Jess walked along the lake and eventually found Charlotte sat on a bench looking out at the lake, sketchbook open. He slowly walked up to her. "Mind if I sit?" He asked.

"It's a free country." She replied.

"It wasn't because I wanted to get sent away. You have to believe me. You're everything to me." Jess said. He sighed when she didn't say anything. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was scared." He admitted.

Charlotte looked up at him and frowned. "Scared about what?"

"Scared that you'd hate me and you'd think I was stupid and would want to break up with me." He admitted.

Charlotte's face softened. "Jess, I love you. I just want you to be honest with me. I would never break up with you for something like that."

"I told Luke." He told her.

"And?" Charlotte asked.

"He was...surprisingly calm." Jess said.

"Told you." Charlotte said but smirked slightly.

Jess smirked. "Yeah I know you did. He told me I have to retake the year and quit my job at Wal-Mart." He told her.

"What happened to you hating school?" Charlotte raised her eyebrows.

"To be honest, I was so surprised that he wasn't kicking me out that I just agreed." Jess shrugged. He glanced at her. "Plus I don't want to disappoint you. I know deep down, I at least need this qualification."

"I just want you to be able to do your best. You're so smart, Jess. You could do so much." Charlotte said.

"And also, Lane and Dave have asked me if I will join the band so that will give me something to do in my free time when you've gone off to Yale." He said.

"Wait, what? They've asked you to join the band. How did that happen?" She asked confused.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Jess smirked.

"You know what I mean!" Charlotte smirked.

"Well Dave's off to college like you and that would mean they would be down a guitarist. I'd have to sing a bit but they've got Zach and Brian." Jess said. "Dave was really cool about it and Lane's cool so I couldn't really say no." He said.

"I think it's nice they asked you. You're amazing at guitar and you write your own songs. They're lucky to have you." Charlotte smiled.

"Yeah?" Jess asked glancing at her. "You wouldn't mind?"

"Why would I mind?" She asked.

"Well...I don't know. Last time you found us all playing together..." Jess said.

"You mean when I transformed into an insane witch?" Charlotte said. She blushed slightly, embarrassed of how she had reacted before. "I was stupid. I trust you and I trust Lane. I know now how stupid it was of me to think something could ever go on between you two." She said. "Besides, Dave would kill you if it actually did happen." She joked.

Jess chuckled. "Definitely."

Charlotte smiled. "I'm glad you said yes. You'll have fun with them."

"Yeah." Jess smiled. He glanced at her. "So are we ok?" He asked.

Charlotte smiled softly. "Yeah we're ok."

"Good." Jess said taking a relieved breath.

"Hey, what do you think?" Charlotte asked turning the sketchbook towards him to reveal a sketch she had done of the lake and surrounding area.

Jess stared at it in awe. "That's...amazing." He said.

"No seriously, come on!" Charlotte rolled her eyes.

"Charlie, that's amazing." Jess said sincerely, leaning over to kiss her. "You're incredibly talented."

Charlotte smiled softly. "Really?" She asked self consciously.

"Really." He said.

"Thanks." She smiled.

The following morning, Charlotte was outside with Jess hanging out by the lake when Rory came rushing up.

"Sherry's in labour!" She exclaimed.

"What?" Charlotte said surprised. "But I thought..."

"I know but sometimes things don't go as planned. Maureen called me and she asked us to come." Rory said.

"No way." Charlotte said immediately.

"Charlotte please! I don't want to go by myself!" Rory begged. "Dad's not even there."

"What a surprise." She said sarcastically.

"Charlie..."

"No! Going to the baby shower was something! I'm not going to the hospital to watch dad become a dad again to a kid that he's vowing not to let down this time." Charlotte shook his head.

"But dad's not even there! Please! I need you!" Rory begged.

"No." Charlotte said.

Rory frowned. "Fine! Well Luke's taking me and Tristan. Do what you want! But please remember that what went down with dad has nothing to do with Sherry or our half sister!"

Charlotte watched her sister storm off and let out an exasperated breath.

"Are you ok?" Jess asked cautiously.

"No." Charlotte said.

"Charlie..."

"I just...How can I be there for this? It's not fair that Rory asked me! It's not fair!" Charlotte exclaimed.

Later that afternoon, Charlotte was back in Stars Hollow with Jess and her mom. They were hanging out in the diner when her cell rang.

"Out." Luke said coming up to her.

"But Luke!" Charlotte whined.

"Out!" He said.

"Spoilsport." Charlotte pouted but got up and went outside. "Hello?" She answered.

"They're giving me gloves!" Rory exclaimed.

"What are you talking about?" Charlotte asked.

"I don't want gloves! I don't want a gown and I don't want to be in there!" Rory exclaimed desperately.

"In where?" Charlotte asked confused.

"In the delivery room with Sherry!"

"What?" She asked surprised.

"Dad's not here yet and she's freaking out and she told the nurse I'm going in and...and I'm freaking out!" Rory exclaimed.

Charlotte could tell Rory was close to tears. "Where are her other friends?" She asked.

"They had to work. I'm here all by myself and I'm trying very hard to be calm but I'm starting to feel nauseous and the hospital has a smell and there are noises and those gowns do not stay closed and I've seen a lot of butts today!" Rory rambled. "And...and...I need you!"

"Rory..." Charlotte groaned.

"I need you! I need you here and I need you now! I can't do this alone! You know how much these hospital things freak me out! I need you and damn it, I don't care who knows it!" Rory said.

Charlotte sighed. "What hospital is it?"

"Boston Memorial." Rory said.

"I'll be right there." She said.

"You're the best sister ever!" Rory exclaimed relieved.

"Tell Sherry to keep her legs crossed until I get there." Charlotte said.

"Does that work?"

Charlotte smirked at how serious Rory sounded. "No." She said. "Bye." She said then hanging up. She sighed and went back into the diner. "I'm going to the hospital." She told Jess.

"The one where Sherry is?" Jess asked surprised.

"That was Rory. She's the only one there and she's freaking out because Sherry told the nurse she'd go in with her." Charlotte sighed. "I've never heard her this desperate before. I have to go."

"I'll come with you." Jess said.

Charlotte smiled. "Thanks. But it's ok. I think this is something I need to do alone."

"Fair enough." He nodded.

"I'll see you later?"

"See you later." Jess nodded giving her a kiss. "Good luck."

"Thanks." Charlotte said before leaving.

"Uhh...excuse me, Sherry Tinsdale's room please?" Charlotte asked the receptionist as she got to the hospital.

"Right through there." She said.

"Thanks." Charlotte said heading towards the room.

"Charlotte!" Rory called coming down the corridor.

"Hey." Charlotte said.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She enthused.

"You're welcome, but know that I will be holding this over you for the next ten years. What are you doing?" She asked.

"Xeroxing."

"What?" Charlotte asked confused.

"Sherry had some status reports she promised to fax to people by tomorrow but she didn't bring enough so I've been trying to find a Xerox machine. I finally conned someone in ICU into letting me use theirs. I haven't found a fax machine yet but..." Rory explained.

"Ok, let's just go in." Charlotte said.

"But I have to fax these."

"Not right now you don't."

They walked into Sherry's room where she was just finishing off a phone call. She hung up and smiled at them. "Did you get those things faxed?" She asked.

"Uh...well..." Rory said.

"But this is work. I need to get it done!" Sherry said.

"I really think you shouldn't be working right this moment." Charlotte said.

"I can't just stop everything because I'm...I'm..." Sherry said.

"Having a baby?" Charlotte asked. "Yes you can. I'm pretty sure you shouldn't be stressing about work right now."

"I'm not ready. I had it planned. Your dad was supposed to be here!" She exclaimed.

"I know." Charlotte said quietly.

"I don't know what to do." Sherry admitted.

"Well, the first thing you should do is calm down and stop working." Charlotte said.

"Ok."

"And why are you sitting like that?" Charlotte asked.

"Maureen told me that Howard Stern said that if you squat, it makes the baby come out faster." Sherry said

Charlotte smirked. "Well as long as you have a sane reason from a reliable source."

"I'm scared." She admitted.

"I know. I'm pretty sure our mom felt exactly the same but not to blow our own trumpets but I'm pretty sure our mom wouldn't have changed it for anything." Charlotte said. "Hey, look at us!" She joked exchanging a smile with Rory.

Sherry smiled softly. "Well I hope I get that lucky." She said.

"You will." Rory smiled.

Sherry smiled at them. She then glanced at Charlotte. "Look, I don't know the details but I know something went on between you and your dad."

"I don't really want to talk about it..." Charlotte said uncomfortably.

"Oh no, I wasn't wanting you to. I just...I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you coming anyway. Both of you." She said softly. "So thank you."

"Hey, you're having our sister. There's nowhere else we'd rather be." Charlotte smiled.

"Thank you." Sherry smiled.

A while later, Rory was getting some coffee from the machine as Charlotte walked over to her. "Ok so she's jogging in place..." Charlotte smirked.

"Why?" Rory asked.

"I think she's hoping to aerobicize the thing right out of there." Charlotte joked.

"Well, should we stop her?"

"I tried. She almost took an eye out."

"Well, that can't be good for the baby."

"Well, it's probably no worse than the guilt trip she's going to get for showing up a week early." Charlotte smirked.

Rory smirked. "Here, I was just bringing you some coffee." She said handing over a cup.

"Thanks." Charlotte said. She hesitated before sepaking again. "Did you try calling dad again?" She asked.

"His cell's not in service or out of range or something." Rory sighed.

"Urghh I can't believe this!" Charlotte exclaimed. "You do know if he doesn't get here, I have to go in with her! I don't want to go in with her!"

"Sorry." Rory said quietly.

Charlotte sighed. "Isn't it ironic? This is actually one time I actually want dad to show up."

"Did I already thank you for coming?" Rory asked.

"Several times."

"Well I really do mean it. I know this was a huge thing for you and I'm sorry that I shouted at you before. I just...thank you." Rory said gratefully.

Charlotte smiled at her. "What are sisters for huh?" She said softly.

Rory smiled at her as they walked down the corridor back to Sherry's room when suddenly they heard a familiar voice.

"Rory! Charlotte!" He exclaimed running up to them.

"Dad!" Rory exclaimed. "You're here!"

"Has it happened? Did I miss it?" He asked frantically.

"No." Rory said.

"Like always, you have perfect timing." Charlotte spoke for the first time.

"Charlotte..." He started.

"Don't." Charlotte said quickly. "Sherry needs you right now. She's through there." She said.

Chris just nodded and rushed into the room. "Sherry!" He exclaimed rushing to her side.

"Christopher!" She exclaimed.

"I must have broken fifteen different laws getting here. I don't even remember where I left my car. I thought I wasn't going to make it!" Chris exclaimed.

"I thought you weren't going to make it either!" Sherry exclaimed. "I can't believe you're here!"

"Are you kidding? You think I'd miss this?" He asked.

Rory felt Charlotte bristle beside her but said nothing.

"No, I'm sorry. It's just, I'm just in a lot of pain and I can't think straight." She said.

"I take it this is your fiancé." The nurse said.

"Yeah, this is him. This is my Christopher." She smiled.

"Well, Christopher, are you coming in with us?" She asked.

"Try and stop me." He said.

"Ok, let's go then." She said as she started wheeling her out with Chris following.

"We'll be right here, waiting!" Rory called after them.

"Have fun!" Charlotte said.

Rory turned to her sister and smirked. "Have fun?"

"Well..." Charlotte shrugged.

Charlotte was reading in the waiting room while Rory had fallen asleep next to her when Christopher walked over.

"Hey..." He said hesitantly, not quite sure what reception he would get.

Charlotte looked up. "Hey." She said. She watched as her dad stood there awkwardly for a moment. "So I take it you're a dad again?" She asked.

"Yeah." He said. He hesitated for a moment. "Do you want to come and see her?" He asked.

Charlotte glanced at Rory beside her. "What about Rory?"

"We can wake her later." He said.

Charlotte was quiet for a moment. She glanced at her dad and then sighed. "Sure." She said getting up.

She followed him down the hall until they were stood in front of the nursery window.

"There. That's Gigi. That's your sister." Chris said, not helping the smile that appeared on his face.

"Wow..." Charlotte said quietly, watching her sister sleep. She glanced at her dad. "She's beautiful." She said.

"I know. She's amazing. It was all...amazing." He said. Charlotte just nodded. He glanced at her. "Sherry told me how it was you that calmed her down when she was freaking out." He said quietly.

"I didn't do much." Charlotte shrugged.

"Well she doesn't think that. She won't stop singing your praises. She was so happy both you and Rory came. It meant a lot to her." Chris said. "And...it meant a lot to me knowing you were here too." He said softly.

Charlotte glanced at him. "Well what went on between us wasn't Sherry's fault. And it certainly wasn't Gigi's fault." She said quietly.

"Charlie, I'm sorry." He said sincerely.

"Don't." Charlotte shook her head. She sighed when she saw his despondent face. "Look, I'm not going to lie. I don't think I can ever forgive you for what you did." She admitted.

"If I could take it back, I would." Chris tried.

"But..." Charlotte ignored him. She sighed. "You're still my dad. And it's so hard holding this grudge against you all the time. I want to get to know Gigi and I know Rory will want to too. But I know that will mean we will have to be around each other without shouting. And I'm willing to try that. You just need to promise me something." She said.

"Anything!" Chris said.

"Promise me, you'll be a proper dad to Gigi. Don't let her down like you did with me and Rory. She deserves better. Promise me you'll step up and be there for her." Charlotte said.

Chris smiled at her. "I promise." He said softly.

Charlotte nodded. "Good." She said.

"So are we ok?" Chris asked hopefully.

"Well I don't think we'll ever go back to what we were like before." Charlotte admitted. "But I won't deliberately avoid you anymore." She said with a slight smirk.

Chris chuckled. "I guess I'm going to have to take that. I've missed you, kid."

"Just don't mess up again. If you do, I'm out. Forever." She said.

"I won't, I promise." He said.

Charlotte nodded and gave him a small smile. "We should go wake Rory." She said.

"Yeah we should. Let's go." He smiled and they walked back towards the waiting room.