Epilogue

Jess watched as Rory hesitated, her hand held in mid air, the key frozen on its way to unlocking the door to their new apartment, their new home.

"So we're really doing this aren't we?" he spoke aloud the words that he was almost certain she was thinking.

"Yep, sure looks that way. Not getting cold feet are you?" he caught the hopeful twinkle in her eyes as they searched his for his truth.

"Nope, but that could just be because I'm wearing my good boots today," he teased her.

"As opposed to your bad boots?" She asked, feigning confusion.

"I'm not changing my mind Rory if that's what you're trying to ask me. I don't want you to think I'm about to propose or anything because honestly, I think we're both too young for that anyway and I'm not even sure where I stand on the whole concept of needing a signed contract to prove your commitment to another person. What I do want to say is that this, moving in with you, living with you, this is a big deal for me. I've never done this before. I'm pretty well trained on the whole toilet seat down, no stubble in the sink front but you might get sick of me when I get into one of my writing trances and don't surface for days at a time. I just need you to know that that's part of who I am and it doesn't mean I'm avoiding you it just means I'm working and I'll come back to you soon." Jess told her honestly.

"Hey, I come with my own set of bad habits too Jess. How do you know you're not going to get sick of me? This is going to take some getting used to for both of us. We can write a new set of rules if you want? This is a big deal for me too. I love you Jess and while I'm not ready for you to propose to me any time soon it's not because I don't want to be with you or because I don't think this could be forever because honestly Jess, I think this just could be. Forever I mean."

"Forever huh?"

"Yep," Rory smiled up at him and in that moment he could see it too. Forever. Sounded like a pretty nice concept to him.

Jess took the key from her hand and unlocked the door then turned the handle to open it. Before she could step inside he lifted her off her feet and carried her over the threshold.

"Jess Mariano you really are such a romantic aren't you?!" Rory exclaimed.

"Well, what can I say? I guess you just bring out the worst in me," Jess kissed the teasing smile off her face and kicked the door shut behind him.

Their forever had only just begun.

A/N so that's it from me, for now. I realise there are a few different definitions of what an epilogue is but I chose to go with the wrapping things up version. I've really enjoyed writing this story but I did feel this was a good place to end and by leaving it here I still have the option of writing a sequel down the track of their life together in Providence.

My sincerest thanks to every single one of you who took the time to read this story and especially those who took the time to review and share your thoughts (and read my rambling replies), it really is so incredibly encouraging to me. Your support has been amazing especially jordana60, DrewSaywer and sonckad who've been with me from my first attempt at fan fic.

If you haven't already and you have the time to waste please consider checking out my other fics. All 3 are literati and include a one shot, a short shot and a long multi chapter. The long one is a very different story to this one but I like to think the angst is well balanced with the good stuff.

Anyway, I'll wrap this up now before the note becomes longer than the chapter :)

Hope you've all enjoyed the ride as much as I have.