Story Summary: What if Rory had a twin sister? What if that sister fell in love with Jess instead of the Dean/Rory/Jess triangle that drove most people, including myself, crazy? What would happen to them? Would Jess still leave? Or would he go to Yale with the girls? Would Lorelai like him? How long would they wait to be together? Starts at Season 2 when Jess comes in and jumps around a little after that. Cross Posted on
Chapter Summary: The Bracebridge Dinner: The inn hosts a one of a kind dinner that brings drama for Kate, Jess, Emily, Richard, and leaves most wondering what is peacock pie?
Updated 11/15/24: While writing new chapters, my muse came to me and told me to revamp the earlier chapters. And this was the best chapter to expand for now. I might revamp other chapters but for now, enjoy an extended version of the Bracebridge Dinner!
Chapter 3- The Brace-bridge Dinner
"Mom, this is so pointless," Kate said as she, Rory, and Lorelai built a snowman for the Annual Snowman Building Contest.
"Why do you say that?" Lorelai asked.
"Just turn around," Rory replied.
Lorelai looked at the man building an over the top snowman. "Oh please, he's probably getting paid to do that so that he could deprive us wonderful townspeople of that wonderful prize," she said. "At least, ours is original and sturdy," she added.
The head fell off and they all looked at each other.
"You want to go get coffee?" Lorelai asked her daughters.
"Yes," Kate and Rory replied.
The next day, the three of them and Sookie St. James were all discussing the fact that the people that Lorelai booked for the weekend at the inn were snowed in.
"I can't believe they're snowed it," Rory said.
"All that food goes to waste. I have diced so many pumpkins that I have pumpkin hands," Sookie said.
"Why shouldn't we just eat dinner ourselves?" Kate said.
"Yeah but it wouldn't be the same," Lorelai said.
"More coffee," Luke asked, coming over.
"Wait he eats. And Jess eats," Sookie started.
"Where is she going with this?" Luke asked.
"Do you like Peacock Pie?" Sookie asked.
"I'm 100% sure I don't," Luke replied.
"You know what? Let's invite everyone," Lorelai said.
"Everyone who," Sookie asked.
"Everyone, everyone," Lorelai replied.
"Everyone, everyone who," Sookie said.
"Everyone we know, everyone we like," Lorelai answered.
"Let's invite everyone!" Sookie exclaimed.
"It will be a slumber party!" Kate exclaimed.
"An out of control, over the top slumber party," Lorelai said.
"I love it!" Sookie exclaimed.
"Me too," Rory said.
"I'll even sing and play a couple of songs," Kate said.
"Yes!" Rory cheered.
"Done, spread the word," Lorelai said, looking at Luke.
"I haven't said I'd come yet so I'm certainly not gonna suddenly become your messenger boy," Luke replied. Lorelai gave him a glaring look. "Eight o'clock," he asked.
"Seven," Lorelai replied.
"Right," Luke muttered.
Later, Kate and Rory were sitting in the living room with Lorelai, discussing the rooms.
"Where do we put Ms. Patty?" Lorelai asked.
"In room 30," Kate suggested.
"With who though," Rory asked.
"With Jess," Lorelai replied.
"There will be no Jess left after that," Kate pointed out.
"True," Rory said. "Oh, are these this year's cards?" she asked.
"Of course they are. Why wouldn't they be?" Lorelai answered.
"Because last year's cards were here till Halloween," Rory pointed out.
"That is a crack against my housekeeping skills," Lorelai said.
"Whoa, this is one ugly looking kid," Rory exclaimed.
"That is your Cousin Stan's kid," Lorelai said.
"He got Stan's everything," Kate said.
"Poor kid," Rory put in.
"And that's not the ugliest baby in the bunch," Lorelai added.
"What do you mean- oh ow," Kate said, finding another picture. "Why do people put pictures on Christmas cards? Don't they know that we are merciless mockers?"
"I know, and we have no shame," Lorelai said.
Kate and Rory rolled their eyes and continued to look through the pile.
"Oh here's one from Dad…and Sherri," Kate said.
"Oh really, I must have forgotten to tell you," Lorelai said.
"She's nice looking," Rory said.
"And they have a cute little dog," Kate said.
"Sorry I didn't tell you two," Lorelai said.
"It's okay. Listen, we were wondering about room 31," Kate said.
"Okay, who are you thinking about," Lorelai asked.
"A certain depressed man and his wife," Rory replied.
"Oh no," Lorelai said. "What makes you think that they would even come?"
"Can't we just invite them?" Kate asked.
Lorelai sighed. "Okay, I'll pencil them in," she said. "No promises though," she added.
"Thanks mom," the girls chorused.
"Hey, I have a New Year's resolution for you two- be more cynical and self absorbed," Lorelai told them.
"We'll work on it," Kate replied.
The next night, the girls were fully dressed and greeting the guests at the Inn. Rory wore a light brown and black strapless dress and Kate wore a dark red one shouldered gown that left one arm bare and the other draped in soft, delicate fabric.
"Oh my God, you two are beautiful," Ms. Patty said.
"Thank you," Rory said.
Lorelai came in and smiled at them. Kate and Rory smiled back.
"How's Sookie?" Rory asked.
"She's paper-bagging it," Lorelai said.
"What?" Kate asked.
"You know," Lorelai said, making an imitation of breathing in a paper bag.
"Oh," the sisters said. Lorelai nodded and ran back into the kitchen.
Luke and Jess came into the Inn and Kate ran her hand over her hair, which was in soft waves. Jess looked at her and gave her a small smile.
"Hi you two, where's your Mom?" Luke asked.
"In the kitchen helping Sookie out," Kate replied.
"I have to say, I'm glad I came," Jess said, looking Kate over.
Kate blushed and smiled at Jess. "So am I," she said.
Lorelai came back into the room and smiled at the four. Lane came into the inn.
"You made it. Your mother didn't come?" Rory asked.
"Wait for it," Lane said. Her mother came right in. "My wedding night is going to be very interesting," she whispered.
Jess had to hide his smile and Luke coughed to cover a chuckle as Mrs. Kim looked disapprovingly over Rory and Kate's dresses- especially Kate's dress.
"Hi Mrs. Kim," Rory said. "You're in room 12," she added, handing them the key.
"Do you need help bringing in the rest of your stuff, Mrs. Kim?" Lorelai offered.
"This is my stuff. I always say that people have too much stuff," Mrs. Kim replied, showing the group a little black bag.
"You're totally right. People have too many things," Lorelai said. Mrs. Kim nodded and she and Lane went upstairs.
"Says the woman with 64 pairs of shoes," Luke said.
"Thus proving my point," Lorelai said.
Later, Lorelai was walking around when she spotted her parents walking in. She grabbed the first person nearest her and that happened to be Jess.
"Uh, Lorelai, I'm not Luke," he said.
"My parents are here," Lorelai complained.
"Oh really, I would love to meet them," Jess drawled sarcastically.
"That's a fantastic idea," Lorelai said, brightly. Jess looked at Kate, who was passing them, with fear in his eyes.
"Mom, let go of Jess," Kate ordered.
"Lorelai, this is just beautiful. It's like something out of Architectural Digest. You should be very proud," Richard said, coming over to them with Emily.
"Thanks, Dad," Lorelai said, hugging him.
"Lorelai, your dress needs pressing," Emily said.
"Thanks, Mom," Lorelai replied as they hugged.
"Kate, you look stunning," Emily gushed, hugging her granddaughter. Richard did the same after Emily was done. Emily then noticed Jess. "And you are," she said.
"I'm Jess Mariano, Kate's friend. Kate's told me a lot about you and it's a pleasure to meet you both," Jess said. Kate's heart swelled with happiness when she heard the words.
"He's Luke's nephew," Lorelai added.
"Nice to meet you," Richard said, shaking his hand.
"Likewise," Jess smiled, turning to Kate who was beaming back at him. She squeezed his arm and walked away, smiling.
Lorelai smiled and then went into the front of the room. Everyone gathered around to hear her speak.
"Welcome to the first and probably-never-again-because-Sookie's-on-the-verge-of-a-nervous-breakdown Brace-bridge Dinner!" she said. Everyone clapped and Lorelai smiled. "I have a little surprise for you. Outside right now and for the remainder of the evening are twenty four horse drawn carriages. No more or less than two at a time," she stated.
"You're going to go?" Luke asked Jess.
"I was thinking about waiting till the clog dancing starts," Jess replied.
"Good idea," Luke said.
"But first, a special performance by the Golden voice of Stars Hollow. My sister, Kate Gilmore," Rory announced.
Jess turned to find Kate with a small jazz band, a violin on her shoulder. She smiled at the crowd that cheered for her.
"This is a new one, called Warmer in the Winter," she said, starting to play.
PJs with fuzzy socks
Ugly sweaters with polka dots
Warm cookies, had my fill
I might have gained a pound or two to help with the chill
Hot cocoa, piping hot
Snuggled up in our favorite spot
Whisper things we shouldn't say
And I don't plan on leaving here til Christmas Day
Windows frosted
Summer's sleeping
But I don't really mind
I know that it's cold outside
The world is bundled up in white
I just need you by my side
'Cause I'm warmer in the winter with you
'Cause I'm warmer in the winter with you
Jess had heard of her talent, but seeing her perform was a whole new experience. Kate was effortless in her ability to balance singing and playing the violin. She sounded like an angel herself, and it was stunning to see. .
He could see why everyone wanted her to sing whenever they had a crazy festival.
Last year I was on my own
Hibernating in my empty home
Santa didn't even help
I left a plate of cookies
But I ate them myself
This year feels so brand new
Tie a ribbon around me and you
Santa is checking twice
He's trying to figure out if we're naughty or nice
Roads are closed
Snow is falling
But I don't really mind
I know that it's cold outside
The world is bundled up in white
I just need you by my side
'Cause I'm warmer in the winter with you
Emily looked at the young man who she just met. He looked at her granddaughter, enraptured by the sight of her talent on display. She knew that she would have looked down at the idea of a boy who was a perfect fit to have as the town bad boy but something told her to look beyond that. And the fact he didn't take his eyes off Kate the entire time also made her pause even more.
She saddled up next to Jess, who still didn't take his eyes off Kate as she twirled as she played her violin, matching the trombone player note for note.
"This is your first time hearing her and seeing her perform," she whispered.
"Yes it is," Jess replied.
Mrs. Gilmore smiled and nodded. "I look forward to what you think."
Jess raised his eyebrows at her as Kate continued to sing.
I know that it's cold outside
The world is bundled up in white
I just need you by my side
'Cause I'm warmer in the winter with you
The temperature is toasty for two, oh, oh
I'm warmer in the winter with you
The crowd cheered as Kate bowed. She turned to the band and held her hands out as they took their bows.
"Thank you. We're here all night," she said.
Jess chuckled and turned to her grandmother. "She's extraordinary," he told her.
Mrs. Gilmore smiled and nodded. "I thought you would say that. And yes, she is," she replied.
Kate saw them talking and smiled as she put her violin away. Her heart raced thinking about the subject of her new song, a feeling that scared her.
At dinner, Kate sat next to Jess, who was glaring daggers at her.
"We should have eaten before we came," he whispered to Luke, who was watching Jackson being the squire.
"Shh, and yeah," Luke replied.
"You know how much patience I have to have to endure this," Kate whispered.
"I'm surprised I still have an arm. I thought you would have gnawed it off by now," Jess whispered.
Kate smirked. "Don't tempt me," she warned. She saw Emily watching them and tilted her head in confusion as she saw the small smile on her grandmother's face.
"You okay, Grandma," she asked.
"Nothing. Just happy to see you smile," Emily replied, smiling.
Jess gave her a small smile and Kate grinned back at him, fingers already playing the chord progressions as the soup was served.
"What's the white stuff," Jess asked.
"I think it's cheese. Or cream," Luke muttered.
"And the green stuff?" Kate asked.
"I think it's best picked off," Luke replied as they did just that.
After dinner, everyone was gathered back in the sitting room, as the band filed back in and Kate sat with them. She took her violin out again and started to play a medley of Christmas songs. Jess smiled a little as he took out his book.
Kate relaxed him.
"She really loves to do this," Luke said, smiling at Kate.
"You think I can get her to sing on New Years," Taylor started.
"Taylor, no," the Gilmores, Luke, and Jess piped up.
Lorelai turned and saw Jess still reading his book but he smirked a little. She smiled and shook her head. If he was already protective of Kate's time…
Maybe he wasn't so bad.
"So I started to sing and they just picked up everything and left the area," Richard said, about half an hour later.
"Well I have to say that that was the most interesting conversation I've had with an insurance man," Taylor said.
"They are a boring group of people. I'm glad to be rid of them," Richard said.
"Glad to be rid of them?" Emily echoed.
"Something tells me that this is going to be more interesting than that squire thing," Luke whispered to Jess.
"I really hope you're wrong," Jess said, looking at Kate, who stopped playing and was listening to the conversation.
"Are you retired, Richard?" Taylor asked.
"Of course he isn't retired," Emily said.
"Actually yes, I'm retired," Richard announced.
"What?" Lorelai, Emily, Rory, and Kate exclaimed.
"I retired the other day. And I'm glad I did," Richard said.
There was a thick silence and then Sookie came out.
"Who would like some peacock pie?" she asked.
"Excuse me," Emily said. Richard went after her and Lorelai followed him.
"I hate it when you're right," Jess said.
"I hate it too," Kirk added.
"I hate you, period," one other muttered to Luke.
"Okay, I get it," Luke said. "Trust me, I didn't want to be right," he added to Kate and Rory.
"I know that, Luke," Kate replied, getting up and leaving.
Dean excused himself and followed her. "Kate, wait a second," he called.
"What, Dean?" Kate asked.
"How are you friends with Jess?" Dean asked.
"You're my sister's boyfriend, not my father, Dean. You cannot tell me who not to be friends with," Kate said. "I'm a big girl and Rory is too," she added.
"He got into a fight with Chuck the other day," Dean said.
Kate sighed and shook her head. "Okay, Dean, I'll take care of it," she said.
Later, Kate was outside, waiting for a horse-drawn carriage, when Jess came up next to her. He helped her into the carriage and they started moving.
"That was some shocker your Grandfather made during dinner," he said.
Kate smiled and shook her head. "It was," she said.
"So, what were you doing here all alone?" Jess asked.
"Thinking," Kate said. Jess looked at her to continue. "Jess, Dean told me that you got into a fight the other day," she told him.
"Oh yeah, right, I did," Jess said.
"Who were you fighting?" Kate asked.
"Your boyfriend," Jess said. "Chuck," he added confused at the perplexed look Kate gave him.
"Chuck Presby and I aren't dating…God it was one date two years ago," Kate said. "Why on earth would you fight him?" she asked.
"He must have heard that we're friends and he started calling you all these other names that I don't want to share with you. And I snapped," Jess explained.
"Jess, that was the sweetest thing a guy has ever done for me. Thank you," Kate said. "But seriously point me in his direction, next time, okay? I can handle him," she added.
Jess laughed and shook his head. "Noted," he replied.
Kate giggled and looked around the town. "Are you going to New York for the break?"
"My mom didn't want me to," Jess replied.
Kate turned her head and gawked. "She what," she asked. "Did she actually say that?"
"That would involve her picking up the phone and contacting either Luke or I. Who, by the way, made it sound like it was his idea for me to stay," Jess replied.
"Jeez, Jess. I'm sorry," Kate said.
"I'm fine about it. Plus, I would have left yesterday and missed tonight. But dear God, next time tell me to have a burger before coming to something like this," Jess said.
Kate laughed and shook her head. "You want to come over for Christmas?"
Jess smiled and shook his head. "I think Luke and I are keeping it low key," he told her.
"Well, if you change your mind, the door is open," Kate replied.
"Thanks." Jess smiled and they passed the snowman contest. "Is that one yours?" he asked, pointing to the right snowman.
"Yes it is," Kate replied.
"It's a nice snowman- or snow woman maybe," Jess said.
"I know, but everyone thinks that the one on the end is going to win," Kate said.
"No way, it's too overdone," Jess said.
"That's what I said," Kate said. She fiddled with her hands, not looking at him. "So. What did you think?"
"Of your singing?" Jess asked. Kate nodded shyly and he smiled. "I thought it was amazing. And you playing the violin was amazing. But your original? It was great."
Kate smiled and blushed. "Thank you," she whispered, flexing out her hands. "I just wish I could play the violin more. I haven't done it in a while and now my hands are cramping."
"Here, let me," Jess said, taking them and massaging them.
For the second time that night, Kate was stunned into silence. Jess hit all the pressure points and the cramping that was causing her discomfort melted away.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Anytime," Jess replied. He was struck by the glimmer in her eyes, low and bright as she smiled at him. She was truly beautiful. "Seriously. Anytime you want me to defend your honor or give you a hand massage, let me know."
"I'll remember that," Kate said.
Jess smiled at her again and Kate rested her head on his shoulder. Jess looked around the town and then back at the girl he knew that he could never have. She was everything that he wasn't and he wasn't going to lie and say that it didn't matter because it did. And Jess knew that it always will. The slight snore coming from Kate, told him that she was sleeping.
"Can we go back to the inn?" he asked the man directing the horse.
"Of course," the man replied.
When they got back to the inn, Jess got out and then took Kate in his arms. She clasped her hands around his neck and buried her head in the crook of his neck. Jess kissed her forehead, softly and walked into the inn after the guy driving their carriage opened the door. Emily and Richard were still up.
"What happened to her?" Emily asked, seeing Kate in Jess' arms.
"She fell asleep in the carriage," Jess explained, quietly.
"Oh," the elder Gilmores said.
"I'm going to bring her upstairs. Goodnight," Jess said.
"Goodnight," Richard whispered.
"Yes, goodnight," Emily added. "It was a pleasure meeting you," she told Jess.
"You too, Mrs. Gilmore," Jess replied quietly. Then he went upstairs.
"I have such a feeling that we're going to be seeing him around Kate more often," Richard said.
Emily smiled a little. "I think you're right," she replied.
Jess wracked his brain to remember Kate's room number. He was about to knock on one door when Luke came out of the room they shared.
"What happened?" he asked Jess.
"We went on a carriage ride, we talked, she put her head on my shoulder, and I look down to find her asleep," Jess explained.
"What's her room number?" Luke asked.
"I have no clue," Jess exclaimed quietly. Luke sighed and motioned for Jess to bring her inside their room.
"Get her coat off," Jess hissed once in the room.
Luke took off Kate's coat to reveal gray sweatpants and a black sweatshirt. Kate clutched Jess tighter and Jess sighed.
"Lorelai is going to shoot me," he muttered. Luke smirked and Jess glared at him.
"Don't leave," Kate whimpered in her sleep as Jess set her down in the bed.
Jess sighed again and got her arms off of him. Grabbing a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants, he went into the bathroom to change. Luke pulled off Kate's boots and gloves. Jess came back and looked at the chair.
"You think I should?" he asked Luke. Kate grabbed the hem of his shirt and Luke chuckled.
"Take that as a no," Luke said to Jess.
"Right," Jess said, lying down next to Kate. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. Luke shook his head and lay down in his own bed. Jess smiled and fell asleep.
The next morning, Kate was back in her own room and getting dressed. She put on a navy blue sweater and a pair of dark jeans. She slipped on her boots on and went downstairs. When she got there, Jess was there as Luke was talking to Lorelai. Kate slipped her hands in her back pockets and walked over to him. Jess gave her a small smile.
"How did you sleep?" he asked.
"Pretty good," Kate replied. "I do have one question, Jess," she added.
"Shoot," Jess told her.
"Why didn't you just wake me up?" Kate asked.
"You looked so peaceful and tired, I really didn't have the heart to," Jess replied.
"Oh," Kate said, nodding. "Well, thanks," she told him.
"So, I'll see you around?" Jess asked, as they walked to the door.
"Of course, in fact maybe sooner than you think," Kate replied. "I do need another cup of coffee," she told him.
"I'll be waiting with baited breath," Jess said. Kate smiled. "Bye," he added, leaving.
"Bye," Kate said, closing the door. Emily and Richard came down and they smiled at Lorelai and the girls.
"Hey Mom, you didn't make it back to the room last night. Did you get lucky?" Lorelai asked.
"Could you be any cruder?" Emily asked.
"Yeah, I could be cruder. Hey Mom, did you get la-" Lorelai was cut off by the other girls.
"Thanks for coming," the girls said.
Emily and Richard hugged their granddaughters and Emily winked at Kate, who smiled. They then left, leaving Lorelai looking at one of her daughters.
"What was that about?" she asked.
"Nothing, inside thing," Kate replied. "Come on, let's go home," she added.
As the three of them were in the carriage, they saw the over the top snowman was destroyed.
"What happened?" Kate asked. Then she thought of something but shook her head.
"Who knows, but we do win by default," Lorelai said, turning around and facing her daughters.
Kate and Rory smiled and the three of them continued to enjoy their ride home.
Chapter 3- Done