Aww Mack in the bath. Taking her time.

And there's really truly a baby inside her, growing, living, breathing, heart beating. Her back hurts so much.

A kick.

Her eyes fill with tears because she already loves her daughter so damn much. And she's so active in the bath. Cute.

She's held off on telling anyone. That's gorgeous.

And she would have kids eventually, of course, but they've never been part of her plans. Not like this. Not like Katie or Lana.

She *is* a mother. Already.

Aww. How it wasn't supposed to happen until she was married and working. Best laid plans...

And haha, Melinda and Katie just coming right in, and 'what' doesn't mean come in and you only know that if you've lived with big families. Yep. That's always fun.

And Melinda is helping Katie get up and that's so cute. How's her grandbaby doing :) She. I love how she told Mel like that, so that Mel could take it just as being sweet and not actually announcing the sex.

Aww. Red shorts and a tank. Cute. Super cute Mack ready for the police. Damn.

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG it's LeTrai already. So dead right now. Scott and Ned are responding to a call. That's so cool.

And here we are. People yelling.

Preston and Alyssa. Lorelai. Ned is a calming influence; I love how much he's grown since LiaM. Sweet.

And Alyssa doesn't want the hit on the report. They've got too much on their plates already. And ummm. Umm. Alyssa, it's not Mack's fault. It's Preston's. And she didn't even realize then, quite, that she was shifting blame.

Oh my goodness, Lorelai is asking questions. I feel so sad in that moment. To envision her like that, so hurt by everything that's happened. To know what she will eventually say to Mack, to know that she blames Mack. I can't believe her.

but Lorelai is hurting too and was also hurt by preston so it's basically all his fault. okay i can deal with that version.

Damn it. And they're back at the station and ned has lunch plans and Scott sees a golden bun out of the corner of his eye.

That's hot. Scott is just planning to do paperwork and now he knows what Ked is up to and is slightly disgusted, lol.

And he should go get the report but Mack is just too damn distracting.

And that conversation that the lawyer is having with her. Pressing the good girl aspect, not being a party girl and I get that but damn it, that's not how it should have to be you know? i hate that that's how rape investigations go, that you have to defend yourself, like saying NO wasn't enough.

bc even if she was abig party person why does a big party person 'deserve' that? it's so sad.

She didn't drink or party or whatever and yet some fb pictures of her actually having fun could break their ccase. I'm so disgusted by the truth of this cene. That doesn't make sense to me at all.

Don't be a jerk, Chase, if you're asked. Just be nice. Don't be a jerk. Please.

Oh god.

Scott found the video.

And she looks up and sees his silhouette in that moment. omg, such a weighted moment.

And she's going to watch it. And you switched back to Scott. And my heart hurts so much for both of them right now.

Big cases don't happen much in Grandview.

Damn it. A professor raped a student and she was a Clancy. And everyone knows the Clancys.

Influential I feel is the wrong word, but maybe it's the right word. Like they've never tried to be, never ran for town council or whatever, but they *are* because of how much love they're poured into the town over the years, all that Melinda has done and Jim has probably treated everyone.

Poor Mack. She's just done, I'm glad her lawyer let her go. And straight into Scott's arms, hugged tightly, and oh god, I need a hug like that. i want a hug like that sooooooooo muchhhhhhhhhh.

And it is so damn stupid and the system sucks.

And Mack just wants to run away and Mack is confessing something...that she wants to be that girl for Scott...but can't.

And daugther. She's having a girl. That's so sweet. I love that she told him first.

She wants her name to mean something.

And Scott immediately knows. Freya. It was his mom's name. And it's clean and doesn't hurt anymore to mention her, say that she died when he was four. And he remembers her name from his grandmother. Gorgeously done. You really improved that line.

Scott's offering to walk with her :) Cute. But it's not open so he's walking her to the hospital instead. That's cute too.

Ignoring Preston.

Mack is letting her hair down and omgggg that must be such a pretty sight.

(btw how dare preston use josh's first name again i'm so angry and i hate him so much no one is allwoed to call letrai josh and i hate preston so damn much)

"Your hair looks better down."

Meh. It looks nice down but not better. I love girls with their hair up. Buns are legit my weakness. I can seriously live without flowing hair, like I like the connotations of letting your hair down, but not the actual doing it necessarily? like Mel should have worn more ponytails but whatever.

And sigh. She's asking him to come over soon. Sweet.

And Jim. Is asking him for help. And oh my, my heart stopped.

And IIIIIII still wish he'd talked less about Mack but I also realize that that's their common thread I just also wish that it didn't end with Jim quite making that invitation but he would but ugh but I want a more cautious Jim but maybe that isn't the Jim Clancy you write so I have to suck it up.

Jim so cute.

I love these images. Scott is bored, but not just bored; frustrated because they can't find a way to nail Preston. Because no judge or jury will believe one person's word against the other. (Though TBF, that's a good thing, because otherwise it would literally be Preston against Mack and that's not how to find the truth of something.)

And Scott is just trying to figure out how to aim his pencil at Lucas's head. I love that. I have a feeling that, years later, Lucas is still unlucky in love. Scott just fine tuning his aim throughout his thoughts on Preston. That's hilarious.

And Preston's skeevy words. How it was all Mackenzie's fault. How he'd always seen her as a daughter. Um, yeah. No. And Josh, he called LeTrai Josh and you KNOW how much that gave me a heart attack, and that line about Josh's wife, with Preston trying to equate assault to what a man feels for his wife...not happenin', bro. But holy hell, what an image that was, of LeTrai so intent on his wife...

Yeah. Joshlice is happening. So going to happen. Gahhhhh, I love it so much just from the immediate head canon.

And the peek into Scott's past; why he'll never let himself use violence as the only answer (though maybe at times it helps. Unless you're kicking someone for no good reason.) (But defense? Yeah. Hell yes. No jury or judge would even find you guilty if you were violent in self defense or defense of family.) (Or your pregnant fiance.)

Asher being the cutest wingman on earth, again and again, because he's a genius and Katie is, unfailingly, a matchmaker and Ash can't keep his mouth shut.

The whole complications that Chase brings to the matter, and how much Scott does *not* need Chase hurting her even more, how much he just wants Mack to have peace and love but Chase can't give that to her. Not anymore.

And ooh, what's the story with Scott punching someone on Meech's behalf? How intriguing. Hoping that you added that in because you're going to write it :P

And Katie and Aaron are closer now. I love that. Because they were so close as kids and then just weren't so it's so great to see them close again.

And back to the pencil tricks with Lucas. And how Ned has been out for three months and maybe Scott and Ned are both missing working together. That was so cute. I love how entangled the Banks and O'Neills and Clancys families and friends are. How they all become the same thing. That sounds wrong but I love how it all overlaps.

And Scott reflecting on how glad he is that nothing changed for Ked's fam in the aftermath of the accident. Me too. Me too.

And him going in to see LeTrai first thing because he has to see Mack and he has to see her now, and he'll make it up to LeTrai, he promises.

And oh god, who else calls LeTrai Josh? It has to be a short list. Just has to. Preston did because he's a creep and trying to get in good with him, but who else would? I feel like none of the Banks/O'Neills/Clancys would because he's Ned's boss so Ned would just refer to him as LeTrai and they'd follow his lead because...that's how they'd know him.

But oooooh, would Jimel call him Josh? I don't think so. They aren't close enough. I just want Alice calling him Josh for the first time to really mean something.

And aw, Lana opens the door and steers him upstairs; Melinda urges him inside.

He gets a pillow thrown at him. Aww. I know how Mack feels.

And Scott can't help but notice the parts of her that pregnancy has only enhanced. And he doesn't want to be that guy but how do you not look? It's Jimel's kid, lol. No one could help it, but Scott at least returns his eyes to hers again, and doesn't get distracted.

Scott determining to not look away first. How he's going to just smile it out of her.

How is she.

And Mack is brutally honest.

And then she just asks him...tells him...and of course he wants to.

Human touch. One of the most important things in the world. It lowers stress, and infection. Teammates who high five are more likely to win than those who don't. Babies need touch to *live*.

And she's truly pregnant, showing him her bump, and I love that image, truly do. How gorgeous she'd be, how the awe of it isn't lost on her, no matter whose child it is.

And she pulls her shirt up, and he just can't help but reach out and spread his hand over her stomach, feeling the baby...feeling Mack. And how incredibly erotic it is to be this close to her, where most other men wouldn't bother. Agghhhhghghgh, I love it.

The kicks being what gets her through. Gorgeous.

And she has a clue for him, points him where to go next. Beautiful. They're going to do this together.

And he wakes up to find that she's in the shower.

And I cheered, not just because Scott is instantly hard as a rock just to think about her *there* but because showering is one step closer to feeling human, to taking control again.

And something just tells him to wait one more moment and then there Mack is, and at *least* she put a robe on because oh, no one could survive seeing her in a towel, just the wonder of her.

And he manages to kiss her cheek. Love that. And left his shirt behind, which Mack immediately finds and puts on. Glorious.

Dinner was so cute, the first time that Mack has been up all day, and Jim just kisses her head, carrying dinner to the table.

And it's a perfect family scene and suddenly my arm is cramping so oops, there goes my review.

Except for Mel and her and Lana's reflections about the shirt.

Okay. Really done now. Ouch.

So they're all waiting. The girls are still in surgery. Ned is mostly okay.

Oh gosh. Melinda can't even sit still while she waits for news. I know how it turns out but this is still so tense.

And there's Scott. Dependable Scott. She's going to him because even if Aaron is there, he's got hiw own worries and responsibilities with Michele.

And oh gosh. Poor stupid Chase. Aaron knowing him and greeting him. That was a good moment. Aaron taking charge of the moment.

And Melinda hears that news about Katie is coming and she runs right in, immediately tuned in to what he's saying.

And Scott can't even function after he hears about Ned and Katie's latest loss. Because they've been hurt before. And he hates that. The rest of the news. Everyone goes home.

Or so they thought. Scott is there, waiting on news. Silently judging Chase because he fights with Mack about washing the dishes. (That's terrible, lol. Hoping I myself grow out of that when I move out. But then again, fighting with your siblings about it isn't the same as fighting with your significant other. And if you really don't want to wash the dishes, just leave them in the sink and wash them the next morning. NBD.)

Scott still being Mel's pillar while Jim is with Emma. That's sweet. Eating jello and watching Star Wars.

And Melinda knows what he's waiting for and she'd do that for him. How nice of her. I like that he talked to Ked first. That they haven't been told yet and that's killing him.

And Scott sees Kenz for the first time in forever and she's all battered and bruised. He almost can't believe it's still her. Doesn't want to believe that she's gotten this thin. Her hair in a thick braid done by Melinda. How sweet.

And more reflections on Chase and how Scott could never be that couple with Mackenzie. How they should/could have been. How it'll never be so and they're pregnant now and Scott's heart is aching.

Chase returning. Melinda playing mediator and walking Scott to his car. Aw. Scott having to fill out paperwork for taking the car, oh brother.

And Mack is reading her chart.

Oh gosh. Reflecting that she wants to have what Ked and Jimel have. You will, darling. Someday. After the darkest hour, there'll be light and you'll appreciate it even more.

Wow, that's sappy.

Mack getting her results. Just as heart rending as it always is. And poor, poor Katie. That lovely moment with Jim, that heartbreak. Katie counseling Mack, of course. That was, still, a good moment.

Mackenzie telling Scott that *he* was the one who looked terrible. LOL, that's so her.

And she's pregnant and tells him first and tells him that she was raped and it isn't Chase's and how does she tell people that? And it would have been heartbreaking if he was just one of the guys listening to her give her report but this was just as bittersweet, him being the second person she tells all too. And I feel like Scott would have been so good in that moment but Chase comes in and ruins it all.

And poor Chase. Trying to be sympathetic here. Because it is a mind trip. He doesn't know it isn't his. He doesn't know why she isn't happy. And then he thinks she cheated on him. And I can't believe that he still believed that after she told him she was raped.

And Scott profiling him as he shoves him out the door.

It was...odd to see his temper erupt like that. Not what I'd expect from Scott, more from Ned or Jim, but I guess Chase just hit Scott's tender part and he erupted.

I love Scott. Just instant appreciation, lol. From his view of parties (hell yes, they're unnecessary and there are better ways to get together with people) and Ned hates wearing ties and Scott is just hanging around him because he doesn't really know anyone else there. Well, Katie, but not in the same way.

Ties...no, they're very necessary. Guys can look up to 3x more sexy if they're wearing a tie. It's a fact, lol.

Ned disagrees though. Whoo.

And Ned being completely inappropriate as usual whenever he even looks at his wife. Married Ked is just about the hottest thing after married Jimel, I swear.

"The blonde next to Katie."

Ever seen that Harry Potter meme where Hermione says to Ron, "And who's this?" And he has his mouth full of sandwich as he says "Your future husband." I so just kind of internally screamed, YOUR FUTURE...LOVER AT Scott when he said that.

And ooh, Kenz's dress. (Legit love that it just switches been Kenz and Mack seamlessly. I seriously love that. We really only have nicknames for cats in our household but Abby gets called Pabs and Gabs and Wabs, and Pabbles and Gabbles and Wabbles, and Linus is Liney Poo, and Misu was, somehow, McChompoBar. But we always without fail know who we're talking about.) (Giant tangent)

Back to the dress. Red, with black lace trimmings. Cinched at the waist. I like Mack's body type, lol. Broad shouldered and narrow hipped. She'd cut a striking figure and I'm (not glad) satisfied that their kids do have a tad of reality hanging about them and aren't completely perfect. JK. They're all perfect. But they aren't all Jimel clones and that's a nice touch.

And Asher. You're right. Best wingman ever, most definitely.

Kenzie thinks you're cute. Whoo.

Asher is a very smart little boy, I swear.

And Scott just asks Asher if Kenz likes him and Asher flakes then, lol.

Katie being devious. That is so her. She has to factor in later. Katie matchmaking is just so her and very hilarious. Especially considering how most of her romantic moments were also disasters. At least in Write On Me.

"This was more than he'd asked for." Damn, Scott.

Only one of his dimples. Ooh, someone's nervous but she smiled right back.

"He hoped she was one of those women who liked accents." Aw. So unsure of himself. I'd hate to feel self conscious about something silly like that but it's such a cute trait for him to have. He doesn't exude sexual confidence like Jim and Ned and that rocks too.

And the disasters. LOL. Scott's side of holding her hand. Ned taking Scott away and telling him to leave Mack hanging and Scott rebutting with what the hell would Ned know, he and Katie were a trainwreck up until marriage.

And Ked sneaking away to have some private time and legit asking Kenz to babysit Asher while they did so. I suppose they'll eventually make it up to her.

"The touch of his hand burned into her skin." I can just about put myself in Mack's shoes right now and it's an effing good place to be. The hand positions. Her hip. Hands clasped. Elegant but passionate music. Breathing growing more shallow.

Deep breaths. The beat of her heart. They hardly said a word but it was already there. I could put myself in their shoes so well. I loved this.

Oh, Ked. Get a grip, lol, or ask for some tips from Jimel. The sexperts. I mean, experts.

"You can still enjoy your seat." This was when my brain short circuited.

And she starts to protest and he just says shhhh, his hand moving steadily up. I seriously thought he'd pulled away but then you had that line further down and I swear I died.

Mel calling Ned out on his tie. Telling about a grandbaby, trying to excuse their obvious absense.

Grandbaby. I love that she was actually gasping becaose of Jim. Am going to die even harder now.

She had to keep the conversation going. She's drinking wine. her voice is too loud. Oh, Melinda. Hasn't seen Scott before.

Ooooooh, and Jim has emerged. Succesful...? Can Melinda hide it that well or did she just get a pleasant buzz? The buzz would be enough to last her home.

Ned high fived Jim. Wow. And dancing.