Finding Rory

Chapter 49: Green-Eyed Monster

Tristan awoke Saturday morning to find Rory curled into a ball and rubbing her stomach.

"Hey, baby. Cramps?" he asked tiredly.

"Yeah. God, this sucks," Rory complained.

"You need to take some Midol and take a hot bath, hopefully that will help. I'll send Jess a text and see if he wants to take the dogs for a run with me," Tristan replied.

He got up from the bed and brought Rory two Midol and a glass of water. He then picked up his phone and sent a text off to Jess before moving to the bathroom to start a bath for Rory. He returned to the bedroom a few minutes later and helped her into the bathroom. She stripped down and he helped her into the tub.

"I love you, Mare. I'll be back shortly. You relax, I'll have my phone in case you need anything," Tristan said. He kissed her tenderly and then clipped the dogs' leashes on. He walked downstairs into the lobby to find Jess already there waiting on him. He handed one leash to Jess and they took off at a jog.

"Thanks for taking the dogs for a run with me, man. Rory wasn't feeling too well this morning, so I gave her some Midol and put her in the bathtub. Hopefully that will help," Tristan said.

"Ah, say no more. Living with Rebecca has taught me more than I realized there was to know about all things womanly," Jess chuckled.

"Tell me about it. I still get surprised to turn around and find tampons in my bathroom," Tristan admitted.

"I've gotten used to that by now. Hell, I'll even buy them for her in a pinch," Jess said with a laugh. "How was Rory last night? I know she was still upset when we left them to go to the bar."

"She was okay. I asked her about the bracelet and she explained the meaning behind the charms to me. They all represented different moments from their relationship, apparently."

"The asshole needs to leave her alone," Jess growled. "No offense - I know he's your cousin - but I've never liked him."

"None taken. I can't believe I used to be like him; I'm glad military school straightened me out. I definitely agree that he needs to leave her alone. I would feel that way even if she wasn't my girlfriend," Tristan agreed.

"So you're really going to propose?" Jess asked.

"Yeah, I really am. I didn't tell Luke or Lorelai everything from the conversation with my sister. Rory actually told Abby that she wanted to start a family, too."

"Huh. That's serious," Jess mused. "You ready to be a dad?"

"If you'd asked me six months ago I would have said hell no, but with Rory? Yeah, I really am. I'd like a couple of kids, so I figure it's probably time to get started. We're not getting any younger," Tristan said with a laugh.

"Well, I'm happy for you guys. She hasn't had the best of luck with guys, myself included, but she's really happy with you."

"Thanks, man. That really means a lot," replied Tristan.

They finished their short one-mile run in silence, both lost in their thoughts, and then stopped by Luke's. Tristan ran in to grab coffees for the girls while Jess stayed outside with the dogs.

"Hey, are you coming in for coffees?" Luke asked as he saw Tristan walk in the door.

"Yeah, four please. Jess and I thought we'd take them back for the girls."

"Coming right up. Hey, I was thinking about something. You can feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but I thought if it was okay with you I would send the bracelet back to London. I'll include a note that there's no forwarding address, and hopefully he'll get the hint," Luke offered.