How did we get here - A Gilmore Girls fan fiction

Chapter 22 (Dedicated to Edward Hermann)

It's early morning of Christmas Eve. Rory wakes up to drink some tea and explore her grandma's house.

This house has a different vibe than the old house. The house in Nantucket just doesn't feel like a Gilmore house. Probably because her grandfather isn't here.

Rory wanders around the quiet house looking for any sign her grandfather is there. She stops at the foyer where her grandfather's picture hangs.

"He would have been proud of you, Rory. Proud of the woman you are becoming."

Rory turns around to see her grandmother behind her. "Grandma."

"I am honestly sorry for what I said yesterday. I was just so hurt that I was kept out of the loop so long. I shouldn't have told you he would be disappointed."

"I am honestly sorry that I didn't call you sooner, grandma."

"It's ok, Rory. I am happy now that there will be a fourth generation of Gilmore in this world."

They both turn to look at Richard's picture.

"What are you two doing this early in the morning? It's so early it's late." Lorelai comes down the stairs, sounding sleepy.

"Just thinking," Rory answers.

Lorelai joins Emily and Rory in front of the picture.

"I miss you, dad. I wish you were at the wedding. I didn't have anyone to dance with at the father/ daughter dance. But I carried your glasses in the bouquet. I hope you know we all miss you." Lorelai says in reverence.

"Grandpa, you were the best man. A great teacher, friend, protector and family man. I never felt unsafe with you around because I knew if I fall you will catch me. Now that you're gone, I hope I have learned enough from you to catch myself when I fall." Rory reaches over, puts a hand to her lips and kisses her grandfather's cheeks.

"Richard, you broke your promise to me. You said I would go first. I have been your wife for 50 years. I don't know how to be without you. It hurts to breathe. It hurts to wake up without you. But I have our girls and now our great grandchild. I will be fine Richard. I love you. Forever." Emily kisses Richards picture.

All three women stand back with tears in their eyes, holding hands, reminiscing the past, hoping for the future.

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Author's note:

This is a very short chapter. But a chapter I felt was necessary.

Edward Hermann (the actor who portrayed Richard Gilmore) passed away December 31, 2014. A Year in the Life did a wonderful tribute to him. I felt it necessary to do the same in my fan fiction.