Chapter Twenty

Naboo was absolutely gorgeous. Ella felt like she stepped into eternal summer as she skipped off the cruiser a week after they'd arrived.

The men of the 501st were just as ecstatic. Several had never been to such a beautiful and safe place where the weather was perfect and there weren't many animals that would attack them.

They could have some peace and quiet.

Or fun and loud.

Hardcase was definitely opting for the loud.

"Last one to the beach is a slimy huttling!" he cried, running towards the distant shore. A gaggle of his excited brothers pelted after him.

"It's a whole two miles to the beach from here," Rex laughed as half his men temporarily deserted.

"Come on, Skyguy! It's beach time!" Ahsoka said, grabbing him by the wrist and dragging him towards the cloud of dust rising from the many running men. "You've avoided it long enough!"

"No! I don't like sand! Padmé help!" he cried pitifully.

His wife laughed and shook her head, "Be there in a minute Ani." She helped Riyo finish her sunscreen. "I better go before they bury him and tickle his feet."

"I'll come with," Ahsoka said, "You coming boys? Ella?"

Ella nodded. "Yes. We'll be there soon."

Echo walked up to her and threaded their fingers together, smiling at her as they walked down the well-travelled path.

"Do you want to hang back and let the others go on ahead?" she asked.

He nodded, "That sounds fine."

They let the crowd of brothers pass them, then walked along at the back, swinging their hands between them.

"So. Tomorrow."

"Yeah," Echo murmured, running his other hand through his hair and shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't... it's so close! It doesn't seem real!"

She nodded, "Are you nervous?"

"A little. But... in a good way, I think," he replied.

"Yeah. Same here."

They sighed.

"Wow."

"Hm?"

"Just... we're getting married tomorrow."

"Yeah. We are."

"We are."

"Yeah, we are."

"I can't believe it!"

She laughed, shaking her head at him and kissing his cheek. "Yes. I know."

He chuckled, "I'm sorry, it's just... it's hitting me. It's starting to feel real!"

Ella smiled, "It's okay. How about we head to the beach for real? I kinda really wanna swim now."

"Ok. By the way?"

"Yeah?"

He looked around, then asked, "Kix and Galene. When did that happen again?"

"New Years. At my house. He saw her and just... bam. Like he'd been hit by a train."

Echo nodded, "Yep. Thought so."

"I think she likes him. I mean, she hasn't told me yet. I think she's trying to figure out what she feels. But if I'm right, which I think I am, she is head over heels."

Echo smiled. "That's good. I want my brothers to be this happy too."

Ella snuggled closer to his side and hummed.

As they drew nearer the beach, shouts reached their ears, and splashing.

Anakin was lying on a float, one foot hanging in the water as he drank a smoothie he'd brought.

Ahsoka and Riyo were sunning with Padmé and Galene. Kix, Jesse, and Chopper were locked in an intense volleyball match with Votyc, Rogue, and Wander.

Charge and Vaughn were chicken fighting with Fives and Hardcase, a ring of their brothers around them. A few were just swimming or sunning.

Her mother was reading a book on a towel with an umbrella overhead and her father was building a giant sandcastle with her brothers, the pilots, Cody, and Obi Wan.

"Well, swimming it is?" Echo asked.

She nodded. "Yep!" Then she grabbed the hem of her coverup and lifted it over her head.

Echo's sharp intake of breath made her smile.

It wasn't that she was wearing anything revealing. At least, not in the more popular sense. But he'd never really seen her wearing anything that showed... anything. Even her legs were usually under a skirt.

Not because she didn't feel like showing them. She just really loved skirts, dresses, and leggings.

She decided to make good on this situation, and tease him. Just a little.

"You okay there, trooper?"

He blinked trying to keep his eyes on her face instead of her legs. He nodded, and cleared his throat, blushing furiously. "Uh-I-I, I mean I'm, well... I'm fine! Really! You just... uh... yeah."

Ella stepped closer and placed a kiss on his collarbone, then walked towards the water, adding a little more sway in her step than was necessary.

The water was warm as she waded in, and she quickly swam out to a deeper area, letting the waves lift and lower her body like a cork. Ducking under she reveled in the lovely sensation that was the envelope of water, thrumming around her.

When she surfaced, she whipped her hair back and pushed the strands away from her face.

"That was a little mean, you know," a voice said beside her.

Ella squealed in surprise and whirled around time face her beloved. Her cheeks pinked and she but her lip sheepishly, looking up at him through her long eyelashes, hoping she gave off an innocent picture.

Echo shook his head and laughed. "I forgive you. I can't be mad at you for being scandalously beautiful. But it was a little mean, just leaving me there while you walked away, fully knowing what you do to me."

Ella sighed, "I'm sorry. I didn't think about it as being mean. I wanted to tease you a bit."

He swum closer and pulled her in to hold her. "I know. And I knew you didn't do it to be mean. It just makes me… uncomfortable."

"Huh?"

He squirmed, "Don't pretend you don't know what I mean."

She flushed.

"What?" he asked when she ducked her head.

She shook her wet locks, sending a spray of water in all directions. "I feel guilty for not feeling guilty. Sorry."

Echo chuckled and inclined his head, "That's okay, I suppose. Just... I don't know." He grinned, "You really are stunning. I can't even understand it. And it's powerful. It knocked the breath right out of me. I can't handle it. Just... don't underestimate your loveliness. It's lethal."

Ella smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, using the next wave as a boost to reach his lips. He laughed against her and pulled her completely against him.

Echo gasped against her lips and nuzzled her neck. "I love you so much, so much, sweet girl."

Ella hummed and smiled, pulling away to kiss his forehead. "I can't wait to marry you."

"Me too, Ella," he rasped. "Come on. We should go back and get ready for the rehearsal dinner."

•~§~•

The morning sunrise kissed her face as she blinked her eyes open.

Today's the day!

She smiled and rolled out of bed, padding across the floor on bare feet to the bathroom. The girl in the mirror wore an unbreakable smile, so bright and full of joy that it seemed to blast excitement into the very atmosphere.

I'm getting married today! I'm marrying Echo today!

She squealed with happiness and bounced up and down, feeling too giddy to control herself.

Someone knocked at the door as she was washing her face and she quickly finished, patting it dry as she stumbled to answer.

Her mother and bridal squad pounced on her, carrying their things from their own rooms.

"ELLA! Today's the day!" Riyo squealed.

Padmé giggled, "You have to be ecstatic right now!"

Ella nodded, "I am! I'm so excited I feel like I could fly!"

"Let's not test that theory, please? How would Echo feel if you left him all alone at the altar, hmm?" Galene begged.

Ella shook her head, "I don't even want to imagine how hurt he'd be. Let's think about something better!"

"Yes! Like you coming with me to the bridal suite where you can get your princess on!" Riyo said.

"Yes! Let's go!" Ella said. "Just let me grab my bags!"

Ahsoka was there before her and grabbed the honeymoon prep bag, the little just-in-case handbag, and the suitcase.

"I think Ani and Obi Wan took Echo shopping a few days ago," Padmé informed.

"That would explain where the bathing suits came from," Ella noted.

"You have everything?"

She nodded. "Yes, I do! Let's go."

Galene hooked arms with her and dragged her down the hallway. "We have to get you ready before your 'meeting' with groom, and the pictures! Rogue is already up. He'll be taking pictures of us here while Kix takes pictures of the boys on the Resolute."

"I can't wait to see them!" she squealed.

"Have to take them first!" the eager photographer quipped, hugging her.

"Oh, Rogue! I can't believe it's really today! Pinch me!"

He shook his head, "I don't think Echo would like that. He'd probably challenge me to a one-to-one for that."

"I wouldn't let him. I'm sure I could convince him," she dared.

He chuckled, "You probably could! Now, how about you get on in there and get all dolled up for Echo? I'm kinda ready to start snapping!"

Ella giggled and nodded, taking a seat in front of a huge mirror. Riyo's maids were talking in the corner with Galene, likely about makeup and hair. Ahsoka sat herself down in another tall chair beside the bride.

"They're not doing too much makeup for you, right?" Ella asked. "You're so pretty already. Stunning. You really don't need it."

Ahsoka blushed, "I won't. Don't worry. Just a little bit, for the occasion."

Ella smiled, "Can you bring my prep bag to me?"

She nodded and grabbed it off of a side table.

"Hey girls!" Ella called. "Come here a minute."

Riyo, Padmé, and Galene made their way over to her. Ella unzipped her bag and handed out four identical boxes. "A little something to remember that you're all part of my bridal squad."

Galene gasped and smiled when she saw the dainty butterfly necklace, a G engraved into the underside of one wing. The girls quickly put them on, thanking her.

"No, thank you," Ella said. "All of you. You all have blessed me so much, and I know Echo feels the same way. Thank you, Padmé and Riyo, for going above and beyond to make it possible to be married here in such a beautiful place. Ahsoka, you've been there beside me helping me pick out little things to make everything fit together, and keeping me sane. And Galene... you flew from Veritas to Coruscant to Naboo for me, kept everything a secret and jumped on board from the beginning. You made me who I am today, and I can't thank you enough for that."

The girls all hugged her before being ushered into chairs to get their hair and makeup done. Rogue snapped pictures as they did, then sat her down in front of one of the windows and set up his camera so he could interview her.

"Introduce yourself, tell about where you grew up."

"I'm Ella Grace Starrow. I was born in the little city of Eberny on Veritas."

"Tell me about the day you met Echo," he said.

She smiled, "I was working in the medbay after a battle... I forget where we were now," she laughed. "I was taking care of someone," she winked at him and he grinned, "and this man came to ask about his best friend, Fives. We sat on an empty cot and talked, and he told me he liked reading regs manuals."

She laughed and shook her head.

"He converted me."

"What was your first impression of him?"

"Echo was a little shy. And really sweet. He is a deep person; I could tell. And it just kinda felt natural to be hanging out with him. Like I'd done it all my life. We started hanging out more often, mostly reading. I'd read him one of my books, then we'd break and read the regs, which are actually pretty funny."

Rogue rolled his eyes, but continued. "At what point did you fall in love with him?"

She shook her head, "I think I fell in love with him in the medbay the very first day. I just didn't realize or understand what I felt for a long time. It took me a while. I think I really realized when he was trapped in the facility with the blue shadow virus. I didn't want a life without him in it, and I realized he meant more to me than anyone I'd ever met in my life, and I'd do anything so he could be safe and happy."

"What first attracted you to him?"

Ella flushed, "That's a multi-layered question. And a difficult one to pinpoint. I'm not sure if anything came first. I remember just being more and more aware of his kindness, gentleness, how he cared about me and was willing and ready to defend me, physically and verbally. He respects me. He never made me feel less than beautiful. He protects my reputation and is incensed when someone talks to me in an inappropriate way. He's fun, and he feels like home." She giggled, "And he's also really handsome."

Rogue smiled, "When and where did you have your first kiss?"

She smiled dreamily, "it was after the Zillo Beast fiasco on Coruscant. I was up on the balcony of Padmé's apartment, looking out at the city. He came out to check on me, and said something along the lines of 'it's against regs for a trooper to have a relationship.' I'm not gonna lie, I was gonna cry when he said that. At that point I knew he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, even if he didn't know it yet. But then he said, 'But I don't care,' and I was so stunned and happy at the same time. He told me he loved me, and I couldn't speak, so I kissed him. And he kissed me back."

"And you've been inseparable ever since," he said warmly. "What about when you introduced Echo to your family?"

Ella laughed, "Echo was pretty much terrified when my family came to visit and meet him. He wanted them to like him so much. Fortunately, they already did. Especially my littlest brother, Amon. I think he's under the impression that Echo hung the stars."

Rogue laughed with her. "How did he propose?"

"Officially, he proposed on Kamino. Right after the battle ended, he took me out on a landing platform and surprised me. And I said yes. But he kinda accidentally proposed long before that in the barracks on the Resolute. He just said, straight out as we were cuddling together, 'I wanna marry you.' And I said yes, and that's when we started planning."

"What is an embarrassing moment that happened between you and him, or when you were with each other?"

Ella blushed and covered her face. "Oh gosh! I'm really not sure. The only one I can think of, I'm not sure if he'd be okay with sharing."

"Well why don't you gloss over it a little?"

"Let's just say I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and I saw things."

"Oh! Oh gosh," Rogue laughed.

She nodded, "It turned out being something we laugh about, but I'm not sure if he'd want everyone to know about the details."

Rogue nodded, "Ok. What's the thing you like best about Echo?"

Ella sighed, "You couldn't have asked a harder question. There's so much to love about him! Hmm... well one of the things I love best about him is that he's genuine. He doesn't do things without reason, and he always has my heart as the most important thing. I love the way he loves me."

"What's the biggest difference between you and Echo?"

"Hmm... there's differences between us for sure. I'd say probably that he hasn't really had a childhood that I can relate to. At all. I grew up with parents and little brothers, and that part he can relate to. But not the parents part. I grew up in a way that let me keep my inner child safe and innocent, and let's me still have some harmless naivety. He didn't have that. He never had that kind of shelter, and if I could go back and give him that... it's something I wish I could do for him and all his brothers. To be able to give them freedom to laugh and play and be kids while it lasts; to chase fireflies and think about Christmas."

Rogue looked a little sad at this answer, as if it was something he wanted very much. But he swallowed and continued. "Where are you going on your honeymoon?"

Ella brightened, "We've been so blessed by our amazing friends. Padmé is letting us stay in a hut by a very secluded beach and have a good two weeks to ourselves just to get to know each other more and relax before heading back to the front lines."

"Pretend Echo was on the other side of this lens. Tell him how you feel about him and how you feel about today."

Ella looked directly into the camera and smiled, "Echo, I am completely and irrevocably in love with you, and I will be forever. One day we might forget how much love we have for each other today, and I hope we go back and remember this. I love you. You're worth it. That will never change. And I'm so incredibly excited to be your wife. I'm coming. Just look for the girl wearing white. That's me."

Rogue nodded. "One last thing. I have a letter to you from Echo. If you could read it..."

Ella took the envelope and opened it.

Dear Ella,

It's finally here. The day I wouldn't believe possible if you'd told me when I was a cadet. Seriously, if someone told me that I would be marrying the most amazing, most beautiful, most ethereal girl in the universe when I grew up, I'd have said they were crazy. You took a chance on me. I still don't know what it is you saw in me that made me worthy of your love, but I thank the Maker that you saw it and still see it.

You have the most beautiful heart; you don't love in halves, thirds, or quarters. You love with everything in you. You are willing to take the risk of being hurt so that you can give all the love you're capable of giving. And I know the rest of the galaxy doesn't look at your sweetness and vulnerability and smile, but adore you for it. You're the bravest person I know.

Here she had to stop and regain her composure, wiping away tears.

"See this is why they didn't do all the makeup!" she cried, a smile on her face.

Rogue nodded, his own eyes a little dewy.

Ella took a breath, then continued.

I love you so much Ella. Even if I die tomorrow, I think I'll have lived life to its fullest. You love me. You make me feel like I'm not just a replaceable clone in an army of millions who share my face and features. You look at me like I'm the only one you ever saw in the first place, and it's the most amazing feeling in the world. Thank you for loving me. I can't wait to see you at the altar. I'll probably be a bawling mess.

See you at the starting line, vheh a'oatr.

I love you so much.

Echo.

•~§~•

The music was sweet as he took his place at the altar after escorting Mrs. Manicha to her seat. Olvet and Thalis were already there, and smiled widely at him, Olvet even giving him a thumbs up.

He tried to smile back, hoping it wasn't a grimace that emerged instead, and took another dee breath. Why wouldn't his hands stop shaking? He tucked them behind his back.

Fives laughed behind him, "Echo, it's going to be alright! Calm down, vod!"

Echo sighed, "I know. I know. I'm trying."

Rex chuckled, "I heard from the general that feeling like this is normal, Echo. But it really will be fine. Rogue told me she looks absolutely gorgeous and is more than excited."

"We should get him something to drink - loosen him up a bit!" Hardcase exclaimed.

The others rolled their eyes.

"No, Hardcase. He doesn't want to be drunk on his wedding day," Jesse said.

"Ella deserves better than that," Echo said.

Just then the music changed and he straightened. Only one more song until she came down the aisle.

"Bend your knees, Echo. You don't want to pass out," Rex advised.

He nodded and unlocked his knees.

"She's going to be beautiful," Fives comforted.

Echo smiled at that, "She's always beautiful, Fives."

"Well, I meant more than you've ever imagined."

Echo nodded.

Amon winked at him as he took his place behind Hardcase, a pillow with two gold bands secured to it in his hands. "She's really pretty, Echo."

Ahsoka sprinkled white petals, then stood opposite to Rex. "Prepare to have your mind blown," she warned.

Oooh boy.

Riyo came next, then Galene, then Padmé.

The music faded.

Echo's heart thundered in his chest, then froze in anticipation.

The first notes of Ella's song fell like drops of dew from the late morning sky.

His brothers all stood to their feet, facing the far end of the aisle.

A collective gasp of awe was heard as the breath was stolen from Echo's lungs.

There she was, a vision all in white, her arm around her father's, slowly walking towards him on the petaled earth.

Ella was coming to him.

Oh Maker!

Air hit his chest like a shot and tears of disbelief and gratefulness slid down his cheeks. He didn't even feel them until Fives patted him on the shoulder.

"Wow..." Rex murmured, his own voice a little wobbly.

Someone was practically sobbing behind him. Jesse? No. Hardcase?! He couldn't turn around to confirm the hypothesis, his eyes riveted to his bride.

His bride.

This was happening.

A silent sob shook him, just a little. He couldn't help it. She was so beautiful, smiling through the misty, faintly glittery veil.

I can't take it! She's so beautiful it hurts!

Then she stopped before him. He forced his feet to move towards her and her father.

Mr. Starrow guided his daughter's hand into his, squeezing his shoulder. "Take care of her, son."

"I will sir," he managed.

Then she moved up to stand across the archway from him.

"Hi!" she whispered, a smile on her face.

"Hi!" he choked, sniffling.

She raised her hand to his cheek and stroked away a tear.

"You're so beautiful; just like an angel!" he whispered, hoping it would explain his outburst.

She squeezed his hands, "You're so handsome. You really clean up nice."

He huffed out a wet laugh, "Thank you."

The ARC dress uniform was quite nice. Completely white except for the thick stripes of blue from his collar to his wrist the shoulder flaps. Nothing compared to her though. He was absolutely captivated by her beauty.

The music stopped and Obi Wan stepped forward. "You may all be seated."

The men took their seats.

"We are gathered here together today to witness what may be one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever seen take its next and incredibly important step, by vowing to stay true to one another only for all time in the sight of you and the Maker. Echo and Ella will begin a dangerous and sacred journey, one that requires much out of both to keep on going. There will be times when it seems easier to give up and say 'no more of this.' But by sticking together, despite whatever may challenge them as the go, they will become stronger, both in their marriage and in themselves."

He let his statement hang over them and be absorbed for a moment, then continued.

"Echo," he turned to him. "Do you take Ella to be your wife? To have and to hold from this day forward? For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do you part?"

He nodded, "I do."

Then Obi Wan turned to the lovely girl, shining like a radiant star, and smiled warmly, "Ella, do you take Echo to be your husband? To have and to hold from this day forward? For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"

She nodded, her voice shaky with emotion but resolved, "I do."

Echo but his lip to keep from crying again.

"Amon, would you please bring the rings?" the jedi asked.

Ella's brother came over to them and held out his pillow. Echo picked up the smaller, thin band with three little sparkling rhinestones. Who knew Naboo just have these things out?

Amon returned to his spot, patting Hardcase's shoulder on the way, as if in comfort.

"Echo," Ella said, "With this ring, from this day on, I promise to love you. I promise to never let any little thing let me forget what you mean to me. I promise to be with you in good times and the bad. I promise to bind up your wounds, and kiss away your tears. I promise that no one will ever be able to take your place. I promise that I will never leave you. I promise to protect you, and to give you my heart every minute of every day. I promise to remind you that the Maker loves you, and that you are his child, and to go with you wherever he leads us."

She slid the ring onto his hand, holding it there.

Echo's hand trembled as he took her hand in his, and gently slid the little band over her fingertip.

"Ella," he said, his voice tremulous and a few tears escaping his eyes, blurring his vision of her. "I promise to cherish you, and never forget how precious you are. I promise to comfort you when the times are dark. I promise to hold your hand and walk beside you, and protect you from dangers, in whatever form they come. I promise never to betray your trust in my faithfulness. I promise to never abandon you, and to fight with everything in me to come back to you. And I promise that I will never forget that the Maker blessed me by giving me his daughter's hand, and that she is a princess and an angel, and deserves the highest form of respect and love."

He pushed the ring back against the one he and his brothers and Ahsoka had picked, smiling a little as they clinked softly.

"If you two can come over here," Obi Wan said. "Thalis, Fives, if you would light the two family candles?"

The four stood and walked to a table, taking up two lighters and, after some patience, lighting the two white candles on either side of the larger one in the middle, which was engraved with one single E. He smiled at the thought that even their first initials would be one.

Ella and Echo picked up the two candles and together lit the one in the middle.

"They do this as a representation that it isn't only they who are being united, but their families; you, his brothers, and her parents and brothers," Obi Wan explained.

After their candle was burning, they set the other two down and walked back to the archway.

"Before we close, we want to sing one song. Olvet, would you lead us?"

Olvet nodded and sat on a stool, positioning his guitar in his hands. He strummed out an intro as everyone stood, holding the lyrics.

"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun

Heart of my own heart, whate'er befall

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all."

The sound of the company's voices echoed around the garden, and flowed through the air like a battle cry of devotion, a dare to try to come between the two who'd vowed so sincerely and lovingly to always remain together.

Obi Wan turned to the couple once more as a moment of reverential silence stretched on. The faces in the gathering were all bright with joy, faint smiles or wide grins on their faces and light in their eyes. He smiled widely as he took a breath and straightened. "With the power vested in me as a jedi and general, I now pronounce you, Echo and Ella, husband and wife." He turned to Echo and smirked, "Echo, we know you've been patient."

Everyone laughed as he ducked his head, his cheeks pink, though he didn't mind the joke.

The jedi nodded, "You may kiss your bride."

Echo deftly lifted the veil from her face and draped it behind her, losing his breath again. She was absolutely heart stopping.

Tenderly he wrapped one hand around her waist and slipped another up her back, drawing her towards him as she rested her own behind his neck. As his lips met hers he lifted her off her feet and into his arms, fighting the urge to spin around in profound jubilation.

Cheers, whistles, and whoops mixed with the sound of applause as he staked his claim, and she responded with her own.

Ella tasted like cotton candy and vanilla and he knew she'd done that on purpose. Of course she had.

Oh Ella… you're finally mine.

He told her how much he appreciated her preparations without words once more before carefully easing her feet back to the ground and helping her not to get tangled in the lengthy skirts of her gown. Then he took her hand in his and faced his friends and brothers, a painfully wide smile on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Obi Wan declares happily, "It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you, for the time anywhere ever, Mr. and Mrs. Echo and Ella Starrow!"

They all shouted and cheered again as the speakers blasted Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Echo pulled her down the aisle, raising their joined hands in triumph.

They did it.

They got this far.

Whatever came next, they'd take it in stride, or with some difficulty. But what was adventure without a few bumps, or fun without some essence of risk? They were worth it.

They'd always be worth it.

And Echo would fight for that as sure as the sun was shining on him today, blessing their newborn marriage.

Yes, he thought. Heaven is smiling, and nothing will stop us from being together.

Nothing.

•~§~•

Ella couldn't let go of his hand. She didn't want to be without his touch at all if she could help it. Just his hand in hers as they ate, watching his brothers and her family and friends enjoying themselves.

"Galene and Kix have disappeared," Echo murmured.

Ella gasped, "You think they...?"

He shrugged, "Maybe. Wait, there she is. I think they did! See how her face is kinda red? And her lips are a little swollen?"

"Kix looks out of breath," she noted.

"Yep. I'd wager that they're going to make it official soon."

"Official how?"

He shrugged, "Tell the people they're close to that they're together. How about that? Maybe there will be another wedding soon?"

She smiled, "That would be great! Let's enjoy ours though. She'll tell me when she's ready. After all, I did swear on my left pinky toe that I'd be her maid... or I guess matron now... of honor."

"Left pinky toe?"

She shrugged, "We thought fingers would be too cumbersome. What if it was an accident? You can live without all ten toes, right? I mean, fingers would be sad for me because of my music, and just everything would be a lot harder. So we decided on toes."

Echo just shook his head, "Oh dear."

She laughed, "Don't tell me you and Fives never made silly promises!"

He shrugged, "I don't remember. I think I'd remember if I betted the loss of one of my body parts on something."

Ella giggled, "Yeah, probably. Wow. Weird subject. How did we get to discussing feet at our wedding? It doesn't go together!"

"Well it probably does for some people—"

She whacked his shoulder lightly. He winced dramatically.

"Not even married five hours and already trying to kill me?" he joked.

Ella rolled her eyes and effectively put a damper on his teasing by kissing him, long and deep. He gasped, his hands going to her knee beneath the table and squeezing ever so slightly. She pulled away.

"Wow... that was..."

"Heated. And a little PG-13 for the younger members of the guests," Rex said from his left.

Echo flushed, having forgotten that he was sitting right there. "Sorry Rex."

Rex laughed, "It's fine. I just sucked muffin crumbs up my trachea, so if I'm unresponsive, it's because of that."

Ella laughed at his exaggeration, "You'll live. Drink some punch. It's yummy."

Rex rolled his eyes and complied. "I super hate you."

"Your welcome. Now have some more bacon and out a smile back on your face, Rexy—"

"Finish that sentence and I strangle you."

"On my wedding day?" she pouted, batting her long eyelashes with professional pitifulness.

"On our wedding day!" Echo cried in alarm.

Galene tapped on the side of her glass with her fork, calling the room to attention.

"Hi! I'm Galene, Ella's basically sister. I mean, it's not in writing or anything, but I heard swearing on dandelions over a flowing river was legally binding on some planet, so..."

They laughed.

"I've known Ella since she was six. We met one day when I literally crashed my scooter into hers and we ended up with bruises and scrapes, and kinda feeling murderous. Neither of us has really decided whose fault it really was, ehem, hem, Ella's, sorry, so parched right now!"

They laughed harder at that and Ella shook her head and rolled her eyes, mouthing, 'It was not,' which caused the laughter to rise again.

When they finished laughing, Galene continued, "Well eventually, after some pranking and hair yanking, we decided she was being immature and made up. And our friendship was born."

Another wave of laughter.

"Ella has always had a spark to her sweetness. As an old phrase says, 'she's whiskey in a teacup.' But she's mellowed some, which is great because I don't know if the friendship would've been healthy with her antics."

"It was one time!" Ella cried.

Her friends laughed again, many in stitches.

"Well, I forgive you," Galene said. "Took some intense therapy, but I can finally forgive you."

Ella scoffed, shaking her head as the room giggled at her expense. Oh well. She knew since she and Galene had promised to do this for each other, that her speech would be like this. Teasing. Poking fun, but no real harm done. She smiled and winked at her friend, letting her know she didn't really mind. Not much anyway.

"Ella has been my friend for as long as I can remember, and what I hope everyone here knows is she never does things halfway. Not her work, or her passions, or her love for those special to her. This is incredibly impressive. Most of us women are taught to lock our hearts deep in the dark where they're untouchable and safe, to never let anyone close so we won't be wounded. Ella never believed in this philosophy, and has been determined never to let anyone feel a lack of love from her, no matter what the cost to herself, and has gone about with her heart like a weapon instead of a target. It has stood the test of time, and I have a firm belief it will only continue to be stronger as time goes on. How can it not when her goal is never to let the world take away who she is; to fight for her pure heart and innocence because it's special and rare. Echo," she turned to her friend's husband. "Ella loves you. If you ever doubt it you might need cognitive recalibration."

He blushed as his brothers cackled, because he had doubted for a long time.

"Ella has given you an enormous piece of her heart, and I think you will find that she has no intentions of ever taking it back. Once she gives something, its irrevocable. And she doesn't give lightly. She knows the worth of a heart and has found you worthy. Remember that. Remember that you are worthy and strive to stay that way."

He nodded, squeezing his bride's hand, "I will."

Galene nodded. "Ella. You have been the best friend I could ever hope for. More than I can ask for. When I was questioning which friends were real, you were the easiest and the first to put on the yes list. I can't doubt your friendship, your trustworthiness, or your intentions. You don't have a single cruel bone in your body. You are protective and fierce when those you live come under attack, but you aren't cruel. I'd instantly know someone was lying if they ever accused you of something of that nature."

Ella smiled warmly and gratefully at her oldest friend, wiping misty eyes. It meant a lot to hear that. She tried so hard to be a good friend.

"I know your marriage will last. You two are a special kind of love; not the kind that burns hot for a moment and then is gone. Not one that has no spark, no flame. It is the perfect balance between devotion and desire. I have a few pieces of advice, then I'll quit rambling. First: Put the Maker first. If you do this, every area of your marriage and lives will be blessed. The more you listen to him, the clearer the path is, and when you're on yucky, bumpy, deadly roads, he will see you through and carry you both. Second: Be honest. Don't hide from each other. Your clarity is key to trust, and without trust, relationships crash and burn. So don't lie. Don't hide. Be brave and face each other. Most of the time you'll find it wasn't nearly as horrible as you thought it would be. The rest of the time it'll be horrible but worth it. Remember that. That you're worth it. Echo, you're worth it to Ella. And Ella, you're worth it to Echo. You are the treasures and the best parts of each other's lives. Fight for it."

She paused, gathering herself. Then she continued.

"And lastly, live every day like it's your last. Don't ever take your time together for granted. We don't know what tomorrow could bring, and that's the truth. We hope. We dream. We work. But in the end, we have to experience it to understand what's happening. All we control is what is in our hands at the present. Don't let that be taken away from you. So kiss whenever you can. Hold each other. Be silly. Be goofy or serious. Treasure each other like you'll never see each other again, and every moment will have more meaning. Now," she wiped her eyes, "I need a drink. So please, raise your glasses to Ella and Echo. May their marriage be fruitful and blessed, and may it inspire and strengthen others around them."

"To Ella and Echo!" the crowd chorused back before sipping their champagne flutes.

Galene sat and Fives rose, smirking at Echo.

"Well, the first thing I want to say is that I don't know how you got from there to here, Echo. You've had the Maker's hands on you from day one, I guess." He turned to the room and grinned, "In case you haven't met me, I'm Fives, Echo's crazy favorite brother."

They laughed.

"I never really met Echo. He was just there from the beginning. So when I say I can't imagine life without him, you know where I'm coming from. We grew up together, on Kamino. I remember being the first person to call him 'Echo.' He didn't like it then. Still not sure if he does. Echo and I have looked out for each other since we were cadets. He was the sensible one, I was off the rails. He kept me in line, I kept him from getting bored. Win win. There aren't many stories I can tell about Echo that will embarrass him. I can't say the same if the roles were reversed. So let me just gloss over one that I've been saving for ages."

Echo groaned and covered his face, as if he already knew this was coming.

"It was before we even graduated. I think we we're heading to target practice from the computer center. Echo had his regs manual tucked under one arm and was talking to me about something. I cannot for the life of me remember if it was about regs or not."

He paused to let everyone laugh a bit.

"We had a kind of mean instructor. Mean for no reason. It wasn't like push-you-to-greatness mean. It was attack-you-for-no-reason mean. So we get there, and he's waiting. And Cutup is already a little nervous because he accidentally shot his rear end a few weeks before and now he's focusing all his bitterness on him whenever he's around. It was really an honest mistake, but the instructor saw it as a personal offense." Fives shook his head, "I promise the background info will be relevant. So we get there. Bric starts cornering Cutup, talking down to him. He says something and when Cutup tried to reply, he knocked him down. All of us are kinda shocked. How do you react when your trainer does that? But Echo apparently had the perfect plan. He grabbed his regs manual and hit him right upside the head."

Shocked laughter echoed around the room.

"Really?" Hardcase laughed in disbelief.

Echo groaned, "Yes."

Fives smirked and continued.

"Bric flips out, turns on him. Echo doesn't back down, even though he was only half his size. 'CT-21-0408,' he says, 'what is the meaning of your outburst?' Echo opens his regs book, flips to a page, and points. 'Your actions are a direct violation of regulation number 349 section x. A trainer shall not abuse his role as an instructor by bullying or physically assaulting a trainee.' Then tucks it under his arm again. 'Now, sir, can we get on with the training exercise?'" Bric was fuming and steaming and looked like he'd spontaneously combust. He grabbed him by the ear and yanked him down the hall. Unfortunately, Echo got in trouble, but Bric did as well. He was told that if he was found doing this again, he'd lose his job."

Echo flushed, ducking his head.

"Echo has always used his brain to stick up for those he cares about. He couldn't stop Bric completely, but he made it possible that the people in authority could take necessary action to let him know he could lose his pay. Which meant a lot to the bounty hunter. And that my friends is how reg number 1094 was made. 'You shall not hit people with regs manuals.'"

Ella gasped, "It was you?!"

"You?" Rex cried as the whole room repeated his shocked question.

Echo sighed, "Yes. It was me."

"I've been saving that story for years," Fives announced, then turned to Echo. "You've been my friend all my life. I've watched you struggle and win and eventually become the man you are now. Ella," he turned to her, "this guy here that you just married is a sap. A complete sap. But a good one. He'll fight for you with everything he has, and love you even harder. If he ever needs to be reminded that you love him, because he just might sometimes, take a leaf out of his book. He has plenty of regs manuals."

His brothers were clutching their sides at the thought of sweet, docile little Ella banging their brother on the brain with a book.

"I was going to say read one! You people are crazy!" Fives exclaimed amidst another uproar. "Anyway. I don't know much about giving advice. But here's something that came to mind a few days ago that I hope will be helpful. Love isn't easy. If it's really love, it won't always be pretty. It's not just sunshine and rainbows; it's a battle. Your marriage is like the highest bounty that ever existed, and you're tasked with protecting it from the rest of the world. You work together to protect it because one of you can't do it alone. But if one of you gets wounded, you don't leave them behind. That will destroy your marriage. Instead, you cover for them when they're vulnerable. You build them back up, and then they'll be stronger than ever. That's what makes a marriage strong. You cover each other. You have each other's backs. Battle buddies don't always agree, but you mean more to each other than the skirmish. More than the stuff you're personally trying to work out. The enemy isn't your partner. It's the guys with you both in their sights."

He paused.

Everyone was a bit shocked that Fives had said something so profound.

He smiled and picked up his glass, "Now I'm done preaching. Let's get the party going. To Echo and Ella!"

Everyone cheered and took a sip of their drinks.

Fives sat down again, but not before Echo hugged him. They said something, then laughed and returned to their seats.

A few minutes later, Echo and Ella moves to the dance floor as their song spilled through the speakers.

"Earth angel, earth angel, the one I adore.

Love you forever and evermore.

I'm just a fool. A fool in love with you.

I fell for you and I knew the vision of your loveliness.

I hope, and I pray, that someday

I'll be the vision of your happiness."

"I can't believe we're married," Echo murmured as they swayed together.

"I know. It feels so surreal."

"Hmm," he agreed. "I love you so much."

"I love you," she replied, leaning up to kiss him again. He caught her lips and returned the affection.

"Yeah, you show em!" Hardcase whooped. The boys cheered and whistled.

"Give her a good one, Echo!" Amon squealed, to everyone's amusement.

Echo and Ella laughed against each other's mouths, then he spun her out as the song changed to a more lively one, and they began swinging.

"You got a smile so bright

You know you could have been a candle

I'm holding you so tight

You know you could have been a handle

The way you swept me off my feet

You know you could've been a broom

The way you smell so sweet

You know you could've been some perfume

Well, you could've been anything that you wanted to

And I can tell

The way you do the things you do."

Echo dipped his bride and kissed her again, resulting in more cheers, making them giggle. Ella wondered if someone would pop out of nowhere and cheer anytime they kissed from now on.

The song ended and they bowed and curtsied.

Then her father came forward.

Echo nodded, "Here you go, sir," and handed her off with a smile before taking his place to the side.

"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.

When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.

I guess you'd say

What can make me feel this way?

My girl

Talkin' 'bout my girl."

"I'm proud of you, you know," Daddy said.

"Really?" she asked.

He chuckled, "Very. That man over there? He loves you more than I've ever seen another man love a woman. He has only two things that I'm worried about."

"Hm? What's that?"

"He's a clone, which means he's grown up with people telling him he's replaceable his entire life. That might be one of the main things you need to remember when you get in an argument. He may get scared that he'll be replaced if he doesn't get it right; whatever it is that you argue about."

Ella nodded. She'd worried about this too.

"The other is his accelerated aging. He may die long before you do because of it. In which case, you should start searching for a cure, and I'll help."

She hugged him. "Thank you, Daddy."

He smiled and hugged her back as the music faded. "He makes you happy, Ellie girl. He makes you happy and safe. I just want you to feel that way as long as possible."

Ella smiled, "Thank you! I love you, Daddy."

His eyes were misty as he replied, "I love you too, sweet girl."

Then he escorted her to the side while his wife and son-in-law took the dance floor.

"He looks a little nervous," her father laughed quietly.

"It's his mother-in-law. The only mother he'll ever actually have. I'd be nervous too," she said.

Her father sighed, "I wish he could've had parents. He deserves that."

"He does now," she said.

He nodded, "Yeah. He does. Gosh, I didn't think about that before now. He's a wonderful son, though. Thanks for marrying my son."

She laughed, "Thanks for letting him marry your daughter!"

"Now that just sounds wrong," Daddy laughed.

"Yeah. But only if you take it the wrong way."

"I hope you never look back, but you never forget,

All the ones who love you, in the place you live,

I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,

And you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,

And always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, more than anything

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish."

The music began to quiet and Olvet made the next announcement. "In the words of a genius, 'let them eat cake!' Echo, Ella, please move to the cake table and cut so we hungry beggars can eat!"

The men cheered at this, and made a path for the bride and groom to get to the cake table.

Echo popped open the champagne bottle on the table, then poured one cup. Ella took the bottle and filled his, then they hooked elbows and took their first sip. Their friends and family cheered, then began to chant.

"Cake face! Cake face! Cake face!"

Ella laughed and shook her head, looking at Echo. He took the knife and cut two big slices, plating them. The chant grew louder.

"Why don't we compromise?" Echo murmured.

"How?" she asked.

He winked, "Trust me." Then he took a bit of the frosting and brushed it across her lips, then immediately followed with his mouth.

Ella put the plate down, afraid she'd drop it from the intensity of the kiss, and cling to his shoulders and he devoured the frosting. This kiss was pure hunger; starvation for her. It had absolutely nothing to do with the cake. Her knees trembled and all she could do was hold on.

This seemed to placate the crowd a little, though some still chanted for her to mush his face since he wore no makeup that could get ruined.

"You can," he said. "As long as you clean up."

She flushed and ducked her head. Then an ounce of courage entered her heart. She picked up her plate, grabbed some icing, and slathered it across his mouth and jaw. Then she kissed him.

She swore she felt his heart leap from zero to sixty.

Working meticulously, she cleaned every molecule of frosting from his handsome face, finishing with his lips, kissing deeply.

Pulling away to look at him, she picked up a piece of cake in her hand and gently brushed his mouth with it. He carefully ate from her hand, licking her fingers of the sweet stickiness, his eyes practically burning her with his heated gaze.

Then they did the same with her.

She had to admit, the cake was scrumptious. She was eager to sit down and finish her slice. Now she was thankful that Padmé had insisted they make a smaller cake just for them to have on their honeymoon.

They scooped themselves some ice cream, then the jedi came forward and divided the cake up for the men and themselves.

As she sat down, Ella saw Anakin peck Padmé's lips when his master wasn't looking. How he managed that, he'd never know.

"How soon until we can leave?" Echo whispered against her ear.

Ella shivered and replied. "Just an hour."

He nodded, "Good."

Her heart thrummed in anticipation and anxiety. She pushed that aside and decided to make the most of the here and now. She'd only ever have one wedding.

More energetic music began to play, and she grinned, finishing her cake quickly. She wiped her hands and turned to her husband. He was already finished.

"You like cake?" she asked.

He nodded, "And the ice cream. It was amazing."

"Padmé made sure we had plenty of both to take on our honeymoon."

"Hmm."

She smirked, knowing where his thoughts had gone. Then she stood. "Come dance with me?"

He nodded, "This kind of dancing I might be good at."

She giggled, "You're good at the other kind too." Then she tugged him onto the dance floor where several of his brothers were already dancing.

As they danced to Cupid's Shuffle, Ella caught a glimpse of someone in the corner. She turned and gasped, elbowing Echo.

"Huh? What?" he asked.

She nudged her head towards the corner.

Echo's eyes widened and he chuckled, "I guess we will be having another wedding soon."

•~§~•

"Are you ready?" Echo asked as they waited inside, ready to run to their speeder to the honeymoon destination.

Ella nodded and grabbed his hand, "Always."

He smiled and pulled her out the door.

The crowd of friends and family cheered as they ran between them, the glowing sparklers lighting their way as they were pelted with white petals.

Finally, they reached the speeder and Echo hugged his brothers as his bride said goodbye to her family.

"Have fun!" Hardcase laughed raucously.

Echo flushed and ducked his head.

"Treat her right," Jesse said.

"I will," he swore.

"You're going to be fine, Echo. It's going to be a wonderful and memorable experience to look back on and smile at," Rex said, patting his back.

Then was Fives. He just smiled and hugged him tight, "I love you, brother. Ella loves you. There's nothing to worry about, and I can't wait to hear everything when you get back."

Echo smiled and hugged him back. "Thanks, Fives. Really."

He leant his forehead to his. "Vode darasuum."

"Vode darasuum," Echo replied.

Someone tugged on his pant leg and he looked down to see his brother-in-law.

"Hey Amon," he greeted happily.

The boy just tackled him in a hug. "I'm happy you're my big brother. Thank you for loving my sister. She needs you."

Echo's eyes misted as he returned the embrace. "Thank you for letting me. And for letting me be your brother."

He smiled his toothy smile and retreated as his father came forward and set his hands on both his shoulders.

"Listen Echo," he said. "You're my son now. The minute you married her, you became part of my family. And I'm gonna tell you right now that you're my son."

Echo nodded, tears falling from his eyes silently. He tried to speak but nothing would come out.

This was more than he could've ever asked for.

He had a wife. He had a father and a mother and several new little brothers.

Mr. Starrow seemed to understand how overwhelming his words were, and didn't prompt for a verbal reply. Instead he hugged him, and whispered, "Just love her; the rest will come."

Echo nodded, blushing furiously. "Yes sir. Thank you."

His bride glided over to him, glowing like the angel she was in the light of the fading sparklers. She held out her hand to take his.

"Go on," Mr. Starrow said. "Don't keep her waiting."

Echo nodded and walked to her, taking her hand and scooping her up and off her feet, setting her in the speeder. He climbed in himself, clasping hands with Anakin and Obi Wan, hugging Padmé and whispering a thank you to Riyo. Ahsoka kissed his cheek, then waved and stepped back.

Echo started the speeder and began a slow departure down the driveway.

"Goodbye!" the two called, waving over their shoulders.

"GOODBYE!" their friends called back.

Echo tangled his fingers with hers as he drove, watching her every few minutes out of the corner of his eye.

She shone in the soft moonlight, a fallen star looking up at the heavens she came from. Her upturned gaze found him and she smiled, that same sweet smile that had first captured his heart.

"I love you, my husband," she murmured.

"I love you, my wife," he promised, bringing her hand to his lips.

My wife. My angel.

How blessed was he to call her his?

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Hey! If you wanted to know which songs I thought of when I wrote the wedding scene(and maybe listen to them while you read) here's the list:

God Be With You Til We Meet Again - David Tolk

Whose Woods These Are - David Tolk

Between the Lakes - David Tolk.

Lol I really like his music. I'll probably mention him again.

Hope you enjoyed this! Sorry for the wait!

Love, Peace, and

LittleBitOfGrace

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