You updated, ahhhhh! I love this story, I read it probably twice a year and to come back to a surprise epilogue today made me so happy. It is so great to catch up with them all and meet the new babies and projects formed. I love how you incorporate well known versions of the show (Dragonfly Inn, the Twickham house) with other new twists (The Independence Inn turning into a culinary school for example). It all felt very well done and very much in character. I also loved that Jess is as much a part of L&L's family as the other four kids are. Thank you so much for this epilogue, it made me so happy. :)

What a great story, thank you.

I had to go back and reread the whole fic (what a hardship!) and I loved it just as much as the first time. Actually, I think this might have been my third go-around although the first with the epilogue. I really loved seeing how much they achieved - how much MORE they achieved working as a team together. And I really do love that Luke got some friends. I realise the show had practical as well as storytelling limitations, but you'd think Lorelai was his *only* friend!

Btw, I would suggest you mark this story complete so it's searchable. If I hadn't seen it recommended (probably DeepFriedCake) I wouldn't personally have found it as I only search for completed fics.

I was so thrilled to see the epilogue posted. I'd given up all hope of seeing the story completed, so it was a treat after all this time to actually go back and start it all over again. So beautifully written that you can get lost in it!

Since it's not marked "Complete," does that mean you just forgot or is there a chance for a post-epilogue continuation?

And 1 small favor - since you're so lucky to have DFC as your beta, could you please encourage her to finish up some of her stories and, maybe post some new ones? I think the revival took a lot of the GG love out of us and this is where I find it again - with stories from authors like you and DFC!

Thank you for a wonderful treat!

I am SO incredibly happy to see an update to what may be one of the best Luke and Lorelai stories ever written. I adore this Luke. He's everything I want tv Luke to be. Things that are hinted at in the first seasons and then slowly whittled away from his character throughout the series are all here in an emotionally healthy man. I wasn't expecting this update to appear and I'm so thankful for your having posted it.

I had always hoped for an epilogue - and it has arrived. I loved it! I was entranced by Luke and his generosity and wisdom was general narrator of their lovely journey. The kids are so great! Very happy that Jess is with them too (Liz is much better now); Jess is much more grounded with a strong family foundation and good work ethic. Mia as always is delightful - I am happy for her and Ed. So many projects and they are all going well. I loved all the details of their journey, of how they got to where they are now. But I loved the ending of "just stand still" and the kissing. They are such a mature and loving couple. Great news that their is a new "fluffy" coming. I have missed your writings and also DFC. I have been worried about her - it has been a while, but you with her, so things must be good. Great closure to a wonderful story. Thank you!

In Part 2 I really loved how well you had the characters express emotions, especially conflicting feelings.
My absolute favorite moment was the thunderstorm metaphor.

Amazing story!

What a great surprise to see a new chapter for this wonderful story! And what a great chapter it was. Thank you for allowing us into your world and giving us all these characters. And congratulations on finally finishing this one. I can't wait to read whatever you give us next.

I've read it many times already, but now that it's finished, I will read this again from the beginning.

Just finished my Part 1 reread.
I'd forgotten so many details that make the story whole, so it's a pleasure to revisit them.
Love how your Stars Hollow captures the friendliness and affection of a small town through Luke's eyes.

I was so excited to see this new chapter Eledgy! I love your writing and I am particularly interested in pre-series stories. This particular take, having both Lorelai and Luke as parents of young kids was truly unique.

I am thrilled that you are working on other stories (as is deepfriedcake, another of my favourite GG fanfictioneers!), and I very much look forward to reading them.
Thanks for bringing us joy through your writing.

Congratulations on this milestone accomplishment! 372,585 words, and every one of them a winner! What an incredible feat, and what a journey you've taken us on. Thank you for the huge amount of time you've devoted to this saga.

This story has a feel to it that I've rarely encountered elsewhere, and after giving it some thought, I think I know why. For one reason, you knew your characters so well before you even started writing them. Not only did you know the Luke and Lorelai you wanted for this story, but you had extensive backstories on all of the other original characters populating this version of Stars Hollow, too. You knew every little thing about them. You'd given so much thought to Stars Hollow itself and how the townies were going to fit into this tale. Before you wrote down one word, you'd already traveled all over with Luke and Rachel and Robbie. You understood what they'd been through. You knew their joys and heartbreaks and what was working for them and what wasn't. And because you saw all of this so clearly, you were able to write about them in a way that was not only believable, but so real that we all became a part of the story itself. What I'm trying to say is, it didn't feel like we were reading a story. It was more like we were following along with what was really happening to people that we thought we knew, but it turned out that they were deeper and better than what we thought, and we ended up loving them even more than we already did.

The other thing is something that Previously Anonymous brought up in her review below. None of your characters are stupid. There's no idiot plot in any of the 42 chapters. You showed us why everyone did exactly what they did. It all made sense. Also, you loved and cared for all of your characters. You made them look their best. Unlike ASP, you never made fun of any of them, or used them for cheap laughs, or to suddenly shake up the plot. (OK, so she had network bigwigs on her case and got backed into some of the stupid stuff, but still...) Everyone in this story was shown to be an adult. (Sometimes even the kids.) They were all able to work through their problems. Because you treated your characters with such respect, we readers were treated with respect too, and reading along was an absolute pleasure.

I'm so happy that you included a scene with just Luke and Robbie. Since that's the way the story started, it was truly fitting to see that relationship come back into play at the end. And again, knowing that Caesar is now in his rightful place in the diner just gives me all the feels.

The only thing that makes me even the least bit sad is that they never got to live in the Crap Shack. But, it makes total sense that they didn't. It would have never worked for them at all. And, of course, you showed us that with everything you wrote, explaining their decisions. Adults, being sensible and thoughtful. The hallmark of your writing.

And here I'm going to throw a plea your way, maybe start a plot bunny that you can ponder. I would love to join the crew in their cozy quarters up above the diner. Your description of them enjoying their first home together was just too good. Please, can we get a bigger taste of Luke, Lorelai, Rory, Robbie, and a toddling Sam living life to the fullest in their upstairs apartment? Maybe that would be a good setting for a Christmas story? Just something to think about...

I'm not as sad as I should be at seeing this story completed, because I know more good stuff is coming! Thanks again for taking us along on one of the best variations of Stars Hollow ever created. You've more than earned your place in the GG fanfic hall of fame!

I had to do a double take when I saw this story finally had an epilogue! I had actually finished rereading this story 4 days ago! So it must have been my magical powers that lead to the final chapter, right? ;)
This was a wonderful story! I love the characters you have created as well as your own personal flare on those we are so familiar with. I enjoyed this jump into the future to see where our fave family landed. Thank you so much was for the great read! Looking forward to your new works!

Yay! I'm so glad to see this epilogue and conclusion of such a great story! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story! I have gone back and read it a few times!

What a wonderful surprise ! I always wanted an end to this story. One of my favorites. Keep up with your writing. It’s not easy but you do it so well. Thanks