Chapter 38

Luke stared into her eyes with wonder.

"I'm sorry, I know it's soon but…" She approached him. "You've been on my mind a lot."

He smiled. "So have you."

"Would you care for a late night dessert and some caf?" She inquired.

"I would love that." He gently offered his arm to her. "I know a great place that's open late. They serve the most aromatic caf. I go there for the hot chocolate though."

She looked at him, her eyes twinkling.

"Of course," Melinda laughed lightly. "You have quite a sweet tooth, my dear, don't you?"

My dear… The appellation startled him from a moment. Mulling it over in his head, his heart began to soften. It had been a long time someone had called him something with such fondness.

It was…nice.

"Not always," He said with a shake of his head.

"Well, I think you're sweet." She added coquettishly.

Luke looked at her in surprise. In all the weeks he'd know her, he'd never known Melinda to act in a flirtatious manner. It was startling but also… quite refreshing.

"Luke? Are you all right?" She inquired. "By the look in your eyes I see I've caught you off guard." She tilted her head. "I do hope I haven't embarrassed [SW1]you. It's just that…it's so refreshing to see a man blush at my age."

She place her hand gently in his.

He shook his head, smiling warmly.

"You haven't."

"Good." She leaned in close. "Now, let's pop in to the café. I've got a craving for berry cake."

They arrived at the café five minutes later and ordered caf, hot chocolate, and two slices of frazberry cake. When they were left alone Melinda turned her attention back to Luke.

"So, how did the dinner go?" She asked.

"Good, though something tells me Ben has landed himself in a world full of trouble." He went on to explain to her Han's blatant suggestions; i.e. the fact he knew about the engagement. It hadn't really surprised him. Han was always very perceptive, and it wasn't easy to pull the Bantha wool over Han Solo's eyes.

"Oh dear..." Melinda said with a chuckle after he'd finished. "Well, I suspect he will survive. It's all part of being married."

Their cakes arrived then. Luke properly thanked the waiter and sent him on his way. Melinda smiled happily as she added sucrose and creamer to her caf, turning it a pleasant light brown color.

Luke watched her intently, paying attention to the graceful manner in which she prepared her caf. Her hands move with such fluidity. It should have seemed odd to be so entranced by such a mundane event but he was so engaged.

"Melinda..."

She lifted her head questioningly, setting her spoon aside.

"Yes?"

"As much as I love my family, I'd like to…take the conversation elsewhere."

Her eyes peered into his with curiosity. It was her turn to blush, such as the intensity of the look he was giving her.

"What would you like to talk about?"

"Nothing."

She smiled, and even without words, understood his meaning.

"All right, that sounds nice."

Words spoke for themselves after all. They spent the remainder of the evening talking about nothing, but everything all at once. It was simply the enjoyment of each other's company that made all conversation unnecessary; and caused everyone else to fade into the background. A chime sounded in the background, alerting them to the time.

Luke looked up and took in the almost empty café.

"It's closing time." Melinda commented casually.

He turned his eyes to her. "Seems so." Luke turned his gaze to his empty plate and cup. "I think it's time to get you home, Madame."

She grinned in return.

"I suppose so."

She moved to rise and was met by Luke who pulled her chair out. She smiled graciously, gently touching his hand briefly. Luke then pulled out credits out of his pocket and placed them on the table.

"Shall we go?" He asked, turning back to Melinda.

She looked to him then toward the back of the café.

"I'm going to pop into the refresher first. Wait for me outside."

He looked as if he would protest but instead nodded.

"All right, I'll be outside."

Luke turned and headed for the exit. A server wished him good night and he returned the pleasantry, stepping out into the cool night air. He was waiting exactly a minute when Melinda joined him outside. Her cheeks were a light pink and her hair looked as if it had been recently primped. It lay in glorious mahogany [SW2]waves about her shoulders, shining under the light of the moon.

"Shall we?" He asked.

"Yes, it's getting late."

Although the hour was late, they strolled at a leisurely pace as if there was nothing pressing at the moment. Melinda remained close to his side, their shoulders brushing against one another as they walked.

"You know, I spoke to my children tonight." She said softly.

He shot her a glance.

"You did?"

"Yes, they agreed to meet you."

"When?"

"The day after tomorrow." She set her lips. "Is that doable for you?"

Luke's brow wrinkled as if going over his schedule in his head.

"Yes, that's fine."

His eyes softened, taking on a quality of true bliss. He gently brushed the pad of his thumb against her hand and he brought it to his lips. She smiled slowly with her own eyes reflecting joy. Standing there, they both remained transfixed in the moment until a spattering of rain droplets pelted them.

"Oh, dear!" Melinda uttered, as a cold drop hit her face.

She raised her arm as if to ward it off. The rain then began to change from a light drizzle to a downpour—a very cold downpour.

"Under the eaves," Luke instructed, as he covered her with his robe.

They hurried through the rain to the nearest awning in front of a posh restaurant. By the time they reached it they were soaked to the skin; Luke more than she. They stood under the bright red awning out of the rain, brushing off and squeezing out what excess water they could. Luke looked to Melinda, who was shrouded by his dark robes, looking quite flustered, yet lovely despite the sudden rain.

"Are you all right?" He asked, brushing back hair from his forehead.

"Yes, I'm fine." She replied, letting the robe's cowl fall to her shoulders. "A bit wet, but none worse for wear. You seem to have taken the brunt of it." She looked on with concern.

"I'll be fine. A little rain never hurt anyone."

Melinda frowned.

"Perhaps not, but pneumonia has been known to do just that." She sighed heavily. "You didn't need to do that, Luke."

"What sort of gentleman would I be if I let a lady get soaked?"

She shook her head, laughing lightly.

"Fair enough; this round goes to you."

"Well, it's not exactly a competition."

She said playfully, "Too bad. I'll have you know I love a good challenge." Her eyes sparkled with mirth.

He chuckled.

"Sounds fun," He reached up and touched her face. "Your skin is cold; why don't we get out of the rain? I'll get us a ride."

As they waited, Melinda tried to convince Luke to share the robe, frightened for him.

"You don't need to be so heroic all the time."

"Ah, but I do, I have a reputation to uphold."

Within a minute, a silver, hard-topped speeder pulled up. The door popped open and Ben leaned over the passenger seat.

"You called for a ride."

"Yes, thanks for coming, Ben. I hope I didn't mess up your plans."

"Nah, I already dropped Myra off at her dorm. Hop in." He narrowed his eyes. "You looked like a drowned womp rat, Dad."

"Thanks…" Luke said dryly. "Get in, Melinda."

"But…"

"I wouldn't argue with him. He's very stubborn."

Her shoulders sagged as she maneuvered into the front seat. Melinda opened her mouth to object and Luke slid in to the back seat.

"Don't mind me. I've handled worse." He lounged back. "Let's get Melinda to her apartment," He gave Ben the directions. He leaned forward and turned on the heat to assuage the chill in his passengers.

"All right," He looked back to his father. "Thanks gods the seats are leather." Luke leaned forward and cuffed him gently.

"Smart mouth. Just fly."

"Righto." He pulled up into the skylanes, taking care to fly slowly in the pouring rain. "So, you kids have fun?"

Ben laughed as he ducked his father's hand.