A/N - Hey Lovelies!  This will be the last chapter before the epilogue.  I think you all know what's coming.... 😉.  Thank you to EVERYONE who has continued to read.  I hope you've enjoyed reading as much as I've enjoyed writing it!  I'll also try to get the Epilogue up tonight too.  Again, I love your comments, so don't be shy - and please hit the little star to vote if you like it.  ENJOY!

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"Damn!"  Rey cursed under her breath, as she tried to loosen a wheel bolt on the baby cart she'd found in a market on Naboo.   It was a cozy little bed on wheels that could be used to take the baby for a walk if she was fussy or just needed some fresh air and sunshine; Rey had fallen in love with it immediately.  Ben had disagreed however, wanting a new hover pod instead.  He insisted that it would be safer for the baby, and wouldn't bounce around like the cart, which he thought meant that the baby would be more likely to stay asleep.  The elderly proprietor of the market stall had simply laughed at Ben and winked at Rey, saying that babies liked to be bounced, which means they more often stayed soundly asleep in the carts than in hover pods.    She also told them that both her children and grandchildren had used the traditional carts, and that in her opinion they were far superior to the pods.

However, it had been in need of some work, and she'd been slowly fixing it up over these past few months.  Lately, that work had almost come to a standstill because of her duties on the Conciliation Team and everything else that had happened recently.

This morning, she found that she couldn't sleep and had woken early for some reason.  She'd felt restless – wanting to do something.  Lying in bed for awhile, she decided to get up and try to finally finish it.  She was running out of time.  It had been about a week since her return home to the Center, and she'd barely been able to work on it for even a few hours.  There were only a couple of weeks left before the baby arrived and she wanted to finish it by then.

It had still been dark outside when she'd rolled over to get out of bed, and Ben had immediately woken up too.  "Where are you going?  What's wrong.  Is it the baby?"  He whispered frantically.

"I'm fine Ben.  There's nothing wrong – I have to pee and I just can't sleep.   I'm not tired so I'm going to get up now."  She'd soothed.

"Okay."  He said, sitting up to get out of bed too.

Rey had rolled her eyes.  "No, Ben.  Go back to sleep.   You have a long day and don't need to get up just because I am.   I'll be fine."

She could feel his uncertainly wash over her.   "Are you sure?"

Leaning over to give him a soft kiss, she'd whispered.  "Positive, Love.  Now go back to sleep."

Chuckling to herself, she wondered how eager he'd be to get up early with her after doing it for months when the baby woke them up each night.

Her heart warmed thinking about how he'd been since he'd rescued her from Vitka.  He'd been so sweet, solicitous and very, very protective of her.  Not that he wasn't usually like that – but now he was even more attentive.   Normally, she would have found his behavior to be overbearing, but in this case she couldn't blame him.  If the situation had been reversed, she probably wouldn't let Ben out of her sight for months.  Also, she'd felt like the whole thing was partially her fault, and so was willing to let him be overprotective for a little while.

Slipping out of her reverie, she growled as she tried the bolt again and found that it was still stuck.  Her hands and fingers were swollen, which meant that she couldn't get a good grip on the wrench she was using.   Muttering under her breath, she changed her position to try to get some better torque on the wrench, swearing again when it still wouldn't budge.

"Having some troubles Sweetheart?"  She heard Ben's amused question behind her.

Sighing, she replied petulantly.  "Yes!  This bolt is stuck and my fingers are swollen and I'm never going to get this bloody thing finished before the baby arrives!"   Huffing out her breath, she looked up at him in annoyance.

He'd been leaning on the door jamb with a cup of caf in his hand and an amused grin on his face.   Unfolding himself he took the few steps that separated them and crouched down to her.   "Leave it Sweetheart.   It'll wait."

"No!  We won't have time after she arrives!   I need to get this done today!"  She gritted out in frustration.

He gazed at her for minute, realizing that this was not a debate he was going to win.  "Here, let me do it.  Then you can finish it off."

She looked like she was going to argue, but he just raised a brow before she finally handed him the wrench.  He made quick work of loosening the bolt before returning the wrench and kissing her forehead.  Giving him a chagrined look, she mumbled.  "I would've eventually gotten it."

"I'm sure you would have."  He soothed quietly.   "Rey, I know you can usually do these things with your eyes closed – so don't feel bad that its not as easy for you right now.  Before you know it, you'll be back to normal."  Kissing her once again, he added.  "Although, you may not have as much time to tinker with things after the baby comes."

Taking a deep breath, she leaned into him.  "I know.  I'm sorry for getting frustrated.   I'm not sure why I feel like I need to get this done right now.  I just feel like we're running out of time to finish all of these little things."

Rubbing her back, he suggested.  "Why don't you finish up the part you're working on then take a short break."  She nodded.  "Do you want me to make you something to eat before I leave?"

"No, thanks.   I already ate."

"Are you sure you're all right?"   He whispered into her hair.

"Yes, I'm fine.   I just feel....fidgety.  Don't worry, I have the house droid if anything happens."

"Okay."  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead once again.   "Don't overdo it.   I'll see you later."

"Love you."  She whispered.

"Love you back."

She continued working on the wheel until she was satisfied that the cart rolled smoothly.  All that was left was to finish the inside and outside of it – to make it soft and pretty for her little girl.   She'd found some padding and a silky fabric during one of her off-world trips for the Conciliation Team, but she still wanted to apply a coat of paint to make it look new.  Sighing, she felt like she didn't have the energy to tackle it right then, and considering Ben's suggestion, decided to stop and take a break.

After a quick snack, she still felt restless.  Remembering that there were a few new baby outfits that still needed laundering, she decided to get that done.  That was the last of them, which would mean that all of the baby's clothes would finally be clean and ready when she arrived.

She was putting the sweet-smelling outfits away when she felt the first twinge.  It felt like a mild cramp near the base of her belly.  She'd been feeling small twinges and an occasional tightening in her abdomen for the past few weeks, which the Doctor had told her was completely normal as her body prepared to deliver the baby.  But this felt different – sharper, somehow.  It had caused her to take a sudden, sharp intake of breath, but was gone in an instant.  Brushing it off as a progression of the typical "preparations" by her body, she continued straightening the clothing, making sure that everything was neat and organized.

The second twinge hit while she was walking to the fresher.  This one was a bit stronger, causing her to stop and hunch over a little bit.  Similar to the first one, it was gone as quickly as it came, and she quickly dismissed it from her mind.

The third one happened about 10 minutes later, feeling much stronger and lasting longer than the first two.  When it started, she could feel her entire belly tighten, and she let out a little cry as she hunched over, holding her stomach in both hands.  It passed after a minute or so, but when she straightened up she felt a warm gush of fluid flow down her legs.  She immediately panicked.  Ben!  She reached out to his mind.

Feeling her fear, he replied back immediately.   What is it Sweetheart?!  What's wrong?  Are you okay?

I think my water just broke!  I....I think I'm having contractions....

Ben had had an odd feeling in his gut for the past half hour, but hadn't been able to pinpoint exactly what had been causing it.  He'd been periodically reaching out to feel Rey every once in awhile, and nothing had seemed unusual with her.   All he'd felt was a warm glow of contentment flow back to him.  However, he'd stood suddenly at the very moment he'd heard her panicked voice in his head, and his knees almost buckled at her whispered proclamation.   His face paled by several shades and his heart started pounding in his chest.  I'll be right there Sweetheart!  Go lie down!

I'm all wet.  It....made a mess all over the floor....

Sweetheart, don't worry about it - just go lie down!  And call out for the droid!

Okay.  Came her unusually meek reply.

Ben swallowed and looked around the conference room at the 6 others in his meeting, who were now staring at him oddly.   He cleared his throat and tried to speak, but his mind went blank for a few seconds.  Trying again, he was finally able to get the words out.  "Gentlemen.  You'll have to excuse me.  I believe my wife is in labour."

Tiga, who had also been in the meeting, immediately stood.  "Sir!"  He looked across at the Supreme Leader's befuddled state.   "Go!"  At that, Ben seemed to snap out of his daze and dashed from the room.   Tiga looked around at the others and chuckled.  "I guess this meeting is adjourned, for now."  He smiled and took off after the Supreme Leader.

Ben sprinted across the base faster than he thought he'd ever run before.  Adrenaline pumped through his veins.  Maker, the baby was coming!  She was all alone in the house!   It was still almost two weeks before she was supposed to give birth, and he could feel her fear.   The house came into view up ahead and he pushed himself to run even faster, never noticing the shocked looks of the staff he passed as they watched him running frantically across the base.

Bursting through the front door he immediately called out to find her.   "Rey?"  He moved through to their bedroom.  "Sweetheart?"

"In here."  She called from the fresher.

Walking into the room, he saw her sitting on the floor with her back against the wall; their house droid, DAU 582 was crouched beside her.  His heart stopped for a second, worried that something was wrong.  Closing the distance between them, he hunkered down beside her and put one hand on her cheek, taking the other in his own and giving it a small squeeze.  He was still panting, but tried to keep his voice calm when he asked her.   "Sweetheart, why are you in here on the floor?  Wouldn't you be more comfortable lying in bed?"

Shaking her head, she replied.  "This is more comfortable.   The pains aren't as sharp this way.   And I'm still leaking every time I have a contraction and I didn't want to ruin the bed or the floors."

He let out a shaky breath.  "Sweetheart, don't worry about that.  Let's just get you comfortable." Leaning down to pick her up, she stopped him.  Confused, he watched as a contraction started and she moaned quietly, grabbing her belly and squeezing her eyes shut.  His body clenched to see her in pain, and he could feel her distress through the bond.   After it had passed, he quietly asked.  "How far apart are they?"

"Seven minutes, Sir."   Came the voice of the droid behind them.

"Is that good?"  He asked the droid.

"Yes, Sir."  DAU responded.  "It means that the labour is progressing normally and the baby is unlikely to come for many hours yet.  My programming includes childbirth assistance in the event that the mistress of the house is unable to get to appropriate medical facilities."

Ben shook his head.  "That won't be necessary.  The Medical Center is only 10 minutes away, on foot."

"While walking is good to make labour progress further, she cannot walk that far Sir."  The droid responded in an emotionless tone.

"I know that!"  He growled.  Droids.  It's why he couldn't stand them most of the time.  Just then, he could hear a knock on the wall outside of the room.  "Yes?"   He growled, hearing Tiga's voice in response.

"Sir.   Is it okay to come in?"   He asked uncertainly.

Ben could see him hovering outside the door, respectfully standing off to the side without looking in.  He glanced at Rey questioningly and she nodded.  "Yes."

Tiga cautiously entered the room, taking in the scene in front of him.  He had tried to catch up with the Supreme Leader, but his long legs combined with a 30 second head start had made it impossible.  When he'd reached the house, the front door had still been wide open from when the frantic father-to-be had charged though it only minutes before.  He'd heard muffled voices and followed the sound until he'd found the couple in the fresher with their house droid, who was filling the Supreme Leader in on the progress of Lady Rey's labour.

Tiga cleared his throat.  "Sir.  Do you need me to do anything for you?"

"Yes, call my mother at the former Resistance Base, and notify the Medical Center that Lady Rey is in labour and will be arriving shortly."

Rey stopped him with a hand on his arm.   "Ben.   I want to have the baby here."

"Whaaaat?"   He asked, shocked.  "Sweetheart, no.  You heard DAU, there's still lots of time.  It'll be much safer at the Medical Center."

Raising her hand to his cheek, she looked at him intently, but calmly.  "It'll be fine, Ben.  Close your eyes.  It feels right to have her here – in our first house – surrounded by happy things instead of sterile walls."

"But the birthing suites are not like that –"

"I know.  But I really want to have her here, Ben."   She coaxed.  "If there are still hours to go, the Doctor and delivery Nurse can come here with their equipment, droids, whatever – and we're close enough that if they want me to go to the Medical Center, I will.  I promise, Love."  Her eyes were shining as she looked up at him.

Running his hand through his hair, he regarded his wife carefully.  He was terrified, desperately trying to keep his emotions in check so she didn't worry about him or panic further.  She had enough to worry about.  He took a deep breath and tried to calm the sudden flare of anxiety at the thought of her having the baby at home, worried about everything that could go wrong.

He'd just assumed that she'd have the baby at the Medical Center – they hadn't discussed anything else.  He did not want to compromise her safety in any way.  But he also recognized that childbirth was a natural, common occurrence and that many women gave birth in far harsher and more primitive surroundings than in a bedroom, surrounded by doctors and equipment.   He sighed out a breath.  "We'll have the Doctor come and examine you.  If he says its all right for you to have her here, then, okay."  She smiled up at him joyfully.  "But if there is even the smallest hint of any complications, you're going straight to the Medical Center!"

She pulled his head down for a kiss.  "I promise."

He could see another contraction begin, and she squeezed his hand and closed her eyes, breathing deeply.   When it was over, he stroked her brow and kissed her forehead.  "How are you feeling?"  He asked quietly.

"I'm okay."  She told him softly.  "The contractions hurt, but they're not too bad.  Yet."

"If I could take the pain for you, I would."

She smiled up at him and stroked his cheek.   "I know.  It'll be fine, Ben.  Don't worry."

Releasing a shuddering breath, he dropped his forehead to her temple.  "I love you Sweetheart.   Thank you."

"For what?"  She asked.

"For everything.  For being you.  For giving me this amazing gift."  He smiled lovingly and kissed her forehead again, stroking her hair back.  Glancing over at the doorway, he commanded.  "Tiga.   Change of plans.  Tell the Medical Center that Lady Rey wishes to deliver her baby at home and for them to prepare accordingly.   But that the Doctor needs to come and examine her first to approve it."

Tiga nodded as he stood back and watched the couple, excited for them.  "Anything else, Sir?"

It was Rey who answered.  "Do you think you could find Amala – I mean General Avanti?  I'd like her to be here, if she can."

Tiga smiled at her before walking out of the room.  "Of course, my Lady."

The droid ambled back into the room.   "Sir, I have prepared the bed so that Lady Rey may lie down."

He nodded and looked down at her.  "Come on, let's get you more comfortable."  Picking her up, he carried her into the next room and set her down on the bed.

****

Rey whimpered as another contraction came on.  It had been about 4 hours since the pains had started, and they were coming much closer together now, much more intense than at the start.   Upon his arrival, the Doctor had examined her, and told them that it was perfectly fine for her to have the baby at home if that was what she really wanted.  Ben had not left her side since he'd gotten there, and she once again squeezed his hand tightly as he stroked her brow.   "It's okay.  I'm here Sweetheart.  Breathe."  He coaxed.  "Just like the Doctor said.  Take a deep breath in, then let it out slowly."

She did as he said, inhaling slowly and deeply, followed by a slow exhale.  Once it had passed she looked up at him miserably.   "I don't think I can do this Ben.  It hurts so much.  And the pains just keep on coming."

His heart stuttered.  He knew she was hurting, but he was surprised to hear her despair.  "You can do this Sweetheart.  You're the strongest person I know - stronger than even you know."  He told her softly.

The Nurse interjected.   "Lady Rey, we can give you something for the pain, if you need it."

"Is it safe for the baby?"  Ben asked.

"Yes, completely safe.  But Lady Rey won't be able to walk for several hours once we give the suppressant."  The Nurse told him.

Looking over at Rey, she shook her head in response.  "No.  Walking helps.  I want to be able to get up and walk around when I feel that I need to."

"But Sweetheart, you won't feel any pain once they give it – so you won't want to walk."   His eyes pleaded with her.  He couldn't bear to see her in such pain – and he knew that it was only going to get worse.   Every time a contraction hit he had to bite the inside of his cheek and focus on maintaining the appearance of being calm, when in reality he was shaking inside, barely able to deal with being unable to help her.

"No, Ben.   I don't want to be confined to the bed.  I'll just bear with it."  She informed him stubbornly.

He was just about to argue with her, but heard a sudden commotion outside.  Leia strode into the room confidently, stopping when she saw Ben perched on the bed next to his wife.   "Rey!" She walked closer to take a better look at her and plant a quick kiss on her forehead. "How are you feeling, Honey?   I know it hurts like Hell, but trust me, you won't even remember the pain once you're holding that baby in your arms."

"It does hurt, and I'm starting to get tired, but I think I'm okay."  Rey answered back. "Ben has been taking good care of me."  She smiled, patting his hand.

"He'd better be."  Leia smirked as she gave him a hug.  "This whole thing is his fault!"

"Mother!"  Ben answered back.  "In case you've forgotten, it does take two!"

"Yeah, but you're older and should've known better."   She shot back, giving him a harsh look before laughing at his irritated expression.  "Oh, for the Maker's sake I'm just teasing Ben!"  Ben blushed, but wisely remained silent. "Now, Rey, let's get you into a warm bath to get things moving.  I'm ready to meet my granddaughter!"

Amala had been sitting silently on the other side of the bed and got up at Leia's suggestion.   "That's a great idea.  I'll go run the water."

When their giant tub was full enough, Ben carried Rey into the fresher before stripping her and gently setting her into the warm, scented water.   Giving his Mother a look and quick jerk of his head, she rolled her eyes and left the room for a minute, taking Amala with her.  Stripping down to his boxers he climbed in behind her.  "Ben!"  She exclaimed.  "What are you doing?"

"Keeping you safe, and rubbing your back to help you relax."  He whispered into her ear.

She leaned her head back on his chest and breathed deeply.  "Thank you.  That feels nice."

Less than a minute later she stiffened and groaned low in her throat.  Her breathing changed as he could feel yet another contraction start.  He held her gently and continued to quietly coax her through it until she relaxed against him once again.

"I'm scared Ben."  She whispered, after the pain had passed.

"Of what?  The pain?"   He nuzzled her neck while continuing to gently stroke his hands all over her body to help her relax.

She shook her head.  "What if we're bad parents?"

Inhaling deeply, he gave her a squeeze.  "I was afraid of that too.  But I don't think its possible.  We're too aware of our own childhoods to let that happen."

She leaned her head back onto his shoulder.   "She's so strong Ben.  What if.... what happened to you...."

"Stop!"  He gave her a small shake.  "It's the same thing Rey.  We're both aware of...how...what happened to me, happened.   We'll be watching – on our guard - and we'll teach her to do the same, and not be afraid to tell us things..."  He kissed her temple.  "Its all we can do - and I can't believe I'm saying this – but as my Uncle Luke has always said – we have to trust in the Force."

Rey turned her head and smiled, chuckling.   "Well then, if you're finally listening to Master Luke, who am I to interfere."

Ben just rolled his eyes and dropped his face into her neck, shaking his head.

****

"Okay, Rey.  It's time.  Are you ready to meet your daughter?"  The Doctor smiled at her encouragingly.

She munched on an ice chip and nodded.   It had been 7 hours.  Seven exhausting, grueling, painful hours.  Ben had barely let go of her in that entire time.  At one point Leia had ordered him out, commanding him to take 5 minutes to take care of himself.  It was probably barely 6 minutes before he was back, looking like he'd washed his face and changed his shirt, still chewing whatever food someone had shoved his way to eat.

Now the baby was almost here, and she was suddenly very frightened.  "Ben, I'm scared again."

His arm was around her shoulders to help hold her up, and he held her hand in the other.  "It'll be fine, Sweetheart.  You can't give up now – she's almost here!  I'm right beside you – I'll help you."

She looked up at him with wide eyes and nodded as he kissed her temple.  Another contraction hit, and she could hear the Doctor say,  "Push Rey - now!"  Ben helped lift her forward and she crushed his hand as she yelled out, pushing as hard as she could.  He closed his eyes and focused, trying to soothe Rey while giving the slightest nudge with the Force to help her just a little bit.

Rey took a deep breath and fell back on the bed, trying to recover from the contraction.  She looked back into Ben's eyes.  "Do that again next time."  She whispered.   "It eased the pain a little, and I could feel you.....help me...."

Kissing her temple again, he leaned his forehead against her.  "Anything Sweetheart."

She could feel another contraction come on, and squeezed his hand in a vice grip once again.   "Ben!"  He leaned her forward, and focused his energy on her.

"You're doing so well Rey, keep pushing!"  The Doctor prompted.  "I can see the head!"

Rey collapsed back on the bed, breathing heavily.   "You're amazing, Sweetheart.  She's almost here...."

"One more push Rey!"  The Doctor told her.  "Just one more, and your baby will be here.   Are you ready?"

She swallowed and whimpered.   "So ready...I'm so tired... I just want this to be over!"

When the next pain hit, Rey took a deep breath and heaved herself forward, shouting an obscenity as she clamped onto Ben's hand and gave a massive push.  He gritted his teeth, certain she was going to break one of his fingers, but figured he could endure it given what she was going through.   He focused his Force to help her once again, and fervently hoped that this was the last one.

"That's it!  Keep going – just a little more!  And.... Yes!"  The Doctor laughed.  "You can relax, Rey."  He looked up at the both of them as he placed the baby on Rey's stomach just below her breasts.  "You have a beautiful baby daughter!"   He announced, quickly clamping and clipping the cord, causing a sharp cry to pierce the room.   The Nurse slipped a blanket around the squalling infant, giving her face a quick wipe before handing her to Rey.  Both her and Ben were laughing and crying happy tears.

Both Rey and Ben were in shock as they gazed down at their baby daughter in complete awe.   "You did it, Sweetheart!"  He exclaimed happily.

Rey stroked a finger down her soft cheek, trying to memorize the perfect little features before gazing up at her husband.  "We did it Ben!  You helped too!  Look what we did!"

His smile was hugely radiant, joyous, and he laughed happily as tears continued to course down his cheeks.  "You did most of it, Sweetheart.  You're amazing."  He gave her a squeeze and kissed the top of her head, stunned at everything he was feeling.   This was his family.

"She's so beautiful.  She looks like you.  She has your eyes."  He told her, sniffling happily, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, still laughing in wonder.

"But she has your hair!"   Rey laughed back at him, crying too.  "She's the most precious thing I've ever seen."  Complete rapture was written on her face.

Ben reached out and hesitantly touched his finger to the baby's hand, and she immediately wrapped it around his finger.  "She's strong."  Flicking his gaze up to his wife, he leaned in and kissed her cheek.  "I love you. I'll never be able to say it enough.  Never."

Rey's shining eyes gazed at him, as she reached out and wiped the tears from his face.   "And I love you.   Here, you hold her now."

Ben nervously took the swaddled baby, realizing that it wasn't as difficult to hold her as he'd thought it would be.  "Hello there my little Sunshine."   He whispered.

Rey smiled as she watched him gaze adoringly at their daughter.  His gaze flicked over to her, noticing the look on her face.  "What?"

"Nothing."   She responded with a secret smile.

He leaned down once again, giving Rey another soft kiss, moving closer and wrapping one arm around her so that he was holding them both.

Completely enthralled with the little bundle, the couple continued to stare at their beautiful daughter, familiarizing themselves with her features and mannerisms.  Her soft little sounds melted their hearts, and her first yawn was a momentous occasion that caused them both to laugh as they fell deeper in love with their child.

A soft knock at the door caused them both to look up, noticing Leia peeking in.  "Is it safe to come in now?"

They both nodded, and a beaming Leia came over to the bed to meet her baby granddaughter.   "Oh, Ben, Rey – she's absolutely beautiful!"

"She is, isn't she." Rey said, looking back down at her daughter with a grin.

"Have you thought about a name?" Leia asked.

Rey glanced up at Ben with a shy smile, her eyes quickly flicking to Leia's and then back to his.  "We had thought about a couple of names.... what do you think?"  She asked him.

Ben gazed down at the precious bundle and stood, snuggling her close, feeling absolute certainty about their choice.   "You are my Light, Rey, and you always will be.   But.... she's the bright sun that will light up our lives – well, until our next baby comes along."  He chuckled. Glancing at Rey, he raised a brow, and she smiled back, nodding.  Looking down at his daughter, he gave her a loving smile and placed a kiss on her nose.  "Mom, welcome little Soleia."

Leia gasped and put her hand over her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.

The baby, who had been drifting off to sleep, suddenly opened her eyes and seemed to gaze intently at Ben, before turning to look at Rey.  They both felt a jolt of awareness from their daughter – something akin to a feeling of pure happiness.   They exchanged a bewildered look.   "Did you feel that too?"  She asked.  He nodded, wonder still written on his face.

Turning to his mother, he handed her the baby.   "Mom, say hello to your granddaughter."

Leia was openly crying as she took the bundle from Ben's arms.  She gazed happily at the baby, who was looking back up at her just as closely.  "Hello Sweetie."   Leia cooed.  "I'm your Grandma.   And you are so beautiful.  You're one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen."

Ben sat back down next to Rey and gathered her in his arms with a deep sigh.   They both watched his mother with their daughter, as she continued to talk to her and generally act silly.   Out of the corner of his eye, Ben caught sight of a blue glow.  Rey heard him curse under his breath and looked up to see Anakin and Luke smiling at them from the corner of the room.   She gave them a big smile, and elbowed Ben who gave them a brief nod.  Rey elbowed him again, and he sighed in resignation.   "Thank you, Uncle.   Grandfather."

Anakin gave a brief smirk.  "Remember, family is everything, son."

Finally noticing the Force Ghosts, Leia looked up and gave them a small smile as the two apparitions disappeared.   Looking across at Ben and Rey with a happy smile, she spoke.   "You know, although I've never quite forgiven him, he's not wrong.  Family is absolutely everything."  Walking over to the bed, she handed the baby back to Rey with a benevolent smile.

Ben and Rey gazed lovingly at one another, and couldn't agree more.

****

A sharp cry pierced the nighttime silence, waking both of them from the few hours of precious sleep they'd gotten.   Rey moved to roll out of bed, but Ben stopped her with a hand on her arm.   "I'll get her.  Stay."  Rey yawned and nodded with a thankful smile.

It had been a week since Soleia's birth, and the couple was still overjoyed with anything and everything about her.  They'd had a short introduction ceremony for the staff to officially announce the birth of their daughter, but other than that, they'd generally kept to themselves for the past 6 days.  Leia was still here to help Rey during the day, since Ben usually had to leave for a few hours to attend to more urgent issues and work that couldn't wait the two weeks until he was back to his full duties.

It had certainly been a learning experience for the new parents.  Neither of them had any experience with babies – so Leia's presence had been very welcome.  Unlike her typical demeanour, she'd held back and let the couple figure things out on their own, offering gentle suggestions only when they really seemed to be struggling.  Rey had even mentioned it to Ben, noting her surprise that Leia's take charge attitude seemed to be absent.   Ben had actually snorted.   "That's because she doesn't want to wear out her welcome this early.   Trust me, at some point, that attitude will appear.  She simply can't help it."  Rey had just rolled her eyes.

One thing they both agreed on though, was that having a new baby was exhausting.  Feeding her, bathing her, changing her.  And then doing it all over again.  And again.  And again.  All day and through the night.   But she loved it, and loved her baby daughter fiercely - already unable imagine going back to the time before Soleia was born.  They were getting very little sleep at night, since the baby seemed to wake up every two or three hours to nurse, but she wouldn't change a thing.  Whenever possible, she tried to nap during the day, so Leia's presence and help was greatly appreciated to allow her to catch up on her sleep.

Yesterday, Ben had surprised her with the completed baby cart – having finished the work himself over the past few days.  Rey had been touched, knowing that he must have been sneaking away here and there to complete it.  She'd been thrilled to be able to take Soleia out for a brief walk in the private garden behind the house, giving them all some much needed fresh air and sunshine after their hectic first days as parents.

Ben returned to the bed with the baby, talking to her softly as she held his finger in her fist.   Glancing up at him, she felt bad that Ben's sleep was also being interrupted, and could see that it was starting to take its toll.  He woke up with her every night, and always stayed awake with her, often watching her nurse until the baby was done, changed and settled back down to sleep once again.  But unlike Rey, he didn't get the opportunity to nap during the day, and she could see that it was catching up to him.  There were dark circles under his eyes, and he sometimes nodded off while watching them.

Handing her the baby, she said hello to her daughter and fussed over her for a minute before settling her at her breast.  Ben's hand reached out to softly stroke Soleia's head as she nuzzled hungrily at Rey's chest.   "Ben.  You don't need to stay awake.  Come lie down and try to sleep – I've got this."

"No.   Its okay.  I'm good."  He told her quietly, leaning over and kissing her lips.  "Have I told you today that I love you?"

She rolled her eyes, but smiled.   "Yes Love, only 5 or 6 times.  But seriously Ben, you need your sleep – you're tired, I can see it.   There's no need for you to be awake with me."

He reached out and cupped her cheek.  "Rey.  Stop trying to convince me to sleep.  Watching you nurse our child is beautiful.  I want to be awake.  Want to be a part of this – and do whatever I can to help.  It's something I never thought I'd have – and now that I have it, I don't want to miss a single part of it."  Leaning forward, he kissed her again.  "Sleep is a luxury – and I don't need much of it to function.  So please Sweetheart, let me help you with this."

Her heart swelled as she regarded him, knowing that it was pointless to argue.  He amazed her every single day.  Her other half – her soulmate.  She knew he'd do anything for her – just as she'd do anything for him.  Others would never be able to understand how much they loved each other – how connected they were to one another, and how thankful they each were that they'd both helped each other to change.   She reached out her hand and brushed his sleep mussed hair away from his face.  "Of course Ben.  I didn't think of it that way."  Smiling, she whispered.  "I love having you with me when I do this – especially at night.  It keeps me from getting lonely or feeling overwhelmed."

It wasn't long before the baby had finished nursing, having fallen asleep with her mouth wide open as she'd let go of her mother's breast.  Rey giggled at how cute she looked, softly burping her before Ben took her away to change her and put her back down to sleep.

Rey was drifting somewhere between sleep and wakefulness as Ben eased himself back into bed some time later.  She rolled into his arms, snuggling deeper into his embrace.  Reaching out, he took her hand, threading their fingers together before bringing it to his lips for a kiss.  They both sighed in contentment, happiness softly swirling around them.

Words were not necessary.  Their bond was wide open, feelings and thoughts moving between them as if from one consciousness.   They thought about the circuitous, twisting path of their journey to get here, how far they'd come, and the beauty of what they now had - together.  They didn't know what the future held for them, but as long as they were together, surrounded by family, it wouldn't matter what challenges they'd face – they'd persevere, and everything would be okay in the end. 

As they drifted off to sleep, their hearts beating in sync, they were surrounded by an overwhelming sense of peace and rightness.   They had their baby daughter, and they had each other - two halves of a whole.  They were exactly where the Force had led them - where it had wanted them to go - and for right now, it was exactly what the galaxy needed.