Finding Rory

Chapter 32: The Boxes

Tristan and Rory walked back into the pool house a few hours later, both exhausted from all of their shopping. They unloaded the groceries and household items Rory had bought and brought them into the house and threw the new sheets in the washer so they'd be ready to use. They worked together to put away the groceries, and when they were finished Rory plopped down on the couch and exhaled.

"Moving is exhausting," she declared.

"Hey, Jess and I did all the heavy lifting," Tristan chuckled. She looked so cute sitting there all sprawled out on the couch.

"And I'm grateful, but do you realize I will do this all again when I find a place in New Haven."

Tristan took a deep breath and broach the topic he'd been considering since their dinner with Emily. He walked over and sat down next to her on the couch, and she curled up against him.

"About that... what would you say about waiting to buy a house?" Tristan asked.

Rory looked up at him, trying to figure out what he meant..

" Is there a reason I should wait to buy a house?" she asked. "I mean, I'm not dying to be a homeowner, but the shorter commute would be nice."

Tristan cleared his throat and continued. "I figured it would be more of a long-term plan. You could lease an apartment in New Haven, and when your lease is up we could talk about moving in together? It makes more sense to wait and buy a house together - our taste, our money, our choices. We could even build something if you'd prefer," Tristan answered. He hoped that bringing up this topic didn't start a disagreement.

Rory turned and looked at him.

"Are... are you sure about that, Tris? It's a big step. I mean, I understand we will not move in together today or anything, but still, that's..." Rory trailed off.

"That's planning for the future I want with the woman I love," he finished. "There's no pressure, Mare and if your lease is up and we decide we're still not ready, you can sign a new lease. I feel it would be worth considering"

Rory sat back on the couch, lost in her own thoughts. She worked through a mental pro/con list. She and Tristan stayed together most nights, and she loved spending evenings and nights with him. They got along well when she stayed over. She loved him, there was no question about that. And she could see them taking vows and getting married someday. The only real con was Lorelai's preconceived notions and attitude about Tristan, but she wasn't willing to let her mom mess this up for her.

"Okay," she whispered. Tristan looked at her in surprise.

"Okay?" he asked.

"Okay, I'll find an apartment to lease until we're ready to find a place together," she confirmed.

Tristan's whole face lit up, and he pulled her into his lap. He feathered kisses along her jaw and neck before meeting her lips in a passionate kiss. They were both wrapped up in each other when there was a sudden knock at the door.

"Damn mattress delivery guys," Tristan groaned as Rory stood up.

Rory looked at him and giggled at the obvious state he was in. He looked like he was ready to drag her off into a corner and have his way with her.

"You go cool off so you don't embarrass yourself and I'll get the door. We can break in that new mattress later tonight," she said as she winked at him and walked toward the door.

Tristan pulled himself up off the couch and sighed. He excused himself to the restroom for a minute to get his body under control and walked back in as the delivery guys were moving the old mattress out of the bedroom. Tristan looked at the mattress and turned to Rory.