Thank you so much for still reading! I actually have until chapter eight written, hopefully will get chapter nine done today!
I don't own anything, including the children's book, Goodnight Moon. And yes, the book is a bit young for who you are about to meet, but it's one of their favorites and they wanted… you'll see! And I hope you fall in love with these two like I am!
Enjoy!
"Ben?" Rey asks. Artoo doesn't jump on her, but does squeeze by her and she's sure the big hairy pup does a specular dive. But she's too busy watching the boy she's always loved as he walks down a path to her.
"Rey? Is that really you?" He asks. He joins her on the dock and she greets him with open arms. She giggles as he picks her up so she can wrap her arms around his neck. "I think you got shorter."
"No, you got taller," she says as he sets her down. She looks up at him. "Yep. Definitely taller."
"What are you doing—" before Ben can finish, two little black-haired boys chase the overgrown pup in and out of the lake.
They run by her and Rey asks in her mama voice, "Who is this?"
They skid to a stop. "I'm Jack and that's Wyatt," the taller boy replies.
"Me, Wyatt," the smaller one adds as he ducks behind Ben.
"These are my boys," Ben says, voice full of pride.
"They are very handsome. You did a good job," Rey replies with a wink. And she can tell that they do belong to him. Inky black waves and their dad's ears. She even sees a hint of that Solo nose.
"I thought Mama said-" confusion evident on his face as he looks around then at Paige's cabin like he's looking for someone.
"I do. Greer and Juniper. They are with Poe. It's his weekend." Suddenly nervous at admitting her situation to him, which is stupid. But then if she was to admit all those times she wished that it could have been him instead of Poe… "Paige noticed that I needed a break so she offered me the cabin for the weekend. Mama said you were coming back. Did you get moved and all that good stuff?"
"Yes. The boys have already finished school for this year and are ready to start here in the fall. I'm looking for a house in town, but until then, we're staying at Mom and Dad's. Then on the weekends, we come out here. They bought it-"
"They did? When?"
He shrugs. "A couple of years ago?"
"Did Mama tell me that?" she asks herself out loud. "I don't remember- but then again my life has been so crazy I don't remember much. Mama probably told me and I forgot." She tries to laugh, but he watches her...
"My life has been crazy too," his soft answer makes her want to touch him, to hug him and protect his boys from whatever may happen.
"Hey, friend. We've made it this far. I think that means we have to keep on going."
"Yeah, something like that," he replies with a faint smile. One of the boys is tugging on Ben's leg while the other one is trying to hug a very wet Artoo. "Hey, have you had supper yet? I was getting ready to fix some hamburgers."
"I don't want the one with the meat in it, Daddy." The smallest Solo says.
"I know, Son." He looks back at Rey with a sheepish smile. "You know you don't have to."
"I want to. I brought a," she pauses for a moment and with a grin, she continues, "C-A-K-E if y'all would like some?"
"Cake? Dad, did she just spell cake?" Jack asks. "I know she did because it was one of my spelling words."
"Cake?" Wyatt echoes. "I want cake."
Ben rolls his eyes. "You don't have to—"
"But she said that she has cake, Dad!" Jack adds.
"I'll bring the cake," Rey whispers. "Let me go grab it and I'll be there in a minute?"
"That sounds good," he says. "Let me get these guys home- do you want us to wait for you?"
"I'm alright. Get them home and I'll be there in a minute."
He looks like he wants to stay but then Artoo goes running past them with both boys chasing him like, well little boys chasing their dog.
"Go," Rey chuckles. "I think Artoo needs help."
"He probably does. Just follow the path from the dock and it will lead you right to the house."
She watches them retreat through the woods. It's not until they are out of sight, that she heads back towards the cabin.
She lets herself back in Paige's cabin. Before she grabs the cake, she stops at the bathroom just off the kitchen. She turns on the light to freshen up.
Her cheeks are flushed but in a good way, not bad. Her green eyes look like they have a little bit of blue in them like they do when she's excited. The wind must have been blowing because her hair… well It's everywhere. Her brush is upstairs but she attempts to finger comb the mess. "Just go get the stupid brush. No-no, he'll know. Just be a hot mess."
She turns off the light, grabs the cake that she bought on total impulse and walks back out the door.
"Rey, you really knew Dad when he was little?" Jackson asks.
Ben shakes his head and mutters, "Nothing too embarrassing, please." Their eyes meet and he smirks. "I have lots of stories I can tell about you."
She rolls her eyes but smiles. Lord, how she's missed him. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."
Wyatt and Jack look between them not sure if they should laugh or what when Rey continues, "I don't think he was ever really little, at least not since I've known him," Rey giggles before she takes another sip of her White Zombie lager. "I didn't meet your dad until he was ten. We were in the fifth grade, well we had most of our classes together." She looks across the patio table that they sit at on the back deck that overlooks the lake. Jack and Wyatt fidget in their seats ready to go play since they ate their dinner.
But then she decided to start telling them stories of growing up with their dad… and now the sun is going down. For the first time this year, Rey sees the little specks of light floating down by the lake. "Look guys, lightening bugs!"
In the twilight, she loves how their faces light up. She steals a glance at Ben, and even he's transfixed. She quietly stands up and goes back into the house for the jelly jars she saw beside the kitchen sink. After she grabs them, she tiptoes back outside.
They haven't moved.
She whispers, "Come on." And motions for them to follow her down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, there are several orbs of light. She's hyper aware of the boys who watch her as she reaches out. One of them lands on the palm of her hand. "Can I see it?" Wyatt whispers.
Rey lowers her hand to his eye level. She has to smile when his eyes grow big and he reaches out… "Be easy, their wings are sensitive," she whispers. Wyatt's little mouth makes the perfect O and Rey's heart melts.
He touches it, and turns to his dad. "I touched it Daddy!"
"I see that." He points to some other lightening bugs on the other side of the yard. "See if you can catch another one." Rey hands each boy a jar. "You too, Jack," Ben encourages them.
The oldest boy's face lights up like it's Christmas morning. He takes off running after the lights that float just above the ground.
They start chasing the bugs and the adults can't help but to laugh as Wyatt and Jack go after the same one to only be distracted by others around them.
Jack stops once he catches a couple of them and stands in the yard. He watches them crawl on his hands and up and down his arms. While his little brother keeps chasing them. Rey, her inner teacher, comes out when she goes over to him. "What do you think?"
He looks up at her and even in the twilight of the late spring day, she can tell his eyes are wide in wonder. "They use their wings to fly," he states.
"They do," she affirms.
"But what makes their butts light up?"
She tries not to laugh but suggests instead, "Why don't we do some research and find out?"
He's quiet for a moment, then he yells, "Dad! I haffa' do some research!"
"I'm right here, son," Ben says behind them. Jack startles, and even she jumps. He doesn't miss how much he surprised her, and she can tell how he's holding in his laughter. "I do agree with research. But it's almost bedtime."
"Dad- just a little longer, please?" Jack begs.
Wyatt comes running over. "Dad, please?"
"Ten more minutes, then bed."
The boys grin those grins of theirs that match Ben's and Rey's heart falls even more for this little family.
"Just don't tell them what happens when you squish them," she whispers when the boys are far enough away where they can't hear her.
Then, together they both say, "Do you remember—" their laughter makes Jack and Wyatt stop and watch them for a moment. Ben and Rey notice, and curb their mirth for a moment.
"That was a mess," she admits.
"You didn't get it in your eyes."
"You did? You did! I can't believe I forgot that!"
"My eye glowed for hours!" He groans.
"I remember now!" A giggle escapes, and once she's laughing, he joins her. She doesn't miss how the boys stop and come back over to them. Jack watches them while Wyatt smiles like he's trying to understand the joke.
"You should! You laughed at me the longest."
"I probably did."
Ben looks down to his sons. He glances at his watch and exhales, "Oh crud. Guys, it's bedtime."
They must be tired because they don't protest at all. Wyatt, then Jack reaches the top of the stairs first but then freezes at the door. When Rey and Ben catch up, he grabs her hand but motions for Ben to bend over.
"Can Rey read to us, Daddy?" Wyatt asks with Jack nodding.
"Please, Rey?" Jack adds.
"She's prob—"
"I'd love to boys," she replies, as she leads the way into the house. "Do you need help with your pajamas?" Jack shakes his head while Wyatt grins and nods.
"Wyatt—" Ben warns.
Rey sees Wyatt's face fall, and she puts her hand on Ben's arm. "It's ok, I don't mind at all."
"Are you sure? I know you didn't come over to put my kids in the bed."
"I came over to see you and to meet your boys. They are as amazing as you were back then." She turns to Wyatt who hasn't taken his eyes off either adult. Jackson however has disappeared. "Go brush your teeth and Daddy and I will be there in a minute?"
Ben waits for Wyatt's thundering footsteps on the stairs before he whispers, "He never asked Bazine to read to him. Once I would get home I was the primary parent."
"Is it ok if I help them? I don't have to—"
"No," he says, throwing his arm around her shoulders. "I like that they like you."
When they get to the stairs, he moves his arm so she can go up before him. It's not until she's halfway up the stairs that she realizes she's wearing the shortest pair of shorts she owns. As much as she wants to tug them down, she runs up the last five steps instead.
When she reaches the top, a little hand grabs hers but instead of finding Wyatt, it's Jack. He smiles that Solo smile at her, and pulls her down the hall into what has to be their room. Two beds are on either side of the room, one side with dinosaurs, the other with spaceships and plants.
"Did you two brush your teeth?" she asks.
They both admit, sheepishly, "No."
"Go," Ben commands. They follow each other back to the hallway bathroom.
"They're great, Ben."
"I think so too," Ben says. Wyatt comes bouncing back into the bedroom still dressed.
"You need pajamas." The boy takes his t-shirt off but before he can throw it on the floor, Ben warns, "Wyatt-" and he throws the shirt in the hamper instead.
Rey holds in a chuckle and Ben shakes his head.
Wyatt goes to the dinosaur side of the room and starts to throw his clothes at her when Ben clears his throat. So, he hands what could only be his pajamas to her.
She starts to untangle his clothes when Jack comes back, already in his pajamas.
"How old are your girls?" Ben asks.
"Juniper is eight, going on thirty, and Greer is six."
"Who's six?" Jack asks.
"My daughter," Rey answers.
"You have kids?" Jack asks.
"I have two daughters. That's what I was telling your dad.
"When can they come play with us?" Jack asks.
"Soon?" Rey answers. "They're with their dad this weekend. But maybe we can plan something soon." Rey leans in and in a loud whisper, "We'll have to ask your dad too."
"You know that's fine with me. Now get in the bed boys." Ben tucks them in, and Wyatt hands Rey a familiar book.
"Is this what you want me to read?" He nods and Rey smiles. "This is a favorite of mine."
"Me too," Wyatt whispers.
"Me three," Jackson adds.
"Well, then let me turn around," Rey says as she turns to face Ben, then she sinks down to sit on the floor in between their beds. "Can you see the pictures?" She asks as she holds up the book. Ben sits on the edge of Jackson's bed. She waits for all the men in the room to nod. Before she starts, she sees how Ben looks at her.
Like she's everything to him...
Her breath catches, and as much as she wants to watch him… "Rey?" Little Wyatt interrupts what is happening between his dad and one of his oldest friends.
"In the great green room there was a telephone and a red balloon and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon. Three little bears sitting on chairs and two little kittens and a pair of mittens…"
"You didn't have to do that."
"I read a kid's book or two every night, Ben. It's alright."
"But you're here, taking a break." Ben says.
He lit the fire pit that Han installed when his parents first bought the house. From the deck, Rey can see the rest of the lake lit up from street and porch lights. The sounds of the waves against the shore and the bullfrogs makes Rey wish she could stay here forever.
"I should have turned on some house lights. Look how dark it is over there."
"You could just stay here," Ben mutters. She looks at him but the only light comes from the firepit and a lamp in the living room he turned on before they came out here.
Not sure what to say, she asks, "How about another beer?" He starts to get up, but she hops up instead. "You do you want one?" He nods and she's back through the glass doors. On the way back through the living room, she grabs the throw on the back of the couch.
But when she gets back outside, Ben has his head back and his eyes closed but when he hears her, he opens his eyes and smiles at her. She hands him his beer, then pulls her chair closer to his and reclaims the seat as she pulls the blanket over her legs.
All the while, his eyes never leave her. "How does it feel to be back?" She asks.
"Quiet. But I spent a year in the ER as part of my residency so anything is quiet after that."
"I can see that," she chuckles. "What was the ER like?"
"It was weird, one minute you'd be falling asleep because it was so slow, then in five minutes it would be crazy. One of my old colleagues from Durham moved to Asheville and is in charge of the ER at the hospital. He asked me to pick up a couple of shifts."
"Are you going to?"
"I think so. More money for the down payment on a house."
"How is it moving back in with Han and Leia?"
"Weird," he pauses for a moment and she can tell even after all this time that while he wants to talk about it, he doesn't. He continues. "She left, I needed the extra help but never would have asked for it."
"When we split up, I was pregnant. Mom and Dad both came over and helped a lot especially after Greer was born. You would figure that since I was the mom, I could have handled it, but a newborn? That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do." She takes a sip of her beer. "Especially when Poe would come in like he was their own personal Jesus or something. Let's go to the toy store. Let's go get ice cream. Hey, Rey? Can they come on vacation with Zorii and me? That used to piss me off."
"Baz never did that. It's just like she died or something. Did you know that she hasn't seen the boys in two years? I had to hire private investigators to hunt her down like bounty hunters."
"Really?" She asks glad that the dark covers up her tears. "Where was she?"
"In the Bahamas with her husband. We never got married—"
"Thank goodness for small blessings?"
He's quiet for a long moment. "How am I ever going to tell them that she didn't want them? She signed away her rights like it was nothing."
"Oh Ben—" she begins. He reaches out for her and all of those old feelings that evidently, she never lost comes rushing back. She takes his hand and he pulls her onto his lap. She wraps her arms around his shoulders and he holds her tight. "I am so sorry that you and the boys are having to go through that." She runs her fingers through his hair, and even allows herself to kiss his forehead.
She isn't sure how long they sit there like that. He squeezes her tight, then looks up at her. She trails her hand down over his cheek and she can feel his breath catch.
She can't breathe either.
She isn't sure who moves first, but she finally finds out what it's like to kiss Ben Solo.