Page 93 of Pity Play

“Are you suggesting we get even with your brother for helping us get together?”

“I absolutely am,” I tell him.

“I love how karma works. And I hope it works out as well for Noah as it has for us.” And with that he kisses me again and again.

As much as I spent my childhood dreaming of a life with Luke, I never thought it would happen. And when I least expected it, he knocked on my door and swept me off my feet. I don’t know whether we’re going to live here or in Elk Lake, I just know one thing for sure. I want to be wherever Luke is.

Life is too short not to be surrounded by the people you love. And even though I’m not going to say the words yet, I love Luke. I always have, and I always will.

Now, to make sure things turn out as well for Noah and Allie.

EPILOGUE

LORELAI

Luke and I have been dating for a little over a year now and things have been going great. We stayed in Chicago for the first six months, except for weekends. I’m taking the rest of my design classes online so that we could go back to Elk Lake.

Noah is still at my parents’ house, so I rented an apartment in town. I could have stayed with him, but I don’t want to cramp his style. Also, I really don’t want to be cast in the role of his maid and if I know my brother like I think I do, that’s how he would treat me. I do take Penelope over once in a while though, so she can play in the backyard.

As luck would have it, that cute apartment over the Yarn Barn was vacant again when I was looking, so that’s where Penelope and I live. They love her at the yarn shop and get pretty excited when I bring her downstairs to help me pick out supplies. They’ve even bought treats for her for when she visits.

“Penelope!” I call to her as soon as I walk into the apartment. Even though she’s napping in a sunbeam, she rouses herself to greet me. “Let’s go see Luke,” I tell her. Her tail starts to swish with vigor.

After leashing her up, we walk down the street to Pop’s. Luke and his dad are having one of their famous throw downs tonight. This time it’s fish tacos, which are a favorite of mine no matter which of the Phillips men is making them.

Walking through the front door, I tell Penny, “You be good and no eating off of plates.” If I know Luke, she won’t have a chance to because he will have already given her something special.

Luke’s mom spots me right away and hurries over. “Lorelai!” She gives me a hug before crouching down to pet Penelope. “How’s my grand-dog? How’s my little girl?” she asks excitedly. Sometimes when Luke and I go into the city for a couple of days, Penny stays with John and Brenda. She loves them almost as much as she loves us.

Brenda leads the way to a booth by the window and announces, “We’re sitting here. I figure this way Penelope can sit on the seat next to me.” Penny whines with pleasure. Surely, there was never an animal as loved as she is.

As soon as I’m seated, the bell rings over the front door so Brenda hurries off to seat the next guests. This time it’s Luke and Noah’s other friend from high school, Tony. He’s with his husband and their daughter Raven, who is the cutest little girl in the world.

I look around the restaurant and realize that I know nearly everyone here. Faith and Teddy are a few tables over with their daughters. Anna and her family are seated at the table next to them. Paige and Tim are here, and so are Trina and Heath. Chip and Bob have become very good friends of ours, as well. They wanted to come out for the weekend, but they’re on standby waiting for their daughter to be born.

Luke comes out of the kitchen and whistles to get everyone’s attention. “Good evening, folks. You all look familiar, so you know how this is done. The servers will bring you each one of my tacos and one of my dad’s. You choose your favorite and mark it on the card and we’ll take twenty-five percent off everything you order. Now who’s ready for a taco showdown?!”

The dining room erupts in cheers of excitement, but Luke doesn’t go back to the kitchen. Instead, he adds, “Tonight is a tiny bit different than our other cook-offs.” We all wait expectantly for him to explain. Walking over to me, he leans down and tenderly kisses me on the mouth before Penelope whines for her fair share of attention.

Luke ruffles her ears before declaring, “I think you all know Lorelai.” The crowd cheers again. “Lorelai and I have been a couple for a full year now.” Hoots fill the air. “But even though we’ve only been dating for a year, we’ve known each other most of our lives.”

I’m a little embarrassed that he’s introducing me like this. I mean, everyone knows me, but it’s still sweet. Luke drops to one knee in front of me and before I know what’s happening, he says, “Lorelai, I love you with my whole heart. I was wondering if you might do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

Brenda and John are standing together and nearly jumping up and down with excitement. That’s when I see that Noah has come into the restaurant as well. I’m glad Luke waited for him. If I know Luke, I’m sure he tried to get my parents here, but they’re currently in Europe. They’ve been traveling more than ever and having a great retirement.

My heart is full of so much joy, I’m not sure how I’m containing it all. “Luke.” I reach out a hand to bring him closer to me. He stands up and scoots into the booth next to me. Leaning into his side, I whisper in his ear, “I would love to be your wife.”

“What did she say?” a lone voice in the crowd shouts out.

“She said yes!!!” Luke hollers back.

The crowd starts to chant, “Kiss, kiss, kiss!!!”

Luke leans over and claims my mouth in the most soul-searing way. “You’re my home, Lorelai. Whether that’s in Elk Lake, or Chicago, or Siberia.”

“It’s in Elk Lake,” I assure him with a smile. “It will always be here.”

My biggest dreams in life are coming true. I guess some girlsmight have given up on Luke, but I knew with my whole heart this man was meant for me. Now, at long last, we are going to be one. I truly am the luckiest woman in the world!

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