SNOW DAY
Chapter 9
SIX WEEKS LATER...
"I can't believe you actually agreed to go to Hoth," Han groaned as he and Leia packed. The kids had their annual two week break between winter and summer and they'd expressed interest in visiting Hoth, because iceboarding lessons were offered year round in the snowy wasteland. "Wasn't it bad enough the first time?"
"You mean, other than being frozen and being attacked? It was a virtual paradise," Leia snarked.
"Next time, we don't offer to let the kids choose where we're going."
"They've been bugging us since before Jaina stopped being laid up." Leia and Han had been very happy that that event was now behind her. They'd gotten her sworn promise NOT to do hills beyond her capability, and from Jacen not to dare her. "And just because you're better doesn't mean you get to go on the slopes, Flyboy."
"Yes, Your Highnessness," Han acknowledged.
"You need to get some new material," Leia bickered at him. "That name is so fifteen years ago."
"Okay, how about Your Ministeressness?"
Leia tossed one of Han's mittens at him. "Get packed already," she said, laughing. "At least there's a casino at our resort."
"Why do you think I agreed to all of this?" Han gave her his warm, boyish smile that she could never resist. "And then, there's the whole after the slopes activities." He winked at her.
"We'll just make sure to lock the door," Leia said, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You are aware, of course, that that will be the only physical activity you're allowed to have on this trip."
"I think I can live with that."
"What sold me on it was the toddler daycare," Leia said. "He can have fun and not be whining that his big sister and brothers won't play with him. And I don't have to worry about you putting him up as collateral in the casino."
"I should start teaching him sabacc soon." Han was having fun just joking around with Leia.
"Wait a couple of years."
"Maybe we'll have some better memories of Hoth this time."
The two looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"I'd better check on the kids. From the sound of it, there's a lot of carrying on and not a lot of packing."
Han grinned as he finished stuffing his carrying case. He had a large, noisy, chaotic, stubborn family he loved. Back when they were on Hoth the first time, he could only dream of it and even then, he'd have been hard pressed to believe it could happen to him.
And it made him smile.
FINIS :)
