Dear Readers,

Hello again! Hope everyone is doing okay! The Trilogy is coming out NEXT WEEK!!! Clears throat awkwardly... smiles nervously Sorry, I just can't wait! I also want to give a special thanks to everybody who reviewed Chapter 6!

Princess-Kinky (cough- cough)... I mean Princess-Aiel – Cool new name girl! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the banter between Bail, Luke, Rieekan, and Chewie. I was hoping you guys would enjoy that! Thank you so much for your kind reviews all the way till now! I truly appreciate it!

daleia – Glad to hear you liked it! The wedding is on the way, I promise. Thanks again for reviewing!

Sweetdeath04 – Glad to advertise your work, it is truly great... and I'm probably a lot quicker updating thanks to them! I'm so glad you enjoyed the "biggest wedding crash in Star Wars history!" Your kind words have really helped from the very beginning! Let's hope this next chapter is up to par! Keep those chapters of greatness coming!

Pitdroid – Isolder, Ta'a Chume, and Mon Mothma did get what they deserved and I agree that they were let off a little easy. I'm not done with them yet! But I'm not going to give away my plans for them! Please keep reading, to find out, they'll get what's coming to them (evil-giggles). Han and Leia mush tis the best, for sure! And ya gotta love Rieekan! Thank you again, for your kind words, and loyal reviews from chapter 1 and up!

PrincessDaisy2 – Wait till you read what I have in store for those three pests! Oh, how sweet revenge and justice can be! Thank you for your kind reviews all the way up to now!

diago – Thank you so much, your review made me laugh! I'm glad you loved my story! I hope this next chapter is as good! Thanks again!

Selene-1989 – Thank you for reviewing, glad to hear you loved it so much! Glad to hear from you!

dm1 – Great to hear from you again! You think Bail should walk Leia down the aisle, huh? Interesting! Hope you enjoy the mush! Thanks again for your kind words!

Limelight – I was beginning to worry if I was going to hear from you! I'm so glad you could get wireless connection; your reviews are always a joy! I also hope you are enjoyed your vacation! I agree with you, Leia is the best aim! I wish she could have killed her too, but no... sigh Guess rotting in a cell for a while does have its good points too though... ((After she locked all of those poor people up for no reason! clears throat ... back to business!)) You think they're busting out of jail?!?!? ((Would I let them get away with something like that!?!? UH-AH!)) NICE GUESS THOUGH! There might be a jail-break attempt... but... please read on and see what I have planned for those three terrors! I hope you enjoy, thanks again for all of those great reviews, and PLEASE update your story soon too!

Dedicated to my good friend Sara and her family, they have a new home and she's probably starting college by now! Good luck to you all, love you guys!


The Loveless Bride

Chapter 7 – A Scoundrel's Proposal

Princess Leia was released from the medicenter two standard days ago. She was still recovering and Luke had moved in temporarily. Being the protective brother he was, he wanted to make sure our favorite rebel princess didn't over do things. She just wished everyone would stop fussing over her; especially Luke! Once Leia woke up from her afternoon nap, she realized something! Today was no normal day; today Han was to be released from the medicenter. Leia was dying to see him, and poor Luke had his work cut out for him.

"Leia, I don't think this is such a good idea. You were just released, yourself, a day and a half ago!" Luke said sternly to his twin.

"Luke, I'm fine, really! Han is the one who went through the worst part, of all of this! I need to see him and make sure he's alright. We didn't even get to talk much while we were in the hospital; we both slept most of the time. On the rare occasions I was awake he was asleep and when he was awake I was asleep, I didn't even get to say good bye to him before they shuffled me out. Please Luke?" Leia begged rather insistently.

"Well-"

"Please!" Leia begged further, giving him her saddest face and best whine ((AN: Knowing exactly how to get to her brother, making so he couldn't say 'no!')).

"Oh, alright, but we can only be there for a little bit. Han's been through a lot and I want to make sure we don't bother him." He insisted sternly, clearly trying to prove who was still in control here ((AN: Even though he's a sucker!)).

"Sure, I wouldn't want to bother him either. Let's go!" She said grabbing her jacket. Luke tried to slow her down and hopped in front of her before she could escape. "Before we rush off, we don't even know whether he's out yet or not. Let me call Chewie and see where they are. You go get ready, I don't think Han would mind, but you going to see him, dressed in that nightgown would make you the talk of Coruscant."

Leia's mouth dropped open and she looked down to discover he was right. She'd been so excited; she hadn't even realized she hadn't gotten dressed yet. Luke bit his lip, attempting to hold back the huge grin and the laugh dying to come out. Leia tilted her head back defiantly and replied, "I was going to get dressed."

"Sure you were, sis." Luke laughed out, not able to hold back anymore. Leia tried to fight back her own grin, but she ended up laughing along with her twin. She growled and kissed her brother on the cheek.

"Stop laughing at your dear, sweet sister, and CALL CHEWIE!" She ordered as she disappeared back into her room. Luke picked up his com-link and began to enter the access-code while replying...

"Hey, you must be feeling better; you managed to speak of yourself, using the words 'dear' and 'sweet' with a straight face!" He laughed some more, until he was hit by a lipstick container. ((AN: I wonder where that came from???))

Docking Bay 962:
Currently Docking: The Millennium Falcon

"This is where he's staying?" Leia asked her brother, in confusion.

"That's what Chewbacca said; remember Han resigned his military status. I guess that means he lost his apartment too." Luke said wisely.

"He shouldn't be shoved into his ship like this, he's ill!" Leia stated obviously not pleased with this arrangement.

"Why don't you ask him to come home with us?" Luke asked innocently ((AN: But Leia could tell he had planned this.)) "He'd be a lot more comfortable and he could stay in the spare room. You have more than enough room."

"Why do I get the feeling I've been played... by my brother, my own flesh and blood?!" Leia asked while Luke blushed slightly and shrugged. Then Luke was saved by Chewbacca, Bail Organa and Carlist Rieekan coming out to greet them.

"You two must be here to see the patient?" Bail asked wisely, shooting his daughter a sly look.

"I think that's good!" Rieekan gave her the same look, with a wicked smile.

'What do you mean "good," this is great! Ever since you went home, little Princess, Han has been anything but patient!' Chewbacca complained wearily. 'I think you'll be just what the doctor ordered.'

"Sounds like he's feeling better, all right." Luke commented, under his breath.

"Is he really planning on staying here until he's better?" Leia asked still in disbelief over the whole situation.

"Yeah, he really doesn't have anywhere else to go right now." Rieekan said clearly digging for sympathy from a certain princess. "I would take him in myself, but my place is simply too small and I've already got one old friend to deal with." Rieekan said poking Bail slightly.

"And I am eternally grateful for your help and hospitality, Carlist. And once again, let me assure you, it's only temporary until I can find a place of my own... But I'm afraid he's right, darling. There simply isn't enough room for Han and a Wookiee there."

"Leia and I were talking about that as we were walking up here. Maybe we can talk Han into staying at her place." Luke explained to the two older gentlemen and Wookiee.

"I don't see why not, when we were together, he practically lived there already. It should be like coming home again." Leia pointed out wisely, then added, "He stayed in my spare room whenever he did crash there, dad! You didn't raise a fool, and he knows I am not that kind of woman!" Leia comforted her nervous looking father.

"That a' girl... (Cough-cough)... I mean, nice work, madam!" Bail smiled proudly, and quite relieved... to say the lease.

"Well, I guess I'll go see how he's doing in there." Leia said as she began to walk up the entrance ramp to the Falcon.

"Tell Han I'll come in after you a little later, if he asks." Luke called behind her, "I think you guys could use a little privacy right now." He added wisely. Leia gave him a small smile and rather slowly, walked to the back of the ship. There were a lot of memories in this ship. A lot of good times and bad had been spent in this old hunk of junk. As she approached Han's room she, heard him moan slightly in discomfort. She knocked lightly on his closed door and received a muffled if slightly slurred reply.

"Who's there?" Came his muffled reply. "Chewie? Bail? Rieekan?" His voice still hoarse from sleep.

"No Han," She called out rather quietly, "It's me... Leia... Do you feel up to company?" She heard the doors lock pop, and the door slide aside. She stepped in to the dim room and saw that Han was lying in his bunk with a remote controlling the door.

"I think I'll live." He smiled crookedly up at her. He still wasn't quite himself, but he looked a lot better than she remembered. He was wearing his usual Corellian outfit, including a yellow strip down each leg, minus a shirt. "How are ya feeling, Princess?"

"I'm doing much better, now that I'm outta that place." She kneeled down beside him and took his hand. "How are you feeling? Chewie expressed that... you've been quite a hand full ever since I left."

"Who me? Now why would he go around saying things like that?" He asked her innocently.

"I can't imagine," she replied, sarcasm dripping in her voice.

"Hey... that's not very nice." Han expressed wounded, "I'm a sick man... did they teach you this great bed-side manner on Alderaan? Or is it another thing you picked up while working under Mon Mothma?" Leia gave him a 'stang' look, making Han wish, once again, he had just kept his big mouth shut. Before he could apologize for that last comment, Leia shushed him.

"It's alright, I had that one coming." She gave him a small smile, and touched his cheek. "It's so nice to see you looking better. The last time I saw you, you were still so pale and slept all of the time."

"I still sleep a lot, Leia... but I feel better... it's great seeing you." He said kissing her hand. "I've been wondering how you were since they released you."

"Taking it one day at a time... Luke moved in too, to make sure I don't over do it. He fusses so much, sometimes I could just slap him." Leia said making a face that made Han chuckle. "But I couldn't do that, he's too good to me. What are you doing staying here when you're sick like this?"

"Well... that's a long story-"

"I don't have anywhere else to be... I could stand a long story about now." She said sitting back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You're not going to let this go are you?"

"Nope, explain yourself, General Solo." Leia said formally, warning Han to tell her the truth, straight forwardly, right here, and now, or else.

"Okay, because I really don't have a choice in the matter. When I resigned my post as a New Republic General, I lost my apartment. None of our friends need a healing scoundrel, and his Wookiee co-pilot playing nurse, around. So I just came here, this old girl is my baby after all. She's more of a home to me than just about anywhere else." He said smiling at the battered ceiling fondly.

"'Than just about anywhere else?' Would, by any chance, my apartment be on your list?" Leia asked hopefully, "You used to practically live there when we were together before all of this."

"Yeah, but that was then and this is now. I told you at... well, at what was almost your wedding. 'You could marry anyone you wanted to, as long as it wasn't Isolder,' remember? I'm not going to hold you to our deal anymore, you don't owe me anything, I just want you to be happy."

"So you're not going to make me marry you anymore. You're willing to let me go... because you want me to be happy?" Leia asked trying to make sure she understood what he was getting at.

"Yeah, that's what I'm saying." Han said seriously, "I don't want you marring me just because Isolder didn't turn out to be the man you thought he was. Or because of some stupid bet made in the heat of a moment. You deserve much better than that and I think I do too."

"Well, you're right about most of that. We do, both, deserve better than that. But what if I told you that I didn't want to give you up?" She asked tilting her head at him.

"What are you saying, Leia?" He asked kind of confused, but she just smiled.

"Han, the only thing that will make me happy... is having you back in my life again. The whole time we've been apart, my heart has been trying to tell me that... but I just wouldn't listen to it! I know we've made mistakes in the past and I've made most of them! But I want us to be together... I love you." She said tears filling her eyes.

Han was taken aback; he couldn't believe this was happening. She was supposed be acting relieved that he had let her off the hook! Yet here she sat, pouring her heart out to him instead. "You love me?" He asked, afraid he had heard her wrong.

"Yes, Han Solo... I love you; I don't want another day to pass us by without you knowing that! I want us to be together, not because of some bet, or any of the other stupid reason like that. I just want to be with you, because I love you, with all my heart. But I don't want you to do this if you don't feel the same. I don't want you to take pity; it'll never work that way. I only want you to agree to this if you love me at all, or think you could love me, the way you used to." She looked down at her lap and finished saying, "And I want you and Chewie to come stay with us, no matter what you decide. I can't bare the thought of leaving you in this old beat up mattress to recover. You can have your old room back and I still have a place for Chewie to hang his hammock."

With a gentle hand, Han pulled Leia's chin back up, and their intense gazes met. "I love you too." He managed to say, but clearly getting choked up. "I always have loved you, I never stopped, and I never will, sweetheart." She smiled and hugged him tight, then pulled back only to be pulled into a world-shattering kiss. They slowly pulled apart and leaned their foreheads on each others. Just enjoying each other's closeness.

Out in the Hallway... Aboard the Millennium Falcon...

"Well, would you look at that?" Carlist commented to his partners in crime, making all of them bunch around the small crack in the door.

"They do make a wonderful pair, don't they?" Bail asked

"They most certainly do," Luke said, getting a little teary eyed. His sister and his best friend FINALLY on the right track, and back together. Made all of Luke's time and effort suddenly worth it. To see them both so happy, just meant so much to him.

'That is SO BEAUTIFUL!' Chewie wailed, crying loudly on poor Luke, and choking the life from him in a strong wookiee embrace. 'I've got my lifemate, and a family. Now the cub's FINALLY got his princess, and he can make a family!... I've never been this happy in my entire LIFE!' Chewie's bawls seemed to get louder.

"Easy... Chewie..." Luke managed to choke out through his pinched windpipe. "They're... going to... hear you." Chewie finally seemed to calm down a little bit. "Bail... Rieekan... help me... please."

"Geez, Skywalker, why didn't you say something?!" Rieekan asked as he and Bail pried Luke from Chewie's grip.

"I tried to, but it's kind of hard when you're being choked to death in a wookiee death-grip!" Luke said, struggling to catch his breath, and rubbing aching chest.

'Sorry, Luke,' Chewie apologized sheepishly.

"It's okay, Chewie... you don't know your own strength. Just try to keep it down, okay?" Luke said giving him a scratching.

'I think I can swing that!' Chewie purred.

Suddenly the door slid open to reveal an angry, yet amused Han Solo and Leia Organa. "Nice try, little brother!" Leia said giving Luke a cold look and continuing to glace around accusingly. "Chewie... Rieekan... and dramatic gasp ... Daddy, I would have expected this from these three but not you." Hands flew to her hips. "You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Bail looked down, pouting, pitifully in shame. Then Rieekan spoke up, "We all used to spy on you and your dates back home. He wasn't ashamed then, why should he be now?"

"SHH!" Bail hissed at Rieekan, "She never knew about that, Carlist!"

Leia gasped and stomped her little foot in frustration. "Now she does!" Han said joyfully!

"Daddy, how could you?" Leia asked

"Yeah, Daddy, how could you do that to her... your only daughter!?" Luke asked dramatically, hiding a laugh dying to get out!

"Skywalker..." Bail wanted to say something withering to him so bad. But his daughter was already pissed with him, and he really didn't want to throw another log on that fire! So he just shook his finger at Luke and gave him a warning look. Then he turned to face his daughter. "Listen Leia... I just wanted to make sure none of those boys tried to get fresh with you. I was only watch with your best interest at heart."

"Okay, and you did save me a few times from some real jerks. I used to think you were spying on me. I just didn't know for sure!" She finally smiled, and took his hands. "But now dad... I'm all grown up. I know how to take care of myself. I don't need you watching my every move anymore."

"I know, you've gotten along with out me for many years now... and you've got a good man there. But I haven't really gotten a chance to see you together. I want to see how you act around each other."

"Well, you could have just talked to us, Bail." Han said putting an arm around Leia, leaning on her more than just showing affection ((AN: Poor guy did just get out of the hospital)). "We can give you a chance to see for yourself... just let us straighten out a few things first!"

"Like standing without weighing down your girlfriend." Leia said smiling up at Han.

"Yeah, but you're so much better than some piece of wood. Not to mention much softer." Han smiled charmingly. "I'm not hurting you am I?" He asked a little more serious.

"No, you're okay, I've got you." She smiled brightly.

"You sure do," He leaned in a gave a short but sweet kiss on her lips.

"I would really like to do that, as soon as you two are ready, that is." Bail smiled fondly at the young couple. Leia had finally met her match, that he was sure of. Bail Organa just wanted to observer them a bit. He'd already missed out on what Luke referred to as the "fun days" when they weren't too fond of one another. He'd missed their first kiss, first date, first everything. He knew he couldn't get those moments back; but he didn't want to miss out on any other important moments. He also wanted a chance to be there for both of them, the way he couldn't before.

"Sure, Bail." Han said not really paying attention to him, too busy smiling down at Leia. "We can do that as soon as we're both a little better."

"Yeah Dad," Leia said, with just as much attention as Han, "That'll work."

"Is Han and Chewie coming with us, sis?" Luke asked trying to busy himself with something instead of standing here watching them be totally wrapped up in their own little world... they deserved some privacy.

"Yeah Luke, Leia talked me into it, you know how persuading she can be." Han smiled as Leia slapped at his arm playfully.

"I can tell she really had to twist your arm, Solo! Come on Chewie, let's pack you both up. Leia, why don't you get him home; and if you wouldn't mind, gentlemen, could you make sure they get home okay?" Luke asked as he pulled Chewie along.

"Sure Luke, we can manage that... right Leia?" Rieekan asked noticing Leia and Han were still far too busy looking into each other's eyes.

"Hmm?" Leia asked finally looking away from those entrancing hazel eyes long enough to acknowledge the older gentleman.

"Us helping you and Solo home while Luke and Chewbacca pack up?" Rieekan asked her.

"Yeah, Sweetheart, weren't you listening?" Han asked teasingly

"I'm so sorry, sir, a rather handsome Corellian had me all distracted!" She smiled secretly giving Han's rear a pinch. Han nearly jumped out of his skin and stepped away from the smirking princess. Bail rolled his eyes when he noticed what Han was holding on to so protectively and rubbing ((AN: His daughter – the flirt))

"You are a wicked woman, your Highnessness, I expect you to kiss that better!" Han demanded in mock pain.

"Later, sugar!" Leia said dryly, tossing Han a shirt Luke handed her. "I would appreciate some help getting him home though gentlemen. He can be such a handful!" Leia smiled helping him now straighten the shirt he was now wearing.

"Like you have room to talk, your worship!" Han said quietly to Leia as she helped him walk out of the ship... Bail and Rieekan in tow.

Approximately Two Week Later...

Han lay back on his bed, with his arms behind his head, staring up at the ceiling dreamily. "I'm telling ya pal, it doesn't get any better than this!" he called to his co-pilot who was sitting next to him, reading a data-pad. "I'm doing better, I'm happy, you're happy, Leia's happy, and well... Everything is great!"

'You still haven't asked her have you, cub? You haven't got the courage have you?' Chewie asked wisely.

"As a matter a fact Chewie, I... Haven't yet, you're right... But hey, it just hasn't been right. It's got to be the right place at the right time."

'I don't see what the big deal is! She already told you she would marry you a long time ago! Just ask her already, you saw where putting it off got you the first time! Didn't you learn anything!?' Chewie growled in frustration.

"Hey, hey! I know all of that, I was there, remember? It's just... I don't know! I want to make it perfect for her Chewie... she deserves it." Han said smiling slightly, thinking of her... then he seemed to try and explain himself better, straightening his posture. "She may have nowhere to rule, but she is a princess heart and soul, nevertheless! She deserves a decent proposal, and a hell of a lot better than me as a husband! I'm gonna ask her don't you worry and when I do, I plan on sweeping her off her feet and asking when she least suspects it; in my own way."

'I don't mean to be hard on you; I just want it to be soon. So you both can move on with your lives... together.' Chewie said patting his friend on the back.

"I know pal," Han smile up at his friend, "you're just trying to help me. I was planning on trying to ask her tonight. You're going to visit your family and we'll have the place to ourselves-"

'You would wait and do this when I'm not gonna be here!' Chewie complained.

"Well, it's kind of a private moment, ya know." Han reminded.

'Okay, you're right, just kidding! Did you ask her father properly... instead of telling him not knowing who he really was!?' Chewie murmured.

"Yes, and hey, you didn't see that one coming either!" Han smiled.

'Fair enough, how 'bout the ring?' Chewie asked cleverly

"Right here," Han said pulling a blue velvet box out of one of the hidden pocket; in his dark blue vest. "I hope she likes what I picked." Han said kind of nervously stealing a peek at the ring he'd picked, just for her.

'As long as it's from you, I'm sure she'll love it. The little princess has always been good about things like that.'

"I wish I had your confidence." Han said, his voice full of doubt.

'Cheer up, everything will be fine! You'll ask, she'll accept, and soon you'll be a very happily married man.' Chewie tried to perk his friend.

"Thanks pal, I hope you're right. Tell the family I say 'hi,' okay?"

'I'll do that, and when I return, I want all of the juice details, okay, cub?!'

"Right, see ya pal!"

Later That Night...

Leia walked in the door of her apartment, she smelled dinner, but strangely it was quiet and dark. "Hello... Han, are you home?!" Leia asked, calling out.

"Yeah, Leia, I'll be right there." Han called from his room, his voice slightly muffled.

Leia lays her stuff on her desk and walked further in to her dimly lite dinning area. She guessed that was their dinner sitting on the table, beautifully arranged. She smiled, shaking her head. "And to think, I thought he'd be down because of Chewie's departure." She walked over to glance into the living area and noticed he had a fire in the fireplace, and the doors to the balcony open. Their was a cool breeze drifting in, making the thin curtains dance on each side of the doorway. Even the moon and stars were shining brightly in the sky out side.

Leia leaned on the doorway and just drank it all in for a moment. She could feel her eyes tearing up; he'd really gone to a lot of trouble for her. Her mind suddenly flashed an idea. She thought, 'What if this is it, what if he's going to propose?' A chill ran up her spin and her heartbeat picked-up in tempo at the very idea. Then Leia shook her head and frowned slightly. Telling herself, 'No way, not after all we've been through. It's too much too soon. Tonight he probably just wants to do something special while we're alone. It has been a while; that we have been truly alone with no one else around.' She slightly scolded herself for being foolish. What Han had done was very sweet, and she was truly touched. She couldn't be thinking that way; Han could not see her disappointment after being so thoughtful.

So she tucked those thoughts back in their rightful place, in the back of her mind, and smiled serenely at the scene. That is how Han found her, leaning on the doorframe, smiling slightly, eyes closed. The candle lite table made the lights and shadows dance on her face and gave her a new glow. Without a doubt, she was the most beautiful thing Han had ever seen before. He almost hated to ruin the moment, but he had to go through with this! So he closed the door behind him and Leia's eyes opened to glance his way. "Hiya, Sweetheart." Han greeted in a soft voice.

Her whole face lite up, and she greeted, "Hi Flyboy," her words sounding warm and heartfelt. "Everything looks so beautiful!"

"Not as beautiful as you," He returned smoothly, pulling out a chair for her and gesturing for her to take a seat. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes," She replied sitting down and letting him help push in her chair. "This is all wonderful, but can I ask, what's the occasion? I was half expecting you to be sad because Chewie left... or are we celebrating he's gone?"

"No," Han laughed, relaxing a little, and not forgetting to give her a sweet little kiss in welcoming. "We're not celebrating that... exactly. But...Well, I wanted to celebrate the fact that we can be alone together. No one spying on us, no one walking in, no body else here, just you and me. But you know what, I like your idea!" She giggled and he sat down across from her and took her hand, intertwining their fingers.

"You really did all of this for us?" she asked waving her free hand slightly.

"Yeah, I did," he smiled and drifted a finger down her soft cheek. "Leia? Are you okay; you look like you're going to burst out in tears?"

"I'm fine," she assured him, her voice hoarse with unshed tears. "This is all... just so beautiful, Han. I mean...I've had a ruff day and I come home and... everything is so beautiful and you're here, and being so wonderful... I'm sorry, I'm okay," she laughed at herself, as wiped a few tears away that managed to escape. "Really I've just been through a lot, and we've been through so much-"

"So you're sure this is okay, and you're alright, here?" Han asked a little worried.

"Yes, this is one of the sweetest things anyone's every done for me." She stood slightly and kissed him right on his lips. He was surprised yet recovered quickly kissing her a couple of times; before she could escape.

"Boy, if I had known this would earn me a kiss like that, I would have done it a long time ago." Han chuckled which made Leia giggle. "Now let's eat up before it gets cold."

After Dinner...

The meal had been a big success; everything so far was going as planned. Leia was totally unsuspecting and Han could feel himself relaxing more as time went by. After they had both finished their desserts, they went out on the huge balcony and enjoyed the moonlight!

At first they were both leaning on the railing and just talking to each other. Then, Han coaxed Leia over to some of the outdoor furniture ((AN: particularly the love seat... wink-wink!)) and they sat close together. Holding hands, smooching every now and then. "This evening has been so wonderful, Han. I think we really needed this."

"Well, thank you, your Highnessness, I'm glad to see you enjoying yourself for once!" He smiled and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face.

"I enjoy myself quite often; thank you... it's just... I seem to only enjoy myself when you're around." She said looking down at their joined hands. "I still feel like I'm gonna wake up soon and all of this will have been a dream. And you'll be gone, Luke'll want nothing to do with me, and I'll be pushed down that aisle towards a man I don't love... and couldn't love."

"I can't see you as a loveless bride." Han smiled.

"Well that's exactly what I would have been, ya know? A loveless bride... You saved my life that day, you know?" Leia said glancing over at her companion, who just shrugged slightly. "You, Luke, Dad, and Chewie... marrying Isolder would have been the biggest mistake of my life."

"Luke was the one that deserves all of the credit for that one, Leia. He's the one who brought us all together, ya know. Without him I would have rotted away in that cell with Bail... or at least until... you know, they got tired of me."

Leia hugged his arm and kissed his cheek, "Thank goodness they got you both out of there when they did."

"Yeah..." he said distantly, pulling Leia over on his lap, and cuddling her a little. "I still have nightmares about it. Those poor people, locked up just because of where they were from." She felt him shiver at his own dark thoughts and memories. Then he asked, "Are you still having those nightmares about the wedding and... Alderaan?" Han asked worriedly, remembering the many nights of her terrified screaming down the hall. Rushing out of bed to help her, how she used to cling him when she finally woke up. All of those nights she had cried, and some where so graphic, she would get sick and he would lay with her; trying desperately to calm her down.

"Yes... but they're not as bad as they used to be. They're getting better; I know the ones about Alderaan will probably haunt me for the rest of my life. But the wedding ones will go away." She assured. "How about yours, are they getting any better? I recall having to wake you up quite a few times too."

"I still sometimes wake up expecting to be chained to a wall or worse. But I've mostly gotten over it. I'm just worried about yours now." He smiled lopsidedly.

"Well don't, we're both fine. As long as we're together, you have nothing to worry about." She smooch his check and laid her head on his shoulder.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Leia." She brought her head back off of his shoulder and looked worriedly into his eyes.

"What is it, is something wrong?" She asked a little fear creeping into her voice.

"No, no... not exactly... the thing is, Leia. I can't go on living here with you, being with you like this until you know something." Han stuttered, building the tension.

"Are you breaking up with me?" Leia asked tears clouding her vision.

"No, no! That's not it, at all!" He said in a rush, Leia let out a breath of relief. And both were so involved, they didn't notice the rain that was beginning to dip drop here and there. "What I'm trying to say is... I love you."

"I love you too Han-" Leia tried to assure him, as she looked up at the sky... which was beginning to rain harder. Han took a hold of her chin and forced her to look at him, "That's not what I wanted to tell you..."

The rain was now really coming down, both of them stared up into the heavens now pouring down on them. Han shouts, "OF ALL TIMES, YOU CHOOSE NOW TO HAVE A SUDDEN DOWN POUR!"

"It wouldn't be us if something did go as planned." Leia laughed before grabbing his hand and pulling him along saying, "COME ON! BEFORE WE MAKE OURSELVES SICK!"

They managed to get inside, and both of them leaned on the doors. "Well, so much for that romantic evening." Han said flatly, clearly disappointed while Leia started to giggle. "And just what is so funny, your highnessness!?"

"Oh nothing..." She looked over at him and began to laugh even harder. "Look at us Han! You're so cute, and I'm a mess, and..." Leia began to laugh whole heartedly.

"Well I'm glad to see someone's enjoying this disaster!" Han said even flatter as Leia leaned on him laughing.

"What disaster, what is going on here?" Leia barely managed to say in her mirth.

"I go to all of this trouble, trying to make this perfect for us and look what happens!" He complained, as Leia was now holding her sides, still laughing, and flinging water everywhere. "The food, candles, the fire in the fire place... Moonlight and stars..."

"It's alright, Honey, really!" Leia said finally calming down, and taking a hold of Han's face. "It's been a lovely evening and everything has been great. Once we both get dried off we can continue this and spend the rest of our evening cuddled up in front of the fire." Leia smiled and kissed him on the lips gently.

"No, you don't get it, I had everything planned. We were supposed to eat in the candlelight, then go outside for a while; it's too soon to come inside. How am I suppose to tell you that I want to spend the rest of my life with you; when theirs no moonlight, no starry skies, and you're soaking wet?!" He babbled no even realizing what had just come flying out of his mouth.

Leia's eyes went wide she placed a gentle hand on Han's cheek and spoke softly, barely heard. "What did you just say?"

Han gasped, suddenly; realizing what had happened, and his face crumbled in disappointment. "Sweetheart, I wanted to make this night special and unforgettable for you. You deserve the best... and I'm screwing everything up so badly!" He put his head down in shame, resting his chin against his chest.

"You're not screwing anything up, now, what is it you said a moment ago?" Leia asked, knowing she must have heard him wrong.

Han's head lifted up, little pieces of wet hair hanging down in his serious face, and those sad, hazel, puppy dog eyes stared deep into hers. "I wanted to tell you that... I love you so much- and that's not all... What I really want you know is... I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He stuttered slightly.

All of Leia's diplomatic training was out the window, and she was speechless. Tears blurred her vision and all she managed to choke out was a hopeful, "Really?!"

"Yeah, really; I can't take us living like this any more. I know it was enough in the past but I can't let another day go by without you knowing... I want you to be the first person I see each day, and the last I see every night. I want to take care of you and grow old with you." He paused for a moment and reached into his pocket, "and I'd like you to wear this." He presented a wet looking blue velvet box. "Sorry, it's kinda soggy, but like I said I really didn't expect rain."

Leia's shaky, wet hands open the box to reveal the ring Han had picked for her. Leia gasped and gaped at its beauty. The only thing she managed to say was, "Oh Han!"

"Do you like it?" Han asked nervously.

"Han... this is the most beautiful... I've never seen anything like this-it's gorgeous." Leia laughed.

Han carefully took the ring out of the box and dropped to on knee, on the cold, soaking wet floor. And asked, "Leia... will you marry me?"

Leia smiled serenely, let out a throaty giggle, and a tear trailed down her face. "Han... I thought you'd never ask!"

"Please say I can take that as a yes." He said hopefully.

She leaped into his arms and as she hugged him tight she said happily, "You can take that as a yes, yes, a thousand times YES!" Han hugged her even tighter and they both laughed out in pure joy, just before they started kissing passionately right there; both of them soaked, on their knees, in the floor!

Almost an Hour Later...

Leia Organa sat on her couch, in front of the fire, warm and dry. She and Han had had to split-up, shower up, and change due to unexpected weather conditions. Leia laughed to her self at how he had stumbled over his proposal. She had always known, if Han did ever ask her, it would be interesting and he would do it his own way. But she had really underestimated him and his creativity. She was absolutely sure that she would never forget it for the rest of her life.

She looked down at her left hand and admired the ring. Han had really good taste, she hadn't been lying it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry she'd ever seen. And knowing Han had picked it out, just for her, made it even more beautiful.

Han came out of his room quietly and came up behind his fiancée. She looked even better than she had moments ago... (Well, before they were drenched... and even then she was gorgeous, to him) but something was special about how she looked now! She was looking at her ring and smiling peacefully. She was already in her pee-jays, bare-feet, hair down, she looked more relaxed, more at home, and he knew that's how she felt. This is the woman Han loved so much; he smiled to himself and childishly covered her eyes. She let out a little gasp, and he got right beside her ear to ask in a low voice, "Guess Who?"

"Lando, what are you doing here, it's not Monday!" Leia asked seriously, Han wiped his hands away and exclaimed, "WHAT!?!?!?"

Leia busted out laughing, and laid her head back to look at his face and finally managed "Boy, you should have seen the look on your face!"

"Why you little-" Han leaped over the couch, knocked Leia over to the side and began to tickle the living daylights out of her. Leia laughed hysterically, unable to stop him and helpless to do anything else except exclaim, "Ahh, ha-ha... stop it Han... Stop It! I was... ha-ha... was... ha-ha... just kidding! Oh-Oh, stop-stop!"

"Not until you say you're sorry!" Han laughed

"Sorry-Sorry, Ahh... Stop- Please!" Leia said hurriedly.

"Say it like you mean it!" Han prompted.

"Stop and I'll... I'll... APOLOIGIZE!" She managed.

"Okay," he said happily nuzzling her, then pulling back to look at her expectantly.

"I'm sorry honey, I should be punished!" Leia said dramatically, fist to her heart. "I'm a shamed of myself, I don't deserve a man like you, I shouldn't be allowed to walk amongst normal people-"

"Are you done yet?" He asks just a little annoyed.

"No, I got one more!" Leia laughed before slipping out of character at the blink of an eye. Just before she could slip back into her character again, Han stopped her taking her hands and pinning them above her head. Leia giggled slightly and said warmly, "I'm sorry Han; I couldn't let that one slide." She kissed his cheek and nuzzled his neck slightly. "Can't a girl have some fun!?"

"Yeah, but I'm not leaving you on Monday nights for a long time!" Han answered seriously and then he busted out laughing. And Leia slapped him playfully then he pulled her into a long, sweet kiss.

When they finally parted, they leaned their foreheads together, "Who do you think we should tell first?" Leia asked with her eyes closed.

"I don't know... how about Luke." Han suggested absentmindly.

"Yeah, I guess he would be the best choice..." Leia replied just as absentmindedly as Han.

"Hold on, tomorrow morning aren't we suppose to meet your father, Luke and Rieekan for breakfast?" He asked a light bulb illuminating in his mind.

"Oh, I get it!" Leia realized, "We wait till morning and tell them in person! Honey, that's brilliant!"

"Why thank you, your highnessness-"

"Han, I'm going to be your wife someday, there's no doubt about that now... don't you think you can just call me Leia?"

"No, you may have lost Alderaan, but you'll always be my princess, especially now!" Leia smiled, and gave Han another sweet kiss. The future for these two looked very bright indeed!

TA DA! So how did everyone like it?! I hope you all enjoyed, it took forever to write. Please review and let me know, I LOVE hearing from all of you! Till next time, TTFN, Bye Bye Bye!

-SailorLeia