Rory took a few minutes to wash her face and tidy up before she went downstairs. Stepping off the last stair, she followed the sound of voices to the dining room, where her fiancé and future siblings-in-law were sitting.

"Are you feeling better, Rory?" Josh asked. Rory nodded and sat down next to Honor, who promptly poured her a margarita from the pitcher.

"If anyone has earned that today, it's you," she said, handing the glass over. Rory grinned and took a couple of big sips. Once she'd set the glass down, the four of them served themselves and built their tacos, complete with guacamole made from the avocado tree.

For a few minutes, there was only the sounds of chewing and crunching as they gorged themselves on tacos and corn chips, periodically sipping their margaritas. Rory patted her mouth with her napkin and laid it next to her plate.

"I have a plan," she said, steely determination entering her voice, blue eyes glinting. Logan looked at his sister and brother-in-law before looking back at her.

"On how to deal with Stars Hollow?" he checked. Rory nodded, picking up her empty glass and turning it in her hands.

"I can't let this continue to happen. Luke is losing business and he, Lane and Zach are being shunned because they've chosen to support us. I haven't sketched it out yet, but I have a rough idea of what I want to do. The only question is how to begin since we won't be in Connecticut until August," Rory said. Honor opened her mouth to start making suggestions but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

With a quick wink at Honor and Josh, Logan got up to answer it. Rory only had time to give them a bemused look before the unmistakable sound of an Australian voice reached her. A moment later, Logan came back into the room, followed by the boys, Juliet, Rosemary, and Steph. The three people sitting at the table got to their feet, and for a few minutes, there was the joyful clamour that accompanied arrivals.

For a brief moment, Rory worried about how they were going to fit six extra people, since there were only two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, while the lower level had a powder room, a living room and a home office that Rory and Logan shared. Seeing the look on her face, Steph was quick to assure her. "Don't worry Rory, we checked into a nearby hotel before driving over here." Rory smiled at her friend, mentally making a note to make sure their next house would be big enough for their friends to come and stay.

After offering the newcomers food, which they declined, and drinks, which they accepted, the group headed into the living room and settled themselves on the furniture and the floor.

"You're probably wondering why we're here, Rory," Finn said as he settled his long legs in front of him. Rory nodded and Steph put an arm around her. "Logan called us and said you got an email from Lane. Something about Stars Hollow attacking your character?" Finn said, his face uncharacteristically serious. Rory inhaled and exhaled deeply before repeating the story for the second time.

"We were just discussing what to do when you all arrived," Rory explained.

"Ah, so we're coming up with a plan for revenge, are we?" Robert said with a glint in his eye.

"I don't know if I'd go as far as to say revenge, more like setting the record straight," Rory answered before turning her attention to her fiancé. "Logan, where did we put the whiteboard when we unpacked?" she asked. Logan furrowed his brow.

"I think it's in the office, sweetie," he said, getting to his feet and leaving the room. He returned a few moments later, whiteboard and colourful markers in hand. He handed the supplies to Rory, who arranged the board on her lap and uncapped a pen. For several minutes, she wrote on the board, the rest of the group watching her in silence. Rory finished and took a big gulp of her margarita before turning the board around. She'd written a summary of what had happened, and put headings underneath that read "Plan of Action" and "Consequences." Her friends and family read these, thinking.

"So, it's most of the town doing this, right?" Juliet checked. Rory nodded.

"Yeah, from what Lane said, Patty, Babette, Kirk and Taylor are the ones who are most vocal next to my mom. What I need is a way to confront everyone all at once because I don't want to repeat myself over and over," she said. Rory paused, thinking. "There are weekly town meetings in Stars Hollow, and those four I just mentioned are regular attenders. Patty owns the dance studio in town and that's where each meeting takes place," she said. Flipping the board back around, she wrote Town Meeting.

"How will you know when the town meeting is?" Rosemary asked.

"When we come to Connecticut, I'll ask Lane when the town meeting is and make a point of being in Stars Hollow that day," Rory answered. The rest of the group nodded, it was a good plan and they all hoped that the residents of Stars Hollow would be rightfully ashamed once they'd found out how wrong they'd been.

"What about consequences?" Juliet asked. Rory chewed her lip thoughtfully. She wasn't used to meting out consequences to people who had wronged her, but there was a first time for everything. At the moment, though, she was coming up blank.

"I haven't figured that out yet," she said truthfully.

"That's okay, you've got some time to think about it. In the meantime, though, we need a shopping day," Honor said, grinning. Rosemary, Juliet, and Steph all broke into a grin, they knew where Honor's line of thinking was going.

"What does that have to do with this?" asked Rory confusedly, looking around at their circle.

"This is one of the unspoken rules of our society, Rory. If you're going to be laying down the law publicly, you need a good outfit," Steph said, her eyes sparkling.

"Oh, well, I guess that makes sense. I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans when I went back to Stars Hollow to pack and ran into Patty and Babette. I was anticipating opinions, but I didn't expect them to completely disregard what I was saying," Rory said thoughtfully, tapping her lip with a finger.

"I think, given the circumstances, something blood-red would be appropriate," said Rosemary. "Guys, can you amuse yourselves for a few hours tomorrow while we take Rory shopping?" Logan and the other men snorted.

"Rosemary, my love, if I know you girls as well as I think I do, it's not going to be a few hours' shopping trip, it's going to be all day," Finn said. Rory and the other women giggled while Logan, Josh, Colin and Robert nodded in agreement. The mood was considerably lighter than it had been two hours ago, and the group spent some time happily catching up before the Life and Death Brigade rose to go, with the girls agreeing to meet at Rory and Logan's the next morning.

Once they'd left, Rory and Logan helped Honor and Josh bring their bags in from the car before giving them a quick tour of the rest of the house. The two couples then said good night and retired to their respective bedrooms.

Logan closed the door behind them and turned to look at his fiancée. Rory sighed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"If I told you I was okay, would you believe me?" she asked. Logan shook his head and stepped towards her, opening his arms. Rory unfolded hers and walked into them, her head finding its favourite spot on his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Logan rubbed her back and pressed tender, comforting kisses to her temple and forehead.

"I wish I knew what to say," he admitted, finally freeing some of the words that had been in his throat since that afternoon. He felt Rory smile slightly against his shirt.

"That makes two of us," she said, pulling her head back to look at him. "I know we need to talk about it, but can we wait? Give ourselves some time to process and then decide what to do?" Logan nodded.

"Sure, Rory. We can do that. Maybe after Honor and Josh go home, we can talk about it then," he said. Rory gave him a small smile and leaned in for a kiss.

"I'm glad I have you," she said softly. Logan smiled and caressed her face.

"I'm glad I have you too." Silently, they got ready for bed. Once they were under the covers, Rory snuggled into Logan's arms and rested her head on his chest, letting the steady beat of his heart calm her in a way that words couldn't.

The next morning, Rory woke early. Rolling over, she saw that it was 5 am and internally groaned. She turned over and cocooned herself against Logan, who sighed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders in his sleep. Closing her eyes once more, Rory willed sleep to come. She knew from her shopping trips with Honor that the blonde woman was an unstoppable force of nature, and Rosemary, Juliet and Steph were the same. What would her life have been like, Rory wondered, if she had grown up in the society world she had been born into? Would she have met Logan and the rest of their Life and Death Brigade friends sooner? Known Paris, Madeline and Louise from preschool or kindergarten? She probably wouldn't have met Lane though, nor would she have had relationships with Dean or Jess.

Dean or Jess. Those were two names she hadn't thought much about since moving out here, but Rory knew she was happier with Logan than she ever had been with her high school boyfriends. Dean had been sweet and attentive initially, but as their relationship progressed, she had seen sides of Dean that she didn't like. Like how angry and possessive he became when Jess came on the scene, or how he'd responded when she didn't say she loved him back right away. Rory opened her eyes and gave a quiet sigh of annoyance. Her brain was now running full tilt, and she was wide awake. She yawned, gently disengaged herself from Logan, and quietly got out of bed.

Padding across the room, she retrieved her robe from the hook on the bathroom door and pulled it on before opening the door and slipping out of the room. Rory carefully made her way downstairs and into the kitchen. Filling the kettle, she turned it on and opened the cupboards to retrieve a mug and teabag.

While she waited for the kettle to boil, Rory leaned against the counter and thought about Dean and Jess some more. She remembered the first time she realized Dean could be violent, and involuntarily shuddered as she remembered his reaction to her letter explaining the car accident she and Jess had been in. True, he'd only kicked the porch stair, but what if it had been her? What if he had hit her instead? Rory wouldn't have said anything then, but that moment scared her. She was broken out of her thoughts by the kettle boiling and she quickly picked it up before it could wake the rest of the house.

She carried her tea into the darkened living room and turned on the lamp next to the couch. Settling down, she pulled the throw blanket over her legs and stared into space, occasionally sipping her tea. Her thoughts turned to Jess and she clutched her mug tighter, not because she missed him, but out of anger. How he had only been interested in her while she was with Dean, and then once they were together, he had constantly blown her off and treated her like a second thought. Rory shook her head, frustrated with herself. Both of those relationships had been unhealthy, in their ways, and she'd been foolish to run back to Dean and Jess when she had. She truly didn't know what a good relationship was until she met Logan and became involved with him. He respected her boundaries, he made an effort with her family without her asking him to, and he didn't leave it to her to make plans to spend time together. She now understood what the saying "You have to kiss a few frogs before you meet your prince" meant.

To appreciate her relationship with Logan, she had to experience some not-so-good relationships first. Rory smiled to herself and thought about how proud Sasha would be. Thinking about her counsellor, she wondered if she should bring her past relationships up, not just with Sasha but with Dr. Marks too. Rory was broken out of her thoughts at the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. A few moments later, Honor appeared.

"Morning," she said softly. Rory smiled and patted the sofa. Honor hurried over and sat down, Rory unfolding the blanket fully and putting it over her future sister-in-law's legs.

"Morning. I didn't wake you up did I?" Rory asked. Honor shook her head as she burrowed deeper under the blanket.

"No, I woke up and started thinking about how much fun we're going to have today and then I couldn't go back to sleep. How come you're up so early?" Rory smiled sadly and tapped her thumb against her mug.

"I started thinking about stuff too."

"About your mom and Stars Hollow?" Honor asked. Rory shook her head and took another sip of her tea.

"No, not directly. Do you want some tea?" Rory offered. Honor nodded and the two women stood up. In the kitchen, Rory showed Honor where the mugs and teabags were before refreshing her cup. Once they were both settled under the blanket again, Rory told Honor the thoughts that had set the wheel turning in her mind.

"I guess I just wonder who I would be now and what kind of life I would have led had I grown up in Hartford," Rory confessed.

"We would have been shopping buddies for longer than just a few years," Honor responded, smiling. Then she grew serious. "In all honesty, Rory, I think you still would have ended up with Logan even if you had met him earlier. Until he met you, he was just going through the motions, doing what our parents and Grandpa wanted him to do. You're the one who showed him that there are other options besides working for HPG and eventually taking it over. You brought him to life in a way I've never seen, and I'm so happy he found a woman like you who loves and cherishes him for who he is as a person, not his last name or our family's connections or money. Just him. I'm so excited to have you as my sister-in-law," Honor said, a few tears making their way out of her blue eyes. Rory set her mug on the coffee table and pulled Honor in for a hug. Honor smiled through her tears and hugged Rory back. She had always wanted a sister, and with Logan's engagement and marriage to Rory, her wish was finally coming true.

Rory wiped her eyes as they pulled apart. "I'm excited to have you as a sister-in-law too, Honor. You've welcomed me from the start and there aren't any words to express how much that means to me," Rory paused before she got up and walked over to the bookcase in the corner. She carefully pulled some books out and retrieved something from the back of the bookcase before sliding the books back into place. Honor watched her curiously as Rory came back to the sofa, a small envelope and medium-sized box in her hands. Rory retook her seat and held them out to Honor. "I was going to wait until August to give you these, but now seems like a good moment," she said.

Honor took them curiously and carefully opened the envelope, pulling out the card inside. Opening it, she read:

Dear Honor,

From the moment we met, you have been kind, loving and welcoming. Over the last three years, we have bonded over our love for the wonderful man I'm going to marry. Your brother. You have been one of my staunchest allies when it comes to Logan's well-being and overall happiness, and I know one of the big reasons he's the person he is is because of you. I can't wait for us to become family and be sisters in all but blood.

You are so important to Logan, and Honor, you have become important to me. Which brings me to this question: Will you be my bridesmaid?

Love,

Rory

Honor didn't try to stop the tears that spilled down her cheeks as she finished reading and looked up at Rory. She swallowed hard a few times until the lump in her throat lessened, and spoke. "I would love nothing more, Rory. I would be honoured to be one of your bridesmaids," she said. Rory smiled at her and gestured to the box. Honor pulled the ribbon and delicately unwrapped the paper. Peeling the tape off the bottom of the box, she lifted the lid and gasped at the silver bracelet that lay on the cushion. A simple, yet elegant thing with a single pearl in the center.

"Rory, this is beautiful! Thank you so much!" Honor exclaimed, lifting the jewelry out of the box. Rory grinned and took the bracelet as Honor held her wrist out. Rory carefully clasped the bracelet around Honor's wrist and glanced at the clock.

"Want to go watch the sunrise?" Rory asked. Honor nodded eagerly. Gathering up their teas and another blanket, Rory led Honor out onto the back deck and they settled themselves on the lounge chairs Rory and Logan had. They watched as the sun rose, bringing a new day in soft pinks, oranges and purples.

"How lovely," Honor sighed appreciatively. Rory hummed in assent as she sipped the last of her tea.

"Logan and I should try to get up and do this on the weekends when he doesn't have to work. Maybe we'll have to wake him and Josh up early tomorrow and do this," Rory suggested.

"Ooh, let's do it!" Honor exclaimed. Just then, Rory's phone rang, startling them both.

"Sorry," Rory apologized as she fished her phone out of the pocket of her robe. Honor waved a hand.

"No worries. I think I'll go get in the shower," she said, rising and gathering up the blanket. She walked towards the door as Rory answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Rory. It's Grandma," Emily said.

"Hi Grandma, how are you?"

"I'm fine. I just wanted to phone and check on you after our phone call yesterday. I was thinking about you this morning and I just looked at the clock! I didn't wake you up did I?" Emily asked worriedly.

"No, you didn't. I've been up for a while. I got an email from Lane yesterday after our call," Rory said, before giving her grandmother a quick summary. Emily fumed silently as her granddaughter told her what Lane had said. She couldn't believe the audacity of the townspeople towards someone they all supposedly claimed to care about. As Rory told her about the plan she, Logan and their friends had come up with yesterday, the scheming wheel began to turn in Emily's head. She had told Rory she would step back, but this was going too far. Emily was reminded of the face-off between her and Shira and Mitchum and Richard at the D.A.R. event that Rory had planned, and she felt the same emotions that had driven her to that confrontation take hold again now. When she spoke, however, her voice was calm.

"I'm so sorry that you're experiencing this, Rory. You certainly haven't done anything to deserve this and it's appalling that they're treating you this way. With your permission, dear, I think I'd like to help with this plan of yours," Emily said, crossing her legs at the ankle as she leaned back in her chair, one of her fingers stroking her gold necklace.

"Really? What do you have in mind?" Rory asked, settling against the back of the lounger. Emily hummed.

"I'm thinking something similar to what I said to Shira at the D.A.R. event last year. If you give me Lane's phone number, Rory, I could call and ask if she wants to meet for lunch," Emily said. Rory acquiesced and after giving her grandmother Lane's phone number and a few more minutes of chatting, they hung up.

After hanging up with her grandmother, Rory scrolled to Lane's contact in her phone and dialled her best friend.

Lane jumped as the phone rang and she hurried to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hey, Lane, it's me," Rory said. Lane sagged against the counter in relief.

"Rory, how are you? I've been worried ever since I sent you that email yesterday. I know I said to take as much time as you need to process but I was fretting all night, and oh Rory, you're not mad at me, are you?" Lane rambled.

"Whoa, Lane! Slow down and take some deep breaths," Rory said and listened to Lane inhale and exhale. Once her friend's breathing was more regular, Rory spoke again. "Of course, I'm not mad at you. I'm hurt by the town's actions, but it means a lot that you and Zach, Luke and Lindsay are all speaking up for me," Rory said. She thought back to Lane's email, and then said, "Your email sounded like you and Lindsay have been spending time together."

"Yeah, we've been hanging out. Since the day she gave the police her statement actually," Lane admitted. Rory grinned.

"Well, I'm glad you have a friend there, Lane," she said honestly. Lane nodded, even though Rory couldn't see her.

"Me too. It was pretty lonely here after you and Logan moved away. Speaking of Logan, did you tell him about the email?" Lane asked, getting the conversation back on track.

"Yeah, I did once he came home from the airport. Honor and Josh flew in yesterday to spend a few days with us, so they know about it too and so do Finn, Colin, Robert, Rosemary, Juliet and Steph. We came up with a plan last night on how to set the record straight and I just got off the phone with my grandma, she's going to help too. Speaking of which, I gave her your number, she said she'd like to meet you for lunch," Rory said, before telling her friend about the plan and how she and the girls were going shopping that day for an outfit.

As she listened to Rory, Lane felt a strong sense of satisfaction come over her. She had every confidence what Rory was describing would work, and she couldn't wait to see how the residents of Stars Hollow were going to react when they figured out how wrong they had been.

"Can I tell Lindsay about the plan?" Lane asked. Rory nodded as she stood up.

"Of course, I was just about to suggest you do. And tell her I said hi," Rory said.

"Will do. Have fun shopping today, I can't wait to see what you pick out!" Lane exclaimed excitedly before they hung up.

It wasn't long after Lane and Rory hung up that the phone rang again.

"Hello?" Lane answered.

"Hello Lane, it's Emily Gilmore! How are you?" Emily said warmly.

"I'm good, Mrs. Gilmore, thank you. And yourself?"

"Oh, I'm doing just fine. Please call me Emily, dear. Rory gave me your phone number, I hope you don't mind," Emily said, sipping her coffee.

"Not at all, I just got off the phone with her. She said something about you wanting to meet for lunch?" Lane asked.

"Yes, do you have time today, dear?" Emily asked

"I do, Zach and the twins went to stay with his parents for a few days. Have you ever eaten at Luke's?" Lane asked.

"I haven't, no. Rory keeps talking about how wonderful Luke's food is so I think it's high time I try it. What time is good for you?"

"How about 11:30? I'm supposed to meet Lindsay this afternoon," Lane said.

"11:30 works fine for me, and feel free to invite Lindsay to join us if you like. I'd like to meet her," Emily said.

"I'll ask her. See you in an hour," Lane said, glancing at the clock. Emily stated the same and they ended the call. Lane took a deep breath and then went to get ready for the day. Half an hour later, she was walking into town, studiously ignoring the looks and whispers as she walked towards Lindsay's house.

Lindsay was sitting on the porch with a book that Lane had lent her when Lane walked up the driveway. Lindsay looked up and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Hey Lane! I'm surprised to see you so early," she said as her friend stopped in front of her. Lane grinned as Lindsay closed her book and stood up.

"Rory's grandma just called me a while ago to ask if I had time to meet her for lunch today. I came to ask if you wanted to join us," Lane explained.

"Oh! Um, sure. Will Rory's grandma mind?" Lindsay asked. Lane shook her head.

"Not at all, she told me to invite you. She says she'd like to meet you," she said. Lindsay nervously chewed her lip. What if Rory's grandmother had only told Lane to invite her so she could give Lindsay a scolding about how her mother had treated Rory? From what Lane had told her, Emily Gilmore was fiercely protective of her only granddaughter, and Lindsay thought she sounded like someone who wasn't to be crossed. Well, only one way to find out, Lindsay thought.

"Okay, I'll come. Just let me change first. I don't want to meet her like this," Lindsay said, looking down at the simple shirt and jean shorts she wore. Lane said she would wait, so Lindsay headed inside and up the stairs to her bedroom. Thankfully, her mother was out. Lindsay didn't want to listen to another lecture warning her about being friends with Lane. Theresa seemed to have gotten it into her head that Lane was only using Lindsay as a replacement for Rory, and Lindsay wondered if she had been listening to what Lorelai had been saying as she changed into her white halter dress. She added some clear lip gloss and gold hoops before looking at herself in the mirror. Good enough.

"Here goes nothing," she murmured to herself, picking up her purse and leaving the room. Lane was sitting on the porch steps when Lindsay came back out. After she locked the door behind her, the two of them set off towards Luke's.

Luke looked around his diner and sighed. He'd had multiple meetings with Richard and his business associates, and plans for the franchise were unfolding slowly but surely. A few nights ago, Richard had suggested that Luke prepare some of his specialties and bring them to their next meeting. For the last couple of days, Luke had been hemming and hawing over what to prepare. He was well aware that Richard and his business associates regularly dined on expensive steaks and other fine food, and he wasn't sure what to make for them.

The bell over the door rang gently, signalling the arrival of Patty and Babette. Luke greeted them and they nodded at him before sitting down at their regular table. Luke swallowed down his anger and went over to take their drink orders.

As he walked back behind the counter, the door opened again and Lane and Lindsay walked in. Luke's face broke into a smile as he saw the two of them. He'd seen them out and about around town, and he was glad that Lane had a girlfriend in Stars Hollow. He knew she missed Rory and being able to do things with her.

Grinning, he walked over to their table and greeted the girls.

"How's it going today, Luke?" Lindsay asked as she hung her purse over the back of her chair.

"It's going all right, Lindsay. You guys want your usual?"

"We're waiting for one more, she should be here any minute," Lane replied. Luke nodded and began to walk away from the table when the door opened again and Emily entered. She smiled at Lane and walked over to the table.

"Hello Lane, Luke, nice to see you. And you must be Lindsay!" Emily greeted the group. Lindsay swallowed nervously and wiped her hands on her skirt under the table before she stood up and extended a hand to Emily.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Gilmore," she said, amazed that her voice was steady while her nerves jangled like bells. Emily smiled kindly at her and enclosed the younger woman's hand in both of hers.

"It's lovely to meet you as well, Lindsay. You look like Marilyn Monroe in that dress, with your blonde hair and sun-kissed skin," Emily said warmly. She'd noticed Lindsay's nervousness the moment she walked in, and Emily didn't want her to feel nervous around her. She smiled internally as Lindsay visibly relaxed and smiled more openly at her.

"Thank you. I like your bag," Lindsay said, as they sat down.

"Thank you, dear. Have you girls ordered yet?" Lane and Lindsay shook their heads. Turning to Luke, Emily asked for an iced tea, and Lane and Lindsay ordered the same. Once Luke had gone back behind the counter, Emily turned to the two young women and asked for their recommendations from the menu.

"The burgers are really good, and so are the sandwiches. I'd also suggest one of the soups but it's pretty warm today," Lane said. Emily nodded and she read over the menu.

"I think I'll try one of the burgers. Rory has told me how good they are, I'd like to be able to tell her I had a burger at Luke's," Emily decided, flipping her menu closed.

"I wonder how the shopping trip is going," Lane mused, sipping her iced tea. She caught Lindsay's look and quickly explained, "Logan's sister and some of their friends took Rory shopping today for a new outfit." She gave a subtle nod in Patty and Babette's direction, who weren't even trying to hide the fact that they were eavesdropping. Lindsay nodded back, Lane had outlined the plan as they walked to Luke's, and Lindsay was grateful Lane had included her. Emily laughed.

"Oh, if I know anything about those girls, it's that they'll shop until they drop. I wouldn't be surprised if they managed to convince the boys to go with them," she said. Lindsay's head was spinning, all of the names Lane had told her on their walk over had blurred together.

"So, Honor is Logan's sister, right?" she asked as their food arrived. Lane and Emily nodded.

"Yes, and Josh is her husband. Finn, Colin, Robert, Juliet, Rosemary and Steph are friends of theirs and Logan and Rory's," Emily said, taking a bite of her burger. Her eyes widened with delight. "Oh my, that's delicious!" she exclaimed once she'd swallowed. She looked over at Luke behind the counter. "Luke, I think this is the best burger I've ever had!"

Luke looked up from the bills he was counting and smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, Emily," he said, coming over to the table.

"I am. I think you should make these for Richard and his business associates to try at your next business meeting. I happen to know that one of the young lawyers who is working with you on the plans for the franchise enjoys a good burger and fries," Emily suggested. Luke nodded thoughtfully.

"I have been struggling with what to serve, I think burgers would be good. Any other recommendations?" he asked. Emily wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"Why don't you make up some dishes to go and I'll take them home with me? Richard and I will try them and make note of what we like and I'll have him give you a call," she said. Luke nodded and turned to walk back to the counter.

"You're franchising the diner, Luke?" Miss Patty asked, the first full sentence she'd spoken to him in over a month. Luke's face became guarded.

"Yeah, I am. I've got to make money somehow if I want to have enough for retirement," he said. He turned back to Emily. "I'll start making up those dishes now," he said and headed into the back.

Lane and Lindsay looked at each other. Luke had mentioned to them that he was working on something with Richard and Emily Gilmore, but they hadn't known what it was until now.

"So that's why Luke has been having meetings with you and Mr. Gilmore. He's going to franchise the diner," Lane said softly. Emily nodded and picked up her burger.

"Yes, he came to Richard a couple of weeks ago and asked for some advice. They've been meeting every week since then," Emily explained.

"Well, good for him. Maybe he'll choose a location in California close to Rory and Logan. That would make her happy, she loves this diner," Lindsay said, picking up a fry and biting into it. Emily and Lane nodded in agreement.

"If Rory loved this diner so much, and this town, she wouldn't have run off with a trust-fund brat," Babette said. Lane, Lindsay and Emily looked over at her table. Emily's eyes narrowed.

"That "trust-fund brat" happens to be a fine young man who loves my granddaughter very much and is supporting her through the hell you are all putting her through," she said coolly, the warm and caring woman who had greeted Lindsay and Lane disappearing to be replaced by the society matron.

"We're just stating our opinion," Patty said. She turned her attention back to Babette. "I wonder if she's pregnant yet," she said, not bothering to keep her voice down. Lane and Lindsay both opened their mouths to protest, but Emily beat them to it. She rose from her seat, her eyes burning with anger.

"How dare you? How dare you make that insinuation about my granddaughter? Rory is one of the most responsible women I know, and if she were pregnant, her grandfather and I couldn't be more thrilled. She and her fiancé are adults, they're engaged and they're financially stable. They'll be raising their children in an actual home, not in a potting shed. Which brings me to this: why on earth didn't any of you report Mia or Lorelai to Child Protective Services when the two of them were allowing my granddaughter to grow up in a building with no heat, no electricity and no running water? Do you have no shame?" Emily asked. Lane and Lindsay were sitting with their mouths open. Lindsay had been right, she thought, Emily Gilmore wasn't a woman to cross, and she was touched and terrified by Emily's fierceness when it came to Rory.

Babette and Patty were, for the first time in Lane and Lindsay's memories, speechless. Emily looked around, seeing that every eye in the diner was upon her.

"For people who say that they're a tight-knit community who take care of their own, you certainly seem to turn on each other very quickly when things don't go your way. I know all about what you're putting Rory through, and how none of you save Luke and Lane spoke up when she was assaulted in this very room. I suggest you all think very carefully about what your next moves are going to be, because I can tell you right now your significance in Rory's life is slowly dwindling," Emily finished her speech and sat down, knowing full well that by dinnertime her words would be all over Stars Hollow.

Lane and Lindsay smirked at each other, Emily had certainly caught Patty and Babette off-guard, and neither of them could wait until Rory's arrival back in Connecticut.

"That was one of the most epic things I've ever seen, Mrs. Gilmore," Lindsay said as they resumed their lunch. She hesitated a second, and then spoke. "I just want to say how sorry I am about what my mom did to Rory, and thank you for the offer to join you and Lane today." Emily smiled kindly and reached across the table, taking hold of Lindsay's hand.

"Lindsay, my husband and I are so appreciative of what you've been doing for Rory. I know you two have a bit of a complicated history, and we're grateful that despite all of that, you're not joining in on the poison that's been spread around by others," she said. Lindsay smiled and nodded. They finished their lunch in companionable silence and Emily insisted on paying for all three. After offering to pay Luke for the samples, which he refused, saying that they were on him, Lane and Lindsay helped Emily carry them out to her car.

"Lane, thank you so much for meeting me today," Emily said, squeezing Lane's hand before turning her attention to Lindsay. "It was lovely to meet you, Lindsay, I hope we see each other again." Lindsay nodded and accepted the hand Emily offered.

"Me too, Mrs. Gilmore. Thank you again for inviting me," she said. Emily smiled and said goodbye to the girls before getting into her car and driving away. Lane looked over at Lindsay as they walked back to her house.

"Well, how are you feeling?" she asked. Lindsay laughed.

"Better than I did before we had lunch. I honestly thought Mrs. Gilmore was going to haul me over the coals," she admitted. Lane patted her friend's arm comfortingly. She could say, with absolute certainty, that she was going to make sure she was never on Emily Gilmore's bad side either, after witnessing her just smackdown to Patty and Babette.

Patty and Babette remained at their table after Emily, Lane and Lindsay had left. They were both humiliated by her speech, the woman didn't know what she was talking about. Whatever Rory had told her, it wasn't true, and it looked as though Lane was whispering into Rory's ear. They were in the right; Emily and her granddaughter were the ones who had it wrong. Weren't they?

Hello all. Well, I certainly never expected to be updating two months later, but life got in the way. I started writing this chapter on May 27, and then two days later, tragedy struck our family hard. Two of my brother-in-law's cousins died within five days of each other, and for a while, I was just too heartsick to write. It's been a rough few weeks. Thank you all for your support, love and reviews for this story. There's more to come! ❤️❤️

Navywife07: All will be revealed soon! 😉😉

Cass585339: I hope you liked this chapter and the reveal of Rory's plan!

Red Lighting: I feel bad for Rory and Logan too. As for your funny feeling, well, let's just say it's accurate 😉

LissaP: Wow, that's a lot of love! You're so welcome, Mia's culpability in Rory's poor care as a child bothered me too, and I agree that they have had her on such a pedestal. I hope you liked Chapter 20!

YaleAceBella12: No worries! I know there have been glitches in the system, so hopefully, they are resolved now!

December Jeffries2: I included the bare minimum of details of Rory's plan in this chapter because I don't want to give all my secrets away! 😉 Rory will certainly need to put on her big girl pants for the inevitable confrontation. I like the idea of Rory, Lane and Lindsay being friends too, and I agree that Lane deserves to have a girlfriend in her town. Rory has been and will always be Lane's best friend. If you're friends for 10 years you're friends for a lifetime! I'm quite looking forward to writing their trip back to Connecticut, it will be good to get some emotions out!

Kellybras: Thank you!

Nicholsndimes08: I had to start with something positive, so the interaction between Honor/Josh/Logan was a good way to do that. What did you think of Rory's plan? I think Lane was keeping details from Rory at first, and then she decided to tell her just how bad things are so Rory wasn't walking in without a clue. I can't wait to share more with you!

Guest: I hope you enjoyed Chapter 20!

Guest: The next chapter has arrived!

Scg123: I hope you enjoyed Chapter 20 and I'm so glad you like hearing the story from a different perspective! I'm also glad that you think I'm writing Lorelai's character in line with how she was in the show whenever something didn't go her way. I agree that had Rory said yes to Logan, Lorelai would have reacted in a way similar to this.

Robinzo: I'm glad you're enjoying this story and thank you for your compliment. When it came to Rory and Logan's relationship, Lorelai was jealous, both that her daughter had found her soulmate so young and that she wasn't the number one person in Rory's life anymore. Emily may have her faults, but she loves Rory. As for the way Rory spoke to the people in Stars Hollow, I don't see it as her being a brat, but as a young woman finding her voice and beginning to stand up for herself. In answer to your second review, Rory stood up for herself yet again. If anything, Stars Hollow is the one being disrespectful by not giving Rory a chance to tell her side. I just experienced something like this recently, and I can tell you it's the most frustrating thing in the world when someone doesn't give you a chance to be heard. No, Rory didn't raise herself, but the people of Stars Hollow were overbearing while she was growing up and Lorelai made the wrong choice when she chose to raise her child in a potting shed with no insulation, running water, electricity and so on. Lane loves Rory too, and I believe if it came down to it she would be on Rory's side, which she is. If you don't like the way I'm writing Rory (with a backbone and the chutzpah to stand up to people) or this story, then I suggest you stop reading and write the kind of Rory/Logan story you would like to read. I would have liked to see her stand up for herself more in the show.

Guest: Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Mellybel: Being late to a party is fashionable, I've heard! I hope you've been enjoying this story of mine and am glad that you agree with the point of Lorelai's and Rory's relationship being dependent on Rory doing what Lorelai thinks is best/wants. Thank you so much, who better to offer that insight about Straub than Richard? You can see in the show that Straub doesn't view his wife as his equal, and the way he treated her made me sad and angry. I hope you enjoyed Chapter 20!

Guest: Assuming this is the same person, thank you for your enthusiasm! I hope you enjoyed Chapter 20!

Have a great week everyone!

Till next time, xoxo