There were so many daisies that it must have cost a small fortune. How does a teacher even afford this many flowers on that kind of salary?

I walked through town, my arms full of the cheerful little flowers. Mom and Rory had drifted off somewhere, too wrapped up in each other to notice that I'd fallen behind. I could only imagine how awkward things were going to get if she actually accepted this proposal, though she hadn’t given an answer yet.

“Oooooo, look at you!” Shane’s voice rang out behind me. I turned, barely managing not to drop half the flowers, to find her grinning at me, hands on her hips, blonde hair bouncing as she came closer. “Did the rich boy finally buy you flowers?”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. “Not exactly. Actually, these are from ‘teacher guy.’”

Shane tilted her head, amused. “Teacher guy? Like, your mom’s teacher guy?”

“Yep. He proposed,” I said, glancing down at the daisies. “I mean, she hasn’t actually given him an answer yet, but… this? Definitely the grand romantic gesture type.”

Shane’s eyes went wide as she plucked a daisy from my bunch, twirling it between her fingers. “Wow, so he went all out with this ‘I-love-you’ thing, huh? What’s he hiding, a lottery win?”

“Right?” I snorted, amused. “Maybe he’s a secret millionaire or something.”

She grinned. “Yeah, or maybe he just really loves your mom.” She gave me a nudge, softening her teasing with a smile. “So, how do you feel about this guy? I mean, you’re technically gonna have a new dad if she says yes.”

The question took me by surprise, and I looked down at the flowers, trying to put my thoughts together. “I don’t know. He’s… nice, I guess? It just feels weird. Like, everything could change if she says yes.”

Shane watched me for a moment, then gently plucked a few more daisies from my arms. “Hey, you’ll be fine. Besides, if this guy’s gonna shower your mom with flowers like this, maybe he’ll spoil you too.”

I laughed, passing a few more daisies her way. “Here, take these. I don’t even know how I’m supposed to carry all of these home.”

She grinned, taking them. “Thanks. Though, for the record, I’m still waiting for the day the rich boy realizes you’re worth at least a dozen roses.”

“We kissed…” I said, barely finishing before Shane squealed loud enough for half of Stars Hollow to hear.

“Hold up. He takes you on a trip to a New York fashion show, and now you two are smooching? I officially love this guy. Does he have a twin?” She giggled, looping her arm through mine as we continued strolling around town.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Nope. Plus, my grandpa likes him, which is kind of worrying, if you ask me. But it was such a nice night.” I felt the heat creep into my cheeks, and Shane’s eyes went wide.

“You’re blushing!” she teased, poking me in the arm.

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

I rolled my eyes, trying to dodge her poking finger. “I’m bored.”

Her face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Wanna go hide daisies all over Taylor’s store? He’ll be finding dead flowers for weeks.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Hell yes.”

-------------------------------------------------------------

I was sprawled out on the floor, chin propped up on my hands as I stared at the TV. Rory was stretched out on the couch with Mom, all of us perfectly content as we passed a bag of chips back and forth in blissful silence, the only sound the gentle crinkle of the bag.

Knock, knock.

The loud, sharp sound sliced through our cozy peace, jarring us out of our junk food trance like a rock splashing into a still pond.

“Can someone get that?” Mom asked, her voice thick with reluctance.

I groaned, snuggling deeper into the carpet. “Can’t move. Floor’s too comfy,” I mumbled, lazily grabbing another chip.

“Not it,” Rory added, pulling the blanket up around her shoulders, not even bothering to look away from the TV.

Mom huffed, giving us both an exaggerated look of betrayal. “Fine, you lazy sloths. But I’m confiscating the chips,” she declared, snatching the bag out of my reach.

“Hey! I was mid-bite!” I protested, reaching out as she waltzed off with the bag.

Rory shrugged, eyes still glued to the TV. “It’s only fair. She who answers the door controls the snacks.”

Mom shot a grin over her shoulder. “Exactly. The bearer of the chips bears the power,” she declared in a mock-dramatic tone as she headed to the door.

I looked at Rory, rolling my eyes. “Should we have helped her?”

She gave a small shrug, totally unconcerned. “Eh. She’ll survive. Besides, that’s what moms are for.”

I snorted, turning my attention back to the TV. “True. If she brings back pizza, I’ll forgive her.”

At the door, we heard her voice shift into “greeting mode,” cheerful and polite. “Oh! Hey there! What a surprise!”

Rory and I exchanged a look, now mildly curious. I leaned over and whispered, “Think she’ll bring back gossip?”

Rory grinned. “I’d settle for my chips.”

I heard my mom shuffle back toward the couch, her slippers softly scraping against the floor.

"Chrissy, door," she called. I sighed, reluctantly getting up from the floor and running a hand through my hair to straighten myself out.

I opened the door, and there stood Daniel. His hair was tousled, looking perfectly messy, and his hands were casually tucked into his pockets.

"Did you get lost and somehow end up 45 minutes from Hartford?" I teased, leaning against the doorframe with a playful grin.

Daniel’s face brightened, his expression lighting up the moment he saw me. "Well, kinda. I was bored, so I thought I’d swing by and see if you wanted to go to a party with me."

"A party?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Like, now?"

He nodded, looking eager. "Yeah. It’s just a small thing, but I thought maybe you’d want to come with me. We could grab some dinner first if you’re up for it?"

I glanced down at my outfit. I was in baggy sweats and an oversized hoodie, definitely not party attire. "I think I might be a little underdressed," I muttered, suddenly self-conscious.

Daniel gave me an exaggerated once-over and then grinned. "You look perfect. Besides, it’s not like we're walking the red carpet."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but smile. "Yeah, well, I wasn’t really planning on seeing anyone today."

"Then it’s perfect!" he said with a chuckle. "We can eat first and then decide if we’re feeling up to the party."

I hesitated, the idea of going to a party on a whim sounding a little more appealing now that he was standing there looking all casual and easygoing. I glanced back into the living room, where my mom was watching me with a raised eyebrow.

"Actually, we’re just going to grab dinner," I called to her, before turning back to Daniel. "I’ll change real quick, then we can head out."

"Sounds good," he said, smiling warmly. "Take your time."

I hurried up the stairs to my room, my mind racing. I grabbed my favorite jeans and a fitted top, quickly changing and touching up my hair before rushing back down.

Daniel was waiting by the door, his hands still in his pockets. When he saw me, his eyes lit up.

"Looking better than I expected," he teased with a grin.

I rolled my eyes, but my heart was racing. "Let’s just go before I change my mind," I said, grabbing my jacket.

"After you, my lady," he said, holding the door open for me.

I stepped outside, feeling a little nervous but excited too. Tonight was going to be interesting.

A/N: Drama incoming. Also this takes place during S2E1. Love ya 💜