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Willow, Tara, Dawn stood with Lorelai and Rory as the older woman rang the bell of her parents' house. "Now remember what I told you. Always make sure there's a clear route between you and the door at all times. And please remember that if we do have to make a run for it, don't look back or you'll more than likely be turned into a pillar of salt."

"Mum, will you behave," encouraged Rory a little exasperated.

"What! I'm only trying to save our friends lives," Lorelai smirked.

"Save them from what Lorelai?" asked Emily as she opened the door.

"Oh ah hi mum," responded Lorelai desperately ignoring the question. "So here we are," she stepped inside with the others.

"Yes Lorelai, here you are," Emily sighed before turning to her other guests smiling warmly, "Welcome. I'm so pleased you could all finally make it to dinner," she warmly greeted Willow, Tara and Dawn as they handed their coats to the maid.

"Yes, it has been a hectic few months," commented Willow. "We must return the favour sometime soon."

"Oh no, I don't think my mother and father would like dinner in Stars Hollow, it's a little quaint for their tastes," Lorelai interrupted quickly.

Emily gave her daughter a withering look before turning to Willow, "Yes, we'd love to have dinner at your home sometime. Please come into the living room," she gestured before leading the way. "I must apologise for my husband, apparently he is running a little late this evening."

"Your home is beautiful Emily," Willow complimented the elder Gilmore.

"Thank you," smiled Emily. "Please have a seat. Can I get everyone a drink?" she asked heading for the drinks trolley.

"Thanks mum, a martini would go down great about now," said Lorelai.

"A little white wine for Willow and myself please, Emily," replied Tara.

"Girls?" enquired Emily looking at Rory and Dawn.

"Soda, please," replied Dawn.

"Soda for me as well please, grandma."

Having handed everyone their drinks, Emily sat in one of the chairs, "So how are you doing at Chilton, Willow?" she asked looking at the redhead.

"It's going great. I like teaching, which has been a surprise. I always figured I'd be doing something with computers but never teaching. You know maybe software design or something," answered Willow sipping her drink.

"Well doing what you love as a career is always better than doing a job just to make ends meet," Emily pointed out ignoring the look her daughter was giving her. "And Tara, how about you? I understand from Rory that you're still at college. What are you studying?" she asked.

"Yes. I was lucky in that I was able to transfer to Connecticut State," explained Tara. "I'm majoring in Anthropology of Ecology and Evolution with a minor in Environmental Health."

"How interesting. What do you hope to do when you leave school?" asked Emily.

"I am hoping to be able to get into research on the effects humans have on the planet, you know, global warming that sort of thing," Tara explained. Although that was true, she was also hoping it would help in the fight against demons knowing how they evolved from true demons.

"And you two," asked Emily looking to the teenagers. "How is school?"

"It's good," smiled Dawn. "I've finally caught up with my classes, thanks to Willow, Rory and our friend Madeline. It's been hard but at least now I will have a little more free time."

"And now that Dawn is attending Chilton, some of the other girls are friendlier to me. So it's better for me now too," explained Rory.

"That's totally not true, Rory," interrupted Dawn. "Madeline and Louise liked you before I started... Well when Paris wasn't around anyway."

"Well it's nice to know you are making friends at school. And volleyball, I see from my Chilton newsletter that the team is doing very well this year," smiled Emily.

"Yes, we still have three matches to go but with fifteen wins and no losses we already have a bye in the first round of the State tournament. We have Hillside next. They're going to want revenge for losing to us at Chilton at the start of the season..."

"I'm sorry I'm late everyone," apologised Richard as he entered the living room just then.

"That's alright Richard, you still have time to fix yourself a drink before dinner," answered Emily. "You do remember Willow, Tara and Dawn don't you. We met them at Rory's birthday party last year."

"Why yes," smiled Richard, "It's a pleasure to meet you all again. Can I refresh anyone's drink?" he asked standing next to the drinks trolley looking around.

"Thanks grandpa, I'll have a white wine," replied Rory keeping a straight face for a moment before she burst into giggles with Dawn.

"I beg your pardon!" exclaimed Richard.

"Girls," chastised Willow. "Just before Christmas, we allowed Dawn to have a sleepover. Rory and four other girls came to our home. We'd agreed to go away for the night, as Lorelai was going to be just next door. Anyway two of the girls managed to obtain some wine, which all the girls helped consume," she explained looking at the two giggling teenagers for a moment. "When we returned the next day we found that some had been spilt on the carpet. As you can imagine we were not pleased," she finished slipping unconsciously into what both teenagers thought of as teacher mode!

"Rory that was very wrong of you and the other girls," Emily chastised her granddaughter. "And were you two punished?"

"Oh yes," laughed Willow. "They ah all volunteered to act as waitresses at the Booster club Christmas luncheon, where someone had suggested they wear the cutest frilly aprons." She exchanged a knowing look with Lorelai. "Plus they volunteered to hand out food parcels to the poor and homeless at one of the churches here in Hartford. Dawn and Rory were so tired they fell asleep on the ride home and Dawn went straight to bed."

"So did Rory," laughed Lorelai.

"Well I hope you two learned your lesson?" asked Richard looking sternly at the two.

"Oh yeah," nodded Dawn. "Neither Rory or I knew that they planned on bringing any wine though."

"Well I hope you two are not expecting to have any wine tonight because you will be disappointed," said Richard his eyes dancing with amusement as he took a seat looking around. "I have some wonderful news," he said then changing the subject, "The phone call that delayed me was long distance..."

"God?" smirked Lorelai.

"London," clarified Richard looking a little annoyed at his daughter.

"God lives in London?"

"My mother lives in London," sighed Richard.

"Your mother is God?" smiled Lorelai looking at her friends on the other side of the coffee table.

"Lorelai," rebuked Richard a little sternly.

"So, God is a woman..." continued Lorelai receiving amused looks from her friends.

"Lorelai."

"And a relative," said Lorelai happily. "That's so cool. I'm gonna totally ask for favours."

Richard turned to his granddaughter, "Make her stop."

"Oh that I could," replied Rory longingly.

"You spoke to your mother," prompted Emily.

"Yes I did," replied Richard, "She's fine. She sends her love and...she's coming to visit."

"What?" panicked Emily.

"You're kidding?" exclaimed Lorelai.

"When?" asked Emily.

"I'm gonna get to meet my great...Emily?" frowned Rory looking around her family.

"Lorelai the first," corrected Richard.

"When?" asked Emily again.

"I was named after her," said Lorelai looking at Rory.

"I figured," nodded Rory.

"Richard, when?" Emily raised her voice a little.

"You're going to love her," Richard told Rory. "My mother is brilliant, absolutely brilliant."

"We share that also," added Lorelai looking at her friends.

"I'm asking a question here, does no one hear me?" cried Emily. She looked at Willow, "Am I suddenly invisible?"

"No, Emily," Willow reassured the older woman with an amused smile.

"I'm sorry," apologised Richard. "What was the question?"

"When is your mother arriving?" asked Emily a tightness coming to her voice.

"A month from today," answered Richard before turning back to his granddaughter. "Rory, I'm telling you, it's going to be such a treat."

"Oh thank god," sighed Emily visibly relaxing.

"I still can't get over that I'm related to God. It's gonna make getting Madonna tickets so much easier," smirked Lorelai looking at Tara and Willow.

The maid came in just then to announce dinner was served.

Dawn sat next to Rory who sat next to Lorelai, while Willow and Tara sat opposite and Richard and Emily sat at opposite ends.

Lorelai took a sip of her wine, "Mmm. Kick-ass wine. Shame you two can't have any," she teased smirking at the two teenagers.

"How poetic," snarked Emily.

"It's got a nice smell, earthy, vibrant. I can taste the Italians' feet," explained Lorelai putting her wineglass down as the various food items began to be handed around the table.

"It's a Bordeaux. It's French," sighed Richard.

"Ah. What's an Italian foot doing in a French wine?" blithely rambled Lorelai mischief dancing in her eyes. Richard looked at her sternly. "Hmm. Pass the potatoes," she said quickly looking at Rory.

"You got it," smirked Rory.

* * * * *

Lorelai looked on in surprise as Dawn hugged her mother as they said their goodbyes at the door. "I had a lovely time tonight. Please come and have dinner at our house soon," said the happy teenager as she pulled out of the hug.

Emily smiled at Dawn, "It was lovely having you here again," she said. "We'll try and work out a day that is good for everyone."

Tara accepted a kiss on the cheek from Emily who whispered in the blonde's ear, "Don't let anything come between you and your Willow, Tara."

Tara smiled warmly at the older woman, "Never, Emily. Thank you for a lovely evening."

Last came Willow, accepting the hug just as warmly, "So much like your aunt," sighed Emily a little twinkle in her eye as she released the redhead.

"If it's alright with you, Emily, I'll call you tomorrow, so we can go over our schedules for the best evening for you and Richard to come to dinner," offered Tara as the five guests stepped out of the front door.

"Of course, Tara. Drive safely and we'll talk tomorrow," agreed Emily as she stood with Richard on the doorstep watching everyone climb into the two cars.

* * * * *

Lorelai left Luke to finish moving all the decorating materials she had talked him into buying. As she headed for the market, Rory and Dawn caught up with her. "Hey," exclaimed Rory as she fell into step with her mother.

"Oh, hey, you," smiled Lorelai.

"Jeez, you think you got enough paint?" asked Dawn glancing back at the numerous cans on the step of the diner.

"I know," smirked Lorelai. "I tried to tell him. So, Rory, dinner, thoughts."

"Let's have some," giggled Rory.

"How about Chinese?" suggested Lorelai.

"Sounds good."

"Why don't you just do the whole Donna Reed thing for your mum," laughed Dawn.

"Hey!" said Rory giving her friend a scowl.

"Yeah, that has possibilities," smirked Lorelai. "We could make it a dinner party. Invite Sookie, Lane, Willow, Tara and of course you..." she said smiling at Dawn. "Oh wait that would make it all female! We'd need to invite Luke, Jackson, Dean and Michel to balance it out..."

"No," replied Rory firmly.

"But..."

"I said no mum," said Rory stopping, her own version of Willow's resolve face in place.

"Okay," conceded Lorelai letting her daughter off the hook. "I need to stop at the market and get some fruit."

"Why?" frowned Rory as they started walking again.

"I think I'm getting scurvy."

"Really?" smiled Rory.

"Yeah. Well that or a cold, but either way, I need some fruit," nodded Lorelai.

As they got near the market, they heard a motorcycle. They all turned around to look. "Damn motorcycles, they're a scourge," said Taylor raised his voice as he came out of the market.

"Yeah," nodded Dawn, her voice lacking true conviction.

"Yeah," agreed Lorelai smirking at the teenager.

"They're loud, they're dangerous. We should ban them from town," declared Taylor in annoyance.

"Maybe we should set up barricades and ban all unwelcome strangers from crossing the border," suggested Rory.

"Well!" stammered Taylor, "Well, no we couldn't do that that would be illegal."

"Darn laws," smirked Dawn as Rory giggled quietly.

"Oh, got to get away from that noise," sighed Taylor as he headed back to the market.

"Kill me and bury me with that bike," commented Lorelai dreamily.

"What is it? A Harley?" asked Rory.

Before Lorelai could answer, Dawn spoke up, "That's a two thousand Indian, eighty horsepower, five speed close ratio Andrews transmission," off the Gilmore's looks she explained. "Spike had one for a while. He took me for a couple of rides back in Sunnydale when no one else was around," she explained.

Lorelai sighed, "I want to get one."

"No," stated Rory firmly.

"Why not?" pouted Lorelai.

Dawn could not help smiling at her friends. The mother-daughter roles always seemed blurred with them.

"You'd die," pointed out Rory.

"Oh, that," conceded Lorelai as the bike stopped outside the market.

"Hey," said the rider as the three had begun turning for the door.

"Hi," edged Lorelai turning back as the rider climbed off.

"Nice shirt. Take it off," he said taking his helmet off.

"Christopher," gasped Lorelai in shock.

"Dad!" squealed Rory running up and hugging him.

"Hey," smiled Christopher as he hugged his daughter back.

"This is great. What are you doing here?" asked Rory excitedly.

"I'm here to see you. And your mum, who's not saying anything about as loud as a person can," said Christopher.

"Hello," replied Lorelai quietly.

"A word. Maybe there's a phrase in my future," smirked Christopher. "Okay, why is that man staring at me?"

"That's Taylor Doose. He owns the market. He knows all and sees all," explained Rory.

"And the girl next to your mum, that's giving me curious looks," Christopher stage whispered.

Rory smiled. "Dad, this is my friend Dawn. Dawn this is my dad, Christopher."

"Hi," greeted Dawn giving him a little smile and wave.

"Hi back," replied Christopher returning the smile.

"So, what's with the just showing up, Mr Spontaneity Guy?" asked Lorelai not at all sure how she felt about him just turning up!

"Well, my folks are back in Connecticut so I'm here to see them, and on the way I thought I'd stop by and surprise the Gilmore girls," explained Christopher. "Are you surprised?"

"Oh, the teeniest feather could knock me in the gutter."

"So where would somebody find someplace to stay around here?" he asked with a wily smile.

"Stay, really? You're staying?" asked Rory the excitement coming off her in waves.

"Thinking about it," Christopher answered with his arm around his daughter's shoulder.

"Stay with us," offered Rory.

"Um, sweetie..." began Lorelai.

"I don't think your mum..."

"No, it's not that, I'm still surprised," explained Lorelai.

"Mum, please," pleaded Rory.

Lorelai sighed a little. "Why don't you stay with us for a couple of days?"

"Thanks, Lor. You won't even know I'm there," Christopher said before looking to Rory, "Hey, hop on."

"Hop off," said Lorelai firmly.

"Hop on," countered Christopher just as firmly.

"Hop off," rebutted Lorelai a little fire in her eyes as she looked at Christopher.

"Lorelai..." he pleaded.

She sighed, "Hop on."

Rory smiled happily, as she accepted a helmet and climbed on the back of her father's motorcycle and they rode off down the street.

"Christopher," sighed Lorelai shaking her head.

"Is he going to be a problem?" asked Dawn as she drew her eyes away from her friend's back to look at the older woman.

"What?" frowned Lorelai looking at the teenager having forgotten that she was there. "Oh sorry. Whenever he comes to visit, he always ends up leaving Rory upset when he inevitably leaves again. He gets her hopes up every time." She sighed again as she turned back to the market.

* * * * *

"So things didn't work out with your dad?" asked Dawn softly as they sat on her porch swing.

Rory sighed, "No. This time I really had good feelings about him finally settling down nearby. Maybe not here in town but some place like Hartford. And-and mum was even coming around this time I think, you could see it in the way she was around him..."

"But..."

Rory smiled sadly at her friend, "But at dinner with dad's parents last night... They-they said some really hurtful things and then this morning mum quizzed him about his so called business success in California. Well not so great," she trailed off.

"I'm sorry Rory," consoled Dawn in understanding. "Maybe next time!"

"Yeah maybe."

"So I hear you actually curtsied to your dad's parents," giggled Dawn in an attempt to cheer her friend up.

"Oh god, mum told you?" Rory blushed.

"Yeah," smirked Dawn, "It was all Tara could do to stop Will collapsing onto the floor in hysterics."

"Oh god," groaned Rory covering her face with her hands.

"So we going to the basket auction?" smiled Dawn. "I hear there's a certain guy that works at Doose's who is anxious to have a picnic with you."

"Yeah then later I have to payback mum for telling you all about the curtsy," said Rory getting up just as Willow and Tara came out their door carrying Tara and Dawn's baskets.

* * * * *

"What's Luke doing here?" whispered Dawn to Rory as they stood with Lorelai, Willow and Tara. "I thought you said he didn't like to participate in town events?"

"Well I heard that Rachel made up a basket, so I guess he's here for that," Rory whispered back.

Taylor stood holding up a basket, "Now here we have a lovely basket, one bought from my very own store, if I'm not mistaken," he said getting annoyed groans from many of those present, this was the tenth basket up for auction and the tenth time he had said virtually the same thing.

"Taylor, can we just get on with this, some of us are getting hungry," called out a rather large man from the back who had bid the highest price on four of the baskets already.

Dawn looked at Rory in desperation, "I'll bid for yours if you bid for mine. I don't wanna take the chance he'll get mine and hafta have a picnic with him."

"I'd like to, but only the men are allowed to bid. We women are only supposed to provide the food and company," replied Rory sourly.

"That's blatant sexism," cried Dawn in outrage.

"Tell me about it. Some of us have complained about it over the years, but as it's all for charity there's nothing that can be done," explained Rory.

"Well this year it's going to be different, no one is getting a picnic with my baby but me," exclaimed Willow putting her arm around Tara's waist.

Tara laughed lightly as she watched the man with four baskets add a fifth. "Mine's next," she whispered.

"Here we have another lovely basket, also bought from my store if I'm not mistaken," Taylor said receiving groans from the crowd again.

"Twenty dollars," yelled Willow holding up her hand.

"Willow, only the men are allowed to bid for the baskets," explained Taylor.

"Well I'm changing it. That basket is my girlfriend's and I'm biding for it. And if any man here wants to test the theory about redheads and fiery tempers they can try to outbid me," said Willow putting on her resolve face as she looked around the crowd, more than one man found himself swallowing and looking away.

"Twenty-five dollars," gleefully yelled Lorelai holding up her hand. She looked at her two friends staring at her, "What! If you're allowed to bid, so am I, and I've tasted Tara's cooking."

"Good point," said Rory raising her hand. "Twenty-five, fifty."

"Et tu Rory!" mock gasped Willow getting a giggle from the teenager. "Thirty dollars."

"Thirty five," smiled Lorelai as she counter bid.

"I'm sorry Lorelai, Willow may have a claim to bid but you don't, or you Rory," snapped Taylor attempting to regain control of the proceedings. "Now we have a bid of thirty dollars, are there any other bids?"

"Ah actually Taylor, if I'm not allowed to bid that means the bid is only twenty," pointed out Lorelai with one of her innocent smiles while fluttering her eyes in the way she knew infuriated him.

Taylor sighed, "Very well. We have a bid of twenty dollars, are there any more... Sold for twenty dollars to Willow Rosenberg, enjoy your picnic," he declared as he brought down his gavel.

As Willow walked up and handed over her money, Tara whispered in her ear, putting a big smile on the redhead's face. "Thanks Taylor, but I think we'll be taking this basket back to our bedroom," she said grabbing Tara by the hand and all but running towards their home.

Dawn smirked at Taylor spluttering on the steps of the gazebo as Miss Patty handed him the next basket. "That's mine," she whispered to Rory.

"And now we have a very beautiful basket, the lady that filled this basket obviously went to a great deal of trouble," said Taylor holding it up. Dawn had decorated it with her favourite flowers and purple ribbons. "Do I have any bids?"

"Five dollars," called out the large man.

"Please help," whimpered Dawn to her friend.

"I wish I could, but there is no way I can, sorry."

"One hundred and fifty dollars," called out a man from the far side of the crowd.

Dawn looked in his direction, as did Rory and Lorelai, but could not see who had bid.

"Sir, this is a serious attempt to raise funds for the restoration of a bridge that dates back almost two hundred years," explained Taylor.

"I am perfectly serious," called the man. Dawn could see a suited arm holding up three fifty dollar bills but still could not see his face.

"Very well, I have a bid of one hundred and fifty dollars, are there any more...? Sold to the gentleman for one hundred and fifty dollars," smiled Taylor. "If you would come forward and collect your basket, as well as your companion for the picnic."

Dawn remained next to Rory and Lorelai, waiting until she saw who had paid so much. She watched the man come forward, still unable to see his features properly, but what she could make out, they did seem familiar, as if he was someone she knew? As Dawn and the others looked on in curiosity, he turned with the basket looking straight at her as he removed his sunglasses.

The blood rushed from Dawn's face as she looked at the man. Tears began running down her cheeks as she slowly backed away from him, shaking her head, she turned and fled.

"Dawn," The man shouted after her. "I need to talk to you."

As he went to pursue her, more than a few of the people of Stars Hollow blocked his path. In the fore were Lorelai, Luke and Jackson. "Look buddy, I don't know what the deal here is, but I think you should take your basket and leave," said Luke.

"Dawn's my daughter, I need to explain some things to her, I need to make things right!" said the man.

"After you abandoned her! First when her mother died, then her sister and you were her only living relative," growled Lorelai.

"Look you have it all wrong. I didn't abandon her, or her sister. Until two months ago, I didn't even know my ex-wife had died," cried the man, anger and remorse warring on his face. "Look I can see that she has a lot of people that care for her here, all I want is a chance to talk to her and try and make things right between us."

Lorelai studied the man for a moment, "Okay, but you're not going anywhere near her unless she agrees. So Sookie and Jackson here will take you to the Inn," she gestured to them. "My daughter and I will go and find her, and if she agrees, we'll bring her to see you, but at no time will she leave our sight until she tells us otherwise."

"Alright," nodded Hank. "But please tell her I didn't know about my ex-wife or Buffy's deaths."

* * * * *

It did not take long to find the distraught teenager. They discovered Tara and Willow outside their bathroom door attempting to persuade Dawn to come out.

"Let me try," offered Rory.

Willow looked at the other teenager, "What's wrong? What happened?"

"Let's leave Rory to try and persuade her to come out and we'll go and have some coffee downstairs," suggested Lorelai. "And I'll tell you what we know."

Nodding, Tara grabbed the still hesitating redhead's hand and followed Lorelai down the stairs.

Lorelai took a seat at the kitchen counter as Tara poured three cups of coffee. She looked at the two younger women worried how things would turn out, "Just after you left, Dawn's basket was bought for one hundred and fifty dollars by a man in a suit... When he collected the basket, Dawn saw who it was. She went very pale and started backing away in tears and shaking her head, she then turned and ran. When the man called after her, by name, and went to run after her most of us stopped him, telling him that he should leave her alone and leave town... That was when he told us he was Dawn's father."

"That bastard isn't coming anywhere near Dawn," growled Willow.

Lorelai blinked, she could have sworn the redhead's green eyes turned black for a moment. "Anyway he says he only found out Dawn's mother and sister died two months ago. He said he wants to explain things to her."

"Where is he now?" asked Tara as she held her lover trying to calm her.

"I got Sookie and Jackson to take him to the Inn. I also told him that it was up to Dawn, if she wanted to see him and she could do so there and that at no time would we let her out of our sight."

"Good, that's good," nodded Tara.

"But what if he wants to take Dawnie away from us?" asked Willow panic in her voice.

"He can't sweetie," reassured Tara gently. "The court in Sunnydale took away his parental rights because he failed to come forward when we applied for her guardianship."

"Yeah but if he can show that he didn't receive any information about that or even knew that Mrs Summers and Buffy had died, they may change it," disagreed Willow almost in tears.

"Maybe," said Lorelai gently. "But I don't think that's really what he wants, and even if he did, I think they would have to take into account Dawn's wishes."

"You think?" asked Willow looking over her lover's shoulder at their friend.

"Yes and if that doesn't work, I think Dawn may be old enough to apply for emancipation!"

* * * * *

Rory waited until the adults had descended the stairs and headed for the kitchen before knocking gently on the bathroom door. "Dawn, it's me, can I come in?" she asked quietly.

There was no answer. Rory leaned her forehead against the door, "Please Dawn, open the door, it's only me, the others have gone to the kitchen."

Another minute went by. Just as Rory was thinking that she should go and get the others, she heard the bolt pulled back. Hesitating for a moment, she opened the door slowly to see her friend sitting on the floor, her knees drawn up under her chin, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

Rory stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. She walked over and sat down next to her distraught friend, not saying anything, waiting for Dawn.

"Why did he have to come here now?" sobbed Dawn suddenly. "Everything's been going great for me. I'm doing great in school. I've made some very good friends, got on the Volleyball team and I really, really like living here with Will and Tara."

"I don't know," said Rory quietly. "But I don't think he wants to hurt you. He said he's only just found out about your mum and sister."

"Yeah, right," scoffed Dawn wiping her eyes on her sleeve.

"That's what he told mum and Luke when they stopped him coming after you," reassured Rory.

Dawn smiled a little, "They did that for me?"

"Of course, and most of the town backed them up," answered Rory smiling back. "You and I are this town's golden children, they're protecting their investments," she giggled.

"You're beginning to sound like Anya," commented Dawn giggling as well, much to Rory's relief. "We're not their property."

"Aren't we?" smirked Rory, "If we become all we can, don't you think it will help the town prosper. I realised years ago that the people here are like one large extended family, we look after each other. We may fight sometimes, but we love each other and will do all we can to protect each other."

Dawn allowed that to roll around in her head for a moment as she began to realise that was why she felt so happy here, Stars Hollow was like a larger version of the Scooby gang. Dawn's eyes suddenly took on a mischievous look as she glanced at Rory, "Extended family huh! Eww that means you're dating your brother."

"Eww gross," agreed Rory but smiled at her friend who appeared to be coming out of the pit of despair into which she had fallen.

Dawn giggled again before sobering, "What does he want?"

"I think he just wants to talk to you!" mused Rory, "At least that's what he said. Mum told him to go to the Inn and wait and if you wanted to see him, you could do it there and that we wouldn't let you out of our sight until you were comfortable."

"I don't know," sighed Dawn.

"Well at least let's get off this cold floor and go and have some coffee," suggested Rory.

"Okay," said Dawn standing up with her friend.

* * * * *

The two entered the kitchen. Dawn went immediately to Willow and Tara and hugged them. "I don't want to go with him," she cried into Tara's shoulder.

Tara stroked Dawn's hair, "And we don't want you to leave us sweetie."

"But if he gets a lawyer he could get the courts to make me," sniffed Dawn.

"I don't think that's what he's here for Dawn," said Lorelai gently. "I like to think I'm good at reading people. I think all he wants is to talk to you, apologise for not being there when your mum and sister died."

Dawn looked over at Lorelai for a moment nodding, "Okay I'll see him," she said solemnly. "Will you come with me, Rory?"

"Of course, if that's what you want."

"We'll all come," declared Willow.

Dawn glanced nervously at her guardian, "I don't know if that's such a good idea, Will."

Tara looked into her lover's eyes, seeing the many emotions warring within their depths, she had also felt the magick earlier. "I think Dawnie's right baby, it would be a bad idea for you to meet him face to face just now. Maybe if things go well between Dawn and her father we can meet him tomorrow."

Willow looked conflicted, and then she attempted something she had not done since Sunnydale. 'What if this is some sort of trap to get the Key?' she asked Tara telepathically.

Tara frowned just a little, as she attempted to keep the surprise from reaching her face in front of the Gilmores. 'I don't think it is but just in case, we'll ask Miss Patty to go with Dawn,' she thought back.

Willow nodded her head slightly before looking at Dawn, "We'll phone and ask Miss Patty to accompany you to see your dad."

Lorelai looked curiously at them, "Why would you want Miss Patty there?"

"Because she's good at judging people as well, and it never hurts to get second opinions," explained Tara.

* * * * *

Lorelai led Miss Patty and the two teenagers into the lobby of the Inn. On seeing Jackson leaning against the wall near the entrance to the lounge, she walked over to him. "So any problems?" she asked quietly seeing Dawn's father seated in one of the easy chairs, nursing a cup of coffee. Dawn's basket on the table in front of him. She could still see the haunted look on his face.

Jackson glanced at Lorelai, noticing Dawn and Rory standing nearby with Miss Patty seemingly hovering protectively over them. For some reason he suddenly got an image of a Lioness protecting her young. "No, he didn't say anything on the way here, even when Sookie tried talking to him. He just came in here and sat down without a word. When Sookie asked if he would like a coffee, he just nodded." He straightened up realising that Dawn had obviously agreed to a meeting, "So do you want me to hang around just in case?"

"No, that's okay, Jackson, but thanks for doing this," said Lorelai.

"Anytime Lorelai," answered Jackson. As he was passing the others he looked down at Dawn, who had an apprehensive look on her face, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Good luck Dawn," he said quietly before heading for the kitchen.

Lorelai stopped one of the staff as they went to pass her, "Can you bring some coffee please." She looked at Dawn, the many emotions warring across the teenager's face as she looked once more on her father. "Are you sure about this honey?"

Dawn just nodded, before looking pleadingly at Lorelai, "You won't leave me, right?"

"Of course not Dawn, Miss Patty and I will keep you in sight for as long as you want," confirmed Lorelai.

Dawn nodded again and looked at Rory, "You'll stay with me," she asked in a small, almost timid voice.

"As long as you want, you're my friend. You're... We're family," answered Rory taking her friend's hand and squeezing it gently.

Dawn took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She nodded, "Okay I can do this," she breathed out while walking slowly into the lounge.

Hank put the undrunk cup of coffee on the table and stood up as he saw his daughter enter the lounge; hand-in-hand with another girl that he knew was a close friend. Behind them walked the woman that had stopped him in the square with a larger older woman who had also been at the basket auction. He watched as the two women indicated that they would be nearby and Dawn nod mutely.

Then his daughter was within arms reach for the first time in almost two years. He smiled weakly at her as he instinctively stepped towards her to draw her into a hug. He froze as Dawn shied away from him, half-hiding behind her friend. He let his hands fall back to his sides as hurt crossed his face, before being replaced by anger, "I'm sorry Dawn. I'm so sorry, I wasn't there when your mother died and I'm sorry for not being there when Buffy died..."

"Is that it?" snapped Dawn with some heat, "You're sorry?" she cried between clenched teeth.

"No that's not all. Dawn you must believe me. I only found out about your mum and sister a couple of months ago... God I wish I could get my hands on that bitch," he growled in frustration as he slumped back into the chair. He rubbed his hands over his face and through his hair. He looked up at his daughter, "Dawn, you have to believe me. You're all the family I have left now," he pleaded despair creeping into his voice.

Dawn sat in the chair across from her father and with a gesture indicated for Rory to sit in the other one. "Wha-what do you mean, you want to get your hands on her? Who do you want to get a hold of?"

Hank looked at his daughter, "Eve, my ex-fiancée, for the last two years, she has been intercepting every letter you and your sister sent to me in Spain as well as phone calls. Then just over two months ago, she up and left me, telling me that I was no longer of use to her or her bosses. When I asked her what that meant, she took great pleasure in telling me, in detail, how your mother and then your sister had died and that you were no longer in a position to further their plans."

"Who are her bosses," asked Dawn, fearing the worst.

"A law firm by the name of Wolfram and Hart. They're a multinational company who have a branch in LA... What is it Dawn?" Hank asked his daughter as she went deathly white.

"Hmm, some friends of Buffy's have ah... had some contact with them," answered Dawn vaguely.

"Well, I hired some PIs to try and find you and find out anything they could about Wolfram and Hart. They all told me that Wolfram and Hart were bad news and refused to even attempt to find out anything involving them. So rather than lose the chance of finding you, I agreed to limit their search to only finding you, which they did a few weeks ago. Today was my first chance to see you," he finished quietly.

There was silence, while Dawn mulled over everything her father had said. If Eve was working for Wolfram and Hart, and they knew about her. Keeping her dad busy may have been part of a plan to get her. But Willow and Tara probably thwarted any plans they had by bringing her to Stars Hollow, being a protected town. She could not help a shiver going down her spine at why the evil law firm wanted her. She would need to tell Willow and Tara, and probably Miss Patty as well.

"Okay," said Dawn quietly.

"Sorry?" asked Hank frowning.

"I said okay, I believe you," clarified Dawn. "But I don't want to leave Will and Tara, or Stars Hollow," she said firmly.

Hank just looked at her for a moment nodding. He had no real hope that he could convince Dawn of anything. "Alright... If that's what you want. I know I haven't really been a father to you since the divorce. And that's entirely my fault, your mother did everything she could to encourage me to have more contact with Buffy and you, but I was too tied up with work and other... things. I know that it's no consolation but I still love both your mother and sister and if I'd only known, nothing would have stopped me being there for you or them."

Suddenly Dawn's eyes misted up and she all but flew into her father's arms. "Daddy," she cried, "I felt so alone when Buffy left me."

Hank held his daughter on his lap, his own eyes misting up. He looked at Dawn's friend sitting on the opposite side wiping her eyes as they smiled sadly at each other. At the other table, although he knew they could not possibly have heard the conversation, he could see they also had tears in their eyes, but the older woman was also frowning at him.

He turned back to his quietly crying daughter curled up on his lap. "You know Pumpkin, if you like we could still have that picnic. I did pay that annoying man, one hundred and fifty dollars for the privilege," he smiled hopefully.

"Okay," Dawn nodded into her father's shoulder. "But can Rory come as well. We could have it in the grounds and Sookie would probably be happy to add extra food."

"If that's what you want Pumpkin," agreed Hank happily, as he helped Dawn from his lap and stood up next to her, looking at the other girl, "I take it you're Rory?"

"Yes, pleased to meet you Mr Summers," said Rory also rising. She saw her mother and Miss Patty join them, "And this is my mother Lorelai Gilmore and our friend Miss Patty. Mum runs the Inn."

Hank shook both women's hands, "Pleased to meet you. I'm glad to see that my daughter has so many people willing to look out for her."

"We're a very tight knit community," Lorelai told him. She looked at the two girls, "Why don't you both go and see what Sookie has in the kitchen!"

"Okay," smiled Dawn wiping her eyes. As she was about to pass Miss Patty, the large woman patted her on the shoulder. She smiled at the woman before following Rory towards the kitchen, "See you in the lobby in a minute... dad," she said looking at Hank.

"I'll be waiting Dawn," a very happy Hank reassured her.

Lorelai waited until she was sure Dawn was out of earshot. "We don't know each other Mr Summers, but Dawn, Willow and Tara have a lot of friends here and if you hurt any of them, in anyway, especially Dawn, there is nowhere within a hundred miles you can hide."

"I know and you have my word that if I do hurt them, I'll let you because I will deserve it," said Hank. "There is no way I want to screw-up this second chance with my daughter. I must tell you, although I had hoped to convince her to give me this chance, I had no right to expect it." He saw the two girls exit the kitchen with two baskets. He picked up Dawn's and smiling happily at the women said, "If you will excuse me, I think that's my cue."

"Bye Mr Summers, I hope things work out for you," said Miss Patty, she turned to Lorelai, "I better be going, I'll see you later." With that, she left.

"Bye Patty," said Lorelai absently as she watched a much happier Dawn leaving the lobby with her father and Rory. Taking her coffee, she headed for the kitchen, where she was sure Sookie and Jackson waited to hear what happened!

Rory led Dawn and her father to one of her favourite spots by the lake. She and Dawn spread a blanket on the grass beneath a tree and began laying out the food, while Hank stood smiling down at his daughter, who glanced up at him, "What?" she asked.

Hank's smile grew bigger as he sat down next to Dawn, "I was just remembering the last picnic we had as a family back in LA. It was up in the hills and..."

"And Buffy freaked out when I put that bug in her hair," laughed Dawn. "Yes I remember, I... I wish they were here now," the laughter dying in her voice.

"So do I Pumpkin, so do I. I really am sorry I wasn't there to help you through all that," said Hank sadly.

"I know," sighed Dawn. "So try Sookie's fruit pie, it's the best," she said handing her father a plate with a large slice of pie, not wishing to dwell on what had happened in Sunnydale.

"Thanks, I will," he said taking the plate. "So how do you like Chilton?"

Dawn looked a little wary at him, "How do you know I go to Chilton?"

Rather than answer, he pulled quite a large envelope from his inside jacket pocket and handed it to her.

Frowning, Dawn accepted it and opened it, pulling out numerous pictures of her and her friends at Chilton, and several around Stars Hollow with Rory and Lane as well as Willow and Tara. She showed them to Rory as she smiled at her father, "We saw a man taking photos of us at school, we thought he was some kind of pervert and reported him to the school."

Hank nodded, "Yes, he told me that the police had questioned him, they just gave him a warning as he told them he was on a job at the time," he explained.

"Well the others will be happy to know that. I'll get Willow to tell the Headmaster on Monday," replied Dawn.

"I'm sure he will be relieved to know that," laughed Hank. "Hmmm you're right this is great pie," he said after taking a bite. "I hear you're also on the Volleyball team."

"Yeah, I like it," smiled Dawn. "We're at Hillside next week. You could come... if you want?" she suggested hesitantly.

Hank smiled at his daughter, "You bet I'll be there. Just tell me the time and I'll be in the front row cheering you on."

"Well it's next Tuesday at 5.30," said Dawn, "But please don't do anything to embarrass me in front of everyone."

"Of course not Dawn," Hank assured her, mischief dancing in his eyes.

"So how long can you stay?" she asked.

"Well I initially only planned on a couple of days as I wasn't sure how well it would go between us," explained Hank. "But now, I'll contact my office in Spain and tell them I plan on staying a week or so longer, but then I will really have to get back."

"Great, I think I'd like that," smiled Dawn a little shyly.

"And if it's okay with you," Hank hesitated for a moment. "I'll put in a transfer request to come back to the States, so we can see each other more."

Dawn beamed at her father, "I'd really like that, dad."

"Okay then," smiled Hank holding out his now empty plate, "I think I'll try another slice of that excellent pie."

* * * * *

Lorelai had remained at the Inn, just in case. She smiled at the happy looking teenager that now all but bounced back into the lobby with her father and Rory. "Hey honey, is everything okay now?"

"Yeah," smiled Dawn, "I think everything is going to work out."

"I'm glad Dawn. So what's going to happen now?"

"Well dad," Dawn could not help looking at her father smiling back at her. "Dad's gonna stay for a week then when he gets back to Spain, he's going to get a transfer back here, maybe Boston or Chicago!"

"Well I'm going to try anyway... I have so much to catch up on in my daughter's life," said Hank. "So would it be possible to get a room here for about a week? Your daughter can't seem to recommend your Inn enough."

"Can't you stay at our house?" asked Dawn.

"Honey, Willow didn't take the news about him coming here very well," said Lorelai gently. "It would probably be better to let her get used to the idea of your father being around first! You have to re-establish some kind of relationship with him without upsetting Willow and Tara, unless you want to ask them to relinquish your guardianship?"

Dawn shook her head, "No, I really want to stay with them, they have done so much for me, it would feel like a betrayal of their love. No you're right, I have to talk with them before doing anything else," agreed Dawn.

"Maybe later you can phone me here and tell me how it went?" suggested Hank.

"Yeah okay dad," smiled Dawn. "I should go now and let them know." She hugged her father tightly, pulling away again her eyes glassy, "Bye dad, speak to you later. Bye guys see you later," she called out as she ran out the door.

Hank smiled as he watched Dawn disappear before turning back to Lorelai, "Thank you for giving me my chance, I won't forget what you did."

"That's okay, I'm just glad it worked out alright in the end," smiled Lorelai. "So one room for a week, do you have any luggage?"

"Yeah, in my car back in town. Any chance someone could give me directions, I wasn't exactly paying attention on the way here?"

"I'll show you the way," piped in Rory.

"Thank you. I'll book in first then we'll go," suggested Hank walking over to the desk with Lorelai and Rory.

* * * * *

Dawn was not at all surprised to see Miss Patty sat with her guardians when she entered the house. "Hey guys," she said a little worry in her voice.

"You okay sweetie?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, everything's great," nodded Dawn taking a seat. "So, I'm guessing Miss Patty told you what happened with my dad?"

"Yes dear," said Miss Patty. "I also must ask your forgiveness. I placed a spell on you without your permission."

Dawn arched her eyebrow, "What sort of spell?" she asked nervously.

"Under the circumstances, I placed a spell to hear all that your father said to you, just in case it became necessary for me to intervene. I removed it when I placed my hand on you in the lobby afterwards. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier but with Lorelai and Rory there it would have caused problems."

"That's okay," Dawn reassured the older woman. "It does save me having to tell you about Wolfram and Hart, I figure that's why you're here?"

"Yes dear," agreed Miss Patty. "Did your father say anything else after I left?"

"No," said Dawn shaking her head. "Only if what he said is right, this Eve works for them, it has to mean that Wolfram and Hart know I'm the Key!"

"Yes, but why have they not tried kidnapping you or something," mused Willow.

Tara looked at Miss Patty, "Am I right in thinking that no evil can see this town through magickal means?"

"That's the legend, although I have no way of confirming it," replied Miss Patty.

"Well if this Eve left Dawn's father just after we moved here, maybe the residue effect blocks their vision when Dawn is away from here at school," deliberated Tara. "And they have no means of identifying her!"

"I was thinking the same thing... Well that it had to do with us moving here anyway. We did move here three months ago. Say, give them a month to try to find me before giving up... I hope," said Dawn.

"Any idea how long this residue would last?" asked Willow, "Only we're planning on attending a wedding in a few months in Sunnydale."

"There's no way of knowing!" sighed Miss Patty.

"I wanna go to Xander and Anya's wedding," stated Dawn firmly.

"What if we could somehow infuse some of the essence of the town into Dawn or into a talisman she could wear?" asked Tara.

"Fran did tell me once that her predecessor had done something similar once. I'll ask her if she can tell me how it was done!" mused Miss Patty.

"That would be great," smiled Dawn happily.

"Right well I need to be going," said Miss Patty getting up. "I'll speak with Fran tonight and we can talk it over tomorrow."

* * * * *

Dawn lay on her bed, her phone pressed to her ear as she waited for the other end to be answered. A smile coming to her face as a voice caressed her ear, "Hi Maddie. You'll never guess in a million years who turned up here today."

"I suppose I shouldn't try then," giggled Madeline.

"My father," said Dawn.

"Your father!" exclaimed Madeline. "What did he want...? He's not taking you away is he?" a little panic entering her voice.

Dawn smiled at her friend's concern. "No, though there was panic on my part along those lines when I first saw him. Well actually, right up until I talked to him with Rory, her mum and one of our friends. They went with me to make sure he didn't try anything. Anyway to cut a long story short. It turned out that his secretary slash ex- fiancée had been intercepting mine and Buffy's phone calls and letters for the last two years. He-he d-didn't even know mum and Buffy had died," she sniffed wiping her eyes with a tissue.

"The bitch," growled Madeline. "I mean, I can understand any woman not wanting her fiancé having contact with an ex but that's just evil."

'You have no idea.' "I know," sighed Dawn. "Well he only found out about three months ago, but of course, I'd moved away from Sunnydale by then, so he hired some PIs to find me. Incidentally that was who was taking those pictures of us at school the other week, I have them right here," she said as she held up a particularly good one of her talking to Madeline. "So we at least know there isn't some perv hanging around school waiting to grab one of us."

"That's good at least. I've been making sure not to be alone near strangers since Louise and you reported him."

"Well that's always a good idea anyway," pointed out Dawn.

"Yeah... So what's going to happen now?" asked Madeline worriedly.

"Nothing," smiled Dawn happily. "He agreed to let me stay with Willow and Tara and continue attending Chilton. All that's going to change is that he's going to try to get a transfer back home so he can see me more often."

"I'm so glad. I'd hate it if you had to move away, you're one of my best friends. I...I'd miss you," said Madeline sadly.

"I'd miss you as well..." both girls lapsed into silence as they each held their phones to their ears listening to the other breathing into it for several minutes. "So... how was your day? Did you enjoy your ride?" she finally asked.

"Yes, but I missed you being with me, I think Chocolate did as well and of course, I had to behave myself as daddy doesn't ride all that well," giggled Madeline.

"Well how about I bring dad with me next weekend and we could all go riding together," suggested Dawn.

"Well daddy's going out of town for a couple of days. But I can always ask mum if she will come with us," replied Madeline.

"Great," smiled Dawn.

* * * * *

Dawn looked pleadingly at her redheaded guardian, Willow walking hand-in-hand with Tara as the three of them approached the lobby of the Independence Inn, where they were going to have lunch with Dawn's father. "You're okay with this... right Willow?"

Willow turned smiling at her Ward, "Yeah sweetie... well mostly, you know as long as he doesn't wanna take you away from us," she babbled.

"He told Dawnie, he was happy to leave her in our care. Besides he's still living in Spain. He wouldn't want to have her schooling disrupted again," pointed out Tara as they entered the lobby. She smiled at Lorelai as the older woman came over to them.

"Hey you three," Lorelai greeted them. "So your dad's waiting for you in the dining room. Follow me and I'll show you the way," she explained as she guided them through the lounge and into the dining room, where they could see Hank Summers sitting at one of the tables next to the windows looking out over the grounds. She placed a hand on Dawn's shoulder making the teenager look to her, "Everything's going to be good honey," she whispered before she left them with the man who had risen at their approach.

There was a moment of awkward silence after Dawn stepped back from hugging her father. "Oh," blushed the teenager, "Sorry, ah dad this is Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay. Will, Tara, this is my dad Hank Summers," she introduced everyone.

Hank extended his hand and shook the two women's hands, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he smiled warmly as he gestured to the chairs, "Shall we sit!"

"Thank you, Mr Summers," replied Tara as she took a chair with Hank on her left and Willow to her right.

"Under the circumstances please call me Hank," he offered as he sat between the blonde and his daughter.

"Of course Hank," agreed Tara as she tried to reassure the tense man. "Dawn tells us you hope to transfer back home, so you can be closer to her."

Hank nodded, "Yes. I've already made enquiries but at the moment the only job opening in the US is in San Diego which would hardly be better than Spain. They've told me though that because of my circumstances they will give me first refusal for any job opening in the Chicago, Boston or Baltimore offices," he explained.

"And what do you do Mr Summers," asked Willow coldly.

Tara and Dawn exchanged concerned looks with each other. "Willow," pleaded Dawn.

"It's okay pumpkin," Hank reassured Dawn before giving Willow his full attention. "I understand that you may be suspicious of my motives, Ms Rosenberg. But I assure you, I have no intention of taking my daughter away from you. You and Tara were there for her, and Buffy, while I was under the assumption that neither of them wanted to know me." He glanced at Dawn and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I know I should have known better but Eve was so manipulative, when I was with her, it was as if nothing else mattered," he laughed then, "It was like she had me under a spell!" He shook his head at the absurdity of the idea, missing the speculative looks the others exchanged.

"Well, I can assure you that all I want is to see my daughter happy. And I would have to be blind not to see that she is happy living with you two. I just want to be a part of her life again."

Willow studied Hank as she took a sip of her water. She still had some reservations but could sense that the man before her was telling the truth. She nodded as she put her glass down, "Call me Willow, Hank."

To be continued...