Part Eight: Reconciliation

Chapter 28

They both turned toward the door as the locking mechanism sounded and Kyp said incredulously, "I can't believe they just did that."

Jaina looked around the room and chuckled, "Well, at least Jysella thought this out very well, I'll give her that."

Kyp glanced back at her, "Horn's daughter? What does she have to do with this?"

Jaina pulled one of the chairs out and sat down, resigned. She looked up at Kyp who was still standing by the locked door, their eyes met and she said, "Well, first of all, the three of them are inseparable these days. And have become more so in the past two weeks. Second, only Jys would think of locking us in a room together with a bowl of fruit, a pitcher of water and a handy refresher close by."

Kyp was still looking as if he wanted to bolt, he looked at the door again and as he laid a hand over the area the lock was mechanism would be and said, "This should be easy enough. Well, if it was Jysella Horn who cooked this idea up, she forgot I'm not as limited in my abilities as her father. I'll have us out of here in only a few seconds."

Jaina's words stopped him, "Kyp, we need to talk. Don't you get it? Even they think we need to get everything in the open."

Jaina watched as Kyp straightened and then his shoulders slumped, resigned to the situation. He knew he needed to talk to her, he knew he needed to figure this all out. As he turned slowly to look at her, Kyp thought, Kriff, she is so beautiful. She sat there by the table her hand protectively resting on her rounded abdomen, her lustrous hair was pulled back in its usual tail and her face seemed to glow. Pregnancy suited Jaina very well.

Finally, he moved toward the table and sat opposite her. After a moment, he swallowed and said, "I know. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is telling me to give you a second chance, Jaina. Kriff, I guess even Stef is too."

Jaina gave him a small smile, "He's a fine boy, Kyp. I like him very much. And I can tell you are a wonderful father to him. Even Mara commented on that."

Kyp honestly looked surprised, "Mara said I was a decent father? Now I know the galaxy is about to come to an end."

Jaina laughed, "Not only did she think you were a good father she too encouraged me to talk to you." Then she became very serious. "Kyp, I want you in our son's life. I want you here with me sharing my joys and my not so joyous occasions of being pregnant. You shouldn't have to inquire about his progress at the healer's office."

Kyp sighed and looked down at his hands that were folded on the table, "Jaina, I want to be there too. Do you know how often I lay awake at night and wonder about him? But I can't afford to have my heart broken by you again. I loved you for so long." Kyp then stood up and turned away to look at the wall, he went on, "Jaina, you will never know how much that night affected me. I've wanted to make love to you for so long; you tortured my fantasies, my dreams, and still do. Then you let my dreams come true. You invited me in and that night—that night," he turned to look at her, "was the most incredible night I ever spent with a woman. I'll admit, despite what some think, I'm not that overly experienced and I've never loved anyone before you. The only woman that may have come close was Stefen's mother, but I never felt for her what I feel for you. Jaina, when you left me to go to Fel, it was like you stabbed me in the heart. Then you did it again when you agreed to marry Zekk just because you weren't sure who the baby's father was. I don't think an actual wound could have hurt so much. You took my love and literally threw it back into my face. Twelve years of devotion to only you, and you cared so little that you ran off to a man who would have killed you given the chance."

Jaina softly said, "Kyp, I know what I've done has hurt you. But I'm hurting too. I didn't realize just how much you really do mean to me. I know it seems lame to keep saying that I didn't realize how much I loved you, but I did, I do. I don't want anyone else. I will live my life alone; raising our son, if that is what is to happen. But I will not let you keep pushing me away." She stood and stepped over to stand before him, locking gazes with him she went on, just as softly, just as calmly, "Kyp, why are we doing this? I know I've hurt you, I know I destroyed your trust in me, but I promise you on our son's life that I'll never do anything to hurt you again." She reached a trembling hand up and laid it on his cheek and she was actually encouraged by him not flinching way; in fact, he seemed to relish the gentle touch. "Kyp Durron, I love so much that I'd die for you if I needed to. Kyp, give me the chance to prove it to you. Give our son the family that he deserves."

Kyp stared at her. She was close, so close that he could feel her soft warm breath on his lips as she spoke and smell the soft scent of her. She had opened herself to him and he could see clearly into her soul. He could feel her love for him. He remembered what Zekk and Jag both had told him and he thought about Stefen's trick with his friends. Was he a fool for not forgiving her? He could sense her sincerity and he really did want to be there for their son.

He then reached out into the Force for the baby. He immediately stirred at Kyp's presence and Kyp watched as Jaina closed her eyes. Kyp was amazed at how strong the baby seemed as he reached back to Kyp and he whispered, "Hey there little man, I'm your daddy."

Jaina opened her eyes at his words and reached for his hands. The mental stimulation was making the baby move and she wanted Kyp to feel him. Kyp let her place his palms on her mounded belly and within seconds he was rewarded with a kick. Kyp's face broke out into a broad smile. It was the most fascinating thing he had ever felt.

Then his eyes met Jaina's and Kyp became lost in the depths. They stood there for what seemed an eternity staring at each other, his hands still touching her over the baby that had began to quiet again after Kyp pulled his mind back. Kyp would never know what actually moved him toward her, but he knew he wasn't really thinking. He was letting his heart take him in the direction in which he belonged.

His lips met hers in a soft tender kiss that seemed to last forever. As they came apart, Jaina let her tears slide down her face. "Kyp," she whispered but she never got the chance to say any more, Kyp pulled her into his arms and she wrapped hers round him and this time when their lips met the resulting kiss was full of passion—and forgiveness.

X

The three friends stepped away from the conference room door and Ben finally pointed out, "You know, Jys, you just forgot one small detail."

She narrowed her eyes at him, she didn't like oversights, "And what is that?"

Ben smiled that crocked grin that he had picked up from his Master and said, "Well, if they wanted to, they could get out of there."

She huffed, "Do you think I don't know that, Ben? Of course, they could, but I'm hoping that—"

"That they realize that they need to talk to each other," Stefen finished for her in a soft voice that caused Jysella to stare at him.

Suddenly, Ben's commlink began to beep. He pulled it out and said, "Stang, it's my mom." He opened the line and after a brief conversation, said to his friends who were still staring at each other, "Sorry, I can't stay and watch but I got to go. See you two tomorrow."

That seemed to break the spell that the older two were under and they both said their goodnights to Ben, who waved as he took jogged away. After a long awkward moment, Jysella said, "If they weren't going to actually talk things through they'd be out by now and I really need to get back to my room. My mom said she was going to call me tonight."

Stefen nodded and stole a glance back at the door. He wished he was adapt enough to touch his father's mind to find out what was going on in there, but then that really wasn't his business. He only hoped for his father's sake and for his baby brother's sake they talked things out. Suddenly, he realized what he had just thought. He looked at Jysella incredulously, "Jys, I just realized that I'm going to be a big brother."

Jysella who had begun packing up her things to go, turned and stared amused at him, "Yeah. You mean you just no realized that? Boy, you are thick sometimes." Then she smirked, "Must be a Durron trait."

Stefen glared at her as they moved away from the door, he really wasn't even aware that he was tagging along, "What is that supposed to mean?"

She grinned, "My dad is always saying that your dad has the thickest skull in the galaxy."

Stefen stopped and bristled, "Well, my dad says that your dad is a—" suddenly Stefen blushed and sheepishly went on, "Actually, it may be better if I don't repeat some of the things I've heard him say about Master Horn."

But Jysella took it in stride and laughed, "You know that probably is best." Then she slipped her arm around his as they made their way to the tubolift. They stepped into the lift both laughing about the silly feud between two grown Jedi Masters.

They finally came to the exit and Stef said, "I'll walk you back to your dorm. If you like, of course."

She smiled and she nodded, a blush coloring her cheeks. "I'd like that—a lot."

As they slowly made their way to her building, they both wished it had been further. Jysella reached over and took Stefen's hand into hers. He glanced at her and when their eyes met, she shyly smiled and began to let go, but he held onto her. They both felt the spark and were surprised by it.

The Ossus sun was low on the horizon and it would be dark shortly. Finally, Stef said as they came to a stop near the entrance, "Well, I'll see you tomorrow then?"

She looked at him and smiled. She was standing directly in front of him, her hand still in his. "Yeah."

Then suddenly Stefen took a step forward, his heart was racing and he had no idea what possessed him, but he leaned over and gently brushed his lips over hers. They were both so shocked by the gentle sensation that they just stared at each other. Then Jysella grinned and kissed him fully on the lips, but before he could respond to her, she stifled a giggle and ran into the female dormitory, leaving Stefen there to dazedly stare after her long after the sun had slipped past the horizon.

XXX

Chapter 29

Kyp stared at the reflection in the mirror not quite believing what was about to happen. He smoothed out the fabric for at least the tenth time of the formal dark brown robe he wore. Trying to quail the nerves that were making it feel like there were flutterwings in his stomach, he took another deep breath.

I'm getting married.

I'm getting married to Jaina Solo and am a father.

Who would have ever thought it possible?

These thoughts kept repeating themselves in his mind in an endless mantra that did nothing to make it seem more believable.

But it was. Four months had passed since he and Jaina reconciled. He still had a hard time accepting that three kids were able to trick him into falling into their trap, but he also realized that it was the best thing that they could have done to him. It forced him to face his fears, his fear of being hurt and the fear of finally having the one thing he wanted most in life—Jaina. He knew now that it was his fear that what kept him from forgiving her. Yes, he was afraid of her hurting him again, yes, he was angry at her, but deep down he was also afraid that she was finally willing to give him what he had always wanted. When he realized that, it had shocked him to the core and it made him wonder what would have happened if Jag had never made his hated reappearance in Jaina's life.

Would Kyp and she been able to mature together? Would they have made it without the trials they suffered? He wondered about this and couldn't find the answer. They both had grown up a little in the past eight months. And it was that maturity that had allowed them to see past the other's faults, the tarnish, and accept the person beneath. Within the past four months he had fallen completely in love with her all over again.

He heard the door open behind him and turned. Seeing Stefen step in, Kyp smiled and looked the boy over. He had turned fifteen two months ago and had actually grown taller in the six months that he had been in Kyp's life. His voice was really starting to change, deepen in what would probably be a deep timbre. It still amazed him that he had a teenage son, but Stef was overall a good boy and student. He had a lot of Kyp's abilities in the Force. And Stefen had an innocence that Kyp himself never had; however, Stefen also possessed a certain street smarts that would serve him well and often did.

Stefen smiled and cleared his throat, "Dad, I just wanted to talk to you." Then he looked around the room nervously.

Kyp stepped forward and laid his hand on his shoulder, "Son, you know you can tell me anything."

Stef looked up into his father's eyes and swallowed, "Dad, I just wanted to tell you that I'm happy for you. I really wish you and Jaina all the best of luck." Then he smiled and added, "And I can't wait to meet my little brother."

Kyp embraced him around his shoulders and grinned, "Well, I can't wait to meet him either. Although I think little baby Durron will probably be a Sithspawned terror."

Kyp couldn't help the tinge of emotion that seemed to roll over Stefen. Although, Stefen had accepted Jaina would be his step-mother of sorts and was looking forward to the baby, Kyp knew he still was working it all out in his head. The boy's life had been completely turned inside out in the past half year. It amazed Kyp that he didn't cause more trouble than he did. Stefen was an excellent student but he didn't always get along with everyone. Zekk had told Kyp about growing problems between a fellow student by the name of Tagg Madene and Stefen that was beginning to worry him. But it wasn't the feud itself that worried Kyp, it was the object of the discontentment—Jysella Horn.

Suddenly, Stefen asked pulling Kyp out of his reverie, "Dad, can I ask you a question?"

Kyp smiled and nodded, "Of course you can, son. You can ask me anything." He could tell whatever was bothering the boy it was making him nervous. Kyp snickered to himself, Well, it seems to be a day for over active nerves for us Durron boys. So, to try to help hide his own nerves of getting married in less than an hour, as well as, help relax Stef, Kyp sat down on the chair by the window. Stef followed and sat on the ottoman before it, albeit very tensely.

Finally, Stef looked up from his folded hands and met Kyp's eyes. He had wanted to ask his father this for a while but didn't want to slight his mother. When he had gone back to Tatooine two months ago for his lifeday, he'd asked if she would mind him doing what he was about to ask and to his surprise she thought it was actually a good idea. He swallowed and plunged, "Dad, I would like to change my last name from Boaden to Durron."

Kyp stared at him, whatever, he had envisioned the boy asking, that was definitively not it. Kyp at last recovered and said, "Stef, I'd be more than honored, but would your mother approve?"

Stefen smiled and nodded his head, "She does. I talked to her about it when we went to Tatooine for my lifeday."

Kyp grinned broadly and reached over to pat him on the shoulder, "Well, then I guess you are now Stefen Durron."

"Thanks Dad." Stef smiled but then Kyp felt the nervousness back. Stef wasn't done yet.

After a long moment, Kyp finally asked, "Is there something else bothering you?"

He nodded and said, "How did you know you were in love with Jaina?"

Sweet Force! Kyp's mind screamed at him. He didn't like where this was going. "I emmm—I guess I just knew. Why are you asking?"

Stefen swallowed hard and looked down at his hands again which he was now trying not to wring. "I—I think—" he stammered at first but then he looked up at Kyp and as if he had just made a decision he said, "I think I love Jysella."

Kyp felt his heart sink. Somehow, he knew it was coming. Every time he saw them together quietly talking with their heads nearly touching or even when they were yelling at each other in argument, Kyp knew this was coming. They reminded him too much of himself and Jaina for it not to come up. Like it or not, his son and Horn's daughter were destined to be together. And there wasn't a thing either he or Corran could do about it. So, Kyp accepted the inevitable and chuckled, "Well, I think you have a long, long time to think about that. But if it's Horn's daughter that you have feelings for, are you sure you want to change your name?"

He grinned and nodded, missing the meaning that Kyp's sarcastic tone had implied. Then he said, "It was she who actually convinced me to do it. I wanted to since you found me but I was afraid to ask. Especially Mom. But Jysella talked me into it and I'm glad that she did. She does that to me. She has a way of driving me crazy and yet she always seems to be there to help me when I need it. It's like she knows somehow when I just need to talk to someone. And I'm there for her, too, I guess. At least I try. Like when Tagg was bothering her and when she's upset about not having telekinesis." Stefen blushed and glanced away, "But mostly she helps me, it hasn't always been easy accepting all this stuff. She's been—I don't know how to say it." He looked down at his hands again, the slight blush became darker. "Sometimes it's like she knows what I'm feeling and thinking and I know what she is too. It's weird."

Kyp stared at him and then quietly supplied the words, "She's been your best friend." Then Kyp realized something profound, Kriff, their bonding! But aloud he said, "And it is weird when you know someone so closely that you feel their feelings and hear their thoughts."

Stefen snapped up to meet Kyp's eyes, "Yeah. That's what I mean. But yet she's means more to me than any best friend I've ever had and I—don't know—I feel like she is almost part of me sometimes."

Kyp swallowed and patted him on his shoulder again, "That is exactly how I've always felt about Jaina." Then he stood and took another deep breath and wondered how many years will go by before their roles are reversed—Stefen would be the groom and Kyp the best man. He shook his head and thought, I hope Corran isn't too hard on him and just accepts it, because there isn't much we can do about it. But he doubted the stubborn Corellian would. But he didn't say any of that aloud instead he smiled and said, "Speaking of Jaina, we better get going. I don't want to be late for my own wedding. It's late enough in coming already."

X

Jaina looked down at herself and sighed as she tried in vain to fluff the light tan robe around her belly to hide its size, So much for being the blushing bride. I look like an over inflated beach ball.

"You look very beautiful, Princess," the quiet words brought her eyes up to meet his as they waited outside the meeting room where a small gathering of friends and family were waiting for them to enter. He swallowed and forced a smile, "And he will think so too."

She beamed at him, "Thanks Daddy. I know that you were hoping this would be where we'd end up but I know how you really feel."

Han looked away from his baby girl and nodded, "You know, it is hard when everyone around you are Jedi. Can't hide anything." He looked back at her and flashed one of his trademark lopsided grins but it seemed a bit forced. He was happy for her and he was happy to finally have Kyp officially as a son, but this also hurt like hell. I'm giving her away! But he said, "I hope you will be happy, Jaina. I love you. Someday you'll understand what your Mom and me are feeling." He smiled and looked pointedly at her very round belly. "When you have to give that little guy to someone else to take care of."

Jaina grinned and squeezed his hand, but she didn't say anything. Somehow, she understood and she hadn't even met her baby yet.

Just then the beautiful strains of Tionne Solusar's double viol and her crystal clear voice sounded the beginning of the ceremony. It was time to walk down the aisle. Father and daughter gazed at each other and then he winked at her, leaned over and kissed her on her cheek and said, "Well, it's time. I love you, Jaina. You will always be my little girl."

She swallowed and smiled trying not to let the tears fall. She was afraid if she started crying she would be unable to stop. "I know and I love you, Daddy."

They made their way down the aisle that was created between rows of folding chairs. But Jaina only had eyes for the man standing in front of the room with his son and her uncle. He smiled at her and she smiled back. He looked handsome in the dark brown robes. She had chosen to forgo the traditional wedding dress too. She was dressed very similarly in lighter tan robes, which did very little to hide the fact the bride was very pregnant. Kyp had wanted to wait until after the birth to get married but Jaina didn't. She felt they both had waited long enough. Secretly, she knew Kyp felt the same way.

After hugging her father and he shook Kyp's hand, she turned to face Kyp with a loving smile. Taking her hands into his, she felt herself being surrounded by his love. She hadn't ever felt anything so perfect. Luke cleared his throat and grinned his boyish smile and said, "We are here today to join in the bonds of matrimony Jaina Solo and Kyp Durron, if there is anyone who feels that they should not be so joined let it be known now." After an obligatory pause, Luke went on with the vows.

Neither Jaina nor Kyp really remembered all that was said but they would never forget the rightness of the words. Finally, Luke said, "I now present Jedi Master Kyp Durron and Knight Jaina Solo-Durron."

Both of them looked at Luke and then Kyp met Jaina's eyes. Pulling her to him he leaned in and met her lips in a tender kiss. After breaking the kiss, he whispered, "I love you, Goddess."

Jaina never realized how much she missed him calling her that. The tears she had been holding in so well throughout the whole ceremony could no longer be restrained; they slid unbidden down her flushed cheeks. Breathless, she smiled and laid her hand long his cheek then she whispered, "Kyp, I love you more than I had ever loved anyone."

Kyp understood what she was actually saying and pulled her in for a second kiss. They had completely forgotten about the audience before them, nothing mattered but that moment.

XXXX

Chapter 30

Coruscant Jedi Temple: 5 years later

"Push Jaina," Tekli said as she stood at the bottom of the birthing bed.

"I am!" she groaned as she tried to bare down again though yet another agonizing contraction. As it receded she looked up at the man by her side and accused, "Where the kriff is he?"

The tall black haired Jedi Master smiled and said soothingly, "Jaina, he will be here. I know he wouldn't miss this for the world."

"He better be. Ahh…!" She screamed as another contraction raked her body. "Damn, she's more stubborn than her brother was." Jaina's labor with her son five years earlier had been just under twelve hours and so far for the birth of her daughter ten hours had past.

The small healer and the man both laughed, but he said, "And that surprises you. You and that husband of yours are too of the most hardheaded people I know."

She gritted through the worst of it and then sent a glare at her lifelong friend.

Just then the door to the medial ward opened and Kyp Durron came rushing in, his cloak swishing around him. He took in the sight and grinned when he realized that he didn't miss the actual birth, just Jaina's cursing and her blaming him for all her problems.

He stood across from the other man, who had become like brother to Jaina and reluctantly to him too. Jaina looked up at him and scowled, "It's about kriffin' time, Durron."

He leaned over his wife and placed a kiss on her chapped lips. Then he straightened and sniggered while looking back at Zekk, "Has she been this pleasant the entire time?"

Zekk, who was already moving away from Jaina, laughed and nodded, "Yep, and I'm glad to leave her to you." He came around the head of the bed and patted his onetime adversary on the shoulder after Kyp had sat down on the stool by the bed. "I don't envy you, Kyp. She has a mouth worse than a Tatooine spice runner."

"Yeah, well you try to push something the size of—AHHHH!" she didn't get to finish her snide comment before another pain constricted her body. Both men just rolled their eyes at each other.

Zekk looked over at the woman, who he at onetime loved more than life, and smiled, "See you later, Jaya." Then he patted his friend again on his shoulder.

Kyp looked up at him, smiled and nodded, "Thanks, Zekk. I owe you one."

He smiled back at him but Kyp's attention was already diverted by Jaina and Tekli. He walked from the room not feeling anything but the purest joy for his friends. He still loved Jaina but it had become completely friendship and nothing more. He eventually found someone who made him complete and they had been married for a little over two years now. In fact, just six months ago his wife made him a father by giving birth to a son. As he gave the Solos a progress report after they came running into the waiting room, five year old Kris Durron leapt into his arms.

"Uncle Zekk! Uncle Zekk, did Mommy have the baby yet?"

Zekk laughed and couldn't help but wonder how he'd ever been able to pull off pretending to be the boy's father. Zekk was certain that Kyp was determined not to just have sons but produce clones of himself. Kris was as much a clone of Kyp as Stefen was. He shook his head and tweaked the boy's nose, "No, she hasn't. Your sister is proving as stubborn as you."

"I'm not stubborn," he stuck out his chin, an expression that was all Jaina.

Zekk put the boy down and ruffled his black curly hair, saying, "Well, I'm sure a lot would argue that point." But the boy was done with his adopted uncle, his brother just arrived. Zekk watched as Kris ran up to Stefen and the tall lanky Jedi bent down to meet the boy's green eyes. Stefen had matured into a fine young man and Zekk was proud of him. Of course, the fact that he had been Zekk's first real apprentice might have something to do with that.

Stefen tried to apprentice with Kyp in the beginning but Kyp's duties as a Council member and the new baby kept him pretty busy, plus, Stefen decided that it would be better to apprentice with someone else. He felt his father was just too close to him to be completely objective. It still surprised Zekk that Kyp would ask him to mentor the boy, but then Zekk had already proven to Kyp that he was a good teacher.

Stef separated himself from his little brother and stepped over to Zekk, "I see Dad made it back."

Zekk nodded, "Yes, thank the Force, your step-mother was giving me a headache."

Stef laughed, "I'm sure she was. I remember when she gave birth to Kris. Dad said he had a headache for two days."

"Well, I need to get going. I told Wyn that I would be home as soon as your dad got here."

Stef grinned and said before Zekk completely escaped, "Hey, Master Zekk, thanks."

Zekk smiled, "No problem." Then looking over at the Solos he waved and said, "I'll see you all later."

Zekk left the Temple and caught an air taxi back to the apartment he shared with his wife, when his commlink buzzed. Answering it he said, "Zekk Fel."

A light laugh greeted him, "You say that with so much disdain."

Zekk grinned, "Hi, sweetheart."

"Well, did Jaina have her baby?" Wynessa Fel asked her husband of two years.

"No, not yet. Kyp got there and the rest of the family. So, I left to come home. I'll be there in about ten minutes."

"Good, because I need you to stay with Devin. Kyrn has invited me to the water ballet and I'd like to go. Jag will bring Charith over and you guys can do what guys do." He couldn't help the grimace that came over his face at the mention of the theater. Thank the Force for his sister-in-law. As she continued he could hear the smirk in her voice, "Except with two babies, of course."

Zekk laughed as he thought about him and Jag with their children. Although, he wasn't as close to his brother-in-law as Wyn would have liked him to be, he did love his little niece, Jag and Kyrn's adopted one year old daughter. "Of course. I'll be home soon. Love you."

"Love you," she said in a challenging way as if she could love him more than he did her. He ended the transmission and thought back over the past three years. He met Wynessa Fel in the most of unusual ways, in a Mid-Level bar while she was on a date with some government flaky and he was arresting an illegal arms running thug.

He and his new Apprentice, Stef Durron, stormed in chasing the Rodian thug. As Wyn put it she was totally enthralled to watch the two tall, dark and handsome Jedi enter the restaurant with lightsabers ablaze and take the criminal into custody. She claimed it was love at first sight. Zekk admitted that he only vaguely remembered asking her if she was okay. But when he received a transmission from the Chiss Intelligence agent at the Temple a day later, he knew she had to be persistent and deserved a meeting.

He met with her three days after her second transmission and was completely taken aback. He could never figure out how he hadn't noticed the beautiful blue-eyed, long-haired blond before. It wasn't until his third outing with her that he discovered her true identity. She had used an assumed name because she hadn't wanted people to automatically connect her with her brother the Chiss Ambassador or worse her mother, whom she resembled a great deal. The shock of finding out that she was Jagged Fel's younger sister nearly caused him to break things off with her. But after two weeks of thinking of nothing else but Wyn's bright blue eyes and her charming smile, he relented and called her.

Of course, Jag Fel, who had married his lifelong friend Shawnkyr Nuruodo and had moved to Coruscant where he was the Chiss Ambassador, was flabbergasted when he found out Wyn's Jedi friend was his onetime rival for the affections of Jaina Solo. But after four months of the two of them dating the two men became more comfortable with each other and their shared past concerning Jaina.

Wyn, who originally was only visiting her brother for a few months, extended her stay indefinitely then eventually she resigned her commission in the Intel Branch and moved to Coruscant. Zekk and Wyness had a whirlwind romance and fell totally and completely in love with each other. Six months after first laying eyes on her, they were married in a simple ceremony on Coruscant by Luke Skywalker and were surrounded by her family and the only family he knew, the Jedi. He never realized he could be so happy.

X

Stefen was pacing across the hanger waiting for her to arrive. He hadn't seen her for nearly two months, because of first a mission he was on with Zekk and then a mission she was assigned, and he missed her. Jysella Horn had become his other half, his best friend and the love of his life. His hands were thrust into his pockets and he was anxious as his hand brushed over the small box that was in his right pocket. He had been carrying around the box and its contents for weeks waiting for her to return. He smiled as he thought about what he was planning to do. If only she would get here, he thought as he looked out of the opening again before making another circuit.

Finally, he spotted the X-wing as it came in on the vector that would allow it to enter the hanger bay of the Temple. His heart raced as she expertly brought the fighter down on its landing gear. She would always be able to fly circles around him but he didn't care, he loved her even more because of it.

Suddenly, in his head he heard, Hello, handsome. Miss me?

Stef smiled; they had been bonded for so long that he couldn't remember what it was without her with him. He sent back, Hello, yourself. Did you miss me? He felt her love wash over him and he sent her his, while he watched the canopy open and she stand up. She pulled the helmet off and shook out her long black hair. Then she sprang from the side of the cockpit, landing in a crouch. He met her and caught her as she flung herself into his arms. Their lips came together in a breathtaking kiss.

As the need for air forced them apart, Stefen gazed into her grey eyes and whispered, "Do you know how much I love you?"

She smiled and his heart skipped a beat as she said, "Yeah, because I love you more." Then she pulled him to her again and captured his lips in yet another passionate kiss.

X

Kyp smiled down at the baby in his arms. She was perfect. Elissa stretched and made a gurgling sound then she opened her brown eyes to meet his. She would look a lot like Jaina he was certain. Her hair was darker than Jaina's but not as dark as his or her brothers'.

He grinned as he thought about his family. Stefen was doing well. Zekk was a wonderful Master to him and his patience was exactly what Stefen needed. Kyp still wasn't completely thrilled with the prospect of possibly being related to Corran Horn someday, but then at least it wasn't as bad as Zekk's relationship to Jag. That still gave him a chuckle sometimes.

He and Jaina were happier than they ever thought possible. Their children, Stefen, Kris and now Elissa made them complete.

Suddenly, the door bell rang and Jaina came out from the kitchen carrying a large bowl of blue butter smothered popped kernel grains which she sat on the low table in the living room. Then she went and answered the door.

Kyp stood up to greet their visitors as they all made their way into the apartment. It was the first time the six of them had been together since the birth and tonight wasn't just their usual game night; it was show-off Elissa night. Normally, they would get together and play Sabacc or watch a game on the HoloNet while the kids slept and they drank Lumin ale and ate popped kernels.

Wyn Fel entered first and immediately hugged Jaina and handed her a wrapped box as she said, "Here this is for you. Well, actually it's for Elissa but you know what I mean." It still surprised Kyp that Wyn would have been so accepting of Jaina considering what Jaina had meant to Zekk, but she was. Although, Kyp would have never expected Jag Fel would have such an easy-going, bubbly sister. She and Jaina had became fast friends since they first met and they often joked about the fact that they could have been sister-in-laws and ended up almost as close anyway.

Then the bubbly blond wife of Zekk came over and immediately began to gush over the two week old baby that Kyp held in the crook of one arm. Finally, she smiled up at Kyp and said, "Oh, hi Kyp."

"Sure, go ahead and ignore me, she does most of the time except when she's hungry or needs a diaper change," Kyp said in a mocking hurt voice as he gave his friend a one armed hug.

In the mean time, the rest of the Fels made their way through door and greeted Jaina. Zekk, who was carrying a baby carrier with his infant son, kissed her gently on the cheek and then moved over to Kyp. Slinging his arm free arm around his wife's slender shoulders after shaking Kyp's hand, he looked at Elissa and grinned. "She's beautiful, Kyp. You know keeping the boys away may become challenging in the future."

"I'll remember that when I'm chasing Devin away," Kyp countered, referring to Zekk's black-haired, blue-eyed six month old son. It had been the latest joke among the Jedi and Han Solo that Kyp's daughter and Zekk's son were destined to be together. Zekk chuckled at Kyp's remark and nodded towards his brother-in-law, "Of course, Jag may have the problem frist. Kris already loves Cherith."

Shawnkyr handed her gift to Jaina just as Kris came out of the back of the apartment yelling his "hellos" and instantly came to a halt before Shawnkyr. She leaned down and put her rambunctious daughter on the floor where she could play and Jaina grabbed Kris before he had the chance to mull the one year old too much, all the while chatting with each other.

Zekk sniggered and raised a brow, "See what I mean."

Jag, who had hugged Jaina and reached over to ruffle Kris' unruly hair, moved over to the men as Wyn and the women made their way into the living room. Jag grinned as he looked at the wide-eyed baby in Kyp's loving arms. "Zekk's right. She's going to look like Jaina and we personally know what that meant to us."

They all laughed and Zekk said, "Yeah, and we all barely survived Han Solo too."

Kyp, who turned to lead his friends into the Durron's living room, grinned roguishly and quipped, "Ahhh…He may have been mean to you two but he accepted me with open arms."

Zekk chuckled, "But he always liked you better anyway." They all were laughing when they found their wives chatting and laughing in the sitting room.

Kyp had to admit as they found their respective places beside their wives that he enjoyed the others' company. Kyp was glad to see the awkwardness was gone. Even as recently as a year and a half ago, such a gathering of the six of them would have never happened, much less them actually make jokes about what Jaina had meant to them at one time. But then Wyn insisted of having parties and inviting both her brother and sister-in-law along with the Durrons. Eventually, the past became dimmer and more humorous than painful, while the future brighter, and they all became friends.

Finally, Jaina opened the gifts her friends had brought for Elissa. Wyn gave her a cute little outfit which was a one piece jumpsuit with matching hat and booties of a pretty shade of light tangerine orange with tiny little tan and olive green feminine looking Ewoks and trim. She laughed and held it up, "Oh, Wyn, this is wonderful and it isn't pink."

Shawnkyr laughed and said, "I suggested the different color. I never quite understood why humans insist on putting their female offspring in such a horrid color as pink."

Jaina along with Wyn laughed, the men obviously didn't get Shawnkyr's joke. She proved to have one of the driest sense of humors Jaina knew, which made her perfect for Jag. After letting go of the last of the giggles, she said, "Well, I don't mind pink but she already has an entire closet full of it. My mother insistent on spoiling her." Then she opened Kyrn's gift and smiled when she lifted up the beautiful holograph album. "Kyrn, this is beautiful."

Zekk, who sat on the other side of Kyp snickered, "That should last about a week before you have it full. I never seen anyone take so many holos in my life."

Kyp flashed him a glare and countered, "I can't help that my kids are so photogenic."

"Yeah, but six vids full in less than a month," Zekk argued. A vidchip could hold nearly a hundred holograms. "No child is that photogenic when they're sleeping."

Again they all laughed and Jaina added, "Trust me, I'll have this filled in no time." She grinned at Kyp and added, "He's worse with Elissa than when Kris was born."

Kyp shrugged and held out his hand, "Okay, okay. So, I enjoy taking holos of my kids, but their only little once and besides I think you two," he pointed first at Zekk and then Jag, "are just as bad. I've seen your libraries and the galleries in both of your apartments."

Eventually, after the babies were fed and put to sleep along with Kris, they all moved into the dinning room. Sitting around the Durron's table, Jag shuffled the Sabacc cards, while Jaina passed out Lomin ale bottles to everyone. After taking her seat between Kyp and Wyn, she smiled as they responded to something Kyp had said. They were happy, all of them. She watched as Jag grinned that half smile of his as he dealt the cards. He still lived with constant back pain, but his life with Kyrn and now his daughter had helped him learn to see past it and move on.

She listened to Zekk tell them a rather off color joke about blonds, after Wyn said something that really didn't make much sense as she responded to Kyp. Wyn, realizing what she had said too late, tried to stop her husband but instead only embarrassed herself further. Burying her red face into her hands, she punched Zekk in the arm as he leaned over to kiss the top of her head.

Then her eyes fell onto the man at her side as he scrutinized his cards. He made her whole and he made her happy. Jaina couldn't imagine her life with either of the other two men at the table. He life was perfect with Kyp, and only with Kyp.

Suddenly, she lifted her bottle and said, "I'd like to propose a toast." She waited until everyone else laid their cards face down on the table and picked up their bottles. She grinned at their confused expressions as she went on, "I'd like to toast us. Our friendship, our children and our futures. And I want to thank the Force for our second chance at love."

As they all smiled and clicked their bottles together, they said in unison, "Here, here!"

FIN

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