have a surprise for you at home."

"Really? Tell me. You know how I feel about surprises."

"Okay. Hold on."

"Hold on for what?"

She asks, but then there's a ringing in her ear. She pulls her phone away to see that he is facetiming her. She accepts the video call, and fully expects to see something dirty - like him naked or lingerie he bought for her. But she gasps at the sight that greets her.

"Oh my god!" she exclaims, surveying the bundle of fur Jess has pressed against his chest, "you do like cats!"

He chuckles and smirks, "it's just a foster. Don't get too excited. Someone at Truncheon volunteers at a local shelter, and they have a lot of animals that need homes right now. I thought we might enjoy the company for a few months."

Rory smiles giddily, and her heart swarms with warmth at the small kitten in Jess's larger hands. At his gentleness, his thoughtfulness, and the beautiful smile on his face.

"I love you, Jess. That's so sweet and I'm so excited. What's its name?"

He smiles softly at her words, "Sabrina. Shelter named her."

"Awww, as in the teenage witch or Fairchild?"

He laughs, "I think that's up to us."

Rory hums in thought as she looks over the cat's soft gray fur. She smiles as Jess's thumb caresses the top of its head. She gets a quick glimpse of her goldish brown eyes before she closes them and purrs at the feeling.

"Fairchild for sure. She has Audrey's eyes, and she looks incredibly elegant with her gray fur."

Jess looks back at her with an amused grin, "okay. Fairchild it is. She is looking forward to meeting you. I picked her up from the shelter on Friday, and I've been holding her up to look at our pictures around the apartment, so she's not scared of you when you come back. She's a little skittish, I think she came from a bad home."

Rory pouts in sympathy, and then grins softly, "you and your fosters. I love your heart."

He looks at her quizzically, eyebrows raised high in confusion.

"Jess…the cat. The students. Your sister."

"I'm not sure I would call them fosters."

"You know what I mean. You're so caring and kind. Even if you try to hide it behind your fake attitude."

He huffs like he's uncomfortable with that description, but she doesn't back down.

"You are. And I've been thinking, by the way, about the stay at home dad suggestion."

His face perks up at that, and he gives her a look to continue.

"You would be amazing at it but…I don't think I want to be traveling as much when that time comes. I want to be around too, you know. I…don't want to be completely wrapped up in my work forever."

His face lights up, his chest inflates with a breath, and she sees Sabrina try to snuggle closer to him. She hears the cutest meow, and his attention turns to the cat for a moment as he leans down to kiss her on the head. Rory can hear her purring through the phone. The whole scene has her looking forward to the next few months with such a precious little thing in their home.

Jess looks back up at Rory with a slightly tamed smile.

"Okay."

"And I want to take regular trips to Nantucket. Now and in the future."

He closes his eyes and nods in gentle agreement.

"Okay. I'll invest in a comfortable carrier for Sabrina."

"Such a cat lover," she teases with a big grin.

"Yeah, yeah," he brushes the comment off, and as she moves a piece of hair out of her face he leans in closer to the camera, "your nails look nice. Lorelai paint them for you?"

"No, actually my grandmother hired people to come to the house and do our nails. She paid them to quarantine and for their tests and everything. Isn't that crazy?" Rory explains, holding up her hands to the camera.

"She is a force," then he bites his lip and asks, "will that polish last for two weeks?"

She quirks her head, "well seeing as how I'm not doing anything except snacking and relaxing in a mansion on the beach, I don't see why not. Why do you ask?"

His face turns devilish, and immediately she blushes.

"Just wondering what they might look like wrapped around my -"

"Jess! I am in my Grandmother's house," she hisses, putting a finger up to her lips. He chuckles and gives her a bright smile.

"What? I was going to say wrapped around my…hands."

"You were not!"

"Of course I was! I miss you. I would love to hold your hands."

She rolls her eyes, "I'm sure there are other things you'd love to do too."

"Oh, absolutely. But you're in your grandmother's house, now isn't the time for dirty talk, you little deviant," he wags his finger at her, and to her utter amusement the kitten jumps out of his other hand to try and attack it. She bursts into fits of laughter,

"I love her! She's a girls girl."

"Guess it's going to be two against one in the house from now on," Jess shakes his head, but the smile on his face is full of delight at Rory's merriment. As she calms down, he regards her further and asks, "So…do I need to change my birthday to October?"

His tone is half teasing, but Rory can see the look in his eyes is full of hope. Her lips upturn into a calm smile.

"No. You can continue to be my Cancer man."

Any tension in his body settles and he smirks, "Great. It might have canceled out the benefits with both of us being libras, anyway. And we would have had to have a combined birthday party every year because there's no way I would want to endure double celebrations with our families so close together. You wouldn't have liked that part, I know you."

"Yes, you do," she giggles and then more soberly says, "Jess. Thank you for talking me into this. And for taking care of me and pushing me out of my comfort zone. And for finally cracking and getting a pet! I love you."

His smirk melts into a smile and his eyes explore her new sunny disposition, and especially the subtle change in her cheeks - looking slightly fuller than when he dropped her off. He gives her a tender look. And he doesn't return her exact sentiment, but instead gives her something even more moving.

"I'm…beside myself with relief that you're feeling better. The earth feels like it's back on its axis, and I can breathe again."