Title: Delicate
Author: Karleen
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Warner Brothers, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Hofflund/Polone. This was just written for fun.
A/N(s):
(1) Thank you for your well wishes.
(2) I went with a different format with this fic, well read on and see. I'd love to hear what you think so please leave me your thoughts, comments or questions.

Chapter Seventeen: Meant For Me

"If we were in a long distance relationship, I don't think it would work for us." She was alone in her office on her cell phone.

"That's a nice vote of confidence." He said sarcastically as he sat on his bed with his phone on his ear.

"Job wise was what I meant." She paused. "Because let's face it, out of the two of us, I'm more likely to move away from Stars Hollow."

"You got me there."

"Okay, let's say hypothetically I moved, you'd need to find an abandoned diner near where I work and turn it into a Luke's." She heard him laugh. "It's been one week since I've seen you in person and I'm already having withdrawals."

"That's from caffeine, not me."

"Oh believe me, it's you. Because no matter how much coffee I drink, it doesn't seem to cure this 'lack of contact' ailment of mine."

"I'll see you tomorrow." He paused. "I'll be the one in the tuxedo and you're gonna be in a big white dress."

"Yeah, but I want to see you now."

"Wasn't this your idea?"

"Not really." He scoffed. "Okay fine, I presented it not really thinking that you'd agree..."

"To not see each other for a full seven days because it's just so darn romantic." He paused. "Your words not mine."

"I know it's only a couple of hours away but not seeing you for this long is driving me crazy."

"Good."

"How is that good?"

"The more we wait, the better it will be when the honeymoon commences."

"Mr. Danes, you are a naughty dirty man."

"Just the way you like me."

"Exactly."

- - - -

He showered and shaved off his barely there five o'clock shadow. He put on his pants and tuxedo shirt. 'This is it.' He said to himself as he buttoned down his shirt. He looked into the mirror as he straightened up his tie.

Life was a song,
You came along
I've laid awake the whole night through
If I ever dared to think you'd care
This is what I'd say to you

She dried her hair and tied it up in a loose bun for the hair dresser to fix later on. She looked at her dress that was spread across her bed then looked at her reflection on the mirror before her. She felt something familiar, something she felt the moment she knew that her life would never be the same as it was. It was twenty four years ago that she first felt this way. She knew then that her life was going to be different from what she expected.

You were meant for me
And I was meant for you
Nature patterned you
And when she was done
You were all the sweet things
Rolled up in one

He thought about this day more often than he would admit. Sometimes, he still couldn't believe that this was finally going to happen for them, especially after the previous events of their past. As he combed his hair and buttoned down his tuxedo jacket, he took in a deep breath and smiled at the mirror in front of him.

You're like a plaintive melody
That never lets me free
But I'm content
The angels must have sent you
And they meant you just for me...

Fast forward to the future, she saw a white picket fence, a little child running around their yard. Most of all, she saw the man she was going to share all of this with. That person, that couple life that she felt had been evading her since the day she turned into an adult. And for the first time, everything in her life was falling into place. She was finally going to attain her "middle".

But I'm content
The angels must have sent you
And they meant you just for me...

Their very own middle.

- - - -

"Wow, someone got hit by the very pretty stick." Rory said as she walked into Lorelai's room.

"You're here."

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this for anything."

"Yes, but you didn't attend the rehearsal dinner, miss... I now work for the New York Times."

"I'm still sorry about that."

"I'm just glad you're here." Her voice started to crack.

"Aww mom, don't cry, you'll ruin your make up."

"I wasn't." She said as she dabbed at her tears. "I was just thinking about how everything in my life had gone." She paused. "You know besides having you in my life, I think I finally know what it is to feel like to have everything that I've ever wanted."

"You deserve every last bit. I am just so happy for you and Luke."

"Thank you honey." She hugged her daughter.

"Rory, you're here. That's marvelous." Emily said as she slipped in the room unnoticed.

"Oh, Hi Grandma."

"Alicia is ready and waiting to do your hair and make up, dear."

"Okay, great." She smiled at her mom before she left the room. She noticed that Lorelai's eye make up had been smudged.

"Anything wrong?"

"No."

"Well I'll just have Alicia come up here to re do your make up."

"Okay." She said as she stared into the mirror.

"Are you nervous?"

"Not at all."

"Good, that's a good sign."

"I was just reflecting." She paused. "Hey, what do you have there?"

"It's just something I've wanted to give you."

"But you already gave me a wedding present."

"This is something else." She opened the box and revealed a diamond laced tiara. "This is what I wore at my wedding and if you'd like, you may do so at yours."

"It's beautiful mom. It can be my something borrowed."

"Excuse me?"

"You know, the four essentials, something old, new, borrowed and blue." She paused. "This means so much..."

"For me as well." She paused.

"Now don't you lose it on me now."

"Alicia's being paid for the day." Both mother and daughter shared a muffled chuckle.

- - - -

The town square was filled with people who wanted to be part of something they deemed historic. They were up preparing for the ceremony earlier than the sun would rise. There were flowers on every corner of the streets. There was even a banner that read, "Luke and Lorelai Wedding" that was plastered on the side of Miss Patty's dance studio, as if no one in town knew what the event was. The day was being celebrated like a huge town event, which evidently it was.

"Kirk, what are you doing?" Patty called out as she saw him climb a ladder to affix a couple of the large stars from the Firelight festival. "You know you're not allowed to handle those things. Don't you remember what happened a few years ago?"

"I just really wanted to do something important but no one would let me help."

"Just get off that ladder before you hurt yourself and everyone around you."

"Do you have something for me to do?"

"Go to my studio, Babette may have something for you to do."

"Really?"

"Yes really, now for the love of god step off the ladder and step away from the stars."

"Okay." He does so slowly.

"Babette." She took out her walkie talkie. "Come in Babette."

"What's goin' on Patty?"

"I need you to get Kirk out of the square for a couple of hours, can you do that for me?"

"You betcha."

"Great." She paused. "He's on his way." She hid her walkie talkie as he approached.

"Hey neat, walkie talkies... Do I get one?"

"Oh go on in the studio will you?"

- - - -

"You look wonderful, Luke." Rory said as she approached him.

"So do you. That dress looks nice."

"Thank you." She paused. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be." He paused. "Have you seen April?"

"Yes, she's getting her hair and makeup done at the house."

"Oh okay good."

"I think it's really sweet that you and mom spent the week apart."

"The concept was... But the actual not seeing each other part was difficult."

"I know, mom said she almost knocked on your apartment last night."

"Don't tell her, but I was going to do the same." He paused. "Hey Rory?"

"Yes Luke?"

"I just want you to know that even if things are definitely going to change, I'll still be the same old Luke you've known."

"You're definitely not the same old, Luke." He gave her a puzzled look. "You've become more than just the diner owner who we constantly harassed every morning. You've become the father figure I've never had. You became my mom's best friend and now you're going to become her husband. Change is definitely a good thing."

- - - -

People began to settle in their seats. As the cold breeze hit his face, Luke walked towards the Gazebo, and stood beside Reverend Skinner who was at the center. There beside him was TJ as his best man. Luke smiled as he saw the people in attendance. He saw April and Rory as they prepared to walk down the aisle. He saw Emily as she took a seat right on the front row.

Wasted time.
I cannot say that I was ready for this.
But when worlds collide,
and all that I have is all that I want.

A limousine pulled up right behind the square a couple of minutes later. The crowd's chatter turned to murmurs then stopped to a halt as Zach began to play his acoustic guitar and Brian accompanied him with the piano.

The words seem to flow
and the thoughts they keep running.
And all that I have is yours.

As soon as she got out of the car and their eyes immediately focused on each others. As though everyone else around them had blurred out and they were the only ones there.

All that I am is yours.

She held on to her father's arm as he proudly walked her down the aisle that lead to the gazebo, to Luke. Richard whispered 'I'm so proud of you' and kissed her in the cheek. He then handed his daughter to Luke. Everyone who was there already had tears in their eyes, even Emily.

Painted skies.
I've seen so many that cannot compare
to your ocean eyes.
The pictures you took
that cover your room,
and it was just like the sun
but more like the moon.

"You saw me through who I was, who I am and who I will be. You have been there for Rory and I ever since we met. I might've annoyed you here and then... okay a lot but you pushed passed that and became a friend, an amazing friend who I had fallen in love with. When we first got engaged in what seems like years ago, I imagined our wedding day just as any other bride would. I see a different picture, but this time without the uncertainties or insecurities. The more time we spent with each other, I became certain that you were in fact going to be in my life forever. You keep me grounded and help me stay strong. I can't imagine spending my life with someone else." She said.

A light that can reach it all.
So now I'm branded for taking the fall.

"You lighten up a room as soon as you step in it. Your smile makes it even brighter. You are my light. When I look at you I see everything ahead of me. It's so clear that I'd have to make sure that I was awake and not dreaming. I may not say every thought in my head, but know that you are there more often than not. I wake up everyday and tell myself how amazing it is to be with you, to have you in my life. You've made me happier than I could ever be and I'll make sure to do the same for you." He placed the piece of paper nervously into his pocket after he finished reading. She couldn't hold back the tears anymore after that.

So when you say forever,
can't you see
you've already captured me.

"It has taken a great length of time but today, I am honored to be the one to be able to say this." Reverend Skinner paused and looked out into the crowd then back to Luke and Lorelai. "By the power vested in me by Stars Hollow, and the state of Connecticut... I now pronounce you husband and wife." He gave them a look. "Well, you know what to do."

They had the biggest smiles on their faces as he said those words. As they leaned in time seemed to have slowed down as she placed her hand on the side of his face. He had his hands on the side of her hips as they kissed.

- - - -

There was a time when she believed she was never meant to have everything she could ever dream of. A time that she thought IF she just went on with the flow, it would carry her to a blissful tomorrow. She knew better than that; knew better than to keep the things that mattered bottled inside her.

All the stars are out tonight it feels as though I might
Make some sense out of this madness will it turn out right
Who's to say where the wind will blow

He always found a solution for her problems. Whether it was the leak in the kitchen sink, a broken light fixture or as her crutch from the horrible estrangement between her and her daughter, Luke was there.

Time will tell us if we're out of answers when it stops
Climb back down to the beginning
Take it from the top
Who's to say where the wind will blow

In the midst of the haze that was their first engagement, he found out he had a daughter he never knew about. He was so confused that he unknowingly stopped catering to Lorelai's needs. He thought that he protected her by not telling her about his daughter. The more he 'protected' Lorelai, the more he ripped her apart, emotionally. Without having any clue, of course. Until that dreaded night, the night she shoved him the ultimatum of getting married 'now or never'. He wasn't aware of how much pain she was in. He'd never seen her as distressed as she was then.

What happens when all your dreams are lying on the ground?
Do you pick up the pieces all around?
And if the world should fall apart hold on to what you know
Take your chances turn around and go

He continually saw that face, that expression she bore that night. It never left his mind, it haunted him in his sleep and only hoped it would go away. He was so occupied with his responsibilities of being a father that he unknowingly pushed being his best friend aside, the only woman he truly loved. But when she felt that she was no longer allowed to express her opinions, she ran.

All the leaves are turning and the sky fades to gray
Strange our life coincides with the seasons of today
Who's to say where the wind will blow

She ran to someone familiar, who she thought knew her. But throughout the months she spent being married to Chris, she knew in her heart that there was only one man that brought out the real Lorelai Gilmore. And that man was and always will be, Luke Danes.

Carry on you say
Bring the best of today
All I see is struggling on the way

She held onto her past, and looked for answers for her future. The more she tried to let go, the more the memories cling to her as if they were relaying a message. Her past memories contained mostly about her and her daughter. But in the midst of them all were ones that had Luke in them. Without him, she felt like an empty vessel that could not be patched. He was the one who kept her going. He was the only one who kept her strong.

Maybe when the sun crashes through the gray
I can find the strength to make it through the day
Through the day

She was the one who kept him sane as farfetched as that may have seemed. She was the only one that made his heart beat faster than he could count. She was his, and he was hers... Cliche or not, it was as simple as that.

What happens when all your dreams are lying on the ground?
Do you pick up the pieces all around?

They learned not to take advantage of what they have in front of them. Just because someone was there for a moment, didn't mean that they'd be there forever; where ever there may be.

- - - -

"I don't think I could have gone one more day without seeing you." She whispered in his ear.

"Same here." He kissed her by her cheek as they swayed to their first dance as a married couple.

"This is pretty surreal."

"You think so?"

"Don't you?"

"The whole week without you, that's surreal. But not this."

"Lorelai Gilmore hyphen Danes...that has a definitive ring to it, don't you think?"

"Are you really going to refer to yourself as Gilmore hyphen Danes?"

"Spelled out and everything." She grinned.

"Oh geez." He rolled his eyes as she laughed.

"Just the reaction I was waiting for."

"You're something else altogether."

"Something good, I presume."

"Wonderful."

"Aww.."

"Wait, I wasn't done.. I meant to say wonderfully crazy but you cut me off." He said then she hit his arm playfully. "Which is one of the reasons why I love you." She gave him a look but kissed him anyway.

"Don't think that I'd forget that you said I was crazy. You're so going to pay for that the rest of the honeymoon."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah, really."

"Looking forward to it."

And if the world should fall apart hold on to what you know
Take your chances turn around and go.

Take your chances turn around and go.

The end.

Final A/N:
(3) Songs Used (In order):
You Were Meant For Me- Gene Kelly
The Sun And The Moon- Mae
Chapter One- Lifehouse

(4) This is the first time I've written out a story, chapter by chapter. Usually I'd have it all written out and I would edit as I update for It certainly put on lot more pressure than the other method but it pushed my imagination far more than I expected. I wrote a rough draft for the first seven chapters. As I edited the pieces, I tweaked a couple of those chapters to make them longer. That rough draft ended on an L/L possibility fic, so I changed things around so that I could add 3 more chapters. Well, Add 7 more chapters and the rest is history.

So anyway, Thank You for those who have reviewed this fanfic, especially those who continued to read and review this story from day one. Without you, I probably would have just stuck to the rough draft as it was.