Ch 29

Ben

I held her in my arms for a long time. I didn't want to let her go, it felt like she was made to fit them perfectly.

"So... "she said pulling away "What are we going to tell everyone?"

"Well" I began "I don't think we should tell the house staff exactly everything, just that I contacted you in the middle of the night and you had to come help me. I know Saige, her and I kind of grew up together. I would see her when my mother brought me here on holiday..."

The memories were bitter sweet, I knew my mother had forgiven me, but sometimes I had a difficult time knowing I was the reason she was gone now.

"Wait, you and Saige know each other?" She said grabbing my hand and leading me towards the door. She was visibly upset.

"Well... yes I recognized her when we ran into her last night. I haven't seen her in a long time. She looks good, sometimes we would play together as kids when my mother went out to meetings and such" I replied not really understanding what she was getting at.

"Well... must be nice to know your friendis completely fine with you showing up out of the blue and unannounced. She'll be thrilled..." she said letting go of my hand and attempting to walk away.

I grabbed her arm and yanked her towards me, leaning down so her lips would meet mine. She tried to push me away but eventually gave in and just pulled me closer.

I smiled at her and broke the kiss; a little bit of anger was still left in her eyes.

"Rey... there's nothing for you to be jealous about. She's just a friend, less than that, she's an acquaintance. I haven't seen her in almost 15 years! And she doesn't own my heart the way you do..." I stroked her face slightly and felt her instantly grow calmer.

"I'm sorry..." she sighed and hung her head in embarrassment. "I'm not... used to this, to having a significant other... these feelings are new to me"

"As they are for me... I'll never give you a reason to doubt my love for you Rey. It'll always belong to you and only you" she smiled and turned her head to kiss the inside of my hand that was still holding her. I returned the smile and dropped my hand to grab hers. We walked towards the door and upon opening it, Saige met us at once.

Rey let go of my hand instantly, they gesture making my heart twist a little.

Sorry…

I heard someone say in my head.

I looked down and her and she met my eyes.

Can you-

Yes, I can she said. Or thought.

Well this was definitely new, we could communicate telepathically, that would definitely need some getting used to.

"Miss Rey… I uh… came to pick up the used dishes" said Saige.

"Right… um… Saige this is Ben Solo. He contacted me last night and I went out to find him. I thought he had died long ago fighting for uh… the Resistance…"

Nice

Oh hush! Like you could do any better…

Watch this…I said and sent her the image of a wink.

"I was severely injured fighting with my mother for the Resistance. I had been captured by the First Order and when I heard their leader was dead I planned my escape, I escaped somewhat unscathed, but I needed help. I found an old acquaintance that told me what happened while I was gone and who heard Rey was coming here"

Show off…

"Ben! It's been so long! I'm sorry Master Solo… I heard of your mother's passing. May she rest in heaven. Will you be staying?"

"Um… yes I think I will be staying indefinitely. Don't bother preparing another room. I'll stay with Miss Rey her and I… "

Crap

How are you going to get us out of this one?

"Are engaged"

I felt the shock run through the bond. She wasn't the only one but what else was I supposed to come up with?

"Oh! Well I guess congratulations are in order! When is the big day?"

"Uh… well… We are still discussing it…but we will keep you posted. Her and I go back a very long time ago and we have some catching up to do"

Saige nodded, gave a slight bow and walked away.

I grabbed Rey's hand and tugged her along my side and down the hall.

Ben where are we going, what have you gotten us into?!

I'm sorry I panicked I didn't know what else to say!

We eventually made it the door that led to the massive backyard. I just wanted to be outside where we could talk, think….

Upon crossing the threshold, I felt much lighter in spirit.

"Ben what in all hells have you gotten us into? Can you please explain yourself?"

I turned around to meet her eyes. She was shocked at what I had just done but the look in her eyes showed something a little… more.

"Rey I… I didn't know what else to say okay? Tell me could you have really done any better? It's not the way I intended to ask you but- "

"What do you mean?"

"What?" I said surprised at her suddenly cutting me off.

"You said… it wasn't the way you intended to ask… Ben I…"

I sighed. Kriff this wasn't going at all how I expected.

"Rey… you know I love you and… yes I did want to eventually ask you to marry me. I still want to ask you in a special way. I know I probably already ruined that, but you know what I mean I just- "

She grew too quiet and I immediately stopped my ranting, sensing her discomfort at once.

"Rey?" I asked cautiously.

"I… um… I don't know what to say Ben…"

"Rey if you do not want to…"
"No I do… it's just…I'm shocked I guess"

"Talk to me Rey… please…"

"I need a moment please…" I nodded and waited for her and that's when I felt her in my mind and I let down my barriers to let her in, just as she was attempting to do.