How did we get here - A Gilmore Girls fan fiction

Chapter 2

"Paul Anka looks good in his bow tie, mom."

"Well, of course he does. Luke gave him a bath yesterday. We can't have our ring bearer looking and smelling like he rolled in mud."

Sun is shining. It's a nice cool fall day. Guess that global warming is still in full effect. Rory and Lorelai choose to take advantage of the nice weather to walk to the ceremony. The whole town is quiet. All of the businesses are closed. All of the town patrons are at the town square to celebrate the union of the diner and inn owner.

Gone were the days of blue and pink ribbons. Or the embarrassing town meetings to discuss the financial repercussions if Luke and Lorelai were to break up. Now it's the day to celebrate a union almost 20 years in the making.

One person is missing today. And it was Richard Gilmore. On a day that fathers get to walk their daughter down the aisle, his presence is most missed by his daughter and granddaughter. In honor of her father, hidden in the bouquet of lilies, are Richard's reading glasses. So symbolically, Lorelai is walking down the aisle hand in hand with her father.

When they get to the door that said enter here, Rory grabbed Paul Anka's leash, kisses her mom on the cheek and opens the door. It is a cue to the musicians to start playing "Reflecting light", the song with so much significance to both Luke and Lorelai. It is Luke's surprise to his beautiful bride.

As Rory walks down the aisle, she sees the faces of people she loved and helped her and raised her. Overwhelmed by the emotions (and probably pregnancy hormones) tears starts falling down her cheeks. She looks to the end of the aisle and saw the smile and loving gaze of the man who less than 12 hours ago became her stepfather, but for 20 years has been a father figure. Today just makes it official.

Standing next to him, looking very James Bond-esque in his tux, was Luke's nephew. It has been years since having that conversation with Jess outside of her house when discussing senior prom and wearing a tux. Having to twist his arm in the process.

But today stands a man. No longer the bad boy that created havoc through town. Who won her heart with his love of books, music and pop culture.

Instead he is a man that Rory knew he would become. An author. A co-owner of a small publishing house. A great man who has his life together. A man her mom was proud of. A man she was proud of.

Jess watches at Rory walking down the aisle and it took his breath away. Yesterday, he told Luke that he's long over Rory. And he really thought he was. But maybe it's being back in this town or the fact that they're at a wedding but those old feelings from years ago come creeping back up. Rory was always the girl that got away. Jess never thought he was good enough. So his goal was always be better.

Jess knew Rory better than sometimes she even knew herself. Today Jess knew something is wrong. Rory has a beautiful smile struggling to control Paul Anka. But call it instinct, sixth sense or whatever, but Jess just knew that something has changed. The woman who just the day before was squealing in delight that her first three chapters are done isn't there anymore.

"Brace yourself, Jess. Something happened. Something big. Just be there for her no matter what."