The celebration is winding down as the first rays of light appear over the high treetops. Leaning against a tree, I just watch everyone, until I hear someone walking nearby. I turn to see Han.
"You don't seem that excited for the Death Star just being destroyed," he says.
"I've got a lot to take in."
"Would this have anything to do with Luke being your brother? How is that possible, anyway?"
I answer a question with a question. "Did you know I was adopted?"
"No, you never mentioned that and scoundrels don't usually keep up with the latest celebrity Holonews."
I mentally sigh. "Well, I was. And Luke and I were separated to keep us safe from our father."
Han is giving a look that could only be described as a mixture of surprise and horror. "Who is your father, for something like that to happen?"
I take a deep breath. "He's…Vader. That was what Luke was telling me earlier."
I don't think I've ever seen Han speechless before. But after a minute, he seemed to find his voice. "So that's why you were upset. Vader. I don't understand how that monster could father children. But I'm glad he did."
"Do you still love me?" I had to know.
Han put his hands on my shoulders. "I love you. More than you know, Leia. And you're still you. You just know more about yourself."
"That's just what I needed to hear."
"Don't even get me started on my family history. For me, all that matters is that you weren't raised by him and you're still the woman I fell in love with."
And for the first time since joining the Alliance, I feel that I might have a peaceful, loving future.