The Scarecrow

Chapter 1

It had been just over four months since Logan and the guys said their final goodbyes to Rory in New Hampshire. She knew if she only said goodbye to Logan, the guys' presence in her life would be a constant reminder of the guy she just couldn't quit. Up until about twelve weeks ago, she thought she had been able to finally quit him. She called him to let him know about the lifelong reminder she was carrying. He wanted to meet up.

Two weeks later, they met in Hartford. Logan offered financial support, as well as a home for them. Rory resisted but decided it would be for the best for the baby. He offered to be around as much as he could once the baby was born. She had secretly hoped he would leave Odette for her, but it was too late as they were already married. She certainly couldn't tell him what to do before, and the story was no different now.

It's for the best, she thought. She could get on with her life, focus on her career and the baby. After she moved into her new home in Hartford, she started doing some freelance work for the Courant. It gave her some independent cash flow and helped her gain some traction for her faltering journalism career. She also spent a lot of time writing her book. It was a little lonely, but she really threw herself into her work with very few distractions.

Rory's life was pretty boring until a blast from the past came back into her life. She had been working so much, she'd nearly forgotten about the guys she'd also said goodbye to. She couldn't believe that in four short months, she had hardly given Colin, Finn, and Robert a thought. Logan's reminder made him a little harder to forget. Every time she craved some coffee or a drink, she remembered why she couldn't have any of that. She read the text on her phone from Finn.

Finn: Rory, I know we all said goodbye in New Hampshire, but I've been very concerned about you. I wanted to make sure you are doing ok.

Rory: Finn, you were always so sweet. I'm doing fine. I'm living in Hartford and freelancing for the Courant.

Finn: Hartford, ya say? I've been working out of the office here, Love!

Rory: Really, Finn? I thought you were in NYC....

Finn: I was, but duty called me back to Hartford. Since you live here now, let me take you out to dinner.

Rory: You don't have to do that, Finn.

Finn: If I know anything about you, Gilmore, it's that you don't turn down food.

Rory: You know me too well. When and where?

Finn: How about tonight? I'll pick you up at 6.

Rory: Are you sure?

Finn: Yes. Text me the address and I'll see you later, Love.

Finn had been thinking about Rory a lot lately. He missed her and wanted to see how she was doing. Logan had been a fool to let her go, but he couldn't talk any sense into his old friend. Despite the fact she'd seen him in more embarrassing situations than any girl he knew, she still liked him. They had a great friendship, and he couldn't throw it away for Logan. It's not as if Logan had much time for him anyway. Since he married Odette, Logan's barely contacted any of the guys. Finn hoped that remaining friends with Rory wouldn't be a hurtful reminder of love lost. She would tell me if it was too hard, he thought

Rory had no idea why she'd said yes to Finn. He was a great friend, but would it be too painful of a reminder? Would he just make me think about Logan more than I already did? She wondered. Something told her she couldn't say no to Finn. She texted him her address and decided to start getting ready for dinner. Sure, it was two hours away, but she could really use a nice long shower.

At 6, Rory's doorbell rang. She went to answer it, expecting Finn. She opened the door, and his jaw dropped. She figured Logan had told him about the baby, but she could see that he had no idea.

"Come on in, Finn," Rory said.

"I'm sorry, Love, I didn't mean to be so rude," Finn replied.

"It's ok. I apologize for not telling you, but I didn't think it was something you do through a text message."

"I had no idea, Darling, but you look beautiful. Simply radiant!" he replied.

Rory blushed. She wasn't used to anyone complimenting her. "Thanks, Finn, you are too sweet!"

"So...." he paused, dancing around the obvious question. He had a feeling he knew but wanted confirmation.

"Logan knows, and he's going to help financially. He'll be involved as much as he can on the down low. It was his choice to be involved. As difficult as it was, I couldn't not tell him," she explained.

"How are you handling it?" Finn asked.

"Ok, I guess, but a little scared, to be honest," she replied.

"If you ever need anything, I'm always here for you, Love! And Uncle Finn will always be here for the baby."

"I really appreciate that! It's scary doing this alone," she confessed.

"Rory, I will do everything in my power to make sure you are taken care of," Finn offered.

"You really don't have to do that, but it's nice to know I'll have a good friend close by," she replied, smiling.

Then she kissed him on the cheek. Finn blushed. She'd never seen him blush before.

"I'm at your service, Love," he replied with a little bow. "Your chariot awaits."

The two friends enjoyed a wonderful meal. Their food was delicious, and conversation didn't lag. They talked and laughed, just like old times. It wasn't as awkward as Rory had anticipated, nor did it seem painful for Rory like Finn thought it might be. The night was still young when they arrived back at Rory's house.

"I don't have to go home yet if you'd like to hang out longer," Finn suggested.

"Wouldn't you rather be out trying to find some beautiful ladies?"

"No, I'm ok hanging out with you. I don't want you to be lonely," he replied.

"I'm not lonely," she lied a little to Finn. "I appreciate the gesture, but I don't have any alcoholic beverages here."

"I always carry my own, Love! I thought you knew me better than that," he replied with a wink.

"Don't let my condition stop you," Rory said, smiling.

"Well, maybe just one....." he said, pouring himself some scotch.

"What do you want to watch?"

"Surprise me," Finn replied.

They sat on the couch and began watching Pulp Fiction. Rory knew he loved the movie, and it was a Tarantino classic. She grabbed a pillow, put it on his lap and laid down. She pulled a blanket over herself. It was so nice to have someone to spend some time with, she thought. She'd spent far too many nights alone with her work.

Before the movie was half over, Rory was asleep. Finn found himself stroking her hair lightly. What the hell am I doing? He thought. It had been far too long since he'd had a night like this. It was light, fun, and comfortable. He didn't have to put on a façade to impress someone else. He could just be himself. Good or bad, it didn't matter to her.

When the movie was over, Finn maneuvered himself off the couch without waking Rory. He did some quick recon to figure out where her room was located. He couldn't leave her on the couch. He gently picked her up and brought her to bed. Finn laid her down and tucked her in. He gave her a little kiss on the forehead and let himself out.