Chapter 2: Our Daughters

Lorelai had never been to New Mexico before. But hailing from Connecticut, she had to appreciate the change in climate. It was the perfect kind of warm here, even in the middle of a desert plain. But perhaps fall was finally beginning its descent on this state.

She was here, on the edge of campus at the University of Albuquerque, to pay April a visit. Neither of them had ever discussed April's running away years before. But now that... she was considering the possibility of her and Luke finally getting married after living together for years... she felt it was right to broach the 'stepfamily' subject.

April greeted Lorelai warmly and led her to her favorite coffee shop/study spot.

"I was surprised to get your call. How's Dad?"

"He's fine. Running the Diner, still. But I came out here because there's something I want to ask you."

"OK," April shrugged. "Shoot."

"I wanted to ask your permission to marry your Daddy. I love him very much, and you're a part of him, so I love you. And... your opinion matters a lot to me."

A brief silence. Then April smirked. "You want my opinion? You guys should have married years ago. About darn time!"

Lorelai laughed.

"How does Rory feel about this?" April suddenly asked.

"She gets a say. Your dad will have his own discussion with her."

April nodded, satisfied by the fairness of it all. She and Lorelai shared a hug. It was a tad awkward, but the first of many family hugs to come.

That fall, Luke and Lorelai were married in a huge Stars Hollow bash. Sure, they had eloped in secret the evening before, but nobody beyond Rory, Lane and Michel had to know that. From the gazebo, the newlyweds now watched Rory and April dancing and gossiping together.

"They sure look like they're having fun," Lorelai observed.

"They're siblings now. They should be excited." Luke pointed out. Inspired, he cleared his throat and lifted his wine glass. "Here's to... um..."

Lorelai eyed him, amused and a little lost herself. How could they refer to Rory and April in the collective? "Um..."

"Our daughters," Luke finally decided. It didn't matter who has step-family or blood family to whom. The four of them were a family now.

"Our daughters. Here's to Rory and April," Lorelai quickly downed her glass to hide that she was choking up.

"The bright spots in all the darkness."

"And how!" Lorelai agreed. They turned their attention back to the girls, and Lorelai giggled. "How is Kirk, of all people, dancing with both of them at once?"

Luke smirked. "I don't know, but it actually works. Who would have thought Kirk didn't have two left feet?"