author's note: As usual, I do not own Gilmore Girls...

Chapter 11 : Summer Lovin'

On the next day, Rory got woken up by a phone ringing.

" Who the hell calls at this time? "

" Hello? "

" Long lost daughter of mine where have you been all day yesterday? I called both your home phone and your cell and you did not answer. Were you filtering your call? "

" No mom, I was not. Yesterday I went boating with Finn and Meghan. "

" Oh! Stranded on a boat with a hot Australian divorcé. Sounds like a porn movie. "

" Very funny, you forgot there were his 6 years old daughter and Finn and I... "

" I know I know 'Finn and I are just friends' I don't believe it but if you do... "

" Well... This might have changed yesterday. " Rory said crunching her nose as she knew her mom would have a field day with it.

" Well, well, well, my daughter and the sexy Aussie... And what about Mr. Senator? "

" We had another date on Friday, it went well and we got back home. While we were kissing, I realized I wished I was kissing Finn. I could not get him out of my mind. So I told Tristan that I liked him but that there was someone else or the possibility of someone else. I think he was mad but he'll understand. "

" If you say so... now, why aren't you at work? "

" Didn't I tell you I took a week off this week. "?

" You what? You never take time off. Did you fell off a horse or something? "

" You've been nagging me to take time off and now I shouldn't? "

" Well, I wanted you to come spend time with you dear old mother if you took time off. What are your plans? "

" I am actually leaving around 10 this morning. I am going to Colin's summer house. "

" And Finn will be ok with this? "

" Of course, since he is coming with me. We are going with his car actually. "

" And Colin is ok with that? Your life is so complicated Hun... all those man pining for you, must be exhausting. "

" Very funny. Colin is the one that invited Finn. And I think he is planning on getting us together anyway. "

" So he does not know about you too. "

" It just happened on our way back last night. So no, he does not know. And we plan on keeping it under wrap for a while because of Meghan. The less people know, the best it is. Remember how you felt when I was young? "

" Wise decision. But still, you are in her life already, it is not the same. "

" Yes but Finn seems to think it could get problematic with Rosemary. "

" Who's Rosemary? "

" Finn's ex-wife. I went to college with her. "

" So what you are saying is that you don't want to put Meghan in between. That is good. "

" Yes, and Finn is trying to get complete custody as Meghan is not happy with her mom, or I should say her mom seems to be in a type of depression and everything is not all up and happy with her new husband. Meghan seems to get ignored a lot when with them. Finn wants for Colin to help him out. "

" Wow, and you'll be in the middle. Be careful Rory. And don't' take it personally if Meghan starts acting out on you. She might like you now but if you guys tell her you are together, it will go either good or she will feel she needs to compete for Finn's attention. "

" Don't worry. I lived it, well almost. Mom, I really have to start getting ready now. Finn is going to pick me up at 10 and I haven't even had my first cup of coffee. "

" What are you doing talking to me then... go on, make coffee... Call me to leave me a number where I could reach you OK? "

" Will do... I already have it downstairs anyway. "

" Love you Hun. "

" Love you too mom. Bye and thank you! "

" No problem. "

Rory then got up and headed downstairs to prepare the coffee. She took her shower while coffee was brewing and got dressed and dried her hair. She even put a bit of makeup. Not too much since she figured it would be better with the heat outside. After breakfast, she sent an email to her colleagues at work and let them know where they could reach her. She then sat and waited. Barely five minutes past before she heard the doorbell ringing. She quickly went to answer and there stood Meghan with the most colorful sunglasses she had ever seen.

" Hello Meghan, how are you this morning? "

"I am doing great. Are you ready? "

" Of course, I'll get my stuff and purse and we can go. "

Finn arrived at the door while Rory had gone in to get her suitcase. When she came back he was taken aback on how good she looked. Rory had put on a nice sundress, it was sleeveless and two inch above the knee. Rory looked so sexy. She had some sandals to complete her look and her hair was loosely curled held up a bit by her sunglasses.

" Hello Kitten, you look beautiful. Doesn't she Ladybug? "

" Yes, you are very beautiful Rory. "

" Thank you. You both look quite stunning yourself. " She answered and smiled looking directly into Finn's eyes. She looked him over though. He was wearing a navy blue Capri pant and a white linen short sleeved shirt buttoned half way with a navy shirt underneath. Meghan was wearing a nice pair of emerald green short with a yellow and green shirt.

Rory was about to pick up her suitcase after locking her door but Finn quickly grabbed it and as they were walking toward the car Meghan in front he reached for Rory's hand. Rory felt a jolt going throughout her body when she felt his hand reach for hers and both their fingers intertwined automatically. Once they reached the car, Finn unlocked the doors and put Rory's suitcase in the back before opening Rory and Meghan's doors. Meghan was sitting in the back in her booster seat and Rory in Front with Finn. As he started the car some old U2 CD started playing and Meghan was singing along.

" Wow, you got her into the classics. U2? "

" Never too young to learn about good music... Otherwise, I'll get stuck with Boys Bands... Now, I have a kid that is into Arcade Fire much more than Justin Bieber. "

" Lane would be so proud! " Rory said smiling.

They drove for a couple of hours talking mainly about their families and where they were raised. Rory depicted some of Stars Hollow residents and events and Finn was having a blast listening to the happenings of her little town. He would love for her to invite him and Meghan for the next event to get to meet Kirk, Miss Patty, Babette and Maury. He himself grew up in the suburb of Sydney, somewhere quite like the Hartford neighborhood of her grandparents. And even though his parents and he now were on good terms, they were nothing like how Rory described her mother.

They stopped for lunch in a small rest area. This allowed Rory to get more caffeine in her system as she was starting to be low. The coffee tasted awful but still, she drank it to the amazement of Finn who threw his after two sips. After lunch Meghan fell asleep in the car for the rest of the way which allowed Finn to talk on more personal subjects.

" Are you still OK that we are keeping us under the radar? " He asked.

" Yes, I am perfectly fine. I lived more or less what Meghan is living right now and I know how hard it could be when our parent's boyfriends, well girlfriend in our case, leave. I had a hard time when my mom and Mr. Medina broke their engagement. So I do get that you want to protect Meghan. But you understand that I am already in her life. I am already in love with her. "

" Yeah, I realized it yesterday watching you with her. It is nice. Still, I want to see what will happen with the custody issue and I need to tell Rosemary before letting Meghan know. It could be otherwise a bit messy. Rosemary can be dense right now. "

" But Finn, if you'd prefer we back out, it is OK, I'll understand. " Rory said but she was hoping it would not be the case.

Finn looked at Rory for a second. " If you'd only know what I wish I could do to your right now, you'd never think I'd want to back out... Honestly it takes a lot of reasoning for me not to kiss you right now. "

Rory smiled and she took Finn's hand and squeezed it. " I'd love that too " she whispered. The tension in the car was palpable. They drove without speaking again for a while. Still holding hands they let go only when they heard Meghan's voice from the back.

" Dad, can we stop soon. I need to go and I would like to walk a bit. "

" Sure think Ladybug... we'll stop at the next rest area. "

They saw one half an hours later. They were getting close but still had an hour or two to go. They parked the car and the three of them got out of the car. Since Meghan was the only one that needed to visit the restroom, they went in and both adults waited for her.

" Do you need another coffee? "

" With what I had at the other place, I don't want to risk it... let's wait to get to Colin's "

" Wise choice. "

Neither realized they were now holding hands and getting closer and closer as they spoke. Finn just gave in and bent over to kiss Rory. The kiss was full of that sexual tension they had felt in the car but both knew they couldn't give in completely as Meghan could walk out of the restroom any time.

" God I wanted to do that since I saw you at your house. "

Rory smiled and looked in his eyes. " And I myself wanted to do a lot more since this morning "

" This is going to be really hard isn't it? "

" Well, yes. But it is worth it. " She answered as they heard the door open. As Meghan got out of the restroom she smiled. She could have sworn her father was holding Rory's hand. She thought she would play along and act as if she did not know. But deep down, she was really happy.

" Dad, Rory, can we go for a short walk before going back into the car? "

" Fine, let's breathe some air before going back but if you want to get there for supper and play a bit on the beach, we need to make it short. "

They went and walked for more or less 15 minutes and then headed back toward the car.

" Are you sure you girls don't want anything to drink? I think I would go for a bottle of water. "

" Well, me too dad. Maybe I can wait for your guys in the car. "

" You sure? "

" Yes... "

" OK. " Finn unlocked the car doors and Meghan went in. He locked it again and both of them went to the small food court to get 3 bottles of water. As they were waiting, Rory in front of Finn, he just snaked his arms around her from behind. She leaned into him the moment she felt his arms around her. He kissed her neck and she looked up and smiled at him. He lowered his head to kiss her but the moment his lips touched hers they heard...

" Mam, Mam! Your turn. " The lady at the counter was calling for their attention.

They ordered and paid for the three bottles and some cookies. Still holding hand; they started to walk back but before they reached the door, Finn stopped and turned Rory toward him. Looking at her, his eyes filled with want, he lowered his head and kissed her. This time, neither held back. The kiss was passionate, Rory felt Finn's hunger in that kiss as she had never felt it with anyone. Finn felt Rory hungrily kissing back in a way that almost made him forget where they were and start to undress her right there. After a couple of minutes the kiss got less hunger driven but more tender and they parted both wanting more but they knew they had to wait. It was excruciating but at the same time, they could not deny it made their desire so much more. Both smiled at the same time, not saying anything and kissed more softly this time. As they stopped Rory said.

" I haven't felt this elated since, well, forever I guess. "

Finn smiled even more broadly.

" I don't think I have either while sober. Drunk, I don't remember. " He said honestly to her.

They reluctantly went toward the door and as they got out of the rest area building both saw Meghan look at them, all smiles and waving at them. They went in and gave her a bottle and her food.

" Thanks dad. " She said...

They left and went back to the highway. An hour and a half later, they were arriving at Colin's summer house on the Beach. They parked and everyone got out. Colin had heard them arriving and greeted them. He helped Finn with all their stuff. Once inside. Colin showed everyone their rooms. For the first time all of his rooms would be occupied. Meghan and Finn's room were side by side. Meghan had her own bathroom and she had the only room with a single bed. Rory's and Finn's were separated by a bathroom that was communicating to each their bedrooms. He was hoping this proximity would help them along.

After refreshing themselves, everyone met in the kitchen where Colin was preparing a salad and some vegetable to be cooked on the barbecue outside with the meat. He had already cleaned the outside furniture. They talked once again about old times and Colin got to tell all kinds of stories from his time in High School with Finn. Of course, he forgot the drinking and women because of Meghan's presence but all in all Finn always knew how to get into trouble when he was younger so many stories did not even need to be altered. Afterward, they made a fire on Colin's private section of the beach and talked a while before Meghan had to go to bed. Finn accompanied her and made sure she was OK before going back out to join his friends. In the meantime, Colin tried to find out about their previous day...

" So Rory how was the day on the boat yesterday? Anything interesting happened? "

" Well, yes, I learned how to drive a boat... and we did have a lot of fun with Meghan, she is really a great kid. "

" You trusted Finn showing you how to drive a yacht? Don't you remember he's the one that sank one in Fiji? "

" Well, we can discuss whose fault it was when he is back if you want to... but yes, I trust him completely. "

" We will eventually discuss it as I am curious to know his version of what happened but it won't be tonight. I am going to head to bed. Tell Finn I'll talk to him tomorrow for the custody thing. If you don't mind staying with Meghan. "

" Of Course, G 'night Colin. I myself will stay and enjoy the fire a bit more... there was more coffee wasn't there? "

" Yes, just pour yourself the rest. "

" Thanks... "

" Good night Rory! Don't do anything I wouldn't do... "

" You sound like my mother... "

" Well, you're going to be all alone with Finn of all people... I know you are just friends as you say still Finn will always be Finn. "

" But you are so wrong... "

" Maybe. Good night anyway... " He had a smile that said he knew better...

Rory did pour herself the rest of the coffee and she picked up a blanket on the way out. She was sitting alone for more or less 10 minutes when Finn arrived.

" Where is Colin? "

" Went to bed. "

" Already? "

" Yeah... I think it is part of his plan. So who are we to complain? " Rory said with a mischievous smile.

" Oh, I was not complaining... I just wanted to be certain he wouldn't walk in on us. " Finn sat beside Rory as he was talking and he put his arm around her bringing her closer to him. They stayed a minute or so like this.

" Oh, he said he would talk to you about the custody issue tomorrow... I can play with Meghan on the beach during that time if you don't mind. "

" That's good... I think she suspect something. "

" Who, Meghan? "

" Yes. She asked me many questions about you or you and me "

" Like? "

" If you would sleep over. If you'll come with us to Australia later this summer? "

" Oh! And what did you answer? "

" That I did not know... I can't lie to her... And I do wish you'll come to Australia and that you would agree to sleep over " He finished looking directly in her eyes.

" For Australia, let's just talk about it later... as for the other proposition, it was a proposition? " Finn nodded " Then, I would love to but we decided... "

" I know, I just... " And Rory closed the distance between them kissing him to which he answered fervently. They kissed for the first time without any restraint, without needing to be careful not to get caught putting all their feelings in their embrace. Finn took Rory and sat her on him. As she was straddling him, she felt his evident desire for her. She moaned which made it even more pressing. His hand traveling down from her hips and up under her dress. Rory bringing her hands from his hair to his chest where she started to unbutton his shirt. They parted to breath and suddenly realized they were about to take a huge step. Both were breathing heavily. Rory kissed Finn once more but this time a lot more chastely before saying.

" I really wish we could go on but I think we should wait a bit or at least wait for that first date. " She had now her forehead on Finn's and they were staring into each other.

" I think you are right. But Rory, I want you as I never had anyone before. "

Rory was surprised to hear that... Finn had been with many gorgeous women and that was just in College so she guessed now it must be the same. He surely was able to get whoever he set his mind to.

"So do I Finn. And I haven't been with anyone for so long now."

"Same here. Which makes stopping more difficult doesn't it?"

"Yeah… we'd better cool it off a bit until then otherwise, it will get harder and harder not to jump each other."

"Rory! Is that you saying such a thing? Who would have thought back in College… you were more subtle I guess."

"Oh well, I got more confident in that department." She smiled thinking of when she first met the trio and how they were complete players while she had only been with Dean.

"Do you think Rosemary will create problems?" Rory asked.

"With the custody request? I don't think so… I just want to make sure in case her husband tries something."

"No I mean with us."

"Why? We've been divorced for a while now. She is remarried. She does not have a say in who I see."

"It's not that easy. You both have a daughter so yes, she does have a say in who is around when Meghan is with you."

"Are you really worried Rosemary won't what 'approve' of you?"

"Kind of..."

"You are a weird one Rory Gilmore. You have to understand that even when we got married Rose and I were not in a monogamous relationship. It was, for both of us a way to get our family to stop pressuring us. Yes we were together, yes we did love each other but we both knew we weren't faithful. We did try at first after the wedding but with my drinking, it kind of did not work. On her side, I think it is also my drinking that got her to look elsewhere. Back then, I did not believe you could only want one person for the rest of your life. I hadn't let myself fall for someone giving in completely. This all changed when I truly stopped drinking."

"See I have always been a one guy type of girl… This is partly why it did not work with Logan. The fact that we had started with an open relationship did affect the rest of our time together."

"So how often would you say you have been in love in the past?"

"Three time… Once with Dean… not the last time we were together, remember the Yale male fiasco? But the first time we were together. Then Jess. Jess was the bad boy… he stirred something in me that even when I tried to deny it, it only came back… You remind me a lot about him. Then there was Logan. I really did love him, even when he asked me to marry him. I wanted to want to marry him, but I couldn't, not with the way he spurred it on me no warning. Not with him asking me to blindly follow him. You?"

"Three times also; once in High School when we were in Switzerland. She was from England, she was a complete wild child, pretty much the female version of me; always getting in trouble. Together, we got into a lot of trouble but were able to last 6 months without being expelled. After, we got into different schools, she got pregnant, at her new school, it broke my heart, it could not be mine and I was still thinking we were together. She got married to the guy, I have never heard from her afterward. She is probably the reason why I became a player, Logan and Colin were already, I wasn't then… they thought when we got back to the states, I was overcompensating for my more quiet time as they called it. Second was Rosemary."

"And the third?"

"It was at the end of Rehab. She had arrived 6 months after me. She was completely different than what I was going for before. She was a musician. Not very much known but still getting by in Australia; always playing in bars and festivals. We dated for 1 year after the rehab since inside; they did not allow it, something to do with solving one dependency with another. Anyhow… it was not long before she started drinking and using drugs again. I tried to help her but I couldn't. She liked booze and powder more than me. After, I stopped trying to find someone. I put myself in my studies, then my work and Meghan. But honestly, with all of them, I somewhat kept part of myself off limits. With you, I feel safe to let the wall down."

"And here we are..."

"Yes. Did you say there was no one after Logan? That was 10 years ago?"

"There was someone… but it was not love. I thought so when I was in the relationship but it was based on convenience, not love. We worked at the Washington Post, had both great careers, were both traveling a lot. In the two years we lived together, I think we never spent more than two weeks at a time in the same house. We broke up when I got offered the job at the Time Magazine. He did not accept I was more successful than he was. But after him, no one… that was two years ago. You?"

"Well, I did date, even had two girlfriends… I only saw them when Meghan was with her mother but I was not in love either. They never lasted as I never wanted them to meet Meghan. You are the first one she has met."

"Did Meghan ever meet Logan and Steph?"

"Yes, but she did not get to see them since last year. I think they stopped seeing Rosemary. She misses their kids I think. They were pretty close for a while. I know she'd like to see them… she knows about Allyson's sickness."

"How is she handling it?"

"She does not talk about it because she does not want to talk about Logan and Steph in front of me."

"Maybe it is time you guys talked I think they could be on your side in the case your request goes into court."

"How do you know?"

"I talked with Steph last Saturday; you knew they were moving to New York?" He nodded "So Steph was telling me that they had sided the wrong way. I have no idea what it meant."

"They probably learned about Rosemary's husband implication in the court case against me."

"What, he was involved?"

"Well, he is a second cousin or something like that. I don't know if Colin put it together but there was a link. It is when Rosemary found out that she started falling into depression. My take on it is that she regrets marrying him but does not want to be alone. She went from being with me to being with him. He hates me with a passion."

"Why doesn't she divorce him?"

"Would you want to be divorced twice at 33?"

"Well, it's better than staying with someone that pushes you into depression."

"Yeah well, I am hoping she will realize that soon… Meghan can only take so much of her numbness… she used to be a really good mother. And he just ignores her completely, as if she did not exist. At least he never laid a hand on her."

"I am sure you make up for it when she's with you… You spoil her Finn."

"I do not… But yes, I give her my full attention… well until today. I must say I was a bit distracted." He smiled at her and kissed her.

"I have no idea what you are insinuating…" She said playfully.

"Do you know what time it is?"

"Hold on! Argh… we'd better get in bed. It is already 2 am…" And with that, both got up, Finn still holding Rory's hand and they went to their respective bedroom. Rory cleaned up and prepared for bed using the bathroom first. She then went into her bedroom letting Finn know she was done. He went in afterward and before going to his bedroom, he knocked on Rory's door in the bathroom.

"Yes?" She answered him opening the door.

"I just wanted a good night kiss."

She smiled, both closed the distance. They kissed once again and both felt the butterflies. Finn advanced a bit towards Rory's bed and they deepened the kiss. They parted just as they reached her bed and Finn picked Rory up and laid her in her bed. He kissed her sweetly once more, keeping it light and he sighed parting from her.

"Good night Kitten." He whispered to her.

"Good night Finn." She answered back softly as he was on his way to his bedroom. She looked at him going toward his bedroom. Once she did not see him, she sighed and closed her eyes. She fell asleep instantly, happy as she hadn't been in so long. Suddenly, she felt someone's hand on her hip; she woke up and turned around. Finn was back… it must have been only a few minutes since he kissed her.

"What are you doing back here?"

"I just couldn't keep myself away from you. You mind?"

"Not whatsoever."

Finn kissed the back of her head and she cuddled into him. Spooning inside him, her head on one of his arms and his other arm curled up on her stomach, holding her hand. They fell asleep and barely moved all night. That was until…

"Dad!" Meghan was knocking on Finn's door waking up the couple.

"Daddy!" She called again.

"Oh fuck!" Finn said abruptly waking up… "I gotta go" He kissed Rory quickly and disentangled himself form her. He ran toward his room passing through the adjoining bathroom and he closed the door behind him not to wake Rory too much. If at least she could get more sleep…

He opened his door still having pillow markings on his arms and face.

"Hey Ladybug. What's up?" He tried not to sound too sleepy.

"Are you coming to the beach with me?"

"Well, yes, after breakfast."

"Then come on, it is 9 already…"

"Let me get dressed. I'll meet you downstairs. Is Colin up yet?"

"Duh! Who do you think prepared me breakfast this morning?"

"Oh! He is downstairs?"

"Yep! Do you think Rory is up yet?"

"No Ladybug, don't wake her up. When she'll be ready she will be down with us."

"Oh… but I wanted her to come with us… she won't know where we are."

"We'll leave her a message ok?"

"OK."

With that Meghan went back downstairs saying to Colin that he was right that Finn was still asleep. Finn went back to his room, got a quick shower and got dressed in a swim trunk and a t-shirt. He then went back into Rory's room and kissed her once more. As she felt his lips on hers, she woke up and smiled at him. "Did I hear Meghan just now?"

"Well, five minutes ago yes. I am heading down for breakfast and we'll be on the beach afterward. I don't know if Colin is coming with us or staying in. We'll see you later?"

"Sure. I will get up and get a shower too." With that she sat on her bed. Quickly kissed him. Finn was about to leave going through her door…

"Hmm, Are you sure you want to go this way?" She asked surprised.

"Oh, right… Thanks." Finn then went through the bedroom and left his room to meet with Colin and Meghan.

"So Meghan, what do you want for us to do this week? Any special request?"

"Well, dad said you play Tennis pretty good. Would you showing me how to play some time before we leave?"

"Well, I'll do better than that… There is a friend of mine living close by that I wanted to visit and they have Tennis court. What do you say I bring you tomorrow?"

"That would be great."

Finn heard her and smiled. He never thought Meghan would want to play tennis. Rosemary used to play pretty well before. Since he didn't play he never thought about it.

"Dad! Colin is going to bring me to play tennis tomorrow."

"Wow, so you'll beat the crap out of me the next time we play?"

"I already beat you most of the time…"

Colin and Finn laughed hearing that.

"Yeah, if you don't mind, I can bring her tomorrow afternoon. I was supposed to meet with a colleague of mine at his summer house… do you mind if she stays with me for dinner there? Their kid is more or less the same age as Meghan." Colin asked hoping Finn wouldn't mind as he still had no clue of how to leave him and Rory alone.

Finn was just happy he did not need to ask Colin for him babysitting Meghan as he did want to treat Rory to a real date.

"That would be fine with me if it is with you Ladybug." Finn answered pouring himself a cup of coffee in a thermos while picking up a muffin. "It seems I am waited on for some castle building now." He added toward Meghan and Colin. "Do you want to join us mate?"

"No, I'll wait for Rory, read my newspaper. I'll be down a bit later."

"We're off then." Finn said and got out of the patio door toward the beach with Meghan.

"Dad… why was it if I woke you that your bed was already done" Colin heard Meghan asked. He smiled inwardly and told to himself…

"That is an interesting fact…" He would try to find out from Rory… He wouldn't be surprised as they seemed to have come in quite late last night… the outside fireplace still had some warmth this morning…

On this, as if on cue Rory entered the kitchen. She was wearing a very sexy bikini top and she had on a cargo skirt. She looked so good.

"Good morning Reporter Girl… how have you slept?" He asked with a smirk.

"Very well, thank you…" She answered not getting that he wanted to know more.

"So did you come in late last night?" He asked while she was pouring herself a huge cup of coffee.

"Pretty much yes. Finn and I talked for a while. Then we went to bed."

"Together or alone?"

"Euh. Hum, What?" Rory said blushing deeply which kind of gave her away.

"You heard me. Meghan seemed to think Finn did not sleep in his bed." Colin asked. He was having a blast with this conversation.

"No point in lying to you then, is there?"

"Actually no. But for what it is worth, I am really glad for you guys… But couldn't you have waited one night? Sleeping on the first date… so not you Rory?" He teased her.

"We did not sleep together sleep together… We just slept in the same bed. Nothing really happened. Well, something almost did outside but we decided to wait a bit."

"I knew it, I knew you would get together if you'd come here… I knew this trip would give you the perfect setting…"

"Well, I don't want to burst your bubble there Colin… but it had already happened on Sunday."

"And you did not tell me that yesterday?"

"We wanted to keep it a bit to ourselves. We don't want to put Meghan in the middle of a war between her parents."

"Can I put in my two cents?"

"Would you hold off if I said no?"

"No… I think she already knows. If she does not, she wants you two to be together. She really likes you Rory. She kept talking about you and how Finn is happier since he met you again. She is quite something that girl. I think she already sees you as a second mom."

"I was afraid she would… But I do love her already… but what if Finn and I don't last? My mom never brought guys over before I was 16 because she was afraid I'd get attached and hurt if they left."

"Do you think you and Finn could work? She's already attached to you… the thing is you have to make sure if you do get involved with Finn seriously… be honest with her, and if you guys eventually go your separate ways, find a way to stay in touch with her."

"You might be right."

"And for what it's worth, from the vibe I got, he already loves you more than he ever did Rose. I know him enough, if you slept together but nothing happened… it's because he wants you in for the long run."

"Thanks Colin. It means a lot you saying that." She told him looking straight in his eyes.

"Well, if I can't have the best girl, might as well be my best friend."

"And I thought I was your best friend?" She said in mocking hurt.

"Well, you both are right now."

She kissed his cheek and finished her coffee and breakfast.

"So how about we join our beach bums down there?"

"You know you're going to be the death of him with that bikini of yours. I am really looking forward to see him drool when you take off your skirt." Colin teased her.

"Oh and by the way, I am leaving you two all alone tomorrow afternoon and evening, please don't break anything and the table is off limits."

Rory blushed but wanted to play with him.

"Don't worry, I plan more on using the kitchen counter for our 9 ½ weeks reenactment."

"Gilmore, I so don't believe you there… you like comfort more than you let know…"

They were now walking towards Finn and Meghan with beach towels.

"Rory! You're up! Are you coming in the water with me?"

Finn turned around to see Colin and Rory walk up toward them. She looked amazing in her bikini. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Colin noticed and smiled thinking of the comment from earlier…

"I don't know Meghan, isn't it cold?"

"Nah. Not that much."

Rory looked at Finn for confirmation but he only shrugged his shoulder as he had not been in the water yet. As Rory arrived she sat beside him and Colin took one of the chairs. The beach was already pretty busy for a private area. Only the residents were allowed on this section.

She softly said to Finn "Colin knows."

He looked at her wondering what she was saying when it hit him.

"How?"

"Well, it seems Meghan saw that your bed was not undone this morning."

"Yeah... She is a quick one. She knows too."

"So no need to hide then." She said all smiles.

"I guess not… I just need to make sure she understands." He replied with the same look on his face.

"You guys are worse than teenage girls you know." Colin told them.

Both laughed and Finn hugged Rory and gave her a small kiss on the head.

"So I will go in the water with Meghan are you coming?"

"Yes, I'll just take this off." Rory replied as she was undoing the button of her skirt.

As Colin had said, Finn looked at her undressing and couldn't help but lick his lips. It was good thing the water was cold. That girl looked amazing and she did not even know it. He extended a hand, still mute and they went toward the young redheaded girl playing in the water. Colin stayed on the beach reading a book Rory had brought with her.

In the water Finn played with Meghan in order to get Rory all wet. Then, Rory and Meghan tried to pull Finn under the water. Not able to do so. After about half an hour, Meghan was hungry so she went in to get something to eat and left Rory and Finn alone in the water. Finn took Rory in his arms, holding her tightly, she also circled her arms around him and they kissed forgetting about hiding themselves, for a little while they felt all alone. Finn then put his chin on her head and she put her head on his chest.

Seeing the couple's intimate embrace Colin decided to join Meghan in the house and offered her to help him with the meal preparations. As she asked why, he only said he wanted to leave her dad and Rory some time alone. Meghan smiled broadly and looked out the patio door. She saw her father kissing Rory and she turned toward Colin.

"She'll be good for him do you think?"

"She'll be perfect for him. Are you ok with this?" He asked.

"I've wanted for so long for my dad to find someone. I sometimes did wish my mom and dad would get back together but Rory; she makes him smile all the time. Since he brought her home, he's always whistling, singing, playing with me. And she likes me too, I feel she cares."

"Yeah… I know what you mean. She does have that effect doesn't she?"

"Do you love her too?" She asked and Colin couldn't help but think that girl was way too intuitive for her own age.

"Yes, but not like your father. She is a good friend though."

And with that, they started preparing burgers they would cook on the barbecue Meghan brought all condiments on the table. Once everything was ready, they decided it was time to bring Finn and Rory back to reality… Meghan ran toward the beach and directly into the water. As they heard the noise, Rory and Finn parted and looked toward where the sound came from to see Meghan smiling from ear to ear looking at them. Rory blushed a bit and Finn was unsure of what to say. He did need to have a conversation with Meghan.

"Lunch is ready! Colin and I prepared burgers for us all."

"Good because I am starving." Rory said taking Finn's hand and pulling him.

As Rory went in to wash her hand she thanked Colin for giving them a bit of time.

They then sat and ate Rory and Meghan babbling about the rest of the week's activities and they decided that today, they needed, yes, needed to get ice creams and they would make smores tonight (Meghan did not know what they were before Rory explained). Finn and Colin were in their own conversation. After lunch, Rory helped Colin clean up everything giving time for Finn to see with Meghan if she was OK with the new development. She was nervous of the outcome. Worried for what it could mean to their new relationship and also for how it could change her own relationship with Meghan.

"Come here LadyBug, I want to talk to you." Finn started when they were alone at the table.

"Yes." She sat on the bench beside him.

"I don't know where to start… OK, Rory and I, well, we care very much for one another and we want to spend more time together. You understand?"

"Yeah dad, you love Rory, I already knew that. And I'm happy she loves you too…"

"I want you to know that if you have a problem with this, you can come to me and let me know, you'll always be the first woman in my heart, you know that don't you?"

"Yes dad. I am OK with you and Rory. I like her; she cares for me, more than mom does."

"That I don't know… but I know Rory does care for you very much. But your mom does also, it is just that now, she is not feeling too good you understand?"

"Yeah I guess… still I'd prefer being with you and Rory for the rest of summer, can I?"

"We'll see about that. But Rory and I are not going to live together yet. She has her house and we have ours so yes, she might come for sleepovers but if you want for us to be alone, she'll understand."

"And what if you guys want to be alone?"

"Well, we'll see. But I never mind having you around you know that? I love you Ladybug, forever and ever."

"Love you too dad."

"Can Rory and I go and get ice cream now?"

Finn realized that since Meghan now knew, he needed to let Rosemary know of the situation. He could not put Meghan in the middle. Their next meeting would be charged, he felt it.

Rory and Meghan left a bit after with Finn's car going into town and doing a bit of shopping while Finn and Colin discussed the possibilities of Finn's custody request. They needed to meet with Rosemary as quickly as possible. As Finn mentioned he wanted to let her know of his and Rory's relationship, Colin felt relieved, he had always thought they should be upfront about it… he knew what could come out if they weren't.

Finn called Rosemary but she couldn't come to the phone. He left a message for her to call back, that they needed to talk about Meghan. She would know. They then played videogames Finn had brought as gifts for Colin. Before they knew it, it was 5 pm. Finn's phone rang just as they heard the car pull up in the drive way.

Finn let Rosemary know he would be contacting her lawyer to meet regarding Meghan as they had discussed earlier this summer, he hoped they could meet Thursday which was fine for Rosemary. Finn also decided to let her know in advance. So he told her he was seeing someone now and that Meghan had met her. She asked if she knew her and he couldn't lie so he told her. Rosemary was taken aback… She remembered Rory as Logan's girl from College. She had always liked Rory. So she said she was OK with it… but she couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed. She had remarried but for Finn to present someone to Meghan must mean it was serious and she had to admit, she was jealous… Finn had always come back to her in College… and now, he hadn't been with anyone serious since that girl in rehab.

Finn was hanging up when both girls entered the house. They were bringing Chinese take-out for everyone. They all settled and started to eat and talk animatedly except for Finn. He couldn't help but feel everything had gone too well with Rose, he had expected an outburst, a reaction, something. Maybe her anti-depressant was making her still numb. By the time they were done, he had pushed the thought in the back of his mind and had joined the fun. On that night, they played board games sitting outside. They had smores, none of them but Rory had tasted it before, they all loved it.

They all went to bed not too late and once again, Finn joined Rory and they slept, just as the night before holding each other. The next day, Meghan knocked directly on Rory's door. Finn told her to come in and she joined them in bed for a little while. It was 8 when they all went downstairs and met with an all dressed Colin. He signaled Finn he needed to talk to him.

They went to the living room.

"What did you tell Rosemary exactly yesterday?"

"That I wanted to meet to talk about Meghan and I let her know about Rory and I. Why?"

"She talked to Logan and Stephanie yesterday. She did not tell them but she asked questions about Rory. If she had been in contact and so on… they seemed to be concerned."

"Yeah, I got the feeling she was not sober when I talked to her… do you think we should change our plans?"

"Well, maybe we should meet during the day instead of evening. There will be a better chance she will be sober. Did you tell her to bring her lawyer?"

"Yes, but we had already talked about it when I picked Meghan up. She knew it was coming. She knows she is not in a state of mind to take care of her, just like I wasn't back then."

"Anyhow, I'll call her lawyer this morning and let you know what I can find."

"Thanks mate."

Both returned to the dining room and this time, Finn was preparing his secret recipe Crepe for everyone. That morning it was a bit chilly for swimming so they stayed in and played games. Meghan kept smiling every time Finn and Rory touched or kissed. For the first time since she had been at Logan's and Steph, she was seeing two adults showing love for one another. Her mom never did with her husband and she had no memories of her own two parents together.

Colin and her left at around 2:30 for the rest of the day. Finn and Rory quickly ended up in a full make-out session on Colin's couch. It quickly escalated and soon Rory's shirt was off, Finn's was buttoned down. Before they went further, Finn looked at Rory directly and said "How about we continue this upstairs" both their eyes were so full of lust. She just nodded and he picked her up in his arms and carried her upstairs. They made love slowly, learning about each others body. They fit perfectly, they did not need words, and they were in synch as neither had ever been with anyone. The built up sexual tension between them was released in a wave of pleasure they had barely had a taste of before. Neither heard the thunderstorm outside, neither realizing the time passing by, they were, for the first time in their lives, only aware of the other focused on the sensation the other made them feel. They fell deeply asleep afterward waking up when they heard a car pulling in outside. It was Colin and Meghan; it was now 11:30 pm. They had not even gone on their first date.