The Aftermath - A Gilmore Girls Revival Fan Fiction

Chapter 3

It was time for my toast at the reception. I had my speech written down on a piece of paper in my hand.

I stood up at my place setting and I turned to my mom, my best friend, the true love of my life and her new husband, who was in my opinion, the luckiest guy in the world.

"Let me just start out by saying - it's about damn time, guys!" I began, and the crowd laughed.

"You guys are amazing apart, and you're even more amazing together. Luke, you have made my mom happier than I have ever seen her before, and I've seen her after a 6 cup of coffee day! (Laughter) Mom, you've had a lot - and I do mean a LOT - of obstacles that you've had to overcome to get here, and so many curve balls that tried to derail you, but couldn't. You are my rock. No matter what happens in my life, you're always there when I need you. And Luke, it's not easy putting up with a binge -eating, impulsive, coffeeaholic who talks faster than the speed of light and is so quick-witted she makes your head spin - but you're her perfect balance. You compliment each other in ways the other falls short. I've never seen two people better suited for one another, and I'm so grateful that I get to be so close to such a love as yours. Never before has my mom ever been taken care of quite so well or had such an equal as a partner. Just - congratulations, mom and Luke. I love you both, may you never run out of coffee, and I hope Im lucky enough to find love with someone who's even half the man as you are, Luke. And someone who will love me as unconditionally as you love my mom!" I said. There were some collective "awws " throughout the crowd. My mom hugged me tight as soon as I sat down. "Thank you. It was perfect. Thank you" she whispered. I nodded and smiled, wiping a tear away.

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"Impressive speech. Very well written" Jess congratulated.

"Thanks" I said with a weak smile.

"So you're still really not going to tell me what's going on in there, huh?" He asked, motioning towards my head, and handing me a glass of champagne.

"It's nothing, really. I'm just very emotional today" I assured him. And, technically, I didn't have to lie. I set the glass on the table without taking a drink.

"Well, in that case, have a drink or ten. Might just help calm those nerves of yours" he said, scooting the glass closer to me.

"I - I can't. I've already switched to water for the night" I said - immediately realizing he'd see right through that lie a mile away.

"Water!? Now I KNOW something's up. In all the years I've known you, you have never once drank water, and you'd definitely never do it voluntarily..." he pointed out. His gears started turning, trying to figure out the pieces to the puzzle. "Wait a minute," he realized. "There's been a lot of things different about you tonight" he pointed out.

This was it. If he hadn't already figured it out by now, he was extremely close.

"Rory! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Lane exclaimed, walking over to us. Jess nodded to her in acknowledgment, and then walked away.

"Everything okay? You looked like you could use some rescuing" she said. I smiled at my best friend.

"Yeah, I'm okay. He's really close to figuring it all out is all" I said.

"You don't have to tell him. You don't owe him anything, you know" she pointed out.

I nodded. "I know I don't. But we're friends. And I think he's genuinely just trying to be helpful" I said. "But I don't want to tell anyone else until I'm able to talk to Logan. It's not fair to him to be the last one to know" I said.

"Well he wouldn't have to be if you'd just call him already" she said.

"I know, but that's just not something you say to the father of your child over the phone. I mean, besides, you know my reasoning for not telling him before he gets married" I reminded.

She nodded. "Yes, your warped logic is somehow not lost on me" she teased.