Chapter Twenty Nine:
"You look wonderful, Mara," Padmé said as she checked Mara's dress once more to be certain it wasn't ruffled.
"Thank you," Mara said softly, eyeing her image in the mirror on the wall. She was excited about today, but there was an empty space in her heart at the absence of two persons that should have been there for her.
Leia was out of the room on an errand to get Mara a glass of water, so it was just Mara and her soon-to-be mother-in-law. Somehow sensing Mara's mood, Padmé sat down next to her on the divan.
"Are you alright?" Padmé inquired.
Mara looked to her, thought about answering yes, but found she didn't want to lie to Padmé. "Not entirely."
Padmé tilted her head. "Are you having second thoughts?"
Mara's head came up, her eyes wide with horror. "Of course not!"
Padmé frowned. "But you're sad. Why?"
Mara sighed, her sorrow showing through in the gesture. "I just wish I had some family here today. Mainly my... parents."
Understanding dawned for Padmé, and her heart went out to Mara. "Oh Mara, I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help with that."
Mara shook her head. "Justus wants nothing to do with me, and my mother is gone. I have no one to be with me today." She fought back tears. "My father isn't here to walk me down the aisle. Nor is my mother here to offer words of advice to her daughter, or to fluff my dress, or cry when I walk the aisle..."
Padmé was quiet for a moment, then gently reached out and drew Mara to her in an embrace. "I'm not your birth mother, but I can at least offer comfort."
Mara's arms came around Padmé. "I envy Luke's relationship with you. Truly I do. I know it's wrong of me, but I can't help it. I never had a mother."
Padmé kissed Mara's head. "You have one now, if you'll accept me."
Mara pulled back, eyes wet. "Please!" she whispered needfully.
Padmé smiled lovingly, pulling out a tissue to wipe at Mara's eyes. "Then as your mother, I want you to smile. Think of your future, and of how happy you and Luke will be together."
Mara smiled back, her heart lightening. "I can't put into words how much I love that man."
Padmé's smile widened. "I think I understand."
They shared a laugh and Padmé touched up Mara's makeup for her. "There you go. Now, cheer up."
A knock sounded at the door and Leia entered, a glass of water in hand which Mara gladly accepted. "Wedge wants to know if it's time for the men to line up."
Padmé lifted a questioning brow in Mara's direction.
Mara nodded, taking a settling breath and rising to her feet. "I'm ready."
00000
Luke stood with Han in the men's ready-room, fidgeting with his bowtie for the hundredth time. He was both excited and nervous for today to happen. He wanted for nothing more than to make Mara his, and to be by her side for the rest of their lives and beyond.
But there was a subconscious worry in his mind that he was going to be hurt again. Luke's heart knew it wouldn't be, but his mind kept trying to interfere. Luke wouldn't have asked for Mara's hand in marriage if he hadn't been absolutely sure they would be true to each other.
Mara would never cheat on Luke, or stab him in the back.
Luke tried to focus on his heart, but that niggling thought in the back of his mind refused to be silenced. Luke was beginning to sweat a little, not wanting the day to be ruined.
Han smirked at Luke, bemused by the same antics Han had been prone to on his wedding day.
"Kid, relax," Han said, fixing Luke's tie for him... again. "Everything will go just fine, you'll see."
Luke eyed Han, the only other man in the room at the moment. The second male member of the bridal party, a man by the name of Wedge Antilles, was checking in with the ladies to see if Mara was ready to go. Luke smiled slightly at the thought of his friend.
Luke had met Wedge while he was training in his X-wing, something that had occurred long before the trip to Keostea. The two had hit it off immediately, becoming fast friends and even finding themselves in the same squadron each time they flew together. Luke was more than happy to have Wedge here too on his big day.
But Han... Han was Luke's brother, and Luke wanted to confide in him. He needed a fresh perspective, and he needed it now.
"Han... I love Mara..." Luke said. "But my mind keeps trying to throw me."
Han tilted his head. "How so?"
Luke ran a hand down his face, weary of the battle within him. "I trust Mara with my heart, but now my mind keeps trying to throw caution into the mix, and I can't get it to stop."
Han, who knew of Luke's past as well, thought he knew what Luke was talking about. "You mean you're afraid of a repeat of last time?"
Luke felt ashamed of himself as he nodded. How could he be doing this on his wedding day? He slumped into a chair, hands going to his face.
Han was silent for a time, and then he crouched down in front of Luke. "Listen, Luke." The use of Luke's actual name brought the younger man's head up, and Han continued. "I understand heartache, but you can't go into this marriage with the weight of the past dragging you down. It's unfair to Mara to take your baggage into your marriage to her."
Luke closed his eyes. "I know it is... and I hate it!" he whispered fiercely. "I don't want it, and I've been fighting it, but it won't leave me be!"
Han considered this and had an idea. "I may not be a Jedi, or very familiar with the Force, but I think I might have a solution."
Luke's opened his eyes, hope shining within him. "I'm listening."
"Now, this may sound crazy, but just bear with me." Han pulled up a chair to get more comfortable. "You practice meditation, right?"
When Luke nodded, Han went on. "Try my form of meditating: push all thoughts out of your mind except the ones that include Mara. I mean everything. I do this whenever I'm overly stressed or am about to hit someone Leia needs to deal with."
Luke's lips lifted a hair at that, but he considered Han's idea.
"And once you have only Mara in your mind, cling to her until all the negativity has gone away." Han shrugged. "Call me sentimental..."
Luke shook his head, placing a hand on Han's arm. "No: I call it love."
Han smiled in gratitude that Luke didn't demean him, and then sat back when Luke closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
Luke did what Han had said, and pushed everything from his mind— conscious and subconscious— that didn't include Mara. It took a few long minutes, and in some areas of his mind, Luke had to work extra hard, but at long last he managed it.
Now he had Mara on his mind, completely and utterly, and Luke gave a few key memories extra attention.
The very first moment he'd laid eyes on Mara Jade, he had been unable to look away, so beautiful was she... and then she'd started talking to him...
...they were dueling with lightsabers in sparring practice, and were evenly matched. Luke was a natural with melee weapons, but Mara was more than capable of giving him a run for his money. As she was doing now... and Luke felt the first tiny stirrings of... something in his heart...
...a year later, and they were locked into a duel that would have given anyone else pause. If it wasn't known that he and Mara were fast friends, one might think they were trying to kill each other. But Luke was having the time of his life, even when Mara bested him, and Luke's back hit the floor. She swiftly knelt atop him to placed her lightsaber at his throat. As she called the match, Luke's eyes were focused on her lips, and for the very first time he'd wanted to kiss her...
...They were on a mission, and stood back-to-back, lightsabers in one hand, blasters in the other. Together they took out their ambushers, downing several in mere moments before they made a break for it. Mara was shot in the leg just at their exit point and Luke's heart leapt into his throat to hear her in pain...
...the cave on Keostea, when Luke had finally professed his love for Mara, and the kiss they had shared afterwards...
...their dancing at the end feast, and how good it had felt to have Mara in his arms, her lips pressed to his in a heated embrace...
...one of their recent dates, with her in his arms in an open field on Naboo at night, their eyes on the sky but their hearts tuned toward each other...
...Mara's red-gold hair, and how it glowed like fire in the sunlight, or how her porcelain skin was so velvety under his calloused fingertips. Her emerald eyes, so keen and intelligent, were the widows to her beautiful soul. Her witty sense of humor and her loyalty...
... "Will you be my wife?" "Yes, I will."
Luke felt it when the subconscious portion of his mind finally bowed to his will, and Luke only then felt true peace. He smiled happily, opening his eyes and embracing Han once he as fully returned to reality.
"Thank you Han."
Han clapped Luke on the back. "Glad to have helped, Luke."
The door opened then, and the men broke apart, both peering at the door to find Wedge there. "The Ladies are all set whenever you are."
Luke smiled genuinely, already moving to the door. "I'm ready."
He filed out with the others, and while Han and Wedge diverted to the lineup, Luke went to stand at the front of the room where the officiator waited. Luke nodded at the man, offering him a handshake.
He then turned his attention to the small assortment of chairs within one of the gardens inside the Coruscant arboretum. He and Mara had both wanted something natural, and had loved the idea of the indoor gardens of this building. Lights were strung along the aisle, ending in a circle at the front, in which Luke and Mara were to stand during the ceremony.
His gaze roamed about their small audience, everyone in attendance being someone special to the bride or groom. He smiled warmly when he saw Shiva and Thea both in attendance, and he chuckled when both of them grinned widely at him.
A signal was given to the musician hired for the ceremony, and he began to play on his stringed instrument. Everyone in attendance turned in their seats as the small bridal party advanced.
Wedge and Iella Antilles were first, followed by Leia and Han, the Matron of Honor and Best Man. Then Artoo came down the aisle carrying their rings, while a youngling girl from the Temple followed and laid down flower petals for Mara's entrance.
The music shifted and everyone stood, and Luke's heart-rate picked up in anticipation. When she finally came into view, Luke found it difficult to breathe. The vision of beauty before him was about to become his wife!
Mara's hair had been curled but otherwise allowed to remain down, the red-gold locks falling down to splash about her shoulders elegantly. The dress was a beautiful ivory color with a high, conservative neckline, with lace between the bust and her neck atop sheer fabric. The bodice was also embroidered with lace, while the sleeves were actually part of a piece of chiffon that fell like a cape behind Mara.
Luke's eyes misted and he wiped at them discreetly, but otherwise never took his eyes from his bride. She was on the arm of the only father-figure she'd ever had in her youth: Obi Wan Kenobi.
When the elderly Jedi handed her off to Luke, the younger man thanked him. Obi Wan kissed Mara's forehead in a fatherly manner and took a seat next to Anakin. When the bride and groom turned to the officiator, he raised his hands and began.
"No one can doubt that for these two it was a bumpy road to this day," he said. "But with the help of one another, Luke and Mara found each other, and then chose to always be together."
Luke turned his head to gaze at Mara, and she met his gaze openly, her face radiant.
"Despite the odds, Luke and Mara came together, which proves that there is nothing stronger in our universe than true love." The officiator turned to the couple. "They have chosen to write their own vows." He motioned to Luke.
Artoo came forward and Luke took Mara's ring and poised it over her finger.
"My dearest Mara," Luke began, meeting and holding Mara's gaze. "I love you, and I am so excited to spend eternity with you. You captivate me, and you complete me. I couldn't imagine anyone else in my life but you. I will be utterly loyal to you, and I will do everything I can to make you happy and whole. I will never forsake you, and the day I break your heart is the day I die."
Luke slid the ring onto her finger and felt his heart sing when she smiled happily in response. Mara took Luke's ring now, and mimicked his position from seconds earlier.
"Luke," Mara's voice was soft, but clear. "My beloved Luke... there are no words to describe my love for you, so vast and true is it. You are my world, and I never want to be apart from you. I will be there for you, always, and in all things. I will protect your heart as you've protected me, and I will keep it utterly secure. I love you."
When Luke's ring was in place, his heart soared, and he lost focus until the officiator announced it was time for the kiss.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Luke, you may kiss your bride."
Luke was all too happy to oblige, and he stepped close, caressed Mara's face lovingly, and kissed her. Her arms came around him and they clung to each other for long seconds before applause brought them back to the present.
When they broke apart, their faces were both aglow.
"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Skywalker!"
Luke was so overjoyed that he took Mara by the waist, picked her up and spun her about, laughing happily. Mara was his wife!
Mara threw her head back and whooped before Luke set her gently down again, kissed her once more, and then offered his arm to his wife. She took his arm eagerly and allowed him to lead her to their small reception area.
The reception itself passed by in a bit of a blur for them both, though there was a lot of dancing. Luke had to restrain himself from overdoing his affections for Mara in public, however. But he couldn't help himself from admiring her openly: she was just breathtaking!
"You look absolutely amazing, Mara," Luke told her at one point.
Mara blushed somewhat at his praise, flush with happiness. "You make me even more beautiful by loving me."
Luke allowed his love to show openly, though his response was cut off when Shiva and Thea appeared at their table.
"So this is how humans become mates?" Shiva asked, clearly impressed. "It's nice to see other cultures' ceremonies."
Thea nodded her agreement. "It was beautiful, as are you two together. I wish your union nothing but the best."
Understanding that these were all well-wishes from the Kestans, the Skywalkers smiled.
"Thank you both," Luke said. "We're glad you could be here."
"We wouldn't miss it!" Thea said.
The chef appeared then with the cake, and the Kestan women returned to their table. Luke and Mara stood together to slice it first, and each got a small piece. Mara smirked at Luke as they were serving each other, and then she smeared some on his face.
Luke retaliated by wiping frosting on her nose and grinning triumphantly. "Hah!"
Mara rolled her eyes playfully, but they laughed and made room for the chef to take the cake to serve to everyone else.
When it came time for them to leave, Luke and Mara were more than ready to go. Anakin and Padmé appeared to escort them to their ship after everyone had wished them farewell. The foursome walked to Anakin's speeder and Mara offered a perplexed look to her husband.
He smiled, gesturing for Mara to be seated. "Father is taking us to our ship."
"Ah," Mara said as Luke joined her in the rear of the speeder.
Anakin drove them to the Skywalker's private hangar, and once there, he stopped and climbed from the speeder, as did Padmé. The elder Skywalkers embraced first Mara, and then Luke.
"We are so happy for you both," Padmé said warmly once they pulled back.
"Thank you," Mara murmured.
"Be safe, and have fun," Anakin said, taking Padmé's hand and leading her home. "We're turning in for the evening as well."
Luke waved to them and then turned his attention to Mara. "Are you ready? Your bags are already on board."
Mara allowed him to lead her to the hangar entrance. "Are we borrowing Padmé's ship?"
Luke shook his head. "No."
Mara was still confused, but when the lights came on within the hangar bay, she stopped when she saw a sleek black ship resting in the center of the space. Her jaw dropped and she admired the sleek vessel openly.
"Wow! Is that your ship?" Mara asked, walking to it with Luke at her side.
"Actually..." Luke said leadingly, handing her a slip of flimsi. "She's all yours, Love."
Mara stared at the document of ownership, which had her name on it, and her eyes widened. She looked from the page to Luke. "...really?"
Luke smiled, nodding. "Yes. It's a wedding gift."
Mara's heart soared, and she threw her arms about Luke's neck. "Oh Luke, thank you!"
He laughed with her, but allowed her to pull away and pace all around the exterior of the ship, allowing his wife to see everything for herself.
"Everything has been modified or tuned to perfection." Luke explained. "There are some hidden weapons, and some not so hidden ones. She can house six, and is just as fast as Anakin's personal ship."
Mara eyed him. "You and he did all the work, I presume?"
Luke grinned. "Of course."
Mara nodded, pleased. "Then she's perfect. What's her name?"
"I've been calling her the Jade Leaf," Luke said, coming closer and touching her shoulder where the leaf mark still rested. It would always be a part of her. "But if you want, we can change that."
Mara shook her head, taking his hand and entwining their fingers. "No, it's the perfect name. Can we go inside now?"
Luke nodded, taking her around and telling Mara the access code and showing her how to use the Force to depress a lever hidden beneath the keypad for extra security. Once inside, Mara got to look at the interior, which had been done in warm and inviting color tones. It was such a contrast from the hull color that Mara loved it.
Out of curiosity Mara sought out the master bedroom and found it to be as comfortable as an apartment on land would have been, complete with carpet. The galley was well-stocked and up to date on all appliances, and the rest of the ship was just as well done.
Mara finally entered the cockpit and sat in the pilot's seat. It as a flow-form chair, so it was utterly comfortable, which Mara loved. Mara and Luke took the time to go over the systems, and Mara familiarized herself with everything before she started the engines. They came to life with ease, and Mara grinned eagerly.
Luke opened the hangar doors and Mara took the ship out. As soon as they were in the atmosphere Mara pulled for open space where she could run the ship through her paces. She tested everything except the missiles, her face alight while Luke merely watched her, content.
When Mara had her fill of excitement over her new ship, she turned to Luke. "Thank you again, Luke. I love it!"
Luke smiled. "Good. Now, if you please, the coordinates are all set for our destination."
Mara looked to the navicomputer, blinking in surprise. "Garqi?"
"Yes, there are several private rentals there," Luke replied. "One of which is ours for the week."
Mara nodded, her eyes bright. "Let's get going then."
She turned the ship about and took the Jade Leaf into lightspeed. Once all the systems checks were completed, Mara sat back.
"This has been a great day," she murmured.
"The best one of my life to date." Luke agreed.
Mara turned her head to him, and saw that he was still in his wedding garb, and she sat up. "So what now, Mr. Skywalker?"
Luke stood, offering a hand. "How about a glass of water? I'm rather thirsty.
Mara had to admit she was too, so she accepted his hand and rose. They went to the galley and got their drinks.
Then Mara felt an urgent need arise that she had been putting off. "I need to visit the refresher."
Luke didn't argue as Mara disappeared. When she returned, she'd ditched everything but her actual gown, leaving her jewelry and shoes in the refresher. She spied Luke standing near the door to a closet, his formal gear partially removed. All he wore now were his slacks and undershirt.
Mara came up behind him and hugged him, resting her cheek against his back. He hummed happily, placing his hands over hers where they rested on his chest. They stood there for a time before he used the Force to turn on some soft music.
"May I have one more dance, Love?" Luke asked, turning in her arms.
Mara smiled happily, allowing him to dance with her like they had at the feast. Their movements were relaxed and slow, though with each passing moment Luke's eyes grew more and more soft. Mara saw the desire there, and it warmed her soul to know that her husband had such feelings for her.
It was their mutual thought that now they were married; so there were no boundaries between them. They were free to be with each other completely as husband and wife.
Mara eyed him openly, the music forgotten as she lost herself in his blue gaze. He smiled just so, running loving fingertips over her cheekbone and jaw line. His fingers then toyed with her hair, and Mara found she rather liked the sensation.
Then his hands came to her shoulders and he rubbed her arms softly, and Mara closed her eyes briefly. She re-opened them and ran her hands along the defined planes of his chest, feeling him shudder at her touch. She touched his face next, her palm cupping his cheek before she dropped her hands to grab the hem of his shirt. She tugged it loose and lifted it up and over his head.
Luke broke from her momentarily as she did so, and then his hands came to her back as he sought to unclasp her gown. He found the zipper and came around behind her to undo it. When it was open, he slowly pushed the fabric off her shoulders. He then stepped close and began to shower her neck and shoulders with open-mouthed kisses.
Mara quivered at his ministrations, feeling the passion mounting. Desire for Luke bubbled, ready to overflow. Sensing this, Luke cupped her face from behind, turned her toward him and met her halfway with a deep kiss to her mouth. Mara finally could stand it no longer, and she turned in his embrace, capturing his lips fully once more.
Luke made a small noise and helped her out of her gown the rest of the way, leaving her only in her lingerie. He then picked her up and Mara wrapped her legs about him. Their lips met again in a fevered embrace, and Luke pressed her to the wall, holding her securely.
A shared thought again passed between them and Luke, still holding Mara, turned and carried her into their bedroom, the door closing behind them.