My New Guy (a fic i just wrote)

[GilmoreChica]

hey guys read and let me know what you think!

My New Guy
By: Abby

Summary: I’m the biggest trory ever, but I am tired of the same old stories of Rory picking between Tristan, jess, and/or Dean. It’s getting old. So I am inventing my new guy and starting a life for her.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Gilmore Girls or any of the characters I use except for Jinx, Meg, Jack, Jinx’s kids and Rory’s ‘new guy’. ********IN THIS FIC, LUKE AND LORELAI WERE MARRIED WHEN RORY WAS 4 AND HAD A DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS 5, AND ANOTHER GIRL WHEN SHE WAS 8, AND FINALLY A LAST CHILD, A SON, WHEN RORY WAS 11-- MEANING, RORY IS 27 AND HER SISTER IS 22, HER NEXT SISTER IS 19, AND HER BROTHER IS 16.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, just the girl I’ve been looking for.” 26 year old Rory Gilmore turned to the voice she new so well.

“What’s up, Tris?” She said to her brother-in-law, clapping a hand on his shoulder in an exaggerated way.

“I’ve got a bone to pick with you.” The tall and handsome Tristan Dugray wrapped an arm around Rory’s shoulders and leaned on her a little as they walked towards the diner.

“And what’s that?”<br>
“I want to know how a gorgeous, successful, charming girl like you has stayed single so long.”<br>
“It’s all part of the enigma I call me.” She said sweetly, saying the ending line of their daily banter. Then she giggled and continued walking towards Luke’s.

Tristan followed her and the bell jingled as they entered the diner. Rory led the way to the table where Lorelai was sitting with her two other daughters, one of which was Tristan’s wife, 22 year old Genevieve Emily Danes Dugray, more commonly known as Jinx. The other was 18 year old Meghan Gilmore Danes.

“Morning Mom, Jinx, Meg. Where’s Jack this morning?” Rory said, sitting down between her mother and Meghan while Tristan claimed the place between Jinx and Lorelai.

“In the back with Luke.” Lorelai said, speaking of her last child, 16 year old John Lucas Danes.

“Oh, then I guess he can make me some pancakes.” Rory said matter-of-factly.

“Yes, I can.” Tall, Luke-like Jack emerged from the back carrying three plates. He set them in front of Lorelai, Jinx, and Meg. “What can I get you, Rory, Tristan?” He said whipping out his order pad.

Rory leaned over to the bacon on Lorelai’s plate but Lorelai slapped her hands away. “I’ll have what Mom has.”<br>
“And I’ll have pancakes and scrambled eggs. And coffee.”<br>
“Me too.” 4 other voices chimed in.

“Back in a flash.” Jack said, going into the back room again.

“Attention, attention.” Lorelai said to her daughters and son-in-law.

“Yeah, Mom?” Meg said.

“I have something I need to talk about.” Lorelai said, attempting to be very serious. “Tomorrow is Jinx’s 22nd birthday and I would just like to let her know that tomorrow night, Friday April 17, 2012, it was our plan to have a humongous Stars Hollow Birthday Bash, but yet again your grandmother is insisting we go to her house for a stuffy socialite party. Meaning, we will have one here on Saturday.”

“You don’t have to give me two parties, Mom.” Jinx said to her mother.

“Jinx, have we not been giving you two parties since you were born?”<br>
“Yeah, but-“<br>
“No buts….it’s fine, Jinxie. Besides, the Hartford party doesn’t really count.” Lorelai said.

“Well, ok.”<br>
“Hey, this is the perfect opportunity for me to set Rory up with one of my friends….what do you think, Ror?” Tristan said cleverly.

“Tristan.” Rory said in a warning tone.

“Oh c’mon, Ror, it won’t hurt anything. But :mumble mumble mumble:” Jinx spoke up.

“Jinx…what did you say? And you never side with me since you married him. What happened to sisterly bonds?” Rory said.

The couple smiled happily at each other.

“Jinx, tell me.” Silence. “Genevieve.” That got to Jinx. She couldn’t stand her name.

“I said it wouldn’t hurt anything but you probably wouldn’t want one of Tristan’s friends anyway.” She said sweetly.

“Jinx!” Tristan gasped.

Lorelai fell over laughing at the completely shocked look on Tristan’s face, and Meg and Rory joined her; soon everyone in the diner was laughing at them.

“Lorelai.” Lorelai dragged herself onto the chair and let a few giggles escape as Luke gave her a glare. She heaved, out of breath, and said to Luke, “Sorry sorry. I know how you feel about disturbing the peace in the diner.”<br>
“Well, I’ve got to run.” Tristan said, rising. “Another day at the salt mines.”<br>
“Yes, I think your plush office in the largest building in Hartford and your humongous office with a TV and several couches and an extremely soft desk chair is just like a salt mine.” Meg spoke up.

“Shhh…” He said, clapping a hand over her mouth. She wriggled to get out of his grasp and her muffled giggles could be heard from behind his hand.

He laughed and Jinx stood up next to him. “I’m going to go too. See you later. Call me about party times, ok Mom?”<br>
“Sure, kid. Bye Jinx, bye Tristan.” Lorelai said.

“Bye Mom. Bye, Megs, Rory.”<br>
“Bye Jinx.”<br>
Jinx and Tristan left the diner hand in hand, fingers entwined, and started walking towards their apartment.

“T.?”<br>
“Yeah, Jinx?” He said, pulling her across the street.

“Tristan, I need to tell you something.” She said. She pulled him down on a park bench and ran a hand over her small brown ponytail. Hair fell down on her neck because her hair was so short.

“What is it, baby?” He asked, concerned by his wife’s tone.

“Oh, it’s good Tris. Don’t worry.” She said with a small smile.

“It’s hard not to worry with you sounding so serious.” He said, grasping her hand tightly.

“Tris, it’s good, really. I…”

“Just tell me, Jinx.”<br>
“Well it’s kind of a two parter. First, Tristan, I’m pregnant.” Jinx said with a smile.

His mouth dropped. About two feet. His jaw scraped the ground. Jinx was tempted to close his mouth, but he beat her to it.

“J….J….oh my god, Jinx, you’re pregnant!” He felt like shouting it from the roof tops, but he was silenced by a finger pressed to his lips.

“Tristan, you know how this town is….I haven’t told Mom or Dad or Rory or Meg or Jack yet, and I want them to be the first to know and hear it from me that… I’m pregnant.” She said.

He smiled. Then he wrapped her in his arms and swung her around. She laughed loudly and he put her on the ground and whispered to her. “I love you.”<br>
“I love you too.” She said.

They continued their walk to their apartment and as they walked away, Miss Patty stepped out from behind a tree with her cell phone to her ear. “Babette? You’ll never guess what I just heard…”

Jinx wrapped her arm around Tristan’s waist and he draped his over her shoulders and pulled her close. Then he stopped suddenly.

“Wait a minute….you said there were two things.”<br>
Jinx smiled a humongous smile. “Tristan, we’re going to be very tired. We’re having septuplets.”<br>
Tristan had a shocked happy smile on his face and basically threw her in the air in delight.

Jinx laughed loudly. “We have to go tell my parents and my sisters and brother.” She said, once back on the ground.

“Now?”<br>
“Right now. I can’t hold it in.” She said excitedly. She grabbed his hand and ran across the street back to the diner. They burst through the door and Lorelai, Meg, and Rory were still seated at a table, finishing their meals.

“We need to talk to you.” They said in unison.

“About?” Rory asked questioningly.

“Up. UP UP.” She said, dragging her sisters off their chairs and leading them to the steps. “C’mon, Daddy, Jack. Up Up!”<br>
Once upstairs, they assembled on the couch while Jinx and Tristan paced impatiently in front of them.

“Ok, what is it that is so important Jinxie?” Jack said, using the family nickname for her. When Jack was 4 years old, Jinx was 11 and he called her Jinxie. It stuck, and she had since then been known as Jinxie.

Jinx, on impulse, stood on the coffee table in front of them and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans.

“Jinx-“ Luke said disapprovingly about being on the table.

“Shush, she’s a Gilmore.” Lorelai said.

“I hate when you say that.” He grumbled. She kissed him, which quickly shut him up.

“Fine, Mom, I won’t tell you my super exciting news.” Jinx said, crossing her arms and turning away from her smooching mother, hip out in a stance that read “attitude”.

Lorelai broke off the kiss and hopped up and down in her seat clapping her hands. “Tell me tell me!!”<br>
“Well, Mom, we will soon have to take a shopping trip—“

“Oh, that’s good.”<br>
“Mom.”<br>
“Continue.”<br>
“We will have to go shopping in maternity stores and at ‘Bouncing Baby’….” Jinx trailed off at the blank stares on the faces of her family. “I’m pregnant!”<br>
“With septuplets!” Tristan added.

“OH MY GOD!” Lorelai screeched, along with Rory and Meg.

Jinx laughed loudly while her mother and sisters piled on top of her, and laughed even louder when her brother dove beneath the pile to get to his sister.

Luke had a smile ear to ear and he shook Tristan’s hand firmly. Then he and Tristan dragged off Lorelai, the only person who remained attached to Jinx, and Luke enveloped Jinx in his long arms. She wrapped her arms around him, and just like old times, the daddy held his daughter. All was peaceful and the family watched father and daughter until Lorelai screeched in as high a pitch as she could, “My baby’s having 7 babies!”<br>


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[GilmoreChica]

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

PART 2


“It’s party time!” Jinx called into the Gilmore House. Tristan laughed and so did Jack as he met them in the foyer.

“Hey, Jacks.” Jinx said, hugging her younger brother.

“Hey Jinx. You’re in a good mood. Happy Birthday, by the way.”<br>
“Thanks. And yes….yes I am. Where is everyone?” Jinx asked, walking into the kitchen with the boys following her. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.

“Rory called a few minutes ago and said she’d be over soon and Meg and Mom are in their rooms getting ready. Dad is at the diner.” Jack said.

“You look spiffy, bro.” Jinx said, smiling at her teenage brother. He wore ironed khaki pants and a royal blue button down shirt, which emphasized his bright blue eyes, a trait every member of the family shared. He had on a yellow tie and a dark blue jacket. His short dark hair still looked wet from a shower.

“Thanks, sis. You two don’t look so bad yourselves.” He replied. Tristan wore a black suit and a mint green silk shirt with a forest green tie. Jinx sported a short swishy skirt that was a swirly mix of dark blue and turquoise, and she wore strappy heels in the same color turquoise. She opted for dark blue scoop neck three quarter sleeve shirt and her chin length dark hair was behind her ears and curled out. Silver jewelry accented the outfit and Jinx wore a spring jacket.

“Wow, looking nice guys.” Lorelai said, coming into the kitchen while she hooked a bracelet onto her wrist. Lorelai wore a calf length dark blue skirt which flared out a little at the bottom and a frost blue top, which also set off her eyes. She wore navy blue pumps and her hair was in loose curls. A diamond ring glittered on her finger, and diamond earrings against her cheeks.

“Yeah, Jinx, I love the colors in that skirt. Happy Birthday!” Meg said, coming into the kitchen behind her. Meg had short hair like Jinx and today she wore it in little twists going halfway back her head. She wore a calf length pale yellow skirt and a thin butter yellow sleeveless turtleneck. She wore a denim jacket over the ensemble and on her feet were low heeled yellow slides.

“Oh I love that color on you, Megs.” Jinx said.

“Thanks.”<br>
“So are we all here?” Lorelai asked, looking around at her well dressed family.

“Just waiting for Rory. Dad asked us to pick him up at the diner.” Jack said. Just then, the front door opened.

“Hello?” Rory called into the house. She stepped inside and everyone met her in the foyer.

“Hey, you all look great!” Rory said with a big smile.

“So do you, Ror.” Meg said. Rory had on a strapless black dress that ended below her knees. She had a pale pink sweater over the outfit and wore simple Steve Madden slides. Her hair was hanging loose and she looked very mature.

“Let’s get this show on the road. I want this night to end as quickly as possible.” Lorelai said, grabbing a jacket off the rack. She picked up her keys and purse and led the way to the car.

“Very positive attitude, Lor.” Tristan commented.

A grunt was the only reply.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Lorelai.” Emily said, opening the door.

“Hello, Mom.” Lorelai, Luke, and their children stepped into the house. Servants were running around doing last minute preparations.

“Well, don’t you all look lovely.” Emily said, sizing up the family.

“Thanks, Grandma. You look great too.” Rory said, giving her grandmother a hug.

“Happy Birthday, dear.” Emily said to Jinx.

“Thank you, Grandma.” Jinx said to her grandmother, giving her a hug.

“Richard! They’re here!” Richard Gilmore appeared in the doorway.

“Well hello everyone. Aren’t you looking dashing tonight.”

“Hi Grandpa.” 4 voices came back at him.

“Grandma, Grandpa, there is something Tristan and I need to tell you.” Jinx spoke up.

“Yes, dear?” Emily said.

“Well, Grandma….I’m pregnant with septuplets.” Jinx said with a smile.

“Oh dear that’s wonderful! Septuplets! Goodness, you will be VERY busy!” Emily said, rushing forward to hug her granddaughter.

“Congratulations, Jinx, Tristan.” Richard said, shaking Tristan’s hand.

Just then the doorbell rang. Rory ran to open it and was shocked to find Paris and…..Jess?

“Jess? Paris? Oh my god!” Rory said, hugging her long time friends.

“It’s great to see you, Rory.” Paris said. Rory could see that over the years, Paris had changed. She was no longer so uptight but much more laid back. She wore a pale pink calf length silk skirt and a simple white sleeveless shirt and a black leather jacket. Her shoulder length hair fell in soft layers. Jess looked very put together in a nicely fitted navy blue suit and a light blue silk shirt and a navy blue tie.

“Are you two together?” Rory asked, leading them into the house.

“Yeah, for about two years now.” Paris said with a smile.

“Oh Paris that’s great!”<br>
“How ‘bout you, Rory? Any men in your life?” Jess asked.

“No….although my brother-in-law is trying to set me up.” Rory said with a laugh.

“Brother-in-law?” Jess asked.

“Yeah….Jinx got married. We sent you an invitation, Jess.” Rory said with a smile.

“Must have ended up in the recycling by accident. I hate when I do that. Wow. I wish I hadn’t missed that. Who’d she marry?” He said.

“Tristan Dugray.” Rory said.

Paris gasped. “She married Tristan?”<br>
“Yup. They got married about two years ago, when Jinx was 20.” Rory said.

“Jess, Paris!” Lorelai interrupted the conversation. A round of hugs went around because Paris was a close family friend and Jess was, of course, family.

Jess threw an arm around Jinx and said, “Happy birthday, Jinxie. So I hear you got married….way to not invite your favorite cousin!”<br>
Jinx’s mouth dropped open and Rory and Paris laughed.

“Jess---we---Mom? Jess---invite?” Jinx stammered, appalled.

“Don’t worry, Jinx. I’m sure you invited me and I just lost it. I’m sorry though.” He said with a laugh.

“Well, you can’t miss the next big event.” Meg put in.

Jess glanced from face to face. “The next big event? Is Jack getting married?”<br>
They all laughed and Jack turned beet red.

“No….I’m pregnant Jess.” Jinx said with a smile.

“With septuplets!” Emily put in.

Jess smiled and hugged petite Jinx. “Congrats, Jinx…wow, 7…” He turned to Tristan. “You must be Tristan Dugray, the boasting father.”<br>
“Yes….and you must be Jess Mariano, the delinquent cousin.” Tristan said, shaking his hand.

“Tristan.” Jinx whispered, grabbing his arm.

“Yes that would be me.” Jess said good-naturedly. “But I’m past that stage.”<br>
“Or at least you like to think so.” Paris said, moving to his side. He put an arm around her shoulders and she put her arm around his waist.

“Mr. Dugray?” The maid, Marta, was being followed by a slim, very tall man with black hair and emerald green eyes. He looked to be about 30 and was wearing a sharp black suit.

“Ah, Steven! Glad you could make it. Thank you, Marta.” Tristan said. He shook hands with the young guy and pulled him toward the group.

“Everyone, this is my best friend Steven Cashen. He’s a business associate from way back. We actually roomed together at Yale and then for a few years after in Hartford. He was my best man, but I the wedding weekend was very busy so I’m not even sure you met him. Steve lives here in Hartford, but he travels often. I thought he would enjoy a little party while he was in town. Steven, this is my wife and the birthday girl Jinx, her sister, Meghan, her brother, Jack, and my in-laws, Luke and Lorelai Danes. This is Luke’s nephew, Jess Mariano, and his girlfriend and a friend of the family, Paris Gellar. And finally, last but not least,” Steven shook hands with each person as Tristan introduced him or her, “my other sister-in-law, Miss Lorelai Leigh Gilmore.”<br>
Rory laughed and shook her head. She stuck out her hand saying, “Rory. Please call me Rory.”<br>
“Nice to meet you, Rory.” He said, shaking with her.

“Lorelai, I would like to get the annual picture. My photographer is here for Jinx’s party and you are all looking very nice. It is a wonderful opportunity.” Emily said.

“Sure, Mom.” Lorelai said. “Excuse us, Paris, Jess, Steven. We have to take a family shot every year on Jinx’s birthday.”<br>
The photographer fussed and fumed but finally set the family up in front of the mantel. Luke and Lorelai stood in the middle. In height order, the kids went Tristan, Jack, Meg, Rory, and Jinx. Therefore, next to Lorelai stood Meg and next to Luke stood Jack. Tristan stood next to Meg and Jinx stood in front and between the two with Tristan’s hand on her waist. Rory stood in front of and between Jack and Luke and Jack put a hand on her shoulder. Behind them on the wall was the portrait of Lorelai, Richard, and Emily.

After the full family shot, Emily decided to have a kid shot. The kids stood in age order, almost reverse height order, Rory, Jinx, Meg, and Jack. Then, they did a height order, a Luke and Lorelai picture, and a Jinx and Tristan picture, and every possible combination of siblings, and finally Emily announced they were finished.

Everyone chatted for a while and soon more people began to show up and the group dispersed to mingle.

[GilmoreChica]

“Tris, buddy, could I talk to you?” Rory was overly cheery as she approached Tristan, Jinx, and Steven.

“Sure, Ror.” He said, equally overly cheery.

Rory pulled Tristan into the library. “Tristan, you’re trying to set me up!”<br>
Tristan laughed. “Rory I am shocked that you think I would do something like that!”<br>
“Triscuit.”<br>
“Alright, fine, I am. But at least give it a chance. He is successful, rich, and all around a very nice guy. I think if your sister wasn’t already married she’d give you a run for your money.” Tristan said.

“Tris, I can find guys on my own!” Rory cried, extremely frustrated.

“I know, Rory. Just cut me some slack and go talk to the guy. He doesn’t know I am doing this. I just asked if he wanted to come to the party. I know for a fact he is completely unattached and hasn’t been attached for quite some time, though.” Tristan gave her a pleading look.

“I can find my own guys.” She muttered. Tristan put an arm around her.

“I know you can.”<br>
“It hasn’t been that long since my last date. I just haven’t found anyone I like.” She muttered some more.

“I know.”<br>
“Fine, I’ll talk to him. But I’m not making you any promises, Tristan. I am not gonna make something work that shouldn’t just for you. This is about me, and now, him.” Rory said.

“Thanks Ror.” He said.

She turned and stalked out of the library. He followed and they arrived at Jinx and Steven around the same time.

“Sorry to steal Tristan. It just couldn’t wait.” Jinx smiled knowingly at her sister, but Steven just nodded good-naturedly.

“Steven, Tristan introduced you to my sister Rory, right?” Jinx asked.

“Yes, he did, but we haven’t had much chance to talk. Could I get you a drink, Rory?” Steven asked.

Rory smiled. “That would be great.”<br>
Steven led Rory into the next room where drinks were set out.

“White wine, please.” Rory said. He poured her a glass and one for himself and they sat down on a sofa.

“So, tell me about yourself.” Steven said, truly interested.

“Well, as Tristan told you, my name is Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, but my mom laid claim to Lorelai first, so I go by Rory.”<br>
“Your mom seems young.” He said conversationally.

“She is. I am the oldest and I’m 26. I’ll be 27 in October. Jinx is now 22, my sister Meg will be 19 in December, and my brother Jack will be 16 in August. My mom turned 43 in March.”<br>
“43?”<br>
“Yeah, do the math.” Rory said, taking a sip of her drink.

“She had you at 16?” He asked.

“Yeah. My grandparents wanted her to marry my father, but if Mom is anything, she’s independent. Stubborn might be a better word, actually.” Rory laughed a little. “She moved to Stars Hollow, where we all still live, and raised me there. I guess you could say we grew up together. Then, when I was 4, she married Luke and when I was 5, Jinx was born. Three years later Meg was born, and three years after that, Jack was born. By the time Mom got to her last child, the women her age were on their first.” Rory said with a smile.

“Wow. That’s a great story.”<br>
“Yeah. My mother is phenomenal. Luke is too. Neither had much money or college educations, but Luke converted his father’s hardware store into a very successful diner and Mom worked her way up in the inn business. She started as a maid and now she has her own inn with her best friend.” Rory stated proudly.

“That’s incredible. You should write a book about what it was like growing up in your house. It would be an inspiration to young people who find themselves caught in the position your mother was 26 years ago.” Steve said, leaning forward in his seat.

“Actually,” Rory said confidently, “I am in the process of writing a book that is just that---growing up Lorelai. I am getting my siblings to each write a part. Then I’ll just have to have someone publish it.”<br>
“You’re a writer?”<br>
“I was a journalism major at Yale. I worked at the Times for a few years before I moved back to Stars Hollow.”<br>
“The New York Times?” He asked, mouth open.

“Yes.” She said with a smile. “I still write feature pieces for the Times and several other prominent papers in the US by correspondence, but my main job is editing the Stars Hollow News. Now enough about me; tell me your story.”<br>
“Well, I am 29 years old. I was born and raised in Chicago where my dad is a doctor. I have two sisters, Beth and Brooke and a brother, Joseph, who goes by Trip. Long story. Beth is 26 and engaged to a hometown guy. Trip is 20 and he is at Harvard. He wants to be a lawyer. Brooke is 14 and not too into school. She isn’t enjoying the academic aspect of high school, although she loves socializing. Mom and Dad don’t want to force her to go to college, but she won’t go on her own.” He said with a smile.

“Mom is determined that all of her kids go to college, and for the most part we don’t mind. My sister Meg sounds a lot like your sister. Jinx, Jack, and I went to Chilton but my sister has never been into school, so she went to Stars Hollow High, our local high school, and she is reluctantly taking classes at Hartford community college.” Rory said. “I did the whole college thing and I already went back for my masters. Jinx graduated last fall from Yale, which made everyone proud, and my brother is Ivy League bound.”<br>
“That’s good. We can use more well educated people in the business world.” He said. They smiled at each other and right then, a mutual bond was formed.

Just then, Emily walked up to them. “Rory, I’m so glad I found you. There’s someone I would like to introduce you to.” Emily said, guiding her granddaughter out of the room. Rory beckoned for Steven to follow.

“Rory, please collect your siblings and your parents and meet me back here. I would like you all to meet someone.” Emily said.

“Ok, Grandma. C’mon, Steven.” Rory said with a smile.

“Jinx, we have to meet somebody- Grandma’s orders. Could you find Mom and Luke and I’ll get Meg and Jack.” Rory said upon reaching her sister.

Soon, the Danes clan along with Tristan and Steven had gathered in the hallway with Emily, who was talking to an older woman.

“Good, you’re all here.” Emily said. “Isabelle, these are Lorelai’s children. Lorelai, say hello to your Aunt Isabelle.”<br>
“Hello, Aunt Isabelle. It’s been a while.” Lorelai said, hugging her elderly aunt.

“Yes it has, Lorelai. It’s very nice to see you.” The woman said with an interesting accent, not quite French but not American.

“You too. Aunt Isabelle, this is my husband, Luke Danes. You remember my oldest daughter, Rory, right?”<br>
“Yes. It’s very nice to see you Rory.”<br>
“I must admit I don’t remember meeting you before.” Rory said sheepishly.

“You were only several months old when I last saw you, Rory. That’s completely understandable.” Isabelle said with a smile.

“Aunt Isabelle, these are my other children. Luke and I were married 23 years ago, and we had these three. Please meet Jinx, Meg, and Jack.” Lorelai said with a smile.

“Jinx?” Isabelle said in confusion.

“Luke and Lorelai named her Genevieve, Isabelle. Genevieve Emily Danes and now that she is married, Dugray. But she goes by Jinx.” Emily said.

“Oh. That’s very original.” Isabelle said with a polite smile. “It is very nice to meet all of you. I live in Paris and have for the last 25 years, so I don’t get to see my family very often.” She said.

“Isabelle is my sister. We have another sister, Katherine. She lives in Australia. The Rollins Sisters.” Emily explained to her grandchildren with a smile.

“I wish I could see all my great-nieces and nephews more often, but I don’t travel much in my old age.” Isabelle said.

“Well I guess this means we will just have to take some trips to Paris and Australia to see our family.” Meg said in a very Lorelai way. Everyone laughed.

“Well actually, there is a reason that Emily brought you all to meet me, despite my being a relation and all. I would like to have a Rollins family reunion next summer, 2013, in Paris. I am taking care of everything, but I would love it if you all would join me at the beginning of the summer and stay until the end. Paris is a beautiful city; I know you would love it. I would certainly love showing it to you.” Isabelle said.

Luke and Lorelai exchanged shocked glances. “Well, Aunt Isabelle, Luke and I would need to talk it over and see about our schedules. But….I’m sure we could work something out. And I know the kids would love to join you even if we can’t….what am I saying, three of my ‘kids’ are adults, they can do what they want.” Lorelai said with a laugh.

“The babies are due this October, so depending on their health, Tristan and I will see what we can do.” Jinx said.

“Jinx, multiples always come early….you could have them in August. Especially with septuplets. You could have them in July. I bet they put you on bed rest.” Lorelai said.

“What is this? Babies? Multiples?” Isabelle asked, confused.

“I am pregnant with septuplets. The babies are due in October, but Mom is right, multiples are always premature. Depending on the health of the babies, we will see if we can travel.” Jinx said.

“Thank you for your invitation, Miss Isabelle.” Luke said politely. “We would definitely like to take you up on it.”<br>
“You’re quite welcome, Luke.” She said.

“Well, Aunt Isabelle, we had better go mingle some more. It was so nice to see you. I can’t wait until the summer when we can go to Paris and see you.” Rory said with a smile. Each Danes kid (including Rory) hugged and kissed Isabelle. Then, they spread to different areas.

:Ring ring:

Meg was walking past the phone when it rang. She picked it up.

“Hello?”<br>
“Hi. Is this the Gilmore residence?” A feminine voice asked.

“Yes it is.” She said politely.

“I am looking for Steven Cashen. He is a friend of Tristan Dugray. I’m his sister.”<br>

[GilmoreChica]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“His sister?” Meg asked.

“Yes. Beth Cashen. I’d show you id, but I can’t over the phone.” She said with a flute like laugh.

Meg laughed. “I’m not sure where he is, but if you can hold on, I can get him for you.” Meg said.

“Thanks.” She said.

Meg finally found Steven with Rory in the kitchen. Rory was sitting on the counter and he was leaning against it. They both had drinks and were talking like old friends.

“Steven, your sister is on the phone.” Meg said when she found them.

“My sister?” He said.

“Yeah, Beth.” Meg said, handing him the cordless phone.

“Beth?” Steve said, speaking into the phone. He listened intently for a minute. “Oh god.” Steve put a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes. “Alright, when’s the next flight? 1 am? Ok I’ll be on it. Thanks, Bethie. Is Trip coming home? Alright. Love you, bye.” He glanced at the clock, which read 8 pm.

“Ok. I need to wrap things up here since I have time.” Steven said, hanging up the phone. He turned to Meg. “Could you go find Tristan for me? Please?”<br>
Meg nodded in consent and ran off.

Steven turned to Rory. “My father is very sick. They don’t think he has much time left. I need to go to Chicago. It was great to meet you, Rory. Honestly. And I would like to see you again. I hate to run out like this, but things don’t sound good at home.”<br>
“I understand completely. But Steven…”

“What?”<br>
“Maybe I should go with you. I mean I know we just met, and I know you travel constantly, but I would feel more comfortable if you were traveling with someone.” She said.

“I can’t think of anything I would like more.” He said with a gorgeous grin. He leaned over and their lips met for several seconds. They pulled apart and smiled. “But what about your family? They hardly know me.”<br>
“Steven, I’m 26 years old. I’m a big girl.” She laughed.

“I know. But still.” They were cut off when the kitchen door opened.

“Steven. Meg said something was wrong.” Tristan strode into the kitchen in long strides, looking just like a businessman. Jinx held onto his hand and hurried behind him. Meg stood in the doorway.

“My dad is sick, Tristan. Thanks so much for your hospitality, but I need to go home and be with him. Beth said it wouldn’t be long for my dad now.” Steven said.

“Oh Steve.” Tristan said.

“Steven I’m so sorry.” Jinx said, hugging him.

“Jinx, I’m going to go with Steven. I don’t want him to have to travel alone.” Rory said, pulling aside her sister.

“Ok. Have a safe trip.” Jinx said, hugging her sister tightly. “I love you, Rory.”<br>
“I love you too, little sister. Take good care of my nieces and nephews.” Rory said, kissing her sister’s cheek.

Rory and Meg quickly rounded up Luke and Lorelai while Steven said goodbye to Richard and Emily.

“Mom, Luke, I am going to Chicago.”<br>
“Chicago? Why?” Luke said, jumping into dad role.

“Steven’s father is very sick and I don’t really want him traveling alone.”<br>
“Rory, he has traveled by himself tons of times before. And you barely know him.” Lorelai protested.

“Mom, please just let me do this. I am 26 and will do it with your blessing or not, but I’d like you to wish me a good trip and say good bye. Please, Mom.” Rory pleaded.

Lorelai heaved a huge, exaggerated sigh and hugged her daughter. “Have a good trip. Bye.”<br>
Rory pulled back and smiled. “Thanks Mom. I love you.”<br>
“I love you too.”<br>
Rory turned to Luke. “Rory-” He started.

Rory stopped him. “Luke, please.” She pleaded.

“Take Meg with you. Take your sister. Or take Jack. Take both of them! That way you won’t have to travel alone if Steven decides to stay in Chicago.” Luke said, grabbing her arms.

Rory thought for a minute and then turned to Meg. “Megs, will you come with me?”

“Of course I will, Rory.” Meg said to her older sister with a bright smile.

“Jack has school or else I would take him too. We have to go home and pack pretty quickly. Maybe you can give us a ride home? Or Jinx could.”<br>
“No, we’ll all leave. Let’s go say goodbye to your grandma and round up the posse.” Lorelai said. She led the way down the hall, picking up Jack and Jinx along the way.

Finally they found Emily in the living room. “Mom, can we talk to you?”<br>
“Of course. Steven was just here, telling me he needed to leave- something about his father’s health.”<br>
“His father is very sick Grandma, and Meg and I are going to travel with him to Chicago.”<br>
“What?” Emily asked looking appalled. “You barely know him.”<br>
Tristan walked up right then. “I know him, Emily, and I have for a long time. He is my best friend and completely trustworthy.”<br>
“I don’t doubt his credibility, Tristan. I just don’t understand Rory’s need to go with him. She just met him tonight.”<br>
“Grandma, I don’t want him to travel alone. It’s no big deal.” Rory said.

Emily grudgingly nodded. “Alright.”<br>
“So we need to get going, Mom.” Lorelai said.

Again, Emily looked shocked. “All of you?”<br>
“We came in one car and we need to take Rory and Meg home to pack.” Lorelai explained.

Emily reluctantly hugged each person. “Alright, I understand.”<br>
“Thanks, Grandma. We have really got to run, so could you give our regards to Grandpa.”<br>
“Of course, dear.”<br>
The family piled into the car with plans to meet Steven in Stars Hollow after he collected his things from his apartment.

“Are you going alone, Rory?” Jack asked his sister.

“No. Meg is coming and if you weren’t in school, I would have asked you too.” Rory said smiling at her brother.

“But I’m not in school. It’s spring break. I am off for two weeks starting Monday.” Jack said.

“Really? Oh Jack that’s great. Do you want to come?” Rory asked excitedly.

“Sure. You ARE my favorite sister.” Jack said. Meg and Jinx glared at him and he cracked up laughing. He always liked to play that game because he had three sisters.

“Alright. Tris, do you have Steven’s cell number?” Rory asked. Tristan whipped out his phone and handed it to her. She flipped through the speed dial numbers and quickly found Steven.

“Hey Steven it’s Rory…Listen, my brother is coming too. So that takes it up to 4 tickets total, one for you and three for me…..Great. See you when you get to Stars Hollow.” Rory hung up and handed the phone back to Tristan.

They continued the ride in silence and Rory could sense that her mom and Luke were still uneasy about her going, even with Meg and Jack.

“I’ll be fine. We’ll all be fine.” Rory spoke, breaking the silence.

“I know.” Lorelai said. Luke just nodded.

“Please don’t be mad at me. What if my plane crashes tonight and you were mad at me?” Rory said.

Luke and Lorelai both tensed up and Rory heard Tristan mutter, “Bad move, Ror.”<br>
“I’m sorry. Bad example. But don’t you get my point?” Rory said desperately.

“We do, Rory, and if you get on that plane tonight, we will all be on good terms. We just don’t understand why you need to fly halfway across the country with some guy you don’t know.” Luke said. “And why you need to take your sister and brother.”<br>
“You told me to take Meg and Jack!” Rory cried.

“No, no I refuse to go where we are going with this conversation. You’re a big girl, Rory, and you are flying to Chicago tonight with your sister, brother, and Steven. That’s it. We are happy. We are happy.” Lorelai said. She sounded like she was trying to convince herself.

“Mom, please don’t be mad. You either, Luke. I don’t want to be halfway across the country with my parents mad at me.” Rory said.

They all fell silent, but everyone knew this wasn’t over.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[GilmoreChica]

Rory pulled her two suitcases up the front steps of the Gilmore house and left them on the porch. She opened the door and went into the house to find Tristan and Jack on the couch watching TV with Jinx sandwiched between them. Rory heard people moving around upstairs and assumed that it was Meg and Lorelai. Luke walked out of the kitchen with two mugs of coffee and stopped when he saw her. “Hey, Rory. Coffee’s in the kitchen.”<br>
“Lucas!” Lorelai sang in a high pitched voice.

“Coffee, dah-ling.” Meg called.

He shot her an apologetic look. “Sorry. Duty calls.”<br>
Rory laughed. “No problem. I still know where the coffee is in this house.”<br>
She got herself a cup of coffee and joined the gang in the living room. “Jack, are you packed?”<br>
“Yeah. I finished like an hour ago. It only took me 10 minutes.” Jack said, eyes focused on the sitcom on TV. His hand was steadily moving from the bag of chips to his mouth and back again. Jack had changed into jeans and a polo shirt and Tristan had taken off his coat and tie and unbuttoned his top button. Jinx wore jeans and a sweatshirt that Rory recognized as Meg’s, which led to the assumption that Tristan and Jinx hadn’t been home.

“10 minutes……I will never understand boys.” Rory said, shaking her head. Jinx laughed while the boys remained focused on the TV. Rory wandered up the stairs with her cup of coffee and slumped onto Meg’s bed. Her sister smiled at her and continued packing her suitcase.

“How much do I need?” Meg asked suddenly. Rory had been daydreaming but she snapped to attention.

“Well, I have two suitcases. I’m not sure, though, if Mom and Luke would let you out of the house with two suitcases.” Rory and Meg laughed. “Jack needs to be back here in a week and a half, and you are going to be with him whether I am or not.”<br>
Meg shot her a cautioning look. “Rory, Mom and Dad-”<br>
Rory cut her off. “Don’t remind me. Just pack however much you need for a week and a half and, potentially, a funeral.”<br>
Meg nodded solemnly and Rory wandered out of the room. She stopped in front of Luke and Lorelai’s closed door and heard low argumentative tones coming from inside. She strained to hear what was going on.

“I just don’t understand, Lorelai. Why does she need to go?” Luke asked tensely.

“I don’t know, Luke. Honestly, I don’t know. But we have to side with her on this. She is going to do it anyway, and we have to back her or else she will go anyway and resent us for not giving our blessing. And as for Jack and Meg-”<br>
“Lor-”<br>
“You brought that one upon yourself, Luke.” Lorelai didn’t let him get a word in.

Rory backed away from the door and headed down the stairs as the doorbell rang. She made her way to the foyer and through the glass of the windows, she could see Steven’s tall lean frame.

“Hi.” She said, hugging the door as she opened it.

“Hi.” He said. He hesitated and then leaned down, pecking her on the lips. She smiled as he pulled back. “Jack is ready and Meg is almost ready.”<br>
“Good. We have reserved tickets, but we need to check in at least an hour ahead of time. I’d like to get to the airport around midnight, but it’s only 10 now. We can relax for a little while.” He said, slipping an arm over her shoulders. She smiled and led the way into the living room.

“Hey, Steve.” Tristan spoke up, finally tearing his eyes away from the screen.

“Hey Tristan. Hi Jinx.” Jinx smiled and nodded hello. Steve and Rory sat down across from the sofa on some chairs.

“So Jack, I hear you are coming with us?” Steve said conversationally. Jack nodded with a smile and stuffed his face with chips. Steve looked at Rory and smiled and she shook her head in disgust. She stood and walked in front of the TV, hands on her hips.

Tristan leaned forward waving his hand, his mouth full of soda; chips fell out of Jack’s mouth as he stared wide eyed. Jinx threw her head back and laughed and Rory smirked as they struggled to clear their mouths.

“We have a guest. Tris, I have no control over you so I will leave that to your wife, but Jack, you are my little brother. You shouldn’t be stuffing your face while Steven is trying to talk to you.” Rory said sternly.

In a very mocking way, Jinx said to Tristan, “Yes, Tristan, you need to have your best manners on for Steven, your college roommate who has seen you at your worst. It is a matter of family pride.” She said the last sentence in a pompous voice.

Tristan’s shoulders started to heave and soon chips were spewing out of Jack’s mouth. Rory bit back laughter and cringed at the scene in front of her. Jinx flew off of the couch and now stood behind her sister. Steven was on his back on the chair, shaking with laughter.

“Ewww, what are you doing?” Meg screeched from the top of the steps. Rory looked up just as Luke and Lorelai appeared behind Meg. Lorelai’s eyes went wide and soon she was clutching the railing to stay standing. Luke on the other hand ran down the steps, past Rory and Jinx, and stood in front of Jack.

“Hey, what do you two think you’re doing!?” He yelled. Jack started to laugh again and a few stray chips flew out of his mouth, landing on Luke. The room went silent, even Lorelai.

Luke looked down at his shirt and then wiped a few slobbery chip bits off of his face. A giggle emerged from Jinx’s pursed lips, then a giggle came from Rory, and soon everyone was laughing again.

“Alright alright.” Luke wiped his face off with a napkin on the coffee table and headed to the stairs. Everyone was laughing quietly as he made his way up the steps past Lorelai.

“Well, that was fun.” Tristan said once everyone was calm again. “Except now we don’t know what happened on the show.”<br>
Rory laughed. Soon the boys were absorbed in another show and Jinx pulled her sister into the kitchen.

[GilmoreChica]

“So Ror…what do you think of Steven?” Jinx said, filling a glass with water while Rory filled her coffee cup. They sat down next to each other at the table and Jinx pulled her legs up under her.

“I hate to admit it, Jinx, but I really like him.”<br>
“Why do you hate to admit it?”<br>
“You know why—because I gave Tristan so much trouble about trying to set me up.” Rory said.

“Forget Tristan. This is about you and Steven.” Jinx said with a sisterly smile. “I’m going to miss you while you’re in Chicago, Ror. And Meg and Jack.”<br>
“I wish you could go with us, Jinxie. I wish it could be like when we were little and we all did everything together. The 4 little kids we used to be. Everyone knew when there was one Danes kid, three more weren’t far behind.”<br>
“We have to grow up sometime, Ror. I’m MARRIED. I still can’t believe it.” Jinx said in disbelief.

“Jinx, you’re PREGNANT.” Rory said, smiling at her sweet little sister.

“I’m pregnant. Wow.”<br>
“You’ll be a great mom, Jinx. To all seven of your babies.” Rory said.

“Thanks, sis. So will you….someday.” Jinx smiled.

Rory laughed and the sisters embraced.

“Don’t let him get away, Rory. He’s a refrigerator.” Jinx whispered.

Rory laughed, thinking about the origin of that joke.

**FLASHBACK TO 2009**

“It’s over! Tristan is a scumbag!” 19 year old Jinx Danes stormed into the house. 24 year old Rory, the only person home, jumped up from the kitchen table and followed Jinx into her bedroom.

“Jinx, what happened?” Rory said. Her sister was lying on the bed, curled on her side. Rory sat behind her and stroked her hair.

“We broke up.” Jinx said through tears.

“Oh sweetie why?”<br>
“I don’t know….he yelled….then I yelled….oh I don’t know!” Jinx cried harder.

“Oh Jinx. Sweetie, you have to fix this. You love Tristan, don’t you?.” Rory said.

“Yes. I just don’t know how.”<br>
“Just tell him you love him. It’ll be ok Jinxie.”<br>
“Thanks, Ror.” Jinx said, hugging her sister.

“Don’t let him get away. He’s a refrigerator.” Rory whispered to her sister.

Jinx pulled back. “A refrigerator?”<br>
“Yeah, Mom told me this story once. It was around the time she and Luke were getting married. Wow, I can’t believe I remember it. I think I asked her why she was marrying Luke. And she told me, ‘Rory, I’ve caught a lot of fish in my life. Bobby, Mike, and Leo were all great catches. But now, now I’ve caught a refrigerator- Luke. When you’re fishing, isn’t it more fun to catch something interesting like a refrigerator or a tire rather than a boring old fish?’ You’ve caught a refrigerator, Jinxie. Don’t let him get away.”<br>
**END FLASHBACK**

“You’re right, Jinx. I’ve caught a refrigerator.” Rory said with a smile.

“Hate to break up this little sister fest but I need to talk to Rory before she leaves.” Lorelai walked into the kitchen.

“Ok. I’ll be trying to tame the guys.” Jinx said with a smile. She stood with her glass and walked out of the kitchen and Lorelai sat down in her seat.

“Listen to me and listen good. Luke does NOT want you to go. I’m not too fond of it myself. But you are going and you are going with our blessing. Your brother and sister WILL be on a plane in two weeks. But you….” Lorelai took a deep breath. “Rory, you’re my baby. You were my first baby and I grew up with you. For the first four years of your life, it was you and me, me and you. Now don’t get me wrong, I never have and never will have a favorite kid. It’s like trying to pick a favorite ice cream. Just not possible. But you will always hold a special place in my heart because of how I got you. You’re my baby girl and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I would keep you here with me forever, except I know that can’t happen. So please just help me out and come back to me. Don’t leave me here. I don’t want any of my babies to ever leave me, but you’re the oldest Rory. You’ll start a trend.” Lorelai felt like she was off topic. She narrowed in on her point. “Please don’t leave me, Babe, ‘cause if you do, they all will.” Rory felt tears in her eyes as Lorelai wrapped her arms around her. They rocked and cried for several minutes. Finally, Lorelai pulled back.

“Go get on a plane, kid.”<br>
“I love you, Mom. And I will come back.” Rory smiled at her mom and they hugged one more time. They wiped the tears off their faces and went into the living room. Meg was lugging her mammoth sized suitcase down the stairs and Rory saw a duffel bag that she assumed was Jack’s. Steven glanced at his watch and said, “What do you say we get going?”<br>
Rory nodded. “Sure. You two ready?” She asked her sister and brother.

Both nodded enthusiastically.

“Ok, I was going to insist we take you but I think it would be better if we said goodbye now.” Lorelai said, stepping forward. She held Jack for several moments, whispering in his ear and causing him to smile. She did the same with Meg, holding and whispering. Finally, she reached Rory.

“We’ve done this already, kid.” Lorelai said, tears in her eyes.

“I love you Mom.” Rory said, stepping into her arms.

“I love you too. Bye, sweets.” Lorelai let go of Rory.

Luke, meanwhile, was shaking Jack’s hand in a manly way and then hugging in an equally manly way. Then, Meg and Luke hugged and he stroked her hair for a second before kissing her cheek. Then, he moved on to Rory.

“Come home soon, baby girl.” He whispered in her ear. Luke was really an emotional man when it came to people close to him. Luke had adopted Rory when she was 7 and she had officially become a Danes kid, despite her last name.

“I will. I promise.” He kissed her cheek and she stepped back. Tristan, Jinx, Luke, and Lorelai stood facing Steven, Meg, Jack, and Rory. Steven and Tristan shook hands and Tristan said, “Take good care of them, Steve, or I’ll have to hunt you down.” He then shook Jack’s hand, hugged Meg, and then hugged Rory. “Have fun, Ror.”<br>
More goodbyes were said and finally Steven, Rory, Meg, and Jack were out the door. Upon reaching the airport, they settled in for the ½ hour wait. Rory relaxed in her seat. Meg and Jack had head phones on and were quietly listening. Steven was staring around the airport, and Rory pulled out her laptop and several papers from her bag and began to type.

“What are you typing?” Steven asked.

“My book. Remember I told you about my book about growing up in my house. I asked Jinx, Meg, and Jack to write a section about specific things. Jinx did holidays, Meg did meals, and Jack did vacations. They already gave me their parts, now I just have to do the rest of the book.” She said nonchalantly.

“Can I read it?”<br>
“Sure. I’m almost done, actually, but I am working on Jinx’s part about holidays. I’ve already done Meg’s part about meals. I am the only writer in my family.” Rory said with a laugh.

Steven smiled and reached for the papers in her hand. She handed them over and studied his reactions as he began to read.

Ever since I was a little girl, we’ve been eating at Luke’s diner. Luke is my father, so you might not find this odd, but the odd part is we NEVER ate at home. Daddy worked all day so he wasn’t home to cook, and the only member of my family who inherited Daddy’s culinary skills was Jack, who helped Daddy in the diner when he wasn’t in school. Most mornings, Jack and Daddy would wake up early and go to the diner. Therefore, on most mornings my sisters and I ate pop tarts on our way out the door. Mom knew how to work the toaster.

For lunch, I ALWAYS bought lunch at school. There was usually food in the house, but the best I could make was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rory tells me that when she was little, before Mom and Dad got married, there was never food in the house so they HAD to eat at Luke’s. I guess I’m lucky for that or else my parents may have never gotten together.

Dinner was always an experience. Daddy always gave Mom trouble about her coffee intake, and as my sisters and brother and I inherited her habits, he gave us trouble too. So most of our meals were spent arguing with Daddy about getting our coffee.

Our mom and dad always made sure we had food in our bellies. No matter what, no matter where we ate or what it was, all the Danes kids were always full.

-Meghan Gilmore Danes

[GilmoreChica]

“Wow, that’s really good.” Steven said when he finished reading.

Rory looked up from the screen and smiled. “Meg has great ideas; she just can’t always get them out on paper. I just changed some structure.”<br>
He smiled and let her get back to work. She continued working after they boarded the plane and during the few hours to Chicago. When they finally arrived at Chicago Memorial in a rental car, Rory had finally put her laptop away.

“You know, I could take you home. My home, I mean. You don’t have to waste your time stuck in the hospital.” Steven stopped and turned around when he reached the doors.

“Don’t worry about it. They have their music and some books, and I have my work. Don’t worry about us.” Rory insisted, pushing him into the hospital. He inquired at the front desk and then led them to the elevator.

“We’ll wait here.” Rory said upon reaching the 8th floor waiting room. They stood in the hall outside the room. “Come back whenever you’re done. If you want to stay all night, we can stay or get a cab home.”<br>
“Are you sure?” He asked earnestly.

“We didn’t come to be nuisances, Steven. It’s fine. Go be with your family.” Rory was interrupted by an urgent female voice.

“Stevie!” Rory looked up and saw a young girl with long wild chocolate brown hair streaming out behind her.

“Brooke! How’s Dad?” Steven said, catching her in his arms.

“Not good, Steve. He doesn’t have much longer. The doctors aren’t sure he’ll last through the night.” She said, close to tears. Finally, she noticed Rory, Jack, and Meg. “Who are they?”<br>
“Brooke, you remember Tristan right?”<br>
The girl nodded her head.

“Well this is Tristan’s family. This is Rory, Meg, and Jack. Tristan married their sister, Jinx, and when they heard I was coming back here, they offered to accompany me on the trip.”<br>
“Oh.” She said. She eyed up Jack and he looked equally interested. Steven noticed the looks they were giving each other and immediately interfered.

“Well, we better go see Dad. You sure you’ll be ok here, Rory?”<br>
“Go, Steven.”<br>
Rory, Jack, and Meg settled into the waiting room. Meg read, Jack listened to music, and Rory continued to write. By the time they were there for four hours, she had written several chapters. Rory glanced at the clock and saw that it read 7 am. She glanced out the window and to her surprise, the sun was rising. Jack and Meg had fallen asleep several hours ago, stretched out on two couches. Rory then fell asleep stretched out on a third couch and a few hours later she was nudged awake by Steven. He sat on the edge of the sofa and Rory leaned up on her elbow.

“He’s gone. He died an hour ago.” He said gruffly.

“Oh Steven.” Rory leaned up and wrapped her arms around him. He let the tears fall and she held him while he cried.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rory hung back with her brother and sister while Steven and his family walked toward the gravesite. Rory had her arm around a crying Meg and her other arm was looped through Jack’s for support.

Apparently Steven’s father was a very popular man. He had been a doctor, and he must have healed a ton of people because the large church was filled to capacity. He would really be missed.

The three Danes children stood on the edges of the crowd and Rory and Meg cried as Steven’s father was buried. They then returned to Steven’s family’s house where they had been staying for several days and where a wake was held.

Finally, several days after the funeral, everyone went home. The house was empty except for the Cashen and Danes families.

“Steven.” Rory called softly. She walked into the living room where Steven, Trip, Beth, Brooke, and their mother, Estelle, sat in silence. He looked up at her and then stood. He came over to her and she spoke quietly.

“Jack and Meg and I are leaving this evening, Steven. We’ve overstayed our welcome and we are going to let you and your family mourn in peace.” Rory said, looking into his big sad eyes.

“Rory, you are welcome here as long as you would like to stay. You haven’t overstayed your welcome!” He insisted.

“Either way, it’s time for us to go. We’ve been here for a week and Jack needs to be home for school anyway by next weekend. You and your family need to mourn and we are just in the way.” Rory looked down at her hands and then back up at his face. “Could you take us to the airport? I know it’s a lot to ask.”<br>
He shook his head. “Of course I will. You came to CHICAGO with me, Rory. The very least I can do is drive you to the airport. What time?”<br>
“4.”<br>
“Ok, just come find me.” He said. She kissed his lips quickly and left the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Go to the gate. I will meet up with you in a second.” Rory said to her sister and brother. They nodded and said their goodbyes and thank-yous to Steven.

She turned and looked up into his brown eyes. She glanced down at her hands and then back up at his face. “Steven, please come back. Take your time here, but please come back. I’ve caught a refrigerator, and I’m not willing to let go.” She suddenly leaned forward and kissed him passionately. Just as suddenly, she pulled away and walked through the security gates.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[GilmoreChica]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
3 months later—July 22, 2012, early morning

“Rory! Rory, open the door!” Rory stirred from her sleep to the pounding on her door. She stumbled down the hall of her apartment and threw open the door. Meg and Jack tumbled into the apartment in sweatpants and t-shirts. They looked like they just rolled out of bed.

“What? What’s wrong?” Rory asked urgently, shaking her sister’s shoulders.

“Jinx is in labor!” Rory flew into her room when she heard that and flew into a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. She shoved on her sneakers and grabbed her keys and her purse on the way out the door. Luke and Lorelai were waiting in the car when they got outside.

“Where’s Jinx?” Rory said, closing the door.

Luke zoomed out of the apartment parking lot and down the main street of Stars Hollow, towards the diner. He jumped out and stuck a sign to the door which Rory assumed explained his absence.

“She and Tristan went ahead to the hospital. They were halfway there when they called me a half an hour ago.” Lorelai said as Luke sprinted back to the car.

“She’s almost full term. 6 ½ months isn’t bad for a woman carrying 7 babies.” Rory said optimistically.

“No, she carried them for a long time. But still….” Lorelai sounded worried but didn’t want to worry her younger children. When Rory leaned forward and patted her arm, Lorelai looked into her eyes with a look Rory recognized as fear.

They zipped into a parking space near the door and Luke led the way to the door.

“Genevieve Dugray, please.” Lorelai said upon reaching the counter. The young receptionist typed into the computer for a moment before responding.

“Room 345. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor…” The receptionist trailed off when she realized the group wasn’t waiting for her. They ran to the elevator and Rory willed it to go faster as they went to the third floor.

“I could walk faster….” Meg grumbled. Jack jabbed her in the side and she closed her mouth.

The Danes clan quickly found room 345 and their spirits were brightened when they entered to see Jinx throwing ice.

“That’s my girl.” Lorelai murmured.

“Mom! Daddy! Rory, Meg, Jack!” Jinx called. She immediately hunched in pain.

Meg, Jack, and Luke stood still in horror, but Rory and Lorelai advanced.

“It’s just a contraction. Luke you would think you didn’t go through 4 births with me.” Lorelai shook her head as she went to the other side of the bed.

“Mom, I’m scared.” Jinx whispered as she held her mother’s hand.

“You’ll be fine, baby. You’re strong and you’re going to have 7 healthy babies.” Lorelai whispered, brushing hair back from her face.

“I hope so.”<br>
~*~*~*~*~*~

Luke paced impatiently and Meg, Jack, and Lorelai fidgeted in their seats. Rory sat on the windowsill and watched raindrops roll down the window. Every once in a while someone would heave a huge sigh. This had been the drill for the past 6 hours since they had been kicked out of Jinx’s room.

Suddenly Rory flew from her window seat to the door and everyone looked up to see a haggard looking Tristan standing in the doorway. They all immediately crowded him and it took several minutes to calm down enough to hear the story.

“She was great. Amazing. You wouldn’t have recognized her, I sure didn’t.” He said.

“Is she ok?”<br>
“She’s fine. She is resting now, probably sleeping, and the doctors expect she will sleep for a while.”<br>
“Tris, what about the babies?” Rory asked hesitantly.

His face clouded over. “I guess we were lucky. All were delivered and we saw them for a few minutes before we…before we lost one.”<br>
“Oh god.” Luke said. He wrapped his arms around Lorelai and silent tears ran down her cheeks. Rory sat and put her face in her hands. Jack sat next to her and tried to comfort her while keeping his own composure. Meg and Tristan embraced.

“Does Jinx know?” Luke finally asked.

“Yes.” Tristan said. “I knew she would want to know. She is devastated and she feels like it is her fault, but the grief counselors are working with her and she will be ok. She is happy, if you can use that word, that 6 of the babies are ok. They will have to stay here for a while and they only weighed in at about 1 ½ pounds each. Unfortunately, they aren’t out of the woods yet.” Tristan said.

“What are they? What did you lose?” Jack asked.

“There are 4 girls and 2 boys. We lost a little girl, and Jinx already decided to name her Lorelai Joy for the joy she brought us for just a few minutes.” Lorelai gasped and buried her face in Luke’s shoulder.

Luke rubbed Lorelai’s back and spoke to Tristan. “Can we see her? Can we see the babies?”<br>
“The doctor says you can see Jinx but not to wake her. She is exhausted and she needs her rest. As for the babies, they are in the baby ICU. Two people can go in at a time and see them, maybe even hold them.”<br>
“Have you seen them yet?”<br>
“Yeah. They are beautiful. So tiny but so beautiful.” He said, tearing up.

“Let’s go see Jinx and then the babies.”<br>
They went down the hall to a private room and watched Jinx sleep for a few minutes. She looked gaunt and pale so the family left quickly and quietly so they didn’t wake her.

“Ok, I’ll go in first and show you which ones they are. The nurses will direct you, but just so you can see them all I’ll show you.” He disappeared behind a door and a few minutes later he reappeared inside the room in full garb. He wore a mask over his face, a gown, and a cap on his hair. He indicated a row of 6 incubators and they all stared intently at the little bundles, little bundles of hope.

~*~*~*~*~*~

[GilmoreChica]

[glow=red,2,300]i know i go into a lot of detail in this part, but i dont know what to eliminate; i like to try to make my readers see what i see.....any ideas on how to do that wiht less desfriptionlet me know[/glow]

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Steven, it’s terrible. Jinx really blames herself for losing Joy even though the doctors say there was nothing she could do.” Rory spoke into her cell phone as she looked through the glass at her 3 week old nieces and nephews. They were out of incubators and were growing at a steady pace. Each now weighed about 5 pounds, except for the runt of the litter who still only weighed in at 4.

“It’ll get better, babe, with time.” Steven said.

“I know, and I can really see the difference from 3 weeeks ago. Jinx has finally named all of them and she is going to tell us today. Her spirits are really up.” Rory said.

“Great. Call me and tell me. We’re landing in about 10 minutes. I’ll get a cab to your apartment.”<br>
“You should come to the hospital. We’ll still be here and you can see Jinx and meet the babies. I can’t believe they kept you on this business trip for 3 ½ weeks.”<br>
“I know, but I’m back now. I’ll be there in half an hour. Love you, babe.”<br>
“Love you too. Bye.”<br>
“Bye.”<br>
Rory hung up the phone and smiled. She and Steven had been going out for several months and they were still very happy.

“Rory. She’s going to tell us now!” Meg said, jogging down the hall. Sure enough, Rory looked into the nursery to see several nurses and Tristan picking up the babies.

“Great. I’m so excited!” Rory said. Meg and Rory hurried down the hall to Jinx’s room.

“Jinxie, sweetie, tell tell!” Lorelai was saying urgently.

“No, Mom, not until everyone is here and the babies are here.” Jinx laughed.

Just then the babies arrive with Tristan and the nurses and were set in the 6 bassinettes around the room.

“Ok.” Jinx said, sliding off the bed. She went to the first crib and picked up a baby wrapped in a blue blanket. “This will be Wyatt Lucas Dugray.” Murmurs of approval were heard throughout the room. She removed the blue blanket to reveal a blue sleeper with ‘Wyatt’ embroidered on it. She put him back in the bassinette and continued down the line. She picked up the only other blue blanketed baby. “This baby, the only other boy, will be John Tristan Dugray.” More murmurs were heard as she removed the blanket to reveal a green sleeper with ‘Johnny’ on it. Jinx moved on to the girl babies. “This is Madison Emily Dugray….Samantha Leigh Dugray….Skylar Meghan Dugray….and Penelope Genvieve Dugray, our runt.” She removed the blanket for each girl and revealed Maddie in pink, Sam in yellow, Skylar in purple, and Penny in red.

Rory clapped in excitement and Jinx smiled. “We incorporated everyone in the family, I think. Daddy, Tris, Grandma, Rory with ‘Leigh’, Megs, Jack, and me. And of course Mom and Rory with Lorelai Joy. We were even going to name Johnny ‘John Lucas’ until I realized we couldn’t do that.” Everyone laughed.

“So do they have nicknames?” Meg asked.

“Yes, the ones on their sleepers. They can go by their full names, but nicknames are Johnny, Maddie, Sam, Sky, and Penny. Wyatt is the only one without a nickname but I loved the name so I couldn’t pass it up.”<br>
“I’m just lucky I liked the names she picked.” Tristan said with a grin. Jinx slapped his arm and gave a disapproving look.

Rory laughed. “I love them too, Jinx.”<br>
“Good. As for godparents, we’ve decided that Rory, you will have three and Meg you will have three. Jack you will have the same three as Meg and Rory, we decided to make Steven the godfather for your three.”<br>
“That’s great. He’ll love that. He’s coming soon, you can tell him.” Rory said with a smile.

“Great.”<br>
“Which three do we have?” Meg said with a smile.

“Meg, you and Jack will have Johnny, Skylar, and Penny. Rory and Steven will have Maddie, Samantha, and Wyatt. That way, you girls got your namesake and so did you, Jack.”<br>
“Ok get to know them. It’ll take a little while to put a name with a face, but we’ll get it and you’ve got the sleepers to help. When they get older, their personalities will tell them apart. And they aren’t identical….in fact, some have light hair and some have dark hair. Coincidentally, Rory’s are the dark haired bunch and Meg and Jack’s are the blondes.” Jinx informed the family. They buzzed around, trading babies.

“Oh, Jinx, they all have blue eyes just like you and Tristan.” Rory exclaimed. Each baby had big blue eyes staring up at them.

“Knock knock knock, anyone home?” Heads swiveled to the door and Steven stood there with a dozen roses. Rory ran to him and they kissed.

“Ok, no PDAs when you’re holding my child!” Jinx called.

They broke apart and Rory blushed, hugging Sam to her. Steven strode over to Jinx and kissed her cheek. She hugged his neck and he gave her the roses.

“Did I miss the naming?”<br>
“Yeah, but we have a surprise for you.” Jinx said, moving to Tristan’s side.

“Oh, what’s that?” Steven said, putting his arm over Rory’s shoulders.

“Steve, will you be the godfather of three of our children?” Tristan said.

Steve looked shocked. He looked for Tristan to Jinx to Rory and back again. “Are you sure?”<br>
“Definitely. It’ll be you and Rory and Meg and Jack.”<br>
“Of course I will! Which ones do I get?” He asked excitedly.

Everyone chuckled as Rory held up the yellow clad baby she was holding. “This is Samantha Leigh, my namesake. Who has Maddie?” Tristan held up a baby in pink. “That is Madison Emily. Who has Wyatt?” Luke held up a baby in blue. “That is Wyatt Lucas. Our godchildren are Sam, Maddie, and Wyatt. Jack and Meg have my other three beautiful nieces and nephew. Where is Skylar?” Meg held up a baby in purple. “That is Skylar Meghan. Who has Johnny?” Jack held up a green sleeper. “That is John Tristan. And who has Penny?” Lorelai held up a red clad baby. “That is Penelope Genevieve.”<br>
“Wow….lots of names. Let’s see if I can get this. Madison, Samantha, Skylar, Penelope, Wyatt, and John.”

“Good job. I think I can even identify them by color.” Lorelai said with a laugh.

“It’ll be a challenge.” Jinx said uncertainly, reaching for the closest baby, Sammie. “I’ll need a lot of babysitters. Tristan and I can’t do this on our own.”<br>
“Don’t worry, kid. I’ve got godchildren now so I think I’ll have to stay in town more often.” Steven said, slinging an arm around Jinx and Sam.

Rory folded her arms. “I guess a girlfriend wasn’t enough.”<br>
“Oh babe, you know you’ve got me.” He said with a smile. Rory defiantly began to walk away. He grabbed her around the waist and swung her around to face him. They kissed passionately for several minutes and after a minute of staring, the family ignored them, bustling around and sharing babies.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[GilmoreChica]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Early November

“I love rock and roll...” Rory sang randomly. She stood in front of the mirror and straightened her blue turtleneck shirt. She smoothed down her black pants and slipped her feet into closed toed slides as she hooked a silver bracelet on her wrist. She checked her hair in the mirror, satisfied with the half up style she had chosen for the day. She walked into the hallway of her two bedroom apartment at the same time Steven walked out of his room a little down the hall. He wore navy sweatpants and no shirt and Rory let out a low whistle. He turned, not knowing she was there, with a shocked look on his face. Rory began laughing.

“You think that’s funny?” He asked. “I’ll show you funny.” He suddenly grabbed her around the waist and lifted her onto his shoulder with ease. Rory struggled for a second and then gave into his strength. She figured he would throw her on the couch or something.

What she didn’t expect was for him to open the door.

“Steven?” She asked as he walked barefoot down the hall of the apartment building. As he got to the end of the hall, he knocked on Jinx and Tristan’s door. They lived at the end of Rory’s hall. The door opened almost immediately and Rory strained to see. She saw a triple inline stroller and judging from the masculine legs beneath it, Tristan had opened the door.

“Oh my god….what the hell are you two doing?” He asked, his voice laced with laughter.

“Rory thought she would be funny today, so I decided to show her funny.” Steven said mischievously.

“Steven Daniel Cashen, you better watch yourself! This is no way to get a girl!” Rory said from her upside down position.

“Tris, do you have a megaphone?” Steven asked, and surprisingly Tristan returned quickly with one.

“Thanks a million, Tristan.”<br>
“Tristan?” Rory heard Jinx call from inside the apartment.

“Come check this out, babe. It’ll have you laughing for a year!” Tristan called back.

“Tris!” Rory cried. She pounded her fists on Steven’s back to no avail. Suddenly a peal of laughter was heard and she recognized it as her sister.

“Genevieve Danes Dugray!” Rory called. She could see another triple inline stroller and she assumed they both held her nieces and nephews.

“Sorry, Rory, this is too funny.” Jinx said.

Steven continued down the hall, using the megaphone as he went through each hallway and then, once outside, down street after street announcing “Come see Rory Gilmore be thrown in the lake!”<br>
“Oh my god Steven!!!!!” Rory screeched from over his shoulder. A crowd began to form behind them led by Patty and Babette. As they passed the diner, Luke noticed what was going on and ran out to catch up. They arrived at the Gilmore house finally and Steven stood still in front. “Lorelai, Meg, Jack! Come outside!” He called through the megaphone.

Rory had long ago stopped struggling and now propped her head up by resting her elbow against his back and resting her chin in her hand. Luke ran up behind her, ready to come to her rescue, but Rory shook her head and submitted to the idea of being thrown into the lake in November.

Meg poked her head out of her upstairs bedroom window and began to laugh hysterically. She disappeared from the window and reappeared with Jack and Lorelai on the front porch.

“Get your video camera and watch me throw Rory in the lake!” Steven called. Jack held up the video camera already around his neck and Lorelai held up a still shot camera. He had turned sideways so Rory could see her family but now he continued down the street. Rory glanced at the crowd behind her and realized half of the town must be there.

They reached the bridge and the entire group stopped at the edge with Jack in front with the video camera. Steven proceeded on. He lifted her off her shoulder and she closed her eyes, ready to feel herself soaring through the air, ready for the cold shock she was expecting. Instead, she felt solid ground beneath her feet. She opened her eyes to see that Steven had not thrown her into the lake but instead set her on the bridge.

“I’ve heard this is a special place.” He said and instinctively Rory looked around for Jess. Jess and Rory had had many special moments on this bridge in the past 10 years that they had known one another. Shockingly, she found him at the edge of the crowd, near the front, with Paris. His eyes sparkled. She looked back at Steven and nodded.

“Well, I’d like to make it more special.” He turned to the crowd and Lorelai ran forward with a tiny ring box and her eyes shined like pearls. As she ran back, Steven got down on his knee. He looked up at her and she looked shock.

“Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, will you marry me?” He said, opening the ring box to reveal a large diamond. She brought her hands to her mouth and it seemed like everyone there was holding his or her breath. Finally, she nodded. A smile broke out on her face, lighting up her pretty features. He slid the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. Everyone broke into loud applause. Rory even heard some whistling. Then, like a flash of lightning, Steven shot to his feet and lifted her in his arms.

Spinning around, Steven forgot he was on a bridge. When he set Rory down, she was at the very edge of the bridge and as they kissed, she leaned backward setting them off balance. She tried to scramble forward and Steven tried to pull her back, but the damage was done. With a scream, Rory fell backward into the lake pulling Steven with her. They surface to hear loud applause as Jack ran forward on the bridge with his video camera. Everyone followed him and Rory, in Steven’s arms, looked up in amusement.

“I guess we caused quite a splash.” Rory said. He laughed and looked into her eyes.

“I really wasn’t going
to throw you in.” He said with an adorable smile. They kissed again and Rory looked up again at the crowd. A sign was being unfolded that read “Congratulations Rory and Steven!” and suddenly she realized that this was planned. Her assumptions were affirmed when she saw Beth, Brooke, Trip and Estelle Cashen standing with her family.

“You planned this.” She said to him.

Water dripped from his wet dark hair and down his bare chest. “Yeah. Did you like it?”<br>
“Loved it. It was perfect.” She said, kissing him again. “And cold.”<br>
“At least you have clothes on.” He said and she smiled, tickling his bare washboard stomach. “Well we have a party to get to.” He said, pulling her through the water to the bridge.

“A party?” She asked as he hoisted her out of the water onto the bridge.

“An engagement party.” Lorelai said, squatting next to her daughter.

“Mom!”

Mother and daughter embraced and cried, sitting on the dock. Jack’s video camera was still rolling, for which Rory was grateful. Not everyone got the most creative proposal on tape.

Finally they stood and Lorelai was now thoroughly soaked. Rory passed from hug to hug and Steven followed her down the line. Patty seemed to hold on to him a little too long and Rory had to swat her away.

“He’s mine, Miss Patty.” Rory said as she pulled him along with her. She laughed at the sparkle in Miss Patty’s eyes.

Rory made her way through the crowd, hugging her sisters and her brother and Tristan and each niece and nephew and Steven’s family and all the Stars Hollow people that she had known since birth. She hugged Paris and Jess and finally, she made it to the end where Luke waited patiently, a proud smile on his face. Rory settled into Luke’s strong arms and he held her close.

“I don’t care what the birth certificates or the DNA say. You’re my baby girl.” He said to her.

“I love you, Luke. You gave me a family…you made Mom happy and you gave me two sisters and a brother. Thank you so much. I love you so much.” Rory whispered in his ear. He kissed her cheek and then shook Steven’s hand.

Steven hoisted Rory onto his shoulders and she waved her hands at the excited crowd.

“Attention! Attention!” Rory called. “Thank you all so much for being here. I am sure that Steven planned this somehow and I know I’ll hear about it later. Right now, we need to go back and change. My fiancé didn’t plan that well because he didn’t bother to wear a shirt or shoes.”<br>
“Who’s complaining!” Babette called.

Rory laughed as did everyone else. “I’m not! But I can tell being on his shoulders that he is VERY cold! So we need to go get changed. See you in a few!” Rory called. Steve helped her down and they headed off towards her apartment while everyone else headed to the Gilmore backyard.

“I love you, Steven.” She said, hugging his arm as they walked.

“I love you too.”<br>
“We’re getting married.”<br>
“I noticed.”<br>
“I’m happy.”<br>
“Me too.”<br>
*~*~*~*~*~*~*


TBC!!!!! i am working on the next part.....PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!! TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK, CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, I WANT TO PERFECT THIS!

[SouthernBelle]

aw i like it your good but i find it soooo depressing that tristan marries rory's sis! i'm a trory sowwy abby!

[SouthernBelle]

lol but keep wrting i'm sure ill get fond of this steven fellow too

[GilmoreChica]

i am a trory too but that was the point of my story, to make it different lol

[GilmoreChica]

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After two quick showers and a quick change, Rory and Steven made it to their engagement party. Rory had decided on a black turtleneck sweater, a slimming tan skirt and knee length black boots, only her knee showing between the end of the skirt and the top of the boots; Steven wore a light green button down shirt which showed off his eyes and khaki pants. Rory had quickly French braided her hair and both had thrown on quality leather jackets. They exited the apartment building hand in hand and made their way toward the music and lights.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom!” Jinx yelled as soon as they entered the house. Rory and Steven laughed as everyone burst into applause.

Music was playing and every light in the house was on. Sookie ran out from the kitchen and threw her arms around Rory.

“Sweetie, I’m so excited for you!” She cried.

“Thanks, Sook! I hope you cooked for this!” Rory said, hugging her.

“I wouldn’t let anyone else. Luke tried, but I kicked him out.” She said with a giggle.

Rory laughed and pulled Steven into the living room where most of the action was.

“Sit sit!” Lorelai called. Several people jumped off the couch and Rory and Steven sat down with Meg and Lorelai.

“Ok, so tell me how this happened. Tell me about it all.” Rory said eagerly. People sat around the coffee table on the floor and on chairs throughout the room, but all conversations stopped when the story started to be told.

“Well, I knew I wanted to propose to you. It was just a matter of planning it, although I wasn’t exactly sure what I was planning. I know some couples go for a private romantic proposal, but I know you Rory and I know that the most important moments of your life you like to share with your family and friends. I talked to your mom about it a lot and your whole family was in on it. Then, last week when you had to drive up to New York for a few days, we had a town meeting and I filled them in. I knew I would do it this week so my family came into town. They have been staying with your grandparents and as soon as we went to Tristan’s, Jinx called the Gilmores. I wasn’t sure exactly when I would do it, so today I walked up and down the street with the megaphone to let the town know that today was the day and because I went on every street, it gave your grandparents and my family time to get here.” Steven said.

“It was like our secret code.” Babette called.

“Wow. I’m impressed. That took a ton of planning, Steven, and it left a lot up to chance.” Rory said.

“Yeah. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get you to the bridge or how I was going to tell everyone but not let you know. It was a surprise for everyone, really, and that’s why all the laughs and reactions were so genuine. They knew what I was doing but were surprised at how I did it. It worked out well because of that little whistle you gave me.” He said with a smirk.

“Whistle?” Lorelai asked.

Steven opened his mouth but Rory pinched his side and he yelped. “Oh….nothing.” He said finally.

“Wow, I don’t know how to thank all of you for being here. Steven’s right—I like to share important moments with all my family and friends.” She said with a smile.

Luke, Sookie, Jack, and Tristan came into the room holding trays filled with glasses of champagne or juice for the minors. Everyone grabbed a glass and Luke stepped forward to make a toast.

“We have all known this little girl since she was born…..her and her stubborn mother who breezed into town in her designer clothes and that snobby air about her. She quickly lost that snobbishness and became a maid at the Independence Inn. She had a little girl, a little baby girl with big blue eyes and chocolate locks. That little girl turned four years old and her mom married a gruff young guy from the local diner. And that little girl latched on. She was a perfect angel all of the time, even when she didn’t get as much attention because of one, two, and then three little siblings. She helped raise her sisters and brother and they always came to her when they needed advice or were in trouble. She watched her little sister be married and became the godmother of half of her sister’s 6 children. And now, now it’s her turn. Rory Gilmore is getting married and we all wish her and Steven the best of luck.” Glasses clinked together and tears fell down Rory’s face. Lorelai stood up now.

“Not everyone is as lucky as I am. When people hear how old Rory is and how old I am, I can practically see the calculator going in their heads. When Rory was 3 and I was 19, people thought I was her sister or her babysitter. At Yale, all of the snobby old mothers always looked at me and thought ‘How is her kid at Yale? She was 16 when she had her.’ I’m the first to admit it wasn’t me. It was Rory. She worked harder than I see most adults work. She had a dream and she achieved it. I’ll be the first to say I screwed up. But when I see what I have, I reevaluate things. Sure I got pregnant at 16, but look at this great kid I’ve been blessed with. Rory was the best thing that ever happened to me because she led me to do other things. I moved to Stars Hollow and met Luke and married Luke and had Jinx, Meg, and Jack. I met Sookie and we eventually opened our own inn. Rory pushed me to do better. Everything I have done since I was 16 I have done for my children. And now, my oldest baby is leaving the nest. As Luke said, I wish Rory and Steven the best of luck in the future and hope they always stay close to us here in Stars Hollow and most of all I hope my baby stays close to me.” Lorelai as crying by the end of her toast and Rory and Lorelai hugged for a long time.

Jinx now stepped forward along with Meg and Jack. Each one held two babies and as the Sixers, as the family liked to call them, grew older they were much easier to tell apart. “Ok, it’s our turn. Meg, Jack, the Sixers, and I would like to make a speech to our sister and our soon to be brother-in-law. Rory was five when I was born and that was a sort of big gap. It was good for me, though. When I was suffering through my teenage years, my sister was already out. I could go to her for advice and counsel. Rory and Mom definitely led me through my teenage years and as close as all of us Danes kids are to our parents, having a sister is a super special thing. ” Jinx looked to Meg.

“I have the same sentiments as Jinx. Rory is such a great sister. She just kind of jumped into the role of half mother. Whenever Mom or Daddy weren’t available, we always knew we could go to Rory. I know people who are only children or worse, don’t have any sisters. I don’t think there could be anything worse than being sisterless- thankfully, I don’t know. I also know families that are not close at all, something else I don’t understand. Our family has always been close-knit. Even though Rory doesn’t live at home anymore, it’s still going to be weird when she gets married. I am very happy for her though. Having sisters, especially two as great as Jinx and Rory, is awesome.” Meg said.

“I agree with my sisters—having sisters is awesome. All of my friends who have sisters complain about it, but I couldn’t love it more. I get advice about what girls like and how to treat them and I know firsthand the preparation that goes into dates and proms and dances. Rory is 11 years older than I am and most people would think ‘what a huge gap, they can’t be close.’ Lucky for me, we are.”<br>
“The Sixers would also like to congratulate Rory.” Jinx said. Jinx, Meg, and Jack turned the babies around and on their butts was spelled out ‘W-E *HEART* R-G’. The two in the middle had two sides of a heart, and for the other 4 one letter was on each butt.

“Awwwww!!!” Rory cried. Her sisters and brothers put the six 6 month old babies in her and Steven’s laps.

“My little babies! You are just too adorable!” Rory cried. Kissing and hugging each one several times.

“Are we going to be seeing any little Rorys or Stevens running around?” Miss Patty asked suggestively.

“Let’s get them married first, Patty.” Luke called.

“Oh of course.” She said.

“Dinner is served!” Sookie called from the doorway.

Everyone moved to get in the buffet line and Rory and Steven were left with Lorelai on the couch.

“This is really great, Mom, letting us have the party here. Thanks.” Rory said.

“No problemo.” Lorelai said. “Rory, I’ve got sort of a surprise for you.”<br>
Rory looked at Steven to see an equally surprised look on his face.

“What, Mom?” Rory asked.

“Well, I don’t know how this will be welcomed so I was hesitant to do this today. I don’t want to ruin the day. But I don’t think it will.” Lorelai said.

Rory wrinkled her brow and as Lorelai pulled her up and toward the front door, she looked back to Steven for support.

Lorelai stood and went into the foyer. She returned with a dark haired man.

“Oh my god….” Rory whispered.

“Hey, kid.” Christopher said, stepping forward.

“Dad!” Rory cried, running forward into his arms.

Everyone in the kitchen heard the outburst and ran to see who it was.

“Happy engagement, Ror!” Chris said, pulling back and holding her at her elbows.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Rory cried.

“Me either….my baby girl is getting married.” Christopher said.

“Yeah.” Rory pulled Chris into the living room. “Dad, this is Steven, my fiancé. Steve, this is my bio-dad, Christopher Hayden.”<br>
They shook hands and shared greetings.

Lorelai walked over to Luke and took his hand. “She’s so happy. I was afraid it would upset her or not work out. But he’s here, he came, and she is happy.”<br>
“Yeah.” Luke said. He stared at Rory, happily introducing Christopher to Steven, a huge smile ever present on her face. He felt a deep pain start in his heart, a pain he couldn’t control. It felt like he was being…..replaced?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[GilmoreChica]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ugh, I’m beat.” Rory said, flopping her head onto Steven’s chest. The house was empty except for Rory and her family and Sookie, Jackson, and their twin daughters Allison and Annie. The elder Gilmores and the Cashens had returned to Hartford, Jess and Paris to the inn, and the Stars Hollowans to their homes.

“Yeah, I think we all are.” Lorelai said, coming from the kitchen where she had been washing dishes with Sookie. “You all are staying here tonight. I insist. My baby girl is getting married and we need another night in the house together. Tristan and Jinx and the Sixers need to stay too, and you too, Sook. A big family thing.”<br>
“Oh, Lorelai, you don’t have to do that.” Sookie said.

“No it’s ok, really. Tris and Jinx are putting the Sixers to sleep on the floor in Jinx’s old room (Rory’s old room) and Tris and Jinx can sleep in there with them. Rory, Meg, and Jack can share Jack’s room, Chris can have the sofa, and you, Jackson, Allison, and Annie can have Meg’s room.” Lorelai said to Sookie.

“Mom, what about Steven?” Rory piped up. For once, Lorelai was at a loss for words.

“It’s no big deal,” He said. “I can go back to the apartment.”<br>
“No! Not happening. How do you feel about sleeping bags, Steven?” Lorelai said.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Luke sat on the steps off the porch with a cup of coffee. He took a sip and stared aimlessly into the night. The front door opened and he turned to see who had joined him. Christopher stood in the doorframe with a mug of coffee.

“Hi.” Chris said.

“Hi.” Luke said.

“I can’t believe she’s getting married.” Christopher said, trying to start a conversation. “I can’t believe she’s old enough to be getting married.”<br>
“Yeah well when you’re never around, time really flies.” Luke said somewhat bitterly.

“Excuse me?”<br>
“What do you want, Christopher?”<br>
“Want? Nothing. I was just talking about Rory and--”<br>
“What do you want from this family? From Rory?”<br>
Chris heaved a sigh. “I know I suck in the dad department, but I’m sorry for that and I want to make things right. Rory needs a father and I’m here.”

“Rory has a father.” Luke said.

“You’re not her father, Luke. I appreciate you taking her in as your own, but you are Jinx, Meg, and Jack’s father. I am Rory’s father.”<br>
“Some father.” Luke muttered.

“What?”<br>
“Some father you were to her.” Luke said boldly, rising from the step. “Who was sitting opposite of Lorelai when Rory took her first steps, ready to catch her? Who taught her how to ride a two-wheeler? Who cleaned up her first bloody knee when she fell off that two-wheeler? Who helped her make a kite for a school project when she was 7? Who stayed up ‘til 3 am helping her study for the Chilton entrance exam when she was 13? Who presented her at her coming out party? Who held her while she cried over her first boyfriend? Who picked her up at parties in the middle of the night? Me. That’s who did all of that. What did you do? Call once a month, twice if she was lucky. You didn’t do anything to help raise her, you were never there when she needed you, and guess what? She doesn’t now. She’s got a mother, a father, two sisters, and a brother. She has a great cousin who she has been permanently attached to since they were five. She’s got 4 nieces and 2 nephews whom she adores. Rory and Lorelai are freakishly linked and she and Lane are still best friends since kindergarten. Did you know she broke her leg when she was 10? Or that she had tonsillitis when she was 6 and had her tonsils removed? I didn’t think so. You haven’t been here for her during her 27 years of existence. Don’t think you can start over now.” Luke stood and stalked into the house.

Christopher followed him and headed into the living room, straight to Rory.

“Rory, I think I should go.”<br>
“Go? What? Dad, you just got here.” Rory asked, jumping to her feet.

“Yeah, Chris, I told you you could stay here.” Lorelai put in.

“Why would you go so soon?” Rory asked.

“Ask your father.” He said bitterly. He swept out the door.

“Father…..Luke?” Rory turned to Luke her eyes brimming with tears.

“I’m sorry Rory. I didn’t mean to make him leave. Oh god.” Luke couldn’t take seeing her tears. He had to escape and the best route was out the door.

~*~**~*~*~*~*~

“What did I do?” Luke asked himself for the 20th time in the last 10 minutes. He banged his head on the counter.

“You didn’t do anything.” Lorelai spoke up.

He swiveled around on the stool and saw her standing by the door.

“Lorelai, I didn’t mean to make him leave. You’ve got to believe me. I didn’t want to hurt Rory.” He said almost desperately, like a little kid.

“I know, hon, and she doesn’t blame you. She understands.” Lorelai said, leading him around the counter and up the back stairs to the unused apartment.

“Understands? But how. I left and so did Chris.” He said.

“I overheard your conversation. I told her everything and frankly, she’s grateful. She doesn’t want to lose you.” Lorelai said.

“But I spoke for her so much. I mean, what if she does want him? What if she doesn’t consider me her father?” Luke said. “I assumed so much.”<br>
“I talked to her, Luke. And she does want you. You are her father, her only father. You watched her grow up, you taught her anything she knows about nutrition, you kept her sane despite having me for a mother. You have done so much for her Luke and she loves you so much for it. She really feels you are her father. She was going to ask you to walk her down the aisle.” Lorelai said as they sat on the couch.

“Really?” He asked.

“Yeah. She loves you Luke and she appreciates you standing up for her. She was excited to have Chris back, but she didn’t want to replace you.” Lorelai said, hugging him. “Like when you find an old stuffed animal that you had fun with when you were little but haven’t played with in a long time. You might be fascinated with it for a while and play with it for a little bit but you’d probably go back to you’re good old bear that you’ve had since you were a baby. You’re the bear, Luke. You and Rory have such a history. Chris is just a newbie, a guy passing through, really.” Lorelai kissed him and tried to calm him.

“Hi.” A voice came from the door. They both looked up to see Rory standing in the apartment. “Could I talk to Luke?”<br>
“Yeah. I’ll be downstairs.” Lorelai said.

“Hey.” He said, standing and walking over to Lorelai. “Listen, Ror, I’m sorry I made your dad go home. I didn’t mean to, but--”<br>
“Luke, listen to me. YOU are my father. YOU led me through my crazy mixed up life. YOU have always been here for me no matter what. And I know that you always will. You’re reliable and loyal, two things Da…Christopher isn’t. Those also happen to be the two things I value most in any relationship. Thank you so much for always being here for me. And…” Rory said, staring at her hands.

“What?” He asked, taking her hands and trying to look into her eyes.

“Will you walk me down the aisle, Luke? At my wedding.”

His throat constricted and Rory thought for a second he was going to cry. “Of course I will.”<br>
“Thanks….Dad.”<br>
~*~*~*~*~*~