Chapter 54

6.3K 152 26
                                    

After Luke had divulged his scheme with Dr. Williams to surprise Lorelai with the news of the baby on Christmas morning, everyone rejoiced in the knowledge that there would be not only one, but two new Gilmore's to arrive the following year.

Lorelai found she couldn't stop smiling. She felt as if she were walking on air. Her hand found its way to her stomach, where it lightly rested.

"You look absolutely radiant, Lorelai," Emily quietly said beside her.

"Thanks Mom. I can't believe that it's true. I've been wanting another child for years and really felt like it wasn't going to happen. But here it is, happening."

"Well, I am very happy for you. And for me!"

Lorelai laughed. "Congratulations Mom!" She embraced her mother.

After a short time, Emily pulled back and looked at her daughter. "Would it be safe to assume that I'll be more involved this time around?"

"It certainly would be, but what about the distance? You live hours away."

"What would you think if I had been toying with the idea of purchasing a little place here in Stars Hollow so that I could spend my time between here and Nantucket."

"The best of both worlds. I like that idea Mom."

Luke had joined Lorelai and Emily as they spoke. He had an idea, but he wasn't sure if Emily would be receptive of it or not. "If I may— what if we made the apartment above the diner into your little home away from home? Then you wouldn't have to worry about upkeep or a yard or anything like that. We can remodel it however you'd like."

Emily considered the proposition. "Luke, that is very interesting. While I never would have thought of living above a diner as ideal, what you say makes sense."

Lorelai rubbed Luke's upper left arm. "Hey, that's a great idea because you are in the building everyday so you can make sure it stays kept."

"Absolutely. And I know it isn't much right now— as a bachelor, I never cared much for fancier touches, but if you'd like, Emily, we can take everything to the studs and let you design the perfect space for yourself."

Emily reached out to hug Luke. "Thank you. I think I'll take you up on that offer. It would be nice to have a home away from home, as you said."

The trio relayed the new plans to Rory and Logan, who were thrilled with the idea as well.

"It will be so nice to have you nearby throughout the year, Grandma!"

"Well, I think you and your mother about made the decision for me with the babies!"

Everyone settled into Luke and Lorelai's living room and talked. Various topics were discussed at length, sometimes with disagreements, but always with respect. Lorelai glanced around at those in her presence, overwhelmed with gratitude for the family her second child would be born into. It would be a polar opposite to the situation Rory was met with.

Shifting her gaze upward, a small smile tugged at her lips. "Thanks, Dad," she whispered.

*****

Rory couldn't help but pay special attention to her mother. Lorelai was pregnant. That in itself was wonderful, but it was so amazing to see the changes taking place between her and Emily. The two seemed to have moved passed the past. She never thought she would see the day when Lorelai would voluntarily welcome Emily into her home, her town, her life. But it had happened and Rory was thankful.

Looking up from her phone, she saw Lorelai sitting with her legs crossed in an arm chair in the corner of the living room. Her head was bowed slightly and her right hand rested on her stomach. Seeing the opportunity for a beautiful photo, Rory discreetly raised her phone as she opened its camera. Taking several successive pictures, she viewed the quiet moment following her mother's reveling in the knowledge of her own pregnancy. There were a few good images but one stood out among the rest.

Rory immediately knew that photo should hang on the wall in the baby's room. While everyone was occupied, she went to work selecting an online photo printer and going through the myriad of options available for the picture. Careful to not recreate Emily's mistake of ordering an entirely too large display, Rory chose a tasteful size which highlighted the emotion captured. She paid for the fastest shipping, anxious to get it in her hands.

Feeling like she was being watched, Rory looked up. Her eyes met her mother's and they both smiled.

This baby was so incredibly lucky to be getting Lorelai as a mother. Rory, of all people, should know.


Gilmore Girls: More in the LifeWhere stories live. Discover now