Ch 37
Rey
After we finished preparing the food I went back to the bedroom to check if we needed to pack anything else.
I was a little surprised to find Ben sitting on the edge of the bed, his head snapped up as soon as I entered the room.
"So, I saw you did some packing while I was gone. I have some news" he said.
I went into the closet to see if I could find anything else we could need, answering him as I went about my business. Lucky for me I was able to find a dark grey leather jacket. The material was thick, but it was surprisingly lightweight.
"Yes! I packed some of my clothing, no it wasn't half of this closet!" I heard him chuckle "And I eventually found Sage to help me pack some food for the time we are on our way to Coruscant"
"That's good, um well… we can't take your ship… it's not in the best shape and it's not conspicuous, it's recognizable in almost any system since it has the mark of the resistance. I would know." At this point I was back out of the closet and in the main room. I stopped right outside the door, sadness clearly visible on my face. I'd grown very fond of that ship.
"I was able to find another ship hidden here, it was my grandmothers. It's in great shape and will get us wherever we need to go"
That was a little unexpected, but I knew he was right.
"I understand, will we leave it here?" I asked
"Yes, I've already informed Sage, now on to the good news" he said getting up and walking towards me, taking my hand in the process "It's actually a surprise, I need you to get ready, Sage will come and help you and I'll meet you for dinner on the big balcony?" I was curious, I tried to look into his mind, but it was shut tight.
"You're deliberately trying to keep me out… what are you up to?" I demanded, I wasn't angry, but I hated surprises.
He smirked that sideways smile I loved "It's a surprise… I only hope you like it as much as I imagine… Now get ready, I'll see you in about an hour?"
I rolled my eyes but nodded and planted a kiss on his lips. As he walked out, Sage walked in with a very big bag and a pair of shoes, some jewelry hanging from her arms.
"Sage! What's all this?" I asked in surprise
"It's a surprise! Master Solo has arranged everything and ask that I help you get ready, so, let's begin!"
…1 hour later…
"Sage can I look? You've kept me away from the mirror long enough" I said between laughs. The only thing I had been able to see was the dress. It was off the shoulder and had sheer bell-shaped sleeves. The neckline was v shaved and revealed some cleavage. The skirt was made of a similar silky and flowy fabric and there were pink and red flowers from the hem and up towards the bodice. I felt like spring had thrown up on me.
"Okay! We are all done… Miss Rey you look stunning"
She grabbed me by my shoulders and turned me to face the vanity. I was shocked.
I was wearing light makeup and a burgundy lip color. My hair was in a low bun with a few curly tendrils framing face.
I suddenly got a weird feeling… but it couldn't be no, we were just having dinner…
"Okay! Let's go come on! It's time for uh… dinner!" she said grabbing my hand pulling me away.
She basically pulled me out the door and down the hall running. The short white heels she's put me in were making it difficult to not trip every step.
We made it to the door that led to the massive balcony that overlooked the lake and my heart began to beat faster. She opened the door and Ben was standing at the balcony in a black ensemble (shocker) but it had a cape and I could see the cape was lined in red on the inside. He turned around and for a second, I could see he was… in awe. I was embarrassed, I still wasn't used to him thinking I was beautiful. I wasn't used to feeling attractive.
"Rey… you look… like an angel…" he said taking a few steps close to me, slowly.
"Ben what is this?" I asked, avoiding his statement. If this is what I think it is, I don't know how I feel about it.
"I um…" he took a deep breath and then took the remaining steps towards me and grabbed one of my hands, then led me towards the balustrade.
The view was stunning, the sun was just setting, it would be completely dark in an hour.
"I think you know that my grandparents were married secretly here, at sunset. They did it because… they were afraid to lose each other and… that they would regret not being together as one."
He reached into his pocket and pulled a small blue velvet box and opened it. Inside there were two silver rings, one bigger than the other. The smaller band looked like woven vines and it had small diamonds here and there, the bigger one was also woven vines, but it had no diamonds on it.
"We are already one in mind and soul… but I want to be tied to you in every way possible. I want… I want us to marry here and now… if you'll have me. I know it's sudden but-"
"Stop, Ben" I rubbed my temples and cut him off, I took a deep breath and took a minute to think. "
"It is sudden… but… "I reached my hand up to stroke the side of his face as I continued "I want to yours just as much… you're right. I don't think we should wait and… I want to honor that memory of your grandparents."
He smiled that smile I loved. The one from Exogol. The one that no one had seen but me, and the one that made me feel like I would die if I never got to see it again.
