Title: Grateful

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

Rey's finger's squeezed Poe's as her face paled and her mind reeled in shock. She'd known he loved her. Known he was serious about her. He had told her on their anniversary that he'd wanted to build a future with her. That seemed so long ago.

"Are you sure?"Rey asked when she found her voice.

Poe smiled that dashing smile that lit his eyes.

"Yes, hundred percent sure."Poe stated softly. "I love you."

So simple in Poe's logic. Love each other, get married; start a family. Just then memories of Rey's training with Luke surfaced like a bucket of cold water being dumped over her head.

'Jedi can not have romantic attachments. It could lead to jealousy, anger, the dark side.'

After their victory against Papletine and Rey's connection to the Jedi who'd come before her being a Jedi seemed more important than ever. Luke's words buffered her thoughts and Rey knew she had to tell Poe about that rule even with how much it would hurt him.

"The Jedi have a rule, Poe."Rey began in shaky sad voice. "Not allowed to marry."

Rey felt Poe's hand slip from hers and saw the color drain from his handsome face as he rocked back on his heels. He ran fingers through his hair and met her gaze.

"That's not fair."Poe protested.

"They thought it could lead to the dark side if the relationship ended badly."Rey explained.

She watched him process this information hoping she wasn't losing him forever. Rey wasn't sure her heart could take it.

"I do love you Poe."Rey said quietly. "I wish it could be different."

'I wish it could be different.'

Rey's words echoed in Poe's turbulent thoughts as he stood and walked away from her. He knew the universe needed the Jedi. Even with Kylo and Papletine being gone there would always be threats against freedom and the Resistance. With the death of General Organa; Rey was the last of the Jedi. But that realization filled Poe with anger how much sacrifice was Rey supposed to make? She'd already lost so much already. Been alone so long.

"The universe needs the Jedi; I get that."Poe began as he turned finding Rey had risen and walked to him tears on her cheeks. "You're the last of the Jedi; can't you change things? Make your own rules?"

Poe watched Rey's reaction. He gently reached up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. He cupped her face with his hands. He saw hope flicker in Rey's eyes.

Through the Force Rey heard Luke's voice in her mind.

'It's too much of a risk; Rey. Changing that rule could compromise the future of the Jedi.'

'It could also strengthen them.'Rey answered through the Force.

Rey placed her hands on Poe's wrists. She felt the tears return but she was smiling. Rey saw hope battle confusion in Poe's expression.

"You're right."Rey stated softly. "It's time to change things."

"What are you saying?"Poe asked each word clipped with emotion and love.

"Ask me again."Rey prompted. "Ask me to marry you again."

Poe took a steadying breath.

"Rey, I love you."Poe said tenderly. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes."Rey exclaimed happily.

Poe kissed her soundly and passionately. It took Rey several seconds to regain her senses and control her breathing once they finally broke apart. Poe gripped Rey around the waist and lifted her off the ground swinging her in a circle. Once he set her back on the ground Poe pulled Rey into an embrace and kissed her once more.

"I love you."Poe said in a voice barely above a whisper. "We'll make this work."

Rey buried her head against his chest she knew he was right. She was looking forward to the years ahead.