It was here. The day that most of Stars Hollow anticipated but worried would never come. The day that Luke Danes would officially give up his lonely, hermit style single life. The day that Lorelai Gilmore would stop teasing him and them, and finally settle down with the man they all knew was perfect for her.
There was a knock on Lorelai's bedroom door.
"Mom? Are you awake yet," Rory asked softly as she opened the door.
Lorelai had been up for a little while. She had lay in bed and thought about how different things would be in just one day. She expected to wake up nervous or scared but she felt a calmed excitement that was very new to her. She smiled and began to sit up when her amazing daughter opened the door. "Hey kid, I'm up."
"I have a special delivery. Some handsome man just dropped off some coffee and danishes for us. I say we have breakfast in bed, you can have a nice bath and then we'll meet the ladies at the house."
"Sounds perfect! Get in here," Lorelai grinned as she pulled back the comforter for Rory to join her in bed.
The morning went just as Rory said, and soon they were at the new house with Sookie, Emily and Lane. Lorelai had arranged with Cindy from the beauty salon that she and another stylist, Becky, came there to do her hair and for anyone in the wedding party that wanted theirs done as well. She even offered some of the women who weren't marching to come partake in the pampering. Lane was doing the makeup and Emily was wary at first, but as Lane's work progressed Emily couldn't take her eyes off of Lorelai. Lane had applied makeup that managed to enhance Lorelai's stunning blue eyes, her cheeks seemed to glow, her lips were a soft pink with a subtle sheen. Emily was so impressed that she asked Lane to do her makeup.
Sookie was making sure that the coffee and pastries kept coming. She made sure there was also a fruit tray per Luke's request. Other family and friends would pop in to say hi and check on the blushing bride. Liz brought Doula in to say hi, everyone doted over the sweet baby girl all dressed in pink florals. Claudia, Maggie, Lisa and Zoey popped in after their visit to A Breath of Fresh Hair, the salon in town. Everyone was happily trading stories, admiring what each other was wearing and offering advice. Lorelai enjoyed the attention and was dealing with all the chaos in stride. Emily was impressed.
Rory made herself busy being a gopher. She would give messages to the men, bring Lorelai things she needed and made sure to snap a bunch of candid pictures. It was weighing on her that she was one of the only single people around, so she busied herself as much as she could. She missed Logan even though she still felt it was the best thing to break up with him, it didn't make her any less lonely or miss the good times they had. She made a mental note to talk to Jess and get his take on Logan again, that should help her get over this hump.
Luke was more frazzled than he expected. Anna had agreed to let April come to the wedding as long as she didn't miss school. Luke spent the morning of his wedding day rushing to the airport. He was getting a little anxious seeing that the flight was delayed. He was pacing trying to work off the onslaught of nerves. He pulled his phone from his coat pocket when it started to ring.
"Hello?"
"Is she here yet?"
"Lorelai?"
"Yeah, it's me. Is she here? Are you on your way back?"
Luke sighed and dropped into a chair across from the arrivals display screen. "Isn't it bad luck for us to be talking?"
"I have to say that this wedding thing really brings out your superstitious side. It's so funny. And I think it's okay to talk, we're just not supposed to see each other."
He loved hearing the smile in her voice, "I just didn't want to take any chances, okay? I'm marrying you today or I'll die trying."
Lorelai laughed, "I love you Burger Boy. So What's going on with April?"
"She's not here yet. The flight was delayed. I spoke with her just as she was boarding the plane. Apparently Anna was giving her grief about coming. She sounded so upset. Tell me about your day. I need to smile."
Lorelai was pacing the upstairs hallway of their new home. She could hear Manny and the rest of Sookie's staff working away down on the main floor. Plus Liz insisted on helping out, so she and Patty were making sure the house was getting set up properly and that the tent was perfect. TJ even checked all the space heaters that they rented and was a big help. "Things are great here," Lorelai assured him. "The ladies are getting all gorgeous. People keep popping in to say hi. Poor Rory is running around like a mad woman trying to make sure the day is perfect but I think she's also trying to distract herself from the fact that she's alone. She's taking the Logan breakup harder than I hoped."
Luke exhaled, "That sucks, I'm sorry. You sure you don't want me to go punch that guy too? Or at least push him in a lake?"
Lorelai giggled, "He's not worth it."
"Oh great!" Luke jumped from his seat, "Her flight finally arrived. Hopefully she'll be out here soon. I'll be with you as fast as I can."
"Nevermind fast, just get here safely. You'll have my almost step-daughter in the car with you. I'm not going anywhere."
"I love you."
"I love you too," she smiled. "See you soon."
XoXoXoXoXoXo
Attached to the back door to the house was the most beautiful and luxurious tent even Emily had ever seen. The canva had a sheened finish and plastic windows. Twinkle lights covered in white tulle and light pink flowers lined the walls giving a soft, romantic glow. The white space heaters that stood every few rows looked like old time street lamps adding not only comfort but classic charm.
Luke was impressed with how romantic and wonderful everything looked. He had sent April to go upstairs and meet with the ladies and get her dress. It was almost time for the ceremony to start and he couldn't be more excited. He expected to feel more anxiety or fear of the change that would fill the next few days, weeks and months. They would be married today. Leave for their honeymoon on Monday. They would come home to living in this home that was new to both of them. And in a few months, Rory would graduate Yale and who knows where she would end up. He knew Lorelai well enough that even though she would never let anyone else know, she was terrified of Rory ending up on the other side of the country. Then again he hoped she would be pregnant soon and of course that would change everything too.
Buddy found Luke pacing in the kitchen moments before the ceremony was supposed to start.
"How are you holding up?"
Luke smiled at his friend, "I wish it was over already. I just want to be married to her."
Buddy laughed knowingly, "I know. But it's almost time, you will be married to your girl in less than an hour."
Just then Maisy rushed into the room. "Alright fellas, all the girls are ready to go. Let's get the show on the road. I'll tell Michel to start the music unless you have a reason not to."
Luke's face lit up, "Start the music."
Once Michel was given the go ahead the string quartet started to play What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. Luke made his way down the aisle escorted by Buddy and Maisy. He smiled at the people from the town who had tears in their eyes, especially ones like Patty, Babette, Morey and Mia who were all friends with his parents. Jess and April walked down the aisle together as neither of them wanted to be in the spotlight alone. Once the others heard that they paired off as well so it would look better (according to Emily). Sookie and Jackson came down the aisle next, followed by Rory and Lane. All of the women wore royal blue dresses, each in a style that suited her body and that she chose for herself. The men wore charcoal grey suits with royal blue ties. Luke wore a black tux and tie with a crisp white shirt that Babette said made him look sexier than any James Bond that ever lived.
Once the wedding party was all in place Michel nodded to the string quartet and they started to play Can't Help Falling in Love. Luke's breath caught in his throat. Rory smiled with tears in her eyes looking from her Mom to the guy she now calls Dad.
Lorelai stood at the end of the aisle, one arm linked through her Father's and holding her bouquet, her right hand arm by her side as she held her Mother's hand in hers. She wore a sleeveless gown with a semi-sweetheart, glittering, bodice and a luxurious floor-length skirt that was adorned with delicate lace appliques, adding a touch of vintage charm to the modern silhouette. There was an elegant sash at the waist that tied in the back as a gentle, sparkling, bow adding a touch of romance and creating a chic, royal look. Her hair was in simple flowing waves with Emily's tiara resting on her head. She wore the teardrop necklace Luke had given her along with the earrings that matched. She also wore a silver bracelet Richard had given to her earlier that day, telling her it was his Mother's.
Everyone stood and the Gilmores began their way down the aisle. While Richard and Emily looked into the crowd, beaming with joy and smiling at the guests, Lorelai's eyes met Luke's and never left. She felt like she was in a dream and ever wanted to wake up. She began to pick up the pace and Emily tightened her grip on her daughter's hand and whispered, "He's not going anywhere, slow down."
Lorelai laughed slightly and turned to look at her beautiful and stoic Mother. Emily smiled back at her daughter. She wore a stunning suit, similar to what she wore to her vow renewal, but this one was in a royal blue with tiny glass beads making it look like the dress was shimmering.
Finally at the end of the aisle Richard unhooked his arm from Lorelai's and placed her hand in Luke's. Richard smiled and nodded at Luke, kissed his daughter's cheek and then stepped back. Lorelai turned to her Mom and smiled. Emily lifted Lorelai's hand to her lips and kissed it, then she turned to Luke and whispered, "Take care of my baby," as they hugged. Luke squeezed Emily's arm, "I will," he promised. Emily took Richard's outstretched hand and they took their seats in the front row.
Reverend Skinner motioned for the crowd to take their seats. He smiled at the happy couple before returning his gaze to the group, "Family, friends, we're gathered here today to FINALLY join Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore in holy matrimony. If anyone here can say why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The whole room laughed, as they all wanted this couple to join in marriage. Archie nodded, "I figured."
And there was another round of laughter.
"Luke requested I keep this short and sweet, so let me just say that I have never been this excited to perform a marriage ceremony, and I know that no two people are better suited for each other or could have a larger group of friends rooting for them. Now let's get to it. Lucas Henry Danes, do you take Lorelai Victoria Gilmore to be your wife, to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Luke's eyes were locked on Lorelai's, welling up with unshed tears, "I do."
Reverend Skinner grinned and turned to Lorelai, "Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, do you take Lucas Henry Danes to be your husband, to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she blurted out quickly.
"May I have the rings please," Archie asked.
Rory and Jess stepped forward and each placed a ring in Reverend Skinner's hand. He held up the rings, "These rings are circles of strength with no beginning or end and with no point of weakness. May these rings be a constant reminder of the promises you have made today." He then handed Luke Lorelai's ring, "Luke, please place this ring on Lorelai's finger, and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
Luke took the ring, held Lorelai's left hand in his, slid the ring on her finger and smiled up at her, "With this ring, I thee wed."
Reverend Skinner handed Lorelai Luke's ring, "Lorelai, place this ring on Luke's finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
Lorelai couldn't take her eyes off Luke's; she saw the single tear slip from his right eye and run down his cheek. She wiped it away before slipping the ring on his long, masculine fingers, "With this ring, I thee wed."
To Luke and Lorelai at that moment they were the only two people in the room. But in fact there was a tent full of emotional family and friends passing tissues and holding hands.
Reverend Archie Skinner looked out into the crowd and beamed with joy. He then looked at the happy couple standing before him, "Luke, Lorelai, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. Luke, you may now kiss your bride."
Luke winked at Archie and then stepped closer to his Bride, and whispered, "We did it," then pulled her to him and kissed her. The kiss was tender and sweet. When their lips parted they remained locked in each other's arms for a moment and she whispered back, "Dirty!" He shook his head and kissed her again.
Reverend Skinner didn't wait for the second kiss to stop before calling out, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Danes!"
The crowd jumped to their feet and erupted into cheers.
Luke and Lorelai were finally married. Now it was time to party!