Are we not in Stars Hollow anymore?

[In the car in Hartford, Friday the 18th of June 2021]

- Do you remember the scene in The Sound of Music, when Maria first arrived at the Von Trapp-Villa in Salzburg? Rory asked absently, focusing her eyes on in the beam of light from the Porsche Cayenne.

- Sure? Logan sent her a quick glance, then redirecting his attention to the road.

- She felt confident as she danced through Salzburg, but as she stood by the gate she was totally intimidated and said: "Oh, help", only to put an act on and tell herself that she has confidence in herself and go ring the doorbell.

- I remember. He drove up in front of the Gilmore-Mansion in Hartford, pressing the remote control, as he stopped in front of the gate, waiting for it to open.

- I always felt like that right here, sitting in the car waiting for the gates to open, Rory explained, turning to look at Logan, - Even now, though this has been ours for 5 years. It is not that I don't like it or don't feel at home when we are here. But when we arrive, like now, I always feel strange... Intimidated? Nervous?

- I never knew that, Ace, Logan put his hand on her knee as he kissed her cheek, - I always felt very calm seeing the Gilmore-Mansion. I really do love our life in New York City, no doubt about it. But driving up to the Hartford-house has a "coming home"-kind of-feeling to it, Logan drove up to the front door as he turned off the SUV.

- I'll take Leia to her bed, then I will come down to you, Logan told Rory, looking over his shoulder at Leia sleeping in her car seat.

- Remember to put on the alarm in her room, Rory asked him.

- I will, Ace, Logan said softly. He hated when she said things like that, he wouldn't forget, and it felt like she thought that he could forget, when she reminded him. Or maybe it even felt like she thought that he was a bad father. But knowing Rory for 17 years, including her control-freak tendencies, he had once and for all decided to let things like that go. Even more when he was tired on a Friday night after 2-hour driving. 2 or 3 years ago he would have said something, but married life had taught him a lot. Letting little things like that slip uncommented, being one of those things he learned.

When Emily moved to Nantucket after Richard's passing, Rory inherited the Gilmore mansion in Hartford, and had kept it ever since. It held so many memories from her life and she wrote her book GILMORE GIRLS in Richards study. As Rory and Logan married, they always stayed there when they visit friends and family I Connecticut, or if they have business in the area.

A few minutes later Logan closed the door to Leia's room. He took a look into the master bedroom to make sure everything was ready for them to go to bed. Happy to see that the luggage was brought up, the curtains were drawn, and the light was on, he closed the door to walk downstairs again.

On the couch he found Rory sitting with a very worn green paperback edition of The Wizard of Oz and a cup of tea. Sliding down next to her, pulling her into a loving embrace, exhaling deeply as he got settled to release all the stress of the week.

- Sorry, Rory whispered, caressing his cheek.

- Sorry?

- For the baby alarm thing, I don't know why I do that. Reflects, I guess. I know you hate when I do that, Rory explained looking into his eyes.

He smiled and leaned in for a kiss, - I know, you know, my lioness. Thanks anyway, he whispered back, kissing her softly.

- I poured you a glass of Scotch, Rory gestured to the glass on the coffee table with her index finger, - Did she sleep through?

- Oh, you know me so well, Ace. Thanks. And yes, she did.

Rory leaned into his arms and closing her book in her lap, just taking in the quiet sounds of Logan's breathing and the distant sounds from the maid in the kitchen.

The quietness was soon interrupted by a buzz from Logan's iPhone. Lifting his bottom to stretch out as he tried to get the phone from his pocket, without letting go of Rory, Logan got it, – Honor! He announced, unlocking the iPhone to read the text, - She says to be ready at 9, she will pick Leia up and take her to Stars Hollow in a special transportation. What has she come up with now? Logan groaned while rolling his eyes at his sister's antics.

- She wouldn't be feeding you your own medication, would she? Mr. Secrets/Grand Gestures-Huntzberger? Rory teased. Logan answered with a growl, as gave her his best glare.

- You don't mind?

Rory shook her head, - 17 years with Logan Elias Huntzberger in my life has groomed me for this, she winked at him, - And I trust my sister-in-law.

- Well, I don't, Logan winked back.

- The last 4 years have interduces you to the concept of worrying, not something you knew of B.L.

- B.L.? Logan asked, looking a bit confused

- Before Leia!

- Ahhhh, he laughed, - True, that little girl gave me something real to worry about

- I like that you now think twice before parachuting off a cliff, Rory giggled

- You do now, do you? Logan put his fingers to her side and started tickling her.

- Stop, stop, stop, please. I will pee, Logan. STOP! Please, Rory pleaded in laughter.

- Okay, then. Let's get upstairs and get you to a toilet, Logan teased, we can read a bit more in bed if you want to.

He drank the rest of his scotch as he got up and lead Rory to their bedroom.

[The Gilmore-mansion in Hartford, Saturday morning the 19th of June 2021]

- It was a messenger by the door. He said to give this to Miss Leia, the maid said as she interred the dining room. Leia stared with wide-open eyes at the enormous pink box with a glittery ribbon.

- A gift from auntie Honor? Leia inquired eagerly.

- It seems so, Rory answered calmly while trying to get to wipe his hands from jam before opening the box, not really have the biggest success with it.

- Leia, calm down, nobody is racing you to it, Logan laughed, shaking his head dramatically.

- Can I please have the gift to open, Miss López, Leia asked politely to the maid. Linda López looked at Logan for permission to give Leia the gift. She was only met by a chuckle from Logan, - Thanks for the confidence, Linda, but I'm man enough to recognize that this is a matter called by my wife, Logan chuckled, looking at Rory for her to make the call.

- Sure, you can open it, Leia, Rory answered with a soft giggle, - Thanks, Linda, I think you can clear the table now.

Logan got up to help Leia, while Rory stayed seated to finish her tea.

- A fairy-dress, Leia exclaimed by the sight of the huge amount of tulle and glitter appearing in the box. Logan sat by in one big smile, watching his daughter getting more ecstatic by the second.

- Can I wear it, daddy? Please? Leia pleaded her farther

- Auntie Honor would be disappointed if you didn't, honey. Let's go put in on.

As Logan and Leia walked out the dining room, Logan looked back at Rory in one big smile.

Sitting there enjoying the silence, sipping her tea, Rory took a few deep breaths thinking about what Honor and Lorelai have arranged for Leia's birthday today. Her thoughts got interrupted from the buzzing from Logan's iPhone on the table. She reached out for it and smiled when she saw the caller ID.

- The Huntzberger residence, the Lady of the House speaking, Rory said in a mock-formal tone

- Uncle Finn speaking, calling to say happy birthday to his darling goddaughter, this fine June morning, Finn answered in the same formal tone.

- I must disappoint you, Finn. Miss Huntzberger just went upstairs with Mr. Huntzberger and a huge pile of pink tulle and glitter to get ready for her party. A party you are attending, you didn't forget?

- I am offended, love. I would never forget the most important day of the year, Finns told Rory in a very fake offended tone, - But what is more interesting! Did you say that Huntz went upstairs to dress little-love in a big pile of pink tulle and glitter? Did you take pictures?

Rory chuckled, - Sorry I wish I did. I could swear that he looked like the Giants just won the Superbowl walking up the stairs holding Leia's hand.

- Who is that daddy-person you talk about, and what did he do to my best mate? Finn laughed, – Well, I actually just wanted to ask Logan where I was supposed to pick April up and at what time she is expecting me?

- She is at our house, and expecting you at 9.

- Perfect love, I'll be there! Could you just text me her number, then I'll let her know I'm on my way

- Well, Finn Morgan, are you trying to trick me into giving you my younger sisters phone number? Do you know she is not a redhead? Rory teased

- Always, love. You know me too well, Love. So, will you?

- Only because you actually are her ride to Stars Hollow today. And a little bit because I think she would like for you to have it, Rory added quietly, biding her lip, not knowing if that was meddling in something that was not her business. But she relaxed again when she heard Finn exhale sharply on the other end of the phone, – You think so, love?

- Sure, and you know it, Finn. See you at 11 in Stars Hollow!

- See you later, love.

They hang up the phone as Leia storm down the stairs wearing a pink, tulle and glitter, Glinda the good witch of the North-dress swinging her magic glittery wand. Rory snapped a photo with Logan's phone in her hand and sent it to Finn.

- Now are you a good witch or a bad witch? Rory asked Leia in her most high-pitched Glinda-like-voice.

- A good witch, Mommy, I'm Glinda, Leia yelled in excitement.

- And you are the most beautiful good witch in all of Hartford, darling. We should get ready, Logan, will you put the bags in the SUV?

- Already taken care of, Ace, Logan answered kissing Rory's cheek

- By the way, Finn called, I told him to pick April up at the house at 9.

- Perfect. So, let's go see what auntie Honor is up to, Logan responded a bit nervous, taking Leia up carrying her on his arm.

In the driveway Honor was waiting for Leia, dressed in an identical version of the Glinda-dress.

- Hello birthday girl, Honor squealed, opening her arms for Leia to run into.

- Hello, auntie Honor. It is my birthday. You send me this dress. I am Glinda. And you are Glinda. Leia was ecstatic and overwhelmed at the same time as she jumped into Honor's embrace.

- We are both Glinda today, the good witch of the North. You can never have too many good witches, can you? Honor asked Leia, who shook her head very definitely with a serious facial expression.

- And now we will let Josh take Mommy to Stars Hollow, as we two take the Great Wizard of Oz to Stars Hollow, Honor announced in her most theatrical voice. She handed Logan an emerald green vest and a black top hat, gesturing for him to dress up. Logan smirked at his sister, playing along with the game, seeing how happy Leia was.

Talking Leia by the hand and gesturing for Logan, Rory and Josh to follow, Honor walked to the other side of the big building in front of them. As they get free of the building Rory grabbed Logan's arm as she inhaled loudly in surprise.

A big air balloon ready for take-off, placed in the middle of a football field, - I really do appreciate you driving me, Rory chuckled at Josh.

For the first time this day Leia was standing completely still. Leia and Logan's eyes and mouths were both wide open by the sight of the balloon.

- Are we going to Kansas? Leia asked Honor in confusion

- No, darling, Dorothy already went back to Kansas, we are going to the Emerald City. Honor told Leia in a voice full of magic wonders.

- We are? Leia started jumping up and down

- We are. You, me and daddy are flying to the Emerald City in this balloon. Mummy and uncle Josh are driving in Daddy's car. They will be waiting for us when we arrive.

[The Dragonfly Inn, Stars Hollow, Saturday the 19th of June 2021]

25 minutes later Josh and Rory pull up in front of the DragonFly. Or at least in front of what used to be referred to as the Dragonfly. This day it was without a doubt a fairytale land called Oz. Rory sat in the car paralyzed, just taking in the sight of Honor and Lorelai's decorations.

In the lawn by the parking lot there was a huge green bouncy castle surrounded by an extravagant amount of emerald green decorations. At the entrance to the bouncy castle a sign saying: "Emerald City".

By the sign, a yellow bricked road started. It went around the bouncy castle, going behind the Inn as it ended in front of the Inn by a fireplace and a gazebo with seating arrangements for all of Leia's guests.

Rory was stunned, to say the least.

- How did you manage to all this in 3 days, mom? I'm speechless, Rory looked in disbelief at Lorelai.

- Well, honey, that was no biggie. You left your daughter's birthday party in the hands of the Gilmore-Huntzberger birthday party-planner-service. Number one in Connecticut, Lorelai explained to Rory, - Between Honor and I, we have a ton of ideas, my persuasiveness and Honor's AmEx Black Card. And BINGO: One Wizard of Oz birthday party on the roll.

Rory just chuckled in disbelieve, - I see, I should have known that Mrs. Persuasion and Mrs. AmEx Black Card was an explosive cocktail.

- But you didn't have time to think about that, Fruit of my loins

Rory turned to Josh, - I'm sorry, Josh, please send your wife's AmEx-bill to my husband, sweet indulgently brother-in-law of mine, Rory announced as she gave Josh's hand a small squeeze.

- Well Rory, you see; 4 years ago, I made a pact with Leia, to make sure Auntie Honor never fell below the AmEx spending limit. You would not want to lose those Black Card benefits, would you? And today Leia just made sure to keep her end of the bargain for 2021, Josh winked at Rory in a smile.

- Oh no, that would be terrible. Logan would be so lost without his AmEx concierge service, the free in-flight WIFI or the airport arrival service. I see why you would not risk that, Rory laughed.

- I see you understand a man's deepest fears, Rory Huntzberger, Josh snickered.

When life as a Huntzberger was a bit too overwhelming to Rory, she could always rely on Josh to joke about all the crazy "needs" you can trick yourself into believing that you have, living with the benefits of a AmEx Black Card and the money to pay the bill every month all your life. Josh comes from new money and his parents had made sure he knew the value of them and how to live a worthy life on less than $50K a month as they made the billions. A thing Logan and Honor never had to learn.

The Air Balloon landed softly in the lawn behind the Dragonfly Inn, with Rory, Lorelai, Luke, Josh, April and Finn as an audience.

Finn quickly got Leia out onto the lawn to see the Emerald City, as Logan jumped. Josh elegantly maneuvered Honor in a huge pink tulle-gown out of the Air Balloon. And like that the fairytale could begin.

- Come on, let's jump the Bouncy Castle, Auntie April invited all exited, taking Leia by the hand to the bouncy castle. But standing there so close to the huge Emerald green castle filled with air, Leia felt overwhelmed, - No, I don't want to, Auntie April, Leia cried with tears silently running down her cheeks.

- Really? Glinda will not inter the Emerald City? April tried luring her into the getting on the bouncy castle

- Oh, come on little-love, play with uncle Finn! Finn tried. Finn took April by the hand and onto the bouncy Castle, as they started jumping and laughing, hoping it would make Leia come up. But Leia refused to go.

- Please don't cry, Princess, Honor called. Honor felt her heartbreak watching the tears running down Leia's cheeks. So, Honor decided to move Leia's attention to make sure she had fun on her birthday.
- Let's follow the Yellow Bricked Road? Honor suggested. And like incantations Leia smiled as she took Auntie Honors hand, - Follow the yellow bricked road? Leia asked

And like that Honor and Leia stepped onto the Yellow bricked road to see what mighty adventures it might lead to.

As Leia took the whole scenery in, she saw the fireplace and her Uncle Colin building a bonfire.

- Uncle Colin, Uncle Colin, Uncle Colin, can we make smores? Please?

- Hello, princess Leia, Colin yelled opening his embrace for the little birthday girl in her pink tulle-gown, - Well, that sounds just perfect. But in order to make smores, we need to light the fire.

- So, get moving, uncle Colin, Leia demanded

- Well, aren't we a feisty little one? Colin joked, - But Leia, fire is quite dangerous, we might not want to make one right now without you daddy to help us.

- You really don't have a lot of courage, don't you Uncle Colin? Leia told him in her most precocious tone, as Colin tried to hide his chuckle.

- I'm a lawyer, princess, I live in constant fear, Colin smirked.

- Let's light a fire together, it will be one less minute you haven't lived, Uncle Colin, Leia looked at him with pleading eyes.

- Really? You will be the death of me young Miss Huntzberger, Colin smirked shaking his head, - So, come here little princess, help me light the matches.

As everyone sat by the fireplace eating smores, Robert and Juliet drove up the driveway in Roberts brand new Ferrari.

- That is a really nice car, Uncle Robert, Leia complimented Robert's car. Did Auntie Juliet buy that for you?

- Ouch, that hurt, princess Leia. Please don't break Uncle Roberts heart by saying things like that

- Oh, I'm sorry, Uncle Robert. I didn't mean to break your heart, Leia said all full of shame.

- Don't worry, darling, Robert has no heart for you to break, Colin explained jokingly, hoping that it would make Leia feel better.

- Then we will have to ask my daddy to give you a heart, Uncle Robert. You could go with me and Colin to talk to him.

- That sounds perfect, Leia, let's go see your daddy, Robert agreed.

Leia took Colin and Robert by their hands as she explained, - We just need to follow the yellow bricked road!

And like with Rory, neither of the two men had ever been able to say no to Leia, so they just followed Leia's lead, like they used to follow Logan's.

Leia was just ecstatic as she walked along the yellow path that was arranged specially for the party. She held their hands in suspense for what might be around the corner. Back in front of the Inn there was arranged for a play area with all kinds of activities for kids, since they came I all ages at this party. Dave being the oldest at 17, Leia being the youngest at 4.

Everybody had gathered at the play area with their drinks waiting for Leia to bring back Colin and Robert. Logan, Rory, Finn and April sat down in a launch area in the shade as they small talked about Finn giving April a ride from NYC to Stars Hollow.

- Uncle Finn, are you drinking already, this is a party for kids! Leia stated I her most determined voice, putting her hands to her hips. Logan was about to burst from laughter when he turned to Rory in amusement, - I thought you said she was the spitting image of a the Huntzberger? Now I think that she might have a bit of the Gilmore genes too.
- Hey, be nice, Rory pouted, - And I really do think that this is what she got from Shira, Rory continued in a mocking tone.

- Daddy, you must tell Finn that he cannot drink and look at girls at my birthday party, Leia pleaded her farther.

- Oh, honey, I will, Logan promised her, - Finn, you cannot drink and look at girls at your goddaughter's birthday party, Logan scolded his old friend, - That girl is half Gilmore, you really don't want to mess with that.

- No worries, Little love, can we go get a pink slush ice then? Finn smiled a Leia

- If my daddy will let us, Leia told Finn very conscientiously

- Daddy? Finn asked Leia, pretending to be shocked at that statement.

Leia giggled as she changes her answer, - Well, Mummy, I guess

Leia and Finn look at Rory with wide eyes, silently asking for permission to get pink slush ice.

Finn, April, Logan and Rory all laughed at this charade insinuating that Rory is the one to make all calls regarding, Leia. Something everyone knew was not true. Though Rory external appeared to be the decisionmaker of the family, they were very equal parents. They just practice good leadership and had each their areas of expertise and decision-making. But among friends, it was a standing joke that they should ask Rory, not Logan.

- Sure, let the kids have their slush ice, Rory told Finn and Leia, hushing them to the slush ice machine.

Finn put up a big smile, taking Leia's hand to go get their slush ice.

Rory, Logan and April were watching the interaction between Finn and Leia, as they went to get their pink slush ice. Leia chose a gold-glitter straw and Finn helped her fill the cup and put on the lid.

- Watching the 183 cm tall CEO with a pink slush ice with a glitter straw, and a 4-year-old birthday girl I pink tulle, giggle in secrecy, was just not something you would have imagined back at Yale 15 years ago, - Rory said in a soft voice

- Not really, Logan agreed

April looked first at Finn and Leia, then at Rory and Logan, - Finn is good with that little niece of mine, she stated

- Yeah, gotta love Finn, Rory told April, as Logan nodded silently in agreement.

- Who would have thought that Finn was the one good with children, Logan smirked

- Come on, Little-Love, let me hold your cup as you go sit by Auntie April.
Finn sat down on the couch next to Leia and gave her back her slush ice. Leia immediately started to drink it.

- Ouch Daddy, it hurts, Leia cried with a hand to her forehead, looking all scared at her daddy

- Let me take that, Finn told Leia as he took back her slush ice, - It is called brain freeze.

- Don't you get brain freeze, Uncle Finn? Leis sniffled

- Now, that would require a brain, wouldn't it? Colin and Robert jump in on the conversation in unison.

- Do you not have a brain? Leia asked Finn in confusion, – The Wizard can get you a brain, just like Scarecrow, Uncle Finn, she assured him.

- Well, that sounds mighty perfect, Little-Love, Off to Oz with us! Finn got up with a determined look, taking Leia by the hand, both ready to take off to Oz.

- We will follow the Yellow Bricked Road, Leia told Finn, Colin and Robert, – And the three 39-year-old businessmen joined the birthday girl, getting ready with her to go on a journey to Emerald City, by following the Yellow Bricked Road.

- And like this it begins, Colin stated, – I will join this little beauty in the quest for courage

- For a heart, Robert added

- For a brain, Finn concluded.

- And my gifts, Leia announced

Everyone laughed and the four ventured out on their quest to enter the Emerald City and talk to the wizard of Oz.

When the 3 adventurers came to the gates of the Emerald City, Logan had 3 tasks for them to get their wishes. In ceremonial attitude he handed them each an envelope to open.

Colin was the first one to open and read the task

For Colin to get his courage Leia and Colin must make pancakes over the fire.

- That is not a hard task, Uncle Colin, we can do that, Leia comforted Colin the best she knew how, - What does you task say, Uncle Robert?

Robert opened and read the card, - Leia must help Robert make one new friend today.

- Oh! Leia exclaimed, - Who don't you know already?

- Auntie April? Colin asked, trying to help

Leia was excited about that, - I know Auntie April, I can help you make friends with her

- What is your task, Uncle Finn?

- We have to make a drawing of this party together, Little-Love

- That sounds fun! Do you want to hear my plan? Colin and I get the pancakes started, and in the meanwhile Finn, April and Robert will set up the things for painting. When the pancakes are done, I will sit with Finn, April and Robert to paint, and Finn and I will help Robert make friends with April. Sounds good?

Everybody looked at Leia in awe, she was a Huntzberger alright. Her leadership skills and organization skills all blooming at 4.

Finn wasn't sure he liked the idea of Robert getting to know April, but he couldn't very well go against Leia's plan, so he agreed to the plan along with the others.

When Leia reported back to Logan, that all 3 tasks were completed, she was so proud, - So can we get our wishes now?

- You sure can. And then Logan gave Colin, Robert and Finn their Courage, heart and brain, just like the wizard does in the movie. Leia was in awe of this whole fairytale and she nearly forgot that she was to receive her birthday gifts too.

Colin, Robert and Finn helped her with the mountain of birthday gifts, and when they were all unwrapped, they took her for a jump on the bouncy castle.

A/N:

The next chapter will take off as this chapter ends. It is mainly about the party that the grown-ups have when Leia goes to sleep.