The long road home

Chapter 5: Think about it

Luke crossed the room and enveloped Rory in a long hug when she walked back in the room before he walked her back to the table. 

"Look, Rory, breakfast is ready, but can we talk for a minute first?"

"Sure.  Look, Luke.  I'm sorry that you found out like that.  I just couldn't keep it in anymore, and it hurts too badly to go into details," Rory quietly answered.

"There's no need to apologize, Rory.  I know that has to be difficult for you.  Your mom filled in all of the missing information for me.  I just want you to know that we're here, Rory.  Your mom and I are in your corner."

Rory wiped a tear as she answered with a soft "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, Rory.  I won't interfere with your life, but I think you need to tell Logan.  Anna took that choice away from me with April, and having experienced that hurt and shock, I can't go without saying my peace.  He deserves the right to know his child, Rory, to make that decision for himself."

Rory started to turn away, but Luke continued, "I just have to tell you that, Rory.  Now that it's out of the way, I won't mention it again.  But please, think about it."

Rory finally met Luke's eyes.  "I promise that I will think about it, Luke."

"Good," Luke answered.  "Now, your mom and I had an idea.  Obviously, you're going to want a little more privacy, and we would like to have you close to us.  We thought you might like the apartment above the diner.  It's furnished, and it's all yours if you'd like it.  Maybe it would give you some sense of normalcy, even if only as a place to retreat when you want to be alone."

Now it was Rory's turn to be speechless.  She looked at her mom and Luke for quite some time before she spoke.  "Are you sure?  I mean, that's your place, Luke."

Luke chuckled before he answered.  "I haven't spent a night there in ten years, Rory, so yes, I'm sure."

"Well then," she said happier than she had been in days, "I say let's eat some breakfast."