Bridal Shop Afternoon

Lorelai and Rory sat on chairs, waiting anxiously for Sookie to come out.

“This is so exciting!” Rory exclaimed, bouncing up and down.

“Ditto to that. Sook! Get your booty out here!”

“I’m coming! This damn dress won’t-“ There were a few groans, and then a loud rip. “Fit,” she finished.

“Sook!” cried Lorelai. “Did you just rip the dress you were trying on?”

 “Um…”

 “Sook!” Lorelai and Rory ran to the back, where they found Sookie sitting dejectedly on a chair, her head in her hands.

“Aw, Sookie,” Lorelai said softly, sitting down next to her.

“I ripped it,” she replied.

 “I know.”

“This sucks.”

“I know.”

“I’ll never find a dress.”

“I kn-yes, you will!” Rory put her arm around Sookie, and sat on the other side of her.

“Don’t worry, Sookie. Look, you still have three days until the wedding. I’m sure you’ll find a dress.”

“Three days? Three days? I thought I had a week! Oh my god…oh my god…” Sookie jumped up from the chair, and began running around like a crazy person.

“Jackson is going to kill me! We have everything set, everything! Everything but my dress!”

“Sook, Sook, calm down!” Lorelai said, grabbing her friend.

 “Don’t panic, ok? You have everything set. Your dress is the only thing you haven’t found yet. Don’t worry, you’ll find it soon.”

 “But-“

 “No. No buts, Sook. Trust me, you’ll find it.”

Sookie smiled weakly. “Ok, I guess I will.”

 “And plus,” Rory added, “you have us to help you look for one!” she smiled cheerfully.

“Yup, that you do!” agreed Lorelai. “Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, fashion divas extraordinaire! Don’t worry; we’re not cold hearted bitches like Joan and Melissa Rivers.”

 “Yup, that we aren’t.”

“Thank you so much, you guys,” Sookie smiled. “What would I do without you?”

 “Have a panic attack and end up in a mental institution living with Winona Ryder and Jack the Ripper.” “Yeah, seriously, what was with Winona and the whole Saks 5th Avenue shoplifting thing?” asked Rory, scrunching her nose. “What can I say? The woman’s got issues.”

 “Well, she was on Little Women…” grinned Rory. “Which speaks for itself.”

 Sookie laughed, and proceeded to go through the rack of dresses with Lorelai and Rory.

 Luke’s Later on

“Lucas Danes!” yelled Lorelai, stepping into the diner.

 “Lorelai Laurel Gilmore,” replied Luke, coming in from the back.

Lorelai gasped. “How did you know my middle name?”

“I’m your stalker.”

 “So you were the one who was tapping on my window last night at four am!”

“That would be me.”

 “Were you also the one who wrote my name in all over my living room?”

“Me again.”

 “Were you the one who drew pictures of me and stuffed them in my mailbox?”

Luke raised an eyebrow and gave her a look.

Lorelai giggled. “Just wanted to see how far you’d go.”

 “Where’s your mini me?”

 “She’s at Lane’s.”

“You should really adopt that kid.”

“Yeah, I’ve always wanted to. Don’t think her mom would like it very much though.”

“So, you got the whole maid of honor thing down?” asked Luke, pouring her a cup of coffee.

“Yup, down to a T. What about you? Got the whole best man thing down?”

 “I still can’t believe Jackson asked me to be his best man. I would have thought he’d ask Rune.”

Lorelai sipped her coffee. “Thank god he didn’t. Ew, I could never walk down the aisle with that man.”

“Oh god,” Luke cried, smacking his head. “I have to walk down the aisle with you?”

“Uh, duh.”

“Great.”

 “Hey!” cried Lorelai, hitting his arm. “Don’t be mean! It’ll be fun!”

“Right.”

 “Luke!”

 “As long as you don’t do anything embarrassing while we’re walking, it’ll be fine.”

 “What makes you think I’m gonna do something embarrassing?”

 “Nothing, nevermind.”

 “So, are you renting a tux?” asked Lorelai.

“Don’t really have any other choice. What are you wearing?”

 “Ok, well, thank god Sookie has good taste and didn’t choose something hideous. It’s actually really pretty. It’s this lavender spaghetti strap dress that stops right at my ankles, and it’s silk, and it has a square neck, and it has these embroidered flowers…it’s so pretty,” Lorelai said dreamily.

Luke chuckled. “You sound like you’re in love with it.”

“Oh, I am. So, it’s not gonna be weird walking down the aisle together, right?”

“Weird? No, no…it’ll be fine.”

“Yeah. It’ll be fine.” They smiled.

Independence Inn

“No.”

“Michel!”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No!”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to look like an idiot.”

“Come on, Michel! You have to sing at Sookie’s wedding! You have an amazing voice, and you know it!”

“No.”

“She’ll pay you!”

Michel raised an eyebrow. “How much?”

“Five hundred?”

“Seven hundred.”

“Six hundred.”

“Six hundred fifty.”

“Six hundred twenty five, last offer.”

“Fine.” Lorelai let out a cry of excitement, and hugged Michel. Once she let go, he was making a disgusted face.

“Never do that again,” he commanded.

Lorelai giggled. “Oh, Michel, you rock!” Smiling happily, she ran into the kitchen to tell Sookie the good news.

Gilmore House

Rory and Tristan sat on the couch, Tristan’s arm draped around her shoulder, her head against his chest. “You’re wearing a tux to Sookie’s wedding, right?” asked Rory, as she intertwined her fingers with his.

“Of course.”

“Good.”

“What about you?”

“It’s this long light blue dress. A little too prissy for my taste, but it was Sookie’s choice, so I’ll just pretend I like it.”

“Too bad you can’t wear a short, tight, red hot dress,” smirked Tristan.

“You’re a pig.”

“Oink oink.”

Rory laughed, and playfully hit his shoulder. Tristan began devouring her neck, making her laugh more. “That tickles!” she cried. Tristan just laughed and continued his sweet torment. His lips moved to her ear, nibbling on it. She shivered at his touch, and moved her head to his lips, capturing them with hers. Tristan’s hands snaked around her waist and up her back, touching everything along the way. She slid her tongue onto his bottom lip, licking and sucking. His grasp around her waist tightened, and he opened his mouth, allowing her tongue entrance. He moaned at the feeling of her tongue dueling with his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Rory began to play with his hair. Tristan lay her down on the couch, and they continued to kiss. The shrill sound of the phone echoed through the house, causing Tristan to get up off of Rory. Rory groaned, and snaked her hand up over the arm of the couch, and picked up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Ror.”

“Mom, hey. Where are you?”

“Luke’s. Look, I’m gonna be home in another hour or so. I’ll bring home dinner, ok?”

“Ok. Bye.”

“Is Tristan there?”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“Because you sound out of breath,” she laughed. Rory blushed. “Oh.”

“I’ll see you later, hon. Bye.”

“Bye.” Rory hung up the phone, and grinned at Tristan. “Where were we?” Tristan grinned back, and pushed Rory onto the couch, his lips crashing down onto hers.

Luke’s

“Why do we have to do this?” asked Luke, annoyed.

“Because we can’t look like idiots when we’re walking down the aisle,” Lorelai responded simply.

“We don’t need to practice how to walk, Lorelai.”

“Lukey, we’re not practicing how to walk, we’re practicing how to look good when we’re walking.”

Luke rolled his eyes.

“Now,” Lorelai began, stepping next to Luke. “Link your arm in mine.”

Luke obliged, sighing loudly.

“Ok. This is what we have to do when we’re walking down. Move a little closer to me, Luke! You’re like a foot away.”

“I am not.”

“Luke.”

“Fine.” Luke moved closer to Lorelai, so that their sides were touching.

“Ok, now start walking. Start with your right foot.” Luke and Lorelai began walking slowly, right foot, then left foot. Once they had walked the width of the room, Lorelai stopped. “Ok, now we look at each other and smile.”

Luke turned to Lorelai, just as she turned to him, and they smiled. “Luke!”

“What?”

“Your smile sucks.”

“Thanks,” he replied sarcastically.

“It’s too fake. Work on it.”

Luke sighed heavily. “And just how do you want me to do that?”

“Look at me.”

Luke looked straight at her.

“Ok, now smile.” Luke smiled. Lorelai made a face.

“Ok, Lorelai, it isn’t helping when you make a face like that.”

“Sorry. Ok, pretend you’re looking at the most beautiful woman in the whole world.”

Luke almost laughed. Lorelai didn’t realize that to him, that woman was her. “Luke!” yelled Lorelai, interrupting his train of thought. “Sorry.” “Smile.” Luke thought of Lorelai, and everything he loved about her, and smiled a genuine smile.

Lorelai almost melted right there. “Wow,” she said. “What?” “That was one good smile, Luke.”

Luke blushed. “Thanks.”

“Ok, I think that’s enough practice for tonight.”

“I think that’s enough practice, period,” replied Luke.

“Can I have two burgers, two coffees, and a side of fries to go please?” she asked, ignoring what he had said.

“Coming right up.”

Gilmore House

“Oh my god,” said Rory, coming into the living room with a bowl of popcorn, “why the hell are you watching Baywatch?”

“It’s a good show,” Tristan responded.

“Ok, maybe for guys it is, considering the whole show consists of women with huge running around in skimpy swimsuits,” she replied, setting the bowl on the table.

“No it doesn’t. There’s David Hasselhoff.”

“He’s ugly, Tristan.”

“Well, Pamela Anderson’s ugly.”

“If you’re trying to lie to make me feel better, don’t do it. I can see right through you.”

“I’m sorry,” Tristan said, pulling her onto his lap. “I’ll turn it off.” “Good.” Rory placed a kiss on his lips. Tristan pressed the power button, and turned it off. He smiled at Rory. “Anything for you,” he grinned. Rory munched on a piece of popcorn, and opened her mouth, as Tristan fed her another piece. The front door opened, and Lorelai walked in, armed with two bags from Luke’s.

“I got food!” she smiled happily.

“Ooh, food!” cried Rory, jumping off of Tristan’s lap, and running to grab a bag. She looked inside, and licked her lips. “Yummy.”

“You two are gross,” Tristan stated, making a face.

“Burgers are not gross,” Lorelai responded, her hands on her hips. “Don’t even go there.”

Tristan laughed. “I better get going,” he said, getting up from the couch.

“Ok, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Rory smiled, giving him a kiss.

“You bet you will.” Rory opened the door for him, and he leaned in to give her another kiss. He waved at Lorelai, and walked away.

“Is he gone?” asked Lorelai.

“Yup.”

“Good.” Lorelai and Rory ripped open their bags, and began stuffing their faces with the burgers.

Sookie’s House The next morning

“Ready to go dress shopping?” asked Lorelai, entering her house.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Oh, guess what Luke and I did yesterday!” cried Lorelai.

Rory gave her a look. “What did you guys do?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Ew, Rory, nothing like that,” responded Lorelai.

“We practiced walking down the aisle.”

“What?” asked Sookie.

“I figured we should practice, so we don’t look like idiots when we do it at your wedding.”

“Mom, you don’t need to practice that,” Rory laughed.

“Luke couldn’t smile. He has this really fake smile, which I got him to work on.”

“Well, I’m sure anything you say, Luke will listen to,” Sookie said under her breath.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Rory giggled.

Dress Shop Afternoon

“Ahh!” came a cry somewhere from the back of the store. Lorelai and Rory gave each other looks, and ran over to where Sookie was, holding a beautiful dress in her hand. “This one,” she grinned.

“But-“ interrupted Lorelai.

“No buts, Lor. It’s this one. Look how gorgeous it is!” Sookie giggled, holding it up against her.

“Yeah, it is really pretty, Sookie,” responded Rory. “Try it on!”

“Ok!” giggled Sookie. She ran into the fitting room, and came out after about five minutes. “It fits!” she exclaimed happily, dancing around the store. “It fits!”

“That it does,” laughed Lorelai. “Sook, it looks beautiful on you.”

“Thank you, Lor.”

“It really does,” Rory agreed.

“Ok, how much is it?” asked Lorelai, pointing to the price tag.

Sookie overturned it, and her face lit up. “Only seven hundred!”

“Oh my god!” shrieked Lorelai and Rory simultaneously. “Buy it!”

Sookie giggled uncontrollably, bouncing up and down. “Ok!” She ran to the saleslady, and asked to buy the dress. Lorelai and Rory grinned at each other, before running to join Sookie.

Luke’s Later that afternoon

Lorelai and Rory bounced into Luke’s, excited from the fact that Sookie’s dress had finally been found.

Luke saw them jumping up and down, and rolled his eyes.

“Guess what, Lukey?” asked Lorelai.

“What, Lorelaiy?”

Lorelai made a face and Rory giggled. “We got Sookie’s wedding dress!” she exclaimed.

“Wow, it’s about time,” responded Luke, pouring them some coffee.

“Yeah, it’s gorgeous, Luke, you wouldn’t believe it.”

“I’m sure I wouldn’t.”

“God, can you believe they’re getting married in two days?”

“I bet Sookie’s freaking out,” Luke laughed.

“Oh, she is,” answered Rory. “Completely.” “She wants the food to be perfect, and she’s hoping that it won’t rain. She checked the weather, and it said no rain, but you never know.”

“Yeah, well, it’s all up to fate.”

“You believe in fate?” asked Lorelai.

“Kind of.”

“What does that mean? You either do or you don’t.”

“All right, I do. You know, if you meet that…special person by them suddenly bumping into you on the street, or walking into your shop one day…” he trailed off, staring at Lorelai.

Rory bit her lip, and looked at her mom. Obviously, she wasn’t getting the hint. Sometimes, her mom could be so oblivious.

“Yeah, fate,” answered Lorelai softly.

“So…” began Rory, breaking the awkward silence between them, “who wants to go try on our dresses and different make up until we choose the perfect make up for the wedding?”

“I hope to God that “who” doesn’t include me,” Luke responded.

“Ooh, me!” Lorelai cried, grabbing her cup of coffee. “See ya, Lukey!” she smiled, and ran out of the diner with Rory.

Luke chuckled softly, and began to wipe the countertop. “Fate.”

Gilmore House Wedding day

“Make up, make up, make up…” Lorelai rambled, pacing her room. “Rory!” she yelled down the stairs.

“Yeah?”

“Where’s the make up bag?”

“In my room!” she answered.

“Can you bring it up here?”

“Be right up!” Lorelai surveyed herself in the mirror, smiling. “Not bad,” she giggled, doing a little spin. Rory opened her door, and walked inside, dressed. “You look beautiful, dahling,” Lorelai said, in her best British accent.

“Thank you, Gwyneth Paltrow.”

“Hey, Gwen’s not actually British.”

“Exactly the point. She played one in Shakespeare in Love.”

“That movie sucked,” Lorelai replied, making a disgusted face.

“Never speak of it again.”

“A waste of two hours.”

“And Dude, Where’s My Car was playing at the exact same time! But no…little missy here wanted to see Shakespeare in Love!”

“I’m sorry!” Rory cried, laughing. “It looked good!”

“You and your damn interest in Shakespeare.”

Rory stuck out her tongue. “You look gorgeous, mom.”

“Thank you, hon.”

“So Tristan’s coming to pick me up now. You’ll meet me there?” asked Rory.

“Yup. I know you two just want some make out time before I get there,” laughed Lorelai, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Mom!” Rory blushed.

“What? Are you gonna deny it?” asked Lorelai.

“Guess not.”

Lorelai laughed at her daughter, and went back to applying her make up.

Independence Inn Later

Lorelai arrived at the inn in her dress. Her shoes, hair, and make up were already done. She had decided to leave her hair curly for the wedding. Running to the courtyard, she almost tripped on her five inch heels. “Damn heels,” she muttered, picking up her dress, and continuing to run. When she reached the courtyard, she found Jess, Rory, and Tristan talking. She walked up to them, beaming. “Hey, everyone,” she greeted.

“Hey,” greeted Jess. He took a double take, and whistled. “Looking hot, Lorelai.”

“That’s gross, Jess,” laughed Rory.

“Thanks, Jess. Same to you,” Lorelai smiled.

“Yeah, I’m not really going for this whole tux thing.”

Lorelai laughed, and turned to her daughter. “Let me take a look at you,” she smiled.

“Mom, you already saw me at home.”

“I know, but I want to get a better look.” She smiled in awe at her daughter. “Wow. Rory, you look stunning.”

“Thank you,” Rory smiled.

“Doesn’t she?” Tristan replied, snaking his arm around her waist, and kissing her cheek.

“Tristan…” Rory blushed.

“You’ve got good taste, Tris,” Lorelai answered.

“That I do.”

Going over to the gazebo on the other side of the inn, Lorelai found Luke sitting on a chair inside it. She walked inside, and smiled at him.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” he responded. He took one look at her, and his breath caught in his throat. How one woman could be so beautiful, he didn’t know. “You look really beautiful,” he smiled shyly.

“Thanks,” she smiled, sitting next to him. “You don’t look too bad yourself, Luke.” Lorelai couldn’t stop staring at him. God, he looked so good. He was clean shaven, his hair was combed and nicely gelled, and he was wearing a tux. It looked so good on him, Lorelai just couldn’t stop smiling.

“Thanks,” he replied.

“So, um…” she began nervously.

“Wow, so…today’s the day, huh?”

“Yup. Today’s the day.”

“Is she nervous?”

“God, she’s so nervous. You can’t even imagine.”

Luke laughed. “Yeah, I can just imagine Sookie running around frantically.”

“Yeah, that’s exactly how she was last night. I’m so happy for her. She really deserves this.”

“Yeah, she does. Jackson does, too.”

“Yeah. They’re perfect for each other, don’t you think?”

“They are.”

“It’s funny, though.”

“What is?” “That they liked each other all along, and they were too scared to say anything. Scared of what the other one would think.”

“I can relate,” Luke responded.

“Me too,” Lorelai said softly. They looked at each other, and there was an awkward silence.

“So, um…we should probably get back to everyone else,”

Luke stated, getting up. “Yeah, we should.”

Lorelai got up too. They began walking, but Lorelai stopped.

“What?” asked Luke.

“Let’s practice.”

“What?”

“One last time. Right here. This is where we’re gonna be walking, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So? Come on, Luke.”

“Ok, one last time.” Lorelai smiled, and Luke linked his arm in hers. They began to walk, right foot, then left foot. Luke’s arm felt so right in Lorelai’s. For a minute, as she was walking with him, Lorelai hallucinated, and saw her family sitting on the chairs, smiling up at her. She saw the reverend in the front, waiting for her. Then, what scared her the most, was Luke. He was standing next to the priest, smiling at her. He was waiting for her to take his hand. Lorelai shook her head quickly, and suddenly, everyone was gone. She kept walking with Luke, trying to get the image out of her head of him waiting to take her hand. They reached the end of the aisle, and stopped. They turned to each other, smiling. Without thinking, they both began to lean forward, until finally, their lips met in a kiss. The minute their lips touched, Lorelai felt a bolt of electricity run through her. She didn’t care that they shouldn’t be doing this; all she cared about was this moment, and how good it felt to kiss Luke. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands running through his soft hair. He followed by snaking his around her waist, drawing her in closer to him. She slid her tongue out of her mouth, and onto his bottom lip, running it along it, driving Luke crazy. He opened his mouth, allowing her tongue entrance. Once it entered, their tongues dueled, creating an enormous amount of heat between them. Luke’s tongue explored Lorelai’s mouth, producing a soft moan from her lips. His hands slid up her arms, and to her neck, touching every part of her body on the way up. Lorelai hungrily devoured his mouth, kissing every inch of it. Finally, they pulled apart, both breathless.

“Oh wow,” Lorelai said softly.

Luke scratched his head. “That was, um…”

“Unexpected?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok, um, Luke?”

“Yeah?”

“Can we pretend this didn’t happen?”

“If that’s really what you want to do.”

“It is.”

“Ok.” Lorelai began walking away.

“Where are you going?” yelled Luke. “The ceremony’s gonna start soon! We have to be in the courtyard!” Luke touched his lip, and grinned. He followed her, thinking about what had just happened. Lorelai turned around, and gasped.

“What?” asked Luke.

“There’s lipstick on your mouth.”

“What?”

“Wipe it off! Quick!”

“What? Don’t want anyone knowing we kissed?” he asked.

“Of course not! Wipe it off!” she commanded.

“I’m sorry; obviously it’s an embarrassment to have kissed me.”

“Luke, that’s not what I-“

“Forget it, Lorelai.” Luke began walking away quickly, leaving her to deal with what had just happened.

Later on The whole town was seated near the gazebo, waiting for the ceremony to start. Lorelai stood near the back, with Luke at the opposite side. She was nervously shaking, even more so now, considering she’d have to walk down the aisle with Luke, with the knowledge they had kissed. And worse, with the knowledge that it was one damn good kiss. And even worse, with the knowledge that he was ed at her.

“Mom, are you ok?” asked Rory from behind her.

“Yes, I’m fine. Tristan’s blowing you kisses,” Lorelai smiled.

Rory glanced over at Tristan, who was standing behind Luke, and she giggled. She blew him one back, and mouthed “I love you.”

Lorelai rolled her eyes, and broke into a grin. The notes began to play from the piano, and Lorelai immediately tensed up. “Shit,” she mumbled. Slowly walking to the center to meet Luke, she linked her arm in his, and could sense that he was also tense. They began walking, smiles plastered on their faces. Lorelai passed tte, who was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, and rolled her eyes.

“Relax!” she whispered to Luke. “You’re way too tense!”

“What, would that be embarrassing for you, too?” he hissed back.

“Stop it, Luke. Don’t be like this.” Reaching the end of the aisle, they smiled fakely at each other, and turned around, Lorelai going to the left side of the reverend, and Luke to the right side, next to Jackson. Lorelai shot a scowl in Luke’s direction, and he returned it. Her attention was brought back to the center, where Rory was walking down with Tristan, beaming. They walked down, arms linked, faces shining with happiness. Once they reached the end of the aisle, they turned to each other and kissed softly, making Lorelai smile. She cast another glance at Luke, and found that he was staring at her. Lorelai gave him the meanest look she could muster, and turned her attention back to the aisle. Suddenly feeling bad, she looked back over at him, and found him looking down, upset. She sighed softly, and continued to watch the ceremony. Two bridesmaids and one flower later, “here comes the bride” began to play from the piano. Everyone’s attention was drawn to the back, where Sookie was nervously waiting to begin. Jackson fidgeted apprehensively, and Luke put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. Sookie began walking, slowly, one step at a time. Her veil trailed on the grass beneath her, and she couldn’t help but giggle as she walked. Finally reaching Jackson, he took her hand, and they stood together in front of the priest. Lorelai smiled at Sookie, and she smiled back, her face glowing.

“Dearly beloved,” began the reverend, “we are gathered here today, in the sight of God, to join this man, Jackson, and this woman, Sookie, in holy matrimony. This day they pledge themselves to a life of mutual love, honor and companionship. If anyone here can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him speak now, or forever hold his peace.” Sookie looked around, hoping no one would say anything. She jokingly wiped her forehead, and smiled. The reverend turned to Jackson, smiling. “Jackson, I believe you wanted to say a few things to Sookie?”

Jackson smiled. “Yes. Sookie, I hope you don’t mind,” he said.

“Of course not,” she laughed. “Sookie St. James, from the minute I met you, I knew I was in love. Everything about you made me smile. From your bubbly personality, to your crazy cooking habits, I loved you.”

Sookie laughed a little, wiping a tear from her eye. Lorelai looked over at Luke, catching him smiling.

“I think about the path we've traveled, and there's one thing I know. I've grown a lot getting here, and being with you. You made me see things in a whole new light, Sookie, you made me be a better man.” Tears sprung to Lorelai’s eyes, and she didn’t bother wiping them, as they cascaded down her cheeks. “I think back to the problems, the times things seemed impossible. And I thank God I didn't give up hope. Because I realize now that it was during those times when my love was growing, becoming stronger, even as it was being tested. Sookie, I can't promise that from this day forward you'll never feel hurt or be afraid or heartache. But I can promise you that as long as I live, you'll never face those emotions alone. I can promise you that I will be with you, to stand at your side, to face life with you, the good times and the bad. You, Sookie St. James, are my best friend. The love of my life. And from this day forward, you are my wife. In the sight of God and these witnesses, I promise to be the most supportive companion that I can be. I pray, with God's help, that I will bring the same joy and fulfillment to your life that you have brought to mine. I love you, Sookie.”

Lorelai’s face was completely soaked, as more and more tears began to flow freely down her face, trickling down her neck. Rory’s face was just as soaked, but she was beaming through it all. She sniffled every now and then, and wiped a tear from her eye. Casting a sideways glance at Luke, Lorelai found him dabbing at his eyes, and almost laughed. She would get him for that later.

“Sookie, I believe you also have some things to say?”

“Yes,” she responded, smiling. Turning to Jackson, she took a deep breath, and began. “Jackson, I love you more than you can even imagine. Through everything we’ve been through, my love for you has grown stronger. From the First Corinthians, there is something I’d like to say to you. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Jackson, I love you. You’re the spice in my life,” she added with a smile.

Lorelai’s tears were going full on hurricane mode, pouring down her face in torrents. Her vision was completely blurred from having cried so much. Rory squeezed her hand tightly, and they shared a smile. Looking back over at Luke, Lorelai was surprised to see a tear slide down his cheek. He didn’t wipe it away; he just let it be. He caught her staring, and sheepishly wiped the tear, making her laugh softly. He caught her gaze again, and mouthed the words “I’m sorry.” She smiled wide, and turned away, sniffling. Mouthing back the words “it’s ok,” she swallowed, and continued watching the ceremony.

“Jackson,” the reverend began, “please repeat after me. I, Jackson Douglas, take thee, Sookie St. James.”

“I, Jackson Douglas, take thee, Sookie St. James.”

“To be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward.”

“To be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward.”

“For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till do us part." Jackson repeated the words, smiling at Sookie.

“Now, Sookie, repeat after me. I, Sookie St. James, take thee, Jackson Douglas.”

“I, Sookie St. James, take thee, Jackson Douglas.”

“To be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward.”

“To be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward.”

“For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till do us part." Sookie repeated the last part.

The ring ceremony was to be done next, and Jackson’s cousin, the ringbearer, brought them forth. Sookie and Jackson repeated what the reverend told them, and grinned widely at each other.

“By the authority invested in me by the state of Connecticut, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Jackson and Sookie smiled at each other, before leaning in and kissing softly. Everyone began clapping and throwing flowers and rice at them. Jackson dipped Sookie as they kissed, making it more passionate. They finally pulled apart, both grinning from ear to ear.

“We’re married,” Sookie giggled.

“Yes, we are. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Lorelai ran over to Sookie, and enveloped her in a gigantic hug, her wet face on her shoulder. “Sook,” she said through muffled sobs, “I’m so happy for you!”

“Oh, honey, thank you,” Sookie smiled, pulling apart.

Luke came over, and he and Jackson hugged. “Congratulations,” Luke grinned.

“Thanks.” Luke hugged Sookie, and Sookie giggled.

“Luke, you’re strong!”

Jackson raised an eyebrow. “Hey, I’m strong too!”

Sookie laughed. “Oh, sweetie, don’t kid yourself.”

Lorelai, giggling, wrapped her arms around Jackson and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, Jackson! You’re married!” she beamed.

“Don’t remind me,” he joked.

“Jackson!” Sookie laughed, playfully hitting him. Jackson kissed Sookie, and their kiss began to deepen.

“Luke?” Lorelai said, pulling his arm.

“Yeah?”

“Let’s leave them alone,” she grinned, pulling him to the side.

“Um,” he began.

“Luke, we really really need to talk.”

“Ok. Where?” he asked.

“Here, come,” Lorelai responded, leading him to the tool shed. He followed her, and she went inside it, closing the door behind them.

“Ok,” she began. “Today. The, um...” “Kiss?” supplied Lorelai.

“Yeah,” Luke replied sheepishly.

“Ok, well…obviously, it was a spur of the moment type of thing.”

“Yeah. It was.”

“And we both leaned in.”

“Right.”

“So, um…Luke?”

“Yeah?”

“Why did you kiss me?”

“What?” Luke cried. “I thought we just agreed we both kissed each other!”

“We did!” Lorelai responded, pacing the room. “I just want to know why you leaned in too.”

Luke sat on an upside down crate, and put his chin in his palm, sighing. “Why did you?”

“I asked you first.”

“Like you said,” he began, “it was just spur of the moment. You know, by accident.”

Lorelai’s face fell. “So you’re saying it was a mistake? That it didn’t mean anything?”

Luke saw the hurt in her eyes, and couldn’t understand why she was upset. “That’s not what I said,” he replied.

“Then what? Luke, tell me the truth.”

Luke sighed heavily, staring into Lorelai’s deep blue eyes. He loved her. He’d known it for a very long time. He couldn’t tell her; she’d freak. She’d run away and probably avoid him forever. He couldn’t take that chance. He couldn’t bear not seeing her ever again.

“Luke?” she asked softly, moving towards him.

Without a word, Luke grabbed Lorelai and drew him in against his body, kissing her with force. Lorelai threw her arms wildly around his neck, and kissed him harder, making them both dizzy. Her lips moved quickly around his, kissing everything in sight. Their desire and passion escalated more and more, and Lorelai wrapped her legs around his waist, almost making him fall over. He held onto a nearby table for support, as he walked with her to the couch by the door. Sitting down on it, Lorelai pushed him backwards, knocking him down with her on top of him. His hands slid up her arms, and to her neck, touching every part of her body on the way up. Moving his lips from hers, he began sucking and licking her neck.

“Oh god, Luke,” she moaned. Running her hands through his surprisingly soft hair, she slid her tongue out of her mouth, and onto his bottom lip, running it along it, driving Luke crazy. He opened his mouth, allowing her tongue entrance. Once it entered, their tongues dueled, creating an enormous amount of heat between them. Lorelai’s tongue slipped out of his mouth, and she slid her hands underneath his shirt, running them up his rock hard abs. Finally pulling apart, they both stared at each other, breathless.

“Whoa,” Lorelai spoke breathlessly. “Either you think I’m a really good kisser and you can’t get enough, or you’re trying to tell me something.”

“Both,” Luke responded, grinning.

“Ok, so what were you trying to tell me by that extremely…steamy kiss? I mean that was…whoa. That definitely would have fogged up the windows if we were in a car!”

Luke laughed. “I love you.”

“Huh…what?” asked Lorelai, obviously not completely sure of what she had just heard.

“I love you,” he repeated.

“You love me. As in, you love my wonderful personality.”

“I love you as in I want to be with you.”

Lorelai blinked a few times. “I’m sorry, can you expand on that?”

“Lorelai, I fell in love with you a long time ago. Too long ago to remember when. All I know is that I’m in love with you, Lorelai, and I can’t stop it.”

Lorelai began laughing nervously, fidgeting. “Well, um…that’s, um… that was quite a speech there…” she replied, beginning to get up from the couch.

“Lorelai,” Luke said.

“What? Look, Luke…I have to…I have to go now. You know, maid of honor stuff.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what, Luke?”

“Running away? I just told you I loved you, and you’re leaving? Like I told you my favorite color is blue?”

“It is?”

“Lorelai.”

“What do you want me to say, Luke? We’ve been friends for so many years now. I’ve grown closer to you than I have to anyone. Well, besides Rory and Sookie, obviously. And then, you come in here, and tell me you love me? How do you want me to react to that?”

“I’m sorry I bothered to tell you,” Luke responded, getting up. “I thought you would take in what I said, and think about it, instead of just running away. My mistake.”

“Luke,” Lorelai pleaded.

“I had to watch you be with Max, and get engaged to him. I watched you with Christopher. I had to watch you date other men, wishing that one day; you’d see me as someone besides just Luke.”

“And that’s my fault? You never said anything to me before, Luke! I can’t read minds!”

“You’re blind, Lorelai. Everyone in Stars Hollow knows I have “a thing” for you. I could never muster enough courage to ask you out, let alone tell you I love you. And now that I finally did, I regret it. Damnit, even Rachel knew! She told me to tell you, and I couldn’t. I just couldn’t do it. I’m sorry I fell in love with you, Lorelai.”

“Luke, please-“

“Just forget it, Lorelai,” Luke said, going for the door handle. “Tell Rory I said bye.”

“Luke!” cried Lorelai. “Please, don’t leave!” It was too late. He had already slammed the door shut, and Lorelai collapsed on the couch in tears.

About an hour later Toolshed

“Mom?” Rory asked, completely surprised.

“What are you doing here?” Lorelai lifted her head up, and Rory immediately ran to her side.

“Oh my god! You were crying! What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“What happened, Mom? Where’s Luke? I saw him go in here with you before.”

“He left.”

“What do you mean?”

“He left the wedding.”

“What?” gasped Rory.

“Why?”

“He told me he loved me, Rory,” Lorelai sobbed.

“Oh, Mom,” Rory said, embracing her. “What did you say?” she asked.

“I told him I didn’t know what to say. Rory, it was just such a shock…I didn’t know what to say or do.”

“Mom, it’s ok. Look, you were scared. You didn’t expect it. What happened next?”

“He told me he regretted telling me, and that he wishes he never fell in love with me,” Lorelai cried into Rory’s shoulder.

Rory ran a hand through her mom’s hair, and kissed her cheek.

“Do you love him?” Rory asked softly.

“I don’t know.”

“Mom, look at me.” Lorelai obliged.

“What three people can you never imagine your life without? Well, besides Grandma and Grandpa.”

“Of course you, Sookie, and…” Lorelai bit her lip.

“Mom?”

“Luke,” she spoke softly. “It’s Luke. Oh my god, Rory! Luke! I’m an idiot!”

“I know,” grinned Rory.

“How could I have not seen this? I mean, he loves me the way I am, he doesn’t care about what I wear, he puts up with me and everything that comes with me, he’s always there for me and you, he built me a chuppa…”

“He d Max,” laughed Rory.

“And when I kissed him…”

“Hold on. You kissed him?” shrieked Rory.

“Oh, did I forget to mention that?” grinned Lorelai.

“Yes, you forgot to mention that!” cried Rory. “When?”

“Today. Twice.”

“Ahh!”

“I know! And it was amazing.”

“Really?”

“Really. Like ten times better than Max’s kisses.”

“Ok, ew.”

“Sorry,” laughed Lorelai. “I love him, oh my god. I love Luke!”

“Go tell him!” laughed Rory.

“Right! That would be a good idea!” Lorelai smiled, running out of the shed.

“Mom!” called Rory.

“Good luck!”

“Thanks!”

Lorelai began running down the courtyard, but tripped on her shoes, landing on her butt. She took them off, and began sprinting with them in her hand, just as it began to rain. Poor Sookie, she thought, running faster. She ran past the inn, and down the street, oblivious to the stares she was getting. Finally reaching Luke’s, she was completely drenched from the rain. She didn’t care, though. The sign said closed, and Lorelai knocked on the door, yelling. “Luke!” she shouted. “Luke, please open the door!” When no one came, Lorelai began yelling even louder. She picked up a nearby stone, and threw it up at Luke’s window. After throwing three, he opened it, frustrated.

“What the hell?” he said, seeing Lorelai below.

“What are you doing? It’s pouring outside!”

“Luke, please open the door,” she implored.

“Fine. All you had to do was ask.” Lorelai groaned. He came down a few moments later, and opened the door. “You’re drench-“

Before he could finish, Lorelai cupped her hands around his face, and kissed him gently, as he wrapped his strong arms around her waist. Pulling back, she smiled. “Fate,” she said simply.

“I love you, too.” A wide grin spread out on Luke’s face, and he laughed.

“I’m sorry I said all that stuff. Falling in love with you was one of the better things in my life.” Lorelai smiled.

“I’m sorry, too. For yelling at you when you told me.”

“It’s ok. You’re drenched.”

“So are you,” she responded.

“And you know what the funny thing is?” asked Luke, pulling her in closer.

“What?” grinned Lorelai.

“I don’t care.”

Lorelai smiled, as Luke kissed her, the rain falling around them.