Our Middle - haleyannie_96 - Gilmore Girls (TV 2000) [Archive of Our Own] (2024)

Chapter 1: Prologue- Reconciliation

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Luke stood behind the diner counter speechless. Normally, it wasn't a stretch for a man of few words, but this time around he didn't have a quick one liner to say. His girlfriend, now ex-girlfriend's high society mother, came into his diner to tell him Lorelai cut off her parents and chose him.
All the options Lorelai had; she chose him. This sent his thoughts running together in a fury of the last three weeks. He thought back to the brief conversation at Doose's market. Where he said this was going to happen again and again. The “this'' would be her parents not thinking he was not the right man for her, and that Christopher would just show up like a bad storm. He would just steal her away like a gust of wind. The man who was never around and always around at the same time. His thoughts continued to move to the night she left the voicemail. In true Lorelai fashion, she referenced a movie about needing her best friend and needed him to come over because he was her best friend. She was his, the closest friend he ever had. He was ready to take her back that night, but she called him her ex-boyfriend. That was the nail in the coffin. Ex meant the past, not the present or the future. So, he walked off like he was a kicked puppy. His thoughts took him back to the present moment, to one singular thought, she chose him. She chose him.

×××××××

Lorelai was on her couch escaping into one of her favorite movies, A Star is Born. She was once again the single woman on the couch. Rory went back to school, where she should be, but she missed the company. Rory needed to go back to her life and Lorelai needed to find out what in the world her life was going to be now. Since the fateful kiss on the Dragonfly steps, Luke was her leading man, in many ways he always was, but in that brief window he had top billing, now only to be tragically written off. Her mother must have known she was happy and had to stick her nose in it. Although, involving Christopher, that was a surprising twist. Her mother didn't even like Christopher, but she knew Emily Gilmore had a picture in her head of what her daughter's life should be and Lucas Danes wasn't part of that picture. Now, Lorelai had no picture in her head of what her life was going to be. So, she just stared at Judy belting out the man who got away. She only had two thoughts, Judy is singing my song and who is at my door?

××××××
Lorelai walked to the door thinking Rory must have forgotten something and turned back around and got locked out of the house. She opens the door and here he is standing right in front her. In one fluid motion he took her his arms and kissed her as if he was breathing life back into her body. She opened her arms and wrapped them around his waist. She kissed him back in the same passionate frenzy. She adjusted her arms and closed the door.
They broke apart for a second and Luke stared into her eyes, “I wasn't out, Lorelai.” She looked back at him, still in shock for 30 seconds. Lorelai took a step backwards, “You said at Doose’s that this relationship was too much for you and you couldn't do this anymore. That sounds like you were out.”
He nodded to confirm that's what he said, “You asked what, I was thinking at that moment. That's what I was thinking, but not what I wanted.” He hated what he said in the market three weeks ago. He said in a split second of anger. He wanted to hurt her like she had hurt him. “Well, what do you want and why are you here, now?” Lorelai asked in almost a whisper. She was afraid that he would disappear out the door and out of her life forever.

“Your mother stopped by the diner, and she told me why she did what she did, because she thought she was doing what was best for you. She said you had your own ideas about what was best for you and that the two of you weren't speaking and that you chose me over her. She told me you chose me and to go back to you.” Lorelai was floored that her mother went to the diner and talked to him. She wasn't sure if Emily's visit was out of genuine care or to the ability to set the extra place setting at Friday night dinner and keep up the appearance that she had a loving daughter.
“You are here, because my mother, Emily Gilmore, told you to come over? I'm really glad she didn't tell you to jump off the Brooklyn bridge.” Lorelai wanted him to want her because that's what he wanted and not to fulfill an obligation.
“Your mother coming by wasn't the only reason, it gave me the push to know I wasn't alone in what I was feeling. Lorelai, I love you and miss you. I want and need you in my life. That's why I am here. Now, am I alone in this or do you feel the same way?” He pleaded with her. He knew if this didn't work it was really over. The best thing to ever happen to him was over.
“No, you are not alone in this, I love you too. But we need to be able to talk to each other without the other running off and deal with problems head on or we will never make it or worse we will be stuck in the same spot for years on end. I don't want that; I want a real future. This is our time to have a middle, not just a happily ever after ending. I want to have a middle with you. Only ever you.” Lorelai said with tears running down her face and making her eyes bluer than Luke had ever seen.

He brushes his hand over tears. “Lorelai, I know communication is not my strong area. I got used to being alone most of the time and not having anyone to share in my day to day and just making it up as I went along. I know I need to work on it, sharing my life with you. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get us back on track. But I have some questions I need answered.”
Lorelai looked up at him with tears still in her eyes. “Ask your questions.” She said in almost whisper. Her mind was racing. What could he ask at this point?
“Do you see a future with us even if your parents never approve of me?” He asked slightly, afraid to hear the answer. He knew she currently cut them off but wasn't something he could flat out ask her to do. To cut them off forever for him. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he kept her from parents. Granted they were not his favorite people, but they were her parents, her family. He always believed people had an obligation to their families for better or worse.
“Of course, I do. Hell, Luke, they don't approve of me and my choices 99.9 percent of the time. I have to live my own life, make my own mistakes and make my own successes. If I wanted to live the life Emily and Richard Gilmore wanted me to, I would be the best Stepford wife in Connecticut. We aren't going to change and bend over backwards to get them to like us. We are going to live our lives the way we want to live with them and if they don't like it, I really don't care.” She said sternly. She was a grown woman and wasn't going to let her parents make feel like she was ten years old and had no autonomy in her life.
Luke took a moment to take in Lorelai's speech.
He had a feeling she would say something along that line, but he didn't know for sure. That wasn't the hardest question he needed to answer. “Thanks for answering that.” He took a deep breath. “I know you didn't know of Emily's crazy scheme with Christopher. However, you have had a pattern of spending time with him and not telling me. First with the lunch at the DragonFly and then Tequila in the early morning hours after his dad died, I mean what I was supposed to think when he said everybody knows that the two of you belonged together. He comes back and you run to him every time. He clearly wanted you again that night. It was all of the dominos following into place-”
Lorelai interrupts him, “Yeah, I know I was wrong for hiding it, I guess I was afraid that you would be mad and we would have a fight. Which I know by hiding things it comes out worse and far messier than you ever originally planned. I have had some time to think about why I jump when he comes to town or if he needs something. It's kind of sick, but I had the realization that if I make things light and fun or help him that he would want to stay around for Rory, but that never works. All he ever does is take my time, my happiness and then he runs off to his next selfish chapter. Because the second, anyone else ever needs him for anything he is nowhere to be found. That night I wasn't running after him; I was running after you. I knew you were the man I loved, the one that would always be there for me and Rory. Until you weren't. Rory is grown now; I don't need or want to have any sort of relationship with Christopher.” Lorelai bared her soul to the man still in the entryway of her home. She felt like she was naked in front of a room full of people. This was it. She was as honest as humanly possible.
Luke took a second to take it in. From what she said, it clicked in his head, why she did what she did. It was a misguided attempt for Rory's father to be in her life. He really couldn't fault her for that. He knew he would do just about anything for Rory too.
“I'm sure that wasn't an easy thing to say. Thank you for trusting me with that. I'm going to be honest, after this whole incident, I'm not sure if I'm ever going to be okay with Christopher being in your life. I can suck it up at times for Rory's sake, but after all that happened, I don't see how we can move forward without being completely honest with each other. I'm willing to be completely honest with you. I am going to make sure I don't withhold things from you and communicate how I am feeling with you. Are you willing to be completely honest with me?” Luke's question hung out in the room like a cloud of smoke.
“Yes, I can be completely honest with you. I won't be afraid to talk to you. First and foremost, you are my best friend. If you can talk to your best friend, who can you talk to?” She asked rhetorically. Lorelai looked up to him. She could see his eyes soften at her reply. She returned the look with loving longing. She wanted him more than she ever did. She knew how his lips, hands, and his body felt against hers. She was more than willing to be taken hard and fast on the floor behind her feet. “Luke, are we getting back together?”
“Dear God, yes.”
They stood in the entry smiling at each other as if time stood still.
She wasn't sure who leaned into the kiss first, but she was thrilled to be kissing him again. It was coming home after being away for a long time. “Do you want to take this upstairs?” Lorelai gave a seductive smile. “Do you even need to ask?” He took her hand, and they went up the stairs. Luckily, Lorelai got the strength earlier in the day to clean the junk food, the magazines and change her tear-stained sheets. Their lips were still locked together. They quickly started taking off each other's clothes in record time. Lorelai laid flat on her back starting up at his body. The body she knew so well but was afraid she would never see in its natural glory again. His body was on top of hers and his lips traveled down her neck and to her collar bone. He quickly moved to her right breast and put her nipple in his mouth. She cried out and arch her back. He took his time with both of her breasts making sure they wouldn't forget his tongue anytime soon. He placed kisses down her torso moving towards the warm hot center. He quickly flicked his tongue over her cl*t. “Luke.” She cried out so loudly she was slightly afraid that Babette would be able to hear her. Luke kept his pace sucking her cl*t and could feel her wetness, which only turned him on more. He always liked to watch her come undone. She cried out his name more. “Luke, I want you inside of me.” That was all he needed, he quickly put on the condom and met her entrance. He moved slowly, until she said, “Please don't be gentle.” With that cue he quickly picked up the pace. She wrapped her legs around his waist. She met his motions with the same amount of enthusiasm. “Lorelai.” He moaned. They both knew they were close to the edge and weren't going to last long. They both came together like waves crashing to the shore. He exited her and went to the bathroom to remove the condom. Lorelai laid against the headboard completely satisfied. If you asked her how her night was going to go that was not the answer. He came out of the bathroom and moved under the covers next to her. She moved over to his side. They laid in silence for a moment. “Can you stay the night?”
“Yes, I can, but I have to open tomorrow, so I won't be here when you wake up.” She pouted into his chest. “I would call Cesar, but it would be cruel to do that, last minute.”
“I'm going to hold you captive, and you won't be allowed to leave my bed again.”
“There are worse are kinds of torture.” He gave her a co*cky smile.
“Will you come into the diner tomorrow?” He asked hoping his favorite customer will be returning.
“I suppose I can make an appearance, but they have gotten quite attached to me at Westons. I'm going to have let them down gently, I will have to tell them it's not them, it's me, I will be having my breakfast at Luke's. I'll tell them we had a nice run, but I had to go back where I belong.” She said with a smile. He rolled his eyes at her silliness.
“Things are going to be different this time around?” Lorelai asked with a bit of anxiety.
“Yes and no. We will be better but still us.” He kissed her forehead. They let the silence wash over them and they fell asleep.

Chapter 2: A Limo Ride and Primordial

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Lorelai found herself in the back of the limo after her magazine article party with Luke.
“Come on, please!” She pleaded for more of his rant.
“No, I'm done.” He said flat out.
“No, you can't be done.” Her begging continued.
“I'm done.” He continued.
“There's more, I know there's more, it's germating.” She continued to egg him on.
“I'm done. I'm at peace. There's no more.” He refused to rant.
“Just the smell of Manhattan.” He quickly added.
“I knew there was more.” She smiled.
“Forget about the smells you can't identify, the ones you can identify are putrid. I mean if not the rank smell of hotdog gushing out of those dirty sidewalk carts. It's the stench of the subway pouring out of the dirty grates. I mean the manhole cover-steam? God only knows what that steam is. I mean you can't get a breath of fresh air.” Sharing his disgust of New York City.
“Go, Luke. Rant, Luke.” She cheered him on.
“The whole city is a decaying heap.
Its too many people crammed into too many buildings, on too small of a piece of land. It's an experiment that has failed. They should give the whole island a push and float it over to Europe.” He ranted.
“But after we see Spamalot, right? I paid a lot for those tickets.” She pouted.
“I'm fine with an urban environment. But you need land around you, space, air to breathe.” He took a deep breath. “I'm done again.”
“I love ranting, Luke.” She smiled.
“Why does this song keep playing?” Luke questioned.
“Because I put the CD player on repeat with my fancy remote in my fancy remote. Hey, do a limo rant. I bet that's a good one.” She was hoping for another rant.
“No, it's right they sent you a limo. You deserve it.” He replied.
“And it enabled us to drink and not drive.” She added.
“That's good too.” He nodded.
“Hey I heard there was good food at this party.” She continued.
“I heard that too.” He agreed.
“We never made it to the food, did we?” She questioned.
“I had three peppermints I took from the bowl in the men's room. Gave the attendant a five, cause that's all I had.” He slurred.
“Made it to the bar though.” She sighed.
“Yeah, I should have eaten something before we went.” He regretted it.
“Who knew, we keep missing the trays?” She questioned.
“But I'm not hungry, but I'm something. What I am?” He asked unsure.
“You're drunk.” She stated the fact.
“I haven't been drunk in years.” He laughed.
“Hey, have thanked for escorting me and being such a good sport and shaking hands with all the big city folk you don't like, putting extra cherries in my Manhattan?” She asked.
“Yeah, you did.” He said with a hand on her knee.
“There'll be more thanking tonight.” She said flirtatiously.
He kisses her. “Tastes like peppermint.”
They continued to make out in the limo for quite some time.
“Maybe, I have had too much to drink, but you want to, you know, here in the limo?” She was starting to slur her words.
“No way! I'm sure the driver could hear us. I would hate for the magazine people to know and make you look bad.” Luke didn't want the people who just honored her work not think as highly of her. “But Luke, we could join the mile high club!” Lorelai said grinning ear to ear.
“That's planes. Having sex on a plane is the mile high club.” He said back.
“What's the club name if you have sex in a limo? There's no club name. Luke, we could be the first people to have sex in a limo and start a club. What would we call it? Limo Bimbos?” They both started laughing really hard. Lorelai opens the partition. “How much longer is Stars Hollow?” She asked the driver.
“We are about 10 minutes out.” she nodded and closed the partition.
“Are we going to my place or your place?” Lorelai does not remember where she told the driver to go.
“My place, plus I have a surprise for you.” Luke smiled at her.
“A surprise for me? Mr. Danes, you don't do surprises.” She started to giggle.
“You should know, I have some tricks up my sleeve.” He gave a co*cky smile.

XXXXXX

The limo parked and they quickly got out of the vehicle. They walked through the back door of the diner and moved rapidly up the stairs. Luke swiftly took off his shoes in the hallway and threw off his tie. His lips and hands were all over her while she was up against the door. He quickly removed a hand and unlocked the door. She threw her purse to the floor. She took off her jacket while his lips were still on hers. She moved her hands off his body and tried to get her dress off. “I can't get the zipper.” Luke spun her around and got the zipper loose, freeing her from the dress. He started kissing her neck and she fell into him. They stayed like this for a couple of minutes. She turned around revealing her black lingerie that was his favorite. She brought her attention to his dark blue dress shirt and accidentally ripped a couple of buttons and then removed his white cotton undershirt. She moved her hands over his broad chest. She moved her hands to his belt buckle. “I know I bought you this belt but it's gotta go.” She laughs and fumbles, getting the belt off his waistband. She quickly pulled his pants, only revealing his boxer briefs. He grabbed her hand and walked her over to the bed. “Wait, here.”
She sat in her bra and panties waiting with desperate need. “Now, if you tell anyone I did this, I will deny it until the day I die.” Luke walks towards the bed in nothing but boxer briefs and a Canadian Mountie hat. She got a big grin on her face. “We will have to test if it stays perfectly still on head the entire time we are--” He quickly places his lips on her. He pulled her on top of him. They deepened the kiss and kept it steady. She moved her mouth applying kisses down his neck. She migrated her kisses down his chest and his stomach. “Here's to more thanking.” She hastily pulled the briefs off of his waist and threw them to the floor. Despite all of the alcohol he was standing at attention. She wetted her hand and moved it in slow motions over him, then gained momentum. Once, it was right where she wanted, she urgently took him into her mouth. “Oh god.” He cried out feeling her tongue move up and down. She perfected head movements and amount of sucking to please him. She kept even pace, sucking him just almost to the point of his climax, until he pulled her off of him. “I want you, now!” That's all she needed to hear. He grabbed her pulling her close and he ripped her underwear off. He placed her over his member. She took him all in one fluid motion. She cried out while holding on to the headboard. She got her bearings and set the pace. Often, when she was top, she set the tone. He was glad to be the supporting act watching her take control. She removed her bra with the clasp in the front. She grabbed his hands to put them on her breasts. “I want your hands, all over me.” He followed her orders moving his thumbs over sensitive buds giving them extra attention. “Oh, god, Luke.” She cried out with desperation. He moved his hands down to her hips to meet his thrusts. She could feel his pubic bone grinding against her cl*t. She arched her back giving him a wide angle to penetrate her. He met this demand, she pulled herself forward looking into his eyes they came together. “I guess the hat stayed on the whole time.” She smiles while remaining on his lap.
He gently kissed her lips. “Now, you have thanked me for dealing with the city folks. It's time to celebrate you are you ready for round two?” She nodded her head, not wanting this night to end. She knew he was going to take control. “How do you want me, sailor?” She gave him a devilish grin. “On your back.” She removed herself from his lap and laid on her back in the opposite direction on the end of the bed. He took off the hat this time.
He covers his body over hers. He gave her deep kisses as if his only source of air. He moved his hands down her body and his hand found its way to her opening. He glided a finger over her cl*t and gave it ample attention. “Oh, Luke, please.” He kept his thumb over her cl*t and slipped two fingers into her. He moved his fingers in and out between her moans. He could feel her wetness on his fingers. “Luke, I am getting close, please, I want you again.” She stated breathlessly. He knew he was ready to go and with her more than warmed up he didn’t have to take his time. He grabbed both her legs and placed them over his shoulders. He placed half of himself inside and felt her walls closing in. He moved in and out slowly then building closer to a climax. He rocked her back and forth. She met his rhythm grinding into his pubic bone. “Lorelai.” He moaned. She looked at him in awe. He came first, he usually didn’t like to come first, watching her was enough to get him to the finish line. She came seconds after him. They collapsed on the other side of the bed. “I love you.” She said as she closed her eyes, having absolutely no energy to continue being conscious. “I love you too.” He pulled her close with his right arm over her chest. They drifted off to sleep, not knowing the future consequences that were in store for them.

Chapter 3: Borrowed Trouble and Maybe News

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Lorelai woke up with Luke's arm around her. She noticed she was completely naked and not in usual underwear and Luke's blue and white flannel. She grabbed the sheet and took it with her walking towards her dress. She saw all the remaining articles of clothing on the floor. The wheels in her brain started turning. She remembered everything from the night before. Every touch, every kiss, every moan, every movement. She knew they had sex twice and neglected to use a condom each time. She was briefly off the pill, since her specific pill was discontinued, and her doctor was looking into some possible options. She had issues with certain hormone levels causing migraines. She told the doctor she would use condoms for protection while she was taking the month off before starting a new pill. She knew from Rory’s surprise arrival almost 21 years ago, it only takes one time. She thought she could call the doctor and tell her about her oops, but she felt embarrassed. Teenagers succumb to the heat of the moment, not a woman in her mid-thirties. Her old ass, she should know better. She had her own business and a mortgage; she was a responsible adult. Responsible adults remember to use protection. Then she remembered she was drunk as a skunk. That’s how this could potentially happen. She was lost in thought, in the doorway. She stayed frozen in the doorway for a while. Then she heard Luke waking up.
He walked over to her. “Penny for your thoughts.” He saw her staring off into space.
“Last night was something else.” She said with a nervous smile. Hoping he wouldn’t catch on to her anxiety. “Yeah, that was something. Do you want some coffee?” He agreed and offered her favorite thing in all of the world. “I'm very hungover. Do you want some Advil?” She nodded and followed him to the kitchen and had a small breakfast before heading home for a shower and a change of clothes. She decided she was going to remain calm and not borrow trouble.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai arrived at Sookie’s for an impromptu baby shower. Since Sookie was on bed rest, she was trying to keep her stress to minimum and Lorelai didn’t want to add to it by having a big party. She decided she and Rory would throw a small party letting her know she was loved by them and a small group of mutual friends.
“Hi, you're late.” Lorelai said with a sigh walking towards Rory.
“Sorry. Well, it's only a little after noon. I'm not that late.” Rory stated getting out of the car.
“Well, we have a very limited time before during Sookie’s nap. I just don't wanna to blow it. Hold on.” She stops Rory on the curb. “You went to Doose's for the baby shower decorations?”
“I didn't know where else to go.” Rory whined.
“A decoration store.” Lorelai states the obvious.
“Is there such a thing?” Rory questioned.
“Yes, what did you get?” Lorelai asked.
“Um, poppers. Taylor had nine left.” Rory showed the poppers.
“Okay, there's 10 of us, so someone doesn't get to pop.” Lorelai huffed.
“I'll pass on the pop. And plates and cups and..” Rory grabbed the cups out of the brown paper bag. Lorelai took the cups in her hand. “Chicks being hatched. That's Easter.”
Rory took the cups back. “No, I know, but I figured hatching is birth so we're right on topic here. 70% off.”
“What else?” Lorelai was getting annoyed.
“Uh, new year eve, balloons with father time and the new year baby on them. We'll blow them up and cheat the old man side to the wall so we can't see it and then change the word year so it says happy new baby.”
Lorelai rolled her eyes. “Oh that's sad.”
“Hey what's with the attitude?” Rory asked curiously.
“There is no attitude.” Lorelai was stressed. The last thing in her given situation she wanted to think about was a new baby. She was trying her best to be in denial about the whole thing.
“You've been Anne Sexton since I pulled up.” Rory wondered what was up with her mother.
“I think I just slept wrong.” She answered hoping Rory would just drop it. “Alright, come on, let's get their house while we still have a chance.” They started walking into Sookie’s house. Jackson swings open the door with Sookie following behind. “Looking out! Coming through!” Jackson yelled.
“It's happening.” Sookie yelled.
“What's happening?” Lorelai said, confused. Then it clicked in her mind. “Oh my god it's happening?”
“You mean it's happening happening?” Rory inquired.
“It's coming around the mountain.” Sookie affirmed as she and Jackson headed to the car.
Rory turned her. “No, I can't watch this!”
Jackson looked over his shoulder, “Go get her suitcase, it's by the door.” Rory ran back into the house. “I'll grab her suitcase.”
“Oh, I'm freaking out, Rory.” Sookie pointed out while looking back at Rory grabbing her suitcase.
“It's okay. She's a traditionalist. When she has a baby, she's gonna be out in the waiting room pacing and smoking.” Lorelai jokes, helping Sookie into the car.
“We should have thrown her baby shower earlier than I wouldn't have to watch this.” Rory standing in the yard with her eyes closed.
“Oh, you guys were going to throw me a baby shower?” Sookie excitedly questioned.
“We were going to set it up during your nap.” Lorelai exclaimed in the Bellville yard.
“Do you need a boost?” Jackson helpfully asked.
“Oh, I think I can make it.” Sookie added.
“Oh, God.” Rory winced with her eyes closing tighter not wanting to see what happened.
“Hey, watch it.” Lorelai remarked as Rory bumped into her.
“Sorry, I really don't want to see what is coming around the mountain.” Rory's voice shared mild fear.
“See you guys at the hospital?” Jackson asked from the car.
“Yeah, you'll see me.” Lorelai confirmed.
“Yeah, I have to go back to Yale.” Rory rejected the idea of going to the hospital.
“Plus, she is thoroughly sickened by what's happening to you right now.” Lorelai yelled back.
“I'm not sickened. Its final time. I'm stressed.” Rory contributed.
“Ooh contraction.” Sookie yelled in pain.
“Oh, that's pretty sickening.” Rory said in disgust.
“Hang on.” Jackson yelped.
“I'm sorry you didn't get your party.” Lorelai shouted disappointedly.
“Blame the little name-to-come.” Sookie groaned.
“We’ll see you there.” Jackson confirmed.
“See you there.” Lorelai echoed.
“You are going to open your eyes when you drive back to Yale, right?” Lorelai asked.
“Yes, I’m just giving them a five-minute head start. We’re taking the same road.” Rory answered.
“Good thinking, honey.” Lorelai gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, and they parted ways.

XXXXXXX

Luke was refilling coffee’s dealing with the end of the breakfast rush.
He was half listening to Kirk going on about the cartoon dog in the paper.
“Are refills still free?” Kirk asked knowing he could push the free refills to nine cups of coffee.
“Yes, Krik refills are still free.” Luke acknowledged Krik hoping he would not regret that decision.
Luke walked over to the counter and answered the phone.
“Luke’s.”
“Luke, it's Taylor.”
“Oh, hey, Taylor. How’s it going?”
“Not so well. I mean, for you. It’s going very well for me. I had just had a group of German tourists come in and they’ve been shoveling it in since they sat down.” Taylor answered.
“What do you mean it’s not going well for me?” Luke challenged.
“It’s the Twickham house. Someone has put in a competing offer.” Taylor clarified.
“A competing... Taylor, you promised that house to me.” Luke argued.
“And I did all that I could, but this other offer includes a substantial down payment in cash. The powers that be are seriously considering selling the house to this fellow townsman of yours.” Taylor countered telling Luke he was quickly losing his dream home.
“I’ll up my offer.” Luke countered.
“This guy will just up his, then. He’s got vast resources.” Taylor attested, thinking Luke wouldn’t win this fight.
“How many resources can he have? He’s living in Stars Hollow.” Luke questioned.
“Luke, he’s willing to put down a quarter of a million dollars.” Taylor validated.
“What? That can’t be right.” Luke maintained his opinion.
“That’s what it is.” Taylor verified.
“I know everyone in this stinking town. What fellow townsman has a quarter of a million dollars in cash?” Luke was racking his brain to figure out who in the world had this much money in his local community.
“I’m not sure I’m at liberty to say.” Taylor tightens his lip.
“Tell me, Taylor.” Luke forcibly insisted.
“Okay, Kirk Gleason.” Taylor revealed.
“Say that name again.” Luke asked for confirmation. “I’ll talk to you later.” Luke felt the rage bubbling inside and slammed the phone back into the receiver. He walked over to Krik’s table.
“Sally Forth is on fire today. On fire.” Krik chuckled over his cartoon.
“Where did you get a quarter of a million dollars!” Luke screamed at Krik.
“What? I don’t have a quarter million dollars.” Kirk said, puzzled.
“You don’t?” Luke holding back his anger.
“No just shy. It’s $247,868. Sixty-seven if I get a couple of donuts to go. Those chocolate-raised are calling my name.” Krik clarified his notable net worth.
“Where the hell did you get that much money?” Luke loudly wondered.
“I’ve been working for 11 years, Luke. I’ve had 15,000 jobs. I’ve save every dollar I ever made. That and the miracle of compound interest that has created a bounty of $250,000. Again just under, I don’t want to brag.” Krik restated his firmly established work history.
“You put a competing offer in on the Twickham house?” Luke protested.
“That’s right, it’s a perfect place for me and Lulu.” Krik affirmed.
“You know I have an offer on that house?” Luke contends.
“I’ve heard talk to that effect.” Krik confirmed his prior knowledge of Luke being interested in the home.
“Take it back. Take back the offer.” Luke pleaded.
“No, you take yours back.” Krik challenged.
“I had a deal with Taylor before you even knew that house was available.” Luke staking his claim to his dream.
“You get in writing?” Krik countered knowing no such agreement was legal.
‘No, but--” Luke choked on his words knowing Krik was right. He should have put something already in writing.
“An oral agreement is only as good as the paper it’s written on.” Krik telling Luke he was sh*t out of luck.
“Hey, that would be a good line for Dennis the Menace after he fails to mow Mr. Wilson’s lawn. I should send that in.” Krik laughed.
“This is not gonna go down this way. You are not getting that house.” Luke demanded.
“Au contraire, my friend. I happen to know that your credit’s not exactly stellar.” Krik throwing a curveball into their disagreement.
“My credit?” Luke asked exasperated.
“Granted, you’ve got some real estate holdings but your cash flow’s been flat for three years. And unless you’re willing to sell off assets you may be able to swing no more than a 5% down payment which makes you a real-estate risk.” Krik laid out the reasons why Luke shouldn't get the house.
“How do you know the state of my assets?” Luke showed curiosity.
“That’s the power of deep pockets Luke. Put a sawbuck in the right hands and they babble like parrots.” Krik saying how he got the information.
“Well, I am one of Stars Hollow back’s oldest customers. I’m not anticipating any problems.” Luke gaining confidence in his plan.
“Well, I’m Stars Hollow bank’s biggest customer. I think that means more.” Krik combatant.
“I don’t believe this. You’re swimming in cash and you fought me over a 10-cent raise on toast.” Luke ranted.
“And you folded like a roadmap. It might explain the discrepancy in our net worths. So, I think I will have those donuts to go. You’ve got change for a hundred, right?” Krik condescendingly asked.
Luke left the diner in an angry huff and headed into the adjacent building of Taylor’s candy shop. “I wanna talk to town elders.”
“The town elders?” Taylor questioned.
“You keep talking about the powers-that-be. That’s the town elders, right?” Luke confirmed.
“Yes.” Taylor said.
“They oversee the town assets, the real estate. I want to see them.” Luke demanded.
“They won’t go for that, Luke.” Taylor sheepish replied.
“Why?” Luke ordered.
“It isn’t how it’s done. They don’t deal with the public. They’re the final arbiters. What they say goes.” Taylor pleaded.
“ I’m Seein’ “em.” Luke insisted.
“But..” Taylor was stammering trying to come to another arrangement.
“Arrange it.” Luke commanded and walked out the candy shop.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai met Jackson and Sookie at the hospital. She followed closely behind as Sookie was being wheeled into a room with Jackson at her side.
“You breathing, honey?” Jackson said calmly.
“I’m breathing. "Hey, was that Andy Dick out in the hallway?”
“No, honey. This happened last time. You go into labor and you start thinking you see famous people.” Jackson reminded Sookie of her off the wall behavior.
“ Right, suddenly my midwife was Wolf Blitzer.” Sookie confirmed.
“Hey, you need me to unpack you?” Lorelai asked, trying to be helpful.
“ You probably don’t have to. We have everything she needs all set up.” The nurse replied.
“ We guys always pack a suitcase, useless.” Jackson mumbled.
“So, you been thinking about names? I’m leaning towards Ethan, for a boy or Genda if it’s a girl. Although, I like Martha too and Rupert for a boy.” Jackson said cheerfully.
“ They’re all good, sweetie.” Sookie lovingly looked at Jackson.
“Hey, whatever we don’t use, we save for the next one, right?” Jackson proclaimed.
“RIght, right. The next one.” Sookie confirms with some trepidation.
“Hey, will you stay with her?” Jackson said. Lorelai nodded in his direction.
“ I gotta call my mulch delivery guys and let them know what’s happening.” Jackson left the room.
“Yup, I’ll be here. You comfortable?’ Lorelai asked cheerfully.
“I am. Penelope Cruz.” Sookie continued her delusion that famous people are everywhere delusion. Lorelai was feeling hungry and took a ripe green apple out of her purse.
“Really?” Sookie gasped.
“What?” Lorelai asked.
“You’re eating an apple?” Sookie is still in shock. The queen of junk food was eating an apple.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll put it away.” Lorelai said not wanting to upset her friend while she was in labor.
“No, eat. I’m just surprised. It’s not your thing.” Sookie is still puzzled by the choice of snack.
“I know, we were by a vending machine checking you in, it was there and it looked good.” Lorelai took a bite of the apple.
“It does look good. It looks like Ben Stiller!” Sookie exclaimed while looking at the apple.
“Hmm. Um, hey Sookie, um when did you know for sure?” Lorelai inquired.
“About what?” Sookie was unsure of what Lorelai was talking about.
“That you were pregnant, how could you tell?” Lorelai was asking for some magic answer to put her mind at ease.
“Don’t you remember Norman Mailer.” Sookie yelped.
“Right, right. Norman Mailer.” Lorelai agreed, remembering the day at the inn with the Norman Mailer visit.
“I wonder how Norman is. I had a dream about him the other night. He was yelling at someone to shut up and read Joyce.” Sookie said with a happy curiosity.
“But how soon was the Norman Mailer moment after you and Jackson conceived?” Lorelai was hoping to gain a timeline herself out of Sookie’s story.
“Wow, uh, well I don’t know. A few weeks.” Sookie said not really keeping track of her own timeline.
“It was weeks?” Lorelai shirked. She was not in position to wait weeks.
“I think.” Sookie said, starting to sense some anxiety from Lorelai.
“ And you didn’t know before? Not a feeling or anything?” Lorelai asked needing some type of sign to guide her in the right direction
“I don’t know. You’ve had one before. Don’t you remember?” Sookie asked.
“Yeah, it’s been a while.” Lorelai murmured.
“Why are you asking?” Sookie was puzzled by her questions.
“Oh, I don’t know. Just being a maternity ward makes me wonder about these things.” Lorelai didn’t want to tell Sookie she might be pregnant yet. She didn't want to overshadow her special day.
“I’m going to see how far along she is. We’ll be a couple of minutes. The nurse told Lorelai hoping to give her and her patient some privacy.
“Oh, sure. She looks like Marlo Thomas.” Lorelai pointed over to her nurse.
“See, it’s not just me.” Sookie laughed.
“I’ll be outside.” Lorelai exited the hospital room.

XXXXXXXX

“Ooh, excuse, me doctor.” Lorelai flagged down a doctor while she was leaving Sookie’s room.
“Yes?” Doctor asked.
“Hi, you’re not off to save a life, are you?” Lorelai questioned not wanting to take him away from important work.
“Not at the moment.” Doctor replied nicely.
“Okay, just quick question. Um, pregnancy tests, what’s the deal with them now? I haven’t taken one in a couple of decades and I was just wondering if they work any differently.” Lorelai asked unsure of next steps, but she was pretty sure it would involve a pregnancy test.
“They’re more accurate now, but the process is similar.” The doctor answered.
“Okay, so let’s say you do it, have sex, you know. How soon after can a test tell you anything?” Lorelai rattled on trying not to panic.
“At least two weeks.” The doctor advised.
“Not two days?” Lorelai hollered not receiving the answer she wanted to hear.
“It won’t be definitive after just two days.” Doctor replying with facts of the test.
“Boy, the sword of Damocles is really hovering over you for a couple weeks there huh?” Lorelai.
“Pretty much.” The doctor confirmed.
“Home tests can be tricky too. Can’t buy one where I live because people see and talk. It’s a small town. And even afterward the garbage man could see the box in the trash and blab and you know, I like garbage man, but again it’s a small town, it’s not your problem. So there's no machine?” Lorelai rambled.
“Machine?” The doctor was confused by her question.
“Yeah, machine you could stick me in. You know, you’re putting pig vessels in people. Isn’t there a machine that could tell me right away, away from the prying eyes of the garbage man?” Lorelai continued to babble.
“You really need to wait and take the test at the proper time.” Doctor gave her the best medical advice he would give at the current time.
“Okay, see I’m eating an apple. Normally, this would not be a sign of anything except hunger, except I don’t eat much fruit. I know I should, but I don’t have a hankering for it. I had it when I was pregnant with my first kid, though. Kept craving those apples and this morning, boy was I craving an apple.” Lorelai disclosed her possible craving.
“Well, that could be a sign.” Doctor confirmed Lorelai's fear.
“It could?” Lorelai asked.
“Or not.” Doctor not fully validate her fears.
“Okay, you’re nice, you’re sweet and I’ve taken up too much of your time. Thank you. Lorelai.
“No problem.” Doctor said and headed down the hallway.
Lorelai didn’t feel her anxiety lessen. Her life was giant maybe right now. Maybe she was going to have a baby or not. How could airplanes and the internet exist, but she still had to wait two weeks for an answer about whether or not she was pregnant. She was wishing her answer was much like a pizza delivery order thirty minutes or less. As she was finding a seat in the waiting room. Her mother called and explained she got her ballerina that was sponsoring. She seemed very excited about the whole thing. She called to tell Lorelai about the ballerina who somehow went into her childhood bedroom and grew attached to her childhood toy of a magic eight ball. Lorelai said it was fine for her to keep the toy. She then dialed her phone to check in with Rory.
“Hey how’s it going?” Rory asked.
“Oh, fine. She’s all checked in. Breathing normally, contracting painfully. The cursing should start any time now. Everything as it should be.” Lorelai informed Rory.
“Good. I mean, that was weird, wasn’t it? She was like, what a week and a half early?” Rory questioned.
“Yeah, those little buggers tend to come when they want to come.” Lorelai said.
“I can’t get “coming around the mountain” out of my mind. It’s like, one of those phrases like “drop it like it’s hot.” that I really wish I’d never heard.” Rory stated with some mild disgust.
“Hey, um, you’re doing everything you need to do in that area, right?” Lorelai started walking down the hallway to gain more privacy.
“What area?” Rory asked.
“Um, protection. To prevent something from coming around the mountain?” Lorelai whispered her question.
“I hope so.” Rory deflected Lorelai's line of questioning.
“Hope? This is not an area where hope is good enough.” Lorelai articulated to get her point across.
“I think I have it covered and that wasn’t a euphemism.” Rory annoyingly whispers.
“Okay, “think” is not good enough either. What kind of birth control do you use?” Lorelai asked, annoyed, thinking her daughter was not protecting herself. Lorelai couldn’t be mother and grandmother at the same time. Life was not Father of the Bride Part 2.
“Um, I’m in the dining hall.” Rory's voice sounded more embarrassed.
“That was not my question.” Lorelai replied.
“People are like three feet away from me.” Rory replied, hoping to continue this line of questioning.
“Listen, all I’m saying is you cannot leave it up to the guy, okay? They are not reliable.” Lorelai stated frustratedly.
“I don’t leave it up to the guy.” Rory answered.
“They get into this state you know. Primordial. It’s all exciting, but so is eating a gallon of pudding and believe me, you’re going to regret that later. I use that as an example because I know you like pudding. You’ve got to figure if he shots, he scores. I mean, look around you, there are babies popping out all over the place.” Lorelai romanticized her passionate night and then thought about her potential slip up.
“You’re in a maternity ward. You’ve got a skewed sample there.” Rory stated trying to make her mother feel a little less crazy.
“So, you caught up on the subject?” Lorelai confirmed.
“You’ve caught me up, society’s caught me up, the health channel on cable’s caught me up, Miss Driscoll, the sad spinster, gym teacher at Stars Hollow high caught me up.” Rory concurred.
“Miss Driscoll, right like she would ever need birth control.” Lorelai huffed.
“I’m caught up, honest.” Rory affirmed.
“Okay, good.” Lorelai was happy to know Rory was taking care of her sexual health. Something she clearly dropped the ball on.
“Mom, what’s going on with you?” Rory asked knowing something deeper was happening.
“Nothing.” Lorelai shrugged.
“Mom?” Rory persisted.
“I might be pregnant.” Lorelai finally said the words out loud.
“Oh. So, that's where this is coming from.” Rory took in her mother, maybe news.
“I blame mom, she never sat me down for the talk. And Miss Driscoll she had her chance too. All of those PTA meetings and all she ever talked about was golf.” Lorelai replied trying to wiggle herself out the responsibilities of her actions.
“How did this happen? I mean, if it’s true.” Rory wanting some clarification.
“Luke and I came home from the magazine party the other night. We were a little loopy, and it got primordial. All roadblocks down. I mean I am always beyond careful. The last time I had my roadblocks down was, I don’t know count how old you are to the day and add nine months.” Lorelai retold the one time she slipped up since Rory's conception.
“But that doesn’t mean--” Rory was cut off.
“I just ate an apple.” Lorelai remarked.
“Uh-oh.” Rory knew the stories her mother told of her pregnancy was the only time she wanted fruit.
“Yeah and I liked it.” Lorelai commented.
“Whoa!” Rory exclaimed.
“My body is telling me something.” Lorelai explained.
“Maybe it’s not telling you what you think it is. Maybe it’s just telling you to better comply with the government’s recommendations for food and vegetable intake. That’s not just propaganda, you know.” Rory reassured Lorelai.
“Maybe.” Lorelai thought she could have just wanted fruit because she wanted some fruit.
“And.” Rory added.
“What?” Lorelai exclaimed
“Well, would it be so horrible? I mean its Luke. It is Luke?” Rory tried to spin the conversation in a happy direction, while gaining the confirmation on her maybe half sibling father.
“Yes, it’s Luke.” Lorelai saying the obvious.
“Well, you guys are so close it could be headed somewhere.” Rory shared her thoughts of thinking her mother would have a definitive future with Luke.
“I know, but not right now, hon. It’s early for us. You know, I mean, my life is good, really good. It’s the inn and this new potential opportunity and. You know, I just got rid of you. It’s the first time in my life I’ve gotten to feel like a single, grown-up woman. I’m just not sure now is the right time.” Lorelai explaining her fears.
“Okay, well maybe it’s not true.” Rory trying to ease her mother's anxiety.
“Yeah, maybe.” Lorelai's voice echoed a lack of confidence.
“But what are you going to do if it is?” Rory.
“I could really use my magic 8 ball about now. I’m going to let you go.” Lorelai wishing her childhood toy could determine the outcome.
“Keep me posted.” Rory ending the call.
“Okay, bye.” Lorelai hung up the phone.

XXXXXX

It was late and she was tired from being in the waiting room most of the evening waiting for the arrival of the second baby. Bellville who was probably going to come in the middle of the night. She didn't want to wait up that long. Mainly she had to get out of her head. She remembered what the doctor said about waiting to test in two weeks; then she would know if she would be coming around the mountain in nine months. She started walking out of the hospital and spotted the 24 hour pharmacy. She could get a test here. She wasn't in Stars Hollow so no one would know her. She walked into the family planning aisle. She thought this was a hell of a plan. This wasn't part of her plan at all. She looked at the tests. There were so many. They all did the same thing. They told you if a person would be exiting your body in a short 40 weeks or not. Why do they make so many tests? She grabbed the clear blue and the first response. She walked them over to the counter.
“Do you find everything okay?” The old man behind the counter asked.
“I suppose I did. I couldn't decide between clear blue and first response. I mean the first response sounds good. It will respond first, but clear blue sounds like a calm river. Calm is good in this situation, because just pee on a stick and your life could change forever. It could be a good change, I'm with a really great man, but it's just scary you know?” She ramble anxiously to a complete stranger.
“Sure. It will be 8.50.” She gave the man a 10 dollar bill. “Mam, these things usually work out the way they are supposed to. Have a good night.” She gave him a slight smile, grabbed her bag and walked out the door and headed to her car. She placed the bag in her glove compartment and started to drive towards Stars Hollow.

XXXXXXX

She drove to Luke’s diner and parked her car out front. She saw Luke walking towards the door to flip the close sign. He opened the door, “Hey, I didn’t think you would be stopping by tonight. I figured you would be at the hospital still. Did Sookie have the baby, yet?”
“No, the baby is taking their time, odds are they will come sometime in the night. Can I come in for some pie?” Lorelai asked, exhausted. Luke nodded and she walked to her unofficial assigned seat at the counter. “I got cherry, blueberry, peach, and apple.” Luke stated what pie’s he had available.
“I’ll take apple.” The apple craving was still in full effect. “Do you want some coffee?” She nodded; she started eating the pie. The smell of coffee was making her nausea. Oh no! This was another sign. She always wanted coffee, except when she was pregnant in the first trimester. Great, another sign. She was wondering if there was a bright neon sign above her head saying pregnant. She was eating the pie in silence while Luke was wiping down the tables for the last time. While her back was turned, she felt more comfortable approaching this difficult topic.

“Luke, I have some maybe news.” She said very quietly. Her words bounce off the walls while due to the sounds of silence. Luke walked over to her and placed himself behind the counter.
“What’s up?” He said with concern due to not being able to fully read her emotions.
“Well… " She paused briefly. “I have news, but it's not news for sure. Its more maybe news, I won’t know the full outcome for about 11 days. It’s potentially big news, that could have a big impact on the future.” She laid the groundwork for being honest.
Luke looked back at he, a bit puzzled. “That is a very specific timeline. Well, just tell me when you know for sure in 11 days.” Luke could tell that she was nervous and didn’t want to push her. He knew she was taking a step in the right direction of being honest. He had his own maybe news with the Twickham house. He had the meeting arranged with the town elders to buy the house. He was hoping to dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s” then the house would be his, hopefully there's.
“Well, I have some maybe news of my own. I will need to finalize some things before it's official. How about when you tell me about your maybe news in 11 days, I can tell you my maybe news.” He smiled at her, doing his best to not withhold anything. He had it all planned out. Once he had the paperwork finalized, he was going to walk through the home with her and tell him his plans for their future. He could feel it all falling into place. He was going to offer the house and proposed. He waited for her for 8 years and he wasn’t about to waste any more time.

“Okay, that sounds good.” Lorelai smiles back at him. She was glad to have some more time on the clock, but she was very curious to know what his news would be. Luke was “Mr. Status Quo”; he was a constant. He never had any changes to report. She knew he was being weirdly a lot nicer to Taylor, she thought it may have something to do with that. She was too tired to play DaVinci Code on whatever Luke’s news could be. She was interested in whatever his news could be, but she felt her news had to be bigger. What was bigger than a possible human life? She finished up her pie. “Do you want to stay over?” Luke asked. “No, that’s okay, it’s been a really long day and I need to change out of these clothes, I smell of the maternity ward. I am sure I will have to go back bright and early, and I know you usual don’t open on Thursdays and I want you to sleep in.” She half lied. She just wanted some time to herself to process further. “You will see me soon, doll.” She gave him a quick kiss goodbye. Luke watched her walk out and head to her car. He picked up her pie plate which she cleared. He reached for the coffee cup and was shocked to find it full. Lorelai Gilmore never had left a coffee cup full, unless she had to leave suddenly, even then she always got it in a to go cup. I guess there was a first for everything. No coffee was a big deal. Luke was definitely taking note of this odd behavior.

Chapter 4: Likely Pregnant, Town Elders, and Grand Theft Boating

Chapter Text

Lorelai woke up to a voicemail from Jackson saying the baby had arrived and to come to the hospital whenever she was available. She was so happy for her friend. Her mind wondered if Luke would be making the same phone call in 9 months. She was going to remain calm. The fruit carving was still ongoing, and she felt a little nausea this morning. She couldn't help but think about if this was morning sickness or had she put herself in such a state she was nauseated. She got a quick shower hoping that would help. She thought it kind of did. She was in the process of getting dressed and putting on her bra. She felt funny. She looked at the bra and wondered if she put it on the wrong clasp in the back. No, she didn't. Her breasts really hurt. She quickly tried another bra, and the pain was the same. Then another bra. The pain was still there. This was it, another sign. If she threw up, she knew she would be pregnant and there would be no more time to deny it. She remembered the pain from being pregnant with Rory. However, when she was almost 16, she thought it was growing pains hoping to go up a cup size. Now being 37 years old she knew she wasn't magically going to go up a cup size unless she was pregnant or if metabolism finally failed her.
She found her old beige bra that was super stretchy and put it on. She got dressed and headed out the door to the hospital.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai went back to the maternity ward where she was less than 24 hours before.
“Hi Sookie!” She was delighted to see her friend. “I'm sorry, I didn't stay, I was afraid I was going to fall asleep in the waiting room.”
“Well, glad you were able to sleep. I was busy pushing a baby out until six in the morning.” Sookie tiredly added.
“Can I see them? Oh, my god, what did you have? Do you have a name yet?” Lorelai asked her rapid-fire questions.
“Yes, you can see her and no we don't have a name yet.” Sookie replied to Lorelai handing over her bundle of joy.
Lorelai looked down to the baby in her arms. She was so tiny and cute. She had Sookie's nose and mouth. She had Jackson eye shape and hair color. She is lightly sleeping in her arms. Her brain shifted to imagine a different baby with dark black curly hair with her eyes, Luke's nose, her mouth, his chin. She imagines a new human. A human made by her and Luke. One tear fell down her cheek.
“Are you okay?” Sookie inquired.
“Yeah, I'm fine. I haven't held a baby in a really long time. I forgot how tiny they were, and Rory is just a full-blown adult now.” Lorelai said, reflecting on her life. She didn't tell the whole truth. Rory was grown and nowhere near being a baby. She missed the good stuff about a baby. For the longest time she knew she wanted another kid, but in all honesty, she could never imagine the kid. They were faceless. Now the kid had a face. She could see their face. Their perfect half Lorelai and half Luke face. In this moment she knew didn't want just a kid, but his kid.
“Yeah, this will be the last of mine I will hold. I'm telling Jackson he is getting a vasectomy. We got one of each, I feel done.” Sookie smiled.
“You're not sticking to the four in four plan?” Lorelai asked.
“That was something easy to agree to before I had a baby. I know I only want two.” Sookie confirmed. She was done.
“Have you told Jackson you don't want any more kids?” She asked, hoping to not walk into a fight.
“No. He is double checking to make sure the baby's new car seat is installed correctly. I'm going to tell him when he comes back up.” Sookie replied.
Jackson walked into the room. “Hi Lorelai. I'm glad you got my message.”
“Yeah, me too. Jackson is just a darling. Hey, I didn't eat anything today. I'm going to run down to the cafeteria and get something.” Lorelai left, giving them a moment alone.
She didn't need a front seat view of that conversation. She made her way to the cafeteria. Okay moment of truth to see if the cravings are still present. She saw they still had breakfast items out. She went straight for the fruit and yogurt. Then the blueberry muffin. She justified to herself that muffins aren't healthy, but blueberries are very healthy. She made her way to the counter and saw some variety of desserts. There were brownies, cupcakes, moonpies, ding dongs, and other little Debbie's snacks. She really didn't want the sweets. Great, more data. She ate her more than usual nutritious breakfast and really enjoyed it.
She decided to call Rory to check in and tell her about baby Bellville.
“It's a girl.” Lorelai enthusiastically announced.
“A girl! Oh good, we need a girl!” Rory exclaimed into the phone.
“Why do we need a girl?” Lorelai grinningly asked.
“I don't know, don't we have enough guys walking around out there?” Rory asked.
“Well, it's a beautiful girl, name to come, Sookie fine, Jackson fine and everyone is fine.” Lorelai informed her.
“Good, good.” Rory beamed with happiness.
“Fourteen hours of labor was the downside, but Sookie has the rest of the little girl's life for that.” Lorelai explained.
“I love the circle of life.” Rory excitedly answered.
“Speaking of the circle of life, are you feeling like you need a trip around the mountain?” Rory inquired about her mother.
“I'm not sure. I talked to one of the doctors yesterday, and he said it will take 2 weeks before I can take a test. So, I have 10 days. I woke up and my boobs really hurt. This was a pain I only felt when I was pregnant with you, and I double checked with three bras. It wasn't the bras. Then in the cafeteria I did a test to see if I would go for the fruit or junk food. I went for their large fruit bowl, yogurt and blueberry muffin. The moonpie and ding dong were right there and every other unhealthy snack was there, and my fingers didn't even wiggle for it.” Lorelai nervously articulated.
“Mom, you had food of nutritional value, it's sounding more likely you're going to have a baby. What are you going to do?” Rory.
“Nothing, until I know for sure. I'm just in this limbo moment. All I know is I have to get out of this maternity ward.” Lorelai explained.
“Hey, did you ever mention to Luke about your ongoing scare?” Rory probed.
“Oh my god, no. Well, I didn't fully tell him. I told him I had some maybe news that I would tell him at a later date. I'm not going to fully tell him until I know for sure. Can you imagine if I said before I knew ‘Luke, you're going to be a daddy’ then a puff of smoke and a baseball cap spinning on the floor.” Lorelai nervously rambled.
“Yeah, maybe. Mom, for you Luke could be a family guy.” Rory said encouragingly.
“What? Like Peter Griffin?” Lorelai trying to deflect in a joke.
“Mom, Luke isn't dad. Whatever happens I know he will be there for you.” Rory encouraged once again.
“Yeah, kid I know.” Lorelai said, hoping she came off with some confidence.
“Listen, I have to go back there for a staff meeting. Hang in there and see you next Friday since I have to study for finals at grandma and grandpa.” Rory hung up the phone.
Lorelai was left in the hallway not ready to face her feelings. She needed a distraction. She was going into work and was going to work her troubles away.

XXXXXXX

Luke noticed Lorelai was acting a bit distant. He knew with June right around the corner the Dragonfly would be hosting a couple of weddings for mainly individuals from Manhattan who wanted a small New England wedding. He knew preparing for those weddings was going to take up her time. This last week they hadn’t been seeing much of each other. They seemed to be ships in the night. Every night she was available he wasn't and vice versa. Tonight, she available, but he had to meet with the town elders. He couldn't tell her about the town elder meeting. This was his maybe news. He didn't want to say anything until it was finalized. It helped that he wasn't seeing much of her this week, she could flash those ice blue puppy dog eyes and he would fold like a deck of cards and reveal everything. He had his back turned to the main door restocking the to-go cups.
“Luke, a moment of your time.” Luke turned around to see Taylor speaking to him.
“Yeah Taylor, what to do you need?” He said sarcastically trying to keep up appearances.
“The meeting has been arranged.” Taylor slides an envelope on the table. Luke gave him a puzzled look. “I have to witness you open the envelope.” Luke nodded, getting annoyed. The note read, ‘4:30 PM Today YMCA sauna. Stars Hollow. Clothing optional. Towels will be provided.’
“Okay, I'll be there. Please tell them, I'll keep my clothes on and make sure for the love of God everyone who doesn't have clothes on has a towel.” Luke said he really didn't want to see a bunch of naked old men. However, he was looking forward to the meeting but didn't know why it had to be in a sauna. “Taylor, why is the meeting in a sauna?”
“Two reasons, no one is wearing a wire, and this is where they like to meet. I'll take that back.” Taylor took the envelope back.
“Seriously a wire? Do I look like Donnie Brasco?” Luke asked.
“Well, no. This is just how it's done.” Taylor replies.
“Okay, fine. I'll be there.” Luke waves Taylor off.
He was working through in his head his plan to build this case. He didn't have as much money as Kirk because he wasn't the town whipping boy. He had enough money if the competition was normal. He was stable and had a good income stream that was constant. People gotta eat right? Plus, he ran his business for the last 15 years. How many people could say that? He was a very long-term resident of the town. He wasn't going to move away. He had his roots in this town, and he was ready to expand them. The monk was finally ready to make the next move. He would admit he would often get set in his ways and kept the status quo but there's something about Lorelai that pushed him. She usually pushed him kicking and screaming but it was usually for his own good. Most of the time it worked out in his favor. He was ready to show her how she meant to him. He looked at the clock and saw it was quarter after four. He told Cesar he was going out and would be back in time for the dinner rush.
He arrived at the YMCA and got a guest pass. He walked through the locker room. He was the last one to arrive at the sauna. He walked into the room. There was a row of older gentlemen in white towels sitting on cement blocks.
“Hello Krik.” Luke said with a monotone in his voice.
“Luke.” Kirk said with a bit of venom in his voice.
“Gentleman, thank you for coming to meet with us.” One of the towel wearing men said.
“You both have time to make your case on the Twickham house and we will make the final decision. Kirk, you have the floor first. ” One of the elders prompted Krik to share his case.
“He had no contract, he had nothing in writing. Granted his offer matched the fair market value of the property but was a rigged bid situation. The house wasn’t even officially listed for sale.” Krik laid out his case.
“It wasn't a rigged bid Krik.” Taylor counters Krik’s claim.
“That's for the courts to decide.” Krik hoped to still have a case.
“Get to the point Krik.” One of the elders stated.
“The house should be relisted. You should take the best offer from the best person with the best chance of securing financing. That person is me.” Krik made his final point.
“Alright, Luke, what do you have to say to that?” An elder question.
“Once again, what the hell are we doing in a steam room?” Luke questioned.
“Luke, I explained that if you wanted to see the town elders you had to do it on their terms.” Taylor explained again.
“This is ridiculous. I can't think in here.” Luke scuffed.
“You should strip and get into towel.” An elder stated.
“I'm not getting into a towel.” Luke firmly said.
“I think he's got body issues.” Krik remarked.
“I don't have body issues. I just don't agree with what's going on, how's it's going on. Luke said getting fed up with this whole process.
“Town elders, I don't think it's appropriate for the defendant to address you in this tone, is it?” Krik questioned being a suck up, hoping that would win him some points.
“I'm not the defendant Krik. This isn't a court. It's not even a room. It's a box full of hot air." Luke pointed out the obvious.
“Now he's insulting you.” Krik clarified.
“Listen, old guys, I should get the house.” Luke plainly made his case.
“Watch your manners young man.” One of the elders yelled back.
“I can get a loan.” Luke declared.
“But I have deep pockets. Not now, I mean. Right now, I'm naked but my pants have pockets.” Krik proclaimed.
“Who are you guys, anyways?” Luke pointed out the absurdity of this whole conversation.
“What gives you authority to make town decisions?” Luke questioned.
“Luke, this isn't helping.” Taylor advised.
“He's a hothead with body issues and shallow pockets.” Krik stammered.
“This isn't right Taylor, and I had an agreement.” Luke confirmed.
“He needs therapy and probably pills.” Krik blurted.
“Luke should get the house.” An elder with a towel over his head voice traveled over the room.
“What?” Luke questioned.
“What?” Krik gasped.
“It's the right thing to do. Krik may have a better claim, technically but Luke wants it more.” The elder with the towel over his head made his case based upon the information he had.
“But--” Krik stuttered.
“I knew Luke's father, his grandfather,” The same elder continued.
“We all did.” Another elder confirmed.
“He'll care for the house because he cares much for it. He wants it for him and Lorelai.” The old man firmly stated.
“Me and... did you?” Luke looked over at Taylor.
Taylor shakes his head in saying he didn't do that.
“We all watched Luke pine for Lorelai for nine long years. He waited for her while she went through her many relationships. Then he won her. Now he wants this for her and for the others.” The elder stated why Luke wanted the house.
“Others? What others?” Luke asked, confused.
“You'll bring children into the house.” The elder stated.
“I'll bring children into the house too. Maybe not my own.” Krik replied.
“It's right for Luke to have it. Krik is young. There'll be other places for him to go. That's what I think.” The elder man made his decision.
“Well, I agree.” One of the older men agreed.
“Me too. Luke should get the house.” Another old man concurred.
“Rip!” Krik yelled.
“Thank you. Thank you, sir.” Luke beamed.
“Hey Luke, it's a big yard, you'll have a lot of lawn. I was wondering if we could talk about rendering of garden services. I have tools.” Krik pleaded to be in Luke's good graces.
Luke heading home a little sweaty but ultimately on cloud 9. He had secured his dream home for him and Lorelai. All that was left was to tell her.

XXXXXX

Lorelai arrived at her parents' house with a gift bag containing the magazine article. She knew her mother wanted to see it. What her mother didn't know was that Lorelai managed to compare to some of the worst people of the 20th century. She knew she had to get this over with. She was hoping she would focus more on the pictures and less on the article. She felt terribly nauseated. She had on and off all week, but she never threw up. Once again, she wasn't sure if this was nerves due to her mother's reaction to the article or potential morning sickness.
“Hi mom.” Lorelai cheerfully stated wanting to get this over with.
“Lorelai come in, come in. I want you to meet my special guest.” Emily was happy to show off her dancer.
“I'm curious to meet her.” Lorelai was likely an idea of a new person at dinner to take the heat off of her.
“Oh, boy. She sure looked different in her picture.” Lorelai said, looking at the very fit male dancer.
“This is Mikhail. Mikhail, my daughter Lorelai.” Emily introduced them.
“Hi.” Lorelai greeted him.
“Hello.” Mikhail returned the greeting.
“What happened to Pola?” Lorelai confusedly questioned.
“Oh, that annoying little stick. She drove me crazy.” Emily answered with annoyance.
“Hmm, you loved her.” Lorelai countered.
“There was something wrong with her so flighty, so skinny. She made no noise when she walked so you couldn't hear her coming. I felt like I was being stalked by an elf.” She had a mentality of preschooler. If she was sitting when she laughed, she would clap her together. Smoked like a fiend too.” Emily ranted all of the things wrong with her first dancer.
“Uh-huh.” Lorelai took in the craziness, choosing not to say much.
“She kept playing that obnoxious magic 8 ball of yours. She asked the same question over and over again till she got the answer she wanted. I told her that's not how it works. You're supposed to accept the first answer it gives you and that's that, but no she kept going. I wanted to stick the little twig in the garbage disposal.” Emily’s rant continued. Then she paused “So, I exchange her for Mikhail.”
“Really, you can do that. Just trade her in for another human being?” Lorelai questioned seeing the problematic nature of the situation.
“I paid for her, Lorelai and she wasn't what I wanted.” Emily firmly stated.
“All right.” Lorelai shook off the conversation.
“Isn't he stunning?” Emily asked.
“Hmm, he's easy on the eyes, yes.” Lorelai agreed.
“You should see him stretch.” Emily added.
“Do you want Luminista to take your bag?” Emily curiously asked.
“No, I'm gonna keep this with me. “There's something I want to show you.” Lorelai replied.
““Oh, good. Shall we go into the living room?”
He's learning English so keep your words short. ‘Living Room.’” Emily said as they walked to the living room and added the comment about their guest.

XXXXXX

They were all sitting in the living room. Mikhail and Emily on one couch. Lorelai on the other couch by herself.
“Syrustey.” Mikhail said where he was from.
“Syrustey.” Emily repeated the town's name.
“Fantastic.” Mikhail congratulate her pronunciation.
“And where is your town, Syrustey?” Emily inquired.
“Just outside of Moscow.” Mikhail answered.
“It sounds wonderful.” Emily delightfully replied.
“Our people die very young there.” Mikhail sadly added.
“Oh well, that doesn't sound so good.” Emily replied.
“What’s in the bag?” Emily said, hoping to change the subject.
“Hmm?” Lorelai was taken out of her thoughts and brought back into the conversation.
“You've been clutching that bag all night.
What is it?” Emily inquired.
“She's got a mystery bag.” Mikhail said.
“A mystery bag, yes!” Emily exclaimed.
“What's in the mystery bag?” Emily asked.
“Oh, well, um, this is my cover story.” Lorelai mumbled.
“Your cover story, I thought it wasn't coming out for two weeks. Let me see that.” Emily grabbed the magazine.
“Okay.” Lorelai.
“Lorelai owns an inn. What would you call it, maybe a dacha?” Emily offered the Russian word for ‘inn’.
“Dacha, yes.” Mikhail confirmed.
“This is it.” Emily smiled.
“Oh fantastic.” Mikhail praised Emily.
“Thank you.” Lorelai grinned.
“Great dacha, this dacha.” Mikhail boasted.
“Are there other pictures with the article?” Emily inquired.
“Uh-huh, go ahead and read it.” Lorelai said with a bit of regret in her voice.
“We have time before dinner, right?” Lorelai asked.
“We can't start dinner until Rory gets here.” Emily noted.
“You're going to love my granddaughter. You'll just want to pick her up and throw her in the air.” Emily bragged about Rory.
“Give one to Mikhail. It's how he is learning English.” Emily asked of Lorelai.
“Got plenty to go around.” Lorelai gave him a copy.
“Oh gorgeous.” Emily commented on the picture.
“Yes.” Lorelai agreed.
“It's a rave.” Emily grinned.
“We got lucky.” Lorelai confirmed.
“I'll be right back.” Lorelai tried to leave before her mother read the article fully.
“Where are you going?” Mikhail asked while standing up.
“Oh, I'll be right back. Sit Mikhail.” Lorelai gestures for him to sit.
“I didn't mean it as a command. But please have a seat.” Lorelai, she repeated.
“I'll just, I'm gonna..” Lorelai trailed off as she walked away.
“Oh my god. Oh my god! Lorelai? Lorelai, are you in there?” Emily yelled.
“No.” Lorelai whispered.
“Come out of there.” Emily grabbed the doorknob.
“No.” Lorelai whispered again.
“This is pathetic!” Emily yelled.
“I know.” Lorelai gulped.
“The things you say in this.” Emily screamed.
“I know.” Lorelai said embarrassed.
“Calling me pol pot.” Emily screamed.
“Mom, it was a joke, the pol pot, the walking anthrax. I was edgy, like Chris Rock.” Lorelai offered an excuse.
“Walking anthrax!” Emily hissed.
“You haven't gotten to that part yet?” Lorelai questioned.
“No!” Emily's rage came through the door.
“Well, you have something to look forward to?” Lorelai suggested.
“I'm not going to continue talking through the door.” Emily demanded
“Look, I was mad at you when I did the interview, okay?” Lorelai declared.
“And I said things, but I didn't mean them.” Lorelai soberly stated.
“It just happened, and I'm not used to talking to reporters. I didn't know about the whole off-the-record or on the record thing and I'm really sorry it happened.” Lorelai stated sincerely.
“I did not force Jimmy Carter out of his room at that hotel.” Emily grumbled.
“So, now, that I thought was just an amusing anecdote.” Lorelai didn’t think that was a bad thing to share with the world.
“I did not get into a bitch fight with him.
He's an ex-president! He was with that the insufferable Rosalynn.” Emily barked.
“Again mom, I'm really really sorry and unless you forgive me. I am going to camp out in here, possibly forever. Mom just told don't your friends about the article, so they don't read it. And the ones who do, just tell them I was misquoted. And I would recommend you stop reading the article right now and just look at the pictures. The pictures are really pretty.” Lorelai offered.
“If you are applying explosives to the door, please tell me so I can step away.” Lorelai.
“I'll stop reading.” Emily replied.
“And we won't talk about it ever again.” Lorelai asking to bring this up again.
“Fine come out.” Emily accepts her daughter apology.
“Let's go back to the living room.” Emily replied.
“Thank you, mom.” Lorelai smiled.
“Goodbye, Mrs. Gilmore. I must leave.” Mikhail walked out the door.
“Leave? Why? Mikhail!” Emily runs after Mikhail and then brings him back and inside. Lorelai explains herself.“See, I was made at mom, Mrs. Gilmore here at the time and I ended up saying things I shouldn't of said because you see, normally
I don't make jokes about Joseph Stalin. They're inappropriate. I just said in jest to this writer and she printed it.” I mean she's not Joseph Stalin and not this is any excuse but there's no one I could know that a Russian man whose entire family and their village was killed by Stalin would be reading this in front of me. I mean there's just no way.” Lorelai begged for his forgiveness.
“She has this off-putting sense of humor, Mikhail. You'd know that if you spent time with her.” Emily tried to explain her daughter's behavior.
“Yes, you would. You would know that.” Lorelai stated.
“Yes.” Mikhail answered.
“Joseph Stalin was a monster. Please Stay. You just caught us on a bad day.” Lorelai pleaded.
“Alright.” Mikhail said, accepting the apology.
“This must be Rory. Excuse me.” Lorelai got off the couch grateful for a reason to step aside.
“Hello.” Lorelai answered her phone.
“Mom.” Rory said seriously.
“Hey when are you getting here? I really really want you here.” Lorelai.
“You need to come and get me.” Rory said sternly.
“Where are you?” Lorelai asked.
“I'm at the Bridgeport jail.” Rory whispered almost to make it go away.
“I'm sorry where?” Lorelai shockingly asked.
“I'm at Bridgeport jail and need you to come and get me. The phone is going to be cut out. Can you come or not?” Rory pleaded.
“Yes, I'll come.” Lorelai confirmed.
Lorelai had no idea what to say to her mother on why Rory wasn't coming to dinner. She couldn't tell her Rory the light of their lives was in jail. She knew she couldn't just rally through dinner.
“Mom, Rory isn't coming to dinner. She went to Logan's sister's party, and she had too much to drink and she needs a ride home. Logan does too. So, I'm going to cut this short. Mikhail, it was really nice meeting you. So sorry again about the Stalin comments.” Lorelai attempted to leave her childhood living room.
“Lorelai, I can't believe she would ignore Friday dinner like this. At least she called you instead of driving. She is going to get an ear full next week at Friday dinner.” Emily paused and looked over at her daughter. She looked very white almost green. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I'm fine, it's been a really long week. Really, mom I'm fine.” Lorelai stated at the door. Emily nodded.

XXXXXX

Lorelai walked towards the jeep. She started to feel really dizzy. She managed to climb into the vehicle. She felt her mouth get watery. She felt a large pool in the back of throat. She felt it coming. What she had feared for the last two weeks was coming. Luckily, she didn't clean out her car. She found her 20 oz empty coffee cup. She threw up in the cup, almost filling it up to the top.
“Great, right-on schedule.” Lorelai said to herself. She then backed out of her parents' driveaway. She managed to make it 15 minutes down the road before she pulled over again. She watched for traffic; it was a bad night to wear her black dress. She didn't think she would be puking on I-91. She puked twice the amount then she did before. She was trying to rationalize every other reason for throwing up. She knew in her heart of hearts she was likely pregnant. She was starting to wonder if she was going to stop every 15 minutes to puke. She only stopped two more times. She puked up almost all of the food she ate that day. Her stops slowed her down a bit, but she made it to the police station by seven o'clock. She looked into her visor mirror trying to freshen up the best she could from her side of the road puking. Luckily, she had some gum in the car. Rory needed her. She had to get it together. Lorelai walked into the booking area of the county jail and walked towards the man at the window.
“Hi, hi, hello yes, I'm here to pick up my daughter.”
“Your daughter's name?” The officer asked.
“Rory Gilmore. Lorelai Gilmore. She goes by Rory. I don't know what you have her under.” Lorelai asked unsure if they had Rory under her nickname or her legal name.
“Rory Gilmore.” The officer offered.
“Well, that's good, she will answer to that. Not that she won't to the other.” Lorelai responded.
“She'll be out in a minute.” The office replied.
“Okay, thanks.” Lorelai briefly paused and took a step forward. “Sorry when you say, ‘She'll be out.’ Do you mean out of a cell?” She asked with worry.
“Yep.” He answered.
“So, she was in the cell.” Lorelai confirmed.
“That's where we usually put people when they're arrested.” The officer frustratedly said.
“Was she in the cell alone?” Lorelai inquired hoping Rory wasn't surrounded by real criminals.
“It was a slow night; she had the place to herself.” man behind the counter.
“Oh, that's good.” Lorelai sighed.
“I mean, not that she's a snob. She can get along with anyone. It’s just, it was her first time in a cell. So, I didn't want her to be attacked. You know like in Caged Heat or was it Switchblade Sisters? Anyway, I mean my daughter never gets into trouble you know, now. But on the whole, the kid is an angel. She goes to Yale.” Lorelai tried to defend her and state that she had a good kid.
“She'll be out a minute.” The officer stated. Hoping this mother would leave him alone.
“Right.” Lorelai attempted to walk but had more questions. “I'm sorry, are you like solving something?”
“What can I do for you?” The officer asked.
“I was just wondering. Is Rory in the system now? Because I just remembered when Sipowicz's son accidentally got arrested because he looked like a drug dealer. Sipowicz was freaked out the son was gonna wind up in the system. And I just wonder, you know, should I be freaked out? And also, what exactly is the system?” She ranted freaking out about Rory having a record.
“She's got to go to court. You'll figure out what's going on there.” The officer replied.
“And I am going to pay anything? I mean bail, does she need bail?” She questioned unsure. She didn't have more than 20 bucks in cash on her. She had a bit of savings. She couldn't get a lot of money fast on Friday night without going to her parents. That would not be an option.
“They’re releasing her on a PTA.A promise to appear.” The officer answered.
“Oh she will, she will appear. She might be there before you.” Lorelai replied with relief.
“I won't be there.” The officer remarked.
“Right. But she will cause she promised.
I'll be over there.” Lorelai said getting out of his hair.
Lorelai took a seat on the cold bench. This was the last thing she thought she would be doing. She wondered what made Rory do such a thing. How much of this was Rory and how much of this went along with Logan's wild spirit. For the first time in her kid's life, she felt like she didn't know her kid anymore. On top of the mental anguish, she was feeling so sick. She wanted to lay curled up in a ball on the floor. She was afraid she was going to vomit some more. She needed to keep it together. She felt sweat on the back of her head. She put her hair in a ponytail. She saw two young men coming through the doors.
“Well, this is much nicer than the last place we picked him from.” The one said looking around the jail lobby.
“Yes, we definitely need to keep this one in mind for future infractions.” The other confirmed his sentiment.
“Excuse me officer, we were wondering if one Logan Huntzberger has been released from your fine custody?” They wondered if their friend was in jail.
“Nope, have a seat.” The officer gestured to the benches Lorelai was on.
“Then we'll be over here.” The one motioned to the benches as he walked over.
“And if you have a moment, we'd like to order some appetizers.” The other said like a smart ass. Lorelai rolled her eyes on the other side of the room. Typical rich kid she thought.
“So, typical Logan would have to get busted during the one time I almost got Rosemarie to agree to go home with me.” The boy said as they sat down on the far side of the bench.
“It's vintage Huntzberger, my friend.” He said.
“Friday nights end in jail.” The other boy acknowledged his friend's past.
“The boy knows how to party.” The one declared.
“Stealing Richardson boat, genius.” The other one remarked.
“Let's not forget the lovely Rory.” The British boy added.
“Yes, Maxwell smart finally found his 99.” The other boy made a Get Smart reference.
“Rory Gilmore is coming out now.” The officer announced.
“Oh, thank you.” Lorelai said to the officer.
“You're here for Rory?” One of the boys asked.
“Yep.” Lorelai answered.
“Oh well, we would have taken her home, love.” The one with the British accent tried to reassure Lorelai.
“Just so you know, she was covered.”
“Wow, the relief.” Lorelai said sarcastically.
“I'm Colin, this is Finn. And you are?” Colin flirtatiously questions.
“Her mother.” Lorelai sternly said.
“My god those are good genes.” Finn said, giving Lorelai a once over. She was annoyed, but then she wondered if he knew that she was probably pregnant would he be saying that?
The buzzer rang out and the door opened. Rory in her baby blue coat. Her hair was disheveled. She was holding a large envelope that was filled with her personal effects.
Lorelai looked her daughter in the eyes and sighed.
“You got everything?” Lorelai trying to keep her mood in check.
Rory held up the envelope.
“Let's go.” Lorelai said as a matter of fact.
The boys dropped to their knees and bowed to Rory. She gave them a smirk. Lorelai briefly caught this and gave them a dirty look. They got into the Jeep. Neither of them talked any further for a long while. The drive was mainly filled with awkward silence. They made very small talk about the weather, the upcoming summer and the inn. Lorelai didn't mention her ongoing pregnancy symptoms and Rory didn't mention the reason why she ended up in the slammer.
They finally arrived in town. Even though it was almost ten o'clock at night it was surprisingly chaotic. She knew Rory didn't eat anything due to missing dinner at her grandparents house and wanting her to start talking about what the hell happened that night. She pulled over the car at Doose's.
“What's on your hands?” Lorelai inquired.
“Fingerprints.” Rory waves her hands.
“Right.” Lorelai confirmed.
“Do you want to go in and eat or take it home?” Lorelai asked. She had a feeling Rory didn't want to explain herself just yet.
“Home.” Rory suggested.
“Okay.” Lorelai sighed and paused. “We are having a bike race. Bike race through town, first one ever. Taylor’s really excited. Maybe Sheryl Crow will come.” Lorelai offers up her last bit of small talk.
“Maybe.” Rory mumbled.
“Probably, not.” Lorelai replied.
“I'm running out of small talk, kid. Gotta get around to the main event here soon.” Lorelai demanded.
“I know.” Rory sighed.
“Rory, what happened?” Lorelai asked.
Before Rory has a chance to reply her phone starts to ring.
“No, don't answer it.” Lorelai objected.
“It's Logan.” Rory whined.
“Rory don't answer it.” Lorelai objected again.
“I have to.” Rory persisted.
“Well, I don't want you talking to him right now.” Lorelai hissed.
“Why not?” Rory nagged.
“Why not? He just got you arrested.” Lorelai answered, feeling the anger growing inside her.
“He did not.” Rory answered.
“Don't protect him.” Lorelai argued.
“It was my idea.” Rory stated.
“Oh, come on.” Lorelai snapped.
“Logan was at this sister's engagement party having a perfectly lovely time when I showed up and dragged him off. He spent the night in jail because of me. I have to take this call”. Rory pleaded with her mother.
“Yeah, I'm fine I'm good. I was just worried about you.” Rory started to sound lovey dovey.
Lorelai was in no mood to listen to them be gushy post arrested. What did they think they were Bonnie and Clyde? She unbuckled her seat belt and started walking towards Luke's.
Taylor briefly stopped her and told her she had to move her car due to the upcoming bike race. She told him it would be less than 5 minutes and the car would be moved. She needed her best friend. She needed him to tell her everything was going to be okay. In more ways than one she felt like she was shaking ground. She needed her rock. He was her rock.
He had his back turned to the door wiping down the counters.
“Rory stole a yacht. How's your night been?” Lorelai walked in dropping one hell of an emotional bomb.
“What? What do you mean Rory stole a yacht?” Luke replied in shock.
“I just got back from picking Rory up at the Bridgeport police department where she was brought following her arrest for grand theft boating.” Lorelai shared the events of her night.
“Tell me what happened.” Luke requested wondering how the hell did this happen.
“I don't know what happened.” Lorelai said in pure confusion. She continued “I haven't gotten the details yet. I did get a piece of paper with a court date on it though. June third, that seems like a good day to go to court. Don't you think?”
“Was she with that Logan kid?” Luke asked, thinking something like this couldn't be Rory's idea.
“Yes, he was arrested too.” Lorelai confirmed.
“Well, there you go. He got her into this.” Luke pointed his finger to prove his point.
“That's what I said.” Lorelai was fuming.
“I need hand soap.” Lorelai's mind wanders back to her daughter's ink-stained hands.
“What?” Luke questioned.
“Well, she got ink all over her hands from the fingerprinting and I'm all out of soap.” Lorelai said.
“I have soap. “Luke responded.
“Maybe she needs a special soap.” Lorelai wondered.
“Is there special soap? Cause it was special ink. It must be special ink.” Lorelai described.
“I don't know.” Luke stated.
“I mean of course they're not gonna use normal ink for fingerprinting. Lorelai ranted.
“It's supposed to brand you and humiliate you. Normal ink wouldn't humiliate you unless you're Rory and your mother has no soap.” Lorelai walked over behind the counter.
“What? What are you doing?” Luke inquired.
“I should make a list. I'm gonna forget things. I just need a pen.” She grabbed a pen off of the table. Luke attempted to offer her a pen.
“Buy soap, okay, buy soap. Let's see, what else? Buy soap, buy soap, ah get a lawyer.” Lorelai made her list.
“I can help you with a lawyer.” Luke offered.
“Oh crap. Rory's car must still be at the marina. She's gonna have to pick it up if it hasn't been impounded. How do I find out if it's been impounded?” Lorelai questioned.
“Um, I'm sure you can call down there.” Luke
“God, every ten seconds something else pops into my head. I'm just prepared for this. I mean Rory never even shoplifted. Not a candy bar, not lipstick. She forgot to return a library book once. And she was guilty about it once she grounded herself. I mean can you imagine she is sitting in her bedroom yelling at me ‘Now one else got read the Iliad this week because of me.’” Lorelai ranted about Rory's goodness.
“What can I do?” Luke asked.
“Rory hasn't eaten.” Lorelai replied.
“Oh, I can make you burgers.” Luke suggested.
“No, no no , just donuts.” Lorelai not wanting him to go to the trouble. It was late, he was already closed.
“We need to get home and get to the bottom of this.” Lorelai added.
“Okay, this is not the end of the world, right? I mean Rory's young. Young people do stupid things. I got pregnant.” She paused thinking she was probably pregnant again, but we were not going to go into that tonight. “This better it's not as permanent. Unless it's on her permanent record and then... does that mean she can't vote?” Lorelai claimed.
“Oh, I don't think.” Luke replied.
“I thought I read if you commit a felony you can't vote.” Lorelai stated with fear.
“I think that--” Luke cut off my Lorelai.
“Rory loves to vote. She switched her I voted sticker from outfit to outfit this year and then she scotch tape it to her purse. She has to be able to vote.” Lorelai rant with fear in her voice.
“Hey, do you want me to come with you when you talk to her?” Luke offered.
“No, thanks. She is in the car. I should go.” Lorelai started to walk out the door.
“One more thing, are you okay otherwise? I'm not sure how to say this, but you smell like puke.” Luke awkwardly asked.
“Yeah, they brought in someone to go into the drunk tank, and they stood near me for a while. That's probably what you are smelling.” Lorelai felt bad for lying but she couldn't get into the real reason why she was probably throwing up, not until she had the confirmation.
“Okay, let me know if I can help in any way.” Luke added, just wanted to help in a situation he probably couldn't fix.
She gave him a hug. “Thanks for the donuts. I'll probably need the weekend to sort this out. I'll talk to you on Monday.”
“Yeah, sure.” Luke knew she needed her time to work through this. His news about the Twickham house was going to have to wait.

XXXXXXX

She walked back over to the car with donuts in hand.
“Krik gave us a 2-minute warning. Do you know what he is talking about?” Rory questioned.
“Whoever has any idea on what he is talking about.” Lorelai answered.
“Here.” Lorelai handed her the donuts.
“Thanks.” Rory lightly smiled.
“Rory, what happened tonight?” Lorelai sighed.
“I stole a yacht.” Rory whined.
“I know. The nice men with the guns told me. Why?” Lorelai begged
“I just... I was really upset and felt like I had to do something. “Rory pouted.
“Okay sure I get that. When I'm upset and need to do something I eat a lot of pound cake. They don't have pound cake at Yale?” Lorelai offers other way to deal with your problems.
“No, they have pound cake at Yale.” Rory muttered.
“Mitchum Huntzberger talked to me today. About my performance.” Rory offered.
“And?” Lorelai questions.
“And he said I was very smart and competent and someday would make someone a great assistant.” Rory sighed.
“Uh-huh.” Lorelai nodded.
“But as a journalist he doesn't think I have it.” Rory whispered, not wanting to say it out loud.
"It? Who is he? Louis B Mayer?” Lorelai questioned.
“No, he says that he has a sense for this kind of thing. I just don't know. It was just a surprise. I mean I thought I was doing really well. I thought I was impressing him. I thought he was going to offer me a summer job at the paper. I thought--” Rory was cut off by Lorelai.
“Oh, god I hate this guy.” Lorelai said angrily.
“It's not his fault. If he doesn't think I can be a journalist, it's probably best he tells me before--” Rory is almost defending Mitchum.
“Before what?” Lorelai replied
“Before I go out there and fall on my face.” Rory almost whimpered.
“Rory he's wrong he doesn't know what he's talking about.” Lorelai told Rory.
“He does this for a living.” Rory emphasized.
“Not after I kill him, he doesn't.” Lorelai snapped.
“Big fancy arrogant creep. Handing down these all-knowing proclamations. I mean how the hell does he know if you have “it” or not?” Lorelai sneered.
“Has he seen your writing? Has he talked to you? I mean really talked to you. Has he talked to any of your teachers? He has talked to anyone who knows how much “it” you have? No, he spent exactly weeks ordering you around sending you on coffee runs playing the big shot. You are just starting your career. How dare he say you don't have it before you even show it to the world. Because I'm going to tell the world won't be able to handle it.” Lorelai ranted on how Mitchum was wrong.
“He is the publisher.” Rory explained.
“I know what it says on his business card. I'm going to kick his ass.” Lorelai roared.
“Should we be at all concerned, Krik is attempting to tow us away right now.” Rory changed the subject, noticing the tow truck behind them.
“No. He is not God. This is one man's opinion. He did not invent journalism. He's just a guy with a really good parking space.” Lorelai rejected Rory's comments.
“I'm so so sorry.” Rory remorsefully said.
“I know you are.” Lorelai replied.
“I was so stupid. I'll never be that stupid again.” Rory answered.
“Aw sure you will.” Lorelai lightly laughed.
“Oh my god. I got arrested! I've got to go to court! I have to get my car. Do you have soap at home? Because I have all of this ink on my hands and…” Rory the events of the night were finally coming together in her head.
“Honey relax, we will figure it out.” Lorelai grabbed her hand and gave her a reassuring look. She put the car in drive and headed home. Once they were home, Rory got out of the car and went into the bathroom to get the ink off of her fingers. Lorelai sat a while in the car thinking how on earth did this happen. Her baby was a jailbird. Then she thought of her maybe baby that seemed more and more likely. Hopefully she wouldn't have to bail that kid out of jail. If that kid had her impulsive control and Luke's temper on a bad day, it could be possible. She was going to take the weekend to help Rory tie up these loose ends and come up with a plan. First, she went into the glove box and grabbed the two pregnancy tests. She would be taking them on Monday morning to find out once and for all if she is pregnant.

Chapter 5: A Plus Sign, Two Pink Lines & New Baseball Cap

Chapter Text

Today was the day. Moment of truth. She was officially two weeks out. She had already told Rory she felt like she was maybe feeling pregnant nine days ago. Now that it was day fourteen, she felt pregnant with a capital “P”. Since Rory stole the yacht, Rory had her hands full and was not thinking about her mother’s maybe baby. Lorelai was happy she wasn't getting any pressing questions on the matter. If Rory was on her “A” game, she would have brought it up. Lorelai couldn’t sleep at all and decided to get up extra early. She knew she had to just take the tests. She was so nervous, part of wishing to be sent back into time to do a high school math test that would be easier. She drank her weight in water to generate enough pee for two pregnancy tests. She wasn't going to rely on one alone. She peed on the first response one first. She got the instructions out of the box. Wait two minutes and see if there is a plus sign or a negative sign. She gave herself a minute and peed on the Clearblue test. The Clearblue had the same instructions but that one had two pink lines for positive or one pink line for negative. She left both on the counter of the bathroom. She went and laid in her bed. She started to get more onboard with the idea at the hospital holding Martha, but at the same time she didn't want to get too attached to the idea. She was so unsure of her feelings. She started doing a mental pro and con list.
The cons are she is going to get fat, morning sickness which was already most likely in full effect since she threw up every night and every morning over the last three days, pushing a human out of her body, her body not being fully hers for 9 months. She couldn't drink. Not that she was a big drinker, but she liked having the option to drink if she wanted to, especially if she had to spend a lot of time with her parents. No sleep for months. Figuring out what this means for her work. She just got the inn up and running and it was starting to turn a profit. A baby of course would take away from her work. Could having a baby affect her relationship with Rory in a bad way? Or affect her relationship with Luke in a bad way? Telling her parents she was pregnant and them being very judgmental about it. Her parents treating the child less than because Luke was the father, and he wasn't a part of their upper crest life. She didn't care what they felt but she didn't want her potential kid's feelings hurt or treated differently from Rory. She knew she had a difficult relationship with them, but they seemed to do better with Rory most of the time and she wanted her potential new kid to have a relationship with them too.
The pros are that she knew she wanted another kid someday. Babies were cute and sweet. She could be a mother while being a grown up. She was financially stable, and she had a house. She had health insurance. She knew her baby would have a father. A father who was going to have an active role in her kid's life. She would have a partner to help her; she wouldn't be doing this alone.
Then her brain starts thinking about Luke being a father. She started thinking about how he had been with Rory. He made her coffee cake for her birthday with balloons. He came to her caterpillar funeral. He got her through chickenpox with his famous mashed potatoes when she was eleven. He let her stay at the diner by herself and let her study and take up multiple tables. He came to her birthday parties. He came to her graduation and cried. He helped her move into the dorm and handled the whole mattress craziness. He was Rory's father figure. Then she started thinking about everything with Jess. She knew Luke could take on a challenge and a couple of years ago Jess was a challenge. He gave him a good shot, but Jess blew it. She couldn't really blame Jess's shortcomings on Luke. He didn't raise Jess. Then she thought back to Liz's wedding and Jess had that self-help book maybe he was turning over a new leaf. Maybe he was able to do that with Luke's influence. She was trying to remember Luke around babies. He freaked out when that lady breast fed in the diner. He got snippy about Davy being in the diner and didn't want to hear any crying. Then there was the whole “jam hands'' moment. She did agree that jam hands were the worst and when little kids got snot all crusted on their noses. She started to worry if he didn't have patience for a baby. If only you could give birth to a ten-year-old.
She slowly walked to the bathroom. She looked down at the counter and saw a plus sign and two lines. “Whoa.” She gasped.
That was it. She was pregnant. She was having Luke Danes' baby. She was replaying the last two weeks in her mind. Oddly, she just knew the morning she woke up after the magazine event. Then all the signs started to build together to one conclusion. Lorelai Victoria Gilmore is pregnant.
Now she had to figure out a way to tell Luke. She didn't want to Shanghai him at the diner and tell him in front of people. She knew it had to be private. She also knew he had to be the first one she told. Rory of course being the second. When she said it out loud it was going to be real. This was going to shake everything up and change everything. She knew that all change wasn't bad. She thought back to opening the Dragonfly and how he was there for her every step of the way between the starting business advice, looking at the property to assess, letting her work out of the diner and the 30-thousand-dollar loan. She knew he would be there for her through this. She really hoped that would be the case. She had a lot of fear though. She had done this alone before and she didn't think she had the strength to do that again.
She went downstairs to see if Rory was up yet. She was half afraid her face would give away her news or at least tell Rory something was up. She was still upset about this whole yacht business. Lorelai peaked her head in Rory's room and found her asleep. She wondered if she had any old baby items from Rory's still around. She had the blanket of her old baby clothes. Now she was wishing to reuse some of them. She went into the attic and found some storage bins. She found a box labeled Rory and opened it. Her baby box was in there from the night she was born. Some keep sakes Lorelai had on her that night. An 80s tiger beat magazine, her Walkman, and Rory’s hospital bracelet. She held the bracelet in her hand. It was hard to believe she was ever so small. She found tiny dress shoes, and her white bonnet she wore her first summer. Lorelai knew if she had a girl she would be wearing this bonnet. Maybe if she had a boy, he would wear it when Luke wasn't looking. That was the first time she thought of the baby being a boy or a girl. Girls she knew, hell she was the girly girl, but boys. She knew nothing. A boy would be a real challenge. How would she relate to a boy? She wasn't athletic so no sports, she didn't like bugs, or cars. Those were most boys she could think of at the current moment. The kid would be half her so she would figure out something they had in common. She kept going through the bin. She found Rory's old art projects. Art was something Rory tolerated. She wasn't very good or very bad at anything artistic, but she didn't have a real passion for it. However, she found Rory's old handprint collage from kindergarten. She put her hands over the tiny hands that were covered in paint. She started to cry. Her baby wasn't a baby anymore. Now she is going to this new baby while her first baby was in trouble. She was trying to keep things in perspective, but she had a nagging feeling the trouble wasn't over yet. Damn these hormones!
She took the handprint collage and went downstairs. She almost felt like she had to scare Rory about how much of a big deal this whole stealing the yacht was. She emailed the county clerk of Bridgeport and got Rory's mugshot. She decided to have a bit of a mock jail in the kitchen. She found her hand-held phones and part of a loaf of bread. She knew Rory would want coffee when she got up. She wanted to test herself and see if the smell could make her stomach upset. She started making the coffee. She filled the pot with water and started filling the filter with the grounds. The coffee started to brew. Her stomach got that familiar feeling. She ran to the bathroom. She threw up for the second time this morning. Great, she wondered how long the smell of coffee was going to make sick. It's almost like Luke planned this to keep her away from coffee. She brushes teeth hoping to get rid of the puke smell. She could hear Rory waking up. She mustered some bravery to go back into the kitchen while the coffee was still brewing.
“Morning.” Lorelai greeted Rory as she walked into the kitchen.
“God, I feel like I could sleep through the entire day.” Rory said with a groggy voice.
“Coffee will be ready soon.” Lorelai added trying her best to not throw up.
“What are you doing?” Rory asked while Lorelai was back turned to her looking at the fridge.
“Well, I’m updating the refrigerator.” Lorelai cheerfully turned towards Rory.
“Where did you get that?” Rory questioned as she pointed to her mugshot that was front and center on the fridge.
“Oh, the nice lady at the police station e-mailed it to me. I thought it would look really nice next to your kindergarten handprint collage. I got you a copy if you’re thinking of Christmas cards.” Lorelai condescendingly says.
“Very thoughtful.” Rory mumbled.
“You hungry?” Lorelai questions.
“I’m starving. I’ve had nothing but donuts for two days.” Rory states the lack of food since they haven’t left the house since her mother bailed her out of jail.
“Funny.” Rory says as Lorelai puts a glass of water and part of a small loaf of bread on the table.
“Hold on.” Lorelai turns on the boom box to “Chain Gang”.
“I’m really glad you’re enjoying this.” Rory remarks.
“Rory, the penal system is not something we enjoy. It’s something with a name that makes us giggle.” Lorelai replies.
“I assume there's pop-tarts?” Rory gets from the table to grab the pop-tarts. Not nutritional, but at least it wasn’t donuts.
“Now what’s on the agenda for today?” Lorelai questions.
“I hear there's a shipment of plutonium coming in at the docks. And I thought we could dress up as nuns and I could distract them with a fake stigma. You could shove the plutonium under your habit and then--” Lorelai states a couple more heists for Rory to commit, noting that she might have the itch to commit more crimes.
“I have to go back to school. I have one last final, plus--” Rory states her plans and Lorelai cuts her off.
“Oh! Wait.” Lorelai sits back down at the table. She puts one of the old handheld phones to her and motions for Rory to sit down and use the other phone.
“Plus, I have one last load of stuff that I need to pack up and transport back here. And now I have to hang up. Visiting hours are over.” They both hang up their phones while looking across each other at the kitchen table.
“Thanks for letting me borrow the Jeep.” Rory commented.
“I figured, if I didn’t give it to you voluntarily, you’d just heist it anyway.” Lorelai declared.
“This bit’s gonna last for a while, huh?” Rory challenged.
“Hmm, 20 to life with time off for a well-placed Tom Sizemore Whizzinator joke.”Lorelai teased.
“Don’t let the movies fool you, kiddies. Crime doesn’t pay.” Rory replied.
“Listen, uh, later today, I’m gonna try and track down a lawyer I thought I’d call that guy who got Robert Blake off. What was his name, Houdini?” Lorelai stated the upcoming reality they needed to face.
“What?’ Lorelai looked at Rory's scared face.
“Where are you really gonna get this lawyer?” Rory asked.
“The-e-e emergency room ambulance dispatch center.” Lorelai joked.
“You’re not gonna tell?” Rory fearfully inquired.
“No, I’m not gonna go through mom and dad. There's no reason they need to know about this.” Lorelai told Rory. Her parents were the last thing she needed to be involved in this mess.
“Did I say I’m sorry in the last five minutes?” Rory apologetic question.
“Hmm, I think not slugging me when I pulled out the telephones said it for you.” Lorelai answered.
“I love you, mom.” Rory expressed as she walked out the door.
“I love you, kid.” Lorelai watched Rory walk out the door as she turned to go back into the house. She hears the phone ringing.
“Hello?” Lorelai answered the phone.
“Uh…hi, is Rory there?” Logan probed wanting to get in touch with Rory.
“She just left. Who’s calling?” Lorelai asked.
“It’s Logan.” Logan told Lorelai.
“Oh, she’s not here.” Lorelai stating the fact.
“I’ve been trying to get her. Her phone must be off or dead or something.” Logan confusingly says.
“Well, she’s heading back to school. You can just catch up with her there.” Lorelai answered quickly, wanting to get him off the phone.
“Yes, I’ll do that.” Logan replied, noticing the conversation was reaching a dead end.
“Okay, bye.” Lorelai says, hoping to end the call.
“Oh, listen, I’m sorry to call your house. I just had this number and I wanted to talk to Rory.” Logan sensing maybe Lorelai didn’t want him calling the landline.
“It’s okay, Logan.” Lorelai says sharply.
“And listen, I know you must be really upset by this whole thing. But I want you to know my father’s lawyers are all over the situation, and--” Logan stammered before Lorelai cuts him off.
“Hey, you know what? I think your father’s done just about enough here, okay?” Lorelai criticized.
“Done enough?” Logan was puzzled.
“Yes! So thank your father for this. And I do mean all of this. But I think I can handle it from here.” Lorelai grumbled.
“But..” Logan stuttered.
“His help isn’t needed, Logan. I’ve got it.” Lorelai snapped.
“Okay, you got it.” Logan responds.
“Sorry, I was just--” Logan tried to regain his words.
“Rory should be back at school soon.” Lorelai raises her voice, hoping Logan gets the message she doesn’t want to talk anymore.
“Right, sorry to bother you.” Logan backed off and remained quiet.
“No problem, bye.” Lorelai ended the call and headed out the door.

XXXXXXX

Luke’s diner was extremely crowded due to the cyclist race that encompassed all of Connecticut. The most people he had in the diner on a Monday morning in a really long time. Luke was hoping for a slower Monday morning so he could sign the Twickham papers in peace. Luke and Taylor are sitting at one of tables in the diner and signing the papers.
“Big hole.” A man outside yelled.
“Big hole.” Another cyclist yelled.
“You signed on the wrong line.” Taylor pointed to the papers.
“Uh, sorry.” Luke apologized.
“Cross it out, initial it and sign again.” Taylor instructed Luke to correct his mistake.
“Big hole!” A cyclist yelled outside.
“What the hell is wrong with ‘em? Why can't they just let the bozo in back of him figure out for himself there's a big hole there?” Luke loudly complained.
“You're awfully crabby for a man whose business is booming because of this race.” Taylor exclaimed.
“I don't want this kind of business. It's too shiny.” Luke ranted.
“I, myself, am finding the whole thing rather intoxicating. Our little town the sight of a thrilling international sports event like this, you have no idea how much wrangling it took to get them here.” Taylor beamed excitedly putting Stars Hollow on the map for the race. Luke rolled his eyes at Taylors comment. The last thing he cared about was putting Stars Hollow on the map.
“Big hole.” Another cyclist yelled.
“Ah, jeez, I smudged. He made me smudged.” Luke fumed due to the yelling of cyclists.
“Cross it out, initial the smudge and start again.” Taylor acknowledged.
“I lobbied the race coordinators for weeks. It was a lot of ouzo and karaoke but I bagged our town the coveted first-stop last-stop slot.” Taylor announced.
“Wait, ‘first-stop, last stop, meaning?” Luke annoyingly questions.
“They start here today, circle the state, then they end here later this week. Everyone of them will be coming back.” Taylor grinned.
“Big Hole!” Man yelled.
“Unbelievable.” Luke snapped, starting to lose his mind, over the cyclists yelling and that the fact they would be back in one week.
“And don't press too hard buddy. I don't wanna to start all over again.” Taylor warned.
“That was the last one.” Luke stated. putting his pen back in his shirt pocket.
“Excellent! Well, I guess congratulations are in order. Luke, you bought the Twickham house.” Taylor voiced boomed congratulating the purchase.
“Now, remember there is a two-week cooling off period, meaning you two weeks from today to change your mind.” Taylor reminded Luke of the terms of the contract.
“I'm not going to change my mind.” Luke stated. He was locked in and all in.
“Well, it's been a pleasure doing business with you, Luke.” Taylor shook Luke's hand.
“I certainly hope it works out for you in your future plans.” Taylor hinted at Luke's bigger plans to build a future with Lorelai.
Luke took a moment to take it all in. He signed every dot line. He bought a house. The first time in his adult life. If he never met Lorelai, he was sure he would be fine with living above the diner until he was too old to climb up the stairs. Now everything was falling into place. Things were better than ever, and he knew he was ready to take this step. He was finally planning more than two days at a time. His plan was in motion. He had to make one quick call before he could move forward. He went upstairs for some privacy and to escape the cyclists for a moment, didn't need the wrong person hearing his conversation and spreading his news all over town before he could tell Lorelai. He dialed the phone to get in touch with Liz. He was hoping she would answer, but it was sometimes hard to get a hold of her because of the Renaissance fair rules. Luckily, he got a hold of her.
“Hi Liz.” Luke said.
“Hello, big brother, what do you need?” Liz inquired.
“Who said I needed anything? Can I call just to check in?” Luke deflected.
“Well, you can call to check in, but I know you and your check in calls are usually before the dinner rush and sir it's only 9 o'clock still during the breakfast rush. This is not the normal check in window. So, what do you need?” Liz voiced the out of ordinary behavior for Luke’s call.
“I bought the Twickham house. The house is for me and Lorelai. I'm planning on asking her to marry me. I am calling to ask if I can give her mom's engagement ring. I know you just got married and didn't use it. I am not sure if you wanted to use it, but I really want Lorelai to have it. I wouldn't be calling and asking if this wasn't serious. I wouldn't give mom's ring away if it wasn't serious. I didn't want to give it to her without asking you first. So I'm asking.” Luke nervously rambled. He really wanted his sister's approval to pass down something very sentimental and important all the while, also selfishly saving himself a shopping trip.
“Yeah, of course, you can give it to Lorelai. You really didn't need to ask. Plus, it doesn't fit my ring finger, I have Grandma Peggy's fingers, so it wasn't going to fit me anyways. I think it should fit Lorelai though. Wow, I can't believe you are going to ask her. How are you going to ask her?” Liz gave her approval and inquired about the proposal further.
“The first step was to get your approval for using mom's ring. The other part I don’t have planned out just yet. I'll keep you updated on what happens. Keep this to yourself for now.” Luke shared his plan so far.
“Okay sounds good. Your secret is safe with me. I won’t even tell TJ until it's official. Good luck, big brother!” Liz said.
Luke hung up the phone. Step one of his plan is done. He was going to finish up the breakfast rush and then come up with the next steps as far as the proposal.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai decided to stop off at the pharmacy on her way to work. She knew she needed to buy prenatal vitamins. She quickly grabbed the vitamins and threw them in her shopping basket. She went to the card aisle. There's wasn't a card, that said “Happy your drunk sex led to a baby and you're going to be a father.” Hallmark hasn't gotten around to making that one just yet. She thought they should because they would make a killing. She decided on a small gift bag to put the tests in to present as a surprise. The gift bag worked well with her mother the other night she thought sarcastically. No, she pushed the other night out of her head. She took the small bag to check out and she noticed they had their upcoming Father's Day display out. They had a lot of number one dad baseball caps in a variety of colors. She found one in the same blue as Luke's current cap she gifted him all of those years ago. This cap would be slightly different with “#1 Dad” in white lettering on the front of the cap. She put the gift bag, vitamins, and hat on the counter and some random teenager checked her out. She was happy to not run into anyone she knew. She was taking a very big risk and it paid off buying these items in her small town.
She walked to the Dragonfly with a gift bag in hand. She put the vitamins in her purse, and she quickly put the gift bag under the front desk. The phone rang and Michel wasn't at the desk.
“Hello Dragonfly Inn. Lorelai speaking.” Lorelai answered the phone. She took another cyclist reservation for the end of the week when they came back into town. “Thank you!” She ended the call.
“We are booked, booked, booked. I now love bike riders so much that from now on when driving, I will no longer consider how many points I'd get if I took them out.” Lorelai joyfully said to Michel as he walked in holding the gift basket.
“What's this?” Lorelai pointing to the basket.
“This is for you, apparently. Michel told Lorelai.
She gasps. “A present. I love presents.” Lorelai reaches for the small card. “I wonder who it could be from.” She paused looking over the card. “Lorelai, a little something to make the trip over to the Durham group a bit more fun, Mike Armstrong. Thank you, Mike Armstrong.” She looks over the contents of the gift basket.
“That is the man who wants to buy the inn, no?” Michel starts moving the desk next to Lorelai. “Oh my God. Look at all of this stuff. Travel soap, travel candles, travel blankets, cashmere travel pillows, cashmere socks.” She points to all of the pretty items in the basket. She reaches for small green bottle. “Oh my god! I've been wanting to try this. This is the Lumiere youth serum. Apparently, you put this on before you get a plane and by the time off, you're Dakota Fanning. Michel take something. What do you want?” Lorelai exclaiming wanting to share the goodies, mainly she felt bad taking them all if she wasn’t going to take the job.
“The memory of those bikers poking each other in the buttocks eternal sunshine shined out of my mind.” Michel offered what he wanted.
“Come on, Michel. Take something. You love products.” Lorelai grinned at high end gifts.
“You're going do it. Aren't you.” Michel voiced.
“Do what?” Lorelai mumbled.
“You're going to sell the inn to Mike Armstrong." Michel inquired.
“Ooh, Euros. Cool. Lorelai says getting distracted by the goodie items.
“You're going to sell the inn to Mike Armstrong. And then you're going to go off and have a wonderful life. And I'm going to be unemployed. Very attractive asset on the dating scene. You know, we have our own section on match.com.” Michel complained about the possible selling of the inn.
“Michel, stop it, I'm probably not gonna take the deal.” Lorelai communicated. She couldn’t go into the main reason just yet. If she was going to have a new kid she was going to need the income and the flexibility of being her own boss.
“You're not?” Michel doubted what she was saying.
“This is my inn. I love it here. Its just fun being wooed, you know?” Lorelai reflected on being wanted in a professional way, by a big name. It was nice to have her hard work recognized by people in high places.
“Having someone want you know enough prescriptive misting lotion.” Lorelai mumbled getting a final look over her goody bag.
“Fine, if you say so.” Michel agreed with her,but wasn’t holding his breath at the possibility.
“Oh, hey, did the handyman get here?” Lorelai asked, knowing a couple of small jobs needed to be done.
“That loose banister's making me nervous.” Lorelai said nervously.
“He has not come. Should I call him again?” Michel asked.
“No, forget it. I’ll call Luke. He’ll come fix it. And all it’ll cost me is my honor.” Lorelai smiles.
“What a lovely arraignment the two of you have.” Michel says as he walks away.
This was it; Lorelai had the perfect excuse to get Luke over to the Dragonfly. Luke fixing things for her was the genesis of their relationship. Nothing weird, about giving him a call and telling him the handyman was a no show and she needed some help. Lorelai was strongly debating; do I tell him about the pregnancy when he gets here, or should I tell him over a big romantic dinner? Well, one she can’t even boil water let alone cook a nice romantic dinner and she very well couldn’t tell him in some big, crowded restaurant. The wheels in her mind started to turn. No, she decided it had to be at Dragonfly. This is where their romantic relationship began, their first kiss was on the porch steps. Something seemed incredibly fitting to start this next chapter of their lives here at the Inn. She decided to do a fast look over the Inn to see if there were any other little things Luke could fix. She really only saw the banister other than a couple of bigger things she couldn't get him to do today. She got a devilish smile on her face and decided to add one more thing on the list: a broken window in room 7. Room 7 was the room Luke stayed during the test run of the Dragonfly. She went behind the desk and grabbed the gift bag with the new cap and the pregnancy tests. She brought the gift bag upstairs and placed it by the king size bed. She tells him about the broken window and tell the news once they were upstairs in the privacy of the room. She felt her nerves creep through, and her mind was swirling with negative and positive thoughts. She knew she would just have to get this over with and whatever is going to happen is going to happen.
She reached for the phone and dialed the diner landline. “Luke’s” Luke answered the phone.
“Hey Luke, I hope your day is going well. I have a tiny favor to ask you?” Lorelai felt her nerves bubble up to the surface.
“Lorelai, I know better it's never a tiny favor with you. What do you need?” Luke asked.
“Well, the handyman I hired to do a couple of odd jobs flaked and I have a couple of little things that need fixing and there are a lot of guests here and I don’t need someone breaking a leg before the race and suing me. Then I thought, who do I know who fixes the little things and the big things better than anyone?” She explains her situation and playfully questions him.
“Alright, let me finish up the breakfast rush and I’ll be over around 11:30, but I won’t have a lot of time and you can thank Taylor for letting the Tour de France go through Stars Hollow.” Luke ranted.
“Okay, sounds good, see you then.” Lorelai smiled.
They said their goodbyes and Lorelai thought okay Luke at 11:30 your life is about to change.

XXXXXX

Luke arrived at 11:30 on the dot. Lorelai doesn’t see him come in as she nervously adjusts the magazines on the coffee table. “I’ve only got 10 minutes. What do you need?”
“Oh, the banister’s loose upstairs.” Lorelai stated.
“Okay.” Luke nodded.
“The window in room 7 is stuck. The barn door is off the tracks again. And ooh, hey did you bring your jackhammer?” Lorelai stated more things with the Inn.
“Did you hear the part about; I’ve only got 10 minutes?” Luke told her.
“Window in room 7 is stuck.” Lorelai stated.
“Let’s go.” Luke pointed and they started working towards the front desk so Lorelai could grab the key, but she knew the door was already unlocked from her putting the gift bag in the room. She had to keep the pretense.
“But if you fix it really quickly, the banister is right on your way back down. So really, you might as well take a look at that, too.” Lorelai pointed out both problems, hoping to get her way. She needed to get him in that room. That was the main objective.
“What’s all this stuff?” Luke motioned to the gift basket.
“That is my big fancy present.” Lorelai beamed over her basket of gifts.
“From who?” Luke asked.
“From Mike Armstrong.” Lorelai stated the gift owner's name.
“Who the hell’s Mike Armstrong?” Luke asked with a hint of jealousy in voice. Who the hell was giving his girl a giant gift basket?
“He’s my other lover. He owns a diner in Woodberry. I didn’t want you to find out this way, but…” Lorelai joked, but Luke was zoned in on the gift basket card.
“The Durham group.” Luke read the signature of the card.
“Yeah, they are the hotel chain who wants to buy the inn.” Lorelai replied.
“What are they sending you gifts for?” Luke asked.
“Well, either they’re just proportionally worried about my cuticles or they can’t live without me and they’re begging me to accept their offer.” Lorelai suggested.
“To buy the inn?” Luke questioned with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
“Yeah. They’ve been after me ever since that meeting.” Lorelai declared that she did a have meeting with Mike Armstrong right before the magazine party.
“What meeting?” Luke asked.
“Meeting with Mike Armstrong.” Lorelai said.
“I didn’t know you had a meeting with Mike Armstrong.” Luke was puzzled. He would remember if she had a meeting to possibly sell her business.
“Yes, you did.” Lorelai asserted.
“No, I didn’t.” Luke replied and began getting more confused by the second.
“Yes you did, you told me to have a meeting with Mike Armstrong.” Lorelai said thinking of the night where they had dinner at his place and her father called and told her about the Durham Group and Luke encouraged her network.
“I know but you never said anything so I figured it went away.” Luke announced.
“Well, I had a meeting with Mike Armstrong.” Lorelai replied as she started to move towards the stairs
“And?” Luke inquired further. He was getting a little annoyed, his vision of their life together was getting dashed.
“And what?” Lorelai asked.
“And what happened? Was this your maybe news?” Luke needed to know what she wanted to do; this was going to affect everything. His plan was over before it started.
“Uh, nothing. He talked, I listened. I told him I’d think about it.” Lorelai shared and totally ignoring the maybe news question. She was ready to address that question just yet.
“Think about it?” Luke questioned.
“Yeah.” Lorelai said.
“About selling the inn and then after you sell the inn then what?” Luke groaned.
“I’d be like, a consultant for their company.” Lorelai voiced cheerfully.
“Is that what you want?” Luke was floored. Was she really going to do this? He thought.
“I don’t know.” Lorelai replied.
“Are you gonna take this job?” Luke inquired.
“Probably not. I’m still mulling.” Lorelai smiles while teasing him.
“Mulling? You’re still mulling? She’s still mulling.” Luke started to sound more upset. He knew she took a job traveling there would be no putting down roots and no possibility of them starting a family.
“Why are you so upset?” Lorelai inquired, she knew him, she knew he was upset.
“I’m not upset. I can’t believe you’re still mulling. I mean, you’re seriously considering selling the inn and taking this job. I mean, where is their office, anyway?” Luke asked, wondering if she could be local in either Hartford or New Haven.
“They’ve got a bunch of them. I don’t know where exactly I’d be.” Lorelai said unsure of the corporate structure of the Durham group.
“Well, shouldn’t you ask?” Luke asked, his freak out, reaching a boiling point.
“Hello? Mulling.” Lorelai teased further.
“I mean they could send you anywhere.” Luke still freaking out and his voice going up two levels.
“Luke!” Lorelai yelled trying to get him to calm down.
“Then there's all that travel. There's travel, right?” Luke asked thinking great, he would never see her, and the relationship would run its course and that would be the end of them.
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Lorelai teased.
“What are you freaking out about?” Lorelai questioning his freak out.
‘Well, what about the kids?” Luke blurted and his face turned red. He said too much. He said way too much.
“What kids?” Lorelai was puzzled. Well, there was going to be one kid. There was no way he could know she hadn’t even said it out loud.
“Uh, nothing, never mind, forget it. I’m gonna fix the window.” He looked down and then up the stairs.
“Luke...” Lorelai was stunned and trying to reclaim the conversation. She was just about to tell him she was pregnant.
“Room seven, got it.” Luke left and ran up the stairs to room 7 like he was road runner. He quickly put himself in the room. He was extremely embarrassed. He made a mistake, he panicked and blurted out the idea of them having kids. He knew he scared her. Lorelai didn't like to do anything unless it was her idea. He didn't want to add unwarranted pressure. He had this grand vision in his head of what their life would be and here he was at her place of work yelling it at her.
Meanwhile, Lorelai was left at the bottom of the stairs. She was floored that he brought up kids and what it would mean for her to take the other job. Given her current situation there was no way she could take a job. That would be incredibly stressful for one thing and the other would be once she adjusted to the new job she would be on maternity leave. Her current job she is her own boss of a business she built. There was no real way she was going to give that up. She knew she had to be brave and walk up the stairs and tell him the true maybe news.
Lorelai walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. “Luke, can I come in?”
Luke didn’t answer her. Lorelai decided to take upon herself to enter the room. “Hey, I’m coming in.” She said cheerfully. He had his back turn to her looking at the window she said needed fixed.
“Lorelai, the window is fine, it doesn’t need to be fixed. I am not sure if you meant a different room? Also, I think a guest must have left a gift bag or something. I put it on the desk.” He still didn’t make eye contact with her. He was wishing he was invisible right now. He was hoping she wouldn’t bring up events from just moments ago.
“Well, Luke, I told a tiny white lie to get you here. There is no window that needs to be fixed. However, the banister needs to be fixed. I know we agreed to be more honest with each other this go around. I know about a week ago at the diner I mentioned some maybe news. The maybe news wasn’t about Mike Armstrong, or the Durham group and I was teasing you on the stairs. I am not going to take the job. Mainly due to the fact I got the results of the news this morning, but also, I love the inn and I'm not giving it up. Instead of telling you, I think it would be better to show you.” She paused and walked across the room and handed him the gift bag. “This is for you, please open it.” He looked at her confused. He started to remove the tissue paper. He pulled out the baseball cap. “ I didn’t really need a new hat, the one I have is fine.” He froze when he saw the message on the cap. “Lorelai, I am sure you bought this in some crazy shopping breakdown. Last time, I checked I wasn’t anyone’s dad, let alone a ‘Number 1 Dad’”. He ranted a bit. “Um, keep going, there is something else in the bag.” She was hoping he was going to put this together. He pulled out the two pregnancy tests. He held them in his hand. “Lorelai, are these pregnancy tests?” The hat and tests were clicking in his head. “Does this mean you're pregnant?” He looked into her eyes, with shock.
“Yes, Luke, you finally reproduced.” She smiled at him. “I wasn’t sure, and I didn’t want to scare or worry you until I knew for sure. I have been going crazy these last two weeks. That was the reason I was a bit distant last week. I know babies aren't exactly your favorite thing, but I think we can do this and be very good at it. I haven’t been to the doctors yet, so this may not be a full thing, it could not be a developed fetus, or it could be ectopic pregnancy. You don’t have to tell me how you are feeling just yet, I know this a lot to process and think about. I’m going to call the doctor later on today and set up an appointment. You are welcome to come with me. It's in a midsize clinic, not a hospital. I know how you hate hospitals. You don’t have to come with me, if you don’t want to. I completely understand.” She took a second to come up for air. He was just staring at the tests in his hand and not making eye contact. He wasn’t saying anything. “Lorelai, I don’t understand how this happened?” He said, finally looking at her. “Well, Luke, you see when a man and woman love each other very much-” Luke cut her off, “Yeah, I got that part. I mean how did this happen?” He held up the tests in the air. “The magazine party night, I mean we drank like fishes. Plus, we didn’t use any condoms. We got caught up in the moment.” She stated as a matter of fact. “But you are still on the pill, right?” Before Lorelai could chime in, “Oh, that’s right, your pill got discontinued and you would be off it for the month.” Luke was processing this life altering news. He knew he was probably not on Lorelai lighten speed. She sat next to him, looking completely unsure. He wanted to reassure her.
“Lorelai, do you remember the night of the dance marathon?” He asked.
This question threw her for a loop. “Yeah, how could I forget. That was the night Dean broke up with Rory for the second time and that was the beginning of Rory and Jess's relationship. That was a crazy night.” She stated, but wondered why he brought this up. It didn’t really have anything to do with what they were currently talking about.
“Yes, I remember it being a big night for Rory. However, I was talking about our conversation about either of us having and/or wanting kids. I remember saying if I meet the right person there would be discussion. A short discussion.
Now, Lorelai, you are that person. The only woman who I imagined being the mother of my child. I won't say I'm not shocked and a little scared because I am. We gotta take the first step and jump. So, book the doctor's appointment and I will be there if that's what you want. I know I want to be there.” Luke smiled at her. The woman of his dreams was going to have his baby. He never expected to hear this news. “How are you feeling about this?” Luke asked, wondering if she shared his apprehension.
“Well, I weirdly knew from the morning I woke up from the magazine event. I can't explain it, I just knew. I was very overwhelmed thinking about being pregnant at the hospital with Sookie. Then I held Martha and got really emotional.” She paused. Luke got nervous that she was going to say she didn't want a baby. Maybe she didn't want to have his baby. “I'll support you in whatever you want to do.” He dropped his head not wanting to look at her. He didn't want to show his disappointment. “Doll, please let me finish. I'm not saying I don't want this baby. The exact opposite. When I was holding Martha, I got emotional because I imagined myself holding our baby. I know I have said in the past I wanted another kid. At that moment I knew I didn't want just any kid, but I wanted your kid. That's what made me less scared. I'm still scared it's been a long time since I have done this and it's a big deal. I know it’s going to be a lot of work.” She explained herself and paused. “Wait, do you not want to have this baby?” Lorelai had a great amount of fear wash over her. Was this too good to be true? Would she do this all over again alone? “Of course, I do. I'm sorry. For a split second I thought you didn't want the baby. So, I was trying to be supportive. Yes, I want this baby very much. In fact, while we’re sharing news I bought a house. The Twickham house. For us, well before I knew about this.” He briefly paused and pointed to her stomach. “I know downstairs, I said what about kids. Which, I know sounds like a lot but we can just have this one kid or more if you want more. We could have the kid and then we could get a plant or shop for furniture. We could get a couch and some end tables. You know, I hate shopping, kids are easier. The Twickham house was my maybe news.” Luke ranted.
Lorelai was stunned. He bought them a house. “Whoa, you bought a house without telling me? Please don't do that. Please include me in any major life decisions!”
“I know, I will, I'm sorry. I have the ability to back out. I have two weeks to back out. Do you want me to back out and get my deposit back?” Luke wondered if his possible future would turn to ash.
“Um, I’m not sure. A house this big, almost as big as a baby. Can you schedule some time so we can see the house together? I never imagined living there. Honestly, when I think of that place all I can think of is the creepy mannequins from the failed museum.” Lorelai stated her opinion. She didn’t think she wanted to move out of her house, but if they were going to be a true family they were going to need more space. It was an option worth exploring. Plus, she could see how important it was to him. It’s not every day a man buys a house for you.
“Okay, I will talk to Taylor about some time to look at the house. I don’t have the keys yet or anything. I just signed the papers this morning.” Luke exclaimed.
“Oh, that’s why you were being extra nice to Taylor. I was half afraid you had a brain tumor altering your personality.” Lorelai joked.
“No, I am afraid I had to kiss a little town selectman butt to get the house. No brain tumor involved as far as I am aware. I know I asked how you are feeling, but are you doing physically? I don’t know much about pregnancy, but are you feeling, okay?” Luke asked unsure if she was feeling pregnant yet.
“I have puked every night and every morning for the last three days. The morning sickness is much more than when I was pregnant with Rory. It's like double the amount of sickness. I'll bring it up to the doctor later. I’m sorry I lied the other day, there was no one in the drunk tank at the jail, well not at least while I was there. I just wasn’t ready to tell you, plus it was too early to take the test. Also, my boobs really hurt, but that’s normal. I have been craving apples and mainly fruit. I tend to be very healthy while pregnant, more so in the first trimester. So, I am sure you will be loving that. And here is the best part, your never-ending nagging about me drinking the coffee has finally worked. The smell of coffee makes me puke and that didn’t happen when I was pregnant with Rory. Your long con worked, for the time being I can’t stand the smell of coffee, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make.” Lorelai explains her physical symptoms.
“I’m sorry about the vomiting and I guess your boobs.” He awkwardly said. He paused. “Although, the coffee I am not as sorry, but I know it makes you happy to have it. So, I’m surprised you're not crying endlessly about it.” He smiled. His mind started to wonder another question.
“Lorelai have you told anyone else, yet? Have you told Rory yet?” Luke asked.
“I have only told you so far. I figured you were present for conception; you should know first. I was going to tell Rory at lunch. Outside of that, I think we should wait until we go to the doctors and possibly the end of the first trimester, unless there's anyone you really want to tell right away.” Lorelai asked.
“No, I'm good with waiting until we have more information. I mean everyone I know you know. I guess I will want to tell Liz myself, maybe Jess too, but I won't until I have your say so.” Luke promised the news wouldn’t leave his lips until he has her say so.
“Okay, we will wait on everyone else. I know Sookie will be happy. Michel is a bit a wildcard. I'm sure he'll just be annoyed. Especially because Sookie just had a baby and now, I'm having a baby. Wow, that is the first time I said that aloud. Then there's the town, you know Babette and Ms. Patty. I'm sure they will be happy for us and I'm sure very nosy. Oh, God my parents. I don't know when or if I will tell them. If I go to Friday dinner in say 5 months, it's going to be obvious. Probably sooner than later because I can't drink. I wish it was the 1960s then I could drink and be pregnant. Oh god, I don't know how to tell them.” She felt pure panic wash over her. She felt like she was 16 again bringing shame upon her family.
“Hey, it's going to be alright. We'll tell them once the kid graduates. We'll make sure we have a good one. If it's not a good kid, we ship them off to the army or something.” Luke tried jokingly to reassure her.
He looked her in the eyes and cupped her face. “Lorelai, you are not 16 years old. This baby is a good thing. If parents don't see that when we tell them, then it's their loss.” Luke provided support for her again.
“Yeah this baby is a really good thing. I am happy to be sharing it with you.” Lorelai looked lovingly at him.
“Right back at you. I know this is very important, but I have to get back to the diner and I am sure you have to get back to work. Thanks for the new hat. It will be strictly an apartment hat until we are ready to tell people. You will have to let me know what Rory has to say and what date and time your doctor's appointment will be. We will talk more soon.” Luke gave her a loving kiss. Lorelai walked him out of the Dragonfly. She was thrilled he was happy and would be here to take this next step with her.

XXXXXXXXX

Luke left the Dragonfly completely overwhelmed. He was going to be a father. He thought maybe this day would come after they were married, and they planned it. He knew he still wanted to marry her but he was second guessing himself. He didn't want her to think he was only proposing because he got her pregnant. He knew Christopher asked her to marry him when she got pregnant with Rory and she said no. He rationalized that it was a very different situation. Lorelai was a child and now she is an adult. He didn't want to pressure her or make feel he was only asking because she pregnant. What he supposed to wait until after she had the baby or when they went to college. He was just so unsure.
Then there was the whole topic of the baby. He was happy about being the father of her child, but it was all so sudden. He didn't like to try anything with knowing something about it first. He was trying to think about the last time he spent time with a baby. The last baby he spent time with was Jess. God, that was 20 years ago and sporadic at best. He knew absolutely nothing about babies and pregnancy. He knew the standard man and woman make the baby then the whole nine months then the tiny human is existing in the world. Then they do tiny human things. What the hell do babies do then the obvious cry, poop, and eat? He had no idea. Then there's a literal blood bond with another person for the rest of their lives. There's the baby stage and there's raising a human being without them turning into a serial killer. You know, making them into an actual good person. His thoughts were racing together.
He was walking back to the diner and walked past the bookstore. He was more of an old school kind of guy, so he wasn't going on the internet to find out about babies. He decided to walk into the bookstore. He walked back to the self-help section. He felt like was looking for “Help! I knocked up my girlfriend and I don't know what to do '' section. That section didn't exist. He saw the book he bought just a short year ago. The book that finally gave him the courage to ask out Lorelai. If he could get a time machine and tell Luke of a year ago that he had dated Lorelai for almost a year and they were going to have a baby, the other Luke would think he fell and hit his head. He gave the book another glance and thought he should send the author a fruit basket or something. He moved towards parenting books. He saw What to Expect When You're Expecting. That book seems to be the baby bible. He picked it up. Then he saw Dr. Spock Baby and Childcare. He was more familiar with Leonard Nimoy's Dr. Spock character then the author of this book. The book seems to expand past pregnancy. He probably needed to know how to take care of the baby once it leaves Lorelai's body. He grabbed the other book. He walked up to the counter to pay. Then it dawned on him he had no real excuse for buying these books. He couldn't say he just decided on some light reading of parenting books. That would be very weird. He very well couldn't blurt out that they were gifts. A gift for who? The second Andrew saw the books the gossip would spread like wildfire. He knew the town would find out soon enough, but he wanted it to be on their terms. This was big news and didn't want it out there until she wanted out there. “Hi Andrew.” Luke made very little eye contact.
“Hi Luke.” Andrew greeted him back much warmer. “I need to scan the books.”
“No, you will see the titles if you scan the books.” Luke shook his head.
“Luke, this is the second time you have done this and it's getting very weird.” Andrew stated.
“You'll read you the prices 14.99 and 16.99.” Luke read out prices.
“I need the book titles for inventory purposes.” Andrew huffed getting annoyed with Luke's weird behavior.
“Here's 100 bucks and I'll throw in five free meals at the diner.” Luke offered so he wouldn't have to share the book titles.
“Fine, but if you do this again, I'm kicking you out of my store.” Andrew replied.
Luke nodded and started to walk out of the store. Then he thought he could run into Ms. Patty or anyone and they would see the titles.
“Bag, please.” Luke got the bag to put the books in and headed back to the diner.

XXXXXX

Now that she told Luke, and they had a good talk she knew there were two things left to do. She had to call the doctor and then tell Rory. She was meeting Rory at Westons at lunch time so she was going to tell her then. On the walk over she decided to rip the band aid off and call the doctor.
“Hello OB/GYN and Midwifery practice of Oakley, Lewis, and Greene. This is the Hartford office. This Amanda speaking. How may I help you?” The receptionist cheerfully greeted.
“Hi Amanda. I'm a patient of Dr. Oakley. My name is Lorelai Gilmore. I have an appointment on the seventh of June. I don’t need to cancel but change the reasoning for my appointment.” Lorelai said.
“Okay. We currently have you down for a birth pill control consultation. Do you not want the pill or do you discuss other forms of contraception.” She chipperly asked.
Lorelai took a deep breath. “No, I won't need to discuss birth control options, at least not for the time being. I missed my period, and I took two at home pregnancy tests. They were positive. So, I will need a prenatal visit.”
“Oh okay. That can be arranged. Lorelai can you provide me your date of birth, so I can find you the system?”
“April 25th, 1968.” She answered.
“Okay, I have updated our system about the changes in the nature of your appointment. Your original appointment was half an hour. The new appointment will be an hour. I will be able to squeeze you in. Will this be, okay?” Receptionist asked.
“Yes, that will be fine.” Lorelai briefly paused. “Um, this may be a stupid question, but is it okay for my boyfriend to come to the appointment?” Lorelai asked unsure if you could bring anyone to these appointments. She did tell Luke he could come, but she was second guessing herself. Christopher never came with her, and her mother always waited in the car when she was pregnant with Rory. She always went in alone.
“Of course. Whatever you feel comfortable with is fine with the doctor.” The receptionist responded.
“Okay, great. Thank you.” Lorelai smiled. She was happy to have him by her side when the appointment came around.
“Alrighty Lorelai, Dr Oakley will see you on June 7th for your first prenatal visit at 1:00 pm. Thanks for calling. Goodbye.”
“Thanks. Bye.” Lorelai hung up the phone. Now all that was left was to tell Rory she was going to be a big sister.

Chapter 6: Big Sister, Dropping out of Yale, and a Proposal

Chapter Text

Lorelai was beaming to tell her oldest child her news. She picked up the pace in her walking and noticed the always punctual Rory had found them a table.
“Sorry, sorry, sorry, the inn was swapped. These bikers are like rabbits who don’t eat carrots. Too much sugar.” Lorelai announced as she sat down. She left out her time with Luke was the main reason that kept her at the inn.
“Hmm, sugar.” Rory replied on their usual mutual love of sugar.
“The fitness craze is completely lost on us.” Lorelai said even though she was craving fruit. Although, she knew she wouldn't be riding a bike through Connecticut any time soon.
“I’m starving.” Rory announced.
“Me too.” Lorelai agreed.
“Hey, so how’d your final go?” Lorelai inquired hoping Rory finished the year strong.
“It went well.” Rory commented.
“Yeah?” Lorelai was happy her daughter did well. “And you finished packing?” Lorelai questioned.
“All packed, all boxed. I just have one more trip to school and home and then I’m done.” Rory replied.
“Awe, it’ gonna be nice to have you home for a while.” Lorelai smiled. She liked the idea of Rory being home for these first couple of months of her pregnancy.
“Oh, I’m glad you feel that way.” Rory confirmed while her new life update was bubbling to the surface.
“Yeah, the place hasn’t had a decent dusting since you left.” Lorelai stated lack of cleaning. Since she was going to have a baby, she would have to get better with cleaning more.
“Hey, do you think today’s the day we are going to go through all of the specials in one setting? I know I'm going to want the apple pie, or strawberry shortcake. Ooh Lemon squares. The bikers have demonstrated the importance of challenging oneself.” Lorelai looking over the menu wanting a fruity treat.
“Mom.” Rory grabbed Lorelai attention away from the menu.
“Rory.” She said seriously.
“I have to tell you something.” Rory stammered a bit.
“Okay, wow, there's something about Weston’s. It’s always the place where we talk.” Lorelai answered.
“We could go somewhere else.” Rory countered ready to suggest another place.
“Wait, can I go first, I have some news, really big news.” Lorelai exclaimed not being able to hold in the big news any longer.
“Sure.” Rory answered sensing something big.
“So, do you remember Christmas of ‘91?” Lorelai asked.
“Yeah, I guess so. I just turned six. We didn’t have a lot of money, so we had a tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree with ornaments we made from construction paper, and we made snow angels on Christmas Eve. I remember I asked for a globe, but we couldn’t afford it and you got me my Hug-A-World.” Rory smiled at the Christmas memory referencing her pillow with the world map, but wondered why her mother was bringing this up now.
“Do you remember what else you asked for that year?” Lorelai leaned in on her questioning hoping her Ivy league daughter would figure out her news.
“I remember just before the break, Jessica Sullivan brought in her baby sister for show and tell. I was jealous because that overshadowed my show and tell of my New England stamp collection. Then I wrote to Santa that I wanted some more stamps, a globe and a baby brother or sister depending on what he had available. Then I got a couple of stamps and my hug-a-world pillow which was better than a globe because I could hug it. Then there was a letter from Santa, now as an adult I know it was your handwriting. The letter said ‘Asking for a baby brother or sister was a very complicated gift. One Santa very rarely is allowed to give. There was a lot of paperwork and I had to be a very good girl and more importantly, Mommy had to be ready to make a special order with the stork to bring a baby into both of our lives.’” Rory stated events of that past Christmas.
“Well, I paid a special order with the stork. I am sure you have been a good girl. I was a rather naughty girl. If my math is right, you won’t have a baby brother or sister by Christmas, but one early next year, because I am definitely pregnant. I know you will technically be a big sister, but with your age difference I can see you being more of an aunt. Someone for them to look up to and inspire to." Lorelai smiled, sharing her joyous news.
“Oh my god, wow! This is unbelievable, Mom. Have you told Luke?” Rory asked, feeling speechless.
“Yes, I told him earlier this morning, that was more so the reason I was late, sorry about that. He handled it pretty well. He said he is going to the doctor with me for the first visit. I am going on the 7th so that is right around the corner. I will, of course, fill in all of the details. It's just the three of us that know for now until I get more information." Lorelai exclaimed.
“Awe, Mom, that is great. You both are going to be such great parents. I am so happy for you. I won't say anything. I promise.” Rory said feeling really happy for her mom and Luke.
“So, what’s your news?” Lorelai asked changing the subject back to Rory, noticing she looked anxious.
“I’ve decided that I’m not going back to Yale next year.” Rory voiced.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly.” Lorelai stammered.
“I’m not going back to Yale next year.” Rory repeated.
“But why?” Lorelai asked with trepidation.
“Because I’m not sure that it’s the right place for me.” Rory affirmed.
“And I’m not exactly sure what I want to do with my life and.” Rory continued unsure of herself.
“Since when are you not sure what you wanna do with your life?” Lorelai asked.
“Mom.” Rory scoffed.
“You’ve known what you wanted to do with your life since you were three, be a journalist.” Lorelai stated the fact.
“Maybe not.” Rory whispered.
“Oh, this is about Mitchum Huntzberger.” Lorelai criticized. Of course, this was his fault.
“No, it’s not.” Rory snapped.
“Rory, honey, I know that what he said hurt you and shook you up and you lost your confidence but that was just one man’s opinion.” Lorelai expressed.
“It has nothing to do with what he said to me. And Mitchum Huntzberger happens to be the top newspaper guy in the country.” Rory replied.
“So what?” Lorelai annoyingly questions.
“So, if you’re going to get one man’s opinion, he’s the one man you get.” Rory informed her mother Mitchum was journalist God with her fate that he crushed in his hand.
“You’re not thinking, this is the man who doesn’t want you to marry Logan.” Lorelai counter another reason why Mitchum said the things he said.
“That wasn’t him. It was Logan’s mother and his grandfather.” Rory snapped back.
“And you really think he’s okay with it? I mean his whole family looks at you and sees Anna Nicole Smith. And they tell you that to your face. But he thinks you’re swell. And he wants to pay for the honeymoon.” Lorelai ranted hoping her daughter would see her side of things.
“That’s not why he said he what he said.” Rory sighed.
“He’s messing with your mind. He has so many motives that have nothing to do with your abilities.” Lorelai remarked.
“That’s not true.” Rory countered.
“He said I can’t do it, so I can’t do it.” Rory repeated Mitchum words. They were ingrained in her psyche. She couldn’t do it.
“Why are you so willing to believe this guy?” Lorelai exhaled, wondering what mind virus had taken over her daughter.
“Logan agrees with him.” Rory asserted.
“He said that?” He told you he agrees with his father?” Lorelai asked in pure disgust. “Because if that’s so he-he’s a fantastic boyfriend. Really, quite a catch.” Lorelai stratiscally said.
“No, he didn’t say it. I could just tell.” Rory offered.
“How?” Lorelai asked wanting to know what gave her daughter that idea.
“I could tell.” Rory sheepishly said.
“How?” Lorelai questioned.
“He ranted about his father being a jerk and speaking his mind, but he never said that he was wrong.” Rory stated what Logan shared with her about his father.
“Rory, come on. What kind of logic is that?” Lorelai pointing out the craziness of Rory’s statement.
“It doesn’t matter. This isn’t about that. I told you; I just need some time.” Rory said exhausted.
“You’re making a mistake.” Lorelai yelled.
“No, I’m not. This is normal. College kids take breaks like this all the time.” Rory tried to justify her actions.
“You didn’t go to college, so you don’t understand.” Rory continued getting a jab at her mother.
“No, I didn’t go to college. I wasn’t lucky enough to go to college.” Lorelai countered trying to state how lucky she was to have this opportunity.
“Trust me. This is very normal.” Rory snapped.
“No! You are not quitting Yale.” Lorelai told Rory.
“Yes, I am.” Rory whined about her decision.
“You’re acting incredibly immature. And I know it’s because you’re hurt but you’ve got to get a grip.” Lorelai snorted in disbelief about her daughter's behavior.
“This is too important. You’ve been working toward Yale your whole life.” Lorelai demanded this was too important to just quit.
“No. I was working toward Havard my whole life.” Rory stated the truth. It was Havard before Yale.
“Okay fine. Then go to Harvard. That’s cool.” Lorelai said, she was open to her daughter switching schools.
“I don’t wanna go to Harvard.” Rory said. She didn't want to go to any school.
“Then go to Princeton or Stanford or Columbia.” Lorelai offered other schools. It didn't matter the school. It mattered that she was going to graduate come hell or high-water Lorelai thought.
“I want time off.” Rory stated her needs.
“If you leave Yale now, you’ll never go back, you’ll lose momentum.” Lorelai responded.
“Momentum toward what? All I’ve been doing is working toward being a journalist. I’m not going to be a journalist so what momentum am I losing exactly?” Rory asked what the grand plan was now.
“You don’t wanna be a journalist, fine. I don’t care about that. But you stay in school. You take some classes. You figure out what you do wanna be.” Lorelai offered a possible plan.
“That’s not what Yale is for.” Rory quipped.
“That’s what college is for.” Lorelai replied.
“Yale’s expensive.” Rory added.
“Are you paying?” Lorelai asked condescendingly.
“I don’t wanna do that. I don’t wanna wander around a school where everyone else is focused and working toward something and I’m just floating.” Rory stated she didn't want go to school without a plan.
“So, what’s the great master plan then, huh? You’re gonna move back home live in your room work part time at the bookstore? Forget it. Not an option.” Lorelai was fuming. Her daughter was throwing away her bright future before it even got started.
“I’ll figure it out.” Rory insisted while having no real plan.
“I’m not hungry.” Lorelai lied. She was pregnant and always feeling hungry. She just couldn't sit her any longer and hear this.
“Look I’m not going back. I just wanted to know.” Rory yelled her grown up decision but sounding more like spoiled child.
“Message sent.” Lorelai left the table in a hurry. She started walking back to the inn. Her ears were ringing. Rage had filled her entire body. She couldn't believe what she heard. Lorelai built them a life out of nothing. She made sure Rory had every advantage possible. She spent years of Friday night dinners at her parents to pay for Chilton and Yale. She took a mountain of crap from her parents all for Rory. She would gladly do it all again for Rory to have her Ivy League dream. Lorelai was feeling unsure if Rory still had the dream of being a journalist or if it was Mitchum Huntzberger destroying her confidence, but she knew they both had come so far to not give up now. She took a moment on the Dragonfly steps to calm down. She remembered she needed to stay calm not just for her sake but for her baby in her belly. She was going to get through the workday and come up with a plan.

XXXXXXX

Luke threw himself into the lunch rush. He found some comfort in cooking. He always did. He was still riding the high of Lorelai telling him she was pregnant. He started thinking about their future kid. He wondered if they would like healthy food like him or junk like Lorelai. Then he thought back to his childhood. His mom taught him how to cook. Mainly baking pies and muffins. He learned how to make a meal after she died, but he had her recipes so in a way she was teaching him. She always called him her special helper. He was hoping to pass on the love of cooking to their kid. He was lost in his thoughts until he heard Cesar yelling for him.
“Hey Luke, you were looking for Taylor?”
“Yeah.” Luke nodded.
“He’s right outside.” Caesar pointed at Taylor dealing with the bikers.
“I’ll be back in minute.” He handed the dish rag to Cesar and walked out the door. He ran through the cyclists they sped through the main street.
“Hey Taylor.” Luke yelled as the cyclists fell off their bikes.
“Uh, Hello Luke.” A Taylor startled said.
“You said I have two weeks to back out of the house?” Luke asked confirming their agreement.
“I didn’t say that the law did. Do you not want the house anymore?” Taylor inquired wondering if he needed to find another buyer.
“Yes, no, maybe. I told Lorelai about it, and she is on the fence about living in the house. I probably should've said something before buying it. She wants to see it. I was hoping I could take her on a quick walk through the house and then let you know if I am going to take it or if I am going to back out of the deal.” Luke told Taylor of his situation.
“I will drop off the keys at the diner in the morning, say around 10. Does that work for you?” Taylor asked.
“Yeah, I think so. I will let Lorelai know. Thanks, Taylor.” Luke nodded and walked back into the diner. The lunch rush was dying down and he figured he should give Lorelai a call and tell her his news on the house. He went behind the counter and went for the landline. He wasn't sure if he should dial the Dragonfly or if he should call her cell. He looked up at the clock and saw that the clock. It was two o'clock. Lorelai's lunch with Rory was probably over. He called the Dragonfly.
“Dragonfly Inn, Michel speaking. How may I help you?” Michel stated in his usual attitude.
“It’s Luke. Can I talk to Lorelai?” Luke asked wanting to share the news about the house.
“One moment, I will transfer you.” Michel transferred the call to Lorelai's office.
Lorelai was doing the monthly schedule for her employees. She had regrouped since her disastrous lunch with Rory. She heard her phone ringing. She could tell Michel transferred the call. “This is Lorelai.”
“Hey it's me.” Luke replied.
“Hey. What's up?” She cheerfully asked. She was just happy to hear his voice after the afternoon she had.
“I talked to Taylor this afternoon. Taylor is dropping off the house keys tomorrow at the diner. I know you have those upcoming weddings to keep you busy. So, whenever you have some time, we could go look at the house together.” Luke informed her he got the keys.
“I can't tomorrow, I have some meetings with the kitchen staff, and I have to meet a bride and groom tomorrow and show them the grounds. I can do Wednesday. What time works best for you?” Lorelai let him know when she would be available.
“I would say midday. Between Lunch and Dinner. Does three work for you?” Luke asked.
“Yeah, three will work. I have made the doctor appointment for June 7th at one. So, a week from tomorrow it's in Hartford. Can you miss the lunch rush that day?” Lorelai asked wondering if that time would work for him.
“Yeah, that will work. I will make sure Caesar covers at lunch time. I know doctor’s appointments are a pain to reschedule and this is very important. So, yes, I’ll be there.” Luke smiled into the phone. “Hey, how did it go with Rory?” He added wondering what she thought of their news.
Lorelai was happy to hear he would be with her at her upcoming doctor's appointment. She was excited but also very nervous about it. She knew whatever happened she could face it with him by her side. She paused, unsure if she should go into the whole dropping out of Yale business of Rory’s. She was hoping to still have time to fix that. She decided to share only the news on Rory's reaction to the baby. “She was happy for us; she thinks we will be great parents. When Rory was six, she asked Santa for a baby brother or sister. I apologize for the sibling in question who would be coming 16 years later from the time she asked for one.” Lorelai shared what Rory said.
“Well, I’m glad she is happy for us. I don’t want to keep you any longer. I’ll see you on Wednesday?” Luke asked.
“Yes, babe, you will see me on Wednesday.” Lorelai smiled.
“Okay, see you then.” Luke acknowledged and they both disconnected the phone.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai woke up on Tuesday morning with another lovely round of morning sickness. This kid was kicking her ass. She didn’t throw up the night before, but this only meant she threw up more in the morning. She was feeling more tired than she ever felt. She did her best to get ready. She was finding her favorite bottle of perfume now made her sick. That would be another thing on hold for now. She didn’t want to eat breakfast after throwing up, but she knew she needed something in her stomach in order to take her prenatal vitamins. She made herself toast with a tiny bit of butter. She was starting to believe this baby was on Luke's schedule with waking her up at six am, but the early wake up gave her time to think about her next move with regards to Rory. If Rory was truly going to drop out, she would have to bring it to her grandparent's attention since they were paying for her education. Lorelai thought she will get a head of Rory and tell her parents what was really going on. She knew it was Hail Mary, but it needed to be done. She knew her parents wouldn’t want to see this happen to Rory either. Maybe the three of them could work together and get Rory back on track and put a stop to this dropping out business before it even started. She looked at the clock and saw it was seven am. She knew if she left now she could get to her parents around 7:30 and see her father before he went to work. She got in the jeep and got to parent's house in record time. She rang the doorbell and quickly entered the home and walked into the dining room.
“Hey, um, I am sorry to interrupt your breakfast.” Lorelai announced.
“Lorelai.” Emily said in a moment of pure surprise. Lorelai's last unexpected visit she asked for money for cl*ton.
“Uh, I need to talk to you guys about something.” Lorelai explained.
“Is everything alright?” Richard asked concerned.
“Well, I…” Lorelai started to stammer.
Sit down, Lorelai.” Emily instructed.
“Davida bring a coffee cup for my daughter.” Emily call for the maid over shoulder.
The last thing Lorelai needed was coffee she didn't need to puke in front of her parents.
Davida brought over the cup on a saucer. “I'm sorry, no thank you.” The maid left the room with the cup. Emily thought this was weird. Lorelai not wanting coffee was like a fish not wanting water. She wasn't going to bring it up. Although she would bring it up another day if it continued.
“I’m gonna have to call the office if this gonna take long.” Richard warned wanting to inform work if he was going to be kept away.
“No dad, it won’t” Lorelai acknowledged his work schedule.
“I just, um, I need your help.” Lorelai sighed.
“Call the office, Richard.” Emily motion for Richard to call the office.
“No, dad, I promise it’ll be quick.” Lorelai paused and took a breath. “Rory’s quitting Yale.”
“What? What are you talking about?” Richard said in pure shock.
“What do you mean Rory’s quitting Yale? Why would you joke about something like that?” Emily said in disbelief.
“What makes you think I’m joking?” Lorelai said sternly with the most serious face she had.
“Because Rory would never quit Yale. This must be one of your bits. You scared us with something horrible like Rory’s quitting college and then after we had a heart attack you tell us you were just kidding. You’re having a sex change operation.” Emily replied with news that would be more believable to hear.
“Mom, dad, I’m not having a sex change operation.” Lorelai deflected Emily's comment.
“I don’t understand this. Rory’s doing beautifully at school. Why would she want to leave?” Richard asked in almost horror.
“Okay, look, I know you love Logan and the Huntzbergers and you already have the wedding invitations printed and ready to go. But I have to tell you, these are not good people.” Lorelai said laying the foundation of why Rory dropped out.
“Meaning what?” Richard inquired.
“Logan’s mother and grandfather attacked Rory at that dinner they invited her to. They told her she wasn’t good enough to marry into the Huntzberger family and she wasn’t who they wanted for Logan.” Lorelai throat almost burn to say those words.
“Not good enough?” Emily spat her question.
“Then Mitchum Huntzberger gave Rory that internship theoretically to make up for that evening he let her work for a while, he built her up and then he clobbered her. He told her she doesn’t have what it takes to be a journalist, and she needs to find something else to do with her life.” Lorelai shared the recent events that involved the elder Huntzberger.
“What?” Richard said in shocked.
“This happened on Friday night, mom. That’s why Rory the real reason wasn’t at dinner. She wasn't drunk. He told her that feedback and she was devastated. Then she went to find Logan at the yacht club and the two of them stole a yacht. “Lorelai told them the truth of her horrible night last Friday.
“No, no, stop it. Stop it right now.” Richard shouted and almost covered his ears to prevent himself from hearing more.
“They were arrested, and I had to pick Rory up from the Bridgeport police department.” Lorelai dropped the bomb. The worst part of the story. The hardest part to share.
“Oh, no.” Emily clutches her face in horror.
“Ever since she got involved with these people things have been bad. She’s up and she’s down and she should be stronger than this I know but she’s young and she’s Rory and she’s come so far, she’s worked so hard, I just don’t want her to lose this.” Lorelai pleaded. She needed help, she couldn't do it alone.
“What do you want us to do?” Richard asked trying to be of service.
“I’ve already told her that just coming home and bumming around Stars Hollow is not option. And I was thinking, Friday night at dinner we could triple team her. I bet between the three of us we could knock some sense into her, but I really need the two of you to back me up on this.” Lorelai stated her plan.
“Well, of course, we’ll back you up. This is not happening.” Emily confirmed sternly.
“How much trouble is she in with this yacht incident?” Richard took out his small note pad to take some possible notes.
“She’s gonna need a lawyer.” Lorelai stated a way for her father to help the situation.
“I’ll call Charlie Newman.” Richard announced their family friend who was a criminal defense attorney.
“Are we sure we wanna wait until Friday? Should we confront her now?” Emily asked not wanting to waste time.
“No, I think we should give her a chance to cool off a little. Maybe some time will make her more receptive.” Lorelai offered her plan.
“I agree with Lorelai. Give the girl some time.” Richard agreed.
“Alright. Friday night it is.” Emily confirmed.
“Thank you. Just... thank you. I should get going. Dad has to get to work.” Lorelai beamed to have parents on her side.
“Would you like something to eat?” Emily asked, trying to offer something to comfort her.
“Yes, do you have any apples? I could take one for the road. Other than that, I have everything I need. Thank you.” She grabbed a green apple off the table and left her parents' home.

XXXXXXXX

Lorelai met Luke at the Twickham house. She looked up at the columns that looked like they belonged in Athens and the brick that covered the house. He was waiting by the front door with his mother's engagement ring in his front pocket.
“Hey, I’m glad you could make it.” Luke said, giving her a hug.
“Yes, I’m here, now let’s see the Stars Hollow Barbie/Luke dream house.” She smiled and joked.
“Okay, after you.” Luke opened the door and let her take the lead into the house. She walked into a large entry way that led to a large open living room.
“So, I know this green is very dark, I was thinking we could change the color and it would add some light in here. “Luke pointed to the walls. She nodded her head and agreed they would probably need to change out the green. “Also, we could get rid of these lamp light fixtures, go with something a bit more modern.” Luke added another point of the home that needing improvement.
She walked over the fireplace and liked the mantle. “Did they tell you if it's wood burning or gas fireplace?”
“Wood burning. We could get a gas burning one if you prefer.” Luke said just trying to make her the happiest person.
“No, wood is fine. Wood is more than fine.” She gave him a flirtatious smile.
“Dirty.” He rolled his eyes, but he was more amused by her comment than he wanted to admit.
They looked toward the room off to the side of the grand living room. “Okay, this is the dining room, I’m not sure if we are eat in the dining room, kind of people, so we won’t eat in here often, maybe if we have a lot of people over or if your parents come over or something like that.” Lorelai smiled because of him thinking of parents coming over. Grantly, she would assume they would go to her parents when it was absolutely necessary, she liked he was thinking ahead. She assumed with a baby now on the way they could be around more often.
“Through this door is the kitchen, I know that it needs to be brought into the 21st century, but the cabinets are solid oak, so we could update cabinet doors and handles. Also, the appliances are from the ‘70s so that will need to be updated and I will have to look into how best to install a dishwasher. I think old man Twickham believed a woman was a dishwasher.” Luke stated what needed to be done with the kitchen. Lorelai took a look into the kitchen and agreed with him it definitely needed to be brought into the 21st century. The walls were the same dark green that were in the main living room. The floor had bright green tiled with orange countertops. This kitchen was straight out of the 1970s. “Luke, you don’t want the green floor and orange countertops.” Lorelai sarcastically said. “No, not really, just like you I lived through the ‘70s and I don’t need to relive them in my kitchen every morning.” Luke stated the fact. “Off the kitchen, there is a small half bath. It’s following the same ‘70s theme that the kitchen has.” Lorelai followed him to the half bathroom. It had the same tile from the kitchen with the same orange counter for the sink.
They walked out of the small bathroom and headed towards the stairs. “This is the original staircase from the 1920s and hand craft as well.” Luke bragged about the staircase. She walked up the stairs. The downstairs had hardwood floors, but the upstairs had shag carpet in a couple of different colors. We got five bedrooms. I'll show you the master bedroom and bathroom.” Luke continued when they were at the top of the stairs. Lorelai followed him into the master bedroom. “I think it could fit a king size bed. And we could put a dresser set in the corner there. Then here's the walk-in closet. You can take up ninety percent of it, because you have way more clothes than I do.” Lorelai walked in the walk-in closet. “I don't need ninety percent of the closet. Seventy-five percent will work just nicely.” She counter jokingly.
“Here is the bathroom, I am glad they took out the shower chair.” Luke referencing the old man who once lived in the house. The bathroom had ‘80s blue tile on the floor. She saw the old fashioned white clawfoot bathtub by the window. “I like the tub. We'll need somewhere to give the baby a bath. I only have a shower.” Lorelai commented.
“Yeah, it's nice. Here is the shower, the only modern part of this house.” Luke pointed out the shower, it was bigger than hers. She took in the bathroom. She didn't hate it, but she didn't love it either. They walked out of the bathroom. Luke guided her to the next bedroom. “I was thinking this could be Rory's room when she comes and stays. I know she is grown now, but she will be home for breaks and this summer and who knows what will happen after she graduates. Plenty room for some extra bookshelves. So, this can be her space for however long she wants or needs it.” Luke told her. The room was spacious and had a similar walk-in closet to the master bedroom. Tears formed in her eyes. He was thinking of her grown daughter and how she would fit into their now evolving life together. Most of her time as a single mother she always had to think of how a man would fit into their lives, now she had a man thinking of how they would all fit together. He was truly perfect. She hadn't yet told him about Rory dropping out. She hoped her upcoming plan with her parents was going to work and she wouldn't have to tell him. He could see the tears in her eyes. “Everything okay?” He was getting nervous maybe she hated the house.
“Yeah, this was just so thoughtful. Thank you for thinking of her. I have just been extra emotional lately. I think it's all the hormones going through my body.” He put his arm around her. “Of course, I know we are on the verge of something big here.” He paused and put a hand on her stomach. “But Rory will always be a part of the life we are building together.” He took a moment and thought it was his moment to propose. He started reaching into his pocket. “Let's see the other rooms.” Lorelai grabs his hand and takes him into the next room over. “What are your thoughts on this room?” She smiled up at knowing he had this all planned out. “Well, this room I was thinking could be the baby's room. I liked the big picture window, and I thought a rocking chair could go here right under the window. Then the crib and changing table could go on the side here. Then I'll leave the paint and decorations to you.” Luke shared his plan for their child's bedroom. She smiled. She did love the picture window. She imagined rocking their baby to sleep for a nap with the bright sun shining in. “Well thank you for that pretty picture. I do agree I like the window. So, Mr. Danes, what are we going to do with the other two rooms?” She questioned thinking three bedrooms would be all they would need. “Well, whatever we want. We could use the other one for a possible guest bedroom or we could use it as an office for us. The other one we could use for a playroom, or it could be a sewing room for you. The possibilities are endless. “Luke stated the possibilities of the remaining rooms. He had also thought if they had another baby, it could be their room. He wasn't going to voice that just yet. Maybe wait for this kid to be born first before he starts talking about more kids. He looked at her like she was his whole world because she was. He knew this was his moment. He reached in his pocket for the second time. “Oh, wow a playroom. Luke, I didn't even have a playroom and I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth.” She stated. “Are there any other rooms we need to see?”
“Yeah, there is the upstairs bathroom.” Luke let go of the ring box from his hand. He completely chicken out. She followed him to the bathroom just down the hallway. It was smaller than the master bathroom. It had a twin sink built into the counter with some drawers for storage and on the other side the room had a shower and tub combination. The toilet was next to the shower/tub combo. This room was a bit more updated than most of the others. “Hey where's the laundry room?” Lorelai asked, a bit puzzled.
“Well, that's in the basem*nt and I would have shown it, but the stairs have dry rot, and they have to be replaced. So, we can't go down there without stairs.” Luke answered her question. He didn't know about the stair situation when he bought the house. He was going to give Taylor an ear full on that later. “Well, that's the house unless you want to see the backyard.” Luke stated. Lorelai nodded her head. She grabs his hand, and they walk back downstairs and walk through the sliding glass door to the backyard. They walked onto a deck that was connected to the house. The backyard was large. It had some pine trees in the back of the lot making it so you couldn't see the house directly behind it. “Okay, what's the plan with the backyard?” Lorelai asked. “Well, maybe a patio table and a nice grill here. Then for the yard maybe a swing set when the baby is old enough. I hadn't given it a ton of thought. Of course, any plan I have said today can be subjected to change. I gotta ask what do you think of the house?” Luke shared his outdoors plans and asked for her final opinion. She took a moment to think. She didn't have a firm decision just yet. “Thank you for walking me through the house. I'm not sure how I feel. It's very big. It's going to need a lot of work to be ours and I really don't want a remodel that seems never ending and we would still be working on after the baby comes.” She voiced her concerns.
“Well, I can have Tom take a look and see what needs to be done with the house to make it just right.” Luke offered a plan to try and put her mind at ease.
Lorelai withheld some of the truth of her wanting to stay in her home.
“Okay, that sounds good. Can I have some time to think about it?” Lorelai asked.
“Yeah, I have until the ninth to back out, so just let me know before then.” Luke stated his timeline.
“Yeah, of course I'll let you know by then. Thank you again for walking me through the house.” Lorelai gave him a kiss. “I really have to get back; we will talk more soon.” Lorelai walked off the steps of the Twickham house. Now she was thinking should it be the Gilmore-Danes house? She really had no idea if she wanted the house or not. There were parts she liked, but she was concerned with how much work it would take to make it their home. Honestly, this pregnancy was just starting and was already draining. She didn't want a very big remodel on top of it. She knew she could survive a small one, but not a big remodel. Luke watched her walk off; he had more questions than answers. He was left with the ring in his pocket. He was going to have to find another moment.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai made it through the rest of Wednesday and Thursday without any major headlines. Although, between Rory’s arrest, her finding out she was pregnant, Rory saying she was dropping out of Yale and looking at the Twickham house to possibly live with Luke this week was more than enough to live through. It was like she lived a month in one week. Friday night rolled around, and it was the moment of truth. She and Rory had been avoiding each other since the Westons screaming match. That level of conflict felt like her relationship with her parents, not hers and Rory’s relationship. She was hoping this strange alliance would be a thing to solve this mountain size problem. She decided to leave a bit early to have time to work out a full-blown plan with her parents and take some time with them before Rory was to see them. She once again sped to get there. She was hoping the sooner she could get dinner over with the sooner she could get home and have Rory back on track. She was feeling ungodly tired, and she didn’t want to throw up in front of them. She took a breath and walk through the door.
“Hi.” Lorelai greeted the new maid.
“Can I take your coat?” The maid asked.
“Yes, thank you.” Lorelai handed over her coat.
“Lorelai, we’re in here.” Emily calls for Lorelai from the sitting room.
“Oh, hey, I thought I’d come a little early so we could strategize.” Lorelai said with hope.
“SIt down, Lorelai.” Richard demanded.
“Okay.” Lorelai whispered. She could feel a shift in the room. She felt like a little kid getting in trouble again.
“Uh, Rory should be here pretty soon, so…” Lorelai added, trying to regain control of the situation.
“Your mother and I have been talking about your situation. We have discussed the matter thoroughly and we have come to a decision. Rory will be taking some time off from Yale. She will be moving into the pool house here with us. We find her some sort of suitable job through one of our friends and then, after a suitable amount of time has passed, we will revisit the subject of her returning to school.” Richard shares the new plan. The plan that doesn’t have Rory going back to Yale in the fall. Lorelai was shocked. She felt the events from Tuesday morning never happened. She walked out of the sitting room and headed towards the dining room table.
“Where are you going?” Emily called after her. Richard and Emily followed her to the dining room.
“I was sitting right here. I came in and I sat right here and we-we had the conversation, right? I mean, I’m not imagining it, right?” Lorelai pointed at the dining room chair standing above it.
“Lorelai.” Emily firmly said.
“I had an apple. You had a grapefruit.” Lorelai repeated the events of that morning.
“Lorelai.” Emily firmly repeated.
“Dad was reading the paper, he had to go to work, so I said I’d make it quick. And-and we sat here, and we talked about how we were going to stick together and convince Rory to go back to school. That did happen, right? I mean I’m not completely wacko.” Lorelai probed for answered.
“Yes, it happened.” Richard confirmed her statement.
“I mean, obviously I’m a little wacko ‘cause I came here for help in the first place but I’m not totally delusional.” Lorelai was fuming.
“There were other things to consider.” Richard explained.
“You said you would back me on this. You said you weren’t gonna let this happen.” Lorelai repeated her parents' words.
“Rory’s young, and I’m sure once she’s had some time and space, she will change her mind, but for now this is what she wants to do, and we need to respect that.” Richard asserted the new plan.
“Have you talked to Rory about this? Your great plan? Does she even know about it?” Lorelai gave them rapid fire questions.
“Yes. She’s fine with the arrangement.” Richard confirmed.
“So, you went to her behind my back.” Lorelai raised her voice.
“She came to me, Lorelai. She told me what she wanted, in her own words.” Richard remained calm.
“Wow, so that does work occasionally with you, huh?” Lorelai stressed her question.
“This makes sense. We don’t want her to move in with Logan. Do we? And since you don’t want Rory to move back home to Stars Hollow it just makes sense that she moves in here with us.” Emily replied with their new plan.
“I don’t understand.” Lorelai replied, sounding defeated.
“We can watch her. Keep her from getting into trouble. We can get her back on track.
You-you’ll understand that once you calm down and think about it rationally.” Richard made his final plea as his daughter walked out the door without saying a word.
She caught a glimpse of Rory in the pool house. She looked like an animal in the zoo, having all the comforts of being in a cage, but no freedom. Her daughter was all grown up and had to live with her choices.
Lorelai got into the jeep about to take the longest thirty-minute drive of her life. She was excited to start this new chapter of her life with her daughter by her side. Now, there was a dark cloud over her when this should be the happiest of times. She had to watch her dreams turn into a nightmare. Rory would become Richard and Emily’s doll and all Lorelai could do is sit back and watch her in her new gilded cage. She knew her parents never usually respected her decisions, but she thought they were all on the same team on this one. She felt like she was Julius Cesar getting stabbed on the Senate steps. This level of betrayal felt biblical or like a Greek tragedy. If Richard and Emily wanted to playhouse with Rory, they by all means could. Lorelai was not going to enable her daughter’s destruction. She knew she could help her, but she couldn’t because Rory did not want her help. She knew all she could do was wait for Rory to come to senses and ask her for help. Then Lorelai would come faster than a snap of a finger. Her mind was on autopilot. She drove straight to Luke’s. She couldn’t be left alone with this news.
“Rory, dropped out of Yale.” She announced as she walked in the door.
“What?” Luke questioned.
“She dropped out and she moved in with my parents who I went to for help, and they stabbed me in the back. Everything we worked for all these years. Her whole future. She was supposed to have more than me. She was supposed to have everything. That was the plan. We had a plan.” Lorelai shared everything that happened.
“Okay I'm sorry, I have to jump in here. I know you think you have this thing handled, but I can help. First off, we call Yale, and we tell them something like Rory had a chemical imbalance. She was medically out of her mind when she told them she was dropping out.” Luke ranted step one of his plan. “And then we get her out of your parents' house whatever way we can. We lock her up in her room with you ‘cause you can talk her into this. You can talk anyone into anything.” He pointed at Lorelai. He knew if they work together and had some time on their side, they could fix this. Lorelai lightly smiles at his comment.
“And if worse comes to worst we will drive her to school every day and we will follow her to class and camp out there to make sure she goes. I'll take morning classes; you take afternoon classes or the other way around if it works better for your schedule. And I know there's a few kinks to work out and the kidnapping might be a little problematic but either way she is not quitting school. This was her dream. I am not going to let this happen.” Luke's voice boomed as he shared the last of his plan.
Lorelai took in everything he was saying. He truly had her back and he genuinely cared about Rory. He didn’t just care because he was dating her, she knew he would be saying this even if they were still friends. Between this declaration of support in this moment and all the other moments of their last almost ten years of knowing each other. Now, they were going to have a baby together. She was ready. Ready for the next step with him.
“Luke, will you marry me?” Lorelai asked.
“What?” Luke shockingly said.
“Luke will you-” Lorelai started to repeat herself.
“Yes.” Luke answered.
“You don't have to answer so-” Lorelai replied.
“Yes.” Luke repeated.
“You can take a minute.” Lorelai offered.
“No. You hang on just a minute.” Luke ran up the stairs.
“Just what I thought would happen next.” Lorelai sat in the closed diner alone. He came back down only seconds later with his right fist closed.
“Okay, as usual you beat me to the question I have been planning for weeks, Hell probably years of asking you. I have chicken out a couple of times. Mainly due to you being pregnant right now. Now, I'm not asking you this because you're pregnant now, but because of all the important reasons to ask you. You are the reason I get up in the morning to see your bright beautiful face. You are the person I want to tell every good thing and bad thing to. The person to share in every moment of my life, all while building a new life together.” He paused and got down on one knee. “Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, will you marry me?” He opened the ring box to show his mother's ring. The ring had a silver band with two diamond stones that had a princess cut style. Lorelai was speechless. She looked at the beautiful ring. “Yes, of course, I will marry you. I asked first, you know.” She smiled.
He nodded and put the ring on her finger. “It was my mother's ring, but, um, if you don't like it, I could get a new one.” He commented unsure if she liked the ring or not. “Don't you dare, I love it. I love that you trust me with your mother's ring.” She looked up at him. “Now what?”
“I don't know this new for me.” Luke almost whispered, while being flooded with emotion.
“We should do something official.” Lorelai declared.
“Official?” Luke question.
“Something to commemorate the moment.” Lorelai replied with pure happiness in her voice.
“ I mean we're getting married, Luke. Married you and me. Luke ‘Table for One’ Danes and Lorelai ‘I'm Sorry Can I Get an Industrial Forklift for My Emotional Baggage’ Gilmore are married.” Lorelai stated the events of the moment.
“Huh. We could toast.” Luke offered.
“Toast… Yes. Toast… Good. Wait no Toast… Bad. Luke, I can't drink. Remember?” Lorelai reminds him of her pregnancy.
“Right.” Luke nodded.
“Do you have anything nonalcoholic?” Lorelai asked.
Luke continued to look in the back of the kitchen. “I got nothing. Nothing. No, I have some grapefruit juice or Worcestershire sauce.”
“Neither sound very festive.” Lorelai yelled back for him to hear in the kitchen.
“I'll cut it with some festive ketchup.” Luke offered a way to make it more festive.
“No, we need something sparkly and non-alcoholic.” Lorelai declared her need to celebrate. “Come on.” Lorelai grabbed his hand.
“Huh, where are we going?” Luke asked as he was being dragged out of the diner.
“Funky Town.” Lorelai quipped.
“Hey wait.” Luke raises his voice causing her to stop.
“What? Did you change your mind? Oh, how did I screw up so fast? Was the ‘Funky Town’ thing too quippy? Cause I thought you liked that about me.” Lorelai said fearfully.
“No ‘Funky Town’ thing was fine. I just...” He sighed. “Are you sure you want to celebrate now? I mean a minute ago you came in here...” Luke wondered if this was the best time to celebrate with everything else going on.
“Yes, I want to remember this moment forever. Okay?” Lorelai pleaded.
“Okay.” Luke agreed.
“Good. Come on.” Lorelai motions for him to leave the diner.
“Where are we going?” Luke questions while following Lorelai out of the diner to Doose's market to get something sparkly.
“It's closed.” Luke sees the lights off and no one inside the small-town market.
“Oh, these small-town hours. I hate small hours.” Lorelai ranted.
“Hey, you two, what are you doing there?” Taylor asked.
“Taylor, great. We need to get in.” Lorelai pointed to the door needing to get inside.
“We open tomorrow at six am.” Taylor replied.
“Okay, Taylor, listen, you’re going to be the first one to hear the big news. Luke and I are engaged.” Lorelai beamed.
“You are? I thought there was a better chance of all four of the Beatles getting back together than you two ever calming down long enough to get engaged.” Taylor said in his own disbelief.
“Yeah, well wonder of wonder a miracle of miracles, right?” Lorelai confirmed.
“Just open the store, Taylor.” Luke command.
“What do you in the store?” Taylor wondered.
“We need something to toast this moment.” Lorelai announced.
“Something alcoholic?” Taylor inquired.
Lorelai wasn’t ready to have a pregnancy out in the world just yet. She knew if Taylor Doose knew the whole town would know before sunup.
“Not necessarily, whatever you got will work.” Lorelai offered, trying to be vague about the alcohol consumption.
“Taylor, you don’t have any alcohol here.” Luke through the store. He wasn’t pregnant, he could have a drink.
“I think I may have a case of Zima in the back. Babette had me stocking it for a while.” Taylor yelled from the backroom.
“I normally would be very excited about Zima, but I can’t drink that, and I am not telling Taylor why I can’t drink that.” Lorelai whispered to Luke.
“No, I am sorry, I don’t have that case anymore. I have sparkle grape juice and a couple of plastic cups.” Taylor offered all he had. “Those bikers cleaned me out, a bunch of health nuts until they saw the booze.”
This gave them the perfect out. “Pay the man and get the juice!” Lorelai yelled about the sparkling grape juice, it was better than nothing. She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the market. He blindly followed. “Where are you going?”
“I know the perfect toasting place.” Lorelai hinted to where she was going.
“Is it far?” Luke asked annoyingly.
“Which one of us is not getting into the romantic spirit?” Lorelai commented.
“You're not the one carrying sparkling grape juice under his arm.” Luke remarked.
“Shoo shoo shoo.” Lorelai telling the cyclists to leave the gazebo.
“Here.” Lorelai declared standing in the middle of the gazebo.
“Right, here? Okay.” Luke confirmed. He opens the grape juice bottle and pouring the liquid into the plastic cups.
“So, here’s to us. Also, the next toast I promise you will have a beer and I will have a martini. Another quick point, here’s to you fellow traveler in my belly, you got to be here for this moment.” Lorelai said her toast. Luke looked down at her stomach and smiled.
“Cheers.” Lorelai said back ending the toast. Luke pulled her close to him.
“Really, you're going to kiss me now, you are so incredibly predictable.” Lorelai teased.
Luke kissed her in the middle of the gazebo with the most amount of passion he ever publicly expressed. She kissed him right back. They stood there for a while locked in that embrace. Lorelai looked up at him. “There's another way to make this official.”
“Like what?” Luke asked.
“That thing I just declared I wouldn't be doing with another man as long as I live. You get to be the last one.” She said flirtatiously.
“Oh, that thing. Yeah, let's go.” Luke grabbed her hand.
They practically ran back to the diner with the sparkly grape juice in hand. They made sure the diner door was locked, and they set the sparkly grape juice on the counter. He held her hand as they made their way up the stairs. They were standing at the apartment door, and he unlocked it. She was about to walk in, but he stopped her. He didn't speak. He picked her up. “What are you doing?” She giggled. “I'm carrying you over the threshold.” She wraps her arms around his neck. “You're supposed to do that after we get married.”
He gave her another passionate kiss, “Well, I want to do it now.” He placed her standing back onto the ground. “Um, I'm not sure how to say this but I'm nervous.” Luke said while ringing his hands.
“Why don't you want to get married?” Lorelai had panic wash over her. What did he have to be nervous about?
“No, of course I do. I'm nervous about that.” He pointed to the bed.
“You are nervous about having sex with me?” Lorelai confusingly questioned. Why was he nervous about sex with her? “You know, I have written on the diner's bathroom wall for the best sex in Stars Hollow call Luke Danes with your phone number.” She jokingly tried to reassure him. “It’s not like that we haven’t done this many times before and I have just signed up for a lifetime of it. So, I have no worries. Baby, what are you worried about?” She questioned, totally unsure where this was coming from.
“The baby, that is what I’m worried about.” His voice got real low and he didn’t make eye contact. “We haven’t done this since you knew for sure you were pregnant and I have never had sex with a pregnant woman. So, it makes me a little nervous, I don’t want anything to go wrong. I haven’t got that far in the book to see if sex is okay while you are pregnant.” He shared his genuine fear.
“Oh yeah, for a brief moment, I forgot about our unofficial three-some.” She put her hand over her stomach. She took his hand and brought him to the bed. “Luke, I love that you care so much and you are not only thinking of your own needs. Sex while you're pregnant is completely fine unless the doctor tells you not to have it and before you ask there is a protective layer so you won’t be anywhere near the baby. What book were you talking about?” She smiled at him.
“Oh, I bought a couple of books on babies after you told me. I want to gain some more information so you wouldn't think I'm an idiot.” He informed her feeling slightly insecure.
"Awe, Luke I don't think you're an idiot. This is all just new and a lot. I’m not going to be perfect and you're not going to be perfect and that is okay.” She reassures him. “Tonight, we don’t have to do anything, if you are not comfortable.”
“I can get more than comfortable as long as you're comfortable. You have to let me know, if you are not comfortable or if you want to stop any time we have sex for the rest of this pregnancy. Got it?” Luke questioned wanting to provide her the most pleasurable experience possible.
“Yes, I got it. I will update the bathroom wall for the best and most considerate sex in Stars Hollow call Luke Danes.” She joked as she wrapped her arms around him.
“You didn’t really write something on the bathroom wall, did you?” He asked.
“Well, if I did, it’s in the girls room and you’ll never know.” Lorelai giggled as she went in for a kiss. She moved onto his lap while kissing him deeply. She took off her purple wrap all the while not breaking contact with his lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling her self closer to him until they were pressed against each other. He had one arm around her neck and the other around her upper back. He moved his mouth down her neck. He found the button to the neck piece of her dress. The top part fell away, relieving her bare breasts. They look slightly larger than when they were pre pregnancy. Luke just stared at them. “Um, I know you said they were hurting before. Is that still the case?”
“Yeah, kind of. Give it a whirl and I'll let you know if you need to stop.” She informed him. She didn't think she could love this man anymore than she did at that moment. He was the caring man she ever met. He moved his hands over her breasts and she almost came apart right there. She liked the pressure of his hands. They were relieving the pain she had been in the last two weeks. He took the right one in his mouth. She felt the sensation ripple through her body. Everything felt incredibly heightened. He moved to the other breast giving it equal attention. He lifted her dress above her head. She was alone left wearing her underwear and heels. “How I'm almost naked and you're completely dressed. We have to correct this.” She started unbuttoning his flannel and removing it completely with an undershirt leaving just his bare chest displayed in the moonlight. She moved her hands over his chest. He felt so strong and solid. He picked her up and gently placed her in the middle of the bed. He took off his shoes, socks and pants. He only had his boxers on. He looked down at her. She was all his forever. He removed her shoes and started to kiss up her right leg and then he moved to her left leg. He gently removed her underwear. She was wet and ready. He placed his mouth over her cl*t. She placed her hands in his hair and she cried out. “Yes, oh god.” She felt her eyes roll into the back of her head. “Luke, please.” She felt her climax building and she wanted him buried deep inside her. She grab his hair again. “I want you inside of me.” He removed his mouth from her cl*t. He pulled down his boxer shorts and his hard length was more than ready to go. He paused. “Obviously, you can't get more pregnant and with this new level of commitment… I am not sure…” He was stammering.
She was reading his thoughts. “No, you don't need a condom now and you won't for the next nine months.” She pulled him on top of her. He moved slowly into her entrance. She wrapped her legs around his waist. She felt him completely without the usual barrier. It felt so right. He moved his length in and out she met his movements. They were perfectly intertwined. His thrust was hard and fast just like she liked it. She felt her climax coming. He pulled her off the bed bringing her close as humanly possible. She felt him reach new heights. He was sitting on the back of his legs and she was riding him. “Lorelai, Lorelai.” He moaned. He felt himself grow harder in this new uninhabited depth. He wasn't going to last much longer. She buried her head in his neck and she came almost violently. Her moans of his name filled the room. He followed at the same amount of vigor. They stayed in this embrace for a moment. They looked and smiled at each other in their post sex haze. She exited him and picked up her black tank top from her drawer he gave her a couple of months back. She slipped on her underwear. She was ready to get back into bed. Then the same familiar feeling in her stomach returned. She ran to the bathroom. She instantly started vomiting. It was nothing but grape sparkling juice. Luke quickly put on his boxers and followed her to the bathroom. He held her hair and didn't look directly at the violet mess in the toilet. “I'm sorry. This was such a wonderful night honestly. My puking has no reflection on how I feel --” More contents of her stomach were making an appearance preventing her from talking. “I know.” Luke nodded and held her hair for a while longer.
She was finally done. “I'm never going to like anything grape or grape flavor again.”
“Even wine?” Luke inquired.
“Maybe, I don't know.” Lorelai offered.
“I thought it was called morning sickness, not 11pm sickness.” Luke stated unsure why this was happening at night.
“I don't know. It's really weird though. ” Lorelai counter. She started to get up but she couldn’t find her footing from feeling so dizzy. He pulled her up off the floor.
“ Let's get you to bed.” Luke walked her to the bed. She climbed into the bed.
He walked over to the kitchen, he grabbed a bottle of water, some crackers, and a bucket from under the sink.
“Here are crackers, some water, and a bucket if you can't make it to the toilet.” Luke offered her some morning sickness aid and gave her a kiss on her head.
He got into the other side of the bed not being able to sleep just yet.
She was lying very still. “Has bed always been this comfortable?”
“I think so.” Luke added.
“Hmmm. It's so much more comfortable.” She smiled with her eyes slightly open staring at her ring.
“We should not drink sparkly grape juice and have sex every single night.” Lorelai.
“Okay.” Luke answered.
“Okay, goodnight.” Lorelai mumbled.
Luke was still sitting up, not sleeping. “Have you given more thought on the Twickham house?”
“A little. I'm still thinking.” Lorelai offered still not sure of her answer. “Have you talked to Tom yet?”
“No, I plan to early next week.” Luke replied.
“Okay.” Lorelai said, sounding sleepier.
Luke moved further down, settling into the bed. “Is this really happening?”
“Yes, this is really happening.” Lorelai mumbled in her sleep.
“Go to sleep.” Luke pulled her close and spooned her from behind and put his hand over her stomach. They went to sleep ready to start the rest of their lives.

Chapter 7: Weddings Bands, An Inspection & An Improved Lorelai

Chapter Text

Luke woke up extra early; he knew that the cyclists would be heading out of town, and he was fully prepared to give them a swift kick in the ass out of Stars Hollow all the while making a quick buck off of them. He knew Lorelai wouldn’t be up yet and he didn’t want to disturb her. She needed to rest, and he wanted to delay any possible vomiting for her. He was still riding the high from the night before Lorelai was not only going to be his wife, but the mother of his child. He was on a rollercoaster he quite frankly didn’t want off of it. He got ready for the day and made her some ginger tea. He left it in the kettle. He decided to leave her a note about the tea, and he placed it on the nightstand next to her. He gave her a light kiss on the head and made his way downstairs to open the diner.
The entire morning went by in a flash. He was dealing with one of his biggest rushes in maybe years. Although, the crowd couldn’t affect his mood. This was the happiest he had been in years. Probably this whole life. He didn't have a chance to go up and check on Lorelai. He wanted to see how she was feeling. He was unsure if she could even be in the diner with the coffee smell in the air. He wrote in his note that there would be no pressure to come in the morning.
“All right, blueberry pancakes and scrambled eggs.” Luke placed the plates on the counter.
“I didn’t ask for blueberries.” The customer told him.
“Any accidents are on the house today.” Luke said as he walked toward another table with coffee.
“Who wants coffee, Hmm?” Luke announced to the diner.
He refilled coffee for the table by the window with the most enthusiasm that he ever displayed while pouring coffee.
Babette and Miss. Patty walked into the diner.
“Where the hell is he?” Babette yelled looking for Luke.
“There. He’s right there.” Miss. Patty pointed him out in the busy diner.
“Get over here, you!” Babette put her arms around one his left side.
“I can’t believe it!” Miss. Patty followed, hugging his right side.
“You finally did it, you dumb son of a bitch! You finally got in there and closed the deal!” Babette announced while still hanging on to him.
“Took you long enough!” Miss Patty added.
“All right, easy, you two.” Luke smiled, breaking the hug and the three sat down at a nearby table.
“You know, we should be very mad at you.” Miss. Patty commented.
“Why?” Luke questioned, unsure of what he did.
“Because we had to find out from someone else that you and Lorelai are engaged.” Babette replied about why they were mildly mad.
“East side Tillie.” Miss. Patty spits.
“She was spreading it around town like she was going to be a bridesmaid or something.” Babette informs Luke he was front page gossip of the small town.
“Tillie is not going to be a bridesmaid.” Luke replied.
“But it’s true, you are engaged, right?” Babette wanted to confirm the town gossip.
“Right.” Luke nodded his head with a big smile breaking through.
“Right.” Babette smiled.
“So, we want to hear the whole thing.” Babette needed to know every magical moment.
“The whole play by play.” Miss. Patty shared in Babette's excitement.
“How’d it happen?” Babette asked.
“How’d you, do it?” Miss. Patty asked, wanting more details.
“Do what?” Luke questioned being a typical man.
“How did you propose to Lorelai?” Babette asked the million-dollar question.
“Oh, uh, well--” Luke was getting bashful.
“Did you get down on one knee?” Babette asked.
“Did you take her somewhere special?” Miss. Patty inquired about another detail.
“Did you hide the ring in anything?” Babette asked about the ring.
“Like a glass of champagne or a cannoli?” Miss Patty asked about possible hiding spots for the ring.
“I gave her my mother’s ring. There were no food or beverage items involved.” Luke answered.
“The proposal was it spontaneous?” Babette asked, wondering if he had it all planned out.
“You know spontaneous proposals are the best.” Miss Patty thinking back on her many spontaneous proposals.
“Yeah, Morey proposed to me spontaneously. Did I ever tell you the story?” Babette asked Luke.
“Uh, no.” Luke answered her.
“It was a brisk fall night, and Morey was on top.” Babette stated the events of the night.
“No wait, I was on top.” Babette corrected herself.
“What?” Luke asked, hoping he was not hearing a sex story from Babette.
“Hold on, Stoney Morrison was on top.” Babette corrected herself again.
“Babette!” Luke exclaimed, hoping to stop this story.
“We were playing twister. Did I not mention that?” Babette finally caught on to the innuendo.
“No.” Luke added.
“I probably should have.” Babette put her head down in laughter.
“Well, enough about us, honey. Come on, Luke, tell us. How’d you do it?” Miss Patty asked the question again they were dying to know.
“Well, actually Lorelai proposed to me. Then I proposed right after her. It was a mutual proposal. I proposed right at the table over there. And yes, I got down on one knee.” Luke informed them of the proposal.
“Oh.” Babette and Miss Patty exclaimed on his news.
“Well, that's certainly different.” Miss. Patty commented.
“Well, that’s still okay, sugar. The important thing is you’re getting married!” Babette beamed with happiness for the couple.
“We're very happy for you Luke.” Miss. Patty commented trying to shake off the weird proposal story.
“Yes, we are. Yeah.” Babette agreed.
“Uh-huh. Thanks. Well, I’ve got some work to do. I’ll talk to you guys later.” Luke left the table.
“She proposed. Then he proposed right after her. I have been married six times and that was the weirdest thing I have ever heard.” Miss. Patty commented just out of Luke's ear shot.
“Yeah, well, thank god he’s got a good ass.” Babette added.

XXXXX

Lorelai woke up a bit later than usual in the bed above the diner. She felt the sun shining through the windows. She didn't have to go into the inn the first thing on the weekend because Michel usually handled the weekend mornings. She felt the other side of the bed for him, but she knew he was probably already working at diner. She saw a note on the nightstand he left. The note read, “I left some ginger tea in the kettle on the stove top, just heated it when you get up. Yes, I know it's tea and it's not your precious coffee, but one of my books says it helps your first trimester nausea. Please give it a try. No pressure to come into the diner, I know coffee is making you sick lately. Have a great day! I’ll see you soon. “She smiled at the note. She did wake up feeling nausea. She was almost willing to sell her soul to make the nausea stop. She heated up the kettle and made herself some toast. She ate, took her vitamins, and got dressed. She wrote him a quick saying, “Thank you for the tea, it actually worked! I will see you later, fiance!” She added some hearts and smiley faces on the note. She was truly happy. She left the diner, and she started toward the inn. She passed the Twickham house again, she was still unsure if she wanted to live there. She knew she definitely wanted to live with Luke. There just seemed to be so much pressure to get it right. This wouldn’t be just a home for her and Luke, this would be the baby’s home. Where they would take their first steps, say their first words, where they could become a full-blown person. She was really trying to picture if she could see them raising a baby at that house. She truly didn’t know. She had about a week and half to make up her mind. Her phone started to ring, and it distracted her from her thoughts. She saw it was her parent's landline and she rolled her eyes.
“Hello.” Lorelai answered.
“Lorelai, wonderful. How lucky that I caught you.” Richard warmly greeted her like nothing was wrong.
“Now, a few a things to go over. As you know Rory’s court appearance is Friday at 3pm. I’ve retained the services of Charlie Davenport as her attorney. You remember Charlie, Lorelai? He bought you a doll for your birthday once. We’ll he’s coming over here tomorrow morning to discuss Rory’s case. About 8:30.” Richard informed her of his reason for calling.
“Sounds super.” Lorelai sarcastically said.
“You know, Charlie doesn’t usually take small cases like this. He’s doing the family a great favor.” Richard insisted this meeting would be important for her to attend to repay this favor to the family.
“Charlie sounds like a swell guy.” Lorelai continued to mock her father.
“He is a swell guy and a top lawyer must remember him?” Richard questioned Lorelai.
“Sure, he bought me a doll for my birthday once.” Lorelai repeated what Richard told her earlier in the conversation.
“Well, do you have any questions?” Richard hoped Lorelai would have some interest in her daughter's case.
“Nope.” Lorelai said flatly.
“I have to say I thought you would have had more interest in the subject than you seem to.” Richard commented that the meeting about Rory's legal case didn't seem to matter to Lorelai.
“Really? Huh. So, is there anything else?” Lorelai said nonchalantly.
“No, there isn’t anything else! I just wanted to fill you in. Will we see you tomorrow morning?” Richard asked one last time.
“For what?” Lorelai acted unaware and passive aggressively.
“For the meeting with Charlie Davenport?” Richard asked with anger bubbling up, his daughter wasn't doing what he wanted him to do.
“Oh, no. It sounds like you have everything under control.” Lorelai pointed out. Once again, her parents pushed her out of the conversation.
“Fine! I’ll talk to you later.” Richard yelled.
“Tell Charlie, thanks for the doll for me.” Lorelai remarked and hung up the phone.
She brushes off her father's comments and heads towards the inn.

XXXXXXX
Luke was working late the last couple of nights. This was mainly due to Lane being on tour with her band. He was happy she was following her dream, but he knew would need more help soon. Adding to his frustration he couldn't get his cash register open. It was antique, and he should probably get a modern one, but it was the same cash register his dad used every day running the hardware store. If it was good enough for dad, it would be good enough for him.
“You should get a real cash register, Luke.” One of his regulars Joe commented.
“It’s called character Joe. It’s items like this that give the place character.” Luke remarked.
“Evening, Luke. Yeah, sit down, Krik. I’ll be right with you.” Luke acknowledged Krik.
“I’m not interested in food, Luke. I’m here on business. I hear you might be in the market for a ring, or should I be talking to Lorelai?” Krik asked in a mocking tone.
“Go away Krik.” Luke grumbled.
“Well, then it’s your lucky day because I happen to be in possession of the finest estate ring collection in Connecticut and since you are a friend, I’m prepared to make you a great deal or will Lorelai be the one paying for it?” Krik questioned Luke displaying engagement rings and wedding bands.
“No, she will not be paying for it, Krik. I already gave Lorelai an engagement ring. I gave her my mother’s ring.” Luke replied.
“Ah, east side Tillie called it wrong this time.” Krik commented.
“Yes, she did. Look, I don't need to look at any rings, okay?” Luke responded hoping Kirk would take the hint.
“You’re sure you don’t want to take a look before you toss me out? I have wedding bands too.” Krik offered.
“No, I don’t.” Luke started to walk away, but the rings caught his eye.
“Nice, huh?” Krik smiled hoping to make a smile.
“They’re--they are nice really nice. Wow look at this one. This is perfect. It looks like Lorelai” Luke commented on the silver wedding band that had small diamonds on top of the ban.
“It sure does.” Krik confirmed.
“Yeah.” Luke nodded his hand.
“And these are real?” Luke commented on the diamonds.
“Yes, they are.” Krik proudly said.
“I mean real diamonds--not ‘they exist’ real.” Luke needed more clarification.
“Diamond and Platinum. I have certificates of authenticity for every one of these babies.” Krik clarified the ring's authenticity.
“Krik, where’d you get all these rings?” Luke wondered where Krik got all of these rings hoping they weren't stolen.
“I befriend really old women.” Krik replied.
“Excuse me?” Luke questioned.
“Really old women need companionship, Luke. They are really old. Most people they know are dead. So, when someone comes along and they’re not dead and they’ll listen to their stories and care about their dosage, they are grateful.” Krik shared his weird, unusual friendships.
“Are you serious?” Luke questioned in disbelief.
“Serious as a heart attack. Which is how I got that ring you’re holding right now. So, what do you think?” Krik asked about the ring.
“I think you got some great choices here.” Luke commented on the rings.
“Good, actually, I have a lot of sympathy for what you’re going through.” Krik lowered his voice in an empathetic tone.
“What are you talking about Krik?” Luke confusingly questions.
“Well, Lorelai proposing to you like that, stealing your thunder, it's got to be embarrassing and a little upsetting. Now, you’ll never have that moment. You don’t get to be the romantic one, the one to sweep her off her feet. That’s got to hurt.” Krik shared his feelings on the proposal.
“I’m fine, Krik. I proposed too, you know.” Luke annoyed answered.
“Well, sure, what else are you gonna say? I’ve been getting pretty close to proposing to Lulu, myself, and when I heard what happened to you it really freaked me out. I mean, if Lorelai can just spring it on you just like that, what’s to stop Lulu from springing it on me?” Krik started to panic thinking the same event could happen to him.
“Your creepy friendships with really old women might do the trick.” Luke added.
“Well, I’ve been avoiding her for two days. Hanging up on her really quickly when she calls. She may be mad, but there's no way she's going to rob me of my moment.” Krik stated.
“Well, don’t you feel sorry for me, Krik. I had my moment, I asked her.” Luke reassures Krik.
“But she asked first, that wasn't a real moment.” Krik countered Luke's reply.
“Trust me, I had my moment. Case closed. Now here I’ll take this one. Do you have the matching band for me?” Luke asked about the wedding band.
“Ah, old window Mason thought she was Frida Kahlo toward the end. Yeah, I have her husband's band. He died three days after her. They said he died of a broken heart. They were married 63 years. That has to be good luck.” Kirk told Luke the origin story behind the rings.
“I think so.” Luke nodded his head and then left and took the rings upstairs to put them in the safe.

XXXXXX

Luke waited on the Twickham house steps for Tom. They played phone tag on Monday and Tuesday and agreed to meet today on Wednesday. He was hoping for a good report. If he didn't buy the house so spontaneously, he would have had Tom looked at it first.
“Hello Luke, good to see you.” Tom greeted him.
“You too. Thanks for coming.” Luke opened the door and the two men walked through it.
Tom had his clipboard in hand. He walked over to the kitchen. “So, I'm guessing you want to gut this?”
“Yeah, we want to make it more modern.” Luke commented on the current state of the kitchen.
Tom walked over to the sink and read the water. “Low water pressure on this one. I'll check all the water sources, but this could be in the whole house.” Tom looked at the pipes under the sink. “These pipes are at least 30 years old. That's a bad sign the whole house could have low water pressure.”
Tom tried to open the kitchen window that looked into the backyard. “The window has condensation between the panels plus the hardware is shot. I'm sure a lot of cold air will come through pretty bad in the winter. I'm not sure if it's just this window, but if I had to guess it's probably the whole south side of the house.”
Luke didn't like the idea of a bunch of cold air coming into the house in winter. A New England winter was bad enough without feeling it inside the house. He was going to have a newborn in the winter. He couldn't bring them home to a house that couldn't keep them warm. Tom went into the half bathroom and confirmed the bathroom had the same pipes and water pressure issue that the kitchen had. They headed up the stairs. Tom took note of shag carpet and said the cost would be less if they did more modern carpet, but it would cost more if they did hardwood upstairs. He said he could better estimate the cost once he took measurements of the upstairs. He confirmed the upstairs had similar problems to the downstairs with the piping and windows.
“Okay I'll need to look in the basem*nt for the electrical unit, boiler and hot water heater.” Tom stated since he looked over the majority of the house.
“Well, the stairs had dry rot so there's no stairs, so we have to go down there on a ladder.” Luke informed Tom.
They moved their way into the dark and damp basem*nt. Luke found a light and turned it on.
Tom made his way to the fuse box. He inspected it. “The electrical is not up to code. It's about 30 years old too.”
Tom moved to the back of the basem*nt. “Your boiler is not responding to your thermostat. Your heat won't kick on the fall. That will need to be replaced. It's about 15 years old. That's about the time they need to be replaced.”
“The hot water heater is actually fine. So, nothing negative to report there.” Tom added one point of positivity.
“Due to the dry rot of the stairs I’ll have to check the wood ceiling and beams down here. Also, we would need to see if it spread to the hardwood upstairs. I can check the upstairs hardwood now. Do you want me to?” Tom asked as he started to climb the ladder.
“Yeah, that would be great.” Luke replied as he went up the ladder.
They made it back up the stairs. Tom took a small portable saw and got a wood panel out of the floor. “No evidence of dry rot, but I'm afraid we would still have to rip up the flooring to check it to make sure it doesn't spread to this whole level.” Tom added.
Luke was completely overwhelmed. Tom was telling him one bad thing after another.
“Thanks for looking over everything. I know there's a lot to be done. Do you have any idea of how much it will cost and the timeline when it could be done?” Luke asked, afraid of the answer.
“Well this is going to be a massive project. We have to update everything to code, and we have much of the home to update cosmetically. Plus, we will need to update the piping throughout, half of the windows, the boiler and the basem*nt steps. Possibly the downstairs flooring as well. This is almost like building a whole new house. If everything goes to plan the cheapest, I could say is about ninety thousand in about a year's time. The worst-case scenario is about 18 months for a hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Plus, I'm not even including the majority of labor costs.” Tom broke the worst news Luke could hear. He knew the house wasn't ready, but he didn't think it was going to be this much work. A year from now he would have with a baby would be almost six months old then eighteen months from now said baby would be nine months old. Lorelai said any remodel she would want done before the baby would come. He couldn't fault her logic. A home renovation with a newborn seems awful. He wanted to make their house a home before the baby would come.
The timeframe wasn’t the only bad news, but the cost of the whole renovation. He couldn’t afford that, and he wasn’t going to let Lorelai pay a dime into it. The only options would be to sell the building that Taylor’s candy store was in or possibly take a second mortgage.
“Is there any way to complete this job in about nine months?” Luke asked, wondering if he could get a closer deadline around the arrival of the baby.
“Very doubtful. Not unless you want to pay double to have the labor work faster. Plus, I couldn't guarantee the materials would arrive during that timetable.” Tom was setting reasonable expectations. Luke knew this, but he was hearing what he didn’t want to hear.
He thought of his possible back up plan. “What about Lorelai's house?” He asked Tom.
“I'm not sure what you want done. What would you want done to that house?”
“I'm not sure, maybe a bigger master bedroom, bigger bathroom for upstairs and downstairs. Possibly another bedroom upstairs along with similar cosmetic updates.” Luke stated his plan. He didn't say why needed another bedroom. He was still trying to keep the reason for needing the extra bedroom to himself.
“So, all you would need is an extension and some cosmetic changes. That would run you closer to twenty thousand and about four to six months' worth of work.” Tom said, giving Luke some better news.
“Thanks, I'm not sure what we will be doing, just let me talk it over with Lorelai and I will let you know soon. But person to person what would you do?” Luke wondered what Tom's advice would be for him.
“The contractor in me would like you to move forward with this house, this would be a bigger job and a lot more money.” Tom stated his selfish reasoning.
“I think you have to factor in your timeline and how much you can spend on fixing it up if it's something you can realistically do. In my opinion, you may have bought a money pit.” Tom stated. “Now, Luke, I have to oversee a couple more jobs here in town. You have my number, give me a call when you figure out what you want to do.” Tom left the house leaving Luke standing in the doorway.
He knew this was going to be a big undertaking. He had to talk to Lorelai to see what the best plan was to move forward. There were a lot of factors in play, and he just wanted to make the right decision, not just for him, but the new family they were creating. He locked the door and headed back to the diner more unsure what to do next.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Luke arrived at Lorelai's promptly at seven. The door was unlocked. He was going to remind her she had to start locking it more.
“Lorelai, I'm here. Are you ready to go?” Luke yelled up the stairs.
“No, I can't decide what to wear.” Lorelai yelled back from her bedroom.
“Make it quick, please.” Luke yelled from the stairs.
Lorelai stood in front of her closet. She of course had seen Luke since she told she was pregnant. They hadn't been on a date since she told him or since they got engaged. She tried on three outfits. They weren't right for the first date after major life announcements. Then she tried on her best jeans. She couldn't get the top button. She made herself lay flat on the bed. She had just barely been able to get it buttoned. She figured she should wear those jeans. It could be the last time in a very long time she could wear them. Then she wondered if should start boxing up some clothes to make room for new clothes. When would she need to get maternity clothes? It was definitely too early now. She didn't have maternity clothes from her pregnancy with Rory. When she was pregnant with Rory, she mainly wore baggy sweatshirts. She couldn't run the inn while wearing a baggy sweatshirt. Plus, she knew now she wore the baggy sweatshirts as a way of hiding. She refused to show an ounce of shame about this pregnancy. When the time came for maternity clothes, we would make sure they were cute and a little flashy. She was not going to hide this once they were out of the first trimester. She found the right top and white jacket. She then noticed her purse wasn’t going to match her shoes. Then she got on the floor to look for different shoes.
“How much longer?” Luke yelled from the living room.
“Oh, sorry there's a purse/shoe incident that threatened the entire outcome of the ensemble. It’s technical you wouldn’t understand. ''Lorelai replied back from her bedroom.
“I don’t want to understand. I want to leave.” Luke demanded. He was ready to go eat.
“I’m starving. And if we don’t leave soon you are going to start puking then we won’t go, and I’ll get stuck eating pop tarts for dinner like a drunken college kid.” Luke said from the chair in the living room.
“Watch TV.” Lorelai suggested a way to fill his time while she was still getting ready.
“How is that a response to ‘I’m starving?’” Luke questioned. Always surprised by what comes out of her mouth. They both hear the knock at the door.
“Hey. Why don’t you answer the door? That’ll be fun for you.” Lorelai offered from upstairs.
“I’m not bored because I’m six. I’m bored because you told me to pick you at 7:00 and its 8:30.” Luke yawns as he answers the door.
“Who are you?” Paris looked at Luke puzzled because she knew this was Lorelai's house. Formerly Rory's house.
“Well, I--” Luke started to introduce himself, but the tiny blonde blew right past him.
“I need to talk to Lorelai. Where is she?” Paris scanned the downstairs looking for Lorelai.
“Who’s that?” Lorelai called from the stairs recognizing a different voice but unsure who it was.
“It’s Paris, and I need to talk to you right now.” Paris demanded.
“Who are you?” Paris asked Luke again.
“I tried to tell you--” Luke made a second attempt to introduce himself.
“Paris! Hey. What are you doing here?” Lorelai said cheerfully.
“Are you busy? Is this a bad time?” Paris asked kind of nervously
“No, we’re just getting ready to go out.” Lorelai brushes off the fact Luke wanted to have finished his dinner by now.
“It’s fine. Have you met Luke?” Lorelai motions over to Luke on the other side of the room.
“No.” Paris said coldly.
“I’m Luke.” Luke gave her a smile.
“Paris.” She said sharply.
“Nice to--” Luke got caught off again.
“Rory’s quitting Yale. I just went to see her, and she told me she’s quitting Yale. Did you know about this?” Paris recaps her interaction with Rory and wants Lorelai to fix it.
“Yes, I did.” Lorelai said regretfully.
“It’s Logan. That Christopher Atkins wannabe is the reason that she’s suddenly blue-lagooning it right out of school.” Paris stated in her opinion it was Logan’s fault for Rory's dropping out.
“Paris--” Lorelai tries to tell Paris about recent events.
“I don’t understand. Why are you letting her do it?” Paris questioned. Lorelai was the most caring mother she knew. She didn't understand why she was letting Rory throw her life away.
“I have no choice.” Lorelai defeatedly replied.
“Yes, you do. You can stop her. You can pull some of that supermom crap that you always do and get her to change her mind.” Paris declared, if anyone could fix this it would be Lorelai.
“Yup.” Luke chimed into the conversation.
“Rory can’t quit Yale! We have to do something.” Paris declared she didn't want her best friend to just give up.
“I agree.” Luke added his two cents.
“I mean we should kidnap her, drag her back here, and tie her up, and not let her loose until she listens to reason.” Paris shared her plan of getting Rory back on track.
“Yes.” Luke said in agreement.
“Luke.” Lorelai shot him a look trying to encourage Paris unhinged behavior.
“Hey, my suggestion first.” Luke commented.
Lorelai felt like she was in the twilight zone having Paris and Luke agree on anything.
“I need her to be at Yale. Rory’s been my only real competition since she showed up at Chilton. She’s the only one who’s ever challenge me. She is my pace car. She’s my bjorn borg. Without her I’ll get lazy. I’ll fall apart. I’ll have frosted hair and dragon lady nails. I’ll achieve nothing. I’ll become my mother.” Paris shared her fear of a life without Rory being by her side academically speaking.
“Paris, listen to me. You are a very smart, driven young lady. You can be anything you want, except a diplomat. You don’t need Rory to push you.” Lorelai tried to reassure Paris.
“Rory’s my only friend. She stays in the room until I’m completely done saying something. I need that.” Paris stated the social need Rory provided.
“Listen, I know I’m not Rory, but if you need to talk to someone, you can always call me.” Lorelai offered Paris some support. Who knows they could help each other through this.
“Really?” Paris asked, surprised.
“I’ll give you my cell phone number. It’s basically my lifeline. You take it, and you use it.” Lorelai offered her cell phone number.
“I can really call you?” Paris asked.
“Anytime, anywhere.” Lorelai confirmed, smiling.
“I’m going to hold you to that.” Paris declared she didn't like when people didn't keep their word.
“Okay, it's not a threat sweetie if somebody makes the offer willingly.” Lorelai gave her a pat on the shoulder.
“Okay.” Paris nodded.
“Thanks, sorry to bother you. Bye Luke.” Paris said as she left the door.
“Nice to m--” Luke attempted to say as Paris walked out the door.
“That concludes the floor-show portion of the evening. I’ll get my purse, and we’ll go.”
Lorelai walks into the kitchen and sighs.
“So, what are you gonna do?” Luke asked.
“About what?” Lorelai tried to deflect.
“You know about what.” Luke stated the issue.
“Nothing.” Lorelai answered.
“Come on.” Luke raises his voice a bit louder.
“Come on. Let’s just go.” Lorelai tried to deflect again.
“No, we haven’t talked about this.” Luke said.
“Because there's nothing to talk about.” Lorelai tried to brush off the conversation again.
“Yes, there is.” Luke wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.
“Luke, this is Rory's decision, okay? She knew exactly how I felt about the situation, and she chose to ignore me, she chose to move in with my parents. She chose not to tell me about it.” Lorelai stated she had no more options on Rory's situation.
“She’s a kid. What are you going to do when it's our kid?” Luke argued his point.
“She’s not a kid. She’s 20. She’s gonna be 21 in October. She’s been living on her own for two years now. When it's our kid I'll play the mom card and you can play dad card while they're a kid and they have to listen to us, but Rory is not a kid anymore.” Lorelai stated her counterpoint.
“Okay, fine, but she’s young.” Luke agreed she wasn't a kid but still needed guidance.
“And young people have to be allowed to make mistakes. I made much bigger mistake than this when I was much younger.” Lorelai replied mistakes are for the youth.
“Oh, so what? Just because you made it on your own, Rory has to, also?” Luke asked, thinking that was the wrong move.
“That’s not my point.” Lorelai confirmed.
“What is your point?” Luke asked.
“My point is that I wouldn’t have listened to anyone in that situation, even if there was someone to listen to. I had to go through that, and Rory has to go through this. Now she’s smart and she’s strong, and hopefully she’ll figure it out. But I am not gonna force my way in. If she wants to be on her own, fine. She’s on her own.” Lorelai made her speech about Rory's situation.
“Really?” Luke asked, he thought she would have more of a plan to stop this.
“Tough, love baby.” Lorelai declared.
“So, that’s it? Luke confirmed she didn’t have a grander plan at play.
“That’s it.” Lorelai made her final remark on the topic.
“And you’re okay with this?” Luke questioned not fully believing her.
“I’m totally okay with this.” Lorelai said, trying to make herself believe it.
“Come on, let’s go. I'm going to get your baby a steak. I thought you were starving.” Lorelai motioned for him to follow him out the door.
“Did you give Paris your real cell number?” Luke asked as they headed out the door.
The drive to Silvano's was pretty quick. Mainly due to Luke going over the speed limit since he was starving. They made their way to their table.
The waiter offered them wine. Of course, Lorelai declined and Luke had a beer. They order quickly. They both got the New York strip steak dinner.
They had nice small talk trying to brush off the earlier unpleasantness. Luke was sitting on mixed news from his earlier meeting about the house with Tom.
“Hey, I have to talk to you about something.” Luke stated with a large amount of nervous energy.
“Are you being drafted?” Lorelai jokes.
“No, I'm not being drafted.” Luke responded to her joke.
“Do you have a secret family I don't know about?” Lorelai asked, making another joke.
“No secret family. At least not that I'm aware of. I had Tom inspect the Twickham house yesterday.” He replied to her joke and mentioned the inspection.
“How did it go?” Lorelai smiled.
“Um, well, not as well as I hoped.” Luke offered.
“What did Tom say?” Lorelai asked.
“The pipes all need to be replaced and the whole house has low water pressure. Half the windows need to be replaced or we are going to be living in a freezer come wintertime. He said the electrical system needed to be updated and we will need a new boiler plus the dry rot hasn't spread to the second level, but he would have to remove the flooring to check each individual wood paneling. Then there's all the work cosmetically that needs to be done.” Luke listed all the things wrong with their possible new home.
“Oh my god! That is a lot that needs to be done, more than I would have thought.” Lorelai replied rather shocked. “Did Tom give you a budget or a timeline of the remodel?”
“The budget would be around 90-110 thousand dollars and the timeline would be a year to eighteen months.” Luke nervously tells Lorelai news she probably didn't want to hear.
“That's not what we wanted to hear.” Lorelai said disappointedly.
“No, it's not. I asked him if he would be able to complete the project in nine months. He said that was a promise he couldn't keep. So, if we move forward with this the remodel will still be going on after the baby is born. If you want us to pull out, I understand.” Luke informed he tried to move up the deadline.
“Yeah, it would be nice to have everything done once the baby comes but if it's not possible it's not possible.” Lorelai offered some reassurance. “I'm worried about the remodel budget. I can't afford it and I don't think you can either.” Lorelai stated.
“ I could figure it out if you want to move forward with the house.” Luke stated, if this is what she wanted she was going to get it.
“I'll still need some time to think about it.” Lorelai stated her current answer.
“Okay, that's fine. I want you to have all the information.” Luke added.
“Thank you for being patient with me.” Lorelai replied.
“I think we know I'm a patient man.” He smiled at her.

XXXXXX

Lorelai headed home after a long day. She checked out the last cyclist that extended their stay to rest up. Thankfully, Michel dealt with her mother because she barely had the strength to go to work these days, let alone dealing with hurricane Emily. She was about to unlock her door. Luke would be very proud that she was getting better at that, but a note on the door stopped here. She grabbed the note seeing it was from Emily and ripped it up. She made her way through the entryway and found another note on the hallway mirror. She took that note and threw it on the floor. She went to her phone to check if she had any messages she missed. In her heart of hearts, she was hoping to have a missed call from Rory. She saw one missed call and hit play on her machine.
“Lorelai, it’s your mother. I want to thank you for the lovely little surprise you gave me this morning. I can’t wait to tell the girls at the club all about it. I mean, they’re always bragging about their daughters did this and their daughters did that. Well, finally I get to go in there and say ‘Oh, really? Today my daughter invited me over and then didn’t show up. And then she had me watched by a surly, barking Frenchman so that I didn’t steal anything.” Emily's voicemail had a tone of spite in her voice.
“I didn’t invite you over, mother.” Lorelai yelled back at the voice coming from the machine.
“Top that, ladies. This was unforgivable, Lorelai, disgraceful behavior even by your standards. And since I assume you’ve torn up all of my notes, I will read them to you. I made copies. Dear Lorelai, I was shocked and saddened by your decision is not at home when I came by Rory’s things.” Emily voicemail cut off.
Lorelai was happy the voicemail cut off. She loaded up Rory’s remaining stuff. She had a box, a duffel bag and a laundry basket full of stuff. She loaded up the Jeep and was headed to Hartford. Once she got this done and over with, she wouldn't have to deal with her parents for hopefully for a while. She made it to Hartford in record time. She almost left the car, but she stopped. She looked down at her hand and saw her ring. She took it off and placed it in the cup holder, so her parents wouldn't know of her engagement. She made her way to the front door and up to her parents' bedroom.
“My god.” Emily said as she woke up in her bed.
“There. That’s all of her stuff. You happy?” Lorelai dropped multiple bags and a laundry basket on the floor.
“Lorelai, you scared me half to death.” Emily stated.
“Yeah, well, follow through-- it’s always been my problem.” Lorelai mockingly stated.
“Oh, well, um, so we’ve got clothes, books, stuffed animals. I even checked the laundry to make sure nothing was waiting to be washed. Okay? We good?” Lorelai listed the items she brought over.
“What do you mean barging in here in the middle of the night? Are you crazy?” Richard
“Dad its only 9 o'clock. And Mom just seemed extremely concerned about getting the rest of Rory’s things.” Lorelai stated.
“She needed something to wear to court.” Emily replied.
“Yeah, so I figured I’d better bring them right over here. And now I did, so I’m done.” Lorelai said angrily.
“Lorelai, stop this. I know you’re upset. I know you hate us, but--” Emily was interrupted.
“I don’t hate you. Why would I hate you?” Lorelai condescendingly questions.
“Well because we--” Emily paused trying to find her words again. “Because you thought we--”
“You were just being you. You couldn’t help it.” Lorelai said, looking down at her mother.
“What are you talking about?” Emily questioned.
“The scorpion and the frog. It's an old story. The scorpion says to the frog, ‘Hey, frog, give me a lift to the other side of the pond.’ The frog says, ‘No way. You’ll sting me, and I’ll die.’ The scorpion says, ‘Will not, ‘cause then we’d both drown.’ The frog says, ‘Cool.’ So, the scorpion gets on the Frog’s back and the frog makes it to the middle of the pond, and the scorpion stings him as the frog is going down, he says, ‘Why would you do that? Now we’ll both die.’ The scorpion says, ‘Sorry. It’s just my nature.” Lorelai provided a mentor for their relationship.
“Frog.” Lorelai points to herself. “Scorpion.” She points to her parents.
“I always thought it was a turtle.” Emily stated confusing the animals in the story.
“Whatever it was, you guys couldn’t help it.” Lorelai replied.
“Lorelai, why don’t you sit and calm down?” Richard offered to Lorelai trying to not have conflict.
“I am calm. I’m fine. You guys must be pretty jazzed, though, huh? I mean, you finally did it. You finally got a shot at getting the daughter you’ve always wanted.” Lorelai said mockingly.
“I’m too tired to have this conversation.” Richard rolled his eyes.
“Rory--here, right under your roof-- excellent.” Lorelai sarcastically offered.
“You’re being ridiculous.” Emily remarked.
“Now you get your do--over--a new and improved Lorelai. Congrats, very well played.” Lorelai complained.
“Lorelai listen to me. I know you think that some sort of con has been perpetrated on you.” Richard acknowledged.
“Hey, it’s only a paper moon, dad.” Lorelai hissed.
“The fact of the matter is, your mother and I were just trying to do the right thing. We’re all striving for the same goal. We want Rory happy and healthy. She’s taken a bit of a stumble, but we can get her back right on track all of us together. And we’re going to need your input and your involvement to achieve that.” Richard offered a new plan with regards to Rory.
“My involvement ends here with the laundry basket.” Lorelai stated her final point.
“What is that remark supposed to mean?” Emily asked unsure what she meant.
“It’s supposed to mean that I’m out. You’ve won. She’s all yours.” Lorelai almost choked on your own words.
“Lorelai, are you alright?” Emily asked as she saw her daughter grow pale, similar to the time she was there at house the night Rory got in trouble.
“Yes I'm fine.” She lied. She clears her throat trying to push it down. This was not the time or place. “Of course, the laundry basket I’m gonna want back… Oh crap!” Lorelai ran to her parents' master bathroom and shut the door. She made it to the toilet just in time.
“Oh crap!? Is that how I taught you how to leave the room?” Emily yelled from her bed. “Lorelai, I am not going to be ignored!” Emily got out of the bed and opened the bathroom door. She saw Lorelai on the floor hugging the toilet. “Oh my god!” Emily exclaimed seeing her daughter vomit. She went under the sink and grabbed a washcloth. She placed it under the sink and ran some water over it. Lorelai was still vomiting. Emily waited for her to be done. Between the refusal of coffee, her eating the apple and now the vomiting. Emily knew. Emily handed her the washcloth. “So how far along are you?”
“What? I don't know what you are talking about.” Lorelai lied. She didn't want to tell her mother, especially not like this. She felt like a kid who got caught going into the cookie jar.
“Lorelai, I'm not a fool. I know we are not getting along right now, but if you respect me at all as your mother, please tell me, are you pregnant?” Emily asked.
“Yes, your daughter has gotten herself knocked up again.” Lorelai answered she wiped her mouth and flush the toilet.
“Well, I wouldn’t have phrased it like that. To repeat myself, how far along are you?” Emily questioned while Lorelai remained sitting on the floor.
Lorelai almost felt like she was on a time out. “I’m not sure exactly, if I had to guess about six weeks.”
“Thank you for being honest with me.” Emily replied being rather cold.
Lorelai got back up on her feet and stared at her. “I’m waiting, I know you have more to say.”
“Were you ever planning on telling us?” Emily asked.
“Yes, I was going to have the kid tell you.” Lorelai barked.
“Please don't joke, Lorelai. I assume Luke is the father?” Emily questioned almost like an attorney.
“Yes! How could you even ask that!?” Lorelai questioned with rage in her voice.
“Well, your record with men, they seem to come and go rather quickly.” Emily said passive aggressively.
“Well, I can promise you that Luke is going to be with me for the long haul.” Lorelai was fuming at her mother.
“That's a lot of confidence for someone that doesn't have a ring on her finger.” Emily said with condescension.
“We are engaged. I have a ring, I left it in the car, I didn't want you to know, mainly I didn't want you somehow ruining one of the greatest moments of my life.” Lorelai declared loudly.
Richard finally gets out of bed, not quite hearing what Emily and Lorelai are fighting about. He just wanted them to stop so he could go to sleep.
“What is going on here?” Richard asked.
“Do you want to tell your father or should I?” Emily asked, looking at Richard then back at Lorelai.
Before Lorelai could open her mouth, Emily starts talking, “The man who owns the diner, the one who refuses to shave, has as how your daughter says knocked her up.”
“I don’t know what that means.” Richard stated confused.
“Daddy, I’m pregnant.” Lorelai quietly announces.
Richard was shocked. He didn't quite know what to say. It's not like she was 16, he couldn't ground her about it.
“I didn't know you were trying to have a baby.” He sheepishly states, he wasn't sure what reaction to have.
“It wasn't exactly planned.” Lorelai looked down at her shoes.
“So you manage to get pregnant twice by accident without being married.” Emily remarks.
“Once again, I'm engaged to the father of my future child. We will be getting married. This wasn't planned, but I'm not calling it an accident. This was a surprise, that's what I'm choosing to call the situation.” Lorelai was now yelling at her mother.
“Well, I certainly hope it all works out. We will be far too old to pick up the pieces if things go wrong when this kid is Rory's age now.” Emily said patronizingly.
“Now, Emily, none of us knows what will happen in the future.” Richard commented and was not taking a clear side between his wife and daughter.
“Thank you, dad. God, when two normal people here their adult daughter is pregnant, they usually say congratulations, we are so happy for you. We are excited to have a new grandchild. The both of you are incapable of that.” Lorelai screams the last bit.
“So, please leave me, and this new baby alone. And if I need help with them in twenty years, I'll send a smoke signal. I hope you both are living and available in 2026.” Lorelai stormed out of the bathroom. She moved incredibly fast out of her parents' house. She felt like it was 1985 and she was leaving with baby Rory on her hip. She just had to get home. She white knuckled the whole drive home. She wanted to cry but just couldn't get it out. She pulled the jeep into the drive away. She started to walk up the porch stairs. She lost her footing and almost fell, but she caught herself. Her purse flew towards the door spilling everything inside. Her keys, wallet, cell phone, lip gloss, and prenatal vitamins were all over the front porch.
Babette saw from her porch Lorelai almost fall. She ran over.
“Are you okay, Sugar?”
“Yeah, I'm fine.” She lied while picking up the contents of her purse.
Babette bent down and helped her. She grabbed the prenatal vitamins bottle. “Oh gosh, are you pregnant?”
Lorelai didn’t really want Babette to know just yet. Because if Babette knew the whole town would know. At the same time who had prenatal vitamins if they weren't pregnant.
“Yeah, I am, but it's still really early so please don't tell Miss. Patty or anyone else or for the love god don’t tell East Side Tillie. Please promise me!” Lorelai pleaded to have her secret kept.
“I won't, but promise that when you are ready for people to know, I can spread it around town?” Babette asked.
“Of course.” Lorelai nodded.
“Thank you, sugar. You and Luke are going to make the cutest baby on the planet. I just know it! Congratulations dear.” Babette waves goodbye.
Lorelai walked into her house. She grabbed a water bottle hoping to get rid of the burning feeling in her throat. She saw Rory’s bedroom door was opened. She sat on her bench by her bed. She threw her water bottle and started to cry. She was crying because her daughter didn’t want to see or need her help. She was crying for her new baby that her parents shamed her about. They acted like she was 16 years old and that she couldn't have this baby. Maybe she couldn't do this. She sat consumed with every negative thought imaginable.

XXXXXX
Luke was going to meet Lorelai tonight since it was Friday. He knew she was having a hard time since it was Rory's court date and she decided not to go. He wanted to be there for her. He personally thought she should have gone anyways but he knew it wasn't his place to say so. He attempted to close up, but Krik showed up at the last possible moment.
“Please, Luke, please? Please, please, please?” Krik begged.
“Move.” Luke told him to get out of the way so he could lock the diner door.
“Luke, I have to have those rings back.” Krik stated his issue.
“Krik, I paid you for the rings. In fact, I’ve overpaid you for the rings. You gave me a certificate of authenticity and a promise that none of the heirs were gonna sue for possession and then our business was done.” Luke replayed the nature of their business.
“Luke, you don’t understand. I think those were the rings that Lulu had her eye on. I totally forgot this until-- where are you going?” Krik asked as Luke walked away.
“I’m leaving, Krik. The diner’s closed.” Luke yelled.
“You can’t leave until I get that ring back.” Krik demanded.
“If I married Lulu, I’m gonna need those rings back!” Kirk exclaimed.
“You have a suitcase full of rings.” Luke yelled again.
“But those rings aren’t the ones I remember her liking.” Kirk pleaded.
“Pick another set of rings.” Luke offered, annoyed.
“But my back up ring pulled through. Plus, now there's talk of her wanting to be buried with it.” Kirk further explained his situation.
“Goodnight, Krik.” Luke waves him off.
“Luke, wait!” He heard Babette yelling from a distance.
“Oh, boy.” He just wanted to be left alone.
“I have to talk to you!” Babette was running down the street literally with her hands in the air.
“Okay, Babette, slow down. I’m not going anywhere. “He put his hands to get her to stop.
“It’s very serious!” Babette yelled while she was gaining top speed.
“I’m right here. You can walk, Babette. Just walk, Babette, please walk. Slow down. Just---” He didn’t need her getting hurt in front of the diner.
“Oh jeez.” Luke caught Babette as she jumped the curb.
“Oh, my god. I smell toast. I smell toast… and almonds. I smell almond toast.” Babette said as she caught her breath.
“What do you need, Babette?” He asked what caused her to be in such a panic.
“I need confirmation on a rumor.” Babette inhales a big breath. “There's a rumor there's been a rift between Lorelai and Rory.”
“A rift?” Kirk questions close by still hanging around.
“A big rift. Very serious.” Babette was still catching her breath.
“That’s why Rory ain’t home for the summer?” Babette questioned.
“Wow. On that note I’m going to go home” Kirk exclaimed as he walked down the street.
“Who told you this?” Luke frustratedly questioned.
“Well, who else? East side Tillie.” Babette informed it was straight from the queen of gossip in Stars Hollow.
“That woman keeps trumping me. But I have the news of the decade that I promised I wouldn’t share, so I will get her back very soon.” Babette shared with Luke.
He didn’t really care about small town gossip, but if it was going to hurt Lorelai he wasn’t going to like it.
“So come on. Is she right? Is it true?” Babette needed the confirmation.
Luke bowed his head, not wanting to feed into the gossip.
“It is true. Oh my god! What happened, and how’s Lorelai taking it? I know how she is taking it, I saw her a little bit ago and she looked like a real basket case.” Babette went through five stages of panic and added in her recent interaction with Lorelai.
She grabbed Luke's shirt in a pure panic. Luked removed her hand “Okay, stop. Look, there's been a little incident, but it’s all going to be fine. Lorelai has it completely under control. Hey, what did you mean you saw her and she looked like a basket case?”
“Well, she was walking up her porch and she almost fell. She didn’t fall though and all of her stuff flew out of her purse and I walked over to help her. She looked really upset. I saw something that was in her purse I wanted to say congratulations to you about, but I don’t know if you know yet and I don’t want you hearing it from me.” Babette anxiously replayed the events.
Luke didn’t like the sound of Lorelai falling even if it was an almost fall.
“What did she have in her purse?” Luke asked, very confused.
“She had special vitamins.” Babette stated.
“Yes, Babette, I know Lorelai is pregnant, but hey it’s still early, so please keep this a secret for now. Lorelai doesn’t want this out to the greater Stars Hollow, yet.” Luke knew this could spread around like wildfire.
“Yes, I already promised Lorelai to keep it a secret.” Babette.
“Great, thank you. I am going to check on her. “Luke walked away from Babette and was heading to Loreali’s house.
Luke walked into Lorelai's house and called out her name. She didn't say anything.
He found her on the floor of Rory's room. She was holding her face in her hands and he could tell she had been crying.
“What's wrong?” Luke asked as he sat down on the floor.
Lorelai picked her head up. “My mother left a bunch of voicemails to get the last of Rory's stuff. So, I drove out to their place and dropped off the stuff. My parents still wanted my help with Rory but pretty much on their terms. I didn't agree to that. And then the peanut here decided to make their nightly appearance and I vomited in front of my mother. She figured out real quick I was pregnant. Then she was being a royal bitch about the whole thing.” Lorelai replayed in a shaking voice.
“What did your mother say?” Luke asked with some fear in his voice.
“She said a bunch of stuff about us not being married and if we weren't married you wouldn’t stick around and I screwed up again by having another baby by accident. She also said that in twenty years if this kid is screwed up and needs a place to live they would be too old to help in any way.” Lorelai cried through her words.
“Did you tell her we are engaged?” Luke asked as he took her in his arms.
“Yeah, I told her. She also had the nerve to ask if you were the father.” Lorelai added the worst part of what her mother said.
Luke was trying to contain his rage. Never in his life did he think he would want to beat up a middle aged woman, but he was getting dangerously close to doing so.
“I'm sorry. What she said was not okay. I was afraid your parents weren't going to be supportive. We have each other and that's what matters. I wish my parents were here. They would be happy for us because they were sane, but unfortunately they're dead.” Luke provided words of comfort.
“What did your dad say?” Luke asked since he seemed to be the gentler of the Gilmores.
“He asked if we were trying to have a baby and I said no. Then my mother didn't let him really let him say much else. What if she is right and I can’t do this? What if I fail this kid?” Lorelai asked in a complete panic.
“Lorelai, we won't fail them. I promise.” Luke answered. “You're the best mother I know. This will be a small chapter with your relationship with Rory. You will get things back on track. You can't judge your whole parenting experience on this one moment.” Luke added.
“I know. It's just horrible when someone throws all of your worst thoughts in your face.” Lorelai commented on her mother.
“Yeah, that's not great. I'll tell you what we will have a calm and relaxing weekend. I'll take you to whatever movie you want to see. How does that sound?” He wanted to distract her and knew a movie would do the trick.
“Yeah that sounds nice.” she nodded her head. “Can you stay the night?”
“Of course.” He smiled at her and helped her off the floor. “You know, Babette also knows you're pregnant?”
“Yes, she swore to keep it a secret.” Lorelai replied.
“ So, we have until tomorrow morning until it gets out?” Luke asked.
“Maybe. I think she'll keep it a secret for a while.” Lorelai guessed.
“Well, let's just enjoy our quiet night.” Luke added.
They headed into the living room and sat on the couch trying to wash away Lorelai’s bad night.

Chapter 8: Not four in four but two in one.

Chapter Text

They enjoyed their quiet weekend and uneventful Monday. Now it was Tuesday. The day of Lorelai’s first OB/GYN appointment with this pregnancy. Lorelai was anxious all morning. Luke was coming to pick her up and join her at the appointment. She was watching the clock all morning. She was watching the minutes barely go by. Her brain was not focused on her work. She felt like a kid waiting to get picked up from school early. She told Michel she had an important appointment, and she would be gone for about two hours. He made a snotty remark about her taking her sweet time. Luke didn't make it to the inn entrance, and she was out the door. She headed straight for the truck. Michel thought it was weird Luke was taking her when she drove her car to work. He was going to make a mental note of that.
Lorelai made it into the truck and gave him a kiss. She was in much better spirits than Friday night.
“I hope it wasn't too busy for you to leave.” Lorelai stated, knowing it was hard for Luke to give up control sometimes.
“Lunch rush was there but it was pretty calm. Don't worry I had it handled.” Luke replied with the current state of the diner. A big part of him knew he was going to need more help if he wanted to be home more with the baby.
“Were you busy?” Luke asked about her work.
“A little bit. I have to find a new linen supplier. Our sheets are getting a little worn out and we have had room service and people eat in bed and then stain the sheets. Some of the stains have been really hard to get out and no one wants to sleep on stain sheets. So, I called the company we originally got the sheets from, and I found out they are now out of business. I have to find another company that carries the same sheets and make sure they can match the existing sheets. If I can’t find the exact same sheets, I’ll have to buy double the amount I need so all the rooms can have matching sheets. So yes, it was a very high-stake day.” Lorelai informed him on her day.
“Why don't you get rid of the room service then people won't stain the sheets.” Luke commented.
“We actually make a lot of money on room service for breakfast and dinner. It keeps us profitable. You know couples in love and can't get out of bed and they need the food and want to keep the bedroom activities going on. Plus, food is not the only thing that stains.” Lorelai made her case about the room service and the fate of the sheets.
“Oh jeez, thanks for putting that image in my head. It sounds like you run a brothel.” Luke's face reflected his disgust.
“Hey. I just rent them the room; I have no say what they do in said room.” Lorelai declared.
“Yeah, well that's true. I wish you luck with the sheets.” Luke stated.
“You don't need to wish me luck with sheets, I already have you in my sheets.” Lorelai made her dirty joke.
Luke rolled his eyes; he would never admit he liked her dirty jokes.
“Now, that was just a warmup. At the appointment my doctor is probably going to get technical about my lady parts and I'm going to ask about my boob pain. So, the dirty words are going to be thrown out there. Are you going to be able to handle it?” Lorelai asked.
“Yes, I can handle it. I'm a grown man. I'm going to be there every step of the way for you. No matter what the doctor says.” Luke made his point very clear.
“Great. Make this left turn and you'll be at the doctor's office.” Lorelai pointed for him to turn left at the intersection.
He took the green truck and turned left. He parked the vehicle in the small parking lot.
Luke and Lorelai walked into the small doctor's office in Hartford. Luke grabbed a chair in the waiting room. He was currently looking down at his shoes. Even though this wasn't a hospital it still had the extreme medical smell. The smell always took him back to when his parents were sick and dying. God, he hated it.
Lorelai joined him in the chair next to him with the clipboard full of paperwork.
“Do you need to get some air?” She asked.
He brought his eyes up to the ceiling. “No, I'll be okay.” She looked him over and didn't fully believe him. “Well, at least you aren't sweating through your shirt like that guy.” She slightly pointed to the guy across the room with clear sweat stains holding his partner's hand on the other side of the room. “To quote you, happy thoughts, rainbows, unicorns.” She smiled at him. “Luke, we are going to see our baby for the first time. This is like you fishing at an empty lake and you get all of the fish. There's nothing quite like this. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how much medical technology has changed since Madonna had number one hits. Are you excited?” She asked a little nervously.
He looked her in the eyes, “I'm looking forward to it very much.”
“I'm glad I got you away from looking at your shoes and the ceiling.” She paused and saw a woman exiting from the giant double doors. She looked ready to pop. Lorelai looked down at her stomach. She looks slightly bloated. No one who knew her would be able to see a change. In just a short time she will look like she swallowed a basketball. “Will you still think I'm pretty when I'm as big as a house?” She asked.
He rolled his eyes. “Of course, I will. Lorelai you are always pretty and always a handful.” He said, trying to validate her feelings. “Any weight you gain has an important purpose. Personally, I will be surprised if you gain any weight. For as long as I have known you, you could eat nothing but crap and not gain an ounce.” She laughed at him.
“Lorelai Gilmore.” The nurse called her name. They followed her back. “Okay, I'll need your height and weight.”
“I'm 5’9. Weight, I don't know.” Lorelai wasn't one to weigh herself. “I'm going to have to ask you to get on the scale.” Lorelai listened and got on the scale. She looked down and it said 135. This wasn't her heaviest but not her thinnest either. “From here on out don't tell me how much I weigh.” She told the nurse.
“I'll make a note in your chart. Please follow me into the last room on the left.” They followed the nurse to the room. She guided Lorelai to the examination chair. “Okay I have a couple of questions before the doctor does their examination. Date of your last period?”
“April 28th. The last appearance of red dawn.” Lorelai answered.
“Okay, you were here in January for your yearly exam. So, we won't need to do pap unless you are experiencing any vagin*l discomfort or changes in your sexual partners.” The nurse commented.
“No discomfort. Just the flannel man as far as sexual partners go.” Lorelai pointed to Luke, and he turned thirteen shades of red off in the corner.
“This is your second pregnancy?” Your first in 1984?”
“Yes, I'm hoping the next pregnancy will be in 2024. I like a wide gap between children.” She joked. The nurse just nodded.
“Any allergies or medications you are on that we need to be aware of?”
“No.” Lorelai answered in a less joking manner since the nurse wasn’t having a sense of humor.
“Okay, since you have only taken home pregnancy, we need a blood test to confirm. We'll test your HCG levels to confirm your pregnancy, the doctor will go over the results. Can I see your right arm?” Lorelai rolled up her sleeve and the nurse tried to find a vein. Luke was again looking at his shoes. The nurse took the blood, and she gave Lorelai the hospital gown.
“Put this on and the doctor will be in just a moment.” The nurse left the room.
“Are you hanging in there?” She said to Luke as she started changing her clothes.
“Yeah, I'm doing just fine. They won't need to take blood every appointment, will they?” Luke asked nervously. He wasn’t sure if he could see blood every appointment, because he already planned to attend every appointment.
“No, they won't. It will probably be mainly ultrasounds. I'm actually not sure if things have changed since I was last in this spot. Plus, I hid my pregnancy for the first four months, so I didn't get the best care in the beginning.” Lorelai said shamefully. Rory didn’t even know that. “That's okay, we will learn together.” Luke replied.
“Do you like your doctor?” Luke asked curiously.
“Yeah, she has been my doctor for the last 21 years. She delivered Rory when she was just getting the practice up and running. Her one fault is she knows my parents since she went to Yale and belongs to the same country club. She is not stuck up like most women in my mother's circle. Not that they are good friends or anything. “
“Oh... goodie she knows your parents.” Luke commented, hoping not to get a snobby doctor.
“Hartford isn't a super big place, you know.” Lorelai said quietly.
Her doctor walked into the room. She was an older woman pushing sixty. She was maybe five feet tall with a gray bun and bright green eyes. “Hello, Lorelai.” She said cheerfully with a slight southern accent. She moved her eyes to the other side of the room and saw Luke sitting in the chair. “Hello, I'm doctor Mary Oakley. Are you the father?” She held out her hand in Luke's direction. “Yes, Luke Danes.” He shook her hand.
“Lorelai, I will admit, I was shocked about the change in appointment. We were originally going to get you back on the pill, but it has to wait. Okay, someone didn't use the condoms for the last month.” Dr. Oakley said sternly with a small smile cracking through.
“Well, that was the plan, but we got drunk.” Lorelai said shyly. Luke awkwardly moved in his chair.
“If I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I would have a beach house in Cape Cod.” She laughed. “I got your HCG results, and you are pregnant. The levels are much higher than expected. This shouldn’t be a problem. I have two thoughts on why this is the case.” Whether it's planned or not I'm here to get you through your pregnancy. How are your first trimester symptoms?”
“I have had a lot of breast tenderness more than with Rory, fruit cravings, more fatigued than usual. Plus, a lot of morning sickness and it's sometimes at night and in the morning. It's a lot more than with Rory.” Lorelai stated her current symptoms.
“Well, morning sickness is really more or less the name and can happen any time of day. I recommend no greasy foods and try not to have an empty stomach. The breast tenderness you can apply ice as needed. That should get better around the ninth week until your milk supply comes in. As for the fruit cravings, I'm glad you are eating another food group.” The doctor gave her feedback. Luke smiled in the corner over the fruit comment. “Dr. Oakley, should we be concerned why HCG levels are higher?” Luke asked nervously. He didn't want anything to be wrong.
“No, it could be one of two things, but I'll need to do a vagin*l ultrasound to confirm.” The doctor motioned Lorelai to lower her examination chair and put her feet in the stirrups. The doctor saw Lorelai's hand and her engagement ring. “Awe, that's a very pretty ring. Congratulations. One quick tip to key eye on swelling of your hands. I would hate for your hands to swell while you are wearing your ring and then you will have to have the ring cut off from your finger.” The doctor remarked.
Lorelai didn't have any rings on a daily basis while she was pregnant with Rory.
“When should I take the ring off?” She asked a hint of sadness. She didn't want to take it off, but she didn't want to damage Luke's mother's ring.
“Well, it's different for everyone depending on the amount of swelling. Typically, I advise no rings in the third trimester to be on the safe side. Okay, are we ready for the show?” Dr. Oakley asked.
They both nodded.
She took the ultrasound wand and applied some lubrication.
The doctor inserted the deceive. Lorelai took a deep breath. “Does that hurt?” Luke said genuinely unsure.
“No, just a little pressure, kind of like a tampon.” Lorelai stated. “You can come closer.” She waved him closer. He walked over to her side and looked at the monitor.
“Okay, you are measuring at six weeks. So, you are as far along as we thought based upon your last period. So, your levels aren't higher due to being further along than we thought. We are going to try to heartbeat. However, I'm going to explore a bit further before we try to listen for the heartbeat.” She moved the wand a bit more. “Just as I thought. I see that T in the uterus. “Here is Baby A.” She paused over the image. Luke and Lorelai looked at the screen. “And right next to Baby A is Baby B. So, this means you are having twins and that’s why your levels were higher than we expected. This also explains why you have been feeling more heightened first trimester symptoms.” Dr. Oakley explained.
“I'm sorry. What now?” Lorelai question. Luke was just frozen staring at the screen.
“We have two fetuses. Baby A and Baby B. My best guess for now that they will be dizygotic twins. They are currently in two separate amniotic sacs. It's too early to see the placentas. We will be able to see that at your 12-week appointment. If they have two separate placentas, they will definitely be fraternal twins. That is my guess at the current time and I'm not usually wrong. So, they will differ from identical twins, genetically they will be siblings. They could be boy and boy or girl and girl or boy and girl.” She smiled pointing to the screen.
“I don't know how this happened. Twins don't run in my family. Do they run in yours?” Lorelai questioned while still being in shock.
“No, no twins in my family.” Luke added feeling his mouth get incredibly dry.
“Well, about 23 in 1,000 births are twins. Plus, you are at an older maternal age which we find twins to be more common because your body releases more eggs each cycle. Also, we found in some studies taller women such as yourself are more likely than shorter women to have twins.” Dr Oakley explained further.
“Rune was right, being tall sucks.” Lorelai exclaimed.
“What's a Rune?” The doctor questioned.
“Long story don't ask. Doc what does this mean for the pregnancy. Forgive me, when we walked in here, we thought we were having one kid, now you're telling me we are having two kids. How is a pregnancy with one different from two?” Luke asked in a pure ranting panic.
“Well, a couple of different factors for Lorelai. First due to your age this would be considered a geriatric pregnancy. So that comes with its own set of complications, but the complications have a lot of overlap with pregnancy with multiples. Those complications include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, birth defects, low birth weight and preterm birth. One benefit is this your second pregnancy. Most of that time your second is easier than your first. In your case, I'm just not as sure it will be easier since you are older and carrying multiples. Also, since you had such a gap between children it's probably going to feel more like a first pregnancy. Lorelai, I am classifying your pregnancy as high risk due to those risk factors. One other thing I want to say with twins is the possibility of vanishing twin syndrome. That's when one baby absorbs another in the womb. This happens 30% of the time. Doctor Oakley stated all the risk factors of Lorelai’s pregnancy.
“Can you see if they have a heartbeat?” Lorelai asked shyly. The doctor nodded. The doctor repositioned the vagin*l ultrasound.
“Okay, here is Baby A.” A light swoosh sound took over the room. Luke grabbed Lorelai's hand. They both stared at the screen. “Okay, here is baby B.” The same light swoosh sound echoed. They had two babies with two heartbeats. “If this was a single baby, I would say your due date would be January 31st. Typically twins come around 38 weeks so your due date is January 16th. We are going to do our very best to have them come mid January, but it’s possible it could be sooner than that.” Dr. Oakley shared the twins the due date.
She paused over each fetus and took a couple of pictures.
“Okay, I know this is a lot of information. I'll be there every step of the way. When you get to the desk they'll schedule your next couple of appointments. I'll leave a couple copies of the ultrasound pictures with them for you guys to take home. Lorelai, you will probably have more appointments than the average mom since this high-risk pregnancy and you will have a lot more appointments by the end of the pregnancy. Here is my card, my emergency line is on there if needed. Of course, always dial 911 in a true emergency. You guys can keep the room for a while longer to process this news.” Doctor Oakley exited the room.
Lorelai was silent. Luke was silent.
Lorelai sat up and removed her feet from the stirrups. “I can't believe she called me geriatric I’m not that old. I didn't walk in here with a cane and wearing a moo moo.” Lorelai said in an annoyed huff.
“Lorelai, we are not going to have a child, we are going to have two children. I think your pregnancy being classified as geriatric is the least important takeaway here.” Luke restated the fact.
“Yes, I was there. I was the one who had the ultrasound wand shove up my vagin*.” Lorelai yelled in a panic.
“How are you feeling about this?” Luke asked with anxiety.
“Well, I was just getting used to the idea of one baby. I was excited about that. I have had one kid; I know what one looks like. Two, that is a different ball game. Now I'm excited they won't look exactly alike so we won't call them the wrong name. I know the doctor said it's early to know for sure but I'm happy she doesn't think it's identical twins they have freaked out since I saw the Shining. I mean Luke this is two babies. Not one, two babies. Do you think we can really do this?” Lorelai said in a pure panic.
“Yes, we can. We are capable. We have 9 months to figure things out. We don't need to solve it all today. Let's just focus on processing this news and remaining calm.”
“You said 9 months. Technically we have 38 weeks so that's 8 and half months. Depending on if they don't come any earlier than that. This is because we went to Mother Nature gift shop and bought one and got the second one for free.” Lorelai added.
“Right, so not exactly nine months, but we got some time.” Luke agreed.
“How are you feeling?” Lorelai asked, afraid to get any feedback.
“When she was saying Baby A and Baby B part of me felt like breaking through the wall like the Kool Aid guy. Now that I have a second to think about it, I'm really happy. I get to be a dad to your children. Something I didn't think would ever happen.” Luke beamed he simply couldn't help it.
“Do you remember the dream I told you about with the 18 alarm clocks, you hiding my coffee and making me breakfast. I didn't tell you at the time but in the dream, you kissed me. Then of course the dream continued, and you talked to my stomach since I was pregnant with twins.” She paused. “So, Luke, thank you for literally making my dream come true.” Lorelai smiled with tears in her eyes. She passed her initial freak out. She was truly happy. Luke took her in his arms. “You're very welcome.” They stay like this for a moment.
“I'm going to need to get dressed, unless you want me to wear this gown for the rest of the day.” Lorelai smiled in his arms. He let go of her. She got dressed and they exited waiting room. Lorelai checking out at the front desk. She scheduled her next couple of appointments for the rest of the first trimester. She got their copies of the pictures from the ultrasound. Her and Luke walked to the green truck in silence, not a bad silence but they were content. “What are you thinking?” Luke asked from the driver seat.
“I was thinking I wish we knew if you were wearing the Mountie hat when we created one or both of them.” She grinned.
“We will never fully know. I guess whichever one is quirky, I will assume it was the hat. But no one will know about the hat.” Luke replied.
“If you insist but leaving it out is a big mistake. A great part of the story.” Lorelai added with an even bigger smile.
They were quiet again. Luke's mind was going back to what the doctor said about the risks of the pregnancy.
“Lorelai, the doctor said your pregnancy is high risk, I'm not gonna lie, it's got me nervous. Especially the vanishing twin syndrome thing. That was crazy to hear. I just want to see how you feel about all of that?” Luke asked not wanting to be a dark cloud, but he wanted to communicate his feelings with her.
“This pregnancy feels harder, I'm not sure if it's because I'm much older than the first time or now that we know it's twins. I'm worried and not worried about those risk factors. I know if I get obsessed about it will suck the joy out of this time. At the same time, I know I want to be conscious of everything. I agree the vanishing twin thing was crazy to hear. I mean she said you're having twins, but it has a thirty percent chance of being just one kid. Although that means it's a seventy percent chance, we are having twins.” She stated her thoughts and feelings on the current subject. She paused, withholding her biggest thought she was having. “Before the fall out with Rory, I told her I was going to give her the play by play of the appointment today. I know I'm doing the tough love thing and stand by that, but I really wish I could tell her about this.” Lorelai sighed trying not to cry.
They were pulling into the inn's driveway and Luke put the truck in park. “I know, I'm sorry.” He put his arm around her similarly to the time where she melted down over the inn getting up and running. “You will tell her in time. I know you will. Are you going to be, okay?” Luke asked.
“Yeah. Are you coming over tonight?” Lorelai asked.
“I'm sorry, I forgot to mention Liz and TJ are coming back into the fair tonight. They are coming into the diner tonight for dinner. I'm not sure what your dinner plans are, but you are welcome to come to the diner tonight. I was wondering if I could tell Liz tonight about our news?” Luke informed her of his plans and invited her over.
“Yeah, you can tell her, but hold off on TJ, I don't want him saying anything weird. I'm going to stay in tonight. I just need some time to process, and I need to catch up on laundry and bills. Rain check?” Lorelai asked.
“Sure. I'll see you tomorrow?” Luke asked. He really wasn't liking these nights apart especially now that she was having twins, he really didn't want to miss a moment. He wanted to be there just in case she needed him.
“Yes, I'll see you tomorrow. One quick thing, here is your copy of the sonogram, daddy.” She smiled, handed him the picture and gave him a kiss goodbye.

XXXXX

Luke made it back to the diner. He was not only going to be a father, but a father to not one, but two children. This was unbelievable. He was thinking about everything: two mouths to feed, two butts to wipe, two kids to send to college. Every milestone at once and doubled. Then he thought of the pregnancy going from two to one. The doctor said that could be possible. He didn't want to lose one of them. This was the hand they were dealt, and he wanted to play it. Lorelai said having twins was literally a dream come true. He would be crushed if that dream was taken away from her. He wanted to put her in a bubble for the next 38 weeks, so nothing happened to her. He knew Lorelai wouldn’t stop living her life and he couldn't ask her to. He just wanted everything to be okay.
He decided to throw himself into the dinner rush and tried to focus on the task in front of him.
“Luuuke, your favorite brother-in-law is here.” TJ's voice echoed.
Luke rolled his eyes. He made his way to the counter and saw Liz and TJ.
“Hi big brother!” Liz greeted him with a smile.
“Hi TJ. Hey Liz. I'm sure you guys are hungry. I have some burgers on the grill, or I could make you guys something else?” Luke asked.
“Burgers sound good for the both of us.” Liz answered for both of them.
“Okay, I'll fix them up. Fries?” Luke asked.
“None for me.” Liz replied.
“Yes, extra crispy. I have held everything in the whole drive from Maine. A man has to go to the can. You may need to keep my food warm.” TJ said as he walked off to the bathroom.
Luke couldn't understand how one man could be so clueless and gross. He went back into the kitchen and made Liz's burger and made TJ plate and kept it on the warmer. He placed her burger on the counter.
“So, how's your summer going with the fair?” Luke asked.
“It's going well. It's always fun traveling through New England. I have made some contacts with some boutiques that may be interested in selling my jewelry, so that's been a nice surprise. We are thinking of building up my business and probably staying more local. That means TJ has to find a job. He's got some ideas, but nothing too solid yet.” Liz shared her news.
“Enough about me, did you, do it? Did you ask her? I know with losing my phone a couple of weeks back I was a bit unreachable.” Liz wanted to know if her big brother had finally sealed the deal.
“The proposal was a bit different. She actually proposed to me, then I proposed to her. So, yes, we are engaged.” Luke told Liz.
Liz came behind the counter and gave him a big hug. “That's wonderful! I'm so happy for both of you! Did mom's ring work for her?”
“Yeah, it fits like a glove. Hey, I got some more news, only for you. I need you not to tell TJ for a while. Mainly I don't want him saying something stupid to Lorelai.” Luke stated.
“Sure, my ears only. What's up?” Liz asked, wanting to know what was going on.
“Lorelai and I are going to have a baby.” Luke announced while burying the lead.
“Oh, wow this is huge! You're going to be a daddy! You are going to be such a good dad.” She gushed.
“You really think so?” Luke asked, having his own fears on that.
“Yeah, of course. You have practically raised me in my adult life. You have always been there for me, and you were there for Jesse when I couldn't be. You are the most present person I know and that is the big part of it. You just have to show up. Plus, babies are so magical you get to relive the world through their eyes.” Liz reassures Luke on his abilities.
“There's a bit more.” Luke added.
“Oh, the Twickham house! Did you end up buying it?” Liz inquired about the house.
“Yeah, I signed the papers and got the house. It needs a lot of work, and we have a couple more days to back out. I'm just not sure about moving forward it's going to be costly and it's going to take a lot of time. Lorelai wanted remodel done before she gives birth but it's not possible. I told her I won't move forward unless that is what she wants, and she needs some time to think about it. I haven't brought it up again.” Luke explained the issues of the Twickham.
“Yeah, that's understandable. At the end you go through the nesting stage, and you want everything to be just so.” Liz commented based on her own experience.
“What's nesting?” Luke asked unsure what Liz was talking about.
“Well, it's in the last couple of weeks of pregnancy. It's the urge to make sure everything is cleaned, organized and ready to go before you bring the baby home.” Liz explained nesting.
“Well, thanks for clearing that up for me. Actually, the Tickham house wasn't really my bit more news.” Luke looked to see the most people of Stars Hollow had cleared out of the diner. He reached in his wallet, he briefly saw Lorelai's horoscope, smiled at it and pulled out the sonogram. He placed it in her hand. “So that's Baby A and Baby B. We are having twins.” He pointed to the sonogram picture.
“Will their names be Baby A and Baby B?” Liz jokes.
“Hey, I just found out there was a Baby A and Baby B. I'm sure we will name them in time.” Luke acknowledged her.
“Yeah, are they identical?” Liz asked.
“Well, it's too early to know for sure but the doctor believes they are fraternal twins. So, they won't look alike. Well, no more than siblings. They could be girl and girl, boy and boy or girl and boy.” Luke explained.
“What combination do you want?” Liz asked.
“It's not a drive thru order. I just want them and Lorelai to be healthy.” Luke stated his diplomatic answer.
“That's not really answered. Do you think you will want to find out what you are having when the time comes?” Liz asked.
“I'm not sure. Having twins was already surprising enough. I guess it may be nice to know so I can make sure Lorelai doesn't shop too much.” Luke replied with his opinion.
TJ was walking back over to the counter. “What's in the picture?”
“Oh, um, it's a picture of a close up of the moon.” Luke lied to TJ.
“Yeah, that makes sense. Good moon picture.” TJ replied.
Liz was trying to hold in her laughter. “Here's your moon picture back.” Luke took the sonogram and put it back in his wallet.
Luke went into the back and grabbed TJ burger.
He placed the burger in front of TJ.
“So, Luuke, what is going on with you? Every time I ask Liz, she says nothing much. Now, I just can't believe that.” TJ said with a mouthful of his burger.
“I have some news, Lorelai and I are engaged, it’s still pretty new, so we don’t have all of the details worked out yet.” Luke actually smiled sharing his one piece of life altering news.
“Wow, that’s something. Another pretty lady in the family. You did a good job nailing her down.” TJ remarked, making Luke slightly uncomfortable.
“Liz, we should get them a gift or something.” TJ continued.
“You guys don’t need to do that.” Luke quickly shut down the gift giving.
“I’ll tell you what, I’m sure Liz told you I’m trying to figure out my next move. I have been trying my hand at some handy work, I saw in the back corner your shelves are falling apart, what do you say I replace them for you?” TJ asked, trying to show off his new skill set.
Luke had noticed the shelves were falling apart, but between everything going on in his life, he hadn’t time to fix it. He was fully capable of fixing the shelves, but he knew it would make Liz happy to throw TJ a bone.
“Sure, TJ you can do that.” Luke nodded.
“Great, I’ll install the new shelves tomorrow morning.” TJ replied.
Liz mouthed thank you to Luke.
They finished up their burgers and Luke worked on closing up the diner.
TJ left to bring the car to the front entrance, giving Liz and Luke a second alone as Luke walked her to the door.
“Congratulations, again for both the engagement and the babies. If anyone can handle this, it's you, big brother.” Liz gave him a hug.
“Thanks, it means a lot.” Luke replied.
Luke watched Liz go into the car and he flipped the close sign on the diner. He went upstairs to his apartment, completely alone with his thoughts. He knew he needed to figure out the bigger questions approaching his life. Where were they going to live? How would they raise not one, but two children together? How would they manage two work schedules? When will they get married? He got into his empty bed and the clock was only 9:30 pm. He was starting to fall asleep, until he heard a knock at his door.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai managed to get through the workday, but she was very distracted. Her brain was in a tailspin. She was going to have not one baby, but two. She needed to figure everything out. She was thinking about her work. She would be on maternity leave in January and probably most of February. Winter wasn't a terribly busy time mainly because people would stay for ski trips that didn't want to stay at expensive resorts. She would need to train Michel to take everything over and probably a temp person for his role. She needed to figure out their living situation and go from there. She knew Luke was waiting on her answer about the Twickham house. The deadline was coming quickly, and she was no closer to an answer. She knew it was going to be a massive undertaking to remodel that house. They were going to need a lot more space. She was perfectly torn. It was almost nine o'clock and she needed a sound board. Normally she would consider Rory, but they are still not talking or possibly a pro-con list. She needed human interaction. She needed a neutral party.
She had been giving Sookie some space since she gave birth, she hadn't told her yet about the engagement or the baby, actually babies now. She looked at the clock. It was 9 pm. She grabbed her landline before Sookie could speak. Lorelai started talking. “Hey Sookie, I know it's been a minute. I hope things are going well.”
“Yeah, peachy I have a newborn and a toddler and not a moment to even pee. I want to get back to my kitchen.” Sookie stated into the phone.
“You will really soon. You are two and half weeks out from you coming back to work. You can always take more time if you need it.” Lorelai replied, making sure her friend didn't go back to work too early.
“No, I'll be ready to go back. I'm a better mother when I work. I know this all too well. What's going on with you sweetie, I need to hear something other than a baby crying and Blues Clues.” Sookie's response to Lorelai.
“Actually, a lot has happened in the last couple of weeks. Honestly, too much has happened to tell you over the phone. Can you meet me in person really quick?” Lorelai asked.
“Um, sure it can't be terribly long. I just put the baby down and she'll be in about two hours, and I can barely stay awake. Do you want me to go to your house or mine?” Sookie offered a meeting place.
“Actually, can you meet me at old man Twickham's former house?” Lorelai asked.
“Sure, I can do that, it's right down the road. When?” Sookie asked about the time of the meeting.
“Can you meet me now?” Lorelai asked, feeling incredibly needy.
“Sure, I'll see you in five minutes. Excuse my pajamas.” Sookie replied.
“No problem. I'll see in five minutes.” Lorelai hung up the phone and she was off to tell her friend the biggest news of her life.

Chapter 9: Mom friends, Late Night Surprise, & Puppy Love

Chapter Text

Lorelai grabbed her purse and headed over to the Twickham house. She was excited to tell her friend everything going on in her life. She saw Sookie walking over in her pajamas as promised. Before Sookie could say anything Lorelai gave her a hug. “I have missed you so much.”
“Me too. It's good to talk to another adult other than Jackson.” Sookie smiled. “Lorelai, why are we here?”
“Well, a lot has happened in the last couple of weeks. I don't even know where to start.” Lorelai replied.
“Well, start at the beginning and get me up to speed to this moment.” Sookie remarked. Before Lorelai could speak, Sookie saw her hand. “Oh my God! Oh my God! You're engaged! You and Luke! Wow. I'm so damn happy for you! Now, you will definitely be getting to the morgue before you stink. Tell me everything! I want the whole play by play.” Sookie said with excitement was jumping up and down.
“Well, a lot has happened. I gotta provide you some context to how I got engaged. Shortly, after visiting you at the hospital. Rory got into some trouble and got arrested.” Lorelai stated.
“Rory? What was Rory arrested for an overdue library book?” Sookie questioned not believing Lorelai.
“Rory was with Logan and they decided to steal a yacht. She was upset because she got bad feedback from Logan's dad about her internship. Then I had to bail her out of jail in Bridgeport.” Lorelai told her friend shamefully.
“Oh wow, that's just really crazy. But is everything okay with Rory now?” Sookie asked.
“I'm not exactly sure. We are not speaking.” Lorelai replied with sorrow.
“What do you mean you're not speaking? The two of you are like peanut butter and jelly. Always together.” Sookie said even more shocked.
“Well, shortly after the arrest she told me didn't want to return to Yale. She said that didn't have what it takes to be a journalist and she wasn't going to school without a plan. So, she dropped out.” Lorelai relays the events of Rory dropping out.
“Aren't your parents paying for Yale? Yale is like their second child. Did you tell them she was dropping?” Sookie asked. Sookie knew Lorelai had a lot of issues with her parents, but she thought for sure they would help Rory.
“Yes, I did tell them. We had a plan to get her back to school. Then my parents decided to go behind my back and let her drop out fully and she is now living in their pool house.” Lorelai gave the recap of why Rory wasn't home for the summer.
“Oh god. That's awful. I thought for sure they would help you.” Sookie replied disappointed.
“So, how did you get engaged?” Sookie asked the million dollar question.
“So, after the blow up with my parents. I went to Luke’s and told him everything. He was as enraged as I was and didn't want to see Rory give up on her dream. I just saw the way he cared for her. I just knew I was ready. I asked him to marry me.” Lorelai smiled, reliving the moment.
“Wow. You proposed to him? How did you get the ring, did you buy it?” Sookie questioned her friend.
“Yes I did propose, but Luke had planned his own proposal for a while, but of course I beat him to it.. He told me his big speech and he got down on one knee and asked me. He had the ring already since it was his mother's.” Lorelai flashed her ring again.
“It's really pretty, that's so sweet he gave his mother's ring. It's very Luke.” Sookie gushed.
“Yeah, he's pretty sentimental. I love that he trusts me with her ring.” Lorelai smiled.
“Which brings us to this moment. Why are we at old man Twickham's former house?” Sookie inquired.
“Well, Luke bought us this house to live in. He has almost closed on it. He has another two days to officially close on it. He is waiting for me to make the final decision on the house.” Lorelai explained.
“So, what do you think of the house?” Sookie asked.
“It’s big.” Lorelai said, looking up at the house.
“That’s what she said.” Sookie jokes.
“Good one.” Lorelai laughed.
“Hey, I’m still 12.” Sookie commented on her joke.
“But I meant the house. It’s very big.” Lorelai repeated, still unsure.
“And very sweet of Luke to have that dream of his. You two living in this house.” Sookie gushed at the pure romance of it all.
“There's five bedrooms, a really big living room with a wood burning fireplace.” Lorelai smiled describing the positive points of the house.
“Wow five bedrooms, you could go to town in this place. You could have a dedicated sewing room. I mean that’s a no-brainer.” Sookie exclaimed thinking of her friend's crafting hobby.
“That’s funny you said that Luke said the same thing. Hell, I could put a whole loom in one of those rooms, indulge my long-hardboard desire to make tapestries.” Lorelai replied thinking of possibilities.
“You’ve been long-harboring that one?” Sookie asked.
“I just thought of it, but yeah.” Lorelai remarked.
“What about the other bedrooms?” Sookie asked.
“Well, the master bedroom is pretty big with a bathroom. It's a little dated. One bedroom for Rory if or when she decides to talk to me again. The other two rooms could be a sewing room, a guest room or an office for me or Luke.” Lorelai stated possibilities of the rooms while hiding one remaining room.
“That's only four rooms. What are you doing with the fifth room?” Sookie asked.
“ Well… I don't have it all planned out yet, but we were thinking of using it as a nursery.” Lorelai announced.
“Oh, a room for plants. That's nice. Although I didn't see either of you having green thumbs.” Sookie said with confusion.
“Um, no plants. Just a nursery for a human baby.” Lorelai getting as close as she could without spelling it out.
“That's nice. It's good to plan ahead. So, you guys are going to try to have a baby once you get married?” Sookie asked.
“No, we won't need to try because we will need a nursery ready to go in January.” Lorelai smiles at Sookie.
Sookie grabbed Lorelai's hands. “Oh my god! Oh my god! You are pregnant!!!!” They were both jumping up and down.
“Yes, I am.” Lorelai cheerfully stated.
“This is so great!! We get to be mom friends! I don't have to pretend I like the moms at Davie’s daycare. We will raise the kids together. Your new baby and Martha will be about nine months apart. They will likely be in the same grade at school. The kids will be friends. What if they date? Then we could share grandchildren. That would be something. I'm sorry I'm getting so far ahead of myself. How are you feeling about being pregnant? Does Luke know?” Sookie expressed her joy and asked how her friend was feeling.
“ Well, physically it's kicking my ass. I have a lot of morning sickness and it's been at night too. Emotionally, I'm beyond happy and excited. Yes, Luke knows and he's very happy. I get to be the mother of his children. I'm so happy about this new chapter in my life.” Lorelai gushed pure happiness.
“Yeah, morning sickness is the worst. I don't miss that one bit. Wait, you said children.” Sookie replied with some confusion.
Lorelai reached into her purse and took out the ultrasound pictures.
“We went to my first doctor appointment today. I'm six weeks along. So, this Baby A and Baby B.” Lorelai informed her friend she was expecting twins while showing her ultrasound pictures.
“Holy crap! Twins?! This is a big deal!!” Sookie was in a state of shock. “Are they identical?”
“It's too early to know for sure, but the doctor thinks they are fraternal.” Lorelai commented on the doctor's feedback.
Sookie was still holding the ultrasound pictures. “When Luke does it he really does it. How is he handling the idea of being a dad to two children?”
“We both had a bit of a mutual freak out, but we both are really happy. We have agreed to just take things one day at a time.” Lorelai shared their thoughts on the babies. “Hey Sookie, the doctor told me my pregnancy is high risk. This is because I'm carrying multiples and my age.” Lorelai confided in her friend.
“Oh, how do you feel about that?” Sookie asked while showing concern.
“I'm trying to be optimistic, but I'm scared. I don't want to lose them.” Lorelai sighed.
“Hey, honey it's going to be okay. You know, other than Jackson, you were there for me for my two pregnancies. I'm here to return the favor. Whatever you need. You name it.” Sookie smile while being a supported friend.
“Can you be there when I tell Michel? I'm going to hold off for a couple more weeks. You'll be back to work by then.” Lorelai asked, this was one thing Sookie could be a good help with.
“Of course. How do you think he is going to handle it?” Sookie questioned.
“I don't know. I think we are going to reassure him it's going to be alright.” Lorelai had her doubts about Michel.
“Well, we will handle it together, the three of us. This is a happy time, don't let Michel or anyone else spoil it.” Sookie enthusiastically stated. “So, it’s all feeling good, huh?”
“Well, it’s a little on the Versailles side. I’m gonna have to keep an eye out for peasants with pitchforks.” Lorelai referenced the house.
“I meant the relationship and the pregnancy. You’re engaged and expecting for gosh sakes.” Sookie replied.
“Yes, I’m aware.” Lorelai put her hand over stomach and looked at her ring.
“And it’s sticking?” Sookie questioned.
“Yes, Sookie. It’s sticking.” Lorelai confirmed she was all in.
“Good, good.” Sookie nodded. “How about now?”
“I’m totally re-evaluating the whole thing.” Lorelai sarcastically stated.
“Really?” Sookie was shocked as questioned.
“No!” Lorelai yelled kind of annoyed.
“Well, you’ve got priors.” Sookie added.
“Sookie.” Lorelai exclaimed.
“You say one thing, but your heart says another.” Sookie remarked.
“Please don’t give me the whole litany, especially the one that sounds like a Kenny Chesney song.” Lorelai annoyingly said.
“I’m just being honest.” Sookie stated her opinion.
“I’m not going to bolt. I’m staying put. Plus how far can I run? I'm pregnant with twins. I literally have no energy to run.” Lorelai explained.
“Good, because the eyes will give you away.” Sookie pointed to her eyes.
“What do you mean?” Lorelai questioned.
“If you think of bolting they’ll pop out on you like that runaway bride. It’s like the eyes are trying to run away first.” Sookie explained.
“Sookie, look at my eyes.” Lorelai bent down for her friend to look in her eyes.
“Okay.” Sookie nodded.
“How do they look?” Lorelai asked.
“Pretty socked in there.” Sookie replied.
“And there will remain. Everything's good, promise.” Lorelai confirmed.
“Good, pretty eyes, too.” Sookie replied while looking at her eyes.
“I’m taken.” Lorelai laughed.
“Whoa, it is me or--” Lorelai states as she looks at the house.
“Nope, I think it just got bigger.” Sookie looked up at the house.
“That’s what she said.” Lorelai made the same joke her friend did earlier.
“Good Grief.” Sookie rolled her eyes.
“What you can be 12, but I can’t be 12?” Lorelai questioned.
“No, you can be 12.” Sookie replied.
“Thank you.” Lorelai nodded.
“So, what are you going to do? Are you going to move into this house?” Sookie wondered if her friend was changing addresses.
“I don't know. The house looks great on the outside but the inside needs a lot of work.” Lorelai stated her main reservation.
“How much work? You should get Tom to look at the house.” Sookie added.
“Luke had Tom look at the house last week. The house needs to update to the 21st century since it's stuck in the 1970s from a design side of things. Then we need to replace the boiler, half of the windows, electrical, and the pipes since they are old and not up to code. Plus the basem*nt steps had dry rot so they need to be replaced. That's only what we know about. You know when you watch HGTV they work on a house and then half through an episode they find the worst possible thing wrong and it costs like a million dollars to get fixed. I am just waiting to hear the worst thing.” Lorelai explained her fears and what was wrong with the house.
“Wow, you have no idea from the outside all of that is going on with the inside. Did Tom give you a remodel timeline and the budget?” Sookie questioned.
“Yeah, it will be a year to eighteen months to complete. Then the budget is 90-110 thousand dollars. I didn't want the remodel going after the babies are born. Plus there's no way we can afford that with two kids on the way. Luke says he can swing it, if that's what I really want.” Lorelai explained a big con of living in the Twickham house.
“Yeah, that would be really tough to work with both financially and logistically. I'm sure you're not on good terms with your parents, but maybe they could help you guys out.” Sookie suggested.
“Oh, no. No way. I forgot to tell the absolute worst thing they did. Well, it was mainly my mother. She left a bunch of voicemails about getting the last of Rory's things. So, I drove over and gave them the last of Rory’s things to live in the pool house. At the time I thought it was only one baby, now I know it's two. So, my babies made their appearance known that night. And I threw up.” Lorelai started to explain the new chapter of the fall out with her parents.
“Oh god. Did you throw up on your mother? I'm sorry, but I would have paid to see that.” Sookie started laughing from the awkwardness.
“No, I didn't throw up on my mother. I made it to the toilet. Thank God. She came into the bathroom and figured out the whole thing. Then asked if Luke was the father and how could I get pregnant on accident again. I wasn't wearing my ring at the time because I didn’t want them to know about the engagement and she said Luke wouldn't stay around because we weren't married. I corrected her on that. Then she said if this kid would be in trouble she wouldn't be able to help them in 20 years because they would be too old. She didn't say anything positive about the whole thing. I'm done with them until I get a genuine apology. Even then, I'm not sure I want to speak to them.” Lorelai recapitulates that disaster of a night.
“Wow, that's so awful, honey. I'm so sorry.” Sookie was heartbroken to hear that news from friend. She truly didn't understand the elder Gilmores sometimes.
“Yeah, well, I can't change them.” Lorelai sighed.
“So, what’s the answer going to be, are you going to live in this house?” Sookie asked to change the subject.
“I don't know. This is going to be a lot of work, a lot of money and it won't be done until after the babies are born. My house isn't big enough for us to be a family of four, well five including Rory if she decides to ever come home. This is Luke's dream, and I don't want to crush it. I'm feeling so unsure and I'm running out of time.” Lorelai stated her thoughts.
“Well, I think you have to think about it like this: can you see you, Luke, the twins and possibly Rory living in this house, your current house, or a different house entirely?” Sookie asked.
“I don't know. I'm leaning more towards my current house. I still don't know.” Lorelai said, getting exhausted thinking about it.
“Well, I don't envy you having to make this decision. I'm sure you will make the right one.” Sookie tried to reassure her friend as she yawned.
“Yeah, I hope so. Hey, I'm sorry. I know you are tired. I'm probably not going to figure this out tonight. If you want to go home I understand.” Lorelai said seeing Sookie get tired.
“I wouldn't be the worst friend ever if I went home?” Sookie asked as her eyes looked heavy.
“ No, I'm pretty tired too. But hey thanks for listening to me.” Lorelai replied.
“It was a rollercoaster but worth the ride.” Sookie commented. She gave her friend a quick hug. “Hey, I'm here whatever you need.”
“Right back at you.” Lorelai smiled and walked away.

XXXXXXXX

Lorelai started walking home from the Twickham house. She realized she didn't want to go home alone. She knew she wasn't fully alone due to the babies in her womb. She wanted him.She walked by the diner. Luke told her if she wanted to she could come over. She looked at her watch and it was 9:28 pm. She knew he might still be awake. She walked over to the front door and grabbed the key on top of the door. She unlocked the main door and walked through. She locked it behind her. She made her way up the stairs. She knocked on the apartment door. Lorelai hoped he wasn't asleep or he wouldn't hear her. She heard movement from behind the door. The door clicks open.
“Hi. You weren't sleeping, were you?” Lorelai greeted Luke while he was wearing his best nighttime outfit which was a green t-shirt and gray sweatpants.
“No not yet. I didn't think you were coming over tonight. Is everything okay?” Luke asked, concerned.
“Yeah, everything is okay. I didn't want to go to bed alone. And I was in the neighborhood. The babies missed you. So, can I stay here tonight?” Lorelai asked, batting her eyelashes.
“Of course you can. You live two blocks away; you are always in the neighborhood.” Luke stated.
Lorelai threw her arms around him. “I know, but I really missed you. I really don’t want to spend any more nights apart if we can help it.”
“Okay, you did see me earlier today.” Luke said somewhat confused.
“I still miss you. I want to show how much I missed you.” Lorelai leaned in and kissed him. He kissed her back. He would admit he was feeling tired before she arrived on his doorstep. He got a bolt of energy. He took her in his arms. They walked into the dark apartment.
“Are you opening tomorrow?” Lorelai asked.
“No.” Luke shook his head.
“Great. I can have my way with you.” Lorelai giggled.
She positioned him against the wall by the bed. She aggressively returned to kissing him. She felt like a junkie in need of their next fix. He was her ultimate fix. She wasn’t sure if the hormones were in the driver seat if it was all her. Luke was returning the kisses, he wasn’t quite sure what was causing this, not that he would complain. He knew Lorelai was often unpredictable, he was happy to share in the unpredictability. She moved her hands lower over his chest. She reached for his shirt and pulled it over his head. She trailed kisses over his chest. She lowered herself to where her knees hit the floor like a Catholic school girl. She looked up, meeting his eyes that had darkened with desire. She pulled the sweatpants to relieve the perfect package. She moved her hands, summing him to give into her. She knew her hands would be the warmup act and knew what she needed to do for him to come alive. She moved her pretty lips over him, taking the whole length into her warm mouth. She moved her tongue from the base to the tip. She had her own unique technique of moving her tongue in clockwise circles. She grabbed his perfect ass to gain more leverage. He reached lower and put his hands in her hair guiding her head. His breath quickened. She wasn’t going to give up until he got his release. She could hear the guttural moans coming from him. He was close. He grabbed her head, “Lorelai, not like this tonight.” She released him from her mouth. He picked her up off the ground and pinned her against the wall. He pulled her into an embrace kissing her neck and removing her top. She quickly removed her pants and underwear. “I’m not going to last long.” He remarked.
“Me neither. I just need it so bad.” Lorelai flirtatiously smiled.
He placed himself at her entrance. She quickly wrapped both legs around his waist. He kept her balanced while she lifted her feet off the ground. She dug her fingernails into his back as he dove into her. She grinded her hips into his pubic bone as he thrusted in and out of her. He moved his hand over her cl*t, summing her over the threshold. “Luke.” She moaned. She felt her climax building. He moved faster, he was loving the unrestricted sex they had been having lately. She cried out again. He was starting to lose his footing to keep them standing. He looked deeply in her eyes thrust hard one more time. Lorelai felt her legs go completely weak. “Yes, oh God.”
They finally hit the peak coming together. He placed a tender kiss on her lips. “I'm glad you came over.”
“Luke, dirty.” Lorelai laughed.
“I didn't mean it like that.” He removed himself from her and placed her feet on the floor. “Are you staying the night?”
“Yeah, the babies don't want to be without you.” Lorelai commented as she put on his blue flannel button down to go to sleep.
“They’re talking to you, now?” Luke asked, confused.
“No, words yet. It's just a feeling.” Lorelai explained.
“Well, I can't complain too much about that.” He gave her a smile while putting his clothes back on.
Lorelai had a moment to regain her thoughts while getting in the bed. “So, how are Liz and TJ?”
“They are good. Liz's jewelry is getting some attention at a couple of stores throughout New England. She is hoping to be in one place a little more often. TJ needs a job. He is thinking about some sort of handyman work. Personally, I wouldn't let him fix me a sandwich, but for Liz I am letting him fix the selves in the back of the diner.” Luke shared part of his visit with sister and brother-in-law.
“Did you tell her our news?” Lorelai excitedly questioned while putting her hands on her stomach.
“Yes, I did. She is very happy for us. She was happy I found the right person to give mom's ring too. She is excited about an aunt. Liz was shocked to hear we are having twins. She asked if they were identical and then she asked what I want to have as far as the boy/girl combo.” Luke commented on Liz's opinions.
“I'm glad she is happy for us. I will admit I'm a bit envious you have a sibling you get to share your life with. I know dealing with Emily and Richard would have been easier if I had a sibling. So, what combo do you want?” Lorelai asked since they didn't discuss it in the doctor's office.
“I will give you the same answer I gave Liz. I just want you and the babies to be healthy. Whatever happens, happens. I'll be happy.” Luke restated his past opinion.
“That's a nice and diplomatic answer. You don't want a boy to throw a ball to?” Lorelai asked.
“Sure, if they want to play catch. I'll throw a ball to a girl too. Or I'll have a tea party, I don't really care.” Luke stayed wonderfully neutral.
“Gosh you are Switzerland. Although if she is more of a Gilmore, it will be a coffee party. I swear I'm going to get an answer out of you.” Lorelai smiled.
“Well, what combo do you want? If you're so obsessed with my answer, you must have one.” Luke remarked.
“I don't know. Two girls would be safe and familiar. Two boys would be scary and unfamiliar but kind of an adventure. A boy and a girl would be a mix of all the feelings. I think I'm more excited to see what kind of people they will be. Seeing pieces of me, and you while watching them grow into their own person.” Lorelai expressed her feelings while snuggling closer to him.
“I would agree with your last thought. It will be fun to see them become unique people.” Luke agreed.
“When you said you were in the neighborhood earlier. What did you mean by that?” Luke continued.
“Oh, I met with Sookie, and we caught up. I told her about the engagement, and I let the cat out the bag, I told her about the twins. I know I said I wanted to wait, but we got to talking. And it just came out. I hope you’re not mad.” Lorelai replied with some fear.
“No, I am not mad. I was honestly following your lead on when to tell people. So, the total of people that know are Rory, Sookie, Liz, Babette and your parents. For someone who didn’t want this out there, it’s pretty much out there.” Luke recapped who in their small circle knew about her pregnancy.
“Well, Rory, Sookie and Liz were the only ones we wanted to know right now. Babette knowing was an accident and my parents were certainly an accident to know. We will keep it quiet a little longer. Although me and Sookie have to tell Michel at some point. I think his reaction will be closer to my parents.” Lorelai replied.
“Well, if he is mean, you could just fire him or send his ass back to France.” Luke stated.
“Nah, I’m not going to do that. He will probably throw a tiny fit and then be fine.” Lorelai said while she started to fall asleep.
“Lorelai, we still need to figure a lot of things out.” Luke put the groundwork to talk about the Twickham house.
“I know, we need to, I’m super sleepy. I escaped puking tonight, and it will be puke o’clock very soon. Can we talk tomorrow?” Lorelai asked, barely able to keep her eyes open.
“Yeah, sure.” Luke replied feeling a bit anxious with the Twickham house deadline approaching.
“Good night, babe.” Lorelai nodded off to sleep.

XXXXXXXX

They both slept in later than usual. Michel needed Sunday off so Lorelai agreed to work on Sunday if she could have Wednesday off. She woke first having seen the sunshine through the flowery curtains. He was still fast asleep. "Good morning babies.” She whispered. She was in the habit of talking to them. She mostly did it in her head, but she was starting to make the conscious effort to do it aloud. She wanted them to know her voice. Technically they didn't have form ears yet, but that wasn't going to stop her. Since she didn't throw up the night before she knew she was waiting to book her daily appointment with the toilet. Just like clockwork she was seeing her dinner return. After this pregnancy was over, she was going to write a book on the best and worst foods to throw up. She found her cinnamon flavored toothpaste and brushed her teeth. Luke heard the toilet flush. He reached for her on the other side of the bed and found that she wasn't there. “Hey, good morning. Is it a good morning?” He asked, referencing her morning sickness. He felt bad for sleeping through her throwing up.
“So-so. Not a ton of vomit. I made sure my dinner wasn't too greasy. It's weird what you get used to.” Lorelai commented walking out the bathroom.
“You're half through the first trimester, so hopefully halfway through the morning sickness.” Luke tried to offer a bit of hope.
“Hey, is my pink blouse here?” Lorelai asked, trying to get dressed. She had a couple of things at his place, but she didn’t have a ton of options.
“Maybe, there's something pink in the closet.” Luke pointed at the closet.
Lorelai opened the closet and found the pink blouse she was looking for. It was feeling a little tight in her chest, but it was okay to wear for today, but could be an article of clothing that would have to be in a closet for a while.
Luke got ready for the day and had a quick protein shake. She had her breakfast of peanut toast and a tiny bit of plain yogurt.
“I wish you would eat a little more in the morning.” Luke commented on her light breakfast.
“Who are you telling, I wish I could eat more. I am losing the battle, but I am going to win the war. Trust me, I tend to make up the calories with lunch and dinner.” Lorelai shared his concern.
“Okay, yeah, I guess you do. Are you working today?” Luke asked, unsure of her schedule.
“No, I am off today.” Lorelai smiled.
“Unfortunately, I’m not and we slept through the breakfast rush. So, I will need to get down there very soon. I know the smell of coffee is currently making you sick right now, if you want to leave through the back door that will be fine.” Luke told her, not wanting her to be sick.
“I'll go downstairs, I think it will be weird if I'm not seen in the diner. People will talk.” Lorelai.
“I don't think people care.” Luke grumbled.
“Well, we don't need to give them something to talk about.” Lorelai replied, she didn't need the town knowing something was up.
“Okay sounds good. Do you think you actually want to have a cup of coffee?” Luke asked.
“I didn't think you would let me have a cup of coffee. There's no way. I'm sure I would throw up right away. I'll ask for coffee downstairs but give me some ginger tea.” Lorelai wanted to keep up the coffee pretense.
“Okay, I'll play along.” Luke commented. “What are you going to do on your day off?” Luke questioned.
“I don't know. Maybe just relax or I'll go to the movies.” Lorelai replied, unsure of her plans.
“You'll go to a movie by yourself?” Luke asked.
“Sure, why not. Plus, it's summer blockbuster time, there is plenty to see. Hey, War of the Worlds is coming out later this month. We should see it. I know you will like it, Mr. Scfi.” Lorelai told him about the upcoming movie.
“Mr. Scfi? I don't know about that. I was kind of disappointed with the new Star Wars movie.” Luke replied as they headed down the stairs.
“How were you disappointed?” Lorelai asked since he seemed to like the movie at the time.
“Well, they are supposed to be these advanced beings and they have all this technology. And they have those flashlight thingies…” Luke ranted.
“That’s the right name for those--flashlights thingies.” Lorelai laughed at Luke not knowing the name of lightsabers.
“And Jedi Powers of mind control, and they can move things so they’re telekinetic. And they hover on their jet saucers over molten lava, and they can jump and fly like they’re in Cirque Du Soleil.” Luke explained the powers of the Jedis.
“Ah, coffee, please.” Lorelai asked to keep up appearances to the fellow customers.
“But what gives one jedi knight the edge over the other, huh?” Luke questioned while heading her ginger tea.
“The ultimate advantage is that they stand on a mound of dirt and declare, "You can’t win. I’ve got the high ground.’” Luke continued.
“Dude, if he said it, that’s the way it is. It’s a fictional world.” Lorelai explained Scfi to Mr Scfi.
“He’s four feet up a little slope. That wipes out the other guys’ power to fly, jump around, move things with his brain, use his flashlight thingy?” Luke questioned the plot hole while walking behind the diner counter.
“You’ve got to learn the right term for that flashlight thingy.” Lorelai repeated herself as she sat down. She realized she couldn't breathe through her nose or she was going to be sick.
“This has been bugging me.” Luke groaned
“For a month-- we saw that movie like a month ago. You’ve got to let it go.” Lorelai replied.
“I can’t.” Luke not letting it go.
“George Lucas owns San Francisco now. That’s a city. You can’t argue with a man who owns a city.” Lorelai commented.
“All the other guy has to do is scurry onto land, run up a hill a bit, and then he has the high ground. I mean, they can fly jet pods, but they can’t scurry?” Luke continued to rant.
“Go on a website or something, okay? Cause there are thousands. No, millions of your kind out there debating all the details of not just this Star Wars movie, but every Star Wars movie.” Lorelai said.
“You drag me to see these movies.” Luke countered.
“No, you wanted to see that movie.” Lorelai pointed out to him.
“So, I can’t critique it because I wanted to see it?” Luke questioned.
“That’s how it works.” Lorelai nodded.
“What about bewitched?” Luke questioned, knowing she would rant in just a moment.
“Okay, I’m sorry they screwed up Bewitched. Nicole Kidman, that was a good choice, but that concept?” Lorelai ranted.
“You should go on a website.” Luke teased her.
“Not, but Bewitched is iconic-- Dr. Bombay, Larry Tate. There was no Larry Tate.” Lorelai ranted on Hollywood, messing up one of her favorite TV shows in their remake.
“Hey, let it go. We saw this about a week ago.” Luke teased again.
“This is different. You can’t have bewitched without Larry Tate.” Lorelai replied about her missing character.
“Here’s your coffee.” Luke winked because they both knew it was tea.
“So, should we stop going to movies?” Lorelai asked.
“We should stop caring.” Luke replied.
“Hey how are you feeling?” Luke questioned while whispering.
“I'm okay, but I'm not breathing through my nose.” Lorelai said, feeling slightly nausea.
“Well, I'm glad the movie talk distracted you.” Luke smiled.
“You are wonderful and diabolical.” She smiled back. “Okay. Bye, doll.” Lorelai gave him a quick kiss, grabbed her cup and walked out the door.
“Bye.” Luke watched her walk out the door.

XXXXXXXXX

Luke walks to the other side of the counter to clear a table and see’s TJ installing the new shelves.
“Do you see these?” TJ pointed to the shelves.
“Yeah, I saw them before TJ.” Luke groaned. “Stop doing that. It’s creepy.” Luke continued to groan as he saw TJ rubbing the shelves in an almost sexual way.
“Some of my best work--these shelves.” TJ exclaimed.
“They seem very shelfy.” Luke rolled his eyes.
“You’re not excited.” TJ said disappointed.
“I tend not to get too excited about things like shelves.” Luke ranted.
“I hate that you lost the little boy in you.” TJ replied with sorrow.
“Don’t cry for me.” Luke rolled his eyes.
“By the way I’m throwing in my top shelf as an engagement gift for you brother-in-law. I know you said no gifts, but it's your gift.” TJ remarked.
“Great, thanks.” Luke nodded.
“Of course, my per-shelf rates gone up since we last talked. So, it all comes out to the same money.” TJ stated his rate.
“Yeah, well, funny how that works.” Luke rolled his eyes again. No good deed he thought.
“It’s exciting that Lorelai’s gonna be my sister-in law. Having another hot girl in the family. It's gonna be Tres cool.” TJ shared his excitement.
“Uh-huh.” Luke responded as he was not listening.
“People are really gonna stare when the two of us are squiring our delectable wives around.” TJ bragged about their pretty ladies.
“I don’t know just how much mutual squiring you and I are going to be doing.” Luke replied hoping to put a stop to this.
“You got to admit our wives are hot. VA-VA to the Voom.” TJ bragged.
“T.J. Your wife is my sister.” Luke started getting uncomfortable.
“That doesn’t make you blind, does it?” TJ questioned.
“VA-VA-” TJ continues.
“Don’t go to the voom again.” Luke sternly said for him to stop.
“Mr. Sensitive.” TJ said defensively.
“You’re done here, don’t you have somewhere to go?” Luke hinted for him to leave, politely.
“I’m pretty free.” TJ cheerfully replied.
“I was gonna go to the movies and see Bewitched but your woman spoiled that for me.” TJ replied.
“I got to check something in the storeroom.” Luke tried walking away from TJ.
“Wait, wait, wait, wait! Wait. Wait. Wait.” TJ pleaded. “I need your okay on something.”
“As long as it doesn’t involve my sister.” Luke replied, still trying to get away from him.
“It pays to advertise, right? I want to put a sign up on the shelves to let people know who did them. Shelves by A.J.” TJ explained.
“A.J.? Why A.J.? Why not T.J?” Luke asked, confused.
“Cause I’m going in the yellow pages, and I want to be up at the top. T puts me after everything except U, V, W, X, Y, and Z and I think a few others. Smart huh?” TJ remarked.
“Yeah I just don’t want you advertising here, TJ.” Luke replied, knowing if he gave him an inch, he would take a mile.
“Well, is it okay if I give out my card to any inquiring party?” TJ handed him a card.
“Sure, if they inquire, I’ll give them a card. You crossed out Ralph's shoe repair and wrote in A.J. Construction. That’s your card?” Luke questioned the pure stupidity.
“I don’t have cards, so I take them from other businesses and write my own stuff in it.” TJ replied.
“You might want to cross out the picture of the guy shining the boot. It might confuse things.” Luke remarked over TJ stealing the business cards.
“Thanks. What a team, huh?” TJ said as Luke walked away.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai was planning on heading home, but she got distracted by the pet fair in the town square. She always would say hello to the animals, but she was feeling extra sad they didn't have homes. She had a feeling the hormones were more in control then usual on her feelings. She walked over to a small cage.
“Hello Porky. Hello, ohhh. Well I’m feeling a little guilty because of the you-lt I had yesterday. That’s right, I'm sorry. Please forgive me.” Lorelai said to the cute tiny pig.
“Hi fellas, what’s up? You both look like killers.” Lorelai walked past some tough looking dogs.
“Hey, hey you. Oh, someone seems very happy.” Lorelai saw the middle size sheep dog wag their tail as she put her hand through the cage to pet him.
“Hey, he likes you. And he’s picky.” Worker remarked on the dog's behavior.
“He’s cute. You’re cute. You’re shagging cute. Oh, we got a love thing going on, don’t we?” Lorelai giggled.
“What are you doing?” Ms. Patty questioned sternly.
“I’m just enjoying the animals, Patty.” Lorelai sheepishly replied.
“Honey, this is not right. She can’t have a love thing with a dog.” Ms. Patty said knowing Lorelai's bad past of taking care of animals.
“She can’t?” The worker asked, confused.
“Yes, I can. Go about your business, their Patty.” Lorelai snapped a tiny bit.
“You must have her name on some blacklist back there, don’t you?” Ms. Patty questioned.
“We don’t have a blacklist.” The worker replied.
“But this is Lorelai Gilmore.” Ms. Patty remarked.
“Ignore her, this dog loves me. And the pig the pig loved me.” Lorelai stated the animals' opinions at the fair.
“It looks dead.” Ms. Patty said, looking over her shoulder.
“It’s sleeping, right?” Lorelai panicked.
“Actually that’s very unusual for her to sleep at this time of day. Meg, make sure the pig’s okay.” The worker yelled for her coworker.
“Yeah, the pig’s fine.” Lorelai said, hoping it was a fact.
“You didn’t touch it did you?” Ms. Patty asked.
“I did not kill the pig, Patty.” Lorelai yelled.
“You got a bad record. You got to admit it.” Ms. Patty exclaimed.
“That thing with the hamster was a long time ago. It was a long time ago! And it was only a hamster. It’s not in the same category as a dog or pig, is it?” Lorelai ranted trying to defend herself.
“What about the rabbit?” Ms. Patty inquired.
“Okay, the rabbit was sick when I got it. It was very humanitarian of me to take it in the first place.” Lorelai explained.
“And that poor turtle, it was supposed to outlive you.” Ms. Patty stated another animal let down by Lorelai.
“You’re really kind of bringing down the pet fair here, Patty.” Lorelai said in annoyed huff.
“Honey, go see the march of the penguins. That’s really as close to the animals as you should get.” Ms. Patty replied as she walked off.
“She’s a comedian, that one. She just gets a bit, and then she keeps on going you know, even with one that’s not funny.” Lorelai tried to explain away Ms. Patty's behavior.
“Hi see you later, kiddo.” Lorelai briefly said goodbye to the dog.
Lorelai turned her head to see Liz approaching her.
“Lorelai!” Liz was running towards and wrapped her arms around her.
“Liz, Hi.” Lorelai said, a little shocked by the embrace.
“You and Luke are engaged! And you're going to have twins!” Liz announced a little louder Lorelai would have liked.
“Yes, we are!” Lorelai shared her joy with joy.
“I want to eat your face and touch your tummy!” Liz exclaimed.
“Is that good? Also, please don't touch my stomach in public.” Lorelai expressed. She didn't want to bring attention to herself. She had to start thinking about other people touching her stomach. Only she and Luke have touched her stomach. She didn't mind when he did, but she wasn’t sure about the rest of the world just yet.
“ Oh, sorry. I know it's early and you don't want it all out there just yet. I'm so happy for you guys. I get to be an aunt! I didn't think he would ever settle down.” Liz paused and grabbed Lorelai's hands. “You’re my sister-in-law, Mrs. Danes, not that you’re changing your name. You don’t gotta. Go modern.”
“Oh, I’m not sure what I’m gonna do.” Lorelai replied not knowing if she was going to be a Gilmore or Danes or a Gilmore-Danes.
“Awe, mom's ring looks so pretty on you. It's just meant to be. I'm glad he gave it to you.” Liz gushed over the family heirloom being passed to Lorelai.
“Yes, I'm glad he gave it to me too.” Lorelai smiled looking at her ring.
“Have you ever seen my ring?” Liz asked. She moved her hand closer to her face. “Isn't it beautiful?”
“Definitely.” Lorelai nodded just trying to be nice.
“I had a problem for a while. It turned my finger green.” Liz shared.
“Well, that’s common with metal.” Lorelai commented on the ring looking on the cheap side.
“No, it's worse than that.” Liz replied.
“The finger turned green. Then it turned blue, then purple. So, I went to this doctor, and he’s talking about amputation.” Liz explained her issues with her finger.
“Oh, my god.” Lorelai gasped.
“But T.J. picked it out for me, so I love it, I really do.” Liz smiled at her ring.
“It’s the thought that counts.” Lorelai.
“Well, I gotta get going. I actually have a finger-therapy session. I have to go. Sister-in-laws!” Liz stated while holding her ring on Lorelai's.
“Sister-in-laws!” Lorelai repeated Liz's words.
“Oh, I’m a jerk.” Liz stopped herself from leaving.
“What?” Lorelai questioned. Liz was a little weird sometimes, but never a jerk to Lorelai.
“I forgot to ask you about Rory.” Liz gave her reason for being a jerk.
“Right?” Lorelai questioned, not in the mood to talk about Rory.
“So, is she staying with you during the summer break?” Liz inquired about Rory further.
“Oh, well actually. Luke didn’t tell you about all of this?” Lorelai asked, hoping to not get into the bad details.
“All what?” Liz asked unsure.
“She’s staying with her grandparents for the summer.” Lorelai replied withholding the gory details.
“Really?” Liz voiced.
“For a change of pace, and she’ll be working and yeah.” Lorelai explained.
“Your whole extended family, you, your parents, so close. It’s nice. Hey, do they know about the babies? I bet they are so excited.” Liz gushed about the Gilmore family she didn't know well enough to see the darker underbelly.
“Yes, it is. They know I'm expecting, but I haven't had a chance to tell them of the double trouble.” Lorelai commented hoping Liz wouldn't inquire further.
“Oh, I'm sure they will be really happy when you tell them.” Liz smiled.
“Hey, I gotta get going. So happy for the both of you!” Liz walked away.
Lorelai was happy to have another person in her corner during this pregnancy. She was happy that her kid was going to have an aunt since she was an only child. Liz was a bit odd but her heart was usually in the right place.
Lorelai's attention was brought back to the dog in the cage.
“Can I see him outside of the cage?” Lorelai asked the pet fair worker.
“Sure.” The employee opened the cage door and put a leash on the dog. She gave the leash to Lorelai.
Lorelai sat on the grass and the dog approached her. He seem to be a bit skittish. Lorelai held her hand out and he smelled it. He started to smell her legs and sat down next to her. He put his head on her stomach. He started sniffing her stomach.
“I guess you know my secret, pal.” She felt herself getting emotional to see the dog pay attention to her stomach, like in his own way he was saying hello to her babies.
“That's amazing. He never acts that way with anyone.” The fair worker remarked.
“ Yeah, we seem to have this puppy love thing going on. Hey, what happens if he isn't adopted?” Lorelai asks as she starts to get attached to the furry guy as she pet him.
“Well he and the other dogs will go to a couple of shelters locally. Hopefully they will get adopted, some might get put down. So, that's why I am hoping most of the animals get adopted today.” The worker explained.
Lorelai looked down at the dog. She felt tears forming in her eyes. He just seemed to be a sweetheart. He didn't deserve to be put down. She impulsively announced, “I'll take him.”
Lorelai followed the employee and filled out the needed paperwork.
“Okay, we are all set, you can take him home.” The worker told Lorelai.
Lorelai bought a dog. She made one of the most impulsive decisions of her life. She didn't have anything for a dog at her house. She wanted him to feel at home. She walked down the street and decided to go to Pets Hollow. The sole pet store in Stars Hollow. She walked into the pet store with the dog on his leash. She was thinking of everything a dog would need. She grabbed a shopping cart and started stocking up new items which included a new leash, new collar, a water and food bowl, a dog bed, rawhides, a couple of squeaky toys including a colorful monkey. She got her final item: a large dog cage. She bought the items on her credit card and wasn’t looking forward to the large bill at the end of the month. She went home with her new friend. They made the short walk to the blue house. Lorelai started to walk up the steps. The dog was frozen. “Come on, buddy.” She motioned for him to take on the stairs. The dog didn't move. She picked him up. “So, you don't do stairs, okay. That's fine. Stairs are overrated. We will work on that.”
Lorelai entered the home with the dog next to her. “Okay, if you are going to live here you will need the tour. Follow me. Here is the living room.” Lorelai presented the living room to the dog. The dog just seemed to be scared uninterested in any sort of tour. Lorelai walked to the kitchen. “Here is the kitchen, I'll make sure I get your food and water bowl in just a bit. She walked past Rory's room. She could bring herself to open the door. “Well, since you don't do stairs, I can’t show you my bedroom or the upstairs bathroom. So, this is it. I hope you like it here.” The dog walked back into the living room and laid on the rug.
He was lower energy then his owner. She grabbed the toys and tried to play with him. She first grabbed the rawhide and showed no interest. She grabbed the colorful monkey and gave it a squeeze. The toy said, “whazzup.” The dog didn't move.
“Okay, you are a strange one.” Lorelai commented.
Lorelai made a couple of trips in and out of the house to carry all of the new dog items. She knew his name was Cocoa and she wasn't a fan of it. She had to think of a new name. What name would fit?
She started to clean around her house, and he followed her. She gave the house a quick dusting since Rory wouldn't be home to do it. She found a lot of dust and lint on her small desk in her living room. The dog started to cry seeing it, but still followed her. She was going to remember the fear of dust and lint. She decided to make herself a quick lunch while putting dog food in his new bowl. He sniffed the bowl, but didn't touch it. Lorelai took her grilled cheese and a veggie bowl to the living room. He didn't follow her. She kept eating her lunch. He soon walked back into the room. She liked that he didn't beg for food. Lorelai looked through her CDs to find something to listen to. She found her Paul Anka greatest hits CD. He was always one of her favorites. She opened the CD. The dog jumped hearing the CD open. Okay he is afraid of CDs, Lorelai thought to herself. She put the CD in her stereo. The first song was Puppy Love. He wagged his tail. She got on the floor and petted him. “Hey buddy, you like the song?” Lorelai asked the dog. That was the moment she knew his name. Paul Anka. She was going to name the dog Paul Anka. It would take some time to get there. She would slowly change his name closer and closer to get to Paul Anka. She got back on the couch and grabbed her book which was titled a guide for expecting mothers. Although she already had a baby she was a bit rusty. She opened the paperback and the dog whimpered seeing the book. Another note she made.
The rest of the afternoon flew by with her reading her book and Paul Anka sleeping on the floor. She started to get hungry again. She was staying true to word and making up the calories throw up. She started to have a craving for popcorn. This was the first non fruit or vegetable craving she had. She went into the kitchen and made popcorn. He followed her again. She offered him a piece and got scared. Another note of what he was afraid. She decided to start making a list on the fridge. She titled Paul Anka fears which were dust, lint, CDs, paperbacks, popcorn. She felt a sneeze coming on. She grabbed a tissue and blew her nose. Paul Anka seems to be scared of that as well. She added sneezes and tissue holder under the fear list. She looked at clock and saw it was getting late in the afternoon. She decided to call the diner.
“ Luke's.” Luke answered the phone.
“Hey, I was going to order a pizza tonight. Are you still coming over?” Lorelai asked, not wanting pizza.
“Yeah, I'll be over. I'll have to close so I'll be over around seven. Please put extra pepperoni on the pizza for me. Don't order it from Al's pancake world.” Luke commented as pizza preference.
“Yes, I'll make sure it has extra pepperoni. I have a surprise for you tonight.” Lorelai said.
“If it was anything like last night I'll enjoy it.” Luke said somewhat flirtatiously.
“You'll have to wait and see.” She replied knowing he wasn't going to get lucky.
“Okay, I'll see tonight.” Luke hung up the phone.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai spent the rest of the afternoon napping. It was very tiring growing two people. She was hoping the fatigue would go away. She woke up around six. She saw that Paul Anka was sleeping on her legs. His head was on her stomach. She looked down, “Hey, babies. Momma took a big nap. Were you guys sleeping too? Our puppy is sleeping on my tummy. I hope you like growing up with him. Momma grew up in the big house and I didn't even have a dog. So I have one up Emily and Richard. Emily and Richard are your grandparents. My parents. They were yelling at me in the bathroom, if you don't remember. I’m not sure at the current time what your relationship with them will look like and quite frankly I don’t want to talk about it. I’m thirsty babies, so that means you guys definitely are. Let’s get something to drink.” Lorelai got off the couch and went to the fridge. “Okay, babies what do we want?” She asked them. She saw some milk, water, and beer which she couldn’t have that she bought over a month ago. She never had juice in the house, but this time since it was summer she had lemonade. That wasn’t exactly juice but very close. She poured herself a glass. She really enjoyed it, more than she thought she would. She was thinking lemonade may be the drink of the pregnancy. Paul Anka was looking up at her while she was drinking the glass. He started to bark in a panic. She put the glass on the counter. “Hey, hey, its okay.” He started to calm down. Her dog was afraid when she drank something. This dog had a lot of anxiety. Lorelai got on the ground with him and motioned for him to come closer. She held him to try and soothe him. He got calmer in arms. She walked back to the living room and called to order the pizza. They said it would be there in twenty minutes and she knew Luke would be too.
She put on some mindless tv to pass the time and worked like a charm. The pizza with extra pepperoni was delivered in record time.
She heard a new knock at the door, she knew this would be Luke. She told Paul Anka to sit pretty on the coffee table to make his introduction to Luke.
“Hey, did you order the pizza?” Luke asked, feeling hungry in the doorway.
“Yes, it's in the kitchen. Come in, come in. I want to show you something.” Lorelai grabbed his hand and took him into the living room.
“Okay.” Luke followed her.
“Or more accurately, I want to show you someone. Ta-Da!” Lorelai announced.
“Where'd he go?” Lorelai looked around the living room.
“Where’d who go? What’s all this crap?” Luke saw all of the dog supplies in her living room.
“Oh, yooo-hoo!” Lorelai called her new dog.
“Come on, dude. We had it all rehearsed and everything.” Lorelai hears the dog cry from behind the chair.
“Aha! Ha. HA.” Lorelai spotted him.
“Yeah okay.” Luke wondered what she was up to now.
“Ta-Da.” Lorelai picked up Paul Anka and put him on the coffee table.
“It's a dog.” Luke unamused said.
“Yeah. Very good. He's smart, too. Not as smart as you.” Lorelai jokes.
“What are you doing with a dog?” Luke asked, annoyed.
“I bought him. Doesn't he look happy?” Lorelai smiled while holding her new dog.
“Yeah, I guess. You bought a dog.” Luke repeated.
“Yeah, and he loves me, and he doesn't give his love easily.” Lorelai stated cheerfully.
“The only drawback is his name it's Cocoa. It's too cutesy. But he's a rescue, so I don't want to freak him out by giving him a new name right away. So, I'm gonna get to the name I want in baby steps. For the first week I'll call him Cocoa to get him acclimated.” Lorelai explained her naming plan.
“Acclimated.” Luke repeated. What kind of dog needed to get acclimated?
“The second week, I'm gonna call him cookey. Third week-kooky. Fourth week-tooky.” Lorelai explained her naming plan.
“So, you're gonna name him Tooky?” Luke asked, thinking that was the dumbest name ever.
“I'm gonna name him Paul Anka. But it's gonna take a while to get to Paul Anka.” Lorelai.
“Yeah, I'd say so. Why are you naming the dog Paul Anka?” Luke asked.
“Because I was cleaning earlier, I put on a Paul Anka CD, and he wagged his tail to Puppy Love and just knew that was his name.” Lorelai smiled. “And you know, this little guy. Has already taught me something I didn't know. Just because they make it for a dog doesn't mean a dog is going to like it. Toys, including squeakies and the “whazzup” variety. Rawhide bones he has no interest in. Popcorn, he’s scared of it.”
“Scared of popcorn?” Luke asked in confusion.
“Yeah, also tissue holder, paperbacks, CDs, sneezes, dust and lint. Oh, and when I drink something, he gets freaked out. Like I'm gonna die, and I have to pick him up and rock him like a baby until he calms down. It's been quite a first day for us.” Lorelai explained her new dog’s odd fears.
“Look, should I ask the two questions that immediately came to mind? Or should I just shut up.” Luke asked wanting to talk about his concerns.
“No shot.” Lorelai replied.
“Is it okay for you---” Luke was interrupted.
“That hamster was defective. Plus, they only live three years. I looked it up and he would have been long dead by now anyway. So world, stop with hamster already.” Lorelai defends her bad animal record.
“But the turtle--” Luke added another pet that didn’t have a happy ending.
“The same thing with the turtle.” Lorelai repeated starting to yell.
“Yeah, but they live to be 90.” Luke counters and raises his voice just a bit.
“Well, that turtle didn't live to be 90. Sometimes the good die young. What's your other question?” Lorelai asked.
“Lorelai, we will have two infants in January. Do you really think it's a good idea to have this dog now?” Luke asked, thinking of another thing that poops he will have to take care when all of her attention will be consumed with the babies.
“Okay I see your point. However, they can’t ask for a dog because we already have one. I can say we have a perfectly good dog at home. Plus, kids that have a pet have less allergies, and they develop compassion and empathy. They can gain a sense of responsibility for taking care of another living thing. It's a win win for both the dog and the kids. They said all the pets would have to be taken to shelters and then possibly put down and I almost cried. I just couldn't let that happen. Look, I will take care of this dog. I promise.” Lorelai ranted why having the dog would be a good thing for the new family they were creating.
“Would you like a beer with your pizza?” Lorelai asked, hoping to change the subject.
“Sure.” Luke nodded.
“Okay. Just distract him while I’m drinking. And don’t let him see the bottle opener.” Lorelai replied. She got Luke his beer and another lemonade to go with their pizza.
“How much did you spend on all this?” Luke references all of the dog items.
“Tons.” Lorelai said not wanting to look at her credit card bill at the end of the month.
“For a Stupid Dog.” Luke shook his head.
“You’re acting like you don't like dogs.” Lorelai replied, shocked. She never knew he didn’t like dogs.
“I don’t like dogs.” Luke stated his opinion.
“Shh! He heard you.” Lorelai didn’t want her new dog hearing this kind of talk.
“He speaks English?” Luke asked, annoyed.
“Since when do you not like dogs?” Lorelai inquired, since she had no data to confirm this fact.
“Since all the times I made that really really clear, which is every time I’ve ever been around a dog.” Luke replied affirming his opinion.
“What is there not to like about dogs?” Lorelai questioned; dogs were the best.
“They’re dirty, they’re a pain to train, they’re a pain to wash, they bark when they shouldn’t, they jump on you when you don’t want them to, they chew things, they shed, they lick themselves, they make your house smell, they make your car smell, and they make you smell.” Luke stated all of the things wrong with dogs.
“I think it’s sad you’ve lost the little boy in you.” Lorelai sighed.
“The little boy didn’t like dogs, either.” Luke remarked.
“Oh, you know, I just realized what this is. This is our thing.” Lorelai pointed to him.
“What thing?” Luke asked.
“This tradition of ours. You claim to hate everything at first, but it’s just your initial stance in a negotiation, and then we talk, and our opinions merge, and we find a happy middle.” Lorelai explained their thing.
“No, a lot of times, it’s just how I feel, and my mind doesn’t change.” Luke replied.
“Okay, he’s eating. Come on, let’s go. But don’t make any sudden movements. And don’t drink and don’t look at him. He’s very self-conscious about his eating. I’m the same way. That’s how I know this is gonna work.” Lorelai commented with a plate in her walking toward the door.
“Go. Go. Go.” Lorelai practically pushed Luke out the door.
“You do realize your dog has just driven us out of the house?” Luke asked unamused.
“Don’t worry. He’s a quick eater. Come on.” Lorelai guided him to the front of the porch.
“This is silly.” Luke remarked, annoyed.
“What? We can hang out here. It’s a nice night.” Lorelai said, as they sat down on the bench.
“Okay. Now, fill me in. How was your day?” Lorelai asked.
“I talked to some contractors about the Twickham house.” Luke stated trying to move forward with the house.
“They think a good starting point is inspecting the downstairs floor to make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced. Then they think we should do the plumbing and electrical next since it's going to take the most time. Then after that the plan is to do the windows, which won’t take a long, but we need to pick them out. Then we can hit the cosmetic changes after that.” Luke outlined the remodel plan.
“Sounds like a good plan.” Lorelai nodded still feeling unsure about the house.
“And as soon as we officially close, which will be tomorrow at noon, we can start work.” Luke stated hoping to get her final opinion.
“Cool, excellent.” Lorelai tried to add some enthusiasm.
“I was thinking we could pull the crew here, do some touch-ups before selling.” Luke pointed to her house behind him.
“Wait. Touch-ups? Where, here?” Lorelai asked.
“Yeah, it hasn’t been painted in a while. Fixing it up will help it sell better." Luke answered.
“Right, you know I have been thinking.” Lorelai paused.
“What?” Luke questioned.
“Maybe we should hang on to this house.” Lorelai replied.
“To rent?” Luke questioned again.
“No, not to rent.” Lorelai answered. “To use in some other way.”
“What other way?” Luke was confused.
“Uh, I don’t know. It could be like a paint studio. “ Lorelai suggested.
“We don’t paint.” Luke added.
“Well, maybe we’ll start. Maybe it’s the lack of a studio that’s kept us from realizing our love of watercolors.” Lorelai explained.
“I don’t have a love of watercolors.” Luke commented.
“Or I could use it as my recording studio. That would be cool, huh? And when I’m not laying down tracks, I could rent it out to Korn or Iggy Pop or someone. Right? You and me just hanging with Iggy Pop rocking out, telling stories. Ig’s got stories.” Lorelai laughed.
“Uh-huh.” Luke nodded.
“Or we could use it as a safe house in case we decide to take up a life of crime.” Lorelai offered another unlikely outcome for the house.
“I doubt we’re going to do that.” Luke remarked.
“We could be wrongly accused of a crime we did not commit. Then we’d have to hide out until society realized the mistake, and then we’d be like, ‘Hey no hard feelings. It happens. This is a great country and thank God we had the safe house.” Lorelai replied another unlikely use for the house.
“If you want, we can just hang on to it and rent it out.” Luke offered.
“I don’t want anyone else living in it.” Lorelai stated as her voice got higher.
“They can’t live in it, but they can record songs in it?” Luke asked confused about her weird scenario.
“I just think we could use this place. Think about it, okay?” Lorelai asked not being wanting to get rid of her house.
“Yeah, sure, we’ll think about it.” Luke nodded, seeing Lorelai didn't want to leave her house.
“Okay.” Lorelai paused and looked into the window to see her new pup asleep on the rug. “Oh, look, he’s done, and he's fast asleep.” Lorelai saw her puppy through the window.
“Great, let’s go back in.” Luke got up from the bench.
“Just be careful because he gets scared when you wake him up.” Lorelai commented on her dog.
“Of course.” Luke agreed to not wake up the dog.
They took their pizza plates back inside and cleaned up the kitchen. They decided to settle in for the night and turned on the TV. Lorelai turned on some ‘90s romantic comedy Luke was half paying attention to. He was lost in thought about the Twickham house or Lorelai’s house. He swore he was turning into her doing a pro/con list. He was looked around her house. A lot of memories were in this smaller blue house. He remembered the first time he came over. Lorelai told him about Rory having the chicken poxes. He hadn’t seen either of the Gilmore Girls for about week. He decided to make mashed potatoes and put them in a to go bag and bring them over. He knew her she lived, but he didn’t dare go over. He didn’t want to violate her trust. He knew under the pretense of something for Rory, it would be easier for him to have the courage to go over to her house. He remembered he almost chicken out and left the mashed potatoes on the porch until she caught him and invited him inside. He gave Rory the mashed potatoes it being the first food she was able to eat in days. Then Lorelai invited him into the kitchen, and they talked for almost an hour. That was the first time he felt hope that someday he would have a shot with her. To quote Lorelai’s favorite movie “It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” It truly was. Then, Luke's mind went through a flash of memories in this house. He remembered the several times he fixed things around her house, being invited to caterpillar funerals, helping bury the failed prior Gilmore pets, hiding from Rachel, delivering the Chuppah on her lawn, the Jess drama, helping Rory move into the dorm, and all of the memories of them dating entered his mind. He was very comfortable here. Lorelai and Rory were all through this house and with his years as a supporting player, he was part of this house as well. At the end of the day, he wanted his future children to be in a house where they will be loved and where they had roots. He was strongly considering just staying put where the roots were already clearly planted. He was going to sleep on it, but he felt he already made the decision for the both of them on where they would be living.

Chapter 10: The Twickham House or the Crapshack and the Rory Face

Chapter Text

Luke woke up quarter to five. He had to open the diner and had to move a bit faster and quieter since he stayed the night at Lorelai's. He started to think that this blue house was going to be their shared home. His and Lorelai's where they would raise their children. He got out of the bed and walked towards the bathroom. He tripped over Lorelai's shoes. He caught himself and went to put her shoes in the closet. He noticed her clothes were all over the place and he could barely shut the closet door. He made his way into the small master bathroom. He got a quick shower. He was hoping the water running wouldn't wake her. He never realized how small the bathroom was until he had to get ready in complete silence. It didn't feel like a master bathroom. He got dressed and did a quick walk through the house. The home only had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. A decent size living room and a kitchen that was a good size. He decided if they were going to stay in her house they would need a bigger bathroom, bigger master bedroom closet, and bigger master bedroom. He had to think about the twins' bedroom. He assumed they could share a bedroom until they were older, and they could figure it out later. They technically had a spare bedroom because Rory was out of the house. Her possible return was completely unknown. Luke would be happy if she came home or at the very least if she talked to Lorelai again. He knew she was having a hard time with that. No matter the relationship status between mother and daughter he couldn't ask Lorelai to use Rory's bedroom for the twins. So, they would need another bedroom for them.
Luke got to the diner with this plan on top of mind. He got through the six am crowd. Then the rest of the early morning crowd. Luckily Taylor came into the diner so Luke wouldn't have to call him.
“Hello Luke, can I get one black coffee?” Taylor asked.
“Sure, can I talk to you in private for a moment?” Luke handed him a coffee and they walked outside.
“I know I have until noon to back out of the Twickham house. I'm going to need to back out of the house and get my deposit back.” Luke stated the fact.
“Oh no, was the engagement called off? I had such high hopes. That Lorelai is such a free spirit and tends to bolt at commitment.” Taylor replied kind of disappointed, but not surprised.
“No, Taylor, we are still engaged. She isn't bolting. We just decided keeping her house was the better option.” Luke made his point clear, trying not to rant. He didn't need Taylor not on his side.
“So, what do I need to sign to get out the deal?” Luke asked. He never bought a house and got out of the sale before.
“There is a small amount of paperwork. Can you walk over to the bank with me?” Taylor asked.
Luke nodded and yelled back into the diner to Cesar letting him know he was stepping out and he would be back soon.
Luke went to the bank with Taylor and signed the needed paperwork and got his deposit back. He no longer owned the Twickham house. He wasn't upset by not owning the house, his dream was still coming true, and he knew Lorelai loved her house and he just wanted her to be happy.
He got back to the diner and threw himself back into the breakfast rush. Once he got a free moment in the morning he decided to give Tom a call.
“Hi Tom. It's Luke. I know you said to call when I had a plan. I know some of your guys looked over the Twickham house yesterday. I'm sorry for wasting their time on that. I'm moving forward with remodeling at Lorelai’s house. I was hoping you could be the contractor for the job?” Luke asked, a little nervous. This was a big step, and he wasn't fully running it by Lorelai, but he hoped she would be on board with this plan.
“Hey, don't worry about the other house, you still paid for their time. What were you thinking you wanted done on Lorelai's house?” Tom asked.
“Um, I was thinking we have a bigger master bedroom and bathroom, bigger closet. Then another bedroom on the second floor. That's all I got so far.” Luke shared his idea of the potential remodel.
“I think that is a good starting point. Before I can get in there and start on the house you will need an architect to assess the property to see if the extension is possible and how best to move forward.” Tom replied with next steps.
“An architect. I don't know any architects. Is there anyone you can recommend?” Luke asked, wanting to move forward as soon as possible.
“Yeah, there is a guy I have worked with a couple of times. His name is George Smith. His number is 203-555-4589. Gave him a call. I'm sure he could help you. Once he has the plans, give me a call and we can go from there.” Tom recommended an architect.
“Yeah, I'll be in touch, thanks.” Luke said. They briefly said their goodbyes.
Luke dialed the architect's phone number.
“Hello this is George.” He answered the phone.
“Hello my name is Luke Danes. My contractor Tom recommended I call you. I'm looking to add an extension on my finance house. He says you're an architect?” Luke introduced himself and inquired if he was an architect.
“Yes, I'm an architect. How can I help you?” George asked.
“Yes, I'm planning on an extension for my finance home and Tom says I need to hire an architect to come up with the building plan. He recommended you. Would you be interested in the job?” Luke asked. Normally he wouldn't just ask someone if they would take the job, but Tom did a great job on both the diner and the Dragonfly, he trusted his opinion.
“Yes, what is your timeline to get the job off the ground?” George asked while looking over his calendar.
“As soon as possible. I'm a rather tight deadline.” Luke disclosed, but didn't give the reason for the tight deadline.
“I actually had a cancellation today. I can look over your property around 2. Does that work?” George questioned.
“Yeah, 2 o'clock would be great. I'll meet you there. The address is 37 Maple St Stars Hollow.” Luke shared the address. He was excited to get the ball moving.
“Okay, I'll see you then Mr. Danes. Thanks.” George replied.
The two men shared their goodbyes.
Luke was happy to get the remodel started. The sooner that was done, the sooner the place would be a home for his growing family.

XXXXXXXX

Lorelai got up from her empty bed. She knew Luke had to open the diner, so he was already gone. She already missed him. She wasn't the type to miss someone that quick. She knew the hormones were doing a number on her. She had her daily appointment with the toilet. She swore she was going to tell these children she puked every morning because of them. She took Paul Anka out to do his business. She had her ginger tea and toast. If she could have told herself she would be six and half weeks pregnant with Luke's twins two months ago she would have thought Ashton Kutcher would come through the door yelling, she got Punk'd. She was actually enjoying the unlikely miracle, vomit aside.
She got dressed and started to head out the door. Paul Anka was staring at her as she grabbed the doorknob.
He looked so sad. She couldn't leave him, but she needed to go to work.
She made an impulsive decision. She grabbed his leash off the hook. “Come on boy, we are going to work with momma.”
Lorelai walked out the door and started walking down the stairs. “That’s right. I forgot. You don’t like the stairs.”
“Come on, Paul Anka.” Lorelai strains as she packs him up, she had to remind herself she couldn't do this later in her pregnancy.
“That’s right I am skipping the fancy in-between thing and going straight for the gold. I’m calling you Paul Anka, Paul Anka the dog.” Lorelai announced.
“You don’t like mailboxes.” Lorelai commented at Paul Anka barking at the mailbox.
Lorelai put Paul Anka in the car and headed to the Dragonfly Inn.
She got there in record time. She picked him up again due to the stairs. She needed him to be able to do stairs soon. She knew she wouldn't be able to sustain picking him up constantly.
Michel was already behind the desk. “You're late. Is 9:30, the new 8 am?”
“Yes, apologies. I think for the foreseeable future I'll be coming in at 9:30.” Lorelai responded knowing beating the morning sickness would be a battle she couldn't win.
“Any specific reason?” Michel asked, annoyed his boss wouldn’t be here to relieve the night manager.
“Yes, it's personal. You will find out soon enough.” Lorelai brushed him off. She wasn't ready to tell him about the pregnancy just yet.
“Speaking of personal, what is up with K9?” Michel inquired, annoyed that some mutt was allowed in the inn, but his precious chows were not welcomed.
“This is Paul Anka, my new dog. I just got him at the pet fair yesterday. He looked really sad. So, I decided to come to work with me.” Lorelai smiled as she bent down to pet the dog.
“This mutt is allowed to be here, but not Paw Paw and Chin Chin. I love the policy for rules for everyone else, but Lorelai can do whatever she wants.” Michel raises his voice at this boss.
“Michel, why are you yelling at me? I'm your boss and you're being really mean.” Lorelai started to cry.
“What is wrong with you?” Michel questioned. This wasn't unusual for them to have a verbal spat, but she never cried in front of him.
“Listen, I'm just going through a lot right now. I was going to leave him at home, but he looked so sad. I know it probably wasn't the right thing to bring him here. I'll bring him back home around lunch time. I promise.” Lorelai's voice was shaky as she was going to recover herself.
“I mean you are the boss. You can do what you want.” Michel shook off the argument.
“No, I'll take him home around lunch. I'll take him to my office and work there this morning.” Lorelai took Paul Anka into her office and started her work for the morning.
She made sure the upcoming wedding deposit was cleared. She double checked the inventory for all the rooms were in order. She made sure the daily laundry was sent out. She approved of the extra produce delivery for the remainder of the month. Normally Sookie would handle it but since she was out of maternity leave Lorelai had to give her final stamp of approval on all kitchen orders.
Once those tasks were taken care of, she cold called a couple of linen suppliers. She found one in Hartford that carried the same sheets and could deliver the quantity she needed.
She was getting ready to take Paul Anka back to her house and she heard a shouting match at the desk. She saw Paris yelling at Michel.
“Listen Napoleon, I know Lorelai and I would like to see her, unless you got her locked up doing work for the Symbionese Liberation Army!”
“Hey! Paris I'm here, I'm not Patty Hearst.” Lorelai sheepishly stated she was alive.
“Thank God. I really need to talk to you. You didn’t return my calls.” Paris exclaimed in pure panic.
“Yeah Paris, I'm sorry. I have had a busy couple of days. I truly didn't mean to ignore you. Honest.” She replied. In the last forty-eight hours she found out she was having twins, got a dog and still needed to tell Luke that she made the decision that she wanted to stay in her house. She had no idea how she was going to tell him. She didn't want to break his heart.
“Paris why don't take a seat in the dining area and get yourself some lunch. I'll be with you in a second.” Lorelai smiled.
Paris headed into the dining room.
“I'm sorry, Michel. I know she is a lot. You just let me know when she is here from now on.” Lorelai tried to reassure him.
“Yes, she is mean. She asked if you paid me extra to put on my accent so we would seem like a fancier place.” Michel pouted.
“Well, she brilliant with just about everything other than her people skills.” Lorelai grinned as she walked into the dining room.
Paris was already sitting at the table with a plate of wild salmon and rice in front of her.
Lorelai took a seat. She smelt the fish. She felt nausea bubbling.
“I see you got the salmon.” Lorelai made an uncomfortable smile.
“Yeah, it's a bit too chewy but I'm too hungry to care. Why didn't you return my calls? Did you not mean what you said about me calling you?” Paris was starting to get threatening.
“Yes, I'm sorry. I have been busy. I'm going through some health stuff, and I have been a bit distracted. I'm sorry again. What do you need to talk about?” Lorelai asked, redirecting the conversation back to Paris.
“I don't know if I should do the MCat this summer or the LSats. There is no way I can do both. So, what should I do?” Paris inquired.
“Forgive me, can you refresh me on what those two tests are?” Lorelai questioned in a bit of a fog, trying to stay focused and trying to not throw up due to the fish.
“MCats for medical school and the LSats are for Law school. So which one should I take this summer?” Paris barked at Lorelai.
“Gotcha. Is there some sort of deadline for one and not the other?” Lorelai asked.
“Well, they say it's best to take your Mcat between your sophom*ore and junior year, but the same advice is given for people taking the Lsats. So, you see the problem?” Paris ranted.
“I'm seeing it and smelling it.” Lorelai confirms Paris' feeling while getting more repulsed by the fish.
“Um, just take the harder test in the summer so you have more time to study. Then take the easier test in the fall.” Lorelai offered her most sage advice.
“That's not a bad idea, but everyone says each test needs to be completed in the summer session to stay on track.” Paris pouted.
“That may be the normal case. But you are trying to be both a doctor and a lawyer. That requires a lot of work. I'm sure you will do great when you take the tests. I think it's for the best if you space them out.” Lorelai gave her last piece of advice.
“I think I'll do the Mcat first. Plus, I'm shadowing an OB/GYN doctor this summer so it will be a great experience to tie it all together.” Paris replied.
“Oh, that's great. I'm happy to help. Why the sudden interest in gynecology?” Lorelai asked, trying to keep the conversation focused on Paris to distract herself.
“People aren't going to stop creating people as long as there is alcohol in this world. It seemed to be the way to make the most money outside of surgery.” Paris offered.
Lorelai made an uncomfortable face at the irony of her comment because she quite frankly couldn’t say the socially backwards blonde girl was wrong about that.
“This fish is horrible.” Paris threw away the fish and Lorelai could finally breathe through her nose. “Since you suck at answering your phone, why don't I just come here for lunch? How about twice a week? You were such a big help. Thanks again Lorelai!” Paris skipped off before Lorelai could speak. She was locked in biweekly lunches with Paris.
She couldn't take it anymore and she threw up for the second time in the lobby trash can.
Michel saw her and quickly turned around. He thought was not getting paid enough to look further into that.
Lorelai took out the garbage and got Paul Anka into the car. She made the mental note it was probably for the best to not be around fish or the very least salmon for the foreseeable future.

XXXXXX

Lorelai pulls into her driveway. She knew she shouldn't have taken Paul Anka to work, but he looked so sad. That may have been the hormones talking more than her. She was going to drop Paul Anka and head back to work.
“Come on, boy jump out. Good boy. You’re not afraid of jumping, that is something.” Lorelai talked to Paul Anka as he exited the jeep.
Lorelai looked up to find an unknown man on her roof. “Uh, excuse me.”
“Hello.” Unknown man responds.
“Hello, I’m Lorelai, the owner of the house you’re standing on.” Lorelai introduced herself to the unknown man.
“I’m George.” Unknown man introduced himself.
“Hi George. I’m just trying to think of how to ask this in a polite way. Um, are you committing some kind of crime?” Lorelai asked to confirm the fear running through her mind.
“No.” George yelled back.
“But if you were, would you tell me?” Lorelai asked, feeling kind of stupid.
Loreali sees another man walking from the back of the house. “Hello.”
“Howdy.” The unknown man greeted
“Fight or Flight? Fight or Flight?” Lorelai was scared of the two mystery men. She felt like was going to be on an episode of Dateline.
Luke walked to the front of the roof and saw Lorelai. “Hey!”
Luke pointed at George. “This is George.”
“Oh, we’ve met.” Lorelai laughs in relief.
“I’m Sal.” Unknown Man finally stated his name.
“Hi Sal.” Lorelai lightly waved.
“Got what you need?” Luke directed his attention to George.
Lorelai was still unsure why they were climbing her house like a jungle gym.
“Just about. Sal did you get what you need?” George questioned below.
“Just about.” Sal replied.
“Wow. I was this close to screaming and siccing the dog on you.” Lorelai yelled up to the men on the roof. She looked down for Paul Anka. She made a quick turn to see Paul Anka in the car. “How did you get that door closed?”
“We’re just about done.” Luke yelled from the roof.
“Done with what?” Lorelai was puzzled why they were all on the roof.
“Sizing the situation.” Luke answered.
“What situation?” Lorelai echoed above, not sure what he was talking about.
“About how many silent joists we need to carry out.” Luke declared.
“What’s a joist?” Lorelai questioned.
“The things that support the load.” Luke explains what joists do.
“What load?” Lorelai asked.
“The load from the extension.” Luke announced.
“Okay, this has officially become the worst first draft of who’s on first in history.” Lorelai yelled back.
“It’s about enlarging the master bedroom and adding a bedroom to live here.” Luke exclaimed.
“Here? You want to live here?” Lorelai smiled up at him.
“Sure, I don’t have a lot of stuff and we just need more closet space, a bigger bathroom, bigger bedroom. Plus a new bedroom for the future peanuts.” Luke explained what the plan was for the house and referencing the nickname for the twins that their mother had given them from time to time.
“I always wanted a bigger bedroom. And yes, they need a new bedroom.” Lorelai gushed and placed a hand on her stomach.
“Well, it looks like we can do it.” Luke voiced.
“Well, what about the Twickham House?” Lorelai inquired.
“Too damn big. The remodel would have been too costly and wouldn't be ready in time. Don't worry, I got my deposit back. We can get along fine here for a while, maybe forever. It’s a great house. You love this house.” Luke informed her.
“I do love this house.” Lorelai beamed at him. She was happy he knew her so well that she truly didn't want to leave her house.
“I know I figured that out from your sudden interest in laying down tracks and becoming a painter.” Luke replied with possible uses of the house she suggested from the previous night.
“Come down here so I can kiss you, all of you.” Lorelai declared.
“We’ll just be a minute.” Luke nodded.
“You locked the door?” Lorelai questions, bringing her attention back to the dog. “Dude come on. I mean I got the key, but I’m really curious how you did this.” She unlocked the door and let the dog out of the car. She walked into her house and put her dog inside and made her way to the side of the porch. She saw Luke coming down from the ladder.
“Hey Danny Ocean, how long have you been cooking up this plan to remodel my, sorry our house?” Lorelai asked Luke as he started walking towards her.
“Well, the painting and laying down the tracks. My thoughts last night and this morning. The Twickham house would be too much in so many ways. We need a home to be completely done once they are born. This house just already feels like home and I wanted it to be their home.” He stated his case while placing a hand on her stomach.
“Well, I'm not going to fight you on that. Thank you for thinking of another bedroom. I know I technically have one not in use but…” Lorelai paused. She couldn't talk further about Rory not using her bedroom at all.
“Yeah, I figured giving them their own fresh space and keeping them on the same level as us would be for the best.” Luke replied, dancing around the Rory elephant in the room.
“I know I did this without asking you, but I want to double check this is what you want, because its what I want.” Luke wanted to check in one more time.
“Yes, it's what I want. Blueberries, do you want to stay in the house?” She confirmed what she wanted and bent to talk to the babies in her stomach.
“Blueberries?” Luke was puzzled.
“Yeah, I'm six and half weeks pregnant. They are the size of a blueberry. You're not the only one that can read a baby book.” She explained.
“Hey Luke can we discuss next steps?” George asked on the other side of the porch.
“Yeah, let’s go to the diner and talk.” Luke replied. He turned his attention back to Lorelai. “I'm going to get going, but I'll keep you in the loop.”
“Yeah, that's fine. I gotta get back to work. I was just dropping off Paul Anka.” Lorelai smiles.
“Bye.” Luke did his low wave.
“Bye, doll.” Lorelai replied as she went back to her car.
She was so happy that the kids would be growing up in the blue house.

XXXXXXXX

Luke and George grabbed the table by the window. Liz was already there eating lunch. Luke didn't acknowledge her and wanted to stay on track with the task at hand. George outlined the major work of extension.
“Then you gotta decide on your extras. We can slap up some molding.” George stated.
“Yeah, molding is good. Lorelai will like that. Also, can we add a picture window in the new bedroom?” Luke remembered Lorelai liked the picture window in the Twickham house.
“ She will. She will like that.” Liz chimed into the conversation.
“Yeah, I think we could do a picture window in the spare bedroom.” George responded to Luke’s request.
“Okay and Let’s figure on molding of some kind.” Luke answered.
“Good.” George confirmed.
“Good.” Liz repeated sounding like a parrot repeating them.
“We can add a wainscot, too and we could do a lugged architrave on the overdoor.” George described some extras to both second floor bedrooms.
“Oh, I love a lugged architrave.” Liz was still trying to insert herself into the conversation.
“Liz.” Luke groaned hoping she would shut up.
“Oh, hi I’m Liz.” Liz finally introduced herself.
“My sister.” Luke provided some clarification.
“You’re an architect, huh?” Liz inquired.
“Yep.” George nodded.
“How long have you been an architect?” Liz continued to question.
“This is not your interview Liz.” Luke snapped a little.
“Oh, I’m buttoning it now, sorry.” Liz turned back around in her seat.
“I need to go anyway, Luke.” George started to pack up his paperwork.
“What’s your time frame here, George?” Luke asked wanting to when they could get things moving.
“It’s going to take me at least two weeks to draw up a plan. I'll keep you posted.” George explained his timeline.
“Good deal.” Luke shook his hand and guided him out the door.
“Good deal, George.” Liz follows them in true little sister fashion.
“I’ll talk to you later.” Luke said as George left the diner.
“What is wrong with you?” Luke inquired in a loud tone.
“I’m just excited about all this. A new adventure!” Liz gushed with excitement.
“It’s not your adventure. It’s my adventure.” Luke replied not needing his sister involved.
“You’re in the employee section.” Luke stated as Liz tried to follow him behind the counter.
“I want to talk to you about something, Luke.” Liz nervously questioned.
“ You’ve done nothing but talk. Why announce it now?” Luke snapped.
“You’re going to need a contractor for your remodel right?” Liz questioned.
“Yes. I think I already have a contractor. I don't have a contract outline yet or anything.” Luke stated.
“And you know who I’m married to.” Liz laid the groundwork for her big ask.
“Yes.” Luke replied not making the connection.
“He’d be perfect for this.” Liz expressed joyfully.
“TJ? He’s not a contractor.” Luke remarked.
“Oh but he is.” Liz countered.
“Since when?” Luke questioned.
“Since he almost passed the test for contractor’s license last month. I mean, he was so close. If he hadn’t used all those curse words during the written exam, he’d have it.” Liz shared about her husband was almost a contractor.
“He used curse words?” Luke expressed thinking what another dumb thing for him to do.
“When he’s enthusiastic about something, he gets very foul. But I blame his mother. She has got a mouth on her-- garbage mouth.” Liz explained why her husband cursed on his test.
“I don’t think he can do the job, Liz.” Luke replied, trying to be kind but was losing his patience.
“Oh, but my brother. He’s working so hard for his license.You should see him. It is so cute.He sits up in bed at night poring through his books and manuals. He’s got this system where he reads a chapter then rewards himself with a junior mint. It’s been working great for him.” Liz shared the effort TJ was doing to get his license.
“There is no way in the world that he is getting this job, Liz.” Luke firmly stated.
“But what about the shelves he made you? I thought you liked them.” Liz commented on the shelves.
“They’re just shelves.” Luke snapped.
“Oh, what happened to the little boy in you?” Liz voiced.
“Look the shelves are nice, but this is a big job. Lorelai loves this house. This is a great house. My future children will be living in this house. Nothing can go wrong with this job!” Luke expressed his feelings.
“Luke, his life depends on it.” Liz yelled.
“How?” Luke laughed in amusem*nt.
“Because if he doesn’t get his ass out of the house and work more, I’m gonna kill him.” Liz yelled in frustration.
“There's a housing boom out there. There's plenty of work for a good carpenter like TJ.” Luke offered something else for TJ to do that won’t involve the blue house.
“But everytime he interviews for jobs, he starts cursing. He can’t help it. People mistake it for him being weird or something.” Liz
“Imagine that.” Luke rolled his eyes.
“Please big brother, for your little sister.” Liz pulled the big guns.
“Liz.” Luke firmly stated.
“Just don’t say no, okay? Just think about it.” Liz begged.
“I don’t need to think about it.” Luke replied.
“For me, think about it.” Liz continued to beg.
“Okay, fine. I won’t say no for the time being.” Luke finally caves.
“Yes, thank you.That’s all I needed was a big fat not a no.” Liz smiled as she left the diner.
“Whatever.” Luke grumbled watching her leave.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lorelai got home around 5 o'clock. She was tired with a capital T. She knew between the morning sickness and the pregnancy as a whole she needed to be resting more, but she had too much she had to do. She was happy she could check off just living in her house off the ever growing list. She decided to sit outside on the back porch with her new drink of choice lemonade and decided to enjoy the summer sun for a while.
She had some laundry she was putting off folding. It was reaching that critical point of almost too wrinkly to wear. She got her clothes out of the dryer and took them upstairs to fold.
Lorelai could hear a bird very loudly. It sounded only a foot away. She looked up to see a giant hole in her bedroom. Her middle window was completely gone. She knew Luke was handling the work on the house, but he wouldn't randomly leave a big hole in her bedroom and run off. Only an idiot would do this. She was too tired, too hormonal to deal with this. She was so shocked she couldn't speak. If she was going to have a man in her life he was going to manly man thing and fix this. She walked on auto pilot to the diner. She could see Luke taking an order and could faintly hear them talking.
“So its an omelet a side of bacon.” Luke confirmed the order.
“What kind of cheese do you have?” Customer asked.
“I’ve got your basic swiss cheddar.” Luke answered as Lorelai grabbed his arm.
“Hey what?” Lorelai, what are you doing?” He started following her on the two block walk to her house.“Lorelai this is weird, okay.I-- Come on. What’s wrong? Lorelai say something.” Luke pleaded to know what was wrong.
“Hole!” Lorelai pointed to her bedroom.
“How--” Luke stutter.
“Hole!” Lorelai repeated yelling louder.
“It--” Luke stammered some more.
“Hole!” Lorelai yelled again trying not to cry.
“I know it’s a hole. How did it happen?” Luke was flabbergasted.
“Dirt, bed. Dirt. Hole.” Lorelai ramble incoherently.
“Speak in sentences. Come on. You found this when you got home?” Luke needed more information.
“Yes, a big hole!” Lorelai repeated for the millionth time.
“It was sledgehammer.” Luke observed from the ground below.
“With a very big sledgehammer.” Lorelai commented wondering how this happened to her house.
“God who would…” Luke paused. “Oh my God.”
‘What?” Lorelai looked over at him.
“Him.” Luke practically snarled.
“Who?” Lorelai asked.
“TJ!” Luke yelled.
“TJ did this?” Lorelai was shocked.
“Who Else!?” Luke exclaimed.
“What do you mean, who else? Why would TJ come to my house and sledgehammer my bedroom?” Lorelai curiously asked.
“Damn it, Liz!” Luke screamed.
“What did Liz do?” Lorelai grew more confused.
“Ah, she worked me over. She begged me to hire TJ as the contractor on the remodel.” Luke replied, even though he didn't hire TJ as the contractor.
“TJ’s a contractor?” Lorelai condescendingly asked.
“No and I said, “no.” But she made me promise to think about it. And then she sat in the diner staring at me and then she started to cry, so I kicked her out and then she went outside and cried. And so I could see it through the window. And I couldn’t take it anymore so I said okay. Knowing we had weeks to figure out how to get out of it. And no work could be done ‘cause George hadn’t made up the plans. And in the meantime, TJ could've changed occupations or injured himself bouncing on his trampoline and backed out of the job.” Luke loudly ranted.
“But how could you risk saying “okay” to anything with TJ?” Lorelai asked knowing TJ was an idiot.
“Did I mention the crying? Liz is a walking tear duct.” Luke's voice bellowed and he explained how he was backed into a corner.
“Oh, TJ is good. You never see what’s coming, like a big dumb tsunami. He’s that good.” Luke angrily ranted further.
“So, what do we do?” Lorelai asked for a solution.
“I’m gonna talk to T.J. But I’m gonna be smart about it, I’m not gonna spook him. I’m gonna be like Michael Corleone dealing with that slimy brother-in-law of his. Get a couple of tickets to a ball game, invite him along. We’ll talk about the beer and the hot dogs we’re gonna eat and then I’m gonna get him to admit he did this and then when we get in the car on the way to the ballpark, I’m gonna put a rope around his neck and pull it till he’s dead!” Luke ranted while sharing his potential murder plot.
“Wait. Wait. You’re in the backseat?” Lorelai pointed out a flaw in his plan.
“That’s the best place for garroting, yes.” Luke confirmed in his fictional plot he would be in the backseat.
“No, he’s gonna smell something fishy. If you hop in the backseat especially if you’re driving.” Lorelai shared that wouldn't work out yet.
“No, he’s not that bright. It’ll work.” Luke replied knowing his plan could work.
“Why are you even buying tickets? Just sneak up and garrote him on the street save the money.” Lorelai sneered back.
“I can still go to the game the other way. I’ll take my friend Ed. He hasn’t been to a game in ages.” Luke started to sound more optimistic.
“You’re in no state to deal with TJ.” Lorelai sternly stated.
“Maybe not.” Luke grinded his teeth.
“And we need to do something about my bedroom being on display for all to see.” Lorelai pointed back up at the hole.
“I know.” Luke sighed.
“So, let’s figure out what we need to deal with the hole. First thing is first.” Lorelai calmly tried to come up with a plan.
“You’re right.” Luke confirmed.
“We need a tarp.” Luke lists one item.
“Tarp.” Lorelai repeated as she pulled him into the house.
“And some plywood.” Luke offered a new item.
“Plywood.” Lorelai repeated.
“Staple Gun.” Luke listed another item.
“Staple Gun.” Lorelai repeated again.
“Rope.” Luke snapped.
“You’re not garroting T.J.” Lorelai stop them in the yard.
“Skip the rope.” Luke commented.
“No rope.” Lorelai stern stated.
“I”m sorry.” Luke remorsefully stated.
“It’s not your fault.” Lorelai answered.
“Eh, I’m dumb.” Luke said with some pity.
“No, you’re not.” Lorelai reassured him.
“I’m going to kill him!” Luke yelled again.
“No you’re not!” Lorelai raises her voice. She didn't need her future sister in law hating her.
Luke and Lorelai walked into the house and luckily he had left Bert from the extension visit from earlier in the day. He took the tool box up the stairs and took his tape major out to measure the hole. He got a good idea of the size of tarp and plywood he would need. He already had a nail gun but not with him.
“Hey, I'm running to Home Depot. Do you want to come with me?” Luke asked.
“I can't step foot in home depot, my bank will be alerted for fraud and it will be this whole big messy thing.” Lorelai giggled.
“I'm not actually expecting you to pay for this. My brother in law did this, I got it.” Luke stated, she shouldn't have to pay for his mistake.
“Well, when you put it like that, we can call the bank and let them know I, Lorelai Gilmore of my own free will, are going to Home Depot.” Lorelai smiled at him and followed him out the door.

XXXXXXXX

Luke agreed to close up since he spent the late afternoon dealing with Lorelai's bedroom hole situation. Dusk was setting into Stars Hollow and he was closing up the kitchen and settling the bills for the last of the customers. He was looking forward to a quiet night without further drama.
“Goodnight, see you again.” Luke said goodbye to the last customer. He placed the close sign on the door. He brought his attention to the counter giving it a final wipe. He heard the door open.
“Sorry, the kitchen's closed.” Luke stated as he turned to see Rory Gilmore in the doorway. “Rory.”
“Hi, Luke.” Rory gave a shy smile.
“Hi.” Luke awkwardly waved.
“So, the kitchen's closed.” Rory repeated his words.
“No, no, no. It’s not closed. Come on in.” Luke replied knowing the diner was never closed to either Gilmore girl.
“Oh.” Rory answered as she sat at the counter as he put a cup of coffee in front of her.
“Oh, no I just-- I figured.” Luke replied assuming she would want coffee.
“ No, yes, you figured right. Thank you.” Rory thanked him for the coffee.
“So, it looks like the town’s been doing a little painting.” Rory observed some town changes since she hadn't been in town since last month.
“Yeah, Taylor wanted to spiff it up. Those are his words. Put these obnoxious signs up. Padron our spiff it’ll just take a jiff. It’s dumb.” Luke ranted about Taylor.
“Yeah, dumb.” Rory nodded.
“But it needed a spiff.” Luke pointed out the town needed some touch ups.
“Yeah, it looks good. So, I started my community service. Right, a little roadwork vest and all. Five hours down, two hundred and ninety five to go.” Rory provided an update on her life.
“It’s good you’re chipping away at it.” Luke commented never thinking Rory would do community service.
“Yeah.” She responded.
“Well.” Luke felt the elephant in the room. He wasn't sure what to say next. He didn't want to cross a line with Lorelai.
“So, how are pregnant people? Are pregnant people good?” Rory clearly referenced her mother without saying her name.
“Yeah, pregnant people are good.” Luke replied knowing she meant her mother. He almost told her about the twins, but he bit his tongue. “People are um, your mom and I are engaged.” He offered up that information instead.
“Engaged?” Rory questioned, shocked.
“Yeah.” Luke nodded. “It was somewhat spontaneous. Your mom actually asked me first. Then I asked her back. It was all a bit nutty. My original plan was to actually ask you for your permission to marry your mother.”
“Wow, Congratulations.” Rory reacted to the engagement news. “You were seriously going to ask for my permission?”
“Well, yeah. I know it's a bit traditional and typically the guy asks the father but I know your opinion matters more than your grandpa’s.” Luke shared his original plan.
“Well, ask me how you would have if your plan worked.” Rory stated highly curious.
Luke clears his throat. “Rory, I know I have been dating your mother for a short time, but I have known her for a really long time. I know what she likes and what she doesn't like. I'm prepared to watch endless movies, give her coffee, and a reasonable amount of junk food. I am willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy because that's all I need to be happy. I think I would have said something like that.”
‘Wow, you stated your case very well. For what it is worth if you asked for my permission you would have gotten it. Probably the only man I would give it to marry mom. I think you will be very happy together.” Rory was still taking in this news. She wasn’t completely shocked by this news. She knew this was by far her mother’s most serious relationship and this wasn’t just any man. This was Luke. The man was a pillar and unbreakable constant in her mother’s life. They were going to have a baby. This was the logical next step since they put the baby carriage before the marriage. Now, in one of the places that felt like a second home she was a stranger in a strange land. Her mother made this life altering decision and she didn’t tell her. Rory was completely cut out of Lorelai’s life.
“Thanks.” Luke bashfully smiled, he liked that if things were slightly different he would have gotten her approval. It meant a lot to him.
“So, I guess I’m gonna go. Um, thank you for the coffee.” Rory said and dropped a dollar on the counter. She quickly bolted out the diner before Luke could call after her.
So, much for his quiet night without any drama.

XXXXXX

Lorelai spent the night on the couch due to the hole in her bedroom. Her couch was okay, but she knew couldn’t do this every night, especially when her belly would be growing more and more by the day.She didn’t have a bump yet, it was more a pre-bump she was starting to notice. She could hear a loud banging noise over her head. It remained there when Luke fixed the porch rail. She half wondered if he would be outside fixing the hole. She decided to investigate. Paul Anka stayed asleep in the corner and didn’t attempt to follow her outside.
“TJ.” Lorelai greeted her future brother-in-law.
“Lorelai. Hey. Am I'm glad to see you.” TJ cheerfully said.
“it's like 7 am TJ.” Lorelai annoyingly answered.
“I know the sun ain't even warm yet.And here we are toting that barge.” TJ replied, annoyed.
“Who? Who got you toting that barge.” Lorelai asked, feeling not awake and unsure what's going on at her house.
“Mr. Taskmaster.” TJ pointed to the roof. Lorelai still didn't know who she was talking to.
“Look, I need to explain my side in the whole hole thing here. It wasn't my fault.” TJ said sincerely.
“It wasn't?” Lorelai questioned condescendingly.
“A guy says ‘okay’ that means something. Know what I mean? It’s not so complicated, not like the TV guide or nothing. It means okay.” TJ attempted to explain himself.
“It’s really, early TJ.” Lorelai answered not following his train of thought.
“Anyway, I just don’t want you to be mad at me. We’re gonna be related you and me.” TJ begged.
“Yeah, well, I’m not mad at you, TJ.” Lorelai confirmed. Being mad at TJ was like being mad at a dog that peed on the rug. It was a useless waste of time. The damage was already done but could be cleaned up quickly. Plus Lorelai didn’t want to cause tension with Luke's family. Problems with her own family were plenty.
“Hey, get away from her.” Luke yelled from the roof.
“We’re just talking.” TJ answered.
“T.J. stop bothering her and get up here.” Luke raised his voice again.
“You want me to bring up a couple more trash bags? I’m figuring we need some.” TJ remarked before getting on the ladder.
“Okay, fine.” Luke responded.
“Now is that okay in the sense that I know that word? Or is that a Luke okay that can mean whatever you want it to?” TJ questioned Luke's use of the word okay.
“Just get up here.” Luke yelled.
“He knew I was a self-starter. Okay to a self-started is like glue to a horse. What else can you do but start galloping.” TJ shared an odd analogy.
“Hey Luke.” Lorelai yelled at the roof trying to gain his attention.
“Yeah.” He answered.
“Are you aware of the time?” Lorelai questioned him.
“I’m just trying to make it so you don’t have to sleep on the couch for the next three months. If you want us to stop we’ll stop.” Luke stated just trying to clean up this mess.
“No it’s just the sun ain’t even warm yet.” Lorelai repeated TJ words.
“Seven am was Luke’s idea. I’d have started at nine so as not to bother people. That’s just one guy who thinks that okay means okay’s opinion.” TJ replied to Lorelai.
“Would you just keep working?” Luke instructed TJ.
“So, maybe, tomorrow. If you’re still doing this, it could be 8ish. I mean, I love that you’re doing it but--” Lorelai was interrupted.
“Yeah, I needed to start early so I could get this done, man!” Luke snapped.
“Hey, what’s with the ‘tude?” Lorelai wasn't sure where this was coming from.
“Nothing. It’s just you know you got a frisbee up here?” Luke deflected the real issue.
“A what?” Lorelai yelled back unsure what he said.
“A frisbee, just sitting up here. What are you thinking?” Luke questioned her.
“It’s not my frisbee.” Lorelai answered unsure where it came from.
“So it just walked up here on its own?” Luke questioned continuing to deflect from his real issue.
“Luke, there is a lost frisbee on the roof of every suburban home in America. It’s not that big a deal.” Lorelai yelled back.
“Every roof, huh? Well, that’s a great use of plastic.” Luke's environmental side came out.
“It’s not my frisbee. I’ve never played frisbee. What the hell has gotten into you?” Lorelai finally questioned his attitude. She knew having to fix the hole could make any one grumpy, but this more than being mad about fixing the hole.
“I told Rory we were engaged.” Luke blurted out.
“What? How? Where?” Lorelai shockingly asked.
“She came into the diner last night. It was awkward. I ended up telling her we were engaged.” Luke confirmed Lorelai's questions.
“Why would you do that?” Lorelai painful questions. “Did you tell her about---” Lorelai continued to yell but paused as she didn't want to say twins out loud. She pointed to her stomach with one hand and made the number two with another hand.
“Why? Because she had the face. And no, I didn't tell her the new news. ” Luke relieving why he caved telling Rory and saying no he didn't tell her they were having twins.
“What face?” Lorelai asked.
“The Rory face. You know the face.” Luke shouted below his defeat.
“Yes, but, Luke, you have to ignore the Rory face.” Lorelai shouted disappointedly.
“That’s easy for you to say.” Luke huffed.
“You shouldn’t have told her.” Lorelai replied. This was going against her tough love process.
“Yeah, you should’ve told her.” Luke added.
“No, she’s not being told anything. So, neither of us should’ve told her.” Lorelai loudly conveyed their position.
“But if one of us isn’t, I’m the one that shouldn’t.” Luke pointed to himself starting to get angry.
“Right. Meaning not you. I should’ve told her.” Lorelai exclaimed.
“Then we’re in full agreement. You should’ve told her.” Luke shouted.
“That’s not what I’m saying.” Lorelai countered.
“You said it, and I agreed, so I win.” Luke exacerbated stated.
“How do you win?” Lorelai asked confused.
“Cause I have the high ground. That gives me the upper hand on anything you got.” Luke referencing Star Wars and his current position on the roof.
“Luke.” Lorelai sighed.
“Something’s wrong with this thing.” TJ interrupted them.
“There's nothing wrong with that thing. “ Luke brought his attention at TJ holding the drill incorrectly.
“Luke!” Lorelai yelled and Luke turns his head back in her direction below. “Rory started this and right now we’re not talking. Remember, tough love? I’m on a path here.”
“She would’ve seen it in the paper eventually.” Luke replied not wanting to keep it a secret.
“Seen what?” Lorelai asked unsure.
“Our engagement.” Luke stated.
“How would it have ended up in the paper?” Lorelai wondered if people still did that.
“I don’t know. She’d open up the paper to the back and see these pictures of a guy and girl. Bill’s a chiropractor. Nancy’s a teacher. They met square dancing. They’re on their honeymoon in Florida and they got these stupid smiles on their faces like their lives are gonna work out the way they dreamt or something--suckers. Those things.” Luke shared how Rory might find out about the engagement.
“You played right into her hands. You can’t do that. She can’t just play on our emotions. She has to undo what she’s done, get out of my parent’s house, go back to school.” Lorelai stated what Rory needed to do to fix the situation.
“Fine. Maybe I shouldn't have told her anything. Maybe I should’ve kicked her out ignored her, whatever. But you got understand something-- I’m in the middle. Yeah, she’s your daughter, but I’m in the middle.” Luke snapped at his conflicting feelings.
“I know. You are in the middle.” Lorelai sighed validating his feelings.
“Good, because you’ve been acting like you don’t know, like you’re alone in this or something.” Luke expressed his hurt feelings.
“I know.” Lorelai dropped her head.
“And I know you don’t want my opinion on this, but you’re both being dumb and should be talking. And you should tell her the new news. There. I won’t say anything more about any of this again ever.” Luke shared his opinion the situation that was causing tension.
“TJ the screw’s not going in right. “Cause you got the drill on counterclockwise, it’s righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.” Luke yelled at TJ.
“I’ve got to remember that.”TJ said in awe.
“Ugh.” Luke groaned.
“All right, I have to get to work. We’re gonna be done with what we’re doing here today. We won’t be here tomorrow.” Luke yelled back down to her.
“Luke?” Lorelai questioned wondering if their fight was resolved.
“We’re okay.” Luke reassured her.
“Good.” Lorelai smile back up at him. He threw the frisbee her way to get it off the roof.
“Nice catch.” Luke gave her a quick wave as she started to walk inside to get ready for the day.

XXXXXXX

There was a miscommunication on the linen delivery for the Inn and no one was returning her calls. She decided that a good face to face interaction would straighten out the situation. She was driving into Hartford and zoning out to the radio. She saw a group of people picking up trash. She spots Rory right away. She was unsure if she should pull over and talk to her daughter. She realized this could be the only window of opportunity to talk to her without Emily and Richard waiting in the wings. She makes a quick u-turn and pulls the car over.
“Repaying your debt to society, I assume.” Lorelai approaches Rory on the side of the road.
“That’s what this is.” Rory stated the fact, annoyed and feeling ambushed.
“System already hardened you?” Lorelai snapped back, not liking her daughter’s tone.
“So, I guess congratulations are in order.” Rory verbally fought back.
“So, how are things at the new digs?” Lorelai jabbed back.
“You guys set a date yet?” Rory demanded.
“Grandma redecorate the pool house yet?” Lorelai countered with another question.
“Be sure to send me a picture.” Rory answered angrily.
“Be sure to send me a change of address card. Grandma can print them out for you a little fleur-de-lis.” Lorelai snapped.
“I’m not supposed to be talking to outsiders.” Rory mumbled hoping her mother would just go away and she wouldn’t have to see her at this low point.
“Fine.” Lorelai threw her hands up not knowing what to do anymore.
“You and Luke, getting engaged and not telling me about it. You hurt me! So, why don’t you leave me alone and go home to your new family.” Rory yelled.
Lorelai had started to walk away and hear Rory deliver the final blow. She decided to turn around giving it right back to her. “Back at you! Also, I went to the doctor and I found out I am having twins! So I will have my hands full. So, I wish all the luck in the world dealing with the mess you made by yourself.” Lorelai yelled louder than she ever yelled at Rory or frankly anyone in her whole life. She turned around so Rory couldn't see she had tears running down her face instantly regretting her words, but too prideful to turn around and say she was sorry. She got back into the car. She couldn’t solve their ever growing rift today, maybe she could solve her linen problem.

Chapter 11: Peeping Toms, Two Cherries & What Date?

Chapter Text

Three Weeks Later

Lorelai woke up in the bed above the diner. The last couple of weeks have been a world wind. She was getting close to being done with her first trimester. She had her 10-week appointment next week. She was hoping both babies were doing well. She had no warning signs something was going badly. She still had the worst morning sickness mainly in the morning, but still popping up at night sometimes. She was getting a great deal of mood swings. She would just randomly cry, at very small things. She cried when there was any amount of yelling even on tv, she would cry when things wouldn't go quite her way. She cried for twenty minutes because she couldn't find her favorite pen. She would cry even if she was happy. Luke made her raspberry cheesecake the night before and she cried. He had incredible patience with her mood swings, but she didn't like being in control of her body. He said previously Liz was the talking tear duct, but she was ready to dethrone her. However, the worst of the tears were when other people were sad. Miss Patty came into the diner and was upset that one of her best ballerinas was hurt in a car accident. Lorelai burst into tears as if she knew the young girl. She lied and said it was PMS. Then Krik was fighting with his mother and that made her cry. She was doing her best to hide this in front of people that didn't know she was pregnant. She started to fear she wasn't hiding it well.
Luckily, Babette knew so she didn't have to hide in front of her dear neighbor. She cried in the front yard when she got her mail and there was a flyer to donate to the World Wildlife fund. She just wanted to adopt an elephant whose mother died according to the flyer.
So, she was going to do her best to avoid people in the diner that would talk. She would make her appearance to get some donuts for the work crew. She threw up mostly the night before, so she wasn't feeling as sick this morning. Luke gathered up some of her stuff and put it in a duffle bag she had. She looked in the bag and found a blouse, underwear, and for some reason four bras. She continued to look in the bag she couldn't find any pants. She thought, “Oh my god. He forgot to bring me pants.”
She put on her dress from the night before. She grabbed the bag and headed downstairs.
She didn't have Paul Anka since he stayed the night at Babette's since he flipped out about moving the furniture out of her bedroom into the living room for Tom’s crew to start their work. Luke did most of the heavy lifting.
The house remodel was just getting off the ground. The week before they meet with George and discuss the upstairs floor plan. They both approved the plan and officially asked Tom to be the contractor for the job. He estimated the job would be done around mid-November. However, he was kind enough to play along that TJ was head contractor for a pay bump.
She made her way down the stairs and saw Luke was in full breakfast mode. She took a seat at the counter.
“Why are you wearing the dress from yesterday? Did you not see the duffel bag?” Luke asked when he saw her.
“I did see the duffel bag. I looked in the duffel bag and you didn't pack me any pants. So, I'm going to wear this home and take a quick shower.” Lorelai stated her current reason for her wearing her dress from the day before.
“Oh god. I'm sorry. It was dark and everything moved out of the bedroom, I thought I grabbed some pants.” Luke apologized.
“It's okay, I know the house is a little upside down right now. Don't worry about it.” Lorelai nodded.
“Do you want anything to eat? I'm not sure if you are hungry.” Luke awkwardly danced around the morning sickness.
“I'm doing good. I'll just have a blueberry muffin.” Lorelai stated her breakfast order which was on the lighter side since her pregnancy. “Also, I'll need two dozen donuts to go.”
Luke rolled his eyes. “You gotta stop feeding them.”
“I want them to do a good job. And I know I do a better job when I have something yummy to eat.” Lorelai stated why she was feeding the workers on the remodel project.
“Okay, fine.” Luke gave in and put the donuts in the box. “Here.” He gave her a box of two dozen donuts.
“I am staying here tonight or is it sofa city sweetheart for me?” Lorelai asked, she didn't want to assume she could just stay over.
“I have early deliveries tomorrow and I know the truck always wakes you up. I'll come over tonight and get your bed set up in the living room.” Luke offered.
“Awe, that's very sweet of you.” Lorelai flashes a smile.
“I'm sorry I didn't do it last night, with Paul Anka's freak out I got distracted. I can't have my pre--” Luke cut himself off hoping no one heard him. Lorelai's eyes got wide knowing he was on the verge of saying she was pregnant in public. “I can’t have my fiancé sleeping on her couch for days on end like a struggling rock star.” Luke tried to save himself, hoping no one would notice.
“Well, thank you. I'll see you tonight.” She lead in for a hug and kiss. “Nice save, babe.” She whispered in his ear.
She grabbed the donuts and made the walk back to her place since she went to Luke’s place in his truck.
Once arriving at her house, she could see the worker's looking over the building plans and TJ ordering them around. He was speaking pure nonsense.
“Hey, boys, I brought you donuts, I will spoil you guys with a bigger breakfast tomorrow.” Lorelai smiled while opening the box.
“Okay, men eat quickly, we have a lot of work to do!” TJ's voice echoed with his unearned leadership.
“I love the silver hard hat, TJ.” Lorelai paid her future brother-in-law a compliment.
“Yeah, I use silver polish on it every night. I gotta keep that silver color.” TJ shared.
Lorelai thought his misguided use of silver polish was adorable. She liked that he took pride in his uniform.
Lorelai ran over to Babette’s to grab Paul Anka and bring him home. Babette wasn’t home, but Morty was, and he returned the dog. He told her he was welcomed any time even though they were more of a cat family. She got Paul Anka settled back in at home and was laying his dog bed.

She moved up the stairs to her now empty bedroom and into the bathroom. She took off the day-old dress. She wasn't one to look at her naked body in the mirror; she wasn't Patrick Bateman. Today was the first day she saw it. A tiny bump. The bump wasn't big enough to see in clothing, but she knew soon enough she would look pregnant to the entire outside world. She was running out of time for the pregnancy to be secret. She was enjoying just the small circle knowing she was pregnant.
She got a fast shower due to running late. She typically would have a towel hanging over the door, but she was in such a rush she forgot her towel. She looked under the bathroom sink to find one. She attempted to wrap the towel around her body. Her bathroom door was open leading into her bedroom. She looked through the doorway and saw four workers in her bedroom. They were all staring at her. They weren’t sexualizing her, they just had a deer in the highlights look in their eyes. She wrapped the towel around her body. “Well, I hope that was better than a donut.” Lorelai tried disarming the situation with a joke. She started to laugh. The men awkwardly laughed. “Um, I know Vogue may have said the green towel look is in, but I am just not feeling it’s a good work outfit, I am going to need to get to my closet, fellas, you mind if I girl could have a second with her closet?” Lorelai questioned the men who couldn’t quite form sentences yet. They all nodded and exited the room. She locked the door behind them. She found her perfect summer dress that was lilac color with a sweetheart neckline. She thought, nothing else eventful will happen for the rest of the day.

XXXXXX

Lorelai settled into work after the Cinemax at night moment she had with the construction crew. She was trying to shake off that moment. Sookie was finally back at work. This was such a blessing. Lorelai was tired of handling the bulk of kitchen duties that weren't cooking because frankly it was way out of her element. She was mainly the middleman between Sookie and their accountant. She only ever communicated about big picture stuff or if a guest had some sort of dietary issue. She would admit that she just missed her friend, possibly more than the work itself. She walked into the kitchen. She smelled fried chicken. “Sookie, this smells delicious.” She grabbed a chicken leg off the table and started eating.
“Thank you. I have decided we need to have a staff meeting with senior staff.” Sookie stated bluntly.
“Why what's wrong?” Lorelai seemed to be a bit surprised.
“You know what's wrong.” Sookie answered.
“I really don't, Sookie, please tell a lady. We had our senior staff meeting when you returned to work earlier in the week.” Lorelai was unsure what they left out of the meeting.
“You had some news to inform Michel. You didn't tell him.” Sookie explained herself.
“Yes, I told him we got a new credit card processor.” Lorelai deflected knowing what news she left out of their meeting.
“You know that's not what I was talking about. He's actually concerned. He told me that for the last three weeks you have come into work at 9:30 instead of 8. He has seen you throw up a couple times. Your long secret appointment that Luke drove you to. He said he hasn't seen you drink a cup of coffee in weeks. Plus, he told me about the crying spells. He said you cried for 20 minutes because you lost your favorite pen.” Sookie relieved what Michel confined to her.
“Lorelai, you are not hiding this as well you think. You need to tell him about the ba---” Sookie starts to tell her.
“The cherries, I will tell him about the two cherries.” Lorelai responded because she didn't want to say the word baby in the crowded kitchen. “I'm nine weeks, they are the size of cherries.” She stated under breath.
“Okay, we, you, need to tell him about the two cherries. He is your number two. If something was going on with him, you would want to know.” Sookie expressed.
“Yeah, you are right. I have to rip off the band aid. When can you join the meeting?” Lorelai asked, trying to take the next step.
“Now, lunch is all cooked, Manny can expo and the waiters can handle it from there.” Sookie wasn't going to give her time to put this off anymore.
“Now is not really a good time.” Lorelai shyly stated.
“Why?” Sookie was getting mad.
“Because it's lunch time. You never tell Michel anything while he is hungry. You should know that.” Lorelai was trying to buy time.
“Michel ate a grilled chicken caesar salad.” Sookie snapped. “Tell him, now!”
Sookie started pushing her out of the kitchen.
They walk towards the front desk. “Michel, do you have a second to talk to us outside on the porch?”
“I have to confirm the Mitchell-Smith wedding guests check in times for the end of the week.” Michel stated with his usual sass.
“Can it wait for a second? The three of us need to have a quick chat.” Lorelai replied calmly.
“I guess so. Hopefully the guests won't find other accommodations.” Michel snarked.
Lorelai led them to the front porch and the three of them sat on the patio furniture.
“So, aren't we so happy to have Sookie back!” Lorelai was still avoiding the important topic.
“This is what you had to say to pull me away from my work. Lorelai, you are being ridiculous.” Michel complained.
“No, that's not why I pulled you away from your work. I was saying that we are happy to have Sookie back and to support her during her time away.” Lorelai replied with a smile.
“Yes. Do you have something to say?” Michel asked, annoyed.
“Yeah, of course I do.” Lorelai started to stammer. She paused not being able to find her words.
“The cherries.” Sookie interrupted in a fake cough.
“What cherries?” Michel asked in pure confusion.
“So, Sookie told me you let her know you have been concerned about me. I don't want you to worry--” Lorelai started to talk and ignored his cherry comment.
“I know you are sick. It must be something horrible to keep you from work in the morning and to make you not control your emotions. I have heard chemotherapy can be very stressful.” Michel gave his best guess at what was wrong with Lorelai.
“Whoa. You think I have cancer?” Lorelai was absolutely shocked.
“Yes. A couple of weeks back the flannel man took you to a long appointment and then you came back all weird and quiet. And I know you being quiet is never good. So I assume you had cancer. Which I can help you to a point. I'm not planning on reacting the movie Beaches with you any time soon.” Michel referenced her first ultrasound appointment and assumed the one of the worst diagnoses. No wonder why he was concerned.
Sookie was holding back trying not to laugh.
“Well, Michel, I'm not planning on being on the wind beneath your wings.” Lorelai made a quick reference to the film he mentioned.
“No, Michel, I don't have cancer.” Lorelai shook her head.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Michel asked exhaustedly.
“I'm pregnant.” Lorelai blurted out loudly.
“No seriously, you are joking, you're not pregnant.” Michel was in denial.
“Michel, I have had terrible morning sickness so that's why I have been late and that's why I threw up at work. I have had mood swings that's why I have had the crying spells. Luke took me to the OB/GYN to confirm I was pregnant. It's all there and the truth.” Lorelai pleaded with him.
“Is it wrong I wish you now had cancer?” Michel asked not wanting to deal with another pregnant woman.
“Yes!” Lorelai and Sookie yelled at the same time.
“Okay, there are some more details to discuss. So, I'm nine weeks along. They are the size of cherries. That's why we were saying cherries earlier.” Lorelai gushed and she paused. “There are two cherries, two babies. I'm having twins. Surprise!” Lorelai held up her hands like jazz hands while explaining her pregnancy so far.
“Now you are really joking, to soften the blow, you're not having twins.” Michel started to laugh. He could come around to the idea of Lorelai being pregnant but pregnant with twins was ludacris.
“No, I'm not joking, I got two fetuses growing in my uterus. I'm growing 20 fingers and 20 toes this week and all four chambers of the heart are forming. I'll show you my ultrasound if you don't believe me.” Lorelai expressed her current health.
“I have seen the picture there are two babies in there, alright.” Sookie confirmed the twins.
“This isn't fair! She gets pregnant then you get pregnant. I can't get pregnant and get a vacation for a couple of months!” Michel yelled feeling overwhelmed. He felt like the business was on his shoulders.
“First off, having a baby is not a vacation.” Sookie remarked.
“Yeah, my idea of vacation is laying on a beach with a pina colada. Not pushing two people out of my vagin*!” Lorelai raises her voice right back trying to not cry from the yelling. She was trying not to get mad, but she was getting mad.
“Okay, you're right, I apologize. But it's a lot of time off. A large amount of the business will fall on my delicate shoulders. We are in no position for you to be out of months. We will need to have a plan!” Michel exclaimed in a panic.
“Yes, I agree with you. We need to have a plan. I'm due in mid-January. So, we have some time. I would like to work at least until Christmas. Maybe a bit after Christmas depending on my health. We will find a replacement for you, and you will take over my duties. I hope to be back in mid-March or possibly later depending on how things go. I'll tell you the same thing I told Sookie: this pregnancy is high risk due to multiples and my age. I'm not sure how everything will go but I will make sure you and the business are set up to succeed.” Lorelai tried to assure the Frenchman.
“Michel, you are not in this alone, I plan on being a big help. Plus, she is having the babies in January, winter is the slow time for Jackson so he can help with the kids, and I can devote more time to the inn. And we are usually a bit slower in the winter.” Sookie expressed.
“I'm feeling a bit better. Once you are back full time to work, I want to go home to France for two weeks in the spring or early summer. That's my one condition.” Michel gave his demand by putting up with two maternity leaves back-to-back.
“Okay, that is fair. We will have you in Paris next summer.” Lorelai smiled.
“Good, great. After this tell the farmer and the flannel man no more babies.” Michel firmly stated.
“The farmer has been snipped. No more babies from the farmer.” Sookie stated, she knew she didn't want any more babies.
“Okay, tell the flannel man no more babies.” Michel huff and walk away back to work.
Lorelai was left on the porch feeling relief to finally tell Michel what had been going on with her. She knew they needed a plan for her exit which would come in due time.
The thought in her kept ringing tell the flannel man no more babies. She wasn't fully sure she could say no, but at the same time she wasn't in the most rational place to make that decision.
Lorelai made it through the rest of the workday without very little fan fair. The hardest part of her day was behind her. She was looking forward to just putting on some sweatpants at home.

She pulled into the driveway to see Luke was already over. He said he would come over after work to put her bed together. She appreciated he wanted to keep her comfortable.
“Luke. Paul Anka.” She called out as she entered the house.
“In here.” Luke responded.
“Do you bring food? Mary Kate and Ashley are hungry.” Lorelai announced.
“Burgers extra cheese in the kitchen. It should still be warm.” Luke replied as he was putting the bed frame back together.
Lorelai went into the kitchen and grabbed her burger and fries. She noticed her toaster was in the garbage.
“Hey, why is the toaster in the garbage?” Lorelai questioned.
“I got here about twenty minutes ago. He seemed scared of me, so I held my hand out for him to sniff it. He saw the watch and yelped. He jumped on the counter and kicked the toaster. I test the toaster with your moldy bread, and it's completely broken. I could maybe fix it, but I think the cord is broken too. Once the cord is broken, they are shot. Trust me, I know too much about broken toasters. I threw out your bread too.” Luke replayed the events of his night so far.
“How do you know it was the watch that scared him?” Lorelai questioned.
“Because I took off the watch and he was perfectly fine. Your dog is crazy.” Luke huffed.
“Nah, he is just quirky. Come here, boy.” Lorelai called him over to her.
He sat next to Lorelai on the couch.
“How was your day?” Lorelai asked.
“Fine. Same old same old. Although, I overheard some gossip. People think you are pregnant. I just ignored it, I didn’t want to feed into the gossip. How was your day?” Luke asked.
“Yeah well, we need to try to keep it a secret a little longer until the first trimester is over. My day was fine. I came back here to get my clothes and grabbed a shower.” Lorelai left out all of the men that saw her naked. Luke seems grumpy and she didn't want to tell him just yet.
“Work was okay, we were preparing for the wedding for the weekend. I confirmed with the vendors that they had everything ready to go. Michel confirmed the guest list. Probably the biggest news was I told Michel about the pregnancy.”
“Wow, okay, and how did that go?” Luke asked as he put the box spring and mattress back on the bed.
“I felt a little bad about not saying something sooner. He actually thought I had cancer. Then I told him about the pregnancy, and he didn't believe me I had to convince him I was pregnant. He finally accepted that and then I dropped the twin bomb. He flipped out some more. He was worried about the inn and being fully in charge. Sookie got him to settle down by saying she could help out more in the winter since farming would be slow for Jackson. That got him to calm down. He said once I'm back to work he wants a two-week vacation in Paris.” Lorelai stated the events of the earlier day.
“Well, he has always been a bit of a putz. I guess his vacation would be in March or April?” Luke asked without asking how long she thought she wouldn't be working for.
“I think somewhere around there. I told both of them this is a high-risk pregnancy, so I didn't feel comfortable making any solid plans.” Lorelai answered without fully answering the question.
“Do you think you want to go to work after the babies are born?” Luke asked. He had a feeling he knew the answer but just wanted to check in.
“Of course I do, once I'm physically healed and they can be in someone else's care while we work. I might look into adjusting my hours. I'm not giving up on the business I built. Do you want me to stay at home?” Lorelai asked, feeling a bit trapped as she took a bite out of her burger.
“No, unless that's what you want. I figured you wouldn't be June Cleaver or anything. I just wanted to say that if you wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, I would support you in that decision. I just didn't know what your thoughts were on that. I'll support you if you want to work too. I just want you to do what you want to do.” Luke reassured her.
“No, I'm not June Cleaver. I appreciate you supporting me on continuing to work. I know we will have to figure something out with childcare. I told Michel today, that was a tough thing. I can't make any more tough decisions today.” Lorelai sighed.
“That's understandable. How was the burger?” Luke asked.
“It was yummy. Now, I'm on to the fries.” She took a handful into her mouth.
“So, the veggie cravings are gone?” Luke asked somewhat disappointed she wasn't eating as healthy.
“No, I ate a ton of celery this afternoon. I think it's more of a texture thing. I like the crunch.” She stated as she continued to eat the fries.
Luke started to make the bed.
“Why are you putting that comforter on the bed?” Lorelai asked.
“Because it's the one you always use.” Luke replied.
“No, it's not, I need the fluffy one.” Lorelai whined, starting to cry.
“I don't know which is the fluffy one. Here, look through this box.” Luke moved the box labeled blankets and comforters.
Lorelai started looking through the box.
“Is it this one?” Luke held up another comforter. “How about this one?” She shook her head, still crying.
“It's gotta be this one?” Luke held up the other comforter.
“No.” She was still crying. He found the last comforter. The pattern was exactly the same as the first comforter.
“This is the last comforter you have. Is it this one?” Luke pleaded. He wanted the tears to stop.
“I think so, give it to me.” He gave her the new comforter. She felt the fluffiness.
“Yes, it's the right one.” Lorelai smiled and the crying had stopped.
“You know, this is the exact same comforter as the other one.” Luke stated the fact.
“Yeah, but that is newer, so it's fluffier.” Lorelai countered.
“My mistake. Are you okay, now?” Luke inquired, hoping for no more water works tonight.
“Just peachy. Thank you for being my white knight.” She gave him a quick kiss.
“Happy to help, crazy lady.” Luke gave her a smile.
“I'm not crazy, I'm hormonal, there's a difference.” Lorelai countered.
“My apologies. Is the bed going to be okay for you to sleep on tonight?” Luke inquired.
“Yeah. I think so. I'm going to put my pjs on.” Lorelai found her dresser and started to get undressed. Luke wasn't one to stare even though Lorelai was very beautiful. He saw her stomach. “When did that happen?”
She looked down to see the tiny bump she noticed earlier in the shower.
“One too many burgers.” She joked.
“No, that's a bump. You have a bump.” Luke declared.
“Well, you saw the sonogram I got people forming inside of me.” Lorelai deflected as she finished getting her pjs on.
“Yes, I know. I mean I knew it was going to happen, but I didn’t think so soon. According to my book most women don’t start to show until they are at least 12 weeks.” Luke shares his feelings on seeing the bump.
“Well, there are two of them, so I think I am going to get larger faster. You really can’t see when I am wearing clothes. Once I start showing, I think I am going to buy really large purses I can put in front of it, or I can always be behind a desk or a counter.” Lorelai shared ways to hide her growing bump.
“I am not following you on this. What are you talking about?” Luke questioned because Lorelai was talking pure crazy.
“You know, when you watch a tv show and the actress is pregnant in real life, but her character isn’t, and they don’t write into the show she is usually carrying a really big purse or she is placed like in front counter or desk or large plants in front of her growing stomach to hide she was pregnant. So, that’s my plan.” Lorelai explained her plan.
“That is crazy, people in real life don’t do that.” Luke rolled his eyes.
“I am not actually going to do it, but we need to tell people soon.” Lorelai said with a level of anxiety.
“People will know when they know. People have babies all the time, I am sure no one will really care.” Luke stated.
“That’s no fun. We’ll want them to care a little bit.” Lorelai wanted her tight knit community to be in her corner.
“Yeah, sure, I am sure they will care a healthy amount and will totally respect our privacy.” Luke stated sarcastically.
“You don’t really think that do you?” Lorelai asked with a smile.
“No, I think we will get people asking us inappropriate questions and unwarranted advice we didn’t ask for until I have screamed at everyone on our behalf to leave you and myself alone.” Luke offered the more likely outcome of what was to come when the greater Stars Hollow knew about the pregnancy.
“I can’t wait to see that! Until then I am enjoying the love bubble. Are you going to join me in the bed you so kindly put together for me to help continue the love bubble?” Lorelai questions while climbing into bed.
“Sure, but I won’t be here when you wake up.” Luke joined her in the bed.
“That’s fine.” Lorelai replied as she started to fall asleep.

XXXXXXXXXX
Lorelai woke up in her bed in her living room with most of her bedroom items throughout the room.
She motions to Paul Anka. “Hi, let’s get us a little breakfast. Come, Come on Paul Anka.” He ran into the kitchen out in front of her and took a seat on one of the chairs that were around the table. Lorelai put together a breakfast spread that would make a hotel’s complimentary breakfast to shame. She had Poptart's in both strawberry and brown sugar. She had a plate of donuts and bagels. She made coffee for the crew. She wasn’t drinking any at the current time and she had a strategy of not breathing through her nose when she was around it. She missed coffee a lot. She was hoping for a cup again someday. Hell, at this point she would take decaf. She even missed a lot of breakfast foods. If she was lucky, she would be able to handle a muffin. Muffins, she didn’t have any muffins. She wanted muffins and she was sure the crew would want a muffin too. She left a voicemail at the diner demanding muffins.

Lorelai could hear the crew starting their work and headed out to her front porch. “Breakfast! Get its room temperature and nutrient free.”
The men following Lorelai into the kitchen. “Milk, cream and sugar’s on the table. Flo’s got coffee. Who needs a jolt?” She asked, she tried not breathing through her nose. The only trick to deal with coffee. Her lost dear friend.
“I do.” Construction worker replied.
“Okay. “Lorelai poured the coffee into the cup. “Inspect the bagels closely because the expiration date was in braille, apparently and either they’re new or from my baby shower. I’m also sorry to report that we are currently out of the brown sugar cinnamon pop-tarts.”
“Oh.” The workers groaned at the same time.
“Oh! Don’t “Oh” me. You guys have been playing favorites all week and now it’s time to pay the piper. So, someone be a man suck it up and start eating the shredded wheat.” Lorelai placed the cereal on the table.
“Oh, come on.” One of the workers remarked.
“Cowards.” Lorelai answered the workers on the shared disdain of the cereal.
She saw one of the workers attempting to pet Paul Anka. “Oh hey, ooh! Remember people only pet the dog with your non-watch hand. Also, please no top of head petting until he gets to know you. Uh, in case you don’t remember, watches cause him to freak out, jump on the counter and kick my once working toaster across the room.” Lorelai heard her front door open.
“Your muffins.” Luke announced while carrying a large box of muffins.
“My what?” Lorelai questioned.
“You left me an urgent message about needing muffins.” Luke replied.
“Oh, right. Muffins boys.” Lorelai announced to a room of hungry men.
“These were for them?” Luke pointed to the men huddling behind going for the muffins.
“Oh no. They were for me. I thought I’d try to eat my weight in muffins today.” Lorelai commented, but knew she was going to at least have a blueberry one.
“Does the dog have to sit in the chair like that?” Luke motioned to the dog sitting in the chair like a furry person.
“Like what? His posture’s perfect.” Lorelai remarked on how handsome her puppy looked.
“Yeah, chairs are for people.” Luke stated not liking the dog sitting at the table.
“Not that chair, that is Paul Anka’s chair.” Lorelai smiled at her dog.
“Dogs are filthy. They have fleas and malaria on them. You shouldn’t have fleas and malaria in the room you’re gonna eat in. What are you going to do when the four of us need to sit at the table someday soon?” Luke ranted and questioned if their children would be eating on the floor so the dog could have a chair.
“I don’t eat in here. They do. When the time comes, we can buy more chairs.” Lorelai answered.
“Enjoying your free breakfast, fellas? Nice free coffee there, Craig. Nice free muffin there, Benny.” Luke said in a mocking tone.
“Gee, Luke. I don’t think they know what you’re getting at.” Lorelai sarcastically stated.
“Okay, that’s good. Uh, you done here? ‘Cause Tom wants to talk to us.” Luke replied with his other reason for being at her house this morning.
They walked outside to see TJ talking to the crew. “Alright, Norman, I’m gonna need you to find me some cripple studs for that bearing wall we’re putting in, ‘cause once that sucker’s vertical we’ve got to be ready to nail in those joists.”
Tom walked over to the worker. “Just keep doing what you’re doing and then bring those tools up to check.”
TJ walked over to another worker. “So, Steve, later today we’re gonna need to dig a footing drain all around the perimeter about five feet deep. That ought to keep the basem*nt dry.”
“This house doesn’t have a basem*nt.” The worker said to himself within earshot of Tom.
“No, it certainly does not. Just ignore him.” Tom told one of the workers.
“Okay. This is ridiculous. How long are you gonna let TJ think that he’s the contractor?” Luke flabbergasted questioned.
“To the very end, my friend.” Lorelai insisted.
“This is stupid. We have to tell him the truth.” Luke expressed his thoughts.
“No, look how happy he is strutting around in his tool belt and his shiny silver helmet. You know, he polishes that thing every night after work.” Lorelai cheerfully said.
“Really?” Luke questioned.
“Yes, really. With real silver polish. That’s what he thinks silver polish is for to polish anything that’s silver. I think that is adorable.” Lorelai smiled.
“And the good news is he’s got terrible instincts, but he combines that with absolutely zero follow-through. So, it all works out in the end.” Tom walked up the stairs.
“Huh? Terrible instincts, zero follow through. All the qualities you want in a good pretend contractor.” Lorelai confirmed.
“But we’re paying TJ a contractor’s salary to do a job that he’s not actually doing and you’re paying Tom extra 10% to pretend he’s not doing a job that TJ thinks he’s doing but Tom is actually doing. You should hire Blake Edwards as your contractor.” Luke ranted about the craziness of them pretending that TJ was their contractor.
“Oh, no. TJ is playing with the circular saw.” Tom ran from the porch to stop TJ.
Luke gives her a look of concern.
“What? Tom will get to him before he finds the on switch.” Lorelai calmly states.
“We are going to tell him.” Luke firmly repeated.
“Luke, he is your brother-in-law.” Lorelai replied not wanting to cause tension.
“Just because Liz married him.” Luke stated the fact.
“Yeah, but this makes him happy, which makes Liz happy, which will make you happy, which will make me happy.” Lorelai explained the circle of happiness.
“Well, just so you know, I’m gonna oversee this entire thing. Okay? I’m gonna make sure TJ doesn’t blow the house up.” Luke asserted.
“And I appreciate that.” Lorelai pointed at him. “And you will please go make the guys an extra pot of coffee?” Lorelai asked as she patted his back. “I’m gonna go to Babette's and take a shower.”
“Why? Your shower’s working.” Luke questioned.
“Oh, well, yeah. Well, yeah, just had a little incident here yesterday.” Lorelai awkwardly stammered.
“What kind of an incident? You didn’t mention anything yesterday. Luke asked curiously.
“Nothing big. I honestly forgot about it. I wasn’t hiding it or anything but, some of the guys saw me naked.” Lorelai divulged.
“What?” Luke fumed.
“It’s no big thing.” Lorelai tried to brush it off.
“How in the hell did a couple of guys see you naked?” Luke was now fuming. He didn't want her harassed in her own home.
“Well, I was getting out of the shower and Joe--” Lorelai started to explain herself.
“Joe-- Joe saw you naked?” Luke stuttered in pure rage.
“And Pete.” Lorelai added another crew member saw her naked.
“Pete?” Luke voice bellowed.
“Well, Pete was with Joe, and then Slim--” Lorelai explained.
“Slim saw you naked?” Luke yelled.
“Well, I could see him. So, I assumed he could see me.” Lorelai replied unsure.
“Billy had the best view. Just a straight shot right down main street. Include the speed bump.” Lorelai put a hand on her stomach over her newly formed bump just popped yesterday.
“So, four guys saw you naked.” Luke yelled.
“Well, if you don’t count Teddy, then yes.” Lorelai added another name.
“What in the hell were those guys doing up there in the first place?” Luke pointed to the upstairs.
“TJ accidentally sent them up.” Lorelai shyly stated.
“I’m gonna kill him.” Luke snarled.
“Luke, it was no big deal. Please. We-we all laughed about it. Look, from now on, I’m showering at Babette's so the show is over. No one sees the goods but you.” Lorelai gives him a comforting kiss goodbye as she walks towards Babette house.
Luke stood on her porch with his hands on his hips. He was furious that brother-in-law was such an idiot. His finance and the mother of his children didn't feel comfortable in her current home, now their future home. He was trying to regain his composure. One of the workers walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder giving a look like he saw the goods and he liked what he saw.
XXXXXXX
Lorelai was looking forward to an easier workday now that Michel knew about the pregnancy. The morning went by smoothly. Then lunch approached. She was still very locked in with lunches with Paris. She saw Paris drinking the iced tea in the dining room.
She tried to turn around and Michel grabbed her. “Please go deal with Eva Braun, now!”
“Lorelai, I got us a table.” Paris yelled. Lorelai walked over and sat down. They made pleasant small talk over the fruit salads. Lorelai found it easier to keep the conversation on Paris. Not that she asked Lorelai a lot of personal questions.
“How are things going with Doyle?” Lorelai inquired, since other than school he was a main topic, they spoke about.
“I think things are going well. This is my first serious relationship. The truth is, this is the first time in my life that I’ve consistently spent the night with a man.” Paris shared her personal experience.
“Uh-huh.” Lorelai nodded.
“I didn’t know the rules. I mean, obviously the clothes have to come off for the actual sex part of the evening, but afterward what are you supposed to do? I mean nightgowns are obviously out but wearing nothing seems extreme and in case of fire, completely impractical.” Paris shared her dilemma.
“Oh, sure.” Lorelai nodded along.
“I wore a camisole one night. It almost strangled me. And I’m definitely not a teddy girl. So, what does that leave?” Paris asked in a panic.
“T-shirts.” Lorelai suggested. She always loved a good t-shirt or one of Luke's flannels.
“What does a T-shirt say about me?” Paris wanted to send the right message with sleepwear.
“Well-” Lorelai stammered.
“More importantly, what does it say to Doyle about me?” Paris questioned.
“Sweety, it's just a T-shirt. They don’t tend to be that chatty.” Lorelai tried to calm her down.
“I don’t know, maybe I should reconsider the completely naked option. After all, I’m 21. If not now, when? I mean, right now, my ass is probably as good as it’s ever going to get. I should exploit that.” Paris commented on her body.
“Absolutely buy a video camera and go to town!” Lorelai exclaimed it wouldn't get much better than that.
Paris started at Lorelai. “You're not 21, but your skin and hair look great. It's almost like you're glowing.”
“Thanks, new beauty routine.” Lorelai lied; she didn't do anything new beauty wise. She realized she was starting to get the pregnancy glow, even though it was a bit earlier than she expected.
“You know what? I’m starting to fade here.” Paris yawned. She kept Lorelai away from her work for a solid hour and half an hour.
“Oh me, too. Listen, it’s been a terrific lunch.” Lorelai attempted to get out of her chair.
“I think I’ll get another espresso.” Paris looked over her shoulder to flag down a waiter.
“Actually, we are out of espresso.” Lorelai exclaimed, hoping to not be around coffee.
“You are?” Paris asked, finding that hard to believe.
“Yes. Uh, we shut the machine down at three o’clock to give it a rest cause it’s Italian so it’s a little temperamental.” Lorelai came up with a quick lie.
“Oh. Okay. Well, then, I guess I should---” Paris stammered, not really wanting to leave.
“Go, really? Okay, well, hmm. Sweety, it's been a blast, again.” Lorelai set the tone for Paris to leave.
“Okay. So, I guess I’ll see you Tuesday.” Paris waved goodbye.
“Yeah, Tuesday. Perfect. Can’t wait. Okay.” Lorelai walked Paris through the front door and quickly made her way back to the kitchen to find Sookie and Michel standing around the main table.
“Is she gone?” Michel whined.
“Yes, she’s gone.” Lorelai answered.
“Thank God.” Michel rolled his eyes.
“I can’t believe you are in here hiding from a little girl.” Lorelai replied somewhat mockingly.
“Oh, yes, you can.” Michel raised his voice.
“She has a tough exterior, but on the inside, Paris--” Lorelai attempted to defend Paris.
“Tokyo Rose.” Michel references Japanese women that helped the Japanese empire in World War Two.
“She’s lonely. She does not have a lot of friends.” Lorelai sympathetic response.
“No shocker!” Sookie sarcastically yelled.
“Sookie.” Lorelai sternly said.
“No. No Sookie. She’s horrible. I mean sh-sh-she sends everything back twice and she makes the waiters write down exactly what she wants me to know is wrong with the food.” Sookie complained about Paris' behavior.
“At least you’re hidden in here. I’m out there behind a desk exposed to all of her elements.” Michel joined in on Sookie's complaining.
“Michel.” Lorelai scolded him.
“She mocked my accent. She called me Canadian.” Michel whined further.
“It’s enough already. I won’t cook for her anymore.” Sookie declared. She was done.
“These lunches.” Michel had some extra sass in his voice.
“Twice a week for three weeks?” Sookie questioned the existing arrangement with Paris.
“Yeah, creepy. The next thing you know, you’ll be carrying Emmanuel Lewis around on your shoulders.” Michel grumbled about the Paris situation.
“We don’t have time for this, Lorelai. We have a wedding this week. And I’ve got a menu to plan and a cake to design. I don’t have time to map out the fish patterns for my wild salmon.” Sookie stated Paris was getting in the way of their work.
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry she’s bothering you guys. What can I do? I gave her my cell phone number. I told her to call. I just didn’t think she’d use it so often.” Lorelai countered just trying to make her case. “Also, give me some warning about the salmon. The cherries don't like it.”
“Well, cut it off. And I'll give you a warning on the fish.” Sookie replied.
“I feel sorry for her.” Lorelai was holding back the tears.
“No one likes to be pitied. No tears for Paris.” Michel acknowledged Lorelai tears forming in her eyes.
“Fine, I have to cut it off. I know. I will.” Lorelai answered them. She knew she was an extra pain in the ass with her pregnancy. She needed both of them behind her a hundred percent.
“Do you promise?” Michel asked, not believing her.
“I promise.” Lorelai confirmed she will tell Paris the lunches would end.
“Good, because I’ve got a lot of work to do. And we’ve got a ton of planning to do for this wedding next week and the menu’s a mess and the cake. I was thinking about doing a red velvet cake but I don’t know. And I am using this wedding as a trail run so it has to be perfect.” Sookie shared her plans with the current wedding and an upcoming wedding.
“A trail for what?” Lorelai was unaware of another wedding at the Inn.
“For your wedding.” Sookie smiled.
“Oh.” Lorelai was taken back.
“Yeah. Which will be when?” Sookie inquired about a wedding date.
“What?” Lorelai questioned.
“When?” Sookie asked.
“When what?” Lorelai repeated.
“When will you be getting married? I’m gonna need a date” Sookie inquired when her best friend would be getting married.
“Oh, we-we haven’t set one yet.” Lorelai stammered because they hadn't set a date yet.
“Well, I had Michel black out all of July for next year.” Sookie excitedly shared.
“You what?” Lorelai asked.
“I figure you and Luke for an outdoorsy summer wedding.” Sookie shared her ideal wedding.
“Who and Luke?” Lorelai inquired.
“July 23rd is my pick but I am flexible.” Sookie shared her ideal wedding date.
“Michel, unblack it out.” Lorelai told Michel.
“I told you.” Michel teased Sookie.
“I told you what?” Lorelai asked, feeling out of the loop.
“I told her you were not getting married.” Michel condescendingly said.
“I am getting married.” Lorelai firmly replied.
“You were right. You called it.” Sookie, disappointed, sighed.
“The woman can’t commit to a purse, much less a man.” Michel mockingly stated.
“I am getting married.” Lorelai repeated firmly.
“I am so naive. I believed.” Sookie sighed again.
“Live and learn.” Michel advised.
“Hey, I am getting married. I am. We will set a date. And we will get married on that date. And I’ve had the same purse for almost a year. Thank you very much.” Lorelai defends her engagement and her upcoming marriage.
“Of course, my mistake.” Michel gave in to Lorelai’s declaration.
“Now, let me go cancel your wedding plans.” Michel walked out of the kitchen.
“Those are not my wedding plans. They are Sookie’s wedding plans” Lorelai yelled back.
“Well, fine, then! What are your wedding plans?” Sookie inquired what her friends' plans were.
“They haven’t been formalized yet.” Lorelai offered that she had no plans.
“What does that mean?” Sookie wondered.
“Sookie, come on, I got men running around my house a completely destroy bedroom things are crazy right now. I'm pregnant with twins, so it's going to take up a lot of time and attention. When things calm down and Luke and I get a chance to breathe we will talk and set the date. Until then, will you drop it please?” Lorelai explained her current
“Fine, it's dropped.” Sookie raises her hands.
“She’s back. She’s coming back” Michel ran back into the kitchen.
“No.” Sookie whined.
“Why?” Lorelai asked not wanting to deal with her anymore today.
“I don’t know why. Maybe she left her phone or her spell book. All I know is she’s heading back towards the inn and I’m not going out until she leaves.” Michel stated he was going to hide until the blonde was gone.
“You’re being ridiculous. You’re a grown man with a job to do.” Lorelai remarked.
“So do you. And I don’t see you rushing out.” Michel snapped.
“Well, I can’t. ‘Cause I’m not done with my lemonade yet. Mm! Good to the last drop.” Lorelai smiled while drinking her lemonade.

Chapter 12: A Hammer, Dilithium Crystals and Unsweetened Chocolate

Chapter Text

Luke walked up Lorelai's steps to take her out to dinner. He saw a bunch of empty paint cans and he almost tripped over one of them. He didn't see any of the workers outside working even though their cars were up and down the road. Luke was knocking on her front door for a while. She wasn't hearing him. He could hear loud laughter.
“Hello?” Luke inquired as he walked through the front entrance.
“Uh, I will find you no matter how long no matter how far! I will find you!” Lorelai yelled in her Hawkeye voice from the Last of the Mohicans performing for the construction crew.
“What the hell is going on, here?” Luke asked, seeing the performance.
“Hey, Luke.” One of the crew greeted him.
“Hi, I'm just doing my Daniel Day Lewis retrospective for the guys.” Lorelai explained her performance.
“You should hear her rendition of my left foot.” One worker commented on another Daniel Day Lewis movie she acted out for the crew earlier in the evening.
“Yeah, I've seen it, thanks.” Luke brushed off the comment.
“No no this time I did it with my right foot totally different, here I’ll show you, Pete, hand me the paintbrush.” Lorelai motioned for the paint brush.
“That’s okay. I’m good.” Luke replied.
“Uh, you know, there's a bunch of open paint cans sitting out on the porch.” Luke was growing annoyed.
“Yeah, they’ll get to it. We just didn’t want the pizza to get cold.” Lorelai announced pointing to the pizza boxes on the counter.
“Hey, check out this new trick we just taught Paul Anka. Hey Paul Anka, pizza!” Lorelai exclaimed to the dog.
Paul Anka joins the act and starts to bark.
“Pizza, pizza!” Lorelai says again to the furry dog. He barks at her saying pizza.
“Salad.” Lorelai says to the dog, and he does not return verbal exchange sitting quiet looking up at her. The workers share in Lorelai laughter. “Good boy. Good boy.” Lorelai pats his on the head.
Luke looks on with his arms crossed looking grumpy. “Oh shot, I’m out of treats. I’ll be right back.” Lorelai started walking into the kitchen. Luke closely followed.“You know those guys are here to work. You don’t have to put a USO show on for them.”
“I know, I just want them to have a good time.” Lorelai remarked.
“Half of them have seen you naked. How much of a better time can they have?” Luke questioned a bit under his breath.
“He’s jealous of my popularity, Tom.” Lorelai cheerfully bragged as they walked through the kitchen to see Tom sitting at her kitchen table with the remodel plans.
“Sure, I get that.” Tom nodded, still looking down at the plans.
“Tom, do other clients feed their construction crews breakfast and lunch and buy them pizza and beer?” Luke asked while coming out Lorelai's over the do behavior.
“Nope.” Tom shook his hand.
“See?” Luke questions her while feeling validated.
“Of course, the naked thing’s been done to death.” Tom added hearing about the shower incident.
“Alright, Tom we’re out of here. Uh, anything you need to discuss before we go?” Lorelai asked, grabbing her purse to head out the door.
“No, we talked about everything but the kitchen.” Tom answered, unsure what to do with the kitchen.
“What about the kitchen?” Lorelai questioned. She thought her kitchen was just fine.
“Well, do we want to make it bigger?” Tom offered a possible option.
“Why would we want to make it bigger?” Lorelai asked knowing she didn't spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
“Well, you might want a nice double oven or a sub-zero freezer. There's room enough for an island, uh, a cooking station with some stools around it for entertaining, you know, for dinner parties. Or maybe you want to cook a big holiday dinner for Thanksgiving or Christmas.” Tom suggested options for the kitchen.
“The strange man is scaring me.” Lorelai pretends to sound afraid. They both knew the kitchen wasn't a room she spent a lot of time in.
“I think the kitchen’s fine, Tom.” Luke replied, he knew he could cook a lot with the kitchen remaining the same.
They heard the front door open and saw TJ walking into the kitchen. “Okay everybody can relax because your trusty contractor has returned. Boy, what a trip. Traffic was terrible. It took me the entire day. Here you go, Tom. The mystic hammer.” TJ handed over a normal looking hammer while Luke and Lorelai smiled at each other at the ridiculousness.
“Thank you, TJ.” Tom took the mystic hammer that was a regular hammer that Tom sent TJ on a wild goose case to get the new hammer and keep him off the job site.
“I gotta tell you, I don’t see what’s so special about it. It looks an awful lot like every other hammer we got lying around here.” TJ gave the hammer an additional look.
“Well, that’s the beauty of the mystic hammer, TJ. It looks the same but it’s completely different.” Tom carried on the lie.
“Tom, make sure those cans are cleaned up out there, okay?” Luke repeated himself, not wanting a mess or Lorelai possibly tripping.
“Oh, my God. Enough with the paint cans, already.” Lorelai huffed she didn't want to hear about the cans.
“I almost tripped over the cans.” Luke quickly stated.
“Don’t worry, Luke. I’ll take care of it.” Tom reassures Luke.
TJ was standing there quietly “Hey did you guys know there was a room back here?” He knocked on the door that led to Rory’s former room the way she left it almost a month earlier.
“Oh, yeah, look at this, a whole room! What a find, huh”
“TJ.” Luke raised his voice and shut the bedroom. Lorelai hadn’t opened the door since she cried on the floor after dropping off the last of Rory’s things to embark on her new life.
“Boy, if you knocked out this wall here, opened up this room, you would have a huge kitchen.” TJ offered a clueless idea for the spare bedroom to go away. Lorelai's face showed she was growing upset. If you erased the room, it would be like erasing Rory.
“Yeah, we don’t want a huge kitchen, TJ.” Luke sternly stated and patted his back.
“Or you could turn it into a weight room or a workshop. Or, hey, pork-smoker room. My uncle had a pork-smoker room. Big sides of pork hanging all over the place. We called it the dead-pig room.” TJ clueless continued to ramble on about options for the spare bedroom.
“TJ, why don’t you go out there and tell the guys they can go home.” Luke deflected, he could see Lorelai growing to be more upset and knew he had to get TJ away from her.
“It’s not that big a job. I could have it up and running for you in a week. All I gotta do is drive over to Boston for one of those special sledgehammers Tom was telling me about, get a pig, and in about 10 minutes--” TJ continued some more until Lorelai interrupted him.
“Just leave the room alone, okay? Just.. it’s.. Fine. Leave it alone. Let’s go.” Lorelai had finally snapped.
She started to walk out her back door. She knew if she didn’t leave, she would say something she would regret. Luke followed her close behind and not saying a word. They walked to the front yard past the cans and into his truck. He offered to open the door for her, but she refused it and then slammed the door shut. Luke was honestly too afraid to talk. He was more of man of action then one with words. He didn’t want to make the first move. He turned the key and at that moment she let out a sob. She had been crying a lot these few weeks, but it was nonsense hormonal crying. Nothing that she would be crying about if she wasn’t pregnant. This was a real reason to cry. He moved over in the truck bed and took her in his arms.
“I’ll tell Tom to fire TJ. I am sorry he was acting like such a jackass.” Luke finally offered some response to Lorelai crying.
“No, I don’t want you to do that. He didn’t know that was her room. Just hearing him talk about getting rid of Rory’s room felt like erasing her completely. I know I am still on the tough love path, but if she doesn’t have a room here, she won't have a place to go home to someday. I know that doesn’t really make a lot of sense, but it’s how I feel.” Lorelai vented.
“No, it makes sense. I won’t fire TJ, but I will give Tom clear instructions that Rory’s room will remain untouched along with the kitchen.” Luke offered to help in the small way that he could. He was very much in the middle of this never-ending fight between the two of them and he was not about to add fuel to the fire.
“Do you still want to go to dinner, or should we just go to my place?” Luke asked, wondering if she wanted to be out in public.
“Yeah, I would love it if you would make me something, plus I am really tired.” Lorelai replied just wanting some privacy.
“Sure, I can do that, what are you in the mood for?” Luke asked as he started to drive the truck back towards the diner.
“I don’t know. You know what sounds really good, tacos. You know I have never had your homemade tortilla shells.” Lorelai suggested a meal for them to eat.
“Well, you are in luck, I made some the other day.” Luke smiled.
They made their way back to the apartment and got settled in for the night. Luke worked out getting the meal ready.
She saw the baby books on his coffee table, and she started going through them. She saw that he made notes in the margins and underline sections in the book. She couldn’t help but smile to see how much he cared and how serious he was taking the whole pregnancy. Then she felt a ping of guilt for how crazy she had been lately.
“Hey, it’s ready.” Luke grabbed her attention, and she walked over to the table.
“Thanks. This all looks delicious.” Lorelai smiled, knowing she and the babies were going to be eating well. “Hey, I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” She offered.
“Sorry for what?” Luke asked, feeling a bit puzzled.
“I have been a giant pain in the ass lately with all of the crying. I feel like I cried every day these last couple of weeks. Thank you for being so patient with me.” Lorelai remarked.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. You are growing not one, but two people in your body. That's a taxing eventful thing every day. I can only imagine. The most eventful thing I did today was give Krik eight cups of coffee and almost trip over some paint cans. Tonight, you had more than a hormonal reason to cry. I don’t want you to ever say you're sorry for how you are feeling.” Luke empathizes with her current situation.
“Thanks for that. This has just been really tough. I feel like with the remodel, our engagement, and the pregnancy, I’m on a train moving 1000 miles an hour and moving forward. And Rory is left at a stop and is frozen in time. Then I don’t know if she got on her train. Then I think our trains will meet at another station or will the tracks merge. Or will keep moving forward never to connect the tracks again.” Lorelai shared her train metaphor. Luke was following the metaphor the best he could.
“Yeah, that makes some sense. If you are not ready to talk to her, but feel like there's so much to say, why don't you write a letter or write down things you want to tell her at a later time when you feel ready to talk.” Luke offered a solution to the current situation.
“That's a great idea. I'll do that. Thank you.” Lorelai smiled back at him.
“Yeah, I have a good idea from time to time. Now, eat your taco.” Luke pointed to her plate.

XXXXXXX

Lorelai was in a much better mood the following day. Her quiet night at Luke's was the best cure to her sorrows. She was busy filling paperwork and the next month scheduling for all of the employees. Sookie came into her office. “I want to show you the Mitchell-Smith wedding cake!” Sookie was partially jumping up and down. “Okay.” Lorelai answered and followed her to the kitchen. Sookie stopped Lorelai. “Close your eyes.”
“Okay, here we go.” Sookie removed the trays, relieving S'mores wedding cake.
“Ah!” Lorelai exclaimed, seeing the beautiful cake.
“Oh, what is that? And where can I get one?” Lorelai asked, wanting her own smaller cake.
“That is my dark chocolate s’mores wedding cake.” Sookie explains her creation.
“You’ve been reading my diary.” Lorelai smiled at the beautiful cake.
“I got the idea in a dream. I was back in cooking school and late for my final and I run over to an oven, and I open it and sitting there is this s’mores wedding cake. And I present it to my teacher he starts weeping and the whole class is applauding and cheering.” Sookie excitedly shared her dream that inspired her to make the one of the kind cake.
“That’s so nice.” Lorelai exclaimed looking up at the cake.
“Yeah. And then of course Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise come leaping out of the cake screaming about how amazing it is. So, made the whole thing a little creepy, but up until then.” Sookie continued her dream story.
“Look, you’ve got a marshmallow bride and groom on the top.” Lorelai pointed to the top of the cake.
“You think they’ll like it?” Sookie asked unsure since it was a bit out there.
“I do.” Lorelai confirmed. Lorelai met with the Mitchell-Smith they shared they loved camping and especially smores. The cake was meant to be.
“You think you’ll like it?” Sookie inquired if she nailed down the perfect cake for the future Gilmore-Danes wedding.
“Look Captain Ahab.” Lorelai said feeling like the white whale.
“Come on, set the date.” Sookie cheered, wanting her friend to marry the love of her life.
“I will.” Lorelai firmly stated.
“Is there something you’re not telling me? Because agreeing to marry somebody is just as big a commitment as actually marrying them. So, don’t think it’s not.” Sookie was wondering if something else was wrong.
“I am committed. Sookie, come on, I got two people growing in my body. I'm not walking down the aisle with a giant stomach, and I want to be able to toast the moment. Plus, do you think Richard Gilmore is going to walk me down the aisle pregnant? Last I checked my dad doesn't have a shotgun. Although we aren't currently speaking, I'm not even sure if he will walk me down the aisle.” Lorelai explained the current situation. She felt a tiny bit of sadness thinking her father might not walk her down the aisle. Not that she was some property to give away or to be owned by another man, but she liked the tradition of it and hopefully her father would be proud of her and wanting to see her off of that new journey of her life.
“This isn’t a joking matter, missy. I want your wedding to be perfect or I want nothing to do with it.” Sookie remarked she wanted her friend to have the wedding of her dreams.
“Oh really? Wow, that might be a problem. ‘Cause I was really hoping for one of those disastrous weddings where we lose both rings' minutes before the ceremony and I get a nosebleed as I’m walking down the aisle. And later at the reception. Luke is found in the coat check room Jude Law-ing it with one of the bridesmaids.” Lorelai continued to joke.
Michel walked into the kitchen. “Hey, I just received a call that the wedding party will not be getting in until midnight and someone will need to be here to greet them. I would do it but I don’t want to.”
“Alright, I’ll do it.” Lorelai nodded her head. She knew she would need him to do a lot more very soon. She knew she had to throw him a bone.
“Very well, I’ll leave the… Wait. Do you feel that?” Michel questioned with a scared tone.
“Feel what?’ Lorelai gasped.
“An icy chill as if something sinister is approaching.” Michel described the feeling in the air.
“What?” Sookie questioned feeling a bit scared.
Michel starts to hum the Wicked Witch of the West theme from the Wizard of Oz.
“Gee, Michel, is Paris here?” Lorelai annoyingly asked.
“Maybe she was coming up the walk when I fled.” Michel explains his reasoning for hiding.
“Where are you going?” Lorelai asked as Michel walked past them.
“In the opposite direction.” Michel walked out the back door of the kitchen.
“Paris? Is Paris here? Oh, I get the humming now. What is she doing here?” Sookie asked, getting mad. She thought the lunches were over.
“We are having lunch.” Lorelai stated like she knew she was already in trouble.
“Ordering pizza, are you?” Sookie asked because she was not cooking.
“No, Sookie. I’m breaking up with her today, alright? I’m ending it like I promised, so back off.” Lorelai started to feel extra agitated.
“Grilled chicken and fries. That is all I’m making.” Sookie pointed at Lorelai. She was keeping it simple.
“Thank you.” Lorelai smiled.
“Go, hurry up. Come on. Move it, move it, Go. Let’s go. Come on hurry.” Dragonfly waitstaff ran as if the dining room was on fire away from Paris.
“Apparently, the eagle has landed.” Lorelai commented on their behavior.
Lorelai knew she had to break this off, it was getting in the way of her work plus with the babies coming and the remodel and planning some sort of wedding she didn't have time to play therapists to the most Type A young woman in Connecticut.
“Paris, hi. Good to see you. You look good. Something different?” Lorelai paid her compliment but could smell an almost chemical smell on her.
“I accidentally sprayed gasoline on myself at the service station.” Paris embarrassedly shared.
“Well, that must be it. Come on, let's sit.” Lorelai nodded, noticing her hormones were making her noise similar to a bloodhound.
“Sorry, I’m late, I was interviewing roommates. And all I can say is build an ark ‘cause it is seriously time for a flood.” Paris commented on everyone's lack of intelligence.
“Oh, well, you want some iced tea?” Lorelai brushed off her comment.
“I mean, forget the concept of intelligence or even a simple act of carrying on a conversation. These people can’t type a reference sheet. I mean, they all have questionable morals, a complete distrust of soap products.” Paris further complained about the potential roommates.
“In the glass, out of the glass. It’s all just semantics to you, right?” Paris questioned the waiter who had a shaky hand pouring iced t in her glass.
“Oh, well, I’m sure you’ll find someone. You just have to keep looking.” Lorelai touched her hand reassuringly.
“I guess, I wanted to have my roommate selected before I take the MCats in three weeks. I start shadowing the Ob/Gyn doctor for the summer next week and things are already getting crazy.” Paris shared feeling very overwhelmed.
“Yeah, boy. You sound really busy, Paris.” Lorelai expressed feeling exhausted just hearing about Paris' tight schedule.
“I am.” Paris exhaled.
“You know, I feel a little bad dragging you all the way out here when you have so much on your plate. I mean, talk about self-centered, huh? Think about someone else for a change, Lorelai.” She stated hoping Paris would pull herself out of the lunches. She knew Paris wouldn’t just quit anything.
“Oh, that’s okay.” Paris brushed it off. She actually liked talking to Lorelai. She was deeply comforting, in a time where she didn’t have Rory around.
“You know, I’ll be totally fine if you need to cut back on our lunches.” Lorelai tried to drop the hint again.
“Cut back?” Paris asked in a low tone.
“Cut back, cut out. Whatever you need, it's fine with me.” Lorelai brushed it off like if Paris said she may need to cut back it wouldn’t hurt her feelings.
“You know, this all sucks. I wouldn’t even be in this position if it weren’t for Rory. She was supposed to room with me. It was all planned out. I even called her yesterday and gave her one more chance to change her mind, but no.” Paris firmly explained her situation and disclosed she talked to Rory.
“You talked to Rory yesterday?” Lorelai asked, feeling a tiny spark of joy to get some update on her daughter.
“Yeah, I called her at the office.” Paris replied like Rory always had an office.
“Office? What office?” Lorelai gasped and she shocked.
“Her office.” Paris stated the fact.
“She has an office? What is she doing?” Lorelai questioned shockingly. Rory didn’t have a ton of work experience to merit her own office.
“I don’t know. Her job.” Paris replied with a real lack of interest.
“What job?” Lorelai questioned again. She was totally confused. She was honestly shocked that her parents were making Rory do anything like work. She thought Rory would honestly be closer to a fine China doll for them.
“Some job in an office with her grandmother.” Paris replied, giving Lorelai the information she had.
“Well, her grandmother does not have an office.” Lorelai remarked, Emily having an office was crazy. Emily never had an official paying job in her life.
“Well, that’s where I called her.” Paris replied not understanding Lorelai's confusion.
“This makes no sense to me at all. What did it sound like?” Lorelai inquired to gain further information on this unknown office.
“An office.” Paris answered, not getting the line of questioning.
“Yes, I know an office. But were there specific office sounds?” Lorelai wondered what background noise Paris heard in the office.
“I think I heard a fax machine.” Paris offered.
“A fax machine? Are you sure it was a fax machine?” Lorelai wanted to know the sounds.
“Pretty sure.” Paris nodded.
“Were there people talking or traffic? Did you hear traffic? ‘Cause that could give us a location. The city, the county or what?” Lorelai interrogates Paris for every possible crumb of information.
“So, that’s what this is all about. You’re just using me to get to Rory.” Paris hurtfully said, knowing these lunches were too good to be true.
“Oh, Paris.” Lorelai voiced low not realizing she hurt the blonde woman across the table.
“You’re pumping me full of espresso and pumping me for information.” Paris raised her voice, getting angry. It was one thing growing up not having friends, but it was another thing as an adult to feel that same small feeling again.
“No, that is not true. I’m not pumping. No pumping. We’re completely pump-free.” Lorelai tried to back step her current comments, but she knew she was pumping for information like a veteran cop.
“I’m so stupid. I mean, why else would you wanna have biweekly lunches with me?” Paris asked because Lorelai's likely motive was coming to the surface.
“There are many, many reasons. And they will come to me just in a second.” Lorelai was trying to find a suitable answer for Paris.
“I'm blind. I walk blindly through life.” Paris replied not seeing Lorelai lack of interest in the lunches coming.
“No. Now, you’re not blind.” Lorelai answered. Paris was a lot of things, but she was blind to most situations. If anything, she maybe had some tunnel vision, but who didn’t from time to time.
“I’ll leave. I’ll go right now.” Paris got up from her seat and attempted to walk out.
“Oh, Paris, please. I’m sorry. You mentioned Rory and a thing went off in my brain. It’s just a mother thing. But I love our lunches. I really do. Please stay.” Lorelai pleaded with Paris, she knew she didn’t have a lot of people in her and she felt the same Rory shaped hole and maybe they could get this crazy time together.
“Are you sure? Because I--” Paris attempted to state she could go.
“Yes, I’m completely positive. Everything’s good. Now, won’t you sit down? How does chicken sound?” Lorelai confirmed she wanted her here continuing on with the lunches.
“Okay. Just not too dry.” Paris made her mean comment about the food.
“Okay.” Lorelai smiled.
“The service here sucks.” Paris commented since all of the staff was hiding from her.
“I'll go back to the kitchen and grab our plates.” Lorelai left the table. She headed back to the kitchen and grabbed the two plates Sookie left for her and Paris. There was a small note that said, “End the lunches now, please.”
She brought the plates back into the dining room. “Chicken and fries. The favorite meal of every five-year-old.” Lorelai smiled.
“Your chef couldn't do any better than this?” Paris aggressively asked.
“Well, she has her hands full preparing for a wedding on Saturday, so I wanted to focus on that. I told her just something simple.” Lorelai explained the situation.
“Yeah, I guess this is fine.” Paris shrugged.
They ate in silence for a while. Lorelai knew she had to get out of these lunches, and she had to make it Paris’s idea.
“So, what's the agenda for next week for you?” Lorelai inquired, hoping it sounded busy.
“Well, it's the fourth on Monday so a bunch of us from the paper were going to the harborer to see the fireworks. Tuesday is my first day of shadowing. Then Wednesday a staff meeting for the paper for the new school year. Then Thursday and Friday half a day the shadowing and then the other half study.” Paris shared her week ahead.
“Wow, super busy. I don't know how we are going to have lunch.” Lorelai faked disappointment.
“Yeah, I'm not sure how we would have lunch either.” Paris shook her head. She took her organizer in her purse. She looked at her calendar and flipped through the pages for July and August. “I'm busy the rest of the summer. I think this will have to be the last lunch for a while.” Paris sounded truly disappointed.
“Awe, that's okay. We can talk on the phone if you need anything.” Lorelai smiled while getting out of the lunches.
“Sure, thanks again for being a great support system.” Paris smiled. It was truly nice to have someone to talk to.
“Yeah, absolutely.” Lorelai nodded.
They said her goodbyes and Lorelai was happy to get out the lunches. She was happy to not see Paris twice a week for the foreseeable future. She was thinking that wouldn't see Paris for a while but fate had other plans.

XXXXXXXX

Lorelai got home a little earlier than expected. She saw Luke and Tom talking in her front yard. She could see Luke's more frustrated face. “Are you talking about how pretty I am again? Oh, get a new subject, boys.” Lorelai lightly giggled as she approached Tom and Luke.
“What are you doing home?” Luke asked not to excepting her this early.
“Well, I have to be at the inn late, so I thought I’d come and feed Paul Anka, take him for a little walk and work out our crosswalk issues.” Lorelai explained her early arrival.
“Well, Tom here--” Luke pointed over to Tom.
“It’s not my fault.” Tom noticed Luke's shift of voice.
“I wasn’t gonna say it was your fault.” Luke answered not sounding mad.
“You’ve got it’s Tom’s fault tone in your voice.” Tom replied defensively.
“He-he’s gotta shut your water off for a couple of days.” Luke explained to Lorelai what Tom told him shortly before.
“We hit a pipe that shouldn't have been hit.” Tom informed Lorelai why the water needed to be turned off.
“Tom!” Lorelai said in a mocking tone. She tried to keep it light. She was going to let the remodel stress her out.
“See how fast Tom's-fault tone has spread.” Tom huffed off, not wanting to be blamed for an accident.
“Yeah, you can stay with me.” Luke offered to keep her comfortable.
“Okay.” Lorelai grabs his arm. “Well, I gotta get back to work. That wedding party’s coming in tonight.” Lorelai quickly replied knowing she didn’t have a lot of time to chat.
“Oh, I’ll gather up some of your stuff.” Luke answered, trying to be helpful.
“The last time you gathered up some of my stuff you accidentally brought me four bras and no pants.” Lorelai answered with the events that happened earlier in the week.
“That could have been intentional.” Luke lightly jokes.
“I will get my own stuff, thank you.” She commented knowing he couldn’t fully be trusted in the clothing department again.
“Ooh, now I just have to figure out what to do with Paul Anka. You know, I’ve never left him alone so late before and he might start doing that howling thing the neighbors are so fond of but well, that’s okay. So, oh, you know, I guess I could just leave him here and I can come back and get him after work which will be, uh, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 in the morning. Boy. Late. Or I could drop him off at a kennel for a few hours. I know there's a good one in Woodbridge, 20 miles away. Of course, I’d have to leave now and pick up some Dilithium crystals on the way to fix the warp drive in my jeep so that I could drive there and back in time to meet the wedding party back at the inn, but that’s doable. Yeah, and then, of course, by the time I get off work and drive all the way back their the kennel will definitely be closed, so I’d have to break in and that would set off some kind of security system and then I’d be arrested, so I should probably put a nail file in my shoe, and how much longer are you gonna make me do this?” Lorelai wondered why Luke wasn’t getting the hint all while lightly nodding along the whole time through her babbling.
“I just wanted to see how long you’d go on.” Luke smiled back at her.
“Well, you know my babbling capabilities are infinite.” Lorelai voiced strongly. He knew she could be babble like no one else.
“I’ll take the dog home with me and points for the Dilithium crystal reference.” Luke offered to help with Paul Anka. If they were going to have not one but two kids together, he better show he could take care of another living thing. A dog couldn’t be that hard to keep alive for a couple of hours.
“Well, when you sleep with geeks.” Lorelai pointed to him. She knew more about Star Trek than she ever cared to because of him.
Lorelai and Luke saw TJ walking up behind them with fast food bags for the crew.
“Hey, I just talked to my buddy, Tony Benzino, who’s a contractor over in Hartford and he says contractors don’t fetch lunches for the crew. They do, however, get to answer the phone and they do get to sign for things and order things. And Tom, there is no such thing as a mystic hammer. And after this very enlightening conversation you know what I’m starting to think?” TJ ranted and shared his thoughts.
“What?’ Lorelai smiled wondering if he was finally getting it that he wasn’t the contractor.
“I’m starting to think that I’m not the really contractor on this job.” TJ finally realized.
“Look TJ--” Luke started to stammer.
“It’s okay, Luke I got this.” Tom. “TJ, we did this for your own good. We got out of the house. You got paid. You didn’t get hurt. Look at it that way.” Tom tried to find the positive in his very weird situation.
“Oh, yeah? Is that the way I’m supposed to look at it? Well, fine. You can keep your stupid, phony contracting job. I’m through playing your patsy.” TJ handed the takeout bags to the guys.
“I’m through running your errands. Hold on. That’s no mayo. Here Ed. I’m done. I quit. You can all kiss any part of me that reaches your general vicinity first. You have seen the last of me. So arrivederci, Roma! And to repay you all for this lousy trick that you played on me, you can all reach in here and grab your own damn condiments.” TJ threw the remaining bag on the table.
“That’s dinner!” Tom brushed off the latest series of events.
“Oh, poor TJ. I didn't want him to find out like this.” Lorelai sighed.
“Yeah, well, it's better that he knows, Tom can focus on his actual job. Getting the house in working order.” Luke grumbled.
“Yeah, I guess so. Can you make sure he is okay and not mad at us?” Lorelai asked, feeling her eyes getting misty. These hormones were going to be the end of her.
“Yes, I'll make sure he will be okay. I'll bring him and the dog back to the diner.” Luke reassured her as she walked into the house.

XXXXXXX

Luke took Paul Anka and TJ back to the diner. He went through the back entrance so the dog wouldn't go through the diner, and he would have a health code validation. TJ was moping and followed Luke into the apartment. Luke was kind of annoyed to have a shadow. Luke took off the dog leash and went over to the sink and put some water in a bowl. He forgot to grab the dog food, but he figured he would be okay until the morning. While Luke's back was turned to TJ, he was looking at the coffee table. The coffee table where Luke had his baby books, he bought at Stars Hollows books a little over a month before. He was almost done with what to expect when you were expecting. He wished he got further along in the book, but the remodel was taking all of this spare time and attention.
“What's up with books on babies?” TJ asked confused why Luke would have some books on babies.
“Uh, just some light reading.” Luke poorly lied.
“Really? I figured you were reading this cause you knocked up, Lorelai. That would make more sense. You putting a baby in her then a man not just reading books on babies. But hey no judgment.” TJ shook his head.
Luke knew he was caught. He felt bad for lying. “Yeah. We are having a baby.” Luke cracks a small smile. He noticed he started to smile more when he talked about her being pregnant. He buried the lead about the twins.
“Wow, Congratulations.” TJ threw his arms around him and caught Luke off guard.
“Okay, I can't breathe.” Luke felt like TJ was a human python squeezing him to death.
“That's exciting stuff. I'm going to be an uncle! Uncle TJ. I like the sound of that.” TJ expresses his joy while Luke had a slight expression of disgust thinking only through marriage, he would be his kid's uncle.
“I hear the ladies are very randy during pregnancy. I get the feeling that Lorelai is probably randy.” TJ made a comment on Lorelai libido.
“TJ!” Luke raised his voice not feeling comfortable with his comment.
“It’s a good thing you guys are getting started now, say how many kids do you think you want to have with her?” TJ inquired on what his family plans were.
“I'm thinking probably just two.” Luke answered but not saying yet two were on the way.
“Sure, two is a good number. Everyone is happy when they have double. Double cheeseburgers, double decker buses. When do you think you will have the second one?”
“When we have the first one. We will have the second one at the same time.” Luke stated still not saying he was having twins.
“Sure, it would be nice to have them at once, but you can't have two at once unless you are having twins. Granted, I didn't pass high school biology on the first try so I could be wrong.” TJ answered making a possible connection to them having twins but him not fully getting there.
“Yeah, we are having twins.” Luke confessed. TJ hugged him again like a vice grip. “TJ, I can't breathe again.”
“Sorry, man.” TJ releases his grip “That's something. You must be one powerful man to have twins.” TJ gives Luke a bit of wink and nudge.
“I don't think that's how it works.” Luke said, starting to feel uncomfortable.
“Hey, Liz never told me twins ran in your family. I think a fella has a right to know this kind of thing before making a lifelong commitment.” TJ replied.
“No, TJ, twins don't run in our family or Lorelai's, it was just by chance.” Luke stated the fact.
“Wow, that's something. You make a guy feel bit behind. Here you're having two kids, I don't have one. Wouldn't it be cool to raise our families together. I think Liz would like it. Although Liz said we can't have a baby until I have a steady income. I had that when I was contractor. Now I got nothing.” TJ shared feeling down again.
“I know, but you're going to figure it out. How about we go downstairs, and I'll make you something. How does a milkshake sound?” Luke offered something to help while not talking about feelings anymore tonight.
“Sure, I guess.” TJ whined.
They both headed back downstairs. TJ took a seat on the counter. Luke gave him a chocolate milkshake. Luke went into the kitchen to clean up and get everything set to close for the night.
“Hit me.” TJ hit the counter as Luke walked towards him.
“That’s fourth milkshake TJ.” Luke remarked. He wasn't drinking alcohol but five milkshakes in one sitting would be too much for any one man.
“It doesn’t matter, Luke. It’s not like I got anywhere to go to tomorrow.” TJ pouted over his joblessness.
“So, you’re not a contractor. Who cares? Neither am I. You don’t see crying about it.” Luke replied hoping he would buck up.
“I’m not crying about it… anymore.” TJ continued to whine.
“It’s not your thing.” Luke added.
“Yeah, not my thing. I don’t have a thing. I have nothing.” TJ continued to beat himself up.
“You’ve got Liz. You’ve got your health.” Luke listed all that TJ has.
“I’ve got no dream. I’ve got no future.” TJ dips his head feeling possibly lower.
“What are you talking about? You got not future? Did you or did you not build these shelves?” Luke walked over to the side of the diner and pointed to the shelves.
“I did.” TJ nodded.
“Those are great shelves, TJ.” Luke repeated his belief TJ did a good job.
“Stop it.” TJ not wanting to take the compliment.
“They are. There's real craftsmanship that went into those. Well made, you got some nice carved detail. That’s a quality piece of merchandise and you made it.” Luke praises TJ’s work.
“Yeah, so?” TJ had a slight smile breaking through.
“You should be proud of that. Not everybody can do that. So, you’re not a contractor. You’re a craftsman.” Luke stated the more accurate job title.
“Wow. I'm a craftsman. Like Jesus. He built stuff for a while.” TJ compared himself to Jesus.
“Yeah, you’re exactly like Jesus. That was my point.” Luke replied, finding the positive and shaking off the very crazy comparison.
“Yeah. What am I getting so mopey about? I mean, I build shelves. I’m a craftsman who builds shelves like Jesus. And plus, my day rate has just gone way up.” TJ's mood was turning around.
“Yeah, but, TJ, that was a contractor’s rate you were being paid, not a shelf maker’s rate.” Luke pointed out TJ couldn’t charge the same rate.
“Yeah, but I wasn’t really the contractor.” TJ stated the fact.
“I know, but that was.. Have a good night, TJ.” Luke finally got TJ out of the diner. He closed up the diner and was ready to settle in for the night.
He didn't like Lorelai working late, especially if she felt sick. He currently didn't know if she was sick, but he knew sometimes she would be sick at night. She needed to be at home resting, he thought. He made his way through the apartment to see Paul Anka laying on the rug.
“Hey, just lying there. What a surprise. Make sure you grind that smelly butt of yours right into the rug real good, get that aroma really locked in those fibers there.” Luke said to the dog who had a habit of dragging his butt across the carpet. Luke walked around the kitchen to grab some water and saw the mess the dog left. He somehow went through some of Luke's groceries he stored in the lower cabinets. “Oh, man. Wow, you are fun to have around.” Luke sarcastically stated. He started to pick up the groceries. He saw the unsweetened chocolate half eaten with tiny bite marks. He made the connection that the dog ate the chocolate.
“Oh, no. Oh crap. Oh god. Tell me you didn’t. Tell me you didn’t.” Luke was going to check if he was still breathing. He saw he still had his watch on and took it off. He bent down and he smelled the chocolate on his puppy breath. “There we go. Oh jeez.”
Luke didn't know much about dogs, but he knew they couldn't have chocolate. He knew there was an animal hospital just outside of Stars Hollow. He had no idea what the phone number was. He reached in one of the kitchen cabinets and got out the phone book. He found the animal hospital and dialed. He got their automated message that they were closed for the evening. Great, he thought Paul Anka could be dead and he was no longer going to have a fiancé, and he would see his kids every other weekend. He thought about who he could call for help that knew a lot about animals. Babette was the only one that came to mind. He dialed her landline.
“Hi Babette. It's Luke. I'm sorry for calling so late.” Luke anxiously talked into the phone.
“No problem, sugar. What do you need?” Babette asked, trying to make him calm down.
“Paul Anka accidentally ate a large amount of chocolate, and I called the animal hospital, and they are closed. I don't know what to do. You gotta help me!” Luke answered in a pure panic.
“Okay, he is going to be okay, but you have to move quickly. Dr. Kelly lives on 17 Virginia St just take a right at the gazebo. Tell him I told you where he lived. He will help you.” Babette told him what to do.
“Okay, thank you. I gotta go.” Luke hung up the phone.
He picked up Paul Anka and ran over to the vet's house. “Come on. Hey, wake up. I got a dog out here.” He took a step back and saw the porch light turn on.
“Can I help you?” Vet asked in his robe clearly being woken up from his sleep.
“Yeah. The dog ate chocolate. And I don’t know a lot about dogs, but I do know they shouldn’t eat chocolate. I called the animal hospital, and they were closed. Then I called Babette, and she told me where you lived. And you gotta do something because this is not my dog. This is my pregnant fiancé’s dog. She is pregnant with twins. She loves him. She named him Paul Anka which may on the surface not seem like a sign of love but if you knew her, you’d get it. Believe me, there's a lot of ways I could screw up this relationship, but I cannot lose her and the ability to see my future children over the fact that I killed her dog.” Luke pleaded in pure ranting panic.
The vet took the information. “I’ll get the ipecac. Come on in.”
Luke followed the vet into his house. The vet grabbed the ipecac. “Okay I need you to hold him and open his mouth.”
Luke listened and opened the dog's mouth. The vet had some sort of syringe and put the medicine down his throat.
“You have about ten minutes before the vomiting starts. I recommend putting down some newspapers. Does he eat dry or wet dog food?” The vet asked.
“I think it's just Kibble, dry, I guess.” Luke replied not knowing.
“It may be tough on his stomach the next couple of days. I avoid it, only soft people food.” The vet provided some guidance.
“Okay thank you so much.” Luke was grateful the dog was going to be okay for Lorelai's sake.
“Sure, there's nothing else I can do. Take him home and prepare for a tough night.” The vet replied while Luke left his house.

XXXXXXXXX

Lorelai made it back to the inn after TJ finding out he wasn’t really the contractor fiasco. She felt bad that his feelings were hurt. However, she was slightly thankful that the remodel could be the top priority and not appeasing TJ’s ego. She was trying to not channel her inner Jack Torrence being left alone at the Inn at this late hour. She did a brief walk through to making sure everything was in place for the next morning. She walked out to room 12 with it’s own entrance. They started to make this the bridal suite to give the newlyweds their much needed privacy. She looked to see if the suite was working order. The room smelled lemon fresh, and the bathroom was spotless and including the large jacuzzi tub. The only room that didn’t have your standard long shower. She was happy and impressed with her staff. Lorelai let her thoughts drift off to her own wedding and what she wanted. Sookie had been pretty much up her ass about it all week. She honestly thought about what she wanted to do for her wedding. Her mother said she wanted to give her a Russian winter wedding. She thought she may not mind a winter wedding with her love of snow, but she could do without the Russian part. That wasn’t really her. But what was her?
She was honestly so overwhelmed with the idea of having twins the wedding seemed so small in comparison. A wedding was just a day, it was an important once in lifetime kind of day. A day she wanted to go completely right. More importantly she wanted it to feel right. She knew she would be marrying the right man for her. Why did the idea of getting married now seem off to her? After all, she was the one to ask Luke to marry her. It was her choice, granted he had his own proposal plan and would have asked her. Would have said yes, if he would ask first? Lorelai thought of course she would have. She was over analyzing the whole thing. She decided to shake off the thoughts for now. She gave the room one last look and headed back into the main building.
She kept busy with checking over the inventory and making sure the remaining party’s rooms were perfect. She started to nod off, not being able to keep her eyes open. She was growing two humans, she was more tired than she had been in entire life. Lorelai woke from her sleep on the sitting room couch by a car door shutting and the lights shining through the window. She quickly got up and smooth out her hair and tried to shake the wrinkles out of her clothes. Lorelai quickly walked over to the desk and popped a breath mint. The young group of bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way with bags through the front door. She politely greeted them and confirmed the reservations. She gave the party their room keys. The groom came shortly after. He was a tall man dressed in jeans and t-shirt with a baseball cap. He had a kind face and just seemed over the moon. He made polite small talk with Lorelai. “Okay, you are in room 8 for tonight, then tomorrow you are in room 12, the bridal suite. Now, no peeking that way. Your bride will be there tonight.” Lorelai said while handing over his room key.
“She isn’t here yet. She left an hour before me. I know New York traffic can be bad, but Jesus Jenny.” The groom put his head in his hands.
“I take it she is bad with directions?” Lorelai asked finding a soul sister in the bride.
“The worst, she would lose her head if it wasn’t attached.” The groom grumbled.
“Ah, well, I can’t be one to judge on that. I tend to be very good at getting to a place until the final exit. I will miss it every time, it’s like a bad superpower.” Lorelai commented on her sense of bad direction.
“I would try to call her, but we agreed to not face to face contact or verbal contact until the wedding. Jenny is going completely old school.” The groom expresses his worry to Lorelai.
“Well, let’s give her a bit more time, I will be here until she gets here. If she doesn’t get her in the next 30 minutes I will call her cell.” Lorelai tried to reassure him.
“Okay, that would be nice, thank you. When she gets here can you let me know she got here okay?” The groom asked. Lorelai could see the love in his eyes.
“Of course, I will slip a note under your door. Now, go on up and get settled in.” Lorelai told the Groom. He nodded and headed up the stairs.
Lorelai was hoping the bride would be coming soon so she could go home and go to sleep. She started looking through People magazine just trying to keep herself mildly entertained.
Finally, she saw the headlights. She saw a young woman grabbing her bags. Literally here comes the bride. She made her way through the entrance. She still had her scrubs on. Lorelai knew she was a nurse from their long phone calls.
“Hello, Jenny.” Lorelai greeted the bride.
“Hi, you must be Lorelai.” She waves while dropping her bags.
“Yes, I am. Let’s get you checked in.” She handed her room key. “You know, your groom was very worried about you.”
“Yeah, that’s John the constant worried for the both of us.” Jenny nodded her head.
“I know I am later than I thought, I took the wrong exit around Hartford and had to turn around. Plus, I got stuck at work. The ER is an unpredictable place, so I really appreciate you letting me check in very late.” Jenny thanked Lorelai.
“Of course, happy to help with the job pressure, now you can float on a cloud and get married.” Lorelai smiled.
“Yeah, I am getting married tomorrow, that is so hard to believe.” Jenny smiled back.
“Well, believe it girl.” Lorelai nodded. “You will be in room 12 the bridal suite. Enjoy and get settled in.”
“I never got to say thank you for letting us up the wedding date at such short notice. My grandmother isn’t doing well, and she is like a second mom to me my whole life and I would hate for her to miss this day. John grew up in the house next door to hers. That’s how we met.” Jenny thanked Lorelai again while sharing a personal story.
“Of course, happy to help to make your special day magically.” Lorelai added.
“Yeah, you really have. I’ll get out of your hair; I am sure you want to get home and get to bed. Thanks for hosting us and making it possible for everyone I want to attend my special day.” Jenny smiled as she headed to the bridal suite.
Lorelai went upstairs and placed the note under the door for the groom that his bride was her room safe and sound.
She was left behind the desk alone in her thoughts. It had finally clicked in her head. She couldn’t set the date yet. She could never get married without Rory being there. Now, with the new babies on the way she knew she wanted all three of her children to be presented for the big day. She looked at the clock and saw it was one thirty in the morning. She knew Luke wouldn’t be up. She would get to the apartment and just go to sleep and tell him about her decision on how best to move forward in the morning.

XXXXXXXX

Luke woke up to see Lorelai in his bed. He didn't hear her come in. He made sure he was as quiet as possible to not wake her after her late night and he didn't want her to start throwing up if she could help it. He got up to get a glass of water.
“Hey.” Lorelai greeted him, noticing he was no longer in bed.
“Hey. Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.” Luke replied knowing she probably didn't get a lot of sleep.
“No, it’s okay. I like to watch you hydrate.” Lorelai smiled.
“Oh, man. When did you get home? I didn’t hear you come in.” Luke asked not knowing she came home.
“Yeah, you were conked out pretty good.” Lorelai commented that both of her guys were fast asleep.
“Oh, yeah.” Luke responded knowing the pure panic of the night before got him pretty tired.
“Both of you.” Lorelai pointed to Paul Anka on the floor.
“Yeah.” Luke nodded.
“How did it go with Paul Anka last night?” Lorelai wanted to see if Paul Anka was warming up to her other favorite guy.
“Well, first off, he ate three pounds of unsweetened baking chocolate. So, I had to rush him to the vet.” Luke shared as Lorelai got a concerned look on her face. Luke continued, “To his house because the animal hospital was closed and he forced some sort of vomit-inducing medicine down Paul Anka’s throat, and then Paul Anka proceeded to throw up for the next hour and a half. After that, I sat with him for another three hours holding a bowl of water under his nose to make sure that he was rehydrating properly and then I chocolate-proofed the apartment and the diner to make sure that never happens again. And now, I’m gonna go downstairs and make Paul Anka some scrambled eggs because the vet said that the Kibble is gonna be a little hard on his stomach for a couple of days. Does he have any particular fear of cheddar? ‘Cause I thought I’d throw that in to make it taste better.”
“Luke?” Lorelai questioned.
“Yeah?” Luke responded.
“I don’t wanna set a wedding date until things are right with Rory and the date being after the babies are born.” Lorelai finally gave Luke an answer on the upcoming wedding.
“Okay. So, the cheddar is?” Luke inquired.
“Okay. And thank you for taking such good care of him. You're going to be a great dad.” Lorelai answered with a loving smile.
“I hope so. I think I'm going to start baby proofing now to avoid any possible problems like this from happening again.” Luke was already fearful if something happened to either one of them and they weren't here yet.
“Okay sounds good.” Lorelai smiled; he was just so darn cute she wasn't going to tell him it was too early to baby proof anything.
Luke started to walk towards the door but turned back around. “TJ knows you're pregnant with twins.”
“What? When? How?” Lorelai asked.
“Last night, he saw my baby books. I just couldn't lie.” Luke disclosed what happened.
“Well, yeah, it would be weird for a man to read baby books without expecting a baby. Was he weird about it?” Lorelai wondered what her future brother-in laws reaction was to their news.
“No, not really. He said you're probably extra randy right now. Which I gave him no comment on. He said he and Liz need to catch up and have a kid.” Luke shared the conversation.
“Well, I think it would be nice for them to have a cousin they would be close in age with. As for the randy comment, watching you go full dad mode with Paul Anka is getting me there.” Lorelai flirtatiously smiles.
“Well, I will stay in dad mode by getting him his eggs and come back up for you.” Luke smiled as he walked away.
Lorelai laid back down, realizing most everyone knew about the twins. All that was left is for the town to know.