The Legend - A Gilmore Girls Fan Fiction

Epilogues - Chapter 1: Emily Gilmore

"Morocco was simply breathtaking, Rory, you must go sometime! Our next stop is Thessaloniki, and I can't wait to get there; Greece is supposed to be gorgeous this time of year! I'm especially looking forward to the Museum of the Byzantine – not to mention I've heard some rave reviews of the B. restaurant inside! I've heard it's to die for!" Emily said animatedly, her tone full of excitement and anticipation.

"I'm really excited for you, Grandma! So where are you now?" Rory asked.

"We're in Amsterdam now, but only on a layover before we pick up the second leg of our journey" Emily explained.

"That sounds like quite the trip! And you're sure you'll be back in time before –" Rory started; worry was evident in her voice.

"Of course, darling. We will only be in Greece for two weeks, so you have nothing to worry about. Besides, you couldn't keep me away – I'll be there with bells on!" she assured her granddaughter.

"They've just called our flight for boarding. Are you ready to hit the skies, Bright Eyes?"

"You bet, Ed. I'll be right there!" Emily confirmed. "Alright Rory dear. I'll call you the moment we land, and I'll be home to see you in plenty of time. So just relax and take care of yourself and in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy all of the beauty that Greece has to offer!" Emily said in a carefree, fun-loving tone; her excitement was evident all throughout her voice.

"Give my love to Ed, Grandma. And try to let him take care of you some while you're there. I think he likes it when you let him" Rory said with a laugh. "I'll see you soon, and have fun!"

Emily ended the call with a smile spread across her entire face. She couldn't remember a time when she had been this happy, other than times she had spent with Richard when they were young and free.

With a skip in her step, they walked up to their gate, talking along the way. "Oh, Ed, I can't wait for us to get to Greece! This trip may just be my favorite one yet!" she said, turning to face her friend.

"You say that before every trip, Sweetheart" he teased with a chuckle.

"And I'm always right!" she said, matter-of-factly.

He chuckled again with a nod. "That you are, my dear. I can't imagine anything topping our time in Morocco, but I also thought the same about our trip to Germany, and Fiji, and every one before that; and I'm sure our next endeavor to Tokyo will be even grander than Thessaloniki. Our adventures always do seem to get better and better; everything in life, really, when you're around. I really enjoy experiencing all of these places with the toughest ol' bird I've ever met" he said lovingly.

"Watch who you're calling old there, Ed. You are a half a year older than I am, after all" Emily said with a wink, their banter rivaling those a teenage couple might have.

"Believe me, Pussycat, no one could accuse you of harboring anything but youth. I swear you must've gotten your second wind in life – it's like you're aging backwards!" he said.

"It's true! I can't remember the last time I felt so young and free, Ed! It's invigorating!" she said with a smile.

Emily had grown tired of Jack Smith's advances, and she made it very clear that she had no interest in becoming wife number five. She had made a promise to herself that she would never remarry – that her heart would always belong both to Richard, and to her newfound freedom. She couldn't help but notice, though, that she was gradually becoming more and more fond of her charming friend Ed than she had been with her newfound solitude. She was completely blindsided by the blessing given to them from Lorelai and Rory, even though would never actually consider progressing to a romantic relationship; at least not without a sign of support from her beloved late husband. Ed actually brought quite a lot of comfort to Emily, as he reminded her a great deal of Richard; they shared many of the same qualities and interests. Of course, he could never take Richard's place in her heart, but she was ultimately grateful for Ed's presence in her life.

Edwin Berrmann has been a well-known car enthusiast since his childhood days, and what started as a mere fascination, soon grew into a lifestyle. When Ed was in his early twenties, he and his father founded Berrmann Automotive which, at the time, was a mechanic and body shop that serviced all cars. After his father's untimely death, however, Ed decided to reimagine the legacy as Berrmann Classics, which specialized in the restoration and maintenance specifically of classic cars, causing a rise in his popularity. Berrmann Classics quickly became one of the most prestigious and reputable classic car restoration empires in all of America, and is still operating today, under the direction of Ed's three children, along with labor from eight of his grandchildren, allowing Ed the opportunity and monetary freedom to pursue his thirst for travel and adventure with Emily. Much like Emily, Ed had been married once before to the love of his life, but his wife of fifty three years had passed away of bone cancer; that tragedy brought the pair closer together, seeing as how he was one of the few men who understood her pain of losing Richard.

** ** **

Emily woke with a start, her heart pounding, she was breathless, and she brought her hand to her chest to catch her breath. "Everything okay, Dollface?" Ed asked, switching on the lamp between them from his own queen-sized bed.

"Ye – yes, Edward. I'm fine. It was just a dream; a vividly lucid dream" she said, lying herself back down.

"Goodnight, Emily" he said, and she could have sworn that his voice sounded just like Richard's.

She laid there in silence, remembering the chilling, yet comforting words her late husband had spoken to her just moments before. "I know you love me, Emily, and I will never question your love for me. You deserve to be happy, though, and I know that Ed could make sure of that for me. It makes me proud to know that you've still got impeccable taste and your high standards. I don't believe I could have hand-picked anyone better suited for you than Ed Berrmann. I will see you again, my dear Emily, but in the meantime, live your life with Ed, and try to let him into your heart. I love you."

Suddenly she could smell the scent of Richard's favorite cigar. "Ed, can you smell that?" she asked, but there was no answer. He must have already fallen asleep. She soon drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face, comforted by the visit from Richard. She knew he was with her.

** ** **

Ed took Emily dancing that night, and she was light on her feet, twirling and swaying to the music. "What's gotten into you tonight, you little Firecracker? I've never seen you look quite so footloose and fancy free – I've got to say, it looks good on you" he said with a wink.

"I feel good. I haven't felt like this in years" she said with a big smile.

He twirled her around some more and then took her in his arms and kissed her. She kissed him back as he dipped her gently.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Emily Gilmore" he murmured as he pulled away.

"Is that your idea of a proposal?" she asked with a laugh.

"No, but this is" he said, pulling out a box and showing her a beautiful ring. "What do you say, Babe? Will you marry me?"