2028
The air in the study was thick with an unspoken tension, the weight of Mitchum's absence settling over everything like a blanket. Logan stood by the window, staring out at the expansive estate that had belonged to his father. The trees were bare, the winter sun casting long shadows across the grounds. He hadn't set foot here in years—not since he had carved out his own path, away from the shadow of the Huntzberger empire.
But today was different. Mitchum was gone, and with his death, the expectations—the ones Logan had fought against for so long—had come crashing back down around him.
Behind him, the quiet murmurs of the gathered family filled the room. Rory sat nearby, her presence a steadying force amidst the chaos, while Mary stood across the room, her face pale but determined. Logan could feel her gaze on him, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. She knew what was coming. So did he.
He had been preparing for this moment ever since he made the decision to step away from the family business. But even now, with the weight of Mitchum's legacy pressing down on him, the finality of it all felt… heavy.
"You know what they're expecting," Rory said quietly from behind him, her voice soft, understanding. She didn't need to say who they were—Logan knew exactly what she meant. The board, the shareholders, the entire Huntzberger empire was looking to him now, waiting for him to take the reins and step into the role of CEO. It was what Mitchum had always wanted.
Logan let out a long breath, turning to face her. "I'm not doing it," he said, his voice firm, but the heaviness lingered in his eyes. "I made that decision years ago, and I haven't changed my mind."
Rory nodded, her expression calm but supportive. "I know. And you're right."
Logan looked at her for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Mary, who stood by the fireplace, her arms wrapped around herself as if she was trying to keep everything together. She had grown so much—gone from the determined teenager who wanted to prove herself to the world to the young woman who now stood ready to take on the mantle of leadership. But even so, she wasn't quite there yet.
"Have you talked to her?" Rory asked, following his gaze.
Logan shook his head. "Not yet. I wanted to wait until after the funeral."
Rory rose from her chair, crossing the room to stand beside him. "You should tell her soon. She needs to know what you're thinking."
Logan nodded slowly, his jaw tight as he turned his focus back to the window. He didn't envy the position Mary was in—the weight of the Huntzberger name, the pressure to live up to it—but he knew she was capable. She had the fire, the intelligence, and the drive. All she needed was time.
Later that afternoon, the two of them stood in the smaller sitting room, the fire crackling softly in the hearth as Mary leaned against the mantle, arms crossed.
"So, you're not going to take it," she said, her voice flat but betraying the hint of relief she felt. She knew it wasn't his path, but part of her had wondered if the death of Mitchum would change his mind.
Logan shook his head, his expression calm but resolute. "No. I made my decision a long time ago. And nothing's changed. This is your opportunity, Mary. You're the one who can carry the family legacy forward—but you don't have to do it alone."
Mary's brow furrowed as she stared into the fire. "I want this, Logan. You know I do. I've worked my entire life for it, but… I'm not ready. Not yet. I thought I would be when this day came, but now that it's here…" She trailed off, her hands tightening into fists. "It's a lot."
Logan moved toward her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "No one's ever really ready for something like this. But you don't have to take it all on right now. You can grow into it. And you won't be alone."
Mary glanced up at him, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Odette," Logan said simply. "She's been running The Magna for years. She knows this business better than anyone, and she's willing to step in as interim CEO, mentor you, and guide the transition."
Mary hesitated, her mind racing through the possibilities. She admired Odette—respected her work—but taking over HPG with someone else at the helm, even temporarily, felt strange.
"Look, you're more than capable of this," Logan continued. "But it's okay to ask for help. Odette's the right person to make sure everything runs smoothly, and she'll make sure you're ready when the time comes."
Mary bit her lip, nodding slowly. "And you? What about you?"
Logan smiled, his gaze softening. "I've got my own path, Mary. I love teaching. I love mentoring. And I love the life I've built with Rory and the kids. This is where I'm meant to be. But that doesn't mean I'm not here for you. I'll always be in your corner."
She sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as she processed his words. It wasn't what she had envisioned, but maybe it didn't have to be. "Okay," she said finally, her voice steadier. "Okay. We'll do it this way."
Logan squeezed her shoulder gently. "You've got this, Mary. And when the time's right, you'll be more than ready to take it on."
The conference room at Huntzberger Publishing Group (HPG) buzzed with quiet conversations and the soft clinking of coffee cups, but for Logan, the moment felt still. Standing by the large windows, he gazed out at the New York City skyline. The crisp spring air carried a sense of anticipation, and sunlight streamed into the room, casting long shadows over the boardroom table.
This merger was more than just a business deal. It was a passing of the torch—a merging of legacies, both Huntzberger and The Magna. And at the heart of it stood Mary, his niece, ready to embark on her own journey.
"Are you alright?" Rory asked softly, her hand resting gently on Logan's arm as she came to stand beside him. Her voice carried a note of curiosity, understanding the weight of the moment for him.
Logan glanced at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah. Just taking it all in. This is… big."
Rory looked out the window, following his gaze. "You've been part of this for a long time. It must feel strange, letting go."
"It does," Logan admitted, his brow furrowing slightly. "But it's time. Mary's ready for this."
Across the room, Mary was deep in conversation with Odette, her mentor and temporary CEO of HPG. Mary, with her sharp intelligence and determined drive, had spent the past few years preparing for this moment. Even so, Logan could see the nerves she tried to hide—the way her hands fluttered just slightly as she gestured, the way her voice held a slight tremor when she spoke.
Logan watched them for a moment, pride swelling in his chest. Mary was Honor and Josh's daughter, but she had always looked up to him, shadowing him through his years at The Magna. Now, as she prepared to step into a much larger role, he couldn't help but feel both proud and protective.
Odette, sitting at the head of the table, remained calm and composed, her years of experience showing in the way she guided the conversation. She had been instrumental in making this merger possible, and under her mentorship, Mary had blossomed. Now, they stood on the brink of a monumental shift in the Huntzberger legacy.
"Logan," Odette's voice broke through his thoughts, drawing him back to the present. She stood at the head of the table, her gaze warm but professional. "We're ready for you to sign."
Logan turned toward the table, where contracts, agreements, and legal documents were spread out before him. The merger between HPG and The Magna was finally coming to fruition, marking a new chapter for both companies. He picked up the pen, his hand hovering for a moment as he glanced over at Mary.
She met his gaze, her expression a mixture of anticipation and gratitude. Logan smiled, giving her a subtle nod before he signed his name on the dotted line, sealing the deal that would change the future of Huntzberger Publishing.
A quiet murmur of approval spread around the room, but for Logan, it was more than a business transaction. It was a shift—a transition from one era to another. He looked up at Rory, who gave him a small, proud nod, her eyes reflecting the quiet understanding they shared.
"Congratulations, Mr. Huntzberger," Odette said, her voice carrying a note of finality. "The merger is complete. You've created a media powerhouse."
Logan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, Odette. We all did this together."
Odette smiled warmly, her gaze shifting to Mary. "Well, now it's time for the next generation to step up."
Over the following months, the merger dominated headlines, with the media buzzing about the creation of a new media empire. HPG and The Magna merged into one of the most powerful forces in the industry, combining the traditional publishing strengths of HPG with The Magna's innovative digital platforms. It was a seamless blend of old and new, and Mary found herself at the center of it all.
While Odette remained at the helm as CEO, Mary was learning quickly—shadowing her mentor, attending high-stakes meetings, and soaking up every bit of knowledge she could. It wasn't glamorous. The hours were long, and the decisions she had to make were heavy. But Mary was determined. She had grown up watching her family navigate this world, and now, it was her turn.
One evening, after a long day of meetings, Mary found herself alone in her uncle Logan's old office at HPG. The room felt both familiar and foreign to her, filled with memories of Logan's time there but now awaiting her touch. She sat down at the desk, her fingers tracing the smooth wood, feeling the weight of the role she was stepping into.
She heard the soft creak of the door and looked up to see Logan standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe, his eyes full of quiet pride.
"Hey," Mary said, her voice soft.
Logan smiled, stepping inside. "Hey. How are you holding up?"
Mary sighed, leaning back in the chair. "It's a lot. It's exciting, but… it's a lot."
Logan crossed the room, taking a seat across from her. "I know it is. But you're handling it all so well, Mary. I've been watching, and you've got what it takes."
Mary met his gaze, her expression softening. "Thanks, Uncle Logan. That means a lot."
Logan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "You don't have to do it all at once, you know. Odette's here to guide you, and you've got time. The most important thing is that you're making it your own."
Mary smiled, her nerves easing slightly. "It's just… surreal. I grew up watching you do this, and now it's me sitting here."
Logan's smile softened. "It's your turn. And trust me, you're more than ready. Just take it one step at a time."
Mary nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over her. "I'll try."
Logan reached across the desk, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You've got this."
5 years later…
The glass tower of Huntzberger Publishing Group stood gleaming in the early morning sun, its sleek lines reflecting the bustling energy of New York City below. It was a perfect day—clear skies, crisp air, and the sense of new beginnings humming through the air.
Mary stepped out of the black car that had brought her to the HPG headquarters, her heels clicking confidently against the marble steps as she made her way inside. There was a different kind of energy in her today—one of calm determination, of readiness. Today was the day she took over as CEO of HPG.
It had been four years since the merger with The Magna, and under Odette's guidance, Mary had transformed from an eager but inexperienced young woman into a visionary leader. The board had been watching her progress closely, and now, at the age of 26, she was finally stepping into the role that had once loomed so large in her imagination.
As she walked through the grand glass doors, the familiar hum of the office buzzed around her—phones ringing, keyboards clicking, conversations flowing. But today, those sounds carried a different meaning. Today, they were hers.
She made her way to the elevator, taking a deep breath as she pressed the button for the top floor. The doors slid shut with a quiet whoosh, and for a moment, she allowed herself a small smile. She had spent years preparing for this moment, learning everything she could from Odette, Logan, and even the stories she had heard about her grandfather, Mitchum. And now, the future of Huntzberger Publishing rested in her hands.
The elevator doors opened directly into the executive suite, and Mary stepped into the bright, sunlit office that now belonged to her. It still carried traces of Logan's time there—the wooden desk, the bookcases filled with volumes of history and literature, but there were also touches of Odette's elegance, with modern art lining the walls and fresh flowers arranged on the side table. Soon, it would be all Mary's.
"Good morning, Ms. Huntzberger," her new assistant greeted her, handing her the day's agenda. "Everything is set for the board meeting at ten."
"Thank you, Kelly," Mary replied, her voice steady and calm as she glanced over the agenda. She could feel a slight tremor of excitement underneath her calm exterior, but it was the good kind—the kind that kept her sharp and focused.
She stepped into her office, closing the door behind her, and stood for a moment, taking it all in. The view from the top floor was breathtaking, the city stretching out below her like a living, breathing organism. It was a view that had belonged to her uncle Logan for so many years, and now, it was hers. But this wasn't just about filling someone else's shoes—this was about carving her own path.
There was a knock at the door, and Odette stepped inside, her elegant presence as calming as ever. "How does it feel?" she asked, a knowing smile on her face.
Mary turned to her mentor, her expression a mix of gratitude and excitement. "Strange. But good."
Odette nodded, walking across the room to stand beside her. "You're ready for this, Mary. You've worked harder than anyone I've ever seen, and the board has complete confidence in you. They're lucky to have you."
Mary smiled, her nerves settling under Odette's encouragement. "I've had the best teacher."
Odette gave a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Don't give me too much credit. You've always had the talent and drive. I just helped you fine-tune it."
There was a brief pause as they both looked out at the skyline, the moment stretching between them, full of unspoken meaning. Then, Odette turned to face her fully, her expression softening. "I'm stepping back, but I'm not disappearing. If you ever need advice, you know where to find me."
Mary nodded, her chest tightening slightly with emotion. "I know. Thank you, Odette. For everything."
Odette smiled, placing a hand on Mary's shoulder. "Go get 'em, Huntzberger. You're going to do great."
The boardroom was a different story. The long mahogany table gleamed under the bright lights, the chairs filled with some of the most powerful people in the media industry. They were all waiting for her—for Mary to take her place at the head of the table.
As she entered, the conversations quieted, and all eyes turned toward her. Mary felt the weight of their gaze, but it didn't unnerve her. Instead, it fueled her.
She walked confidently to the head of the table, her chin held high, and took her seat. "Good morning," she greeted the room, her voice clear and steady. "Shall we begin?"
The meeting went as smoothly as she could have hoped. The board members, many of whom had known her uncle and grandfather, were respectful and engaged, listening as she laid out her vision for the future of HPG. Mary spoke with passion, outlining plans for growth, innovation, and a continued focus on blending traditional media with modern digital platforms.
When the meeting ended, there was no doubt left in anyone's mind—Mary Huntzberger was not just filling a role. She was the future.
Later that day, after the whirlwind of meetings and calls, Mary found herself back in her office, the excitement of the day finally beginning to settle. She sat at her desk, her fingers tracing the edges of a framed photo that had been placed on the desk earlier that morning. It was a picture of her and Logan, taken years ago at one of The Magna events. She smiled, remembering how proud he had been of her even back then.
Her phone buzzed, and she saw a text from Logan.
Logan: Proud of you, kid. You've got this.
Mary's smile widened, her heartwarming at the simple but heartfelt message. She quickly typed a reply.
Mary: Thanks, Uncle Logan. Couldn't have done it without you.
As she set her phone down, Mary leaned back in her chair, staring out at the city. This was just the beginning. She had big plans for HPG—plans that would honor the legacy of her family but also take the company in new directions. She would build on the foundation that her grandfather, uncle, and Odette had laid, but she would make it her own.
And she was ready.
Yale 2035
The sun was shining brightly over the familiar Gothic spires of Yale, casting long shadows across the stone courtyards. Students bustled around campus, the air buzzing with the nervous excitement of the first day of a new chapter. Parents milled about, some with tears in their eyes, others beaming with pride as they helped their children move into dorms, marking the start of a new journey.
For Rory and Logan, it was a day filled with both excitement and bittersweet nostalgia.
"Are we really doing this?" Rory asked, a mixture of disbelief and pride in her voice as she stood next to Logan in the courtyard, watching Leia walk ahead with her suitcase. The image of their daughter, striding confidently across the cobblestones of Yale, felt like a time warp. The campus hadn't changed much, but everything else had.
"I know," Logan replied, shaking his head in wonder. "It feels like yesterday we were the ones arriving here, doesn't it?"
Rory nodded, her eyes following Leia as she waved at a group of new friends she'd already made. "And now here we are, sending our daughter off. It feels… surreal."
Leia was a perfect mix of both of them. She had Rory's sharp mind, Logan's adventurous spirit, and a confidence that was entirely her own. The decision to attend Yale had been hers from the start. From the moment she'd visited the campus, she knew this was where she wanted to be, and as her acceptance letter arrived months ago, it was clear Yale was where she belonged.
As they followed Leia toward her dorm, Rory couldn't help but be flooded with memories of her own time at Yale—late-night study sessions, the Life and Death Brigade escapades, and, of course, the countless moments that had shaped her relationship with Logan. Yale was more than just a university for them—it was where their story had truly begun.
Leia turned back to them, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Hey, are you two coming, or are you just going to stand there looking sentimental all day?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with the easy confidence of a young woman who had been raised with love and encouragement.
Logan chuckled, reaching for Rory's hand and giving it a squeeze. "We're coming, don't worry. But don't expect us to not get sentimental. You're our first to go off to college. This is a big deal."
Leia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I know, I know. But don't worry. I'll be fine."
Rory smiled, stepping forward to catch up with her. "Oh, I know you will be. It's us I'm worried about."
The dorm was a bustling hive of activity, with students unpacking boxes, parents offering advice, and roommates meeting for the first time. Leia's dorm room was on the third floor, a bright space with wide windows that overlooked the courtyard below. As they entered, Leia's roommate—a friendly girl named Claire—was already arranging her books on the desk, waving as they came in.
"Wow, this place is even nicer than I remember," Rory commented, glancing around the room. "I don't think my dorm had windows this big."
Leia smiled, setting her suitcase down by her bed. "Yeah, well, times change, Mom. I'm sure your dorm was just as cozy."
Logan, standing by the window, looked out over the campus, the familiar sight stirring something deep within him. He could still remember his own first day at Yale—the nervous energy, the thrill of starting something new, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. But this wasn't about him anymore. This was Leia's time.
"You've got everything you need, right?" Rory asked, glancing over the boxes stacked by the bed.
"Yep, I think so," Leia replied, her voice confident as she started unpacking. "And if I don't, I can figure it out."
Rory watched her daughter with quiet pride, amazed at how much she had grown. Leia was stepping into a world of independence, of discovery, and of new experiences—just as she and Logan had all those years ago. It felt like the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.
Logan stepped forward, leaning against the doorframe as he watched his daughter with a soft smile. "You know, kiddo," he began, his tone playful but heartfelt, "if you ever need anything—anything at all—you know where to find us."
Leia glanced up from her unpacking, her smile gentle but full of affection. "I know, Dad. I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me."
Rory walked over to Logan, slipping her hand into his as they both stood there, watching their daughter start this new adventure. It felt like a full-circle moment—their own beginnings at Yale now mirrored in Leia's. But as they looked at her, so full of promise and potential, they knew she was more than ready.
Later, after the dorm was set up and goodbyes were said, Rory and Logan found themselves walking hand-in-hand through the Yale campus, taking in the familiar sights. It was strange being back here as parents, knowing that their daughter was now part of this world.
"You think she's going to have a Life and Death Brigade moment?" Logan teased, glancing at Rory with a mischievous grin.
Rory laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, I hope not. But then again, with her genes, who knows?"
They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments, memories of their own time at Yale washing over them like waves. Rory felt a pang of nostalgia—this was where she had grown up, where she had learned so much about herself. And now, it was Leia's turn.
"You know," Rory said softly, her voice carrying a note of wonder, "it feels like we've come full circle, doesn't it? This is where it all started."
Logan smiled, pulling her closer. "Yeah. It does. But it's Leia's turn now. She's going to do amazing things."
Rory nodded, her heart full as they walked together, letting the past and present merge into one. Leia was starting her own journey, but their family's legacy, full of love, adventure, and learning, would always be with her.
The Gilmore Mansion, Hartford 2038
Logan stood at the bottom of the staircase, the quiet of the evening settling around him. He could still hear the hum of the TV downstairs where Rick and Elias were finishing the pizza, and Rory's soft voice echoed from the dining room where she was going over homework with Lizzy. Everything felt like a perfect, familiar chaos—the kind that signaled home.
But upstairs, Logan knew Emily was upset again. Rory's earlier command for Emily to focus on her homework had sent her daughter storming off, her teenage frustration bubbling over once more. Logan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He had handled tough talks all day, but this one felt different. This was Emily. His daughter.
He took the stairs two at a time and stopped outside her door, knocking gently. "Em? Can I come in?"
There was a pause, then a muffled "Yeah" from the other side.
Logan pushed the door open and stepped into her room. Emily sat at her desk, her back to him, scribbling something in a notebook. The room was dimly lit, soft light casting a glow over the familiar posters and artwork on the walls. It struck Logan, not for the first time, how much she reminded him of her grandmother Lorelai. That same fire, that fierce independence.
"Hey," Logan said softly, coming to sit on the edge of her bed. He watched her for a moment, waiting for her to make the first move. Emily continued writing, but he could feel the tension in the air between them.
After a long silence, she finally turned around, her expression tight with frustration. "I know, I know," she said, her voice a little sharp. "Mom says I need to finish my homework. I'm getting to it."
Logan raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to talk about your homework. I wanted to check on you. You seem... off."
Emily's shoulders relaxed slightly, but she avoided his gaze. "I'm fine."
Logan tilted his head, watching her carefully. "Em, I know when you're not fine. What's going on?"
Emily sighed heavily, pushing her notebook away and folding her arms across her chest. "It's just... school stuff. And other stuff. It's stupid."
Logan's gaze softened. "It's not stupid if it's bothering you. Is it about that boy?"
Emily blinked in surprise, her eyes flicking up to meet his. "What? How did you—?"
"Your mom mentioned something," Logan said gently, leaning forward. "Look, I get it. Boys, relationships—it can be confusing."
Emily let out a frustrated huff, sitting down heavily on the edge of her bed. "It's not even that, Dad. I like him. Jack. He's nice. But everyone else is doing stuff, you know? Like... more than just kissing. And I'm not. I don't even want to yet, but I feel like I should."
Logan nodded slowly, his heart tightening as he listened. He had been here before—standing at the edge of decisions, pressured by others, unsure of what felt right. But this was different. This was his daughter, and she deserved better than the mistakes he had made.
"Em," Logan began, his voice low and steady, "I'm going to tell you something really important, okay? There's no rush. No timeline. And there's no one you need to impress. What you want—what feels right to you—that's all that matters."
Emily looked at him, her brow furrowed. "But what if he gets bored of me? I don't want to lose him just because I'm not ready."
Logan's expression softened, and he reached out to gently place a hand on hers. "Then he's not the right guy, sweetheart. The right person for you will never make you feel like you have to do something you're not comfortable with. Relationships are about respect. And Jack, or anyone else, should respect what you want. If he doesn't, then he's not worth your time."
Emily bit her lip, looking down at their joined hands. "But everyone else seems to be doing it. It's just... normal."
Logan smiled softly, his voice gentle but firm. "You're not everyone else, Em. You're you. And that's more than enough. What's normal is whatever you decide is right for you. Don't let other people's choices make you question your own."
Emily exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing a little as his words sank in. "But how do I know when I'll be ready?"
Logan chuckled softly, shifting closer. "You'll just know. And when you do, it's important to talk about it. To make sure both people are on the same page, to ask for consent, and to respect it. No one should ever assume anything. It's a conversation, not just a moment."
Emily met his gaze, her eyes a little brighter now, a mixture of relief and understanding. "Okay. I guess... I just didn't know how to talk about it."
Logan gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his heart swelling with pride at her honesty. "I get that. But you can always talk to me. Always."
For a long moment, they sat there in comfortable silence. Logan could see the wheels turning in Emily's mind, processing everything he had said. And for the first time in a long while, he felt a deep sense of peace. This was the conversation he had needed when he was younger—when his own choices had been shaped by pressure and expectations. But now, with Emily, he had the chance to do it differently.
"Thanks, Dad," Emily said quietly, her voice soft but sincere.
Logan smiled, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead. "Anytime, Em."
She gave him a small, grateful smile before turning back to her desk, reaching for her notebook. "I should probably finish my homework now," she said with a playful roll of her eyes.
Logan chuckled, standing up and ruffling her hair. "Good idea. I'll check in on you later, okay?"
As he stepped out of her room and gently closed the door behind him, Logan felt a sense of quiet pride. They had built a life where open conversations like this were possible—where history didn't have to repeat itself. Where they could raise their children with love, trust, and respect.
He made his way down the hall, back toward the comforting sounds of his family below, knowing that they had created a new legacy—one built not on mistakes or pressures, but on something stronger. On something better.
A/N:
This concludes this story. Thank you for reading it. That means a lot to me.
Make sure to leave a comment with what "substory" from this story, I should give a stand alone