The chapter we've all been waiting on… I hope you enjoy it…

As soon as they land, Leia turns phone back to normal and starts texting people. It doesn't take her long to find out who in Western North Carolina is affiliated with Snoke and who isn't.

And also, where a safe place is.

They get into their separate cars, Ben's- Kylo's rented and Leia and Han in an Uber. Plans change as they follow their son to the hotel.

Neither one calls attention to the fact that the midnight check-in clerk gives them two sets of key cards.

As much as all of them want to go to the hospital to check on their family, they meet fifteen minutes later in the room on the top floor. Han notices the absence of cameras as soon as they step off the elevator. Leia notices how only a few doors have numbers on them. While Ben notices the smell, he's come to know well over the past several months.

Freshly sanitized with bleach over blood.

Han and Leia enter the one of the only doors with numbers first. Instead of just a room, it looks like a room from the Biltmore house. Antique wood paneling, with inlays of mother of pearl. There are even windows from floor to ceiling. "That looks like the same furniture that is in the Oak sitting room at the Vanderbilt's," Leia observes. Her and Han visited the Biltmore house the last time they were in Asheville during last Christmas.

"Reproductions?" Han asks.

"There is no telling," she whispers. they wait until the door clicks shut behind them before they acknowledge one another. Leia grabs Ben first in a warm hug. She's sniffling back tears when she lets go- long enough to slap his arm- then she's hugging him again. "I love you, son. But you are a dumb ass."

"I know, I know," he whispers into her hair. "This was the only way- one of his other men, Mikita had a girlfriend. And he tried to get out- she was dead before the sun went down. I didn't even know about that one. The knights shoved me into the van, and we drove downtown to watch the explosion. I knew then that it was a warning."

"Han! We've got to get him out! Surely he's gotten enough by now to convict that ass."

"Luke is his handler. They only told me so I could keep you calm about the kid disappearing."

"Whose idea was this?"

"Mine," Ben mutters.

"Something must have happened for you to go to Luke then. Are you safe?"

"No," he says as he runs his fingers through his hair. Just like he did when he was little. And worried. And scared. "That's why I have to stay away."

"Then why are you in Western North Carolina?"

"Snoke bought a bankrupt ski lodge. He wants to fix it up and start laundering money through it. I'm here to see why the lawyer for the family is dragging his feet. Snoke wanted this done a month ago."

"When did you learn Rey was here?" Leia sits down on the green and gold damask settee, exhaustion threatening to close her eyes.

"Christmas- I kind of followed you two down here."

"You followed us?" Leia echoes. "Why?"

"Even if I couldn't spend the actual holiday with you two, I wanted to see you. Even if it was from a distance."

"Son," Leia sobs. Ben comes over and sits beside her. She opens up her arms and he leans into her. Her grown son who is trying to take down the bad guys is crying on her shoulder.

Han pulls over one of the other chairs and sits with them. "What now?"

"We need to check on Rey and the baby," Leia says.

"Can you call them?" Ben asks as he wipes his tears on the Kleenex Han hands him.

"Honestly I don't think you can use a phone in this room." Han interlaces his fingers as his elbows rest on his knees. "What else does Luke want you to get on Snoke?"

"I'm not sure anymore. I mean I'm helping with the ski lodge stuff, but is this even enough to put him away?"

"Is Snoke trafficking people or something?" Han murmurs.

"You know, I wouldn't doubt it. I mostly handle the real estate business of the first order." Ben sits up. "Do you think that's the missing piece Luke is waiting for?"

"What does Luke need to prove that?" Leia asks. "Han, is Snap still in charge of all that?"

"I'm not sure anymore." Han runs his fingers through his silver fox grey. "Hell, I'm not even sure who to trust anymore. Snoke's talons are deep."

Brbrbrbrbr

Poe: We're here.

Rose: She's still asleep.

Poe: That's good, isn't it?

Rose: That's what Hux says.

Poe: He's the doc after all. Is there a waiting room up there? Can we come on up?

Rose: Yeah, come on. Use the elevator banks in the hallway of the ER.

Poe: See you soon

"Rose?" Rey groans from the bed.

"Hey friend. How are you feeling?"

Rey takes a sip of the water Rose offers her. "Better. What time is it?"

"It's about five. Do you want me to call Delly?"

"Did Hux go home?"

"He did. He said that him or Imwe would be by for rounds." Rose smooths Rey's wispy out of her face. "Would you like a wet washcloth?"

Rey blinks sleepily up at her. "Since I can't take a shower, that sounds amazing. Can you call Delly?"

Rose rings the nurse's call bell then goes into the bathroom. A soft knock announces Delly as she comes in as Rey says, "Hey."

"You're awake." Delly turns on the soft overhead light.

"That's the best I've slept in a month." Rey's exhale is loud as rose lays the washcloth on her forehead. "Why does that feel so good?"

"It's amazing how that works, isn't it?" Delly comes over to where Rey is laying. "I know you're comfy, but I need to check you."

"Is the baby ok?" Rey tries to sit up, but only succeeds in setting an alarm off.

"He's fine. Dr. Imwe wants me to check to see if you've dilatated anymore."

"Oh good. I'm glad that it's you. It was weird."

"What was weird?" Delly asks with a snap of the latex gloves loud in the five o'clock in the morning silence.

"To have my best friend's boyfriend putting his fingers there, if you know what I mean." Her eyes flutter shut as she grunts at Delly's touch.

"Good job, Mama. You're almost to seven."

"Really? What do I do now?"

"Rest? Tomorrow's going to be a long day. Do you need me to call anyone for you?" Delly offers.

And for a split second, she almost asks- but then, "No I'm fine. That's why Rose is here." Rey finds her friend standing- "There you are!" -on the other side of the bed. "Can you text Leia? They might want to come to the hospital." Rey then looks back up at the nurse. "How much longer do you think it will be?"

"It could go slow, or it could go fast. These babies do what they want to." Delly takes off her gloves and throws them away. While she's washing her hands, she says over her shoulder, "Do try to get some more rest-" a knock on the door interrupts her.

"Can we come in?" Poe asks as he opens the door.

Delly smiles at Rey. "Call me if you need me."

Poe and Finn hold the door open for the nurse and then close it behind them. "How are you feeling?" Finn asks as he kisses Rey on the cheek. Rose walks over to hug Poe and then Finn.

"Better. I got to have a nap and I can't feel anything below my belly button." She looks over at the monitor. "Oh look. I'm having a contraction."

"Really?" Poe asks as he and Finn look.

"Feel," she says as she grabs their hands. Even Rose comes over to feel how hard her stomach is.

"That's so weird," Finn whispers.

Another knock as Dr. Hux peeks around. "Is this a party?"

"Not yet," Rey says as she watches Hux give lingering hugs to Poe and Finn. "I'm at seven."

"That's great. were you able to sleep?" Hux asks with his hand still on Poe's.

"A little bit. Were you?"

"A little bit." Hux smiles.

"You haven't slept?" Poe asks. "Do you want me to find you some Starbucks?"

"Yes? But only if y'all get some too." He pulls out his cell. "Let me make arrangements for my patients and I'll stay here."

"Wait? Who's delivering Jonathan?" Rey asks.

"Imwe. I'll text him and tell him you're at seven." Hux is already swiping on his phone.

"Has anyone talked to Leia and Han?"

Brbrbrbrbr

As soon as they exit the room, all of their phones start buzzing with missed calls and messages. Ben and Han ignores theirs while Leia swipes through her messages. "Alright, she's at five, going back to sleep. Fifteen minutes ago- she's at seven. Still feels good epidural going strong. Bless her, he's going to be as big as you were." Leia chuckles. But when she looks up at Ben, her heart falls. "Oh, Stardust, what's wrong?"

"I messed up. Why did I think I could be the one to take Snoke down?"

"Because if anyone can do it, you can." Han slaps him on the back. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a grandbaby to go see." Han meets Ben's eyes. "Sorry son."

"I'm going too," Ben whispers.

"What?" Leia squeaks. "You can't do that."

"Mom," Ben grunts as he runs his fingers through his waves. "I can't. I can't do this anymore. I can't live without them-" his sob catches him and steals his breath. "I can't. I'm going to Rey and beg her to forgive me and pray that maybe, just maybe she'll let me meet our son. I hope she will."

He stomps down the hall.

He knows that this is dangerous. But he would rather die than not go to Rey. Everyone else can go fuck themselves.

"Ben!" Leia huffs when she finally catches up with him at the elevator. "Let's go together."

"Yeah, let us be like a buffer?" Han adds.

"Flowers- I have to go buy flowers. Breakfast. She'll be hungry-" Ben rumbles as the elevator opens for them. He pats his torso checking for his phone and wallet.

"Ben- she can't have any food yet. They might have to do surgery." Leia says as she pushes the floor number.

"Surgery?" Ben whispers, his stomach dropping and not just because of the elevator going down.

"The baby is big. As big as you were."

"Ten pounds?" His mouth goes dry, and his hands start to shake. "We've got to go-"

"Ride with us? I parked in the garage. And the windows are extra dark," Han says.

"I don't care, just get me there."

"Come on, kid." His dad throws his arm around his shoulders. "Let's go meet your son."

Brbrbrbrbr

"Can I have a minute or two to myself?" Rey whispers to Rose. She can't explain it, but the buildup of emotion she's feeling because something big is about to happen, she wants to have a moment alone before her life changes irreversibly again.

"Come on guys," Rose says as she herds her men out. "Rey needs a minute alone."

The door closes behind them and she can't help her exhale of relief. Her eyes drift closed as she enjoys the last minutes of quiet. For the last time she wonders if Jonathan is going to have her chocolate brown hair or his inky waves. Her green sometimes hazel eyes or his whiskey-colored ones. Will he be as stubborn as his father or as stubborn as her.

"It's almost time, baby. Are you ready to come out and see me?" the door creaks open and she huffs as she turns to give whoever just came in a- "Ben?" she tries to sit up, but only succeeds in setting several alarms off. "What in the fuck are you doing here?"

"I brought flowers?" He replies holding the bouquet of roses and daisies.

"How—I don't think I want you here." She hates that her voice cracks and she can hear her tears in her whisper.

"Will you let me explain—"

"Let you explain? Let me explain something to you. I had to leave Brooklyn because I knew that if I stayed, I would be looking for you everywhere. Dying to hear your voice. Needing you. You ripped my heart out you ass."

"I know I did."

"I have cried so many tears because of you," she sobs. "How are you here?"

"Can I tell—explain—"

"You keep saying explain, like that's your magic wand. What are you going to do say something and poof, everything is perfect?"

"No, I've been a bastard to you and to—" he motions towards her swollen stomach. "I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you let me."

"I'm not sure if you've earned that."

"Fair enough. I know that you don't want to hear it, and this isn't an excuse of any kind, but I didn't want to break up with you." She snorts and rolls her eyes. "Rey, please believe me." He approaches the side of the bed where the chair Rose was sleeping in is. "Can I sit?"

"Do whatever," she dismisses him.

"About a year ago, some information came across my desk that would put Snoke away for a long time. Life sentences if the DA would do his job and pull it all together. But It still wasn't enough to arrest him. Everyone else at the office including me, but not Snoke."

"Did you go to Luke?" she meets his eyes.

"I did and he convinced me to turn states witness."

"So, you ruined us to put your boss in jail?" She looks away, not sure what to say. "You ripped out my heart, to hopefully find some bullshit evidence that might put him away for life? I can't believe you, Ben solo."

"You know that if he knew we were still together, he would have come after you. especially once he found out you were pregnant."

A soft knock on the door with Delly coming in. she's surprised to see Ben sitting there. "Hello," she greets him.

"Hi," he answers back.

"Rey? Hux wants me to check you one last time before I go home."

"That's fine. Ben, get out," Rey demands.

He's silent as he sets the flowers down on the chair he vacates and walks to the door. He pauses before he opens it. "Can I come back?"

His words—his voice—the way he always looks at her like there's no one else in his universe—"Yes, if you want to."

He nods and closes the door behind him.

Delly hands her a Kleenex and pats her knee. "Do you need anything?"

She shrugs. "I guess late is better than never?"

"I don't know. Does have a good reason to be late?"

"Helping the feds take down his crook of a boss?"

"That sounds like a reason. But I'm guessing that this is the first you've seen of him since—"

"He broke up with me. Almost a year ago." Rey fiddles with the blanket thrown over her lap. "I'll be the first one to admit, I still love him but I do not want to be hurt again."

"No one likes to be hurt. Well—not heartbroken. But you have to think of the whys. Why did he do this? Why did he break up with you? Why do you still love him?"

"Here it is I thought you were a mere labor and delivery nurse—but I think you're more like Wonder Woman." Rey smiles.

"Oh hush, you." Delly pulls on the gloves and gets the KY jelly. "Let's see where your little man is." Rey tries to think about anything else besides what Delly is doing. "You're at nine."

"I am?"

"You are. and I need to tell your doctors. I'll be back. Can he come back in?"

"I guess so?"

He doesn't appear immediately, and the old panic that she's fought so hard to not feel comes back stealing her breath—when the door creaks open. The elephant moves off her chest and the frantic feeling eases up.

It's on silent feet that he comes back to her side. He picks up the flowers, but before he can sit down, she says, "There might be a vase under the sink if you'd like to put them in there."

His smile is faint as he meets her eyes. Tears leak down her cheeks as he comes back to her side of the bed. He sinks back into the chair. "I know I shouldn't be here. But I had to see you one more time. Just say the word and you'll never see me again. I'll send whatever you need to take care of the baby—"

Tears run down his face and her old habit of taking care of him demands that she wipe them away. He catches her hands. her breath catches as his lips brush her palms. "Are you done with Snoke?"

"No, Luke wants more evidence."

"You can come visit. But I'm not putting your name on the birth certificate until Snoke is under the jail. Or dead."

"That's probably a good idea," he agrees.

"This is not an open invitation for you to come back. If you want to visit the baby, then you will give me at least twenty-four hours' notice."

"That's understandable."

"And if for whatever reason, you think we are in trouble, well you better come save us."

"Of course."

"And this is not us getting back together. This is you being a father to our child." With a finger under his chin, she tilts his head back. "Do you understand?"

He doesn't get a chance to answer because Dr. Imwe comes in followed closely by Leia, Han and Delly. "Ms. Holdo, I see your baby is coming today."

"He seems ready to finally make an appearance."

"Ah, he's are not always he's. It still could be a she." He looks at the Solos and her. "Who is going to be in here and who's not?"

"Actually, Rose is going to be."

"No matter. Gentlemen," he addresses Han and Ben. "I need to see what is going on so if you'll step outside, please?" He waits for the door to close before he lowers the bottom bedrail and sits. "Now, Delly here said that you're at nine. But Hux has some reservations." He folds the bottom of the blanket back before he puts the gloves on.

All while Leia comes to the head of the bed where she can kiss Rey on her forehead. "How are you dear?"

"Ready to meet your grandson."

"You're not upset about—"

"We'll talk about him later." She looks in between her legs where Dr. Imwe and Delly are looking at her the way she looks at engines. "Everything alright?"

Dr. Imwe nods. "Go page Dr. Hux, please." He waits for Delly to close the door behind her. "Alright, Rey." He looks at the paper with the squiggly lines. "When I say go, I want you to bear down like you have to go to the bathroom."

"I'm pushing?"

"You're pushing—alright, go." He refocuses his attention back to in between her legs. "Three-two-one. Alright, breathe."

"What happened?" Rey asks but a knock then the door opens to let Hux and Rose in. Rose joins Leia on the other side of the bed while Hux stands beside his business partner.

"Well?" Hux asks.

"She's at ten. but I just had her push, but the baby didn't move. What about if we turn down her epidural and let her push with that."

"You don't think we need to go on to surgery?"

Dr. Imwe looks again at the monitor. "Here comes another contraction. When I say go—ready go."

Rey pushes with all her might.

"Alright, let's prep her for an emergency c-section," Dr. Imwe calls. He stands and continues. "Dr. Hux can't actually perform the surgery, but he can scrub in. And you can have two support people in there. Who are they?"

She doesn't even have to think about it when she says, "Rose and Ben."

Brbrbrbrbr

"Why is he here?" Rose hisses in the sterile coldness of the operating room. Rey is prepped and ready, Rose on one side and Ben standing in a corner looking more than a little lost. "Just promise me that when you see Jonathan and you're full of the love hormones that make you fall in love with your baby, you don't fall for him again."

"Are those real?"

"The next time you talk to Hux, ask him about it. He even goes to those OB conventions and does seminars about it. But that doesn't explain why or how he's here."

"You could ask me," Ben supplies meekly from his corner.

"Oh, believe me, you will have that opportunity to explain why you broke my best friend's heart," Rose seethes.

"Rose?" Rey asks. her friend meets her eyes. "Let's do this later? I don't feel so good."

Ben crosses the room in three steps and joins Rose at her side. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure? My head feels fuzzy—" Rose jumps up and walks to the double doors while Ben comes closer.

"I don't know what to do—" he mutters.

"Rose is getting Hux." The doors swing open and the doctor in question comes rushing in. "Are you doing the section?"

"No, sweetie, I'm scrubbing in though. What's wrong?"

"My head—I don't feel so good."

"It's the anesthesia. Here," he says as he grabs an oxygen mask and helps to fit it over her face. "Take a deep breath." Hux continues to adjust the knobs until the amount she's breathing is perfect. "That should help." He pats her shoulder. "We're coming. You wouldn't believe the last-minute stuff that pops up." He turns to Ben. "I'm Dr. Armitage Hux."

"Ben Solo."

Rey doesn't miss the look that her OB gives her. After living with her and Rose and the guys, she knows Hux knows who Ben is. "We'll talk later," she offers.

"Yes, we will. Nice to meet you Solo." He walks back out of the OR.

"That's your doctor?" Ben asks.

"That's also my boyfriend," Rose bristles.

"What about Poe and Finn?"

"He's their boyfriend too."

The doors swing open and a couple of nurses come in. They smile and nod while the continue prepping. Without a question, one of them brings over two stools, one for Rose and one for Ben. They sit and more people file into the cold room.

"Alright, Rey and friends, let's get this party started." Dr. Imwe chirps as they all gather around the table she's lying on. She hears Dr. Imwe mention feeling some pressure. She does then a hum. Then a squish. Then Hux says, "Welcome to earthside not-so-little-one." A hearty cry answers him.

"Is he still a boy?" Rey pulls the oxygen mask down to ask.

A slightly blue baby peeks over the blue divider at them and her tears are instant. "Hey baby," Rey greets it. "Is he still a boy?"

"Oh yeah," Dr. Imwe says as he lifts the baby so she can see his little penis. "He's definitely a boy. Congrats Mama! And Dad! And Hux's girlfriend, Rose!"

"He's so sweet!" Rose gushes before she gets up to follow Jonathan as one of the baby-nurses takes her son to the other side of the room.

"Why did she—" Ben begins.

"In case there's something wrong. She stays with Jonathan. I'll be alright, I just didn't want him to be alone."

"Jonathan? Is that what you're naming him?" Ben whispers.

But before she can affirm or deny anything about their brand-new son, Rose brings him back to her side. "He looks like a little burrito all swaddled up like that." More tears. "I just wish I could hold him."

"Well, you can't hold him, but how about a kiss?" Rose lays him across Rey's chest but doesn't let go of him.

Rey moves so she can touch him as she coos, "Hello, Mama's sweet boy. I'm so glad that you're here. let me see his fingers and toes?"

Without asking, Rose gives the baby to Ben. She untucks the blanket and both parents count ten fingers and ten toes.

Rey steals a look at Ben. He looks amazed, scared, in love, breathless, and awed as he looks at his son. She knows all those feelings because she's feeling them too.

Daddy's home! Lol… and yes they will be talking more… she's in labor and trust me, you don't remember much lol...

Both of my kiddos were over nine pounds, the first one was an emergency C-section the second one was planned.