Disclaimer: Gilmore Girls is a creation of ASP

A/N: So it seems I'm on a roll (or is pure procrastination?). Should I probably have waited a bit longer in between stories to post this? Probably.

This was just a figment of my imagination focussed on the idea of the Gilmore movie nights and how they shaped Rory's life growing up, so how does it still fit into her life?

I really hope you enjoy - I really enjoyed writing it! Took me down memory lane to think about movies I haven't watched in literal decades in order to fit with my scenarios. This is linked to my series, but they are independent ficlets so don't need to be read together (but do give the others a read!) Although I did steal idea number two from the parent story in my series (It's Hard to Put into Words). Leave a comment and let me know what you think. I need some more ideas for one-shots and would love to know what you want to read!

One

The Christmas tree in Logan's townhouse was perfectly decorated. Too perfectly, at least for her taste. It was the kind of perfect that required a team of professionals, colour co-ordinated ornaments, and at least one person who used the phrase"a pop of holiday cheer."Clearly his mother had been in town.

It was the kind of tree that made Rory's eye twitch.

Sure, it would take time for this place to feel like home, but if she was going to uproot her life to live in the hustle and bustle of London, she was going to make some adjustments. Starting small. Starting with the Christmas tree.

She had to find a way to "Lorelai Gilmore" the place - make it a home not just a house. She immediately messed the tree up by adding an old felt Santa ornament she found in her moving boxes (probably something that she had made when she was five years old).

"Logan, meet Santa. He's missing an eye and possibly a soul, and definitely some dignity. But he demands a place of honor."

Logan had taken one disgusted look at the lopsided, scraggly-bearded Santa and sighed. "You're lucky you're carrying my child."

Snaking his arm round her waist, he pulled her into an embrace, resting her back against his chest, they gazed at their hard work.

Now, the tree glowed warmly in the corner, a testament to their merging lives. And on the coffee table in front of them sat a plate of sugar cookies, half of which were covered in a chaotic amount of red and green M . She was already training him for the Gilmore Christmases to come. Sure, he had a taste of them during their Yale days. Now he was stuck. No exit strategy. He needed full immersion.

"Do you think they regret their life choices?" Rory asked, popping an M off a cookie and into her mouth.

"The cookies?" Logan shot her a look. "Or us?"

She made a face. "I meant the M . But hey, if you'd like to overanalyze the last three years, be my guest. That might take a while though. "

Logan smirked, leaning back into the couch. "I think the M are fine. The cookies, though… not so much. I mean, look at this one." He held up a cookie drowning in a sea of red M . "This poor guy didn't stand a chance."

"Hey,youwere the one who let me be in charge of M distribution," Rory said. "And I was going for festive. You should be grateful."

"For what? The diabetes?"

She threw an M at him, and he caught it in his mouth like a smug golden retriever.

The soft chatter from Home Alone emanated throughout their living room. Rory curled into Logan's side, her head resting on his shoulder. His hand found her stomach, his touch gentle, absentminded. It still felt surreal - this new life forming between them.

She watched the movie for a moment, then sighed. "Three years ago, I was living in Brooklyn, juggling a handful of freelance gigs, and fully convinced that my personal life was an unfixable disaster. I lost my twin pillar and lost all sense of direction in life when my grandfather died. I was a lost cause. I mean I slept with a Wookie, it couldn't really get worse than that."

Logan snorted. "Three years ago, I was engaged to a woman my family thought was asuitable matchand trying very hard to pretend I wasn't in love with someone else."

The air shifted slightly, heavier now. Rory grabbed another cookie, needing something to do with her hands.

They didn't talk abouther.

They hadn't really talked aboutherwhen Rory moved in, either. It was easier that way. Rory didn't want to think about the fact that Logan had almost - maybe, in some alternate reality - married Odette.

And Logan didn't want to think about how much it had hurt Rory every time she had to remind herself that she wasn't the one he came home to.

Rory traced a random pattern on his (arguably, very ugly) Christmas sweater with her finger. "It's weird, right?" she said finally. "How much can change in three years."

Logan kissed the top of her head, his breath warm against her hair. "Yeah," he murmured. "It is."

Suddenly shifting her attention, trying to worm her way out of a difficult situation, "I mean, how stupid do you have to be to not realize that you are missing a kid." she said, gesturing at the screen as Kevin's family ran through the airport in a chaotic mess, as Logan softly chuckled. "What, do you actually think we would be the parents to forget their kid?"

Logan didn't even hesitate. "Oh, absolutely."

Rory gasped, eyes widening at his revelation. "Logan!"

"I mean,not on purpose," he defended, stealing a cookie from her plate. "But realistically, look at us, Ace. I once lost Finn in a casino in Monte Carlo for forty-eight hours. And you once forgot where you parked your car at Yale and took the bus for two weeks instead of looking for it."

"In my defense, it was a very big parking lot and in all fairness, it is Finn. The man is always on the run." Rory muttered.

Logan gave her a knowing look.

She huffed. "Okay, fine, maybe we shouldn't be in charge of a human life."

"Bit late for that, Ace," Logan smirked, rubbing a hand over her still-flat stomach.

Rory swallowed hard and forced a lightness into her voice. "Well, at least now we know we're both equally unqualified as parents."

Logan smirked. "Yeah. But hey, at least we'll befun."

"And possibly banned from every school PTA meeting." She quipped.

"Ah, the dream."

On-screen, Kevin was setting up elaborate traps to take down the burglars. Rory nudged Logan playfully.

"By the way," she said, "if our kid ever pulls aHome Alonelevel stunt, you're dealing with it."

Logan didn't even hesitate. "Fair."

They clinked cookies like wine glasses and settled in to watch the rest of the movie.

For the first time in a long time, the future felt like something they didn't have to be afraid of.

Two

All three of them were crammed on their spacious sofa, watchingHow to Train a Dragon, because, of course, it was the movie Jackhad picked and Rory wasn't about to tell him "no" when he gave her those eyes. He truly was a master manipulator - adorable, but dangerous. Logan's arm was draped protectively around Jack, the boy already drifting into a peaceful sleep, his little chest rising and falling in perfect harmony. Rory nestled into Logan's side, content, but undeniably restless.

"Would you ever consider having another kid?" Logan asked, his tone all casual, like he was just making conversation about popcorn flavors. But there was something underneath it - something careful, like he was testing the waters before diving in.

Rory blinked at him, the question hanging in the air, clearly caught off guard. "Wasn't really something I thought about," she had answered, turning her head to look at him. "Why? Is this ayou're-having-another-midlife-crisisthing? Should I be worried? Did you buy a motorcycle? Suddenly take up fishing?"

Logan shrugged, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I just think it would be nice for him to have sibling. It's a built-in best friend, I mean I had Honor. I know you didn't have siblings, so maybe it's not something you thought about, but," He glanced at Jack, who had now completely passed out in his arms, blissfully unaware of the conversation "See it this way, if we become the next Mitchum and Shira, they would have each other. Ace, neither of us are getting any younger, I'm literally forty in two years time."

"Whoa, whoa,whoa." Rory's eyes widened. "That's the pitch?That'syour big sell? 'Hey, let's have another kid so they can bond over our emotional negligence and awful parenting'? Logan, I don't know how to tell you this, butterriblemarketing strategy. For a someone who works as the COO for a multi-mililion corporation, I sure hope your business pitches are better than that."

"Well,wearen't Mitchum and Shira, that's for sure," Logan had said, his voice tinged with a trace of amusement. "But, it's an idea. And let's face it, we're not exactly getting any younger. You, me, two kids, movie nights just like this, but with more arguing over who gets the last piece of pizza."

Rory pursed her lips, considering. "Well, Idoenjoy a good pizza-related squabble."

"Is there a yes in there Gilmore?" said Logan, grinning.

"There's a 'Let's think about it,' in there somewhere Huntzberger." she'd answered, her smile playful yet unsure.

Logan grinned. "I'll take it."

Three

The living room was warm and cozy, the soft glow of the TV casting a comforting light over the room. Jack, sitting between Rory and Logan, was mesmerized by the screen asBraveplayed. He loved the action, the adventure, and especially Merida's fiery spirit.

"Merida's so cool!" Jack said, his eyes wide as he watched Merida race through the woods on horseback, bow in hand.

Rory and Logan, glanced at each other, having a whole conversation with their eyes. Rory gave him a gentle nod.

"Hey, Jack," Logan began softly, turning to him, "you know how Merida has her three little brothers?"

Jack looked up at him, his brow furrowed. "Yeah. They're funny. They get into trouble all the time."

"Bud, there's something we need to tell you," Logan continued. He cleared his throat and pausing the movie momentarily. "Mama and Dadda are having a baby. You're going to be a big brother and you can have a sibling just like Merida. Isn't that cool bud? You can finally have someone to play with."

Jack froze. His bright smile disappeared, replaced with confusion. His bright blue eyes narrowed in disbelief. At five years old, his understanding of the world was greater than one could comprehend. "What?"

Rory shifted, her hand instinctively moving to Jack's, but he pulled away, frowning deeply now. "No. No, no baby," Jack said, his voice cracking a little. "I like being the only one. I'm the special one." He pulled his knees up to his chest, staring down at his lap.

Logan and Rory exchanged a quick, uncertain glance. They hadn't expected this reaction. It wasn't easy being the center of attention and then suddenly sharing it with someone else.

Rory leaned in, brushing a hand over Jack's wild little mop of hair. "Okay, first of all, you arealwaysgoing to be my special guy. And second, you know what's cooler than being an only child?"

Jack sniffled. "Nothing?"

Rory gasped. " abig brother. You get all the perks - bossing someone around, teaching them how to sneak cookies before dinner, and having someone to blame when the remote goes missing."

Jack's bottom lip quivered. He looked up at Rory, his eyes filling with tears. "But I don't want anyone else. I don't want to share you, Mommy. What if the baby takes you away from me?" His voice was small, the tears welling up quickly. "What if you love the baby more?"

Rory's heart broke. She scooped him up into her arms, holding him tightly against her chest as he sniffled. "Oh, bubba," she whispered, kissing the top of his head. "No one can ever take my love for you away. You're my special boy, and you'll always be. This baby is just going to be someone else to love, someone for you to teach."

Jack clung to her, his small arms wrapping around her neck as he buried his face in her shoulder. "I don't want to share you," he whimpered, his voice muffled. "I don't want anyone to take you away."

Logan, watching from the other side of the couch, felt his heart twist. He moved closer, sitting on the edge of the couch beside them. "Jack," he said gently, "this doesn't mean we won't be here for you. We're still your mom and dad. We're still going to spend time with you, just like we always have."

"But I'm scared," Jack sobbed, the tears spilling down his cheeks. "What if I don't want the baby? What if they mess up everything?"

Logan smiled gently, his voice calm as he rubbed Jack's back, attempting to calm his choking sobs. "You don't have to share everything, buddy. But there's something special about having a sibling. I mean, I had Aunty Honor growing up. Just like Merida's brothers, your little brother or sister will look up to you. You'll be their guide, just like Merida was to her brothers. You'll teach them things, and they'll help you when you need it."

Jack looked up at Logan with wide, teary eyes. "Really? I get to teach them stuff?"

Rory nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Of course. You'll teach them how to build lego towers and how to feed the ducks in Hyde Park and all the things you love. And just like Merida, you'll have someone to share your adventures with. You'll be their big brother, someone they look up to and someone they have fun with."

"But what if they don't listen to me?" Jack asked, still unsure, his small voice filled with uncertainty. "What if they don't want to play with me?"

"That's okay," Logan said. "They're going to be younger, and they might not know how to do everything yet. But that's when you'll step in, just like Merida did for her brothers. You'll show them how to be brave, how to laugh, and how to be there for each other."

Jack's frown started to fade, and he seemed to be thinking it over. He glanced back at the screen, watching Merida's brothers running after her, causing chaos but also clearly a part of her life. "So... if I have a little brother or sister, I can teach them how to be brave like Merida taught her brothers?"

"That's right," Rory said softly. "And when they get older, they'll be there for you, too. In more ways than you can think."

Jack thought it over, then sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll be a big brother. But I'mnotsharing my dinosaur stickers."

Logan grinned. "Deal."

Jack narrowed his eyes. "And if they drool on my Legos, I'm sending them back."

Rory chuckled, kissing his forehead. "Noted. No drool on the Legos."

Jack nodded, satisfied, before snuggling into Rory's side. "Okay. But they better be cool."

"I think you'll be an amazing big brother, Jack."

Logan smiled, reaching over to ruffle Jack's blonde tousled hair. "You're going to be great. And remember, having a sibling doesn't mean anyone takes your place. It just means there's more love to go around."

AsBravecontinued to play, Jack snuggled back into Rory's arms, his little body still a little tense but a little comforted by the idea of being a big brother. He watched Merida and her brothers, and for the first time that night, he understood. Maybe being a big brother wouldn't be so bad. Maybe, just like Merida, he could be the one to show someone else how to be brave.

Four

Friday nights at the Gilmore-Huntzberger household were sacred. They had their routines, and no matter how late Rory stayed editing pieces at theGuardianor how many late-night meetings Logan had with Japan, they always made time for their family movie night.

The living room was a perfect mess of cozy chaos: cups of coffee scattered on the coffee table, half-empty mugs on the windowsill, kids sprawled out on the floor, and the warmth of the fireplace curling up around them like a blanket.

"I want to watchFrozen!" Emma, their fiery little two-year-old with pigtails that bounced as she twirled in her favourite Elsa costume, demanded, her round cheeks puffed out with that stubborn determination only a toddler could muster.

Jack, seven years old and usually more patient than most, immediately groaned and slumped into the couch with exaggerated drama. "We just watchedFrozenlast week!" he said, eyes narrowing in protest. "I don't want to watchFrozenagain! I want something new!Please."

Emma, of course, was undeterred. "Elsa!" she squealed, her face lighting up. She didn't care if they'd watched it last week or the week before that. She had a one-track mind, and that track led straight to Arendelle.

"Jack, buddy, you know it's Emma's turn to pick," Rory said gently, trying to soothe the situation before it escalated. She shot Logan a playful look, but he was already chuckling at the sight of his daughter's stubborn little face.

"No!Frozenis dumb!" Jack huffed, crossing his arms over his chest, his face scrunched in frustration. "It's all singing and snow and I'm so bored of it! Can't we watch something else? Something not stupid. LikeSpider-ManorToy Story?"

"But I like Elsa!" Emma countered, bouncing excitedly, "I like Anna too!"

Logan, trying to diffuse the growing tension, raised an eyebrow. "You know, we could always watch something else... but maybe we can find a way for everyone to be happy?"

Jack scowled. "I just don't like it. I want to watch somethinggood."

"Hey, you're the big brother," Rory said with a playful smile. "You're supposed to be a good role model, right? How about you help Emma pick? You know, show her how to make a compromise?"

Jack shot a look at Emma, who was now holding the remote like it was her golden ticket to a world of endless singing snowmen. He huffed again. "But I don't want to. I just want to watch something else!" His voice was a bit louder now, full of typical seven-year-old frustration.

Rory exchanged a look with Logan, both silently communicating that this was about to get a little louder before it could get quieter. Rory took a deep breath, gathering her patience as she moved closer to Jack, lifting herself out of Logan's embrance.

"Okay, Jack," she said in that calm but firm tone that always managed to cut through the noise, the classic of her firm but fair parenting. "What if we make a deal? How about we watchFrozen,just this one more time. But after that, you get to pick the next movie. Deal?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. He was skeptical. "One more time?"

"One more time," Rory confirmed with a smile, despite her own underlying exhaustion of having heard "Let it Go" one too many times. "And you get to pick next. But you need to be a good big brother and make Emma happy. She's two, Jack. She's not going to understand if you're upset."

Jack hesitated, looking over at Emma, whose eyes were wide with excitement. "But I'm really, really sick of it," he muttered, still not ready to give in.

Rory rubbed his back soothingly. "I know, buddy. It's hard to watch the same thing over and over. But sometimes, being a good brother means doing something that's a little hard."

Jack thought about it for a long moment. He wasn'thappyabout it, but the promise of picking the next movie was enough to get him to soften. He turned his gaze to Emma, who was staring at him with that innocent, trusting look only a toddler could manage. Her matching blue eyes sparkling. She wasn't trying to be difficult. She was just excited about her movie.

"Fine," Jack grumbled, rolling his eyes but giving in. "But next time, we're watchingSpider-Manand noFrozenever again. Deal?"

Rory laughed softly and kissed his forehead. "Deal."

Logan leaned over and whispered to Jack, "Good choice, kiddo."

Jack smiled a little, finally accepting his role in the family movie night. Emma, unaware of the negotiations that had just taken place, was already bouncing in excitement. "Elsa! Elsa!" she chanted, clearly not understanding the emotional tug-of-war she'd just sparked.

Rory clicked the remote and, with a flourish, pressed play. The familiar opening ofFrozenfilled the room, and Emma clapped her hands in glee. Jack slumped into the couch, but a small, resigned smile tugged at his lips as he glanced over at his little sister. Sure, sometimes, they were at each other's throats, but he did truly love her to pieces.

As the movie played, the Gilmore-Huntzberger family settled into their cozy spot. Emma was glued to the screen, singing along to every word, while Jack's eyes flickered over the scenes. But soon, even Jack found himself half-smiling at the ridiculousness of Olaf and the magic of Arendelle. Maybe it wasn'tthatbad. Besides, the sooner they finished it, the soonerhecould pick the next movie.

Emma, blissfully unaware of the tension she had caused, simply leaned against Jack with a big, contented grin. For all his grumbling, Jack had been the hero of the night.

And the following movie night, as they got ready to settle in for Toy Story, as per Jack's request, Emma snuggled closer to him, knowing that no matter how many times they watched Frozen, her big brother would always be there to share the next adventure.

Five

The Gilmore-Huntzbergers had barely set foot in Stars Hollow before Lorelai had them knee-deep in an over-the-top, snack-fueled movie night. The second Rory and Logan walked through the door with Jack and Emma in tow, they were hit with the scent of buttery popcorn, melted chocolate, and what could only be described as an alarming amount of marshmallows.

"Oh, good, you're finally here! I was about to send a search party," Lorelai announced as she flung open the front door dramatically. "Except it would've just been me, in my pyjamas, with a flashlight and a half-eaten toasted Pop-Tart yelling, 'Where are my grandchildren?!'"

Jack, now ten and full of knowing smirks, rolled his eyes but walked right into her hug. "Hi, Mimi."

Emma, five and still in the phase where hugs were the best thing ever, threw herself at Lorelai. "Mimi, I missed you!"

"Oh, kiddo, I missed you more! Look at you! So cute, so huggable! I could just eat you up, but I won't, because cannibalism is frowned upon. What are you pr silly mommy and daddy doing keeping you a whole ocean away from me!" Lorelai said, squeezing her tightly before pulling back. "Also, I have snacks. So many snacks. Snacks that donotinclude eating small children."

Luke, standing in the kitchen, grumbled under his breath. "That would beweirdlyreassuring if it weren't coming from you."

"Hi, Grumps!" Jack called out, grinning.

Luke sighed. "Still with the Grumps thing?"

"You'll never shake it, Luke," Rory said, giving him a quick hug. "Just accept your fate."

Logan clapped him on the shoulder. "It's a good look on you, Danes."

Luke muttered something that sounded suspiciously like"I used to like it when they were younger,"but he still gave both kids affectionate ruffles on the head as they darted toward the couch.

Lorelai, arms full of candy and enough chips to feed a small country, beamed at Jack and Emma. "Alright, my tiny world travellers, tonight werectifythe tragedy that is your mother's parenting."

Rory rolled her eyes at her mother's dramatics. "Wow, we haven't even started the movie yet, and I'm already failing?"

Lorelai nodded solemnly. "Jack, Emma, your mother has failed to raise youproperlyin the ways of cinematic excellence." She pointed dramatically at Rory. "Andthis,this is why you don't move to London."

Logan raised his eyebrows, smirking. "Because of questionable movie education?"

"Yes," Lorelai said, tossing him a Twizzler. "And also the whole 'tea is not coffee' travesty, but that's a whole other discussion."

Jack, now ten and unfazed by his grandmother's dramatics, crossed his arms. "Wait, what movie are we watching?"

Lorelai gasped. "Oh, thebetrayal!" She turned to Luke, who was bringing in drinks. "Did youhearthat? Our own grandson doesn't even know! It's like a knife to the heart."

Luke set the drinks down. "I heard. I also don't care."

Rory snorted. "Emma, Mimi is about to introduce you to averyimportant person."

Emma, five, perked up. "Elsa?"

Jack groaned. "Emma, everything isnotElsa."

Lorelai placed a hand on Emma's head. "Oh no, sweetheart. Tonight, you meet someone evencoolerthan Elsa."

Emma gasped. "Cooler than Elsa?"

"Way cooler," Rory confirmed, smirking.

Lorelai hit play, and the whimsical, slightly chaotic world ofPippi Longstockingfilled the screen.

As the opening music played, Jack looked skeptical. "Wait, this isold."

"Pfft," Lorelai scoffed. "This movie is 's fun, it's ridiculous, and it has a girl who can lift ahorse -what more do you want?"

Jack squinted at the screen. "Wait, shelives alone?"

"Yes, and she has a monkey," Logan added, amused. "Honestly, it's the childhood we all wish we had."

Emma, wide-eyed, pointed at Pippi. "She hasbraids!Like me!"

Lorelai grinned. "Exactly. She's independent, adventurous, and she eatsnothing but pancakes and other words…"

"My dream life," Rory finished.

Emma gasped. "She can lift ahorse?!"

Jack frowned. "That's notreal."

Luke, who had been silently enduring the chaos, muttered, "Neither is a town where everyone talks like this. But we do."

Rory tossed a piece of popcorn at him. "Blasphemy, Luke. You've lived here your whole life. Embrace the weird."

The movie continued, with Jack slowly starting to appreciate the ridiculousness of Pippi's antics and Emma fully deciding that shewasPippi. She climbed onto Logan's lap, whispering, "I think I need a monkey."

Logan chuckled. "Yeah, I don't think that's happening, kiddo."

Lorelai leaned over. "Luke said that about getting Paul Anka, and yet here we are."

Luke groaned. "No more pets."

Jack, now fully invested, laughed when Pippi started pranking the adults. "Okay, this is actually kinda funny."

Lorelai beamed. "Yes! Another convert! Bow before the power of Pippi!"

Rory smirked at Logan. "You know, we probablyshouldhave shown them this sooner."

As Luke started cleaning up, Logan leaned back, smirking. "Alright, Stars Hollow. I gotta admit - this was a solid pick. Classic at its finest."

Lorelai flipped her hair. "Ofcourseit was. You think I'd steer my grandchildren wrong?"

Luke muttered without looking up, "Don't answer that."

One

The soft melody of"Moon River"floated through the living room, wrapping the family in its timeless warmth. The song, always synonymous with their love, filled the room as the opening credits ofBreakfast at Tiffany'srolled across the screen. The gentle sound seemed to echo in Rory and Logan's hearts, and for a brief moment, it felt like nothing had changed - except, of course, everything had.

Logan lounged on the couch, one arm draped over the back, his fingers tracing absent patterns along the fabric. Rory sat beside him, her feet tucked underneath her, leaning into him comfortably. Jack, now ten, was sprawled across the floor, his eyes flicking between the movie and his parents with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Emma, at five, was sitting restlessly at the other end of the spacious sofa, her legs swinging back and forth, not quite following the plot, but clearly enchanted by the glamour on screen.

As Audrey Hepburn's voice filled the air, Jack rolled his eyes dramatically and looked up at his parents. "Seriously? You guys arereallywatching this movie? Again?"

Rory turned her head to face him, raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong with it?"

"I mean, it's a little old. And kinda weird," Jack said, twisting the blanket around himself for emphasis. "Is this your 'romantic' thing? Youactuallylike this movie?"

Someone had clearly been spending too much time with Grandma Lorelai.

Logan shot him a knowing look. "I think we've established that your mom and I have a soft spot for the classics."

Jack smirked and leaned back on the floor. "I guess you could say you guys aresoromantic, right? Like, you're watching this and looking at each other all googly-eyed."

Rory's lips quirked at the corners as she glanced at Logan. "Well, Jack, this song happens to be important to us."

Jack made a face. "The song?"

Logan nodded, his voice warm with a hint of nostalgia. "You see, kid, 'Moon River' isn't just some random tune. It'soursong."

Rory smiled, her eyes softening as she turned to Logan. "Yeah. It's the song we danced to at my grandparents' vow renewal."

Jack looked between them, eyes wide. "Wait -youtwo actually danced together at a wedding? Willingly? How old were you?"

"Not that old," Logan teased, his grin playful. "We were in college at the time, but I think we pulled it off pretty well. Probably the one time that your mother and I danced together without her stepping on my toes."

Rory chuckled, remembering the moment clearly. "It was the first time I realized your dad actually liked me. And we got to spend time just the two of us. And that song - well, it stuck with us ever since."

The room fell into a quiet lull, save for the faint hum of the music and the soft flicker of the Riverwas always more than just a song to them; it was a memory, an anchor that tied their past to the present. A gentle reminder of how far they had come.

Logan's eyes softened as he looked at Rory, his voice quieter now, whispering into her ear. "You know, I still can't believe it's been over twenty years since then. Feels like yesterday we were both at Yale, arguing over bylines and pulling all-nighters at theDaily News."

Rory leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I know. Feels like we blinked, and now we have two kids who roll their eyes at us."

"Yeah," Logan agreed, his voice full of affection. "Twenty years, two kids, and a whole lot of adventures later, and we're still reminiscing to the same song."

Jack, ever the perceptive one, interrupted from the floor, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, that's a lot ofgagmaterial for one night. Are you sure you don't need a room for all this 'love' stuff?"

Emma, perched on the couch armrest, chimed in with a more curious tone. "You and Daddy arein love?" she asked, her little face serious as she tried to process the information.

Rory and Logan exchanged amused glances before Rory nodded. "Yes, sweetheart. Mommy and Daddy are in love. And we've been in love for a very long time."

"Likeforever?" Emma's eyes widened with genuine wonder.

Logan laughed softly. "Well, notforeveryet. But long enough that we have our song."

Emma blinked, looking from one parent to the other. "I likeMoon River."

"Good," Rory said, brushing Emma's wispy curls from her face. "Because I think it's going to be with us for a long time."

As Audrey Hepburn's graceful form flickered on the screen, Rory leaned in closer, resting her head against Logan's shoulder. "I wouldn't change a thing," she whispered.

Logan kissed her forehead gently. "Me neither."

And for the rest of the night, they sat together in the glow of the TV, surrounded by their children and their loveable golden retriever, a perfect picture of the life they had created, despite all of the challenges they had faced, withMoon River quietly playing on repeat in the background, as it had for so many years before.