Dear Loyal Wonderful Readers,
This is my last chapter for this story! That's right folks! THE LOVELESS BRIDE, MY FIRST POSTED WORK, HAS BEEN COMPELETED! WOW! I feel so happy, and I can't thank all of you enough for your encouragement, reviews, and for making this experience so unforgettable! Don't worry, I'm not quieting, but this story is finished! I hope all of you enjoy this last chapter and it brightens your day just a little bit… like all of those reviews brightened mine! THANKS EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED CHAPTER 9…
Owphoenix- Your alarm didn't go off on your wedding day? Aww, you poor thing! Glad I could get a chuckle out of ya though! THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your kindness, and all of your fun reviews!
Sweetdeath04 – I'm glad to know my reviews are appreciated too! Anyways, I'm so glad you liked the bridesmaids' bit and all of the guys lying around! I was hoping to get a chuckle or two out of ya. I think Han and the boys might be just a little late! And you think I have talent… did you mention the word 'envious?' WOW, that's a lot coming from you! Because you are VERY TALENTED TOO! Your stories are well-written, and inspiring! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR FUN REVIEWS EVER SINCE MY FIRST POSTING! I can't thank you enough! And please keep those chapters coming! ((P.S.- Thanks for recommending me to others! YOU'RE WONDERFUL!))
Sithspawned – Maybe just a little late! Thank you so much for reviewing, your one of the precious few to read both stories! THANKS AGAIN!
Dracula's Lair – I'm SO glad you enjoyed the part at Luke's apartment! In my other story, the gang is talking about Wedge and this blow-up tauntaun he had since he was a kid. I loved the idea of that so much, and I got a pretty good reaction, I HAD TO PUT THAT IN THERE! Wedge can be so cute! Lando's crazy! And I'm gonna touch on the whole bath tub thing in this chapter! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR FUN REVIEWS, YOU'RE WONDERFUL!
GreatOne – You ain't KIDDING! Thanks for reviewing, it made me laugh! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
dm 1 – Leia's so great, I think it's cool how she's always one step ahead of the boys! Glad to hear you enjoyed that, and all of that father daughter interaction. Thanks for noticing that little typo (That one slipped right by me)! And glad to make you laugh like that! Thanks for all of your wonderful reviews all the way to now! Hope you enjoy this last chapter.
Thorney – When I was first writing that part about Wedge, some little voice in the back of my mind, said: "Thorney's gonna like that!" I'm so glad you laughed so much and enjoyed! Your reviews always make me laugh! And don't worry, it'll end right! I couldn't sleep at night if this tale had a bad ending! Hope you enjoy… and hope you didn't really hold your breath!
Cookiemunster – I LOVE THAT NAME! Great choice… (Clears throat awkwardly)…Glad you read and enjoyed… I wonder if Isolder really has any fans… Hmm, I wonder… I tell ya what; you couldn't put me in that club! Hope you enjoy the wedding! THANKS for writing in, LOVED hearing from you!
Pitdroid – I know, leave it to Han to get himself in trouble like that! Poor guy, Leia won't let him live it down… ever! I really hope you enjoy this last chapter! AND I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your fun, and inspiriting reviews from all the way back to chapter 1! I can't express what it means to me! THANK AGAIN! You're WONDERFUL!
CountryBandChick – Thank you for reviewing, I loved hearing from you! I'm so glad to hear you liked it! Hope you enjoy the wedding!
Dana-Carter – Glad you like it, thanks for writing in! I REALLY appreciate it.
MistyRiver – Wow, Sweetdeath recommended me? She's fun isn't she! I'm so glad you did check me out and did review! I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoy this chapter too!
If anyone reads the reviews I receive, and wonders about this one… Toria is my little sister! And she is a Spider-Man freak! (She pretty much just like me… with Star Wars, just to give you an idea)!
Toria – THANKS FOR READING… FINALLY! Yeah, you know how much I love to bash all of those deadbeats! THANKS AGAIN FOR READING! Hope you didn't miss chapter ONE… cause it was ALL FOR YOU, MAN! LOVE YA!
J. Bredin – Wow! I couldn't believe you read my stuff! After reading your story, I feel honored! Thank you so much for writing in and checking me out! I hope you enjoy this final chapter too!
Dedicated to ALL OF MY FABULOUS READERS! You guys have kept me going, and are truly the reason I made it to chapter 10! BLESS YOU ALL!!! THANKS for making this experience so unforgettable!
The Loveless Bride
Chapter 10 - The BIG Day!
(And night, wink-wink)
Leia looked at her hair style in the reflector and smiled. Her long cinnamon hair, curled, with half of it flowing freely down her back. The other half of it was in a series of braids twisted into small buns here and there... sort of a natural headband, look. "Well, do you like it so far?" Leia's personal friend/hairdresser asked.
"Oh yes Rosalind, it's simply perfect!" Leia exclaimed.
"Nope, we haven't quite reached perfect yet. I still have to put the veil on, hang on a second here, let me turn you around." She turned Leia around so she couldn't see herself and pulled out her veil. "Now I noticed there are these little flowers at the top, didn't you want them weaved into your do?" Rosalind asked playing with it a little.
"Yes, if you could?" Leia said.
"Are you kidding, it would be an honor to! After all we've been through honey, let me tell ya!" Rosalind said, setting the little combs in place and now fiddling with the flowers to make it just right.
"Now, you are going to be there, aren't you?" Leia asked.
"Are you kidding, I wouldn't miss this for the world! You and that boy finally tying the knot… Not to mention getting to be ushered down the aisle by that cute little pilot with the great butt helped out a lot too, ya know! Whoo, is that boy single?" She asked, gaining a giggle from Leia.
"The last time I checked, he was still single." Leia assured.
"Good, 'cause I tell ya girl, I would take him home with me… I'd give him a taste." Rosalind and Leia both laughed now. "Yeah, we laugh, but I'm serious girl!"
"I know! That's what makes it all the more funny." Leia giggled.
"Well, while you're in such good, high spirits, I present to you, my latest and greatest!" Rosalind turns Leia around so she could see for herself again and Leia said quietly, "Oh Rosalind…"
"Now if you don't like this, now is time to say something cause I can fix it. But I think you are stunning, if I do say so myself… Now, what do you think?" She asked the almost tearful bride.
"… It's so perfect…" Leia managed to choke out.
"Thank you, now don't get choked up yet we still have to spray it and all. Are you sure it's okay?" she asked again.
"Yes, it's perfect, spray away!" Leia said.
"Okay," Rosalind smiled, grabbing a can and shaking it. "Here we go, close those eyes, and here we go!" And the spraying process began!
Meanwhile Out in the Waiting Room…
Bail was ringing Carlist Rieekan's com-link for the third time with still no answer. He was thinking about giving up on them. But he had to get an answer from someone, if not for Leia's nerves, his own! So in a time of desperate measures, Bail tried Leia's brother. It was supposed to be his place they were all staying at…
Back at Luke's Apartment…
Artoo-Detoo rolled through the apartment tooting a scale to himself. 'Old man Rieekan's com-link' had been going off for a long time, and he had tired his best to wake him, but that wasn't happening! Rieekan was still dead to this world, and now Artoo could hear another com-link's ring echoing in the bathroom. He pushed against the door, and rolled in to find his Master asleep in the bathtub, com-link ringing on!
Artoo pulled himself backwards and crash loudly into the tub a few times, tooting frantically. But Luke wasn't even stirring! So Artoo did something, he knew he had to, but that didn't mean he wouldn't get yelled at. He brought out one of his extending appendages and turned on the water… ICE COLD WATER… on poor unsuspecting Luke. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH… AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Luke Skywalker stood up, now WIDE awake and glared at the little astromech droid. He was soaking-wet, dripping all over, his clothes, blankets, and even his pillow was sticking to him. His temporary bed was now a half full tub of ice cold water!
'ANSWER YOUR COM-LINK, SOMEONE HAS BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU MORONS ALL MORNING!' Artoo informed Luke as he rolled out of the room tooting along to himself. Luke could tell he was muttering under his breath a bunch of insults. Luke dripping water all over the place, unplugged the drain in the tub, then reached out to stop the ringing of his blasted com-link. He took a deep, cleansing breath, and calmly answered saying brightly, "Skywalker here."
"Luke, good morning!" Bail Organa laughed sounding relieved.
"Oh, hello Bail, what's up? Is everything okay with the bride-to-be?" He asked brightly, his voice not telling how panicked and horrified he was at how late it was.
"Oh, she's just fine; she's handling this whole thing like a real trooper. Where is everyone, I've been trying to call you guys all morning?"
Luke almost shyly, glanced out of the bathroom to see all of the others still asleep. "Uh… Bail… can you hang on one minute?"
"Sure." Bail replied happily…Luke put him on hold, and walked over to the bedroom… He peeked inside and just as he'd suspected... Han too, was still sound asleep. "Force… how do we always get into these messes … My sister is gonna kill us all!" He looked down at the blinking hold button and tried to think of what to say then he turned it back on and said, "I'm sorry Bail, I was helping Wedge with a table for the reception."
"So you're all ready?" Bail asked.
"Mostly yes, I had to come back to my place to get another table. General Rieekan realized he left his com-link here and asked me to get it for him… I'm sorry we worried you!" Luke apologized sincerely, hoping the trained diplomat would not pick up on his lie.
"No, it wasn't really me who was worried, it was more your sister than anyone. Glad to hear, all's well! We'll see you shortly." Bail said warmly.
"Sure will," he said smoothly, even with the grimace on his face. He heard the connection cut and ran over to Wedge, starting by pushing him off the counter. Followed by a loud popping sound. "COME ON SLEEPING BEAUTIES! TIME TO GET UP, WE HAVE A WEDDING TO BE IN TODAY!" Luke announced. He unhooked Chewie's hammock, and pushed everyone out of their beds and had them all stumbling to their feet.
"LUKE, YOU POPPED BOOGEE!" Wedge cried, over his ever flattening, blow up tauntaun.
"Sorry buddy, but we have no time to waste, patch him up and he'll be fine. LANDO, when did you get in and –gasp- WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TABLE?!?"
Lando pulled himself up on Luke, and leaning on him heavily, got right in his face. "You trying to scold me, on my party habits, and look at you… what happened, did you forget to put the seat down in the fresher again?" He asked with a laugh.
"You've been out drinking all night again, haven't you?" Luke asked, nose wrinkling at the still lingering smell of alcohol on his breath.
"You see, I met these amazing twi'lek triplets… One was blue, one was purple, and the other was red… -sigh- it was just so great!" Lando said dreamily.
"Well, glad you enjoyed yourself last night. Because now you have to explain to Han why you bailed on us, and why you're showing up on their wedding day still drunk!" Chewie took a hold of Lando and put him on the couch.
'He's wasted!' Chewie laughed. 'We better sober him up boys!'
"I'll wake him up!" Wedge said pulling all kinds of bottles out of the cabinets while Rieekan helped and grabbed so stuff out of the refrigerator.
"We'll work on this, why don't you go wake Han up, Luke?" Rieekan suggested.
"Alright, sure." Luke said disappearing into Han's room.
"Han… Han… Get up!" Luke said shaking him. "Han, you have to get up, we over slept."
"So what," he groaned, "We're not on a time limit here. Rieekan will understand."
"I'm sure he will, he over slept too. It's Leia who won't understand you being late her wedding!"
"THAT'S RIGHT! How did I ever fall asleep, WE HAVE TO STOP THAT WEDDING!" Han said springing up and swing his legs over the side.
"Now, hold on a minute, we're not crashing this wedding, you're the groom, remember?" Luke reminded his jumpy friend.
"Oh, right… I knew that, I guess I just wasn't quite awake yet." Han said sincerely.
"Come on, you're wedding is in an hour." Luke said as calmly as he could.
"WHAT!?!? AN HOUR!?!?" He grabbed the crono next to the bed and his eyes got as wide as saucers. "WHY DID YOU LET ME SLEEP IN SO LATE?"
"I didn't, no one remembered to set an alarm! Not even you!" Luke replied.
"We need to get moving then!" Han said running out of the room. Then he came back to the door and asked, "Do I want to know how you got all wet?"
"That was Artoo's fault!" Luke said in a dark tone.
"Did you sleep in the bath tub again?" Han almost laughed out.
"Will you just go get ready for your wedding!" Luke scolded.
"Yes, master jedi!" He said with a bow, "Just make sure you take a shower before we leave. The last thing I need is a soggy best man!"
"OUT!" Luke shouted.
An Hour Later… At the Chapel…
Leia stood looking into the reflector; this was it, the real deal. This was the moment she'd been waiting for all these years. The right guy, the right dress, her hair done in a lovely style, by the end of today she would be Mrs. Leia Organa Solo. She couldn't help but giggle to herself at the thought of getting to grow old with Han. Just then someone knocked on the door. "Come in," Leia replied softly.
"How are you doing, Daughter?" Bail asked, freezing, slightly stunned seeing her for the first time all dressed up in her grown and everything.
"I'm okay, is everything alright?" Leia said, with a small smile at her father's expression. "Come on Dad, do I really look that bad?"
"No, you're gorgeous! I hardly recognized you just then, you looked so grown- up!" Bail exclaimed.
"Oh stop," she smiled.
"No, I mean it! When you walk down that aisle, you are gonna knock Han off his feet." Bail winked.
"I hope he likes it." She said quietly, "What's going on? Is it time?"
"Not quite yet dear… We've run into a slight problem – it's nothing disastrous – but it could put this wedding on hold for a bit." Bail said trying not to get Leia panicked, and trying not to let himself panic at the same time.
"Well, what is, what's wrong?" She asked, trying to stay calm.
"Well… technically… the groom and his men… ah, uh… they're…not here… yet." Bail stuttered.
Inside the main room of the chapel, where bunches of noisy guest were gathered… "WHAT!?!?" Leia's voice bellowed, echoing through the building.
Out on the Highway…
Luke tried desperately to wave down an air-taxi… but no one seemed to care. "Face it Luke, we'd get there sooner walking, at this rate!" Han exclaimed.
"Not with Lando staggering around like that." Luke pointed out, sighing in disgusted.
"He has a point, Han, he still smashed."
"Shut up, Wedge! He wouldn't be this bad off if you hadn't introduced him to those three floozies last night." Han reminded.
"They weren't floozies… they were triplets!" Lando slurred leaning heavily on Chewie.
"Yeah, yeah, three-color coded-triplet-FLOOZIES! All I can say is you better not mess today up, Calrissian. Dealing with Han is one thing, but dealing with my sister, when she starts rolling off in Alderaanian, to match that temper… That's a whole different ball game!" Luke said warningly.
"Hey now, we Alderaanian' aren't known for our rage, we're peaceful people." Rieekan defended.
"Yeah, well all I know is, I don't want her getting mad at me." Wedge laughed. Just then a black, sophisticated looking air-limo pulled up in front of them and stopped. To everyone's surprise, Amos Moonstocker and his son Chester hopped out. ((AN: Remember them?)) Amos exclaimed, "Well for heaven's sake, what in tar-nation have you boys been doing all day! Bail and that Princess of yours, have been worried sick, Han! We were beginning to wonder if y'all was going to show up?!"
Then Chester said, "Hop in fellas, we'll get all you boys to that chapel!"
"THANKS!" All six replied hopping into the vehicle ((AN: well, Chewie growled… but you know what I mean!)). After they were all inside, Amos suggested, "I think one of you should call Bail up. He's awful wound up, last I saw of him!"
"I'll give him a call, real quick, and let him know we're on our way." Rieekan smiled, pulling his com-link out.
Back at the Chapel…
Bail glanced toward Leia, who had been glued to the window ever since he'd told her about the boys. She looked beautiful, yet so worried, and sad at the moment. That's when his com-link went off. "Organa here."
"Hello Bail,"
"CARLIST! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE THE BOYS!?!?" Bail asked.
"Calm down old friend, we're on our way, Amos and Chester came by. They're giving us a ride over there, so we should be there in a few a minutes. How's Leia and everyone on that side." He asked the last part with a bit of worry in his voice.
"Well, I was hopping you were running only a little late… so I stalled for as long as I could… then I had to tell her, why we weren't walking out, and down the aisle. Ever since she found out, all she does is stare out the window." Bail said a little mournfully.
"Has she had a good explosion yet?" Rieekan asked with a wise laugh, "That usually helps."
"Yeah, she had a good scream here and there. She's not mad; she's just worried, with good reason." He laughed back.
"Well, let her know we are on our way and we'll be there shortly." He smiled.
"I sure will, see you soon, and remember all of the boys meet back here and get with their bridesmaids." Bail reminded.
"Yes and I walk in and take a seat over on Han's side of the chapel, with Chewbacca, we know!" Rieekan said.
"Okay, see you there." Bail said, cutting the connection and walking over to put an arm around Leia. "I just talked to Carlist, honey, they should be here shortly."
"Oh, good… there's just one problem now. I don't know whether to hug or kill those groomsmen when I see them!" Leia said her hands balled into fist.
Bail couldn't help but laugh, "take it easy on them daughter, with that bunch, I can imagine, they've had a rough morning."
"Yeah, and if they don't have a good excuse for all of this, it's about to get rougher!" Leia said warningly.
"Now don't think that way, daughter, this is your big day… yours and Han's, try to focus on that, okay?" Bail said helpfully.
Leia took a deep breath, "You're right Daddy, I just hope everything goes right."
"It will, everything will be fine." He smiled, Leia didn't see it, but she could hear it in his voice. Just before she walked away from the window… she looked outside, and noticed the air-limo pulling up. She saw Amos and Chester, step out and both of the back doors fly open. Then she saw Luke and Wedge hop out and she smiled. Maybe this would be alright after all!
Just Outside the Chapel…
"Grab his other arm Luke, he's falling over again." Wedge practically screamed almost rolling backwards down the stairs. Luke helped him gladly, and between the two men… Lando made it up the huge flight of stairs and into the double doors of the chapel. As soon as they entered, Leia smiled brightly.
"Hi boys, I was beginning to think I was going to have to prepare some kind of speech, for everyone out there." She said brightly, for someone who's supposed to be angry.
Luke froze at the sight of her. He'd been with her the day she tried this grown on the first time… heck, he'd helped her pick it out. She had been beautiful then, but now that her hair was done, a light make-up on her face, and he was getting hit with the whole package… she was absolutely breathtaking! "Leia…" he managed to utter.
"Yes," she giggled at his dumbstruck look!
"Wow… you look so… so…" he stammered.
"Lovely… so lovely…" Wedge smiled dragging a limp body in. Lando's head came up and looked at her. Cocking an eyebrow he said, "BEAUTIFUL! THEY BOTH MEAN BEAUTIFUL! You are absolutely BEAUTIFUL, Leia! All five of you, are beautiful!" Then he laughed and hick-upped.
"What happened to him?" Leia asked worriedly.
"Don't ask him that, PLEASE don't ask him that!" Wedge begged and pleaded… but it was too late.
"Let me tell ya-" he began.
"NO Lando, she doesn't want to hear about your crazy adventures and drunken antics. She wants to get married?" Luke jumped in, try to save them from hearing this story again.
"She wants to get married?" Lando asked, seeming to understand.
"Yes, Leia wants to get married." Wedge tried to help.
"But I can't marry her, what would Han say?" Lando asked, receiving a sigh of aspiration from both men holding him up.
"Now you listen to me, you intoxicated, self-centered, bantha-brained, HUTT! Han is the one I am marrying today! Don't ask me why, but he actually trusted you; to show up on the most important day of our lives and act civilized! Now you suck it up, suck it in, or do whatever it is you do, so you can walk down that aisle with your head high! Or I will make you regret the day you were BORN!"
At the Front of the Chapel…
General Rieekan and Chewbacca took their place in the front and sat on Han's front row. Everyone began to chatter, knowing that probably meant all of the guys were here. When Han, all dressed up and smiling nervously, stepped out of a door off to the side… All of the smart-alike Rogues, and Jedi began to clap and cheer "He made it," or "He graces us with his presents."
"Thanks a lot!" He laughed out.
"Hey, are you two getting hitched sometime THIS century? Or are ya gonna wait around for the next one?" Wes Janson asked.
"I was aiming for today, but ya know, that next century thing's not a bad idea." Han laughed happy, even though his hands were shaking.
"I wouldn't have you, if you made me wait this long." One of those rare female rogues said! Han laughed along with everyone else, until the live band began to play louder. That was the cue music for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Han's heart skipped a few beats, until Wedge came down the aisle with a bridesmaid on his arm. Han recognized her as Rosalind, the hairdresser Leia was always raving about. They each took their places, as planned and looked on expectantly for the next pair. The next Pair down the aisle was Lando and another one of Leia's random friends, who name left Han at the moment. Smiling, and surprisingly, WALKING ON HIS OWN… WITHOUT ASSISTANCE! Strutting down the aisle like they owned the place. Han leaned back towards Wedge and whispered, "How did you guys pull that off?"
"Oh, that was Leia's doing. She got him to straighten up real quick." Wedge laughed at the memory.
"Looking good ya ol' pirate." Lando winked as he walked by, taking his place.
"Same to you, pal!" Han smiled kindly, glad he was here, even though he almost ruined everything ((AN: Surprise, surprise!)).
Then Luke Skywalker –the best man- came down the aisle with Winter –the maid of honor- on his arm, looking the part. When they finally reached the front of the chapel, Winter said, "Oh just wait till you see her." Then the wedding march began to play and all of the guests stood up. Han's breath caught in his throat when he saw Leia coming towards him, on Bail's arm. He had trouble making out her features at first, because of the veil. Then as she got closer, he noticed she was smiling at him, and suddenly the room seemed brighter.
He smiled back and winked at her encouragingly. Finally she was next to him and the preacher began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to witness the joining of this man and this woman… General Han Solo of Corellia and Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, in holy matrimony. Who speaks for this woman?" The kind preacher asked with a kind smile.
"Her brother and I do." Bail said clearly, and then he turned to Leia and with a little help from Winter… tossed the veil over Leia's head and kissed her cheek. She hugged him and whispered, "Love you, Daddy."
Bail smiled kind heartedly down on her and put her hand in Han's. Before he left, Bail did manage to choke out one last thing. "I'm not losing my little girl today… she's making a good decision and I am gaining a son." Bail gave Han a slap on the back, "Bless you both."
That very moment, Chewbacca burst into tears and started bawling all over poor Rieekan. Everybody, including the bride and groom looked over at him in question and he finally exclaimed… 'THAT WAS SOOOO…SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!' Bail sort of tossed a box of tissues to Carlist who held it up to Chewie's nose… So Chewie began to loudly blow his nose, missing the tissue, sending globs and globs of snot into Rieekan's work-rough hands. Making the older gentleman cringe and wrinkle his face in disgust… Not to mention getting everyone, including the preacher to laugh.
"Let us try to proceed with the ceremony," the wise older man suggested the warmth of laughter still in his voice. "Holy matrimony with a life of companionship, understanding, and love for the rest of their lives. In this short time, I have gotten to know these two outstanding individuals pretty well. They have truly amazed me with their light and compatibility in that time. They each come from such diverse backgrounds, with many different traditions; we've found it very hard to decide how this ceremony would go. But both were willing to bend; changing a few things here and there, to make this moment special for the both of them." He smiled down on both Han and Leia. "Please turn towards one another and take each others hands," Han nodded and turned to face his bride… who was smiling up at him.
"Do you, Han, take Leia, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, To Love, honor and cherish. For better or worse; for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health… For as long as you both shall live?"
Han looked deep into Leia's eyes and said clearly, "I sure do."
The preacher nodded, satisfied, then continued, "And do you, Leia, take Han, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, To Love, honor and cherish. For better or worse; for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health… For as long as you both shall live?"
Leia's voice thick with emotion, yet still clear, she said, "I do."
"In light of our Alderaanian bride, it is tradition for them to say a few words, from their hearts… starting with you, Leia." She nodded and took a deep breath.
"Han, we've been through a lot together. At first we didn't get along at all, as a matter a fact the Rogue Squadron held a betting pool on who would kill who. But even then, somehow, you always managed to be there for me, whenever I needed you. I always knew you had a good heart, even though you're a scoundrel. It took a lot of good times and hard times to get here. But I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend my time with. I love you, need you, and I promise nothing will ever change that. You will always be the only one for me." She smiled, tears glistening in both of their eyes.
"Now you, Han," The kind old preacher said.
"Oh come on, can't I just kiss her?" He asked the preacher get a laugh outta everyone, bride included. "Well, I thought I'd give it a try. Well, I can't come up with anything like you Sweetheart, but I'll do my best." Han said a little choked up, earning another laugh from a few members of the crowd. "Leia, ever since the first time I saw you in that Death Star's detention block, shouting over the gun fire, 'This is some rescue.' I knew deep down, you were the girl for me. I may not have shown at first, in fact, I think it scared the hell outta me. I tried to push you away for the longest time… then I realized I loved you and I couldn't push you away anymore. We had a rocky beginning and I can't promise there won't be hard times ahead. But I can promise I will always be there for you, I will always love you and take care of you. As long as I have you at my side, I know we can get through anything they throw at us. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together; I'm even looking forward to us growing old together." He joked getting a laugh out of the suddenly very emotional bride.
"Now, this question is really for the audience," the preacher announced. "If anyone has any doubt or any reason that these two should not be joined; speak now or forever hold your piece." It was silent for a moment then Wes Janson shouted, "Are you kidding, we've been waiting for this moment for years! Go get'em Han!"
Everybody in the audience cheered, whistled and whooped. So the preacher chuckled then said, "Well, with that said, I have no choice. By the powers invested in me by this great republic, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Han and Leia smiled at each other and kissed for the first time… MARRIED! The crowd went wild, including the wedding party. Then the kiss ended and Leia took her husband's arm as the preacher said, "Let me introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Solo!" The crowd went nuts, the band played and the bride and groom bounced down the aisle, wedding party in tow.
In the air-limo…
Han and Leia hopped in and escaped, barely missing being attacked by members of the press. Leia giggled as she got lost in her veil, and Han looked over at her with this shocked look. "Are you in there?" He asked.
"Yes," she giggled, he finally found the end to it and lifted the veil back over her head. "I was lost for a second there though."
"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are today?" Han asked.
"Not nearly as handsome as you, dear. I've always said you clean up well, but today…"
"Yeah, I know, I feel the same way about you, sweetheart." Han said kissing her on her lips. When they pulled apart, they both shared a laugh and Leia asked, "Are you happy?"
"Very happy, are you?" He asked warmth in his voice.
Leia nodded her head up and down. "Yes, I'm ecstatic!" Then they just grabbed each other into a tight hug, so happy they finally made it.
An Hour Later…
Han and Leia, the happy newly-wed couple, was preparing to leave the reception hall, for their honey-moon. Most guests were gathered outside for the big farewell, but all of the important people were still inside saying their goodbye in a more private fashion.
"Have fun you two!" General Rieekan smiled kissing Leia on the cheek.
"We will, Thanks again for all of your help, with the wedding and before." Han said even doing one of those handshake/hugs!
"Oh, no problem, I always knew you two were perfect for one another!" He said enthusiastically.
'I'M GONNA MISS YOU GUYS!' Chewbacca bawled grabbing both into a huge group hug! 'Have fun… on your…your… HONEYMOON! WWWWHHHHHAAAA!' Chewie bawled again.
"Oh, Chewie don't cry!" Leia laughed hugging his neck, "Aren't you happy for us?"
"Yeah pal, all you've done is cry, all day? You're happy for us right?"
'Of course I'm happy for you, both of you… I'm SSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOO HAPPY! WWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAA!' He cried again, wringing out his hanky and blowing his nose in it… loudly!
Leia covered her mouth and looked at Han for help; she was too busy trying not to laugh. "Oh come on you big fur-ball! Quite your bawling already!"
'I'm sorry, cub! It's just that you… my cub… and the little princess… MARRIED! FINALLY! I'm just so happy!' He finally seemed to gain some control over his emotions! 'I hope you both have fun and good luck in your life together.'
"Aww, thanks, pal! We appreciate all you've done for us!" Han said scratching him affectionately.
"We'll only be gone for a little while, and when we get back everything will be fine, okay. And until then you get to go, be with Malla, and the rest of your family!" Leia reasoned smiling and giving Chewie a kiss on his furry cheek.
'I know, I'm sorry, it's just I can't believe it's finally happened. You two are finally married and now… nothing can ever come between you again. I feel so thankful, happy and relieved. Because this almost didn't happen!'
"You're right Chewie, you're absolutely right, we're all thankful." Lando said, helping relief the death-grip Chewie still had Han and Leia trapped in. "You have to let them go, or they'll miss their flight." Lando said, knowing it was impossible to miss a private flight… but they didn't tell Chewie it was private, fearing this very thing would happen. Chewie was such a softie!
'Oh right, well, take care of each other!' He said.
"I'm sure they will, right, you guys have been doing that for years." Lando said kissing Leia on the cheek too.
"Yeah, it'll just be a little easy to keep track of her now!" Han said earning a playful slap from his wife. 'My wife' Han said to himself again in disbelief. She really was his wife now, and he was thrilled beyond words.
"Take care ol' buddy!" Lando said, shaking hands with Han… then hugging him too!
"You too Calrissian, try and behave, alright?" Han asked.
"Who me?" they laughed while Leia moved on to her brother.
"See you Luke, Thanks again for everything!" She said hugging him so tight. "None of this would be possible without you!"
"No problem, sis! I'm just glad to see the both of you happy! Not to mention, I know I can trust you two, to look out for each other." He kissed Leia's forehead and smiled at her, "Behave yourself, okay?"
"I'll try," she winked, with a wicked smile. Then it was Han's turn…
"Yeah kid, I can't thank you enough!" The two old friends hugged.
"Hey, we're brothers now, anytime you need me, I'm there!" Luke smiled; they pat each other on the back and kept going. Leia was already thanking Winter.
"Now don't worry one little bit about work either, Mrs. Solo. I'll take care of everything while you're gone." Winter comforted.
"I promise I won't, I know it's taken care of with you there!" While Han said his thanks, Leia moved on to her father.
"You don't know how much I loved walking you down that aisle today. I'm so glad you finally found the right guy… and I just want you to know that… I'm proud of you and the woman you've become… and I love you, Leia."
"I love you too, daddy." Leia said tears rolling. "You don't know how much being on your arm, being given away, meant to me!"
"You may be Anakin Skywalker's biological daughter… but you'll always be my little girl." Bail said wiping away Leia tears. "Don't ever doubt that, okay?"
"Okay," Leia said sniffling a little, she hugged him one last time and went on to thank Wedge.
Bail took a deep breath and turned to face Han. "Congratulations Han."
"Thanks Bail, for everything." Han said truly grateful.
"Anytime, my boy, you know how important she is." Bail said.
"Yeah… Hey Bail… did you really mean all of that stuff about gaining a son?"
"Every single word, if that's alright with you?" The older gentlemen smiled.
"Sure," Han smiled, "I'm just glad you feel that way, Bail."
"I know you were a little skeptical at first, about meeting me and all. If I had met you, through Leia… I would have been as judgmental as you suspected too, I'm sure. But since I've gotten to know you, I'm glad to welcome you to our family." Bail said patting him on the back. He was quite surprised when he was pulled into a quick hug by his new son. But he smiled and returned the gesture. 'Leia sure knows how to pick 'em.' Bail told himself.
"We'll see ya when we get back." Han said getting a little choked up himself.
"Absolutely, see you then, you two have fun!" He said happily, and Han walked away too. 'Yep, my daughter's got a good man.'
Hours Later… Down in the New Republic Prison Planet Rakki…
Mon Mothma picked up the meat off her tray and jiggled it in the air. Isolder joyfully said, "Gee, I can never figure out weather it's nerf or bantha, AMAZING!" He chirped joyfully.
Mon Mothma glared over at him, and then dumped her tray on his. "If they are still feeding prisoners what I arranged, in office, you can have mine!"
"Are you sure?" He asked around a mouth full.
"Yes, I'm sure, and please don't talk, or chew with your mouth open, right now!" She pleaded.
"Yes, Ma'am," Isolder swallowed.
"I suppose Leia is called Organa Solo by now!" Mon Mothma said bitterly.
"Oh please don't say that Mon, she was almost my wife, remember?"
"You call that a wife… I hate to break it to you sonny, but what you had in mind was more like a pleasure slave." She said darkly.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that!" Isolder said, "I'm just a romantic s'all!"
"Yeah, that's what you are." Mon said even darker than before.
"Do you hear that?" Isolder asked.
"No dear, it's those voices in your head again!" Mon exclaimed.
"No… it's not like the voices, don't you hear it… it's a funny squeaking sound." Mon Mothma was about to snap at Isolder again, when suddenly, she could hear the noise too. It was coming from the vents around them. It sounded like animals coming down them. All windows of any kind, even the observation room overhead, were now protected by a durasteel shields. Fearing the worse, Mon and Isolder both climbed up on their chairs. Just then, the vents busted open and all kinds of compact, man-eating creatures poured in. Isolder screamed like a girl, while Mon Mothma laughed insanely. Isolder looked at her terrified.
"These little suckers can't get to us, on these chairs, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Then suddenly the chair beneath her, started shaking violently. The creatures were eating the chair and almost reached their target when Mon Mothma started screaming, "NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Isolder started screaming again… and that was the end of both of those horrible people.
Above Them… In the Observation Room…
Lando Calrissian slapped (the real) Chester Moonstocker on the back. "Thank you so much for letting us borrow your pets, Chester. The New Republic is sure to recognize your help with this."
"Anytime, Lando, I'm glad to help y'all out after hearing what they tried an done to Bail and Han! It's fair to let them go the way Han and Bail almost went!"
"Glad you feel that way, now I'd better get you home to your folks on Coruscant, we'll comeback and get your pets in the morning, alright?"
"Sounds fine with me, my good man." Chester said strutting outta the room.
((And As Promised…))
In the Honeymoon Suite…
((Giggles… Don't worry, it's not gonna be too hot and heavy… all you youngsters!))
Han Solo crashed in through the door loudly, carrying his bride, laughing and shushing each other the whole way. "Look at this," Han said looking all round, Leia smiling, doing the same.
"Wow, it's beautiful…" She said in awe as Han sat her back on her feet.
"So, I did a good job?" Han asked, digging for complements.
"Yes you did!" Leia said rewarding him with a slow kiss. When they separated, Leia smiled and said warmly, "Let's check out the view."
"Right," Han agreed as they walked hand and hand over to the balcony. They opened the doors and Leia gasped at the breath taking view of the beach down below and the vibrant sunset overhead. "Han, look at it, isn't it gorgeous?"
"It sure is," Han said, his eyes never leaving Leia. She smirked at him, and said accusingly, "You're not even looking."
"I still can't believe it, we made it! Now we're married… we're FINALLY married… even after all we've been through and after I came so close to losing everything… we made it." Han said emotionally.
"I agree," Leia said snuggling against him, hugging him tight. "We have been through it all. But that shows me, I can always count on you, and we can get through anything, as long as we stick together." Leia said.
"Yeah," Han said looking down at her, tears shining in his eyes. "I love you."
Leia smiled and said, "I know." Han chuckled, then she said, "And I love you too." Han started kissing her, passionately, and after a few moments, he was surprised to feel his shirt being tugged at.
Han broke the kiss and yelped, "Leia… I thought you… were nervous a-about this part."
"Yeah, I was," Leia smiled shyly, "but then I realized I was being silly." Han backed up, and Leia giggled. "Don't tell me you're nervous now."
"Well," Han squeaked lamely. "Of course not, I'm not nervous… what changed your mind?"
"Sometime between saying our 'I do's and promising to spend the rest of our lives together… I realized, it's not like I'm with a stranger… I love you and trust you, I know you're not gonna hurt me." Leia smiled. "And I feel embarrassed, for acting so silly." She said beginning to trail kisses down his neck.
"We'll… th-that's… good-that's… real good," Han said sounding like a nervous teenager… that had never been alone with a woman before. Leia stopped kissing him, looked up at him and began to giggle. "What's so funny?" Han asked, sounding more like himself.
"Han, you're turning bright red, why in the stars are you nervous?" She asked.
"I don't know… I have no clue what's wrong with me!" Han said, running a hand through his hair, and taking a deep breath… trying to calm himself. He suddenly got frustrated with himself, saying, "I mean, we've waited so long for this moment… years, we've waited. And we get here, and everything's been great-"
"Even though you slept in this morning," Leia said walking back inside, sitting down on the bed, and crossing her legs. "Almost sleeping through the most important day, of our lives!" Leia teased, giving him a challenging smirk.
"You're never going to let that go, are you?" Han asked, and Leia nodded her head left to right. "I'm never going to live it down am I?"
"No, just like I'm never going to let you forget that other big mistake!" She explained.
"And which one is that, your highnessness, you have so many on me already." He said relaxing a little and getting playful.
"I wasn't there, but my dear sweet brother filled me in." Leia smiled, Han sat next to her. "That doesn't really narrow it down much, Sweetheart."
"It was aboard the Death Star, just before we met-"
"GOD, NOT THAT AGAIN! I should have killed him for telling you that one!" Han crashed onto the bed, burying his face, cursing into a near by pillow, cursing Luke, up and down, in over 100 different languages.
Leia calmly smoothed down her skirt, and continued. "You and Luke had just been deserted by General Kenobi, also known as Obi-Wan or Ben. Artoo discovered I was aboard and Luke wanted to save me. You didn't want to and Luke tried to reason, shouting, 'But they're going to kill her!' And you replied…"
"Yeah, Yeah, I remember! I said, 'better her than me.' And I regretted saying it right then!" Han admitted.
"I know, back then, you were famous for 'looking out for number one.' And that was one time you threw yourself in danger, which you're never living down… but I am eternally grateful for." Leia said laying her head on his back. Han's head sprung up and he listened to her take a deep breath. "I know I never really said 'thank you.' And for a while there, I was cruel to you… mostly because you saved me."
"What do you mean, Leia?" Han asked.
"That day, I thought I'd lost everything. My home, my family, my work, my world! I was going to be executed, and I knew it… at the time… I didn't think there was anything left to live for… so I was thankful to be going. Than, about 30 minutes before my sentence… You and Luke came crashing into my life. You woke me up, gave me friendship, hope, strength, something to live for and work for." Han rolled over and looked at her seriously.
"You mean… you really did recent me for saving you?" Han asked, "I know I accused you of it, but I didn't think I was right!"
"You were, and then I thought I had lost you… and I spent three days in bed… I didn't want to live anymore, and looking back… I wasn't really living at all. I was just existing, doing what was expected of me, and what everybody wanted me to do. Because I didn't care anymore… without you… my life was so… empty." Her voice cracked, "I really was almost a loveless bride… but you saved me all over again. And today… I'm your bride… all yours! And I'm so happy, I could just burst." She giggled.
"You're not the only one; it took us years to get here…" He said tucking Leia into his side holding her close. "And if I had to do it all over again… I would have."
Leia kissed his cheek, "Me too."
He kissed her back on her cheek, "Good."
Another kiss, this time on the lips, from Leia, "What do we do now?"
"Well, let's just lay here a minute…" Han suggested more like himself again. "We haven't been able to relax since I proposed to you." Han reminded.
"Yeah, you're right, this is nice!" Leia said closing her eyes and enjoying the peaceful and comfortable silence. After a few moments like that, suddenly Han said, "Alright, enough of that!" Leia yelped, as she was thrown on her back, penned to the bed, and her newly-wed-husband started kissing the breath out of her. And she couldn't help but giggle into the kiss, just before she wrapped her arms around him tightly, retuning his kisses. After several moments of this passionate exchange, they finally parted for breath and Leia smiled, "Still nervous?"
"Nope, all better, how about you?" He asked kissing down her neck, tickling her, she curled up laughing and said warmly, "No, I'm not nervous at all."
He tickled her again, and she squirmed frantically… and laughing… till she saw her opening and managed to flip Han on his back. She pinned his hands above his head and smiled triumphantly, "You're gonna pay for that." She grinned. Then she started kissing him slowly. He covered her with the comforter, and started rolling her back, but being so wrapped up into their own little world… they rolled right off the bed, taking comforter, blankets and all with them. Leia landed on top, and looked down on Han and started laughing. They managed to get wrapped up so tightly, in those covers… Leia asked, "Han… can you move?"
He laughed and replied, "Not really? Can you?"
"Not really, and I'm still in my gown and all." She said with a bit of a whine.
"Well, I can fix that." He said kissing her and unzipping the back.
"Here… in the floor?" She asked between kissing and being wiggled out of her gown.
"Why not?" Han asked chuckling. "We're close, warm, and neither of us can move enough to get up." Leia laughed too.
"It is nice down here… and we definitely won't forget it." Leia grinned kissing him a few more times. "Okay," she finally said.
"You sure you're ready?" he cautioned.
"Han Solo, trust me, if I wasn't ready for this, you would have never got me outta that dress. I love you, and yes, I want you too."
And we can all imagine how the rest of the evening went. Husband and wife, finally claming what was rightfully theirs. Their life together would be barred with many obstacles and would be far from easy. But they knew they could handle it and face it together… And ya know what… they did!
THE END!
Yep, that's It, Ladies and gentlemen! SailorLeia's first fanfic, done! (Tear) I want to thank everyone for writing in, reading along, and sticking with me… all the way to this final chapter! All of you have made this experience unforgettable and so wonderful I couldn't have done it with out all of you! I also want to thank my family and friends; for all of their undying love and support all the way! LOVE ALL OF YOU! God bless and I hope you all enjoyed! And just because this is the last chapter, please still write in, I'd love to hear what you thought! THANKS AGAIN! Bye Bye Bye!
-SailorLeia