A/N - Hellooooo my Lovelies!  I have a bit of a longer chapter for you today (yes, even longer than usual)!  I'm hoping you'll like it - as it sets up some things.... 😊.  And of course... tick, tick, tick.....the moment is coming....I promise!!

Anyhow - thank you so much for sticking with it, and all of your lovely comments, questions, and reactions.  They're what makes this journey so special to me - so please, please, please keep 'em coming.  And don't forget to vote!!  Enjoy!

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Kylo set the autopilot and relaxed slightly for the first time since he had gotten Rey aboard his shuttle.   He took a deep breath, scrubbing his hands over his face and through his hair.  His anger was finally starting to cool to a more manageable level, but after this he didn't think he'd ever be able to be in the pilot's presence without wanting to hurt him.  He knew the bastard had wanted Rey for himself, but never thought he'd go through such lengths when she refused him.  Even to the point of physically and mentally hurting her to try to remove him from her memories.   That's what shocked him the most, as it was something that a darksider – like Snoke – would do.   It told him that this was more about the pilot's ego than his feelings for Rey.

He let out a tired sigh.  Would it ever get any easier?  Would they always face such adversity?  Or would they finally be able to find some peace one day.

He had left FN-21 – Finn – to deal with the pilot when he eventually woke up.   Anxious to be off of Corellia, he had hurried out the door with Rey in his arms, ordering the ex-Trooper to get as much info as he could from the "doctor" when he arrived, wanting to make sure that whatever they gave her was safe, and didn't require some sort of antidote.   He suspected however, that the shot of his own Force he had given her earlier would likely do more to help heal her than anything else.

His throat constricted upon remembering how she'd looked – how she had felt – when he had found her.  Quite simply, she'd been a mess, both mentally and physically.   Even her Force Signature had felt off – like it was slightly muffled – it still did to some extent.  Fortunately, she responded well when he used the Force to clear and calm her mind.  Hopefully, there wouldn't be any lasting effects from their stupid little experiment.   If there were, he'd hunt the pilot so thoroughly that he wouldn't be able to show his face in any civilized system again, and he was sure that if that happened Leia wouldn't take him back either.

She still appeared to be sleeping peacefully when he went to his quarters to check on her.  He knelt by the bed and stroked the hair back from her face, his heart still clenching in fear for her. What if she didn't remember him?  What if she was afraid of him now?  Shuddering at the thought, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her temple.  Feeling his kiss, she made a small sound and her eyes fluttered open.

Her gaze was full of confusion, and more than a little bit of fear when she saw him.  She loudly sucked in a deep breath and he could see her frantically looking around the room, trying to figure out where she was and what was going on.  "Sweetheart, its okay.  You're on my command shuttle.  You're safe now."

She blinked hard two or three times before taking another breath that shuddered out of her chest.  Her eyes finally came to rest, and focused on him.   "Ben?"

The breath whooshed out of him, sheer relief coursing through his veins.  He leaned forward, wrapping an arm around her head and pressing it into his chest.  "Rey...."  He inhaled deeply.   "How are you feeling?  Do you remember anything of what happened?"

He could feel her shudder against him.   "I....I think I'm okay."  He handed her a glass of water which she drank thirstily, then screwed up her face in concentration.  "I remember going to Corellia with Finn and Poe.  Meeting the supplier.  Having dinner.  They surprised me with some Corellian chocolate cake – I was so happy and felt so special.  And then I didn't feel well.  Finn said they were saving me.....And....and then I think I blacked out."

They drugged her even before their quack of a doctor did!  Swallowing his anger, he pulled her back to his chest and smoothed his hand over her hair.  His voice was quiet and deep when he asked her.  "Anything after that?"

Her head shook against his chest.  "Nothing...not really.  Well.... maybe...?"  She took a minute to think, as things started to come back to her.   "Darkness?"  Thinking harder, she replied.  "Images.... A red light saber.  Your lightsaber!"  Her face showed shock.  "Swinging towards me.   Then....somehow....I felt...pain!! "  She jerked her head back from his chest.  "What the fuck Ben!?  What were they trying to do!!?"

After all she had endured, he wanted to keep her calm, but she was starting to get upset.  He didn't want to lose his temper and scare her either, so kept both his face and voice completely impassive when he answered her, trying desperately to keep his emotions in check.  "They were trying to make you to forget about me – about us – by getting you to fear me again."

Rey's eyes went wide and he could feel her emotions building to what felt like an impending roar.   He immediately tried to calm her.  "Rey, Sweetheart – just breathe.  Please stay calm.  You were heavily drugged, and just woke up after being out for at least 2 days – so take it easy."

"OH NO THEY FUCKING DIDN'T!!!"  She screamed, but then closed her eyes and took several deep, focused breaths.  After about a minute they snapped open.  "Wait?!  How are you so calm about all of this?!!"  She asked, giving him a potent stare.  Then she paled.   Her eyes rounded again, and her voice dropped to a hoarse whisper.  "Ben.  No."  She swallowed the lump in her throat as her eyes filled with tears.   "Please tell me you didn't kill them...."

This time his eyes widened, and he huffed out a disappointed sigh.  "No."  He told her bluntly, and then smirked.  "I thought I'd leave that for you."

She snickered at his comment and threw herself into his arms, her snicker turning into a sob as it all began to sink in, and she started to cry.   "Hey, Sweetheart, shhhh.....its okay.  We're together and you're safe now."

"How could they do that to me?"  She cried.   "They're supposed to be my best friends!"  She sniffed.  "I know that Poe's turned into a complete ass, but Finn?  Finn?"  Shaking her head she told him,  "I can't believe he was knowingly part of it!"

Ben pulled her into a tighter embrace and rubbed her back.  "Your friend Finn."  He paused.  "He wasn't completely on board with the plan."

She pulled back again and looked into his eyes.   "How do you know that?"

"Because.  He helped me take the pilot down – he had pulled a blaster on me.   And.... we spoke.   He told me he knew it wasn't right and was going to shut the whole thing down this morning."  Her eyes were still glassy, and the green flecks in them were prominent as she looked back at him.  Those eyes.  They melted his heart.  When they were like that he couldn't breathe, and all he wanted to do was to take her sadness away and make her smile again.  "He was sorry Rey."

"But he still did it!  Still went along with Poe!"

His voice was quiet once again.   "I know Sweetheart.  I am furious that they did this to you.   That they could even think to hurt you in any way, for their own selfish motives."  He growled, feeling his fury starting to spike once again.  "You were right to fear for their safety – I would like nothing more than to hurt them back for what they did to you.  It took everything in me to stay calm and not kill the pilot at the very least.  Trust me – it would make me feel so much better."  He took a calming breath, letting it out slowly.  "But I knew that you'd be....upset... with me, and truthfully, any retribution from me would just seem spiteful.  If it comes from you, it will mean more to them – be taken seriously, and the effects will be lasting.  They won't forget it."  He scrubbed a hand over his face before continuing.  "But even more than any of that, I hate to see you like this – so sad and disappointed.   I don't know what else to say Sweetheart, but I would do anything – anything - to take your hurt away."

Her eyes were still glistening with tears as she buried her face in his neck.   "I know you would Ben.   And... you're right – they'll probably be more afraid of me than you."  She gave him a small smile with a hint of mischief showing in her eyes.

He sighed.   "Do you want to go back to the Resistance base right now?   I set the autopilot to take you back there, but...."

"No Ben, I can't go back there – not just yet.   I do need to go back eventually to get the rest of my things.... but would it be okay to go somewhere else for a little while?"  Her eyes were pleading.

He stroked her cheek.  "Like where?  What kind of place?"

"Someplace warm and green?"  She asked with a small smile.  "I just want to relax with you for a couple of days until I feel better.   To have you all to myself for a little while, and forget about everything and everyone else."

His heart stuttered in his chest and he leaned in to give her a sweet kiss and a smile.   "I can probably arrange that.  Only for a day or two though, but I think I know just the place."

****

Rey was in the cockpit with him as they broke Naboo's atmosphere and descended toward the city of Theed.  Her face was awash in wonder as she viewed the lush landscapes of forests, lakes and cascading waterfalls.  "Stars, Ben!  This is beautiful!"

He looked over at her and smiled.   "It is.  My Grandmother was from here, and my..... parents....brought me here a few times when I was growing up."  His face became lost in a memory.   "I remember swimming in some of the lakes one summer.  The water is beautiful."

"I can't swim."  She told him pointedly.

"Then I'll teach you – everyone needs to know how to swim."

"Not if you're from a desert planet."  She replied flatly.

Reaching out, he laid his hand on hers.  "But you're not any more."   Her eyes met his and she nodded solemnly, before breaking into a smile.   "Does that mean you'll need to be holding me up beneath the water?"

Kylo grinned back at her playfully.  "Why do you think I offered to teach you so quickly?"

She rolled her eyes at him, but the expression on her face quickly turned to awe as the spectacle of the beautiful city came into view.  "Oh!   Oh wow!  Just wow!    I don't think I've ever seen a city so beautiful!"

"It is quite magnificent, isn't it?"  He realized, never truly appreciating the splendor before seeing it through her eyes.

When they landed a short time later, he explained that Naboo was a peaceful planet, and tried to stay that way by tracking everyone who entered and exited.  That made it less likely for certain "undesired" elements to try to visit, as there was really no way to sneak in.   They made their way to the port station and were greeted by a well-dressed official.   "Good afternoon.  Names please?"

"Good afternoon.  Benjamin Organa Solo and Rey..."  Rey's head whipped around so fast she almost got whiplash.  She immediately tried to mask her astonishment in case the attendant got suspicious.

"Rey...???"  He asked.

Regaining her composure, she looked back at the man.   "Its just Rey.   But I suppose you could use Rey of Jakku."

He nodded.   "Very well then.  Benjamin Organa Solo and Rey of Jakku.  Mr. Solo, I believe Lady Leia contacted us earlier and the arrangements for your accommodations have already been made."

Once again, Rey's face showed her shock, as she turned to look at Ben.  He just chuckled and tapped a finger on her chin.   "Close your mouth Sweetheart – you don't want to catch any jeeter-flies."

She just followed along lamely, still in shock, as they were directed to a waiting carriage that would take them to their lodgings.  Wait!  A carriage??!!   It was attached to a beautiful, white, sleek looking beast that began moving when the driver made a soft tweeting sound and loosened the reigns that he held in his hands.

Rey just kept looking around her in wonder.  The people were dressed so finely, the streets were immaculately clean and the buildings were stunningly beautiful.   She was completely spellbound.

Ben just watched her trying to absorb it all – craning her neck first in one direction and then the other, to take it all in.  The expression on her face was one of childlike wonder.  Turning to look at him, she gave him a huge grin.   "Ben!  I've honestly never even imagined anywhere this beautiful in my life.  I can't believe we're actually here!!"

"Naboo is known for being one of the most beautiful planets in the galaxy.  I thought you might like to see it.  We'll be staying in a country house that belongs to my mother – it was her mother's family home."

She finally snapped out of her amazed stupor and leaned closer to him.   "I can't believe you used your real name!  Ben, I've never heard you do that!"

He shrugged.  "A family member always has to be present when people stay in these ancestral homes, so I had to be recorded as a family member.  And I don't think they would have reacted well had I told them I was Kylo Ren, don't you think?"

She frowned at his attempt to brush off the use of his real name.  "Still.  I liked hearing you use your given name."  Snuggling closer to him, she let out a happy sigh.

He shot her a look, and using his strategy, she shrugged back at him.  "Hey, what was all that about Lady Leia contacting them earlier to make the arrangements?  How would Leia know?"

His face coloured and he looked away briefly before returning his gaze to her.   "I....I contacted her to let her know that you're okay.  And told her we were coming here for a couple of days..."  He looked at her sheepishly.

"Wait!  You contacted your Mother?"

"Yes."  He wouldn't look at her.

She leaned up and stuck her face right in front of his.   "Ben?!"

He sighed, and she could see his adam's apple bob as he swallowed.   "I contacted her before I went looking for you."  Her eyes widened, and he cut her off before she could say anything else.   "I was going out of my mind!  I hadn't heard from you for two days!  The first night I thought, okay, she's busy with her friends, but when I didn't hear from you the next morning or that night, I knew something had to be wrong.   I had tried and tried to contact you through the bond – and there was nothing but silence."  He looked deeply into her eyes.   "I didn't know where else to turn..."  He let out a long exhale.   "Trust me, she was just as surprised to hear from me – but she told me that the pilot had checked in and let her know that you were working on something and would be staying a few more days.  That's when I knew for sure that they were up to something."

She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder.   "I'm so proud of you Ben."

"Rey – it was nothing.   I barely spoke to her."

"Still – you reached out.  Its something.  Say what you want – it makes me happy for you."  She leaned over and took his face in her hands giving him a soft, lingering kiss.  Rubbing her cheek affectionately against his, she could feel the light stubble on his jaw and placed a kiss below his ear.  "I'm so excited to be here with you!  It feels like a little vacation!"

He smiled back at her as they pulled up in front of a pretty house.   It was located on the outskirts of the city, was surrounded by verdant fields, and backed onto a sparkling lake.   Looking around her, Rey gasped.  The house wasn't overly large, but it was completely charming.  It had flowering vines growing on the walls, and was surrounded by landscaped pathways and terraces.   "Ben!  We're staying here??!!"

Taking her hand he kissed her fingers.  "Welcome to the Naberrie country home – Lady Rey."  He smirked.

****

After they had gotten settled, Rey wandered out onto the terrace that opened off of the main room, and wrapped around to doors that opened off of the main bedroom as well.  Leaning on the railing, she took in the beautiful view of the glittering water below.  She felt Ben come up behind her and wrap his arms around her.  "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking this truly must be the most beautiful place in the galaxy."

Placing a soft kiss at the side of her neck, he replied.   "It is pretty special."  He gave her an affectionate squeeze.   "How are you feeling?"

She leaned her head back on his shoulder, tilting her face up to the bright sunshine, and inhaled deeply.   "Good.  Surprisingly good.  Its like this place is rejuvenating me.   My energy.  My peace and serenity.  Somehow I feel it in my soul."

"Good.  I'm glad you like it so much.  Do you want to rest for a bit?   You've had a hellish few days.  Or we can explore – there's a village not too far away – or swim.  Whatever you want to do Sweetheart."

Her heart was bursting.  He had brought her here.   Did this for her – so she could recover a bit.   She loved this place – was entranced by it, and felt connected to it somehow.  Maybe the Force was stronger here.  Whatever it was, she already knew that this was someplace she'd like to visit often.  Maybe even live here some day.  She blushed.  She tried not to think of the future too much – but could imagine herself living here with Ben.

He could feel the shift in her emotions – a happy flow of anticipation – and it caused his own emotions to respond in kind.   "Okay, now what are you thinking about?   Whatever it is, it feels...special."

A small smile appeared on her face and she blushed at being so thoroughly caught in her thoughts.  "I was thinking that this would be a nice place to visit often.  Or....or to live.  One day.....I thought that maybe... we could...."

His heart started doing flips in his chest.  He had never thought much about making a home somewhere.  He had always just assumed they'd live on the Ascendancy.  But Rey - she needed a real home.  He was beginning to realize that Rey was a creature of the sun, and she would only be able to survive for so long in the cold darkness of space.  It was like the sun was the source of her endless glowing light.

Looking around, he had to admit, it would be nice to make a home here.  But he couldn't reconcile that with being the Supreme Leader.  Suddenly an idea began to take root.....

"Ben?  Hello?   I seem to have lost you there for a minute..."  She turned, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Hmm?  Sorry."  His face coloured.  "Yeah, I got lost in...a thought.  But you're right – it would be nice if we could live in a place like this.....someday."

Her smile was blinding.  "Really?"

He looked down at her and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.   "I can't promise anything, and it may not be here....but yes....maybe someplace like this."

She threw her arms around him and jumped up into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist, planting little kisses all over his face.  "Thank you Ben!"

"I'd do anything for you, Sweetheart."  He stroked her cheek while looking deeply into her beautiful eyes, and gave her a tender kiss before setting her down.   "So, what would you like to do this afternoon?  The house mistress is setting out some lunch, but we can do whatever you want afterward."

Wrinkling her nose, she looked down at what she was wearing.   "First off, I need a shower.  And my clothes need laundering.  But I don't have anything to change into."

Taking her hand, he tugged her towards the house.  "Follow me.  I think we have an easy solution to your problem."  Walking into the bedroom, he opened the door to a massive closet that was filled with an endless array of different types of clothes.   Dresses, pants, skirts, tops, shoes.

Rey was stunned.  She walked into the room-like closet and began gently looking through the garments.   "Ben, whose clothes are these?"

He shrugged.  "My mother's.  And my Grandmother's, I think.  I'm sure Leia won't mind..."

"They're beautiful.  I've never worn anything so fine...."  Her voice was tinged with reverence.

Coming up behind her, he wrapped her in his arms once again.   "I don't know about that.  The dress you wore to dinner a few nights ago was pretty nice."

She shook her head.  "Uh nuh.  It was a nice dress, but these... these look.....royal."

"Well, my grandmother was Queen for a term.  And then a senator, so I guess that's to be expected."

She turned swiftly in his arms.  "I didn't know that.  Wow."

"Yup.  And she married my Grandfather, who was born a slave."  He looked at her meaningfully, and she blushed as she looked away.

"Yes, but by then he was a powerful Jedi."

"Mmm hmmm.  You're absolutely right.  He was.  Seem at all familiar?"  He told her with a smirk.   His eyes darkened and his throat tightened up.  At that moment, he knew what he wanted.....

Her eyes looked panicked and she quickly placed her fingers against his lips.  He gazed at her questioningly.  "What?"  He asked.

She continued to stare at him warily for a minute before shaking her head and giving him a peck on the cheek.  "Nothing.  I'm hungry.  Let's go see if lunch is ready."

****

"Promise you won't drop me!"  She demanded, as he waded into the lake while holding her in his arms.

"I will not drop you."  He kissed her nose.   "Besides, you'll feel a lot lighter once you get into the water."  Her fear seeped through the bond to him.  "It'll be fine Sweetheart.  You trust me, right?"

She looked down at the water dubiously.  "Yeeesssss??"

He kept wading farther out until eventually the water started to lap at her bottom, and she tightened her hold on him, trying to pull herself up a bit more.  "Relax.  First lesson is for you to learn how to float on your back.  So you need to get wet to do that."

"Whaaattt??"

Her eyes were frightened and she was starting to panic, so he distracted her the best way he knew how.  Leaning over, he kissed her lips softly till she began to calm, all the while he kept walking deeper into the water.  Soon enough, her body was immersed, except for her head, and he reached up to slowly pry her hands away from the death grip she had on his neck.  Pulling away from her, he repositioned his hands below her and looked down with a smug smile.  "Open your eyes Rey, you're floating."

Looking up at him she smiled.  "This feels...nice.  The water's warm!"  She laughed.  "Okay, what's next?"

They spent the next couple of hours in the lake.  At first, Ben taught Rey the basics, which she picked up on very quickly, and then they just frolicked around and had fun.   There was a small terrace at the water's edge and when they had had enough they plopped down on a couple of loungers to dry off in the sun for awhile.

Rey turned onto her side and gazed at the man beside her, marvelling at his beautiful masculinity, but concerned with the paleness of his skin.   "I don't think we should stay out here too much longer, or you'll burn to a crisp!  Your skin isn't used to being in the sunshine."

"Mmmmmnnnn."  Is all she heard.

"I mean it – you're already looking a bit pink.   I'll bet its been a really long time since you've had a bad sunburn, if ever."

He sighed deeply and dramatically.  "All right.  C'mon.  Killjoy."

He offered his hand and she took it, helping her up.  Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled and gave her a sweet kiss, before trying to pull away.   Rey wasn't going to let him get away that easily though, and tightened her hold, pulling him down to meet her for a deeper kiss.   Her hands roamed around his waist and down his back, dipping into his swim trunks.  She could feel him huff out a breath as she lightly grabbed his butt and raked her nails over him.   "Let's go have a nap."   She whispered.

Leaning down, he grasped her legs and wrapped them around his waist as he began walking back to the terrace the led to their bedroom.  "Sounds like a good idea."  He whispered back huskily, continuing to kiss her as he walked across the manicured lawn that led back up to the house.  "I could use a rest after our swim."  He said deeply, his gaze roguish and hungry.  Using the Force, he opened and then closed the terrace doors behind them before setting her down on the bed and crawling on top of her.

Looking down into her eyes, his throat closed, at a loss for words.  She was so beautiful, he loved her so much, and had been so worried.   Aside from its hellish beginning, this day had been perfect so far.   They both had needed it.  She reached up to stroke his face, an action that always seemed to calm and center him.   "What is it?"

"I...."  He kissed her fiercely once again, before pulling away to gaze down at her intently.   "Today....being here with you....its...I feel...."

She could feel his emotions ripple through the bond, and knew what he was trying to say.   Her smile was soft and knowing as she gazed up at him, a wealth of love in her eyes.  "Happy.  You feel happy."

His eyes widened, and they became a bit glassy as he just nodded.

"I'm happy too Ben.  You've made me happier than I've ever been in my life.  I love you – so much.  I always will."

He gulped.   "I.....I love you too."  His lips captured hers once again, and they lost themselves to their love, their passion, and the feelings flowing through their bond.

****

Later that evening, Rey sat back and once again marveled at her surroundings.  They were seated in one of the nicer dining establishments in the city, sampling some good food and local wine, simply enjoying being together in such a beautiful place.  She had originally wanted to just stay at the house, but was glad that Ben had convinced her to let him take her out for dinner instead.  The restaurant was a small, intimate place and both of them were enjoying some traditional dishes of Naboo.  Rey was eating a dish called Firefish, which was a pink fleshed sea-creature served with a creamy white sauce.   The two had to be eaten together.  The fish itself was extremely spicy – to the point that it would leave blisters in your mouth if consumed without the creamy sauce.   But the sauce tempered the spiciness of the meat, and the two together burst with flavor in your mouth; Rey thought it was the best thing she'd ever tasted in her life.

They were also thoroughly enjoying the simple pleasure of an evening out together.  Ben shook his head at her bravery with the Firefish, and teased.  "You're insane eating that."

"And you're boring for not wanting to try something new!"   She laughed.  Ben had stuck to his favourite – Shaak steak.  Rey simply couldn't believe that he wasn't adventurous when it came to food, and taunted him about it.

He just shrugged.   "Rey, I've been a lot of places, and tried a lot of different things.  I know what I like, and stick to it.  Besides,"  He said, savouring a bite of his steak.   "Naboo is known for having the most tender and flavourful Shaaks anywhere.  And its in a traditional Naboo sauce – so to me, it is something new!"

Giving up on the teasing, she cocked her head and looked at him.  "I still can't believe that you used your given name when we arrived!"  Rey said, shaking her head with a smile.

Ben huffed out a breath and rolled his eyes.  "I already told you –"

"I know you did.   Its just that...I've never heard you say it - willingly.  Everyone else calls you Kylo or Supreme Leader."  Her eyes flicked to him shyly.

He looked down at his plate and shrugged, but then chuckled quietly.  "You know, when we first arrived, I was going to give your name as Rey Solo – but you were already so shocked at everything.......".

"I'm glad you didn't.  She replied quietly, and looked across at him.   "I probably would've fainted or burst out crying."  He could see her thinking about what he had said, and a small but glowing smile appeared on her face.  "But... I'm glad you thought of it."

Reaching over he took her hand and kissed her knuckles.  His breathing sped up, and his palms began to sweat.  He hadn't intended to do this right now, but somehow, it just.... seemed right.   "Rey...."  He took a shuddering breath, looking deeply into her eyes.  "Would you....like...to be Rey Solo?"

She smiled back at him, not quite understanding his meaning at first.   "It would be nice to have a last name."

He swallowed thickly before shaking his head and asking again.   "Yes, but would you like my last name?"

Her face turned into a mask of shock and her eyes filled with tears when she finally realized what he was asking.  She didn't even recognize her voice, her throat was so tight.   "Ben..."

Getting up from his seat, he went to kneel at her side, taking her hands in his and looking up at her adoringly.   "Rey.  I already consider us to be bound together by the Force – more closely than could ever compare to this.  But I would be honored if you'd take my name.   I'll pledge my love and my life to you for eternity, in exchange for your heart, and hopefully someday, a family."    He kissed her knuckles once again, and she could see his eyes were also glistening.  "I love you so much.  Please say yes – I already know you're my life-mate – but please, say you'll be my wife?"

Tears were streaming down her face, but her smile was blinding when she nodded at him, a small sob escaping her throat.   "Yes!  Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!  Oh Ben, I... I never thought that you'd want to...want me to be...."

His eyes flared as he leaned up and kissed her fiercely.  "You are the strongest, most beautiful woman in the entire galaxy.  I've wanted to bind us together – forever – from the moment I first laid eyes on you."  He kissed her once again.  "I can't believe you would want to bind yourself to me... after all I've done....Rey....I don't deserve it – don't deserve you.  But I couldn't ask for anything more.  You've made me the happiest man alive, and I will spend the rest of my life proving it to you."

"That's all I've ever wanted, Ben.  Is for you to be happy.  To see you smile – to make you smile.   I love you.  I will happily become Rey Solo, your wife.  And I will try to make you smile for the rest of our lives."  She beamed.

He grinned up at her hugely as he leaned in and kissed her again.  "I love you back, Sweetheart.   Thank you."

Later, Rey snuggled into Ben's chest as they rode back to the house in the carriage.  She was so happy – ecstatic - and could never have imagined feeling like this.  They were going to be married...she sighed deeply, unable to wipe the smile from her face.

He was holding her hand, rubbing his thumb in circles over it, and absentmindedly brought it up to his lips for a kiss.  He couldn't seem to stop touching her.  She really was going to be his.   In every way.   Everything he'd dreamed of – longed for - since he first saw her, was within reach.   When he got her back to the house, he fully intended to make love to her slowly until she was completely delirious.

Based on her reactions to this planet, she clearly loved Naboo.  And now it would always be a special place to them.  He remembered how she had looked when they had first arrived earlier today, and chuckled quietly.

She felt the slight rumble in his chest and looked up at him.   "What's so funny?"

"I was just remembering your reactions when we first arrived on the planet.  When we got into the carriage you were like a little kid – trying to look everywhere at once.  You should've seen your face.   It was fun to watch."

"Ha ha.   I'm glad my reactions were a source of amusement for you."

"Not amusement."  He corrected.  "Entertainment.  There's a difference.   I enjoyed watching you as you absorbed and lived every moment.  I could feel your wonder.   Your joy."  He smiled.   "Sometimes its easy to forget little things like that."

Rey smiled bashfully.   "Thank you for bringing me here Ben.  I really love this planet – and this city.  I can't explain why – I just feel connected to it somehow.   And now it'll always be even more special to me – to us."  She breathed deeply.   "I feel so much better than I did this morning.  I'm still mad at Finn – and furious at Poe.   I... I don't think I can be his friend any more.   I just can't forgive him."

Ben nodded.   "I'm sorry Sweetheart.   It doesn't surprise me though.  His personality...."

"I know.  But I don't want to talk about it.  I'm enjoying myself too much right now."

"I have to leave by tomorrow evening ... but we can stay and do some exploring till then if you'd like?"  He offered.

"I'd like that very much.  I want to see more of this beautiful place, and stay for as long as we can."  She said with a soft smile, contentedly snuggling back into his chest for the rest of the ride back to the house.