Chapter 17
The day was coming to a close and the three of them had eaten nearly everything and gone on nearly every ride in the park. There were a few "turbulent" rides that they had waited in line for, only to learn at the very end of the line that pregnant women were not supposed to ride. Han and Ty had decided to go on one last ride, and while Leia was waiting on the bench at the ride's entrance for them to get off the ride, she entertained herself by watching the people passing by. Everyone looked much happier than they had during the days of the Empire. The Rebellion had been responsible for so much good in the galaxy: peace for billions of beings, a new democratic government, and the discovery of Leia's new family. She had to smile at that. Her children would never live through the greed and corruption of the Empire like she had. Han had told her that Ty's parents had been killed by Stormtroopers, which had only strengthened her resolve to keep the galaxy safe for the children's sake. She would die before her children lived in a galaxy of fear and hatred.
Han and Ty stepped off the ride, interrupting Leia's musings. Han wrapped an arm around Leia's shoulders and the three of them headed down the Main Street toward the park's exit. Leia gazed at the shops' windows and her eyes lit up when she saw baby items. She ran inside and splurged on a cute little outfit with Bernie the Bantha on it, as Han rolled his eyes at her outside the store. She showed it to him, eyes glowing, and he noted to himself that it looked a little boyish. He wondered what that meant.
They all left the park feeling somewhat depressed that they had to go. The three piled into the hover car and headed back to the hotel. Tomorrow they would search Corellia for a new home for Ty, and would head back to New Alderaan the next day.
As they entered the hotel room, Ty stretched his arms over his head and yawned in total exhaustion. He collapsed on the couch and immediately fell asleep. Han and Leia stood together in the doorway, watching Ty as he was transformed from a tough street kid to an innocent little boy in his sleep. It was easy to forget how young he really was during the day, but in sleep there was no way for him to hide his age. Han grabbed the blanket and tucked him in as Leia took a pillow and placed it gently under his head. The couple kissed Ty on the forehead before heading into their own room.
As they lay down to sleep Leia leaned into her husband's warm body and asked, "Han, what are we going to do to find a home for Ty?"
"Well, I guess we'll check all the adoption agencies here on Corellia. If none of them can take him I guess we can take him back to New Alderaan."
"But if no one can take him here who will we turn to? There aren't any adoption agencies on New Alderaan."
"Yeah, I've been thinking about that. You know, I don't really have a job in the new government, besides being a 'General.' I definitely don't want to be a politician, or a businessman, or a smuggler. Though I bet you'd love that," He said with a wink, as Leia winced in response. "So I was thinking, since I don't want to be in the military either, that maybe I could open an adoption agency on New Alderaan. I could start by finding a home for Ty, and then I could find homes for all the kids on New Alderaan who need one. It wouldn't have to be limited to New Alderaan, either. I mean, my past would actually be beneficial in that sense. I could even do it from home so I could stay with our kids during the day. So what do you think?"
"That's a wonderful idea, Han. Not only would it be perfect for you it would benefit the new government and our community. And I'm glad you don't want to go back to smuggling," she said as she kissed him.
"Yeah. Our kids would be really messed up if I did that, huh?"
"Maybe. But I think you would be the one more "messed up" because I would beat you up beyond recognition if you tried to leave me to go gallivanting across the galaxy with Chewie."
"Hmm. And here I was thinking you were a pacifist, Sweetheart."
"Whoever told you that, darlin'?" She asked with a smile, leaning closer to him.
"Oh, I just heard it around. Never believed it for a second, though."
"Well, I am a pacifist, except when I'm around you. My rules don't apply to you."
"I guess that's okay, since I get other benefits that other people don't."
"And you enjoy reaping those benefits, don't you?"
"More than anything," he said as he leaned in for a passionate kiss.
Leia pulled away after a moment, much to Han's consternation. "Cool it, hot shot, there's a little boy in the next room, and I don't think that curtain has very good soundproofing. Plus we have to get up early tomorrow."
"When we get on the Falcon though…" he said, shaking his finger at her in mock warning.
"Don't worry, you'll get your benefits soon enough. You know, anticipation can sometimes heat things up a little, if you know what I mean."
"Anticipation can, but I don't know about starvation."
"My stars, Han, it's been two days! I don't think you're quite to the point of starvation yet."
"Maybe not, but it's pretty tough with you just laying there looking sexy enough to eat."
"Just go to sleep Han, maybe you can dream about me." That settled him down, and he wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes.
"Good idea. 'Night Leia, see you in my dreams."
"Goodnight Han."
