[The Dragonfly Inn, Stars Hollow, Saturday the 19th of June 2021]
- So, those two, will they only need one room tonight?
The evening breeze made the pink-flowered dress skirt slide up and show the long slim legs of the blonde beauty. Even at the age of 39 she could make a career out of modeling any day, if it wasn't for the fact that she was Rory and Logan's highly cherished Head of Marketing at The Magna. Not that she needed to work. She was born a Vanderbilt, for G**'s sake. And she was a McCrae by marriage. Working was always 100% optional for Stephanie.
As Rory and Stephanie stood there on the big lawn in front of the Dragonfly Inn, they put their arms around each other, hugging sideways. This made Rory very happy, but at the same time even more like an elephant. Wearing flat red ballerinas and a baby blue maternity dress in China silk, standing so close to Steph in her beautiful Elsa Adams dress with pink flowers and lace edges they bought on their last trip to Copenhagen, topped by 100 mm high white Louboutin's.
Not that Rory would wear Elsa Adams and Louboutin's at her daughter's 4-years birthday party, pregnant or not. She was never going to be that much of a high society wife, but being 6-month-pregnant with twins, the inferior feeling is there anyhow.
Standing there together with her friend, getting caught up in the scenery in front of them, Rory noticed a very warm feeling sneak in on her.
Right there by the little IKEA Kids-size coloring-table, that Honor had put in the lawn at Leia's event of a birthday party, was this group of three. Three people that filled her heart with love.
The three of them sit on little stools around the little table all immersed in making one big watercolor painting of a colorful birthday cake.
Her super smart, 28-year-old, MIT-graduate, stepsister. Looking like a million dollars sitting there in the evening light, dressed in a short summer dress in a fuchsia color. Her dark curly hair, loosely collected by a headband with a cute flamingo print, hanging down her shoulders. She has completely changed the geeky appearance, she had, when Luke first got to know her. Her glasses are gone, and she has grown into a very attractive, very well-educated woman. Even though everybody else present had a degree from an Ivy League university, she could out-smart any of them, anytime.
On another little red stool, busy coloring, was a highly successful, 39-year-old, a businessman with a schoolboy grin on his face. Sitting there in that little kid stool made his knees come up under his chin, being twice the size to fit this kid's furniture. His signature dark curly surfer hairstyle hadn't changed for more than a decade, maybe even two decades. Despite his high profiled job as the CEO of the worldwide family hotel business, and his corner office in a very expensive address in New York City, he had kept the boyish signature Aussie look.
This very attractive man was one of the three musketeers. Together with Colin and Logan the three of them have been friends for more than 25 years. Supporting each other through good times and bad.
Last but not least, her little 4-year-old birthday-girl with big shining hazelnut colored eyes, just like her father. Auntie Honor had bought a cotton candy-colored tulle dress spread with pearls, shimmer and shine for her to wear, with a matching crown and a magic wand with a gemstone star on top. And despite all the glitter, this dress was now also covered in frosting and watercolors. Leia sat there on the little red stool looking overjoyed and like that she fit perfectly into this idyllic picture.
The whole scenery was just so filled with joy, and Rory just cannot comprehend it at all. It was just one big picture of overwhelmingly good feelings. Well, I guess that the pregnancy hormones didn't do anything to ease the feelings either.
One thing was to see Leia's big eyes full of admiration and joy, when she interacted with her maternal aunt and her godfather, that would make any mother ecstatic, pregnant or not. But at the same scenery seeing her stepsister and her beloved friend, not just play with Leia, but also having an adult game going on between them; That made her eyes go wet.
The way April got Leia to put blue paint on Finn's nose tip. The stars in their eyes when they laugh together with Leia for no apparent reason. The splashing on her with a wet brush. The way he gently stroke her at any opportunity given. The energy between them. The way they obviously thought, that no one would notices what was going on between the two of them or didn't care.
Stephanie smiled at Rory to make her answer her question, but not showing if she asked about this, finding it alarming or good.
And one can never know with Steph. She loves matchmaking and she believes that she is put in this world with the purpose to meddle in all potential love affairs. But you could never know what she would think when her good lifelong-friend, who is notoriously known for being a playboy with commitment phobia, and her closest friend's 10-year-younger stepsister, might hook up.
- So really Rory, those two, are they a thing? Stephanie prompted Rory for an answer
- Well, Rory tried hesitantly, looking back at her friend, - They could be.
- I think that I hope they will be, Rory told Steph, and then she looked up with a big smile at the woman who had been her closest friend in life and business for the last 5 breathless years.
- Okay, Steph nodded her head, putting a big smile up, - I think that I like, that you hope so, she giggled. Rory joined in on the giggling, and the two of them lock eyes for a bit, before the silence again took over.
Steph was the one to break the silence, - And is this a new thing, or why didn't I hear about it?
- It is a very fragile, caring and tender thing, and not my thing to be the one to share, Rory's eyes meet Steph's eyes, silently asking for understanding.
After a while, Steph nodded and smiled back.
- It is somehow ironic, that we stand here together, all married and in good carriers, looking at someone else starting to figure out love, at all that comes with it. That was us for a very long time, Rory thought to herself.
- I really want happiness for the both of them, Rory whispered as if it was a deep secret.
Watching him move a straw of brown curly hair to behind her ear, sending her a big smile, Steph had one more question, - And Logan knows about this? She stared at Rory as if the answer was hidden in her face somewhere.
- NOPE, Rory replied, looking up in a big "I'm in trouble"-laugh.
The sentimental moment was over, and Rory turned around to walk to Logan, Robert, and Colin. Leaving Steph to observe Finn, April, and Leia without her.
Putting her arms around her husband's back, leaning her head to his chest. Feeling the familiar warmth from his strong embrace, Logan put his arm around her and kisses her hair.
Logan, Colin and Robert were standing up on the lawn, looking into the fireplace, where they all cooked pancakes a few hours ago. They were talking about the merge with The European Correspondent. Rory just stood there resting, not really listening, just smelling the calming, well-known fragrance of her man, and observing the birthday party of her 4-year-old, turning into a "thirties-something party".
- So, you guys, we are gonna get home now. It has been the best day, good to see you. You look stunning, Rory, Sookie interrupted Rory's thoughts with her speed talking.
- Oh, Sookie, thank you for all the food and everything. You are the best, Rory told her mother's best friend, - And you too Jackson. Please come visit us in Manhattan anytime, okay? She continued as she reached out to say goodbye to Sookie's husband.
- Oh yes really, please do. I'm sure Martha would have a blast going all Rebecca Bloomwood with Rory and her Black Card on 5th Avenue, Logan laughed, shaking Jacksons hand goodbye
- Not sure who that Rebecca-girl is, but anything that will include any credit card and New York City will work for Martha, Jackson laughed back, - but oh my, 14-year-old girls. You have no idea, what you are in for, Jackson pointed at Logan in a wink.
Logan smiled at Jackson, deciding not to comment on that. He knew that his wife would not appreciate any comment on how he had known enough girls to take pleasure in swiping his Black Card, to have a pretty good idea of what he would be in for.
Martha and Davey started quarreling even before the 4 of them got to the blue Prius, to go home.
Rory put her arms around Logan's waist, pointing to the lawn,- look at those three, that is you and our twins 12 years from now, pointing at Steve, Kwan and Zack.
- I'd like that, Logan said quietly into her hair, kissing her on the top of the head, snuggling his nose in her hair.
- I was thinking, seeing Colin go all domestic making pancakes with the kids earlier. Do you think we need to worry about getting a substitute for marketing, anytime soon? Rory smirked at Logan.
- Maybe we should keep our eyes open, Logan laughed looking at Colin and Stephanie, his life-long friend and exceptionally good Head of Marketing, bringing food back into the kitchen together.
Rory grabbed Logan's left arm, looking at the Rolex she got him for their 1-year wedding anniversary, - 7 o'clock! Wow, time really flies, doesn't it?
- Mmmm, Logan said affirmatively, – So, I was thinking, that darling sister if mine, she really has too much time on her hands, or too much money for her own good, doesn't she?
Looking out at the emerald green Bouncy Castle, the left-over pancakes by the fireplace, the colorful decorations, the meadow of a thousand daisies, the air balloon and all the hats and wands and everything else, Rory had to agree.
- This has been an extraordinary Instagram-worthy 4-year-old birthday party, Rory laughed, - And being here with you today. Now standing here watching Lane's husband and twins go crazy on the bouncy castle, Rory looked up at Logan, - That is not at all how I imagined my life should be, she paused, - But it feels pretty perfect, if I might say so.
As a tear ran down her cheek, for the second time within an hour, Logan kissed it away, pushing her chin up with his index finger, caressing her lower lip with his thumb, - Oh, Ace…. , he whispered softly.
Standing there on the porch of the Dragonfly Inn, locking eyes for a while, their lips met in a soft kiss full of this special feeling, only parents can experience, when they witness their children in pure happiness.
Letting go of her lips, Logan leaned his forehead against Rory's and like that they just stood there, quietly observing their friends and family.
But the quietness is soon over.
- Gabriela! Timóteo! Come say goodbye to Mr. & Mrs. Huntzberger. NOW!
- Geeeez, Paris, you are scaring the life out of a pregnant woman here, Rory laughed at her old friend, - So, Gaby and Timo, did you have fun? I hope to see you soon. Please come visit us soon.
- Goodnight, Mrs. Huntzberger. Goodnight Mr. Huntzberger, Gabriela curtseys very formally
Bending down, giving Gabriela a big Logan Huntzberger-smile, he whispered secretively, - If your mom didn't scare me so much, I would ask you to call me Logan, looking up and winking at Paris.
- Goodbye, both of the kids yell and smile as they ran to the car.
Shaking her head, Paris said to Logan, - You just will never grow up, will you? She shrugged as she turns around walking after the kids to her white AUDI SUV in the parking lot.
As Logan and Rory walked towards the lawn to be with their guests, Lane came up next to Rory,
- Do you guys think they will ever come down again from the sugar high, Sookie's birthday cake caused? Lane asked, putting a hand on Rory's bag, hugging her sideways
- You could send them to Mrs. Kim's on a linseed diet for a week or two, that might do the trick? Rory suggested.
- Yeah, that might do the trick, Lane had an impressed look, when her eyes met the blue eyes of her best friend since kindergarten. And then they laugh.
- It has been a fun party; we had a really good time. Now I will see if my own Korean-mom-skills will allow me to get those three boys home with me, Lane joked, - See you guys.
Since all kids, but Leia, has gone home or to bed now, the whole setting changed to a calmer pace.
Colin was the one to break Rory's thoughts, - So, Huntz, maybe we should get that pregnant wife of yours into the couch with her feet up.
Logan looked down at Rory, smiling and nodding, - You know, I think that is a good idea. Come on, Logan put his hand on the small of Rory's bag, turning around to lead her back towards the main entrance of The Dragonfly Inn. Colin and Robert following them.
Walking only a few steps Logan, Robert and Colin made a full stop, simultaneously. All stirring disbelievingly at the kid's table where Leia was sitting coloring toddler portraits of a birthday cake, the sun, Paul Anka and her father's sports car.
As on count they all turn their heads to Rory, all with their mouths wide-open, looking like they just saw Juliet eat a carbs for the first time since 1995.
Rory smirked as she waited for them to say or do something. It took a few moments, but then Robert broke the silence asking, - So, Dorothy, are we not in Kansas anymore?
Rory tilted her head, looking at the 3 of them, with a smirk, - Well, maybe if Dorothy takes off these ruby shoes until tomorrow, the wizard, lion and tinman will just let us all stay in Oz for tonight?
They all look at each other with big eyes, silently nodding between them and deciding that staying Oz was fine by them. For tonight at least.
And then everybody walked towards the Dragonfly Inn living room.
Getting to the coloring-table, Colin looked at the scenery. Then deciding to say nothing. So, he picked up Leia up, - Come on princess Leia, it is late now. Grandma will take you to bed now.
Leia willingly let her Uncle Colin pick her up and didn't even protest to the fact that she had to go sleep soon, - Will you tell me story, uncle Colin? The 4-year-old asked, looking at Colin with big brown pleading eyes, bouncing her chestnut ponytail from side to side.
- I will, little princess, Colin smiled to her, - I will tell you the story about this very pretty, little-town, American brunette, with big blue eyes. She got the most beautiful red magic shoes from a good witch, and the witch told her to follow this magic road to get to what her heart desired.
On her journey along the magic road she met a lot of people. Not all good, not all bad.
She met people that had no heart, no brain and no courage. Despite all their shortcomings she had the ability to let them into her journey and heart. To look for what they dreamed of along her side.
Through good times and bad they manage to get to the end of the road.
In the magic city at the end of the road she talked to a great man, and he told her that he could not help her, but her red shoes could.
And then she realized, that she had what she needed to fulfill her dream all along.
And like her, so will you follow your magic road, Princess Leia. And right now, that road leads to grandma Lorelai's bed. And another day, I will tell you about how Lion got his courage.
- And I will tell you about how Tinman got his heart, Roberts told her, winking and pinching her cheek.
Leia put her head on Colin's shoulder as he took her to the car, and even before he put her in the car seat in Lorelai's car, she was fast asleep.
- And since he seems to have lost his mind, Robert said gesturing to Finn, - I guess Scarecrow can tag along the little girl's journey, to get a brain, His hand meets Colin's in a high five and a big grin.
- Well you two, please make sure my Inn is suitable for guest again tomorrow, Lorelai joked as she drove off, to go get the birthday girl to bed.
Colin and Robert laugh and decide not to answer that one, watching Lorelai driving off in the Jeep.
Still standing behind Finn, looking at Colin and Robert, Logan put his hand on Finn's shoulder, patting it. Giving him and April a friendly smile, while turning around walking to the entrance,
- So, Finn, poker?
- Always, mate. Be right in, Finn replied, not taking his eyes off April
Walking to the door Rory gave Logan's hand a few heartfelt squeezes. Sometimes the last 17 years, Finn really did grow up. And so, did Logan Huntzberger, she thought to herself.
- What? Logan asks
- I just really love you a lot, Mr. Huntzberger
- Coffee, Rory?
- Will Shira Huntzberger check in to a spa, if I told her that Logan has enrolled Leia to a public elementary school? Rory asked, stirring disbelievingly at Honor, though with a smirk just under the surface.
- So that is a yes to coffee? Honor laughed, placing a big coffee mug in front of her sister-in-law.
- Well, and yes to that too. But only if she survives the heart attack it will cause, Honor winked to Rory.
- Oh my, Rory. Please, please, please promise that whenever you break that news to her, I'm there, Honor laughed loudly to her stomach cramped.
Rory, Honor, Steph, Juliet and April were having drinks and coffee in the seating arrangement in the living room at the Dragonfly Inn. Stephanie was the usual party girl #1, speed talking and mixing cocktails. This "thirties-something-afterparty" was on a roll.
- And for you, April? Stephanie asked. She was pouring another round of Cosmopolitans to everyone but Rory. April nodded absent-mindedly and pointed to her empty cocktail glass on the table. April had tucked herself in a big green armchair, under a woolen blanket with her shoes off, sitting on her legs. Her longing eyes were only on Finn by the poker table; She was totally fallen into spells.
An inner battle in April was raging. She was pulled towards Finn by this unbelievable force, she could not comprehend and could not fight. A force that made her smile more, flip her hair, bide her lip and be extremely aware of how she looked and what she said.
But at the same time, she felt like a fool. She is highly intelligent and independent, but today all she could think of was: "What is he thinking?" "What is he saying?" "How can I be near him?" "How do I get a chance to hold his hand?" "Will he kiss me?" "Should I kiss him?"
This was most definitely not within the comfort zone of Nobel prize winner in spe.
Having witnessed this mutual flirt between April and Finn all day, Stephanie's inner matchmaker was about to burst. As she handed April her refilled cocktail she bent to whisper into April's ear, - Take this and go sit by him, darling.
April looked puzzled at Steph, but as Steph took the woolen blanket off of her and gestured the direction towards Finn with her head, April hesitantly got up. She gave Steph a questioning look, but Steph just smiled to April, nodding reassuringly.
April walked to the poker table, feeling very unsure of herself. She felt Stephanie's eyes burning in her back, and that made her keep walking. But doing what she was asked to do, also felt very dangerous, risky and uncomfortable. Her brain and her feelings were conflicting and ruminating big time right now. What if he didn't openly welcome her? What if he just wanted to be let alone to play poker with the guys? What if the other guys didn't want her there? Okay, this was just plain stupid, Logan would always make her feel welcome. And like that April's mind was spinning, making her doubt everything she knew and felt, trying to make her not take the risk of being rejected and hurt. Trying to make her not put her heart out there. But then again, who was she kidding? Her heart was already out there, all ready to be broken.
As she walked up behind Finn, she just placed her hand lightly on his shoulder, in a shy and cautious gesture. Being the experienced gentleman [and playboy] that he is, Finn elegantly had her swiped into his lap within seconds, and with that appreciatively gesture all the awkwardness and hesitation that April felt, were instantly gone.
This whole afternoon, they have been together having fun, talking or playing with Leia. He was smart and fun. He has perspectives on life, she had never even considered. He quotes Lady Gaga and Kierkegaard. He asks her questions, that are both earthy and philosophical at the same time.
Well, he did graduate from an Ivy League School, and he is the owner of Morgan hotels, [a multibillion-dollar international business]. So, I guess he should be smart, April thought to herself. But since all April had heard of Finn before was, that he liked parties, scotch, redheads, and any good time for that matter, and that he was Logan's best friend. She had never thought about how interesting and smart he was. She never truly talked to him before, besides that day with Rory in February in NYC, her birthday dinner at Rory and Logan's, and now today.
April's thoughts were abruptly brought to an end by Logan, - AWW! And now you are just mocking me, Logan exclaimed in a smirk, throwing his cards on the table. 2 hours into a game of poker, and Logan, Finn, Colin, Robert and Josh, accompanied by a bottle of fine scotch, were wrapping it up.
- So, do you know anything of this game, love? Finn asked April.
- You mean except from what I've seen in Casino Royale, April answered winking to Finn.
- Well, if 007 was here he would know that I really need an ace right now.
- Hey, hey, hey, one sister at the time, Logan dunk-joked smirking at the two lovebirds.
- Really, Logan? That is supposed to be funny.? Finn said with sky-facing eyes, - Don't mind your brother-in-law, Love, it is the scotch talking, Finn said to April, putting her hair behind her ear. April gave him a little smile, feeling rather shy about the attention on her and Finn.
- Don't be shy, Finn whispered into her ear, putting his cards on the table, - I'm out, he exclaimed to the guys, while getting up taking April by the hand, walking back to the couches. Finn sat down in the armchair, pulling April down in his lap, – Hi there, he said, looking into her deep brown eyes. April blushed as a smile widened on her face.
Sitting there sideways into Finn's lap, with his long strong arms around her, April felt about as overwhelmed as a High School freshman finding out that the prom king was interested in her. Even though it was only a few hours ago they sat with Leia and had the best time together with her, April had completely lost all confidence in what was between her and Finn during the 2 hours the poker game had been going on. But within the last minutes that had turned 180 degrees again. She was there on his lap in the big armchair right now, feeling a million butterflies in her stomach. Safe and nervous at the same time. But above all reinsured and confident in the fact that he felt something too.
Sitting there together, listening to the girls' conversation about Stephanie's Elsa Adams dress, she bought when she was in Copenhagen on business with Rory last spring, Finn's fingers calmly found April's hand. He started to spin her rings and strike her hand gently. His lips were only a few cm from her cheek, and the sound of his breathing was basically right in her ear. In the background somewhere they still hear Juliet and Steph discuss if Copenhagen or Stockholm was the better place to buy designer cloth. But the common attention between Finn and April had drifted off to someplace without words; An abstract place between their eyes and their hands. And sometime between that and Honors opinion on Princess Madeleine's favorite Scandinavian designers, Finn's fingers had intertwined with April's.
The girls did their best to keep focus on their talk, and of April and Finn. They really didn't want to make April back out now. Even Stephanie, who would normally get out of her way to embarrass Finn, acted as an impersonation of discretion. And like that [in between discussions on weather a half-loop stitch on china silk would pucker or not - and if Stephanie's Louboutin's were the perfect tone of white for the dress] this Inn, filled with friends and family, was merely the matrix for love in spe.
As the rest of the guys finish up their poker game, Colin put on some Rosemary Clooney music, and sent a wink to Rory. Rory could not stop herself from laughing, - So, no Tango tonight, Colin? Rory smirked. Colin sent her a knowingly look, and then he grabbed Stephanie by the arm to get up and dance, – Ohhhh, Steph exclaimed in surprise, - Let me put my cosmopolitan down before I spill it, hon, she laughed. And then the two of them were off dancing and laughing.
Steph and Colin had been together since college. Despite a rocky start back at Yale, with a lot of on/off and a lot of passionate fighting and passionate makeup sex, got married in 2008. This was 2 years before Colin took over as the CEO of McCrae Law in New York.
Colin is – like Logan and – born to be the family heir. Being the heir is a fact and a destiny. A destiny that came with a plan. A plan that he would go to expensive private boarding prep-schools, go to Yale, study law, go to grad school, work with his father, marry a suitable girl who was raised to be the supporting wife, produce a male heir and when time was due, be taking over the family law firm.
Colin was kicked out of a number of boarding schools, he had been in trouble with the police a number of times, had a serious problem with randomly buying expensive things as he got bored and was a notorious snob. But in the end, he fulfilled what was required of him, and he was now happily married, he was the best father of three beautiful Vanderbilt-McCrae-kids and a highly successful Lawyer.
Stephanie was the spitting image of the requirements from the McCrae's. She was a Vanderbilt and raised to be nothing but the supporting wife. Steph graduated from Yale the same year as Logan, with a BA in marketing and brand management. She worked with GiGi New York for 2 years before getting married. But she always knew that marriage came with obligations, and for her that was natural, and she thrived in that role. As the perfect wife she is, she delivered an heir 9 month after the wedding. The McCrae's live in NYC with their 3 children; Cornelius (12), Laura (10) and Anthony (9).
But 5 years ago [in 2016], when Logan and Rory needed a loyal and competent Head of Marketing at the Magna, she didn't hesitate for a second. She was there from day one, and she has never looked back. Somehow Steph manages to joggle being a loving mom, good wife and having a high profiled career, and for 5 years she has been Rory's closet friend and supporter.
Robert walked to dim the lights in the living room of the Inn, and then he followed Colin's example. Robert took a theatrically bow to Juliet and formally asked her for a dance. Being a bit tipsy already, Juliet slipped a girlish giggle as she agreed to dance with her boyfriend. And all of a sudden, the talking-party had turned into a dancing-party.
Logan got down in the opposite end of the couch where Rory sat, - Come on hon, hand me your feet and let me give them a massage, he offered. An offer Rory happily took him upon.
As she let her red ballerinas slip off her feet and onto the floor, she tiredly turned her whole body to lay back on the couch, putting her feet in Logan's lap. Sinking down with a long exhale, letting the cushion hug her tighter for each inch she let herself go deeper. Logan helped her sit comfortably and took off her white ankle socks as he started slowly rubbing her sore feet with his warm hands.
- Oh honey, don't ever stop that, Rory whispered silently with her mouth, sending her husband dirty looks. Logan winked at her, saying in a sarcastic tone, - That could be arranged, Leia is at your mother's, remember.
- Oh please, do take me to your Red Room of Pain then, Mr. Grey, Rory acted out in a theatrical very intended sexy way, leading her to giggle. As Logan responded with his very best Christian Grey look, they both crack up in a self-ironic laughter.
They both know very well, that even if they both manage to stay awake long enough for the other one to get undresses and get into bed, and get by the initial kisses, the sex would be very limited, gentle and slow, and nothing that would ever be described in 50 shades of Grey. They both felt totally confident in their emotional and sexual relationship and laughing at the whole situation. With a 4-year-old and twins on their way it was easy to accept, that somethings didn't come easy right now.
In the green chair on the other side off the table Finn and April were small talking, - So really? The best cosmopolitans in Connecticut and the hottest Louboutin's of the spring collection, you girls really are making the Nobel prize shortlist this year, aren't you? Finn teased April quietly with a smirk, while nuzzling her neck with his thumb.
- Oh p-lease, we are so much going to Oslo in December, world peace and climate changes are so last year, April said rolling her eyes. A little unison giggle came from them both, as a confidential atmosphere developed between them. But the giggling stopped instantly as Finn rested his forehead against Aprils.
The pressure above her eyes, that he provided with his forehead was firm and calming. She closed her eyes for a few seconds to try to look inside herself for the courage to let go of her academic, overthinking mind and just be in the moment. Feeling the softness and warmth of his skin against hers. Hearing his warm and slightly rapid breath so close. Smelling his masculine fragrance. As she opened her eyes, she looked right into his blue ones. As they sat there, their eyes lock and they both felt the energy changing between them. Well maybe not so much change, as increase.
Sitting there in Finn's lap, with his lips hovering over hers, feeling his body, very caught up in the moment, April was almost out of breath. She felt like her heart stopped beating and the world stopped turning around. His beautiful eyes stared back right into hers. And as Rosemary Clooney sang "Your arms opened wide and closed me inside. You took my lips, you took my love so tenderly", her mind had a full stop, as his experienced lips touched hers for the first time.
- OH. My. GOD., April thought to herself, -This man really knows what he is doing! Her body relaxed and she surrendered into whatever may come. Wanting and expecting more.
At first his kisses were light, soft and gentle, as Finn tried to feel if she was with him. Not that he really had any doubt, the whole day had been electrified and been leading up to this moment. She would have pulled away from him long ago, if this was not what she wanted. And as expected she confirmed by placing her lips over his upper lip, forming her lips around his, caressing it gently. He followed her lead by doing the same for her lower lip.
As the kiss deepened, he opened his mouth a little more, gently putting his tongue to her lips, silently asking for permission to enter. Feeling her mouth open, he slid his tongue in a little bit, looking for the tip of her tongue. As the two tongues found each other, they let them tangle gently by the tips, as they got to know each other.
Finn broke the kiss, looking deep into her eyes, saying nothing. This girl was so much younger than him. Not that he hadn't been with twenty-something-girls before. He had. Actually, it would be impossible to count them. But this one was special. Not "stop eating the past"-special, but something more than anyone he had ever met. She had this "je ne sais quoi". She was highly intelligent in a cool way. She was interesting to talk to and listen to. She was fun. She was "Rory-special". He needed to be sure, that she was with him on this, Finn's mind was spinning with lust and protectiveness at the same time.
As blue eyes meet brown, in the shelter of the darkness, a little gasp came from April. She is with me on this, Finn thought to himself. And after a moment or two, Finn placed his hand on the side of her head, as his lips met hers again. Her fingers tangled themselves into his dark surfer style-hair as they both feel the passion increase.
- You. Are. So. Beautiful., Finn breathed out one word at the time between kisses, this being an attempt to continue the kissing, without letting this get out of hand from his part. Being torn between lust and knowing that he needed to be a perfect gentleman.
Finn reminded himself, that this was Rory's stepsister and that she is 10 years younger than him. And Rory and Logan were in this room right now. But the thing was; That it didn't really matter, he would never be anything but the perfect gentleman to this one. He wanted to do this right. Feeling amazed that he was not already mentally in bed with April, Finn kept his talking-strategy as some kind of self-precaution, - You. Are. So. Sweet, he whispered
As the clock turned 11 and Logan got up to bring Rory to bed, Finn and April were still sitting there; Holding hands, kissing, having quiet conversations between the two of them. Rory just looked at them, smiling, as she got up. Logan put his hand on Finn's shoulder as he said, - Breakfast at 9!
- Sure, mate, Finn said without taking his eyes from April.
- Come dance with me, Finn continued now talking to April, as he gestured for her to get up for a dance.
Stephanie, Colin, Robert, and Juliet were still partying, drinking and dancing, as Rory, Logan, Honor and Josh, turn in for the night. Stephanie and Colin seem to have forgotten that they had 3 kids sleeping upstairs, that would be totally energized in the morning.
After having kissed and danced through another album of Rosemary Clooney, April suddenly broke away, looking him in the eyes as she smiled, - My stomach tells me, that we need to go look for some birthday cake left-overs and coffee in Sookie's kitchen now. She had the cutest childish sparkle in her eyes.
- I like the way you think, love, that Nobel Prize might be closer than you think, Finn responded with a smirk, as he twirled a laughing April, before pulling her by the hand to the kitchen.