One Year Later

Their lovemaking was passionate.

Intense.

Indescribable.

It was always incredible, fantastic, amazing. It always left Rey a satiated mess, sweat coating her skin while slick and cum coated her thighs. She had no qualms about the messy endeavor, and as far as she was concerned, any chance to rub their fluids and scents all over the bed was a welcomed one.

Well, it meant extra money spent on bedding and dry cleaning, but it was a worthy sacrifice. The sex, especially the kind that went on for hours, was too good to pass up. Like any Alpha/Omega couple, not every tryst in bed had the time or energy for knotting. Their pre-work quickies—which didn't happen often, considering how ridiculously early Ben was up and out—simply weren't scheduled with thirty minutes of knotted bliss in mind.

But the times they did get to knot, and hold each other, and lick at each other's glands like ravenous little creatures were always Rey's favorites. It made up for some of the less pleasant aspects of being an Omega. Being with her Alpha always brightened any of the doubts she had.

And tonight?

Well, tonight Ben really was her Alpha.

His teeth marks were forever etched into her skin, a tattoo made of love that promised forever. For the rest of her life, people would see that mark and know that she was mated. People would see that mark and know there was an Alpha in her life, one who loved her enough to make her his forever.

Now it was her turn to do the same.

"Ben!" she cried out, two hands buried in his sweaty, dark hair. "Please!"

Her boyfriend—mate—was fucking into her, his thrusts unrelenting as he pinned her down to the bed. His face was still buried at the crux of her neck, where he lapped dazedly at the fresh bite mark his teeth had made only minutes before. Rey tugged desperately at his hair, needing him to pull away so she could sink her teeth into his own bright, red gland.

It was inflamed and she knew he was uncomfortable. She was as well, since her body sensed the only temporary bond. While it was an incredible feeling, she knew it would pale in comparison to how her body would surely buzz the minute she sealed the bond forever.

Just when she thought she was moments away from bursting into tears, her nerves screaming to seal the bond, Ben finally lifted his head and met her gaze. She couldn't be upset with his sluggishness—the glazed-over look in his eyes confirmed what she already knew. Whatever endorphins and hormones that flooded her body after the bite had done the same to him, but clearly at a much higher rate of intensity.

It was amazing that he could even fuck her, let alone meet her eyes.

"Rey—" he choked out, his dark eyes blown wide, "Need you."

Her Omega purred. As he continued to fuck her, his massive cock practically splitting her in two, Rey leaned forward and latched her mouth onto his engorged gland. Through his erratic cries, she took a few moments to lovingly lick at the gland, knowing just her saliva would provide a calming balm to the inflamed skin. Well, that and it immediately had more slick gushing from her cunt and pleasure pounding through her veins.

Only when she had lovingly caressed the skin with her tongue to her heart's content did she finally seal their mating bond. With the sinking of her teeth, Ben truly became her forever.

Rey used to think biology was the enemy. That their relationship was bound to be controlled by their uncontrollable urges and the frustrating patterns of Alpha and Omega behavior. But in that moment, when their biology allowed them to lock themselves together forever, she found herself singing a different tune.

Ben was her forever. Ben was her Alpha. Ben was her soulmate.

He was hers and she was his.

Nothing had ever made more sense.

The orgasm that racked through her body the minute her teeth sunk into his was unlike anything she had ever experienced. She supposed Ben felt a similar earthshattering effect, because the moment she fell apart, he did too. With a cry, she felt his knot expand, locking them together again. Ben rolled over, landing so they both could rest on their sides while his knot pumped her full of cum.

It always felt incredible, but tonight was otherworldly. Rey would have to journal or write a fucking poem about it. She couldn't risk forgetting the feelings running through her body. The new presence inside her, a gentle hum like a friendly voice in the back of her head, was a welcomed addition.

Alpha satisfied. Alpha happy.

She could feel him and he could feel her.

It was perfect.

It was so perfect that she was content to simply play with his hair, listen to the new purring inside her head that indicated his happiness, and revel in the feeling of his cum being pumped inside her. Evidently, Ben had other plans, if his sudden speaking was any indication.

She was so distracted by his luscious, damp locks, that she nearly missed the question.

The life altering question.

"Will you marry me?"

Rey shifted to the best of her ability and met his big, brown eyes. She couldn't breathe. Not when his words meant everything. At her silence and wide gaze, Ben cleared his throat and continued talking. "I was going to plan this whole thing but I…" He shook his head and kissed her gently. "I love you. You're my mate. And right here, right now, is single-handedly the best moment of my life. The only thing that could possibly make it better would be you promising to become my wife."

Marrying Ben was a constant thought in her head from the moment she met him. From their days playing house in his backyard, plastic foods transferring hands to keep up the fantasy, to the evening of their prom, when seeing him in a tuxedo for the very first time took her breath away. Becoming Rey Solo was a dream, and at many points in her life, it seemed so very impossible.

It wasn't anymore. Not with their bond.

Not with his lingering words.

She had never been surer of her words than in that very moment.

"Yes!" she cried, cupping his cheeks between her shaking hands, "Yes, I'll marry you!"

His goofy grin was adorable, and perfect, and had her heart on the fritz. He kissed her again. "You make me so fucking happy, Rey. I love you."

She sniffled and buried her face in his chest, her nose poking at his marked gland. Between their engagement, his knot, and the smell of their joint scent right under her nose, Rey was nervous she'd pass out from pure happiness. It was the best kind of sensory overload. "I love you too."

Ben grinned and kissed her head. "I'll get the ring when we're not…" His voice trailed off and his cock seemed to lurch again, sending another hot spurt of cum deep inside her. She got the gist. While it felt incredible, knotting could be a bit of an inconvenience.

Well, Rey would happily wait. The thought of wearing a ring gifted to her by Ben—her Alpha—was a dream come true, but all it did was signify what she already knew.

They were mates. They were in love.

And now, they would be getting married.

She giggled. "There's no rush. I love what we're doing now."

He kissed her again. They shifted into a comfortable bout of silence, their bodies folded together as his knot held on tight. Rey was in no rush to see this end. Until Ben groaned, as if in pain.

She frowned. "What's wrong?" Feeling his discomfort was certainly new.

Ben laughed and kissed her head. "Nothing, nothing. I was just thinking about my mom. Planning a wedding. All that nightmare stuff." He nuzzled into her gland and moaned. "We should just elope. I need you in a pretty dress and that's it."

Maybe in the past, Rey would have shared the same sentiment. But now that she had so many people that she loved in her life, the thought of getting married without them watching was devastating. She rubbed at Ben's chest and shook her head.

"I think it would be nice getting married with our families." she explained softly, her fingers tracing shapes into his bare skin, "My grandpa and my dad could walk me down the aisle. Your mom would sob in the front row. Your dad would try to hide it, but he would cry too. I'd have Rose and Kaydel and Jessika by my side—Finn too, but you can have Poe—and we'd have all the people we love and care about there to watch us become one in the name of the law, in the same way we became one tonight."

Ben smiled and kissed her head. "I guess that's nice. We'd have to restrict speeches. Otherwise Lando would get drunk and share some embarrassing stories."

Rey laughed and rested her head on his chest, content only when his heartbeat became audible. "You're worried about Lando? Try Finn and Poe. Or worse, Kaydel and Jessika and Mitaka about our college years."

"Then it's decided. We'll have a wedding, but no speeches?"

She grinned. "It's a deal."

Ben kissed her again. "I can't wait to see you in white."

"Yeah? I'm more excited to become Mrs. Solo."

His smile was so bright, she was certain it could put the sun out of business. "I can't wait for that either."

Later that evening, when she was free of his knot, Rey finally put on his grandmother's ring. It was a stunningly gorgeous piece of jewelry that managed to be elegant without being pretentious. The thin silver band was wrapped in tiny diamonds, and the center cut oval gem was so incredible that Rey couldn't stop staring at it. Unsurprisingly, it fit her finger perfectly.

If she had any doubts, they would have disappeared the moment the ring slid onto her finger.

When she met Ben's gaze, it was filled with tears. She hadn't expected to cry after an incredible evening of love making, but she did. If she was already this happy now, she couldn't wait to see what their future had in store for them.

They didn't need concrete plans. Not really, anyways.

As long as they were together, that was all that mattered.

-x-x-x-

Just as Ben expected, his mother went a little crazy with the news. They announced their engagement to their families approximately three days after he asked Rey, and while her grandfather and father took the news in stride, his family was a bit more…

Well, the Solo-Skywalker clan had a thing for theatrics, so he wasn't entirely surprised by his mother sobbing and his father declaring "I thought you two got engaged six months ago?".

At any rate, despite his desperate pleas, his mother was adamant about throwing them an engagement party at his childhood home. He wasn't excited by the prospect, but Rey seemed eager to have all their family and friends together in one place. If Omega was happy, then he'd gladly follow along.

Not even a full month later, he and Rey found themselves in his childhood backyard, surrounded by their closest friends and family. His mother's garden had been transformed into a glorious backyard bash, with light wood tables covering the grass, adorned with gorgeous bouquets of pastel colors. He knew if just their engagement party looked this stunning, then their wedding would be just as incredible if his mother had any involvement.

But for now, they'd enjoy the moment. They had plenty of time to get married and start a family.

If only his mother got the hint.

"I've started drafting a list," his mother began, sequestering him and Rey by the open bar, "I have about fifteen names in total. Your father has been less forthcoming, so they're mainly from my side."

Rey glanced from his mother to him, clearly confused. She smiled politely. "A list of what?"

Ben pinched his nose. "Baby names. She's talking about names that run in the family."

"Oh." Rey swallowed and nodded, clearly trying to process the information. "I see."

"Mom doesn't." Ben glared at his mother. "We just got engaged. We're not married yet. Don't pester us about children."

His mother let out one of her signature sighs. "Oh, Benjamin, must you hurt me like that? I won't live forever. Surely you want to give your mother a pack of pups to play with."

His father appeared, reaching around them to grab a bottle of beer. "Don't listen to her, kid. Children ruin everything."

"Thanks, dad."

He smirked and took a pull from his beer. "Have them when you're ready. But just know that the good times are over. No alone time, no romantic vacations, nothing." He wrapped his arm around Leia, offering them a signature smirk. "Don't rush into pups until you're ready."

Ben sighed and grabbed Rey's hand. "Which we're not. Not yet, anyways. That's what I keep telling mom."

His mother held up her hands in defeat. "No need to gang up to me. I was simply going to suggest how lovely Prestor or Breha or Shmi would be—"

"You're on your own, kid." His father grinned and sauntered off, rejoining a table that appeared to seat his godfather Lando, his Uncle Luke, and even Old Man Kenobi.

Thankfully, they were spared from anymore of his mother's meddling by the appearance of the caterer, requesting her attention in the kitchen. As soon as his mother scurried off, Ben turned to Rey and squeezed her hand.

"I'm sorry. I keep telling her—"

Rey smiled and shook her head. "Don't apologize. It's sweet. I'm glad we have someone pushing for pups. It's like the angel and devil on our shoulder."

He laughed and kissed her hand. "I do want to have pups. Really. But we need to get married and then I think we need some time to just be us."

"I think so too."

He grinned and stepped forward, moving a hand to caress at her cheek. "How about we go to one of their vacation homes? Think about how nice an ice-cold margarita on the beach in Cabo would feel—"

"Sorry, Solo, but August 1 through August 14 is claimed." Poe declared, approaching the open bar with Finn by his side. "It took some bartering with your mother, but we were able to upgrade from the Vineyard to Mexico."

Ben rolled his eyes. "I see. What exactly did you barter?"

Poe smirked. "I just had to promise to send you articles or photos about pups for the next month."

"A worthy trade-off." Finn explained, reaching forward to squeeze Rey's hand. "This is a much-deserved vacation after we were traumatized by the antics between you two."

Ben rubbed at his eyes. "Such good friends you two are. You remind us about once a month."

"Hey. We need someone to water the plants and it seems like a worthy inclusion to guilt you into it." Poe explained, his smile cloying. He turned to Rey. "You in?"

Rey rolled her eyes but smiled. "Obviously I'll water your plants. What's the plan for Cabo?"

Poe and Finn exchanged heated looks, before looking back to Ben and Rey. "Do you want the PG answer or—?" Finn probed.

"Gross. Guys." Ben grumbled.

"Sweetie, you don't know gross until you're doing laundry in the aftermath of a heat for an omega you have no sexual attraction to." Finn reminded him. He looked back to Rey. "I still love you, but yeah. Anyways, we'll hit a few nude beaches. Poe will finally get a perfect tan, since he's always whining about tan lines. I foresee many tacos and margs in our future. The usual."

Rey smiled. "Well, I hope you two have fun. Take lots of photos. The plants are safe with me."

"Thank you. We owe you." The pair grabbed their drinks and moved to leave, until Poe stopped and turned back to Ben. He grinned. "You're welcome to the Cabo house after August 14. We'll make sure to break the bed in for you."

Before Ben could let out a vicious comeback, Finn and Poe disappeared back into the crowd of people. Rey just laughed and kissed his cheek. "Let them go. They deserve that vacation. They did so much for us."

"I know. But still. If we go to Cabo, I'm going to need the contact information for whoever cleans the home."

Rey rolled her eyes. "I'm sure your mom can provide that easily. But be careful with the mention of a romantic getaway. It'll lead to another conversation about pups."

Ben grumbled and nodded. "I know, I know." He looked forward, watching as Rey's father approached with a cautious smile. "Speaking of parents."

A year ago, Cassian moved to Coruscant and accepted a position at their Alma Mater. His close proximity to Rey and Ben's place meant visiting was much easier, and even though their jobs still kept them busy, Rey was usually able to see him every few weeks. He'd even come to the apartment a few times, eating whatever big dinner Ben threw together.

Ben was thrilled to see how well Rey and Cassian got along. As an outsider, he certainly saw the similarities between the two of them. They had identical, megawatt smiles, and the habit of laughing when something was awkward or uncomfortable. Like Rey, Cassian never seemed to fill up on whatever food was put in front of him, and while he loved a glass of red wine, he refused to touch any whites.

As a Merlot aficionado, Cassian's passion for red wine was exciting. As a lover of Chardonnay, his exclusion of whites was disappointing.

But just like how Ben forgave Rey for refusing to eat grilled cheese that wasn't made with orange cheese from single-serve plastic sheets, he forgave Cassian for his brutal opinions on white wine.

"This is really incredible." Cassian began, looking between him and Rey with one of those massive smiles, "Ben, your mother is really talented with this sort of thing. I'd have no idea where to start with throwing a party."

"She's been throwing fundraisers and backyard bashes for as long as I can remember. If there's anything my mother loves, it's planning a party." Ben explained, glancing over to his mother, who was now sandwiched between his father and Uncle at a table. "We're lucky she cares so much."

Cassian smiled softly and turned to Rey, his face suddenly serious. He cleared his throat. "I want to pay for the wedding."

Rey gasped and stumbled back, clearly shocked by his words. "What? No, you can't be serious!"

"I am." He nodded determinedly and looked between them. "Look, the old practice calls for the bride's family to pay and I want to do that."

Rey shook her head, her eyes wide. "We can pay ourselves—"

"I know that you can." Cassian was quick to interject. He grabbed Rey's hand and squeezed it. "I missed out on so much of your life. It would be my privilege to do this. To make sure you have your fairytale wedding to the man of your dreams."

She stared at her father, clearly unsure of what to say. She looked back to Ben, desperate for guidance. He just smiled and nodded. It was Rey's decision. He would support her no matter what.

"You really mean that?"

Cassian grinned and nodded. "I do. Please. Let me do this for you. This past year—being able to get to know you—has been one of the best of my life. It would mean the world to me if I could contribute."

Her eyes filled with tears. Ben's inner Alpha screamed to comfort her, but he knew they were good tears. He watched with a smile as Rey threw herself into her father's arms, crying. It was a beautiful moment, and suddenly felt like something he shouldn't be watching. He rubbed at her back lovingly before moving a safe distance away.

Nothing made him happier than watching their hushed whispers. Cassian was crying, too. Ben was so happy that his mate finally had the family she wanted. Her grandfather. Her father. His family. Him. She deserved everything and more.

As he continued to watch their interaction from afar, tears threatening to build in his own eyes, he was joined by a familiar smiling face. She stood beside him and followed his gaze, her grin wide.

"Congratulations." Zorii offered, holding up her glass of champagne in a mock toast, "I'm thrilled for you guys."

Ben smiled and forced himself to look away from Rey. "Thank you. I'm sorry you got dragged into our problems last year."

Zorii laughed and shrugged. "I don't mind. It helped launch my photography business." She bit her lip and blushed. "And it may have encouraged me to work on my own relationship."

He followed her gaze. Standing by one of the endless tables of food was an unfamiliar woman with green hair, chatting along with a few of Rey's co-workers. He looked back to Zorii. "That's the Alpha?"

She nodded. "My girlfriend."

Ben grinned. "That's awesome. Congratulations."

"It took a lot of conversations about feelings and all of that icky stuff but we finally are happy. I love her so much."

Ben glanced back to Rey. Instead of standing by the bar, she was now at the table his parents sat at, clearly being hounded by his godfather and Uncle. He wanted to rescue her, but to his surprise, she was smiling. She was perfect. He looked back to Zorii. "I know the feeling."

Zorii grinned. "I bet you do. Hey, when you two are ready to tie the knot, give me a call. Or before then. I'll take your engagement photos. Same with your wedding photos."

"Really? You don't have to do that."

She shrugged. "I know. But I want to."

Ben smiled. "I'll make sure to give you a call."

With a smile and a wave, Zorii returned to her girlfriend, embracing the girl with a hug and a peck. Ben was thrilled she found her own happiness. In fact, as he looked around his childhood backyard, he was relieved to see just how many people in his life looked so damn happy.

Especially Rey.

He grinned and walked over to the table she occupied, dropping into the vacant seat beside her. Under most other circumstances, he probably wouldn't willingly join a table that featured his father, Uncle, godfather, and Old Man Kenobi all descending towards drunken foolery. But with Rey there, smiling one of her perfect smiles, any frustration would be worth it.

"I hope you all aren't badgering her too much." Ben explained, looking between all the drunken old fools in his life. "It's her special day."

His father laughed and slid a bottle of beer to him. "Relax, kid. We were just telling Rey how wonderful she was."

"Uncle Wanwo only supports top-tier ladies for his godson," Lando explained, winking at Rey. "Lucky for all of us, she's top-notch." He turned to Old Man Kenobi, "You did a good job."

"I did nothing." her grandfather explained, his smile fond, "Rey is just wonderful. It's her genes, I suppose."

His words knocked a laugh out of Rey. "My genes had me presenting nearly a decade late!"

Her grandfather waved his hand. "You weren't late. Sometimes, the best things take time. You presented when you were ready. Now look at you." He glanced between her and Ben, his smile wide. "You're so happy. You found your mate."

Rey blushed and met Ben's gaze. He immediately grabbed her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. It was literally impossible for him to stop touching her. He didn't care who saw. He needed to feel her skin.

"Yeah. I am happy." She smiled and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Ben's cheek. "It was easy with such a perfect Alpha."

Oh, how his inner Alpha purred at her attention. He kissed her hand and grinned. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

His father groaned. "Get a room! I'm trying to keep down that shredded pork and cole slaw!"

As if on cue, his mother appeared, her phone whipped out to capture the moment on camera. She squealed. "Keep going! Say, Obi, Satine had a sister named Katan, right?" At the older man's nodding, his mother hummed excitedly. "That's going on the list. Rey, I just spoke to your father, and he has some lovely family names including—"

Ben sighed and leaned closer to Rey. "I'm sorry they're all so loud and demanding." He explained, quiet enough that no one at the table could hear his words. "Especially mom with the baby names."

Rey just smiled. "I told you. I don't mind." She kissed him softly. "I'm having an amazing time. Your family is great. And your dad was right, they weren't hounding me. We were talking about random stuff. They're so happy for us. Especially for you."

He swallowed. "Really? You think so?"

She grinned. "I know so. They're our family, Ben. They love us."

He gulped and nodded. "Right. I love that you put up with this."

"Well, it's good practice for the wedding."

"Yeah?"

She laughed and kissed him again. "Come on, we both know they're all going to be piss drunk then. We might as well build up a tolerance for their insanity."

"You're a genius. Not to mention absolutely correct."

"And your mom," she continued, her eyes twinkling, "Imagine how she'll react when we eventually do decide to have pups. It'll be nine months of her sending parenting articles and suggested baby names."

As much as he looked forward to one day having pups with Rey, and creating a massive family of their own, he could do without his mother's eventual meddling. Except it wasn't really eventual, since she was already hounding them with baby names and getting Poe involved.

"I fear the day."

Rey smiled. "Then let's live in the present. Because I'm so happy right now, I honestly don't see how anything could beat this. Right here, right now."

"Listening to my dad rant about cole slaw and missing the Coyotes game is really your top moment?" He teased, unable to look away from her hazel gaze.

Her eyes were intoxicating. She was intoxicating. "Yes. Because you're here. That's all that matters."

Unable to help himself, he pressed his lips to hers again. He could hear the flashes of cameras going off. He could hear Luke quip about how young people didn't value privacy. He could hear his father make a lewd comment and the follow-up smack from his mother.

But Ben didn't care if every last guest at their engagement party stopped what they were doing to watch them kiss.

His world had already stopped. She was with him, in his arms, and kissing him back with just as much fervor. Her essence was a delicious blend of their two scents, allowing him to bask in his Omega's new smell.

As long as Rey was with him, he would forever be happy. Even if his dad got drunk and made a scene. Even if Finn and Poe ruined his family's vacation home in Cabo for him. Even if his mother sent him baby names for years until him and Rey finally had a pup.

If his Omega was with him, in his arms, he could die a happy man.

Rey was everything he ever wanted and he would forever thank his lucky stars that she was finally his.

The End