GGFic: Love, Marriage and Moving Vans (3/12)
Title: Love, Marriage and Moving Vans (3/12)
Author: lorelaisquared
Rating: R
Characters: Luke, Lorelai, Rory, Emily,
Word Count: 2141
Summary: Sequel to Secret Desires and Nameless Fears. Lots of changes are in store for Stars Hollow's favourite family: Luke and Lorelai finally tie the knot, Rory starts her new job, and someone in town is facing a big move. Second story in the Good Things Come in Threes series.
Authors Notes: Thank you to everyone who came out for the Support Stacie Auction last weekend. It was a huge success!
From now on, this story will be unbetaed, so all errors are mine. If you do notice anything, please feel free to PM me and let me know so I can fix them.
Thank you all for your continued support and reviews.
Chapter 1, Chapter 2,
Queasy, Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
Rory rushed into work ten minutes early the next day, and was pleased to discover she'd arrived before Jeffrey for once. She grabbed herself a cup of coffee and arranged her mug and notepad neatly on her desk. She turned on her computer, and while she waited for it to boot up, the editor came by with their new assignment. He handed it to Rory distractedly and sped off to speak with one the features writers.
Rory snatched up the paper eagerly, relieved that she'd finally have the chance to do some proper writing. When she saw what the topic was, she had to stifle a laugh. She was already doing a google search for multiple pregnancies by the time Jeffrey sauntered in, five minutes late. He barely spared her a glance as he booted up his computer and plopped into his chair.
Rory was used to having him ignore her, so she merely greeted him with a simple, “Hi, Jeff,” expecting him to grumble that his name was Jeffrey not Jeff. To her surprise, he muttered a quick 'hello' instead - something he never did. She studied him for a moment, sensing that something was different. He wasn't his usual, annoying self. He's wearing the same outfit as yesterday, she noted, thinking it was a bit odd.
“I have our assignment,” Rory told him, holding up the sheet of paper.
“Oh, that's nice,” Jeffrey said absently. Then he shook his head and seemed to register her words. “Here, give that to me, I'll write it.”
That sounds more like him, Rory thought, oddly comforted by the idea. “No. You've written everything we've been assigned so far. It's my turn. Besides, this is a topic you know nothing about.”
Jeffrey's cheeks reddened, and his eyes blazed. “I have more experience than you, this is a serious paper, not some college newsletter. People actually read this stuff, and it should be written by a proper reporter.” He narrowed his eyes. “Not some spoiled, prissy, little rich girl.”
Rory felt her own anger rising. Jeffrey hadn't exactly been friendly thus far, but he'd never been mean. “I am not some 'spoiled, prissy, little rich girl' as you put it. Which you would know, if you'd ever bothered to step off your high and mighty pedestal and actually have a conversation with me. You haven't given me a chance to show you what I'm capable of, instead you've just assumed that you're better than me. Well, you know what? You're not. I'm just as good at reporting as you are, and I'll prove it.”
Jeffrey looked a little stunned by her outburst, but quickly recovered by responding snarkily, “You'll prove it to me? And just how are you going to do that?” He crossed his arms and glared at her smugly.
Rory thought quickly. “We each write our own version of this article and submit it.” She held up the paper with their assignment written on it. “When mine is the one chosen for publication, you will know that I'm right.”
Jeffrey held her gaze for a moment, then nodded sharply. “Okay, you're on. But don't be disappointed when my article is chosen over yours.”
“Ha. Like that will ever happen,” Rory retorted confidently. “Now 'shh', I have work to do.” With that, she turned back to her computer screen and began scribbling furiously on the note pad in front of her.
xxxxx
The door to the Gilmore mansion closed behind them, and Luke and Lorelai breathed a sigh of relief as the walked to the truck. They had survived Emily's relentless questioning about the wedding, and Richard's barrage of insurance enquiries. Lorelai had eaten suspicious green leafy substances at her mother's insistence and Luke had been coerced into eating an elaborate dessert. Now, they were both exhausted, and Lorelai's stomach was churning.
“You okay?” Luke asked her once they were settled in their seats.
“Hmm?”
“You've been quieter than usual. Is something wrong?” His voice was tinged with concern.
“Oh, I'm fine. I'm just not feeling well. I thought the morning sickness was supposed to end once you reached the second trimester. It did when I had Rory.”
“Rory wasn't twins. The doctor did say that your symptoms could be worse because of the multiple pregnancy.” Luke pulled out of the driveway.
“I know,” Lorelai whined, “but I was doing better. Now all of the sudden I'm Queasy McGee again.” She abruptly covered her mouth. “Oh God! Pull over.”
Luke swerved onto the shoulder and braked. Before the truck had come to a complete stop, Lorelai swung the door open and dived out. Luke winced when he heard her retching. She returned a few minutes later, a grin on her face. “Apparently the babies detest all things green,” she decreed triumphantly. “I can't wait to tell my mother I can't eat vegetables.”
Luke hid his smile and tried to look stern. “There are non-green vegetables you know.”
Lorelai gasped. “Liar.” She took a swig from a water bottle that she now carried, just in case.
“It's true. Ask anyone - Sookie, Jackson, Rory - they'll all tell you the same thing.”
“Traitors, the whole lot of you,” Lorelai grumbled. “I finally have a valid excuse not to eat vegetables, and you ruin it.” She crossed her arms over her chest and stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.
Luke patted her leg as he joined the flow of traffic again. “You feeling better?” His voice was soft, and filled with love.
Lorelai felt a lump forming in her throat as she nodded, touched by his concern. “I'm much better now. Thanks.” She took his hand in hers and squeezed it, as much for her own comfort as his.
xxxxx
Saturday morning, Luke was the first to rise, as usual. He was in the kitchen, tending to something on the stove when Rory emerged from her room, stumbling and bleary eyed.
“Coffee?” she asked sleepily.
Luke pointed to the pot and flipped the egg white omelette he was frying. Rory poured herself a mug and took a sip. She promptly spat it out and grimaced in disgust. “This is decaf!”
“Of course it's decaf. Do you want your siblings to have two heads?” Luke turned the stove off and slid the omelette onto a plate.
Rory sighed and attempted another sip. “Fine. But you owe me a proper cup of coffee when I come to Luke's later.”
Luke added toast and some orange slices to the plate before looking at her again. “Deal.” He placed the dish on a tray and poured another mug of coffee. He put it next to the plate and adjusted the lilies that stood in a vase beside it. He took a step back to admire his handiwork.
Rory watched him curiously. “Are you surprising mom with breakfast in bed?”
Luke blushed. “I just thought -- you know, since we're getting married on Wednesday -- I thought it would be nice. Romantic,” he stammered.
Rory grinned. “Awww, Luke, you old softy.” He looked embarrassed, so she quickly added, “Mom will love it. She always used to fantasize about getting breakfast in bed. When I was little, she even managed to convince me to do it for her a few times. Your version is much nicer than the pop-tarts and leftover pizza that I used to bring her.”
Luke relaxed as he imagined a tiny Rory proudly presenting her child-like spread to her mother. He could see Lorelai laughing and enjoying the moment with her only daughter. He couldn't help beaming as a wave of love for the two of them washed over him. “I bet your mom loved that.”
“Yeah, I think she did.” Rory sounded wistful. ”She'll love this too. Plus, it'll get her up earlier and maybe she'll actually be on time for the dress fitting we have this morning.”
“That was the plan.” Luke picked up the tray and carried it toward the stairs.
“Thanks for the coffee, Luke,” Rory called after him, even as she tiptoed over to the sink and dumped it down the drain. Decaf coffee was so not the same.
xxxxx
Luke balanced the tray with his knee and carefully opened the bedroom door. He grasped the tray with both hands and used his back to push his way into the room. Lorelai was sprawled out across the bed, her long hair splayed over the pillow. Her arm was draped protectively on top of her belly and she was sleeping peacefully. Luke stared for a moment, marvelling at her beauty. He was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. In four days, that amazing woman, who is carrying my children, will be my wife. The thought made him happier than he'd ever imagined. He'd wanted this for so long and now it was finally happening.
Luke placed the tray safely on the dresser and crawled onto the bed to wake her. He kissed her tenderly, then softly pressed his lips to both of her delicate eyelids. Her eyes fluttered open, her eyelashes tickling his mouth.
“Good morning,” he whispered, pulling away slightly.
A slow, sleepy smile filled her face. “Morning.”
Luke kissed her again, more deeply this time. Lorelai's lips parted and their tongues intertwined, greeting each other with familiar enthusiasm.
“I brought you something,” Luke said softly when they finally separated.
Lorelai's eyes lit up. “A present? For me? I love presents.”
“I know.” Luke chuckled. “You have to sit up for this one, though.”
“Aww, but I'm so comfy.” Lorelai snuggled into her pillow and reached for Luke. He took her outstretched hand and used it to pull her to a sitting position. “Hey! That's cheating,” she complained.
Luke silenced her by pressing his finger to her lips. “Shhh. You'll like this. I promise.” He slid off the bed and retrieved her breakfast.
When Lorelai saw what he was doing, she squealed. “Oooh, Luke! You made me breakfast in bed?”
“I did.” Luke positioned the tray over her lap.
She looked down at it and frowned, pointing to the omelette. “What is that?”
“An omelette,” Luke said as he sat beside her.
“No, it's not. Omelettes are orangey yellow and cheesily delicious. This is white.”
“It's an egg-white omelette.”
Lorelai gaped at him. “Did you suddenly think I turned into Michel? Because he's the one who eats this kind of crap, not me.”
Luke sighed. “Lorelai, it's healthy. Egg yolk isn't good for you. You're eating for two, remember?”
Lorelai nodded slowly. “Three actually.”
“What?”
“I'm eating for three: Me, Eleanor, and Rigby.” She patted her stomach.
Luke laughed. “I'll fight you on the names later. Now, eat. You have your final dress fitting in an hour.”
“You're right.” Lorelai took a bite of the omelette and was surprised to discover that it wasn't too bad. “I'm sorry for giving you a hard time. This was really sweet.” She gestured to the tray and trailed her finger of the petal of one of the lillies. “Rory used to bring me breakfast in bed sometimes.”
“Yeah, she told me - pizza and pop-tarts.” She noticed the mug next to the flowers. “Ooooh, you brought me coffee? If I wasn't already in love with you, this would have done it.”
“If I had known that, I would have brought you breakfast in bed eight years ago.”
Lorelai was too busy taking a sip of her coffee to respond. As soon as she tasted it, she spat it out, managing to shower Luke with it in the process. “Hey. This is decaf!”
Luke wiped the coffee off his face. “Yes, it's decaf. I'm not letting Mary Kate and Ashley grow an extra arm.”
“You know who Mary Kate and Ashley are?” Lorelai was incredulous.
“I know things. I don't exactly live in a cave, you know.”
“Not anymore, you don't. Welcome to the real world. Real World: Stars Hollow.” With that, she picked up her fork again and began to eat.
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