A/N - Hello Reylo Lovelies!  I have to apologize for taking so long to post this.  With the holidays coming, life's been really busy, and admittedly I really struggled with this (and the next ) chapter (hopefully it won't take me too long to post that one either :)).  Anyhow, this one is a bit longer for you, and is mostly sweet and romantic (and hopefully not boring).  I promise - the next one will have the ,"achem" smuttier adult material 😊.  As always, thank you again to everyone who has stuck with this story 💖. I really hope you like it.   Please feel free to let me know - I really do love those comments and your reactions!!   And please don't forget to vote!  Enjoy!!

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Happy thoughts flitted through Rey's mind as she sat in her bedroom late the next morning, while Leia artfully braided her hair.    She couldn't believe that this day was finally here – that it came at all with everything that had happened since Ben asked her to be his wife.   Placing a hand on her belly, she sighed in contentment.  "What do you think, baby?  Are you as happy as I am?"  She was rewarded with a soft flutter that made her smile.  "I'll take that as a yes."  She chuckled.

Continuing her musings, she wondered if it was typical for people to have such thoughts and reflections on their wedding day.   To look back on what was, and forward towards what will be.   Honestly, she was still amazed at how different her life was from what it was only one year earlier.  Before the end of the day she – Rey of Jakku - would be Rey Solo – part of a family.  Wife to her Force-bound soulmate and mother of their unborn child.

She knew that her lack of a family and a name shouldn't really matter.  Her and Ben were already bound together, and regardless of the ceremony were already each other's family – having already pledged themselves to one another on their own long ago.  But this was one of those pieces that had been missing her entire life, and in her eyes the marriage would make it official to everyone else.  She is his and he is hers.

A thread of anxiety pulsed through the bond, interrupting her train of thought.  She knew that Ben was feeling nervous – she could feel it.  Should she try to calm him?  Leia had said that it was tradition for them not to see each other until the actual ceremony, but she wasn't sure if it would be okay to talk to him.  She really wanted to reassure him, but it felt a little like cheating.  She could feel a slight nudge brush against her mind, but nothing more.  No words, no thoughts, no mental pictures came her way, so he was similarly trying to see how she was feeling, without actually speaking to her.  She smiled to herself and sent a wave of warm serenity through to him, hopeful that her feelings would help to calm him too.

A sharp tug on her hair, followed by a whispered Sorry snapped her out of her thoughts.  She looked up into the mirror as Leia continued to work.  After the men had left last night, the three women sat around just relaxing and chatting amicably, when Leia wistfully began speaking about a number of Alderaanian customs, including women's braids.  She explained how there were different braid styles that were used to symbolize all occasions – one of them being for marriage.

Rey had listened intently while Leia reminisced over her home planet's custom, and feeling inspired, decided that she wanted to wear her hair in an Alderaanian marriage braid for the ceremony.  It would honor Leia, and likely surprise Ben.  Although Alderaan wasn't his home planet – it had long since been destroyed by the time he was born – Leia had mentioned how familiar Ben was with many of the customs, including the braids.  Laughing fondly, she'd mentioned how she had taught Ben how to weave many of the braids, and that he even used to like to wear them in his own hair when he was little.  Somewhat like a Padawan's braid, but not quite.  The thought had made Rey smile.

When she asked Leia whether she'd plait Rey's hair into a marriage braid for the ceremony, Leia became misty-eyed, and readily agreed, looking truly touched.  Now, as she looked on, Rey was amazed at how complicated the process appeared to be, and knew that she could never create something so beautiful.   When Leia was finished braiding, she began inserting small white flowers throughout the braids.

Rey looked up, speechless at how beautiful she felt – almost like a princess.  The intricate braids looked so – ornate.  They were woven over the top of her head, from one side to the other, and then around the back, meeting in the middle.  The flowers added a soft touch and made the whole look beautifully natural.

"Leia."  Rey whispered breathlessly.   "It's so beautiful. I  didn't know what to expect.  Thank you."

Leia leaned over from behind her and gave her a hug.   "You're welcome.  It's your wedding day, so I wanted you to feel special."  She gave Rey a motherly smile as she continued to fuss with the flowers, trying to make them perfect.  "I'm so excited that you're going to be my daughter by marriage, and the mother of my grandchildren.  After everything, I never thought......"  Her voice drifted off, before she cleared her throat to shake off the emotion.  "Of all the women in the galaxy, I'm so very glad its you."

Rey smiled, becoming teary-eyed as Leia continued, with conviction in her voice.  "I'm so proud of the woman you've become – and Han would be too.  You're so strong and powerful – yet your goodness and compassion for others shines through you so brightly that sometimes its almost blinding – but amazingly beautiful.  Your spark – that fire - it captivates people – it certainly captivated my Son."  She smirked.   "I honestly believe you're the only one who could have done that – and it brought Ben back.  Without you, your understanding of him, and your conviction that there was still good in him, he never would have found the courage – nor the reason - within himself to change.  Thank you for not giving up on him."

Rey felt overwhelmed at everything Leia was saying, and was practically rendered speechless as her eyes met Leia's in the mirror.  She had always looked up to Leia as not only her General, but also as a mother figure – one she'd been missing her entire life.   However, she'd never felt it as keenly as in that moment.  "I could never have given up on him, even if it had taken years – decades – for him to come around.  He's my soulmate – my other half.  Being without him hurts – like I'm missing half of myself.  It was like that even when we were at odds with each other."  Taking a deep breath, she went on.  "Ever since Ahch-To, and the Supremacy, I've always known that my future was supposed to be with him.   We're a part of each other.  The Force has willed this.  I just had to be patient – we both did."  She tilted her head up to smile at Leia.  "That was the hardest part."

"Saying that I love him seems somehow inadequate.  It doesn't even come close to how I feel about him – how we feel about each other.  I promise you that I'll love and protect him and our family for the rest of our lives – and I know he'll do the same for me."

Leia grasped her hand and gave it a firm squeeze, tears glistening in her eyes as she looked down at Rey.  She thanked the Maker for bringing her to them all.   This amazing young woman had changed their lives – they'd never be the same.  She knew that the Force had something bigger planned for both Rey and her son – she could feel it – and Leia felt truly blessed and humbled to even be a small part of it.

Their moment was interrupted by the arrival of the attendants who would be doing Rey's makeup and helping her dress.   Leia gave her a kiss on the top of her head, and left the room to begin getting herself dressed too.

****

Ben paced through the corridors of the Falcon, unable to sit still.  He'd managed a few hours of fitful sleep last night, too keyed up to be able to relax enough to drop off very deeply.  He wasn't sure why he felt so anxious – so nervous – but he knew that unexpectedly spending last night apart from her had definitely affected him.

He'd tried meditating outdoors, before the sun even rose, and while that helped a bit, by the time he'd walked back to the Falcon he'd felt that nervous edginess begin to return, and he'd been prowling around the ship ever since.   Maybe I should just reach out to her, to make sure she's okay?  He thought.   If his Mother found out, she'd be pissed.  She'd see it as cheating.  He took a deep breath, trying to calm his unsteady nerves, and sent just the smallest tendril of Force towards her to see how she was feeling.

Happiness.  Excitement.  Anticipation.   Those were what he could feel from Rey's end of the bond.  Sighing to himself, he realized that she wasn't feeling any of the anxiety that he was, and not wanting to feel too needy, decided not to try to speak to her.   He'd just have to deal with his rioting emotions on his own.   He took a deep breath to settle himself and felt a warm wave of calmness flow through him, causing him to smile.  Just knowing that she wasn't anxious had seemed to help, but now he knew she was trying to reassure him, which made him feel even better.

Hearing a commotion from outside the ship, he went to investigate, needing a distraction for a few minutes.  Descending the Falcon's ramp, he could see Chewie surrounding a human male in one of his giant hugs.  When he released the man, Ben could finally make out who it was.  Lando.

"Ben!"  Lando called out.  "How ya doin', Little Starfighter?"

He could hear Chewie bark out his laughter as he responded.   "Please – do not call me that in front of Finn."

"Call you what?"  He heard Finn ask, as he came down the ramp behind him.  "What did I miss?"

"Nothing."  Ben quickly replied, hearing Lando guffaw in the background, and shooting him a frown.

Lando approached Ben and gave him a quick hug and a slap on the back.  "Chewie tells me that you've been pacing around all morning like a caged Loth-beast.   What are you so nervous about?  You think she'll change her mind?"  He teased.

Ben shot Chewie an exasperated look, as if to say 'thanks for nothing', as Finn piped in, sensing that now was his chance to finally get in some of the ribbing he'd wanted to start last night.  "Oh, that's exactly what he's worried about – that she might come to her senses when she's away from his pretty face and tree-like body."

Finn's remarks caused all three of his tormentor's to start laughing.  Ben's head snapped to Finn, giving him a death-like stare that promised retribution, but Finn just smirked back at him in wry amusement.

Lando slapped Ben on the back once more.  "I'm sure she'll be there.   C'mon big guy – its time for you to start getting ready."

Snapping out of his mood, Ben nodded, and turned to face Lando.  "Uncle, I... I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to perform the ceremony."

"Are you kidding?"  Lando replied excitedly.  "Ben, its my honor.  I'm flattered that you'd ask." Pausing for a moment, he asked.  "Who is standing with you?"

"Uncle Chewie."  He responded with a small smile, at the same time he heard Chewie trill  "I am, who do you think?"  They all laughed, as Ben shook his head and walked back up the ramp, eager to be away from their continued teasing.

Family and friends.  He sighed.  While at that very moment he'd like nothing more than to skewer them all with his saber, he knew that he wouldn't ever want to be without them again.

****

Leia couldn't help the small gasp that escaped her as Rey emerged from the bedroom.  The young women that had been assisting her trailed behind, fussing with the train on her dress.  She was wearing the headdress that the attendants had quickly modified in order to better show the braids in her hair.  Leia's expression was one of stunned wonder, her voice gentle when she told her.  "Rey, you look simply stunning!"  She put a hand over heart, and gave her a motherly smile that was tinged with mischief.   "Ben won't be able to keep his – eyes – off of you!"

Rey smiled back nervously.  "Do you really think so?   Its - not too much?  I..don't feel quite like myself."

Walking towards her, Leia embraced Rey in a warm hug.  "Its your wedding day – you're not supposed to feel like yourself.  You're supposed to feel like a Princess.  And trust me, you definitely look like one."  Leia leaned closer and murmured.  "And technically, Ben is a Prince of Alderaan, so....its very fitting for you to look the part."

Rey's face showed her shock before Leia replied with a smirk.   "Don't worry, Ben has never liked to remind people of that."  Holding Rey's hands, she stepped back to get a better look at her, and noticed the bracelet on her wrist.  "What's this?"   She asked, holding up Rey's hand to take a closer look.

"It was my grandmother's.   Aunt Sismé insisted that I have it.  She told me I needed to wear something blue to the wedding."

Leia's eyes widened.   "Ah, the wedding tradition."    She smiled.   "Actually, I have a couple of things for you too – that should complete the tradition."  Leia turned and picked up something from the table behind her, then held her hand out to Rey.  "You also need to wear something that is 'borrowed', so I would suggest these.  They accent your dress, and I would be happy to lend them to you."

Rey looked down to see a pair of earrings in the palm of Leia's hand.   "Leia.   They're so beautiful.  But my ears aren't pierced."  She said sadly.

Leia took one of the earrings and showed her the front and back.  "They don't need to be – see?"  She raised her brows.  "May I?"

Rey's face lit up brightly as she nodded.  "Yes, please."

When she was done, Leia turned and picked up a small box, wrapped with a bow, that was also sitting on the table.  "Ben asked me to give this to you before the ceremony."  She smiled, holding out the box to Rey.

Rey's heart almost stopped in her chest.   "What is it?"

Leia smiled softly.   "Why don't you open it and find out?"   Rey reached out and took the box.   "I'll give you a minute.   I need to go check things anyways."  She patted Rey's shoulder before turning to leave the room.

With shaking hands, Rey untied the bow and lifted the lid off of the box, letting out a soft gasp of surprise.  Inside sat a pin, intricately set in a shiny, silver metal with a large, sparkling stone.  The stone itself almost seemed to be two different gems that were fused together.  Half of the stone was a very dark grey – almost black, and the other half was clear – almost white.  The two halves were wrapped around each other, as if they were trying to entwine with one another – and were remarkably similar to the symbol she'd seen on the floor of the ancient Jedi temple on Ahch-To.   She removed the pin from the box, and saw a note at the bottom, clearly written in Ben's bold, neat scrawl.

"Rey.   As soon as I saw this, I thought of you.  The stone is Kyberite, which is extremely rare.  It is related to kyber crystal and can sense your moods, and changes from balanced to white or black, with them.  I thought it was perfect for you.   I hope you like it.   I love you, and I'll see you soon - Ben."

Her heart melted and her eyes became glassy, as she cradled the pin in her hands.  She loved it. It was unique, and simply beautiful.  And he'd chosen it for her.  She continued to stare at the gift until she heard Leia come up behind her.  "Rey, your family has arrived.  Your Aunt is lovely."

She turned, silently holding the jewel out to show her, with glassy eyes.  Her throat was too tight to speak.

"Oh, Rey.  Kyberite.  Its so beautiful.  And very, very rare.  Some people say these stones are almost alive, like kyber crystals – but not quite."  Leia smiled at Rey's emotional state.  "If you'd like to wear it today, it might look particularly nice right here, below the vee of your neckline." She flicked her eyes up to Rey's, questioningly.

Rey cleared her throat, finally finding her voice.   "Yes. That would be perfect!"  She nodded.

Leia took the pin and gently attached it to the dress, just above her breasts where the neckline ended in a deep vee.  She tugged Rey over to a mirror and let her admire both the earrings and the pin.  "Now you've fulfilled the tradition.  Your dress is old, the pin is new, my earrings are borrowed, and your bracelet is blue."

Rey smiled brightly.  "That's so nice!  Thank you, Leia.   You've done so much for me – and Ben.   I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say a thing.  You gave me my Son back, and now I'll have a daughter – and soon a grandchild.  You've made me happier than I've been in a very long time.  I just want you and Ben to enjoy your day."  She leaned over and gave Rey a final hug, hearing a slight commotion outside.  "I think the boys have arrived."  Pulling away from her, she looked into Rey's eyes with a smile.  "Are you ready?   Its almost time."

Rey smiled brightly, and nodded eagerly.  "Okay then.   I'll go get Finn."

****

Ben had to admit that he felt a little nauseous and his knees were weak as he walked toward the flower and vine covered archway that had been set up at the edge of the terrace.  It was a positively beautiful setting, but Ben had barely noticed.   Although they had all arrived together, Lando had already taken up his position in front of the arch, and was reviewing a page on a holopad.  Glancing up at Ben, he gave him a knowing smirk, well aware that Ben was still experiencing a bout of wedding day nerves.    His Uncle Chewie was a step behind him, and put his hand on his shoulder.   "Calm down Little Ben.   We're almost ready to start, and she'll be out in just a minute."

Ben huffed out a breath and nodded, stuffing his hands into his pockets to try to tamp down the urge to pace.  He glanced over at their guests, which included Rey's family, who were sitting quietly and talking while waiting for the ceremony to begin.  Rey's Uncle Brak caught his eye, and gave a knowing, sympathetic grin at Ben's obvious discomfort.  Ben's lips flattened into a chagrined line, and he gave her uncle an answering nod.

His mother suddenly came out of the house and stopped to speak with Finn, motioning him to go inside.  When she was done, she approached him, stretching up to give him a brief hug.  "You look so handsome, Son."  She told him proudly.  "Rey will be dazzled when she sees you."   He looked at her wide eyed.  "Take a breath Ben.  You look like a frightened Loth-cat."  She hugged him once again.   "I love you, Son, and I'm so happy for you."  She patted his cheek sharply.   "Now snap out of it!"  She laughed before turning to take her seat.

Ben took another deep breath and looked back at Leia in embarrassment.  Calm down, Solo.  He told himself.  What the hell is wrong with you?  You've faced down enemies in battle without fear, yet you can barely hold it together waiting for Rey to come out and marry you.  He growled to himself, clenching his fists, feeling foolish.   Once again, he inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself.

Suddenly, a lone musician that he'd not previously noticed began playing a regal sounding melody, and everyone in attendance stood.

****

Rey's knees had been shaking when Finn walked her over to the terrace doors.  She looked up at him silently and gave him a tremulous smile.  "Are you ready?"  He asked quietly, searching her eyes for any sign of uncertainty.

She took a deep breath, and smiled once again.  "Yes.  Thank you, Finn, for agreeing to do this."

"I'm honoured that you asked me to do this, Rey.  I just want you to be happy, and if that's with him – then I'll do whatever you need to make that happen.  Even if he's still a bit of an asshole."

She rolled her eyes before squeezing his hand and giving him a quick peck on the cheek.  "I love you Finn.  You're the best friend anyone could have.  Thank you for being you.   I hope that one day, you and Rose will be just as happy."

Finn smiled back at her bashfully.  "I hope so too."  He held out his arm to her.   "Now, your fiancé is out there pacing around like a mad man, waiting for you to appear.  So let's go get you married, before he blows the doors off this house."

Rey chuckled as Finn opened the terrace doors and she caught her first glimpse of Ben standing at the end of the aisle, almost underneath a flower covered archway.  She could feel how nervous he was, although he was desperately trying not to show it – standing nonchalantly with one hand in the front pocket of his trousers.  The vignette made her heart pound and her mouth go dry.

She could vaguely hear a musician begin playing as her breath caught in her throat, and she took in the entirety of his appearance.   His face was clean shaven, and his usually untameable raven hair was combed neatly in place.  A black suit and white shirt were complimented with a black tie at his neck.  The ensemble set off his broad shoulders and trim torso, and in that moment she didn't think she'd ever wanted him more.    And he was hers.

Looking up at the terrace doors, Ben could see Rey standing with Finn, and the whole world around him simply – stopped.  His mouth fell open and he just stared.   All he could see was Rey - and she was simply breathtaking.  She was adorned in his Grandmother Padmé's dress, and her headpiece was arranged to show off the beautiful Alderaanian marriage braids that she was wearing in her hair.   He didn't think he'd ever seen her look more beautiful, and he was pretty sure he stopped breathing for a minute, before she smiled softly and started walking toward him, holding Finn's arm while clutching a small bouquet of flowers in her hand.

Their eyes locked, and a wave of calm certainty like she'd never felt before washed over her.  Her Ben – her partner, her soulmate - was waiting for her – to make her his wife.  She gave Finn's arm a gentle squeeze without breaking Ben's gaze, as her feet began moving eagerly towards him of their own accord.  She could see his face light up in a wide, happy grin as she got closer and closer to him.  A brilliant smile appeared on her own face in response, and she had to keep herself from dragging Finn down the aisle.

His lips turned up in a huge smile as she moved towards him, getting closer and closer, her eyes locking onto his, never wavering.  His erratic breathing began to calm and he could feel his tumultuous emotions finally settle as they gazed at each other in silent communication.   Everything he'd ever wanted in his future was walking towards him, and she would be his in a few short minutes.   A powerful wave of emotion flowed through him, and he swallowed thickly as the Force around them hummed vibrantly and everything in the galaxy felt simply right.

When she was finally right in front of him, she stopped, mesmerized now that she was seeing him up close.  His attractiveness – his potent maleness, was almost overpowering, and practically stole her breath.  And the possessive look he was giving her sent shivers coursing through her entire body.  At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to throw herself into his arms and never let go.

Ben took a step forward to receive her from Finn's arm, his eyes still never leaving hers.  Beside her, she could hear Finn clear his throat, breaking the spell she seemed to be under.  Turning to Finn, she gave him a soft smile and a kiss on the cheek before turning back to face her husband-to-be once again.  Ben's eyes met Finn's briefly, a silent exchange passing between them before he gave Finn a slow nod and reached out to take Rey's hand.  His gaze flicked up to hers as he brought her hand up to his lips for a kiss, causing Rey to blush shyly.

"You are breathtaking."  He whispered deeply, appearing to be slightly in awe.

Rey quipped back at him quietly.  "You look amazingly handsome yourself, Solo."

He took another long look at her, his gaze travelling down her dress, finally noticing the Kyberite pin on the bodice, and smiled in satisfaction.  She was wearing it.  At the moment, the stone was sparkling pure white.  Turning his eyes up to meet hers once again, he gazed deeply into them, telling her without words how he was feeling.

She noticed his eyes briefly dip down to the pin, before finding hers once again.  Her hand touched it almost absentmindedly as she continued to stare back at him.   "It so beautiful.   I absolutely love it.  Thank you."

His eyes crinkled even more as he smiled back at her.   "You're welcome, Sweetheart."

In front of them, Lando cleared his throat to capture their attention, smiling knowingly at the couple.  "You two ready?"  He asked quietly enough so that only they could hear.  Glancing at each other once again, they smiled briefly before looking back at Lando and nodding in unison.   "Okay, then."

Lando looked out at their small audience and smiled charmingly.  "Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.  We have come together today to witness this young couple – Benjamin Organa Solo and Rey Villerie make solemn vows to each other to join their lives together in marriage."   He shifted his focus to the couple in front of him.   "Now, these vows are not something that should be taken lightly.   They're for the rest of your lives, and once made, they are not easily undone.   You two know that, right?"  He teased with a wink, causing the audience to titter quietly.  Ben and Rey exchanged a meaningful look, before turning back to Lando and nodding once again.   "Good.  At this point, I will ask you to face each other and join hands."

Rey turned and leaned over to hand the small bouquet she was holding to Leia, before turning back to Ben and taking his hands.  Looking up into his smiling face, she wanted to memorize this moment – to imprint it on her soul so she'd never forget how he looked and what she was feeling.  Similarly, Ben gazed down at her beautiful, happy face and willed himself to memorize how she looked right then.

Lando began speaking once again.  "Rey, we'll start with you.  Please go ahead and make your vows to Ben."

Rey took a deep breath and closed her eyes to gather her thoughts.  They were shining with happiness when she began.  "Ben, from the first time we met – you intrigued me.  You terrified me,"  She laughed nervously, and she could see him blush slightly.   "but you fascinated me.   However, never in all the galaxies could I have imagined the man I'd find underneath that mask."  She paused, thinking.  "At first, it was only a few glimpses – when we were on Starkiller, and then again on Ahch-To – but I could see little flashes of you.   And when I did, you captivated me.  Each time the Force connected us, more and more of you started to show.  That night, when we touched hands over the fire, I saw the real you, and you saw the real me – for the very first time, I think.  I knew then that we were supposed to be together, and that's when I first started to fall in love with you.  Its why I raced to you on the Supremacy.  And the feeling when we were together in the Throne Room – despite everything that was happening – was absolutely breathtaking."

She continued gazing deeply into his eyes, seeing his smile, and feeling his thumbs stroking the tops of her hands as he held them.  "So much has happened since then.   Our connections allowed us to really get to know each other - to get past all of our misunderstandings and hurt.   Underneath it all I found a complicated, but beautifully handsome, strong, loyal and honorable man who has so much love and compassion inside of him.  Ever since then, all you've ever shown me is kindness and tenderness, as well as fierce devotion and passion."  Her gaze was intense, and her voice was firm and determined as she gave his hands a little squeeze and continued.  "It's the man you are – who you really are deep down – and don't let anybody ever convince you that you're anything different."

Taking another shaky breath, she smiled up at him with shining eyes.   "In my entire life, all I've ever wanted is to be part of a family – to be somebody to someone.   I've never had that.  Ever.   But you told me once,"  She paused, grinning again,  "using a rather poor choice of words, that I was someone to you."  His face coloured once again with a sheepish look.  "You're not only someone to me Ben – you're the very center of my galaxy, and of our family.  You are what binds us all together.  Me, our children to come, your Mother, Uncle Chewie and Uncle Lando."  She turned to give both Chewie and Lando a small smile before looking back up into Ben's eyes, which she could see were now glistening.  "And I can't even find the words to express how much joy it brings me to be marrying you today – to be binding myself to you for the rest of our lives." Her heart was pounding, and through the bond she could feel his beating in the same frantic rhythm as hers.

"I love you Ben.  I've fallen in love with you so deeply – so completely – that sometimes through our bond I don't know where I end and you begin.  I can't even think about what my life would be without you.   But I know that I don't have to, because you'll always be there.  I know that.   I don't know what our lives will look like in the future, but whatever that is, it'll all be okay because we'll have each other.   I am yours and you are mine.  For the rest of our lives."

She stopped and took a deep breath, trying to blink away the tears that were coursing down her face, as Ben gazed at her in complete awe and reached down to brush them away from her cheeks.

Lando smiled tenderly at the scene in front of him, and turned to look at Ben with a nod.  "Ben?"

Ben took a shaky breath and tried to collect his thoughts before he began.

"Rey.  My beautiful Rey.  Its hard to even begin trying to say what you mean to me.  From the first time I saw you on Takodana,"  His face coloured slightly and he appeared to be chagrined.   "I was enthralled with you.  You were so beautiful – yet so strong.  Who was this girl who refused to give up?  I immediately wanted to know what made her tick.  And there was this feeling – this connection – that I felt – that I'd never experienced with anyone else before.   And you felt it too.   And then you got into my head – saw my weaknesses and fears.   And...."  He gulped.  "you saw me at my very darkest.  Do my very worst.  Yet somehow, you had compassion for me.  Somehow, saw through all of the darkness that was....him, to the light that he'd buried so deeply that nobody would be able to find it.  But you did.  And once you did, you never let go of it.  You kept digging and digging until every day it showed more and more."

He inhaled deeply, letting it out on a slow exhale.   "Sweetheart, everything I am and all I want to be is because of you.   Just you.  Without you, Snoke would still be alive, and I would still be – him."  He shuddered.  "After Snoke, you made me see that anything was possible.  Gave me the courage and the desire to overcome my fears – which had ruled my life for so long – and to start making changes.  Not only that, you're helping me to do it – to see things differently.  But it all started because of you.  So, Thank you, my beautiful Rey – for helping to free me from all of that – from the worst parts of myself – and for helping me to find the good in both myself and in everyone else."

His mouth worked, and he swallowed thickly.   "You said that I'm the center of your galaxy?  Rey, you are my entire galaxy.  My everything.   My heart – my very soul – is held within your hands.   Your strength – both in the Force and yourself, your compassion, your good, your light are such a beacon to everyone around you.  People are simply drawn to you, because they see all of that radiating from you, and want to be around it because of the way it makes them feel.   Its who you are – and it shines so beautifully and brightly, cutting through any and all darkness.  Its why I've always been drawn to you like a moth to a flame, and always will be.  And for some reason that I will never understand, you have gifted me with that compassion, and your love.  And because of it you've made me a better man.  One who will strive to make the right choices, who will live up to and try to be worthy of this gift of a second chance that I've been given.  I know I don't deserve it, but I am going to take it and thank the Force for the rest of my life."

He gave her hands a squeeze, then brought them to his lips, kissing them softly.  "I love you Rey.   I am madly, completely and head over heels in love with you."  He smiled, joy now evident on his face.  "And I promise to make you the happiest woman in the galaxy.  Everything I have, and all that I am is yours.  But all that I want – the only thing I need, is you.  If you decided tomorrow that you wanted to run away and live in a hut without anything else – I would gladly follow, because I truly don't need or want anything else in this galaxy but you."  His eyes were glassy as he smiled radiantly at her.  "Whatever happens in the future, I know that it'll all be okay because we'll have each other.   I am yours and you are mine.  For the rest of our lives."

Rey's smile was blinding as she realized that he had said the very same words as she did, and they both laughed softly while they continued to gaze intensely into each other's teary eyes.

Lando smiled at the both of them, his own eyes becoming misty at their beautiful vows to each other.  "In addition to their vows, the couple will recite a pledge to each other and all of you as they exchange rings to seal their union.  Again, Rey, ladies first."   He nodded.

She smiled brightly at Lando, who held out the ring she'd had made for Ben, before turning to him and taking his left hand.  His eyes showed surprise, not expecting her to have a ring for him.    As she recited the pledge, she slid the ring onto his finger.  "I, Rey, pledge to you, Ben, in front of the Gods, the Maker and the Force, with our closest friends and family as witnesses, that I belong to you alone and will love you throughout this life, into eternity and time immemorial, as the Force wills."

Ben squeezed Rey's hands and repeated the process, sliding a beautiful band set with small stones onto her left hand.  "I, Benjamin, pledge to you, Rey, in front of the Gods, the Maker and the Force, with our closest friends and family as witnesses, that I belong to you alone and will love you throughout this life, into eternity and time immemorial, as the Force wills."

Lando smiled his charming rogue smile once again before proclaiming.  "Very good.  Then by the power granted to me as Baron Administrator of Cloud City, I proclaim that you, Ben and Rey have been joined as husband and wife.  You may seal your union with a kiss."

The couple smiled at each other as Ben tugged Rey closer, wrapping his arms around her waist before they both leaned into each other for a kiss filled with love and promise for the future.   Rey circled her arms around his neck and pulled him even closer, laughing with joy through their kiss.  Their audience began applauding and they broke their kiss to turn and face everyone, smiling brightly.  Ben kept one arm wrapped around her waist and once again brought her hand up for a kiss, before leaning down to her ear, whispering   "I love you, my beautiful wife, Rey Solo."

"And I love you, my handsome husband, Benjamin Solo."  She told him, kissing his cheek.

Ben rolled his eyes.  "Only my mother calls me Benjamin.  And only when she's pissed."  Rey smirked back at him.  "Don't even consider it."  Her smirk got even bigger.

Lando came over and embraced them.  "Congratulations kids!   I'm happy for the both of you – and was honoured to have been able to perform the ceremony for you."

"Thanks Uncle Lando."  Ben said, shaking his Uncle's hand.

Lando turned to Rey, his most charming smile on his face.   "My, oh, my you are a sight to behold Rey."  He took her hand and gallantly kissed it. "If I hadn't just married you off to this guy here, I'd be trying to steal you away."

Ben rolled his eyes once again, retorting.  "Still the old smoothie, huh?"

"You know it kid.  Ole Uncle Lando's still got it!"  He replied with a devious smirk.  "It used to seriously piss your old man off when I did that to your Mother."  He told him, turning to wink at Rey.

"And I was left to have to calm him down so he didn't pull out a blaster and shoot you, you old fool!"  Leia scolded, having heard Lando as she approached them.  She was still teary-eyed and hugged the both of them.  "That was so beautiful.  Never have I heard more heartfelt vows so filled with love.  And Rey, you're positively glowing."

"Thank you, Leia.   All of the arrangements, everything you've done is just beautiful.  I can't thank you enough."  Rey gushed.

"Nonsense.  It was really very little, and I wanted to do it."  She looked between them, love and pride in her eyes.  "I have no doubt you'll be very happy."

Ben leaned over and kissed Leia on the cheek.  "Thank you, Mother."

They were interrupted as rest of their guests began filing up to the archway to crowd around the couple, giving them hugs, and offering congratulations, best wishes and advice for the future.   Once again, Ben looked around and marveled at the sheer amount of love, acceptance and happiness that was gathered around them.  This was their new extended family – his and Rey's.  He didn't deserve it, but he'd take it, and be the best man that he could be for his wife and baby daughter.   And do what he could within the First Order to make the galaxy a better place for everyone. 

He hoped that one day, it would be enough.   His crimes were many.  He'd just have to make sure that the good would outweigh the sins of the past.  He knew he could do it - with Rey at his side.