A/N: I do not own Star Wars, these characters or their universe. Just another thought in my mind. (Modern AU/OOC)
I hope songfics are still a thing because that's what this is... This oneshot is inspired by the song "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. Was listening to it one day a couple months back and thought of a mini plot, so naturally my mind went to Reylo lol My writing is a bit rusty sorry. Enjoy!
Wonderful Tonight
.
~.~.~.~
"Sweetheart, what do you think of this one?"
Rey stepped out of the bathroom into their shared master bedroom with her fourth dress tried on for the night. She walked up to the mirror beside the dresser and fiddled with the sequins running along the waistline of the lavish red dress she tried on.
"I'm liking this shade of red a bit more than the other ones, but I don't know if the sequins will match my heels."
"Baby, that's the twentieth dress you've tried on tonight," Ben huffed.
Unlike his girlfriend, he got ready in 15 minutes. Granted, he owned about a dozen suits but only in two colors- various shades of blue and black.
"I've only tried four dresses on so far, Ben," Rey rolled her eyes at her boyfriend.
"Honey please just choose one, I beg of you."
"If you want me to hurry up, you have to be more helpful than 'that's cute on you', baby," she teased him.
"What? I'm not lying. They're all cute on you."
He stood up from the ottoman that rested at the foot of the bed and walked over to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and smiling at their reflection.
"You're gorgeous no matter what you wear."
"Thanks," she smiled, tilting her head so he could kiss her cheek.
"Actually, I do love this dress. Red is my favorite color you know," he smirked at her.
"Red dress it is," she nodded.
"Thank. God."
She laughed as she swatted his arm, stepping out of his hold and back into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
~.~.~.~
Ben was as patient as they got. He learned to be patient from his father. With Han always waiting on his lovely wife to get ready for social gatherings, he taught his only son Ben the value of patience… and keeping the women in their life happy. Sure, Ben waited patiently on Rey because she was just like his mother. Always needing half a day to get ready for an event, perusing through racks of clothes for that one silk blouse or floral dress that would go great with her new wedges or favorite Louboutin pumps (or whatever she would say to match the outfit ideas in her mind). But that didn't mean he liked waiting on Rey to pick out her wardrobe every time they had to attend more formal settings. Just like earlier when Rey complained that he wasn't being helpful, Ben really couldn't help Rey as much as say Rose or Kaydel when the ladies would be over to help her pick out outfits for dinner parties.
But there was one thing that Ben loved to wait on Rey, and she was flattered when she found out one day. He didn't mind when she did her hair. Whether it was to curl, straighten, braid, tie into a bun, or simply combing her hair, he found it soothing to watch her do it. He loved her soft chestnut locks.
Perhaps it was because it reminded him of simpler times when his father let him grow his hair out to his shoulders and his grandma Padme taught him how to braid his hair and keep his locks smooth and away from his face. He didn't mind if Rey's hair was short or long, as he had always thought a woman's hair was radiant.
"Honey, how should I style it tonight? Curls or a nice updo?" she asked him, her hands fiddling with the ends of her hair.
"Are you planning to wear a nice necklace to go with your dress?"
"Yes, the one you gave me last month for my birthday, darling! It's the perfect occasion for such a lovely gift."
Rey walked over to her vanity and pulled open the top drawer. She lifted the wooden box and opened the case, revealing a white gold pendant with a natural alexandrite stone encrusted in the shape of a heart.
"Then you should probably wear your hair up so you can show it off, sweetheart," he suggested.
"Good idea," she smiled back at him.
She handed him the box and proceeded to make a tight updo on her head. She added the last bobby pin when Ben walked up behind her, necklace in hand, ready to secure it in place around her exposed neck.
Ben gaped at his girlfriend in the mirror, bashfully smiling at her own reflection and meeting eyes with his. He had never seen such beauty personified in Rey. He was the luckiest man in the world.
~.~.~.~
"How do I look?" she asked.
Rey stepped out of the walk in closet after putting on her silver heels and donning a silky matching red shawl to her ensemble. Her outfit was finally complete.
One look at her and his breath hitched.
She was positively radiant.
There was no doubt that tonight was the night. He was going to ask her to marry him.
"Darling, you are simply wonderful."
"Ben," she blushed at her term of endearment.
He meant it always, and she knew. He's never lied to her and knows he never will.
Ben walked up to his girlfriend and set his hands on her waist. He kissed her chastely as to not smudge her lipstick and offered his arm.
"You're the most beautiful woman in the world."
"Well you're the most handsome man in the world, especially in your black Armani suit," she winked at him.
"Shall we?" he offered Rey his arm.
"We shall," she smiled.
She gladly took it, with Ben leading them out of their townhome to the awaiting town car at the curb.
Rey's first young adult novel was picked up by a publishing company recently, and Ben's mother Leia insisted on throwing a soiree to congratulate her for this great accomplishment. Ever since Ben and Rey started dating in college, Leia practically fell in love with Rey before Ben did (though he could argue that he fell in love with this woman the moment they met). She saw Rey as her daughter already and nagged Ben from the first Thanksgiving he brought Rey home to meet the family to put a ring on her finger already. That was three years ago.
Ben wanted to marry Rey. There was no doubt about it. But it was all about the timing. Rey had just started writing her novel and it took about two years for her to complete it. He planned to propose to her shortly after, but then she received rejection after rejection for her book to be published, so he waited a bit longer. Finally, after nearly a year, the Holdo Publishing Company picked up Rey's manuscript and offered her a three-book publishing deal if she turned her novel into a trilogy. Rey was ecstatic, and Ben was happy to see his girlfriend's dreams come true at last.
They were driving to his parent's summer home about twenty miles from the city to spend an evening with all their closest friends and family and celebrate Rey's next step in her writing career.
They sat in the back of the town car, which was big enough it might as well have been a limousine, but Ben insisted with his father not to send one over. A simple black town car was more than enough.
Rey hugged Ben's arm in the car, delicately resting her head on his broad shoulder. She was content, finally relieved about her work. There was actually someone out there who decided to take a chance on her; a new writer, a nobody. Amilyn Holdo saw the magic and creativity in her novel, a World Between Worlds, and was going to help her dreams come true. There was no one else she wanted to celebrate this accomplishment but with Ben. He was her biggest support and to this day, her number one 'fan', as Ben liked to say. There were days she admitted wanting to give up her silly aspirations to become a writer, but Ben would never let her spark die. He would pick her up and tell her to power through. That she was not a quitter and he wasn't going to let her become one either. She loved him so much.
Ben was excited that he and Rey were going to celebrate with everyone. Granted, he would have loved to celebrate with just Rey, but their friends were just as much as big supports to Rey's writing career as he was. Sure, he wasn't one for big fancy dinners, but when Leia insisted to throw a soiree for Rey and she asked for it to be a formal affair he didn't argue and instead sent his suit to the dry cleaners so he could look nice for his girlfriend. Frankly, he'd do anything for her.
However, he realized that they weren't going to have much alone time together that evening, so for a moment Ben thought this would be the right time to ask Rey that burning question. They were approaching the driveway to his parents' home when Rey straightened up from her hold on Ben and checked her hair and makeup once more.
"Sweetheart?" Ben gulped dryly. One hand was clutching desperately outside of his jacket pocket where the ring box was waiting to be pulled out, the other placed on Rey's shoulder.
Rey brought her hand down from fixing her hair and turned to Ben, staring warmly at him.
"Hmm?"
He dragged his hand from hear bare shoulder down her arm until he reached her fingers, lifting her hand up to his lips to gently kiss her knuckles.
"I love you so much, Rey."
She happily smiled, crinkling her nose and giggling at her boyfriend.
"I love you too, Ben. Thanks for being my constant rock for the past three years. Not just for my book, but in my life. You're the best boyfriend ever."
Ben was caught off guard for a second. He was the one who was planning on saying all these nice things to build up to his question. But now he was flushed in the face from the loving words Rey said to him.
"I-I…" he stammered. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. You have no idea."
"Thank you, baby."
Rey briefly kissed his cheek and the door opened for them, their driver Mitaka offering his hand to let Rey out of the vehicle first.
He decided against asking for the moment. There would be another time that evening to ask her. He was determined to return the kind words with much, much more promise.
~.~.~.~
When Ben stepped out of the town car, Rey waited for a moment to grab Ben's hand and together they walked up to the Victorian style mansion's antique oak doors.
"You ready, sweetheart?" he gave her hand a tiny squeeze.
"I'm a bit nervous, even though this is just a party, you know?"
"Don't be," Ben said. "You deserve a night to celebrate."
"I would've been happy with just you and me you know," she smirked at him.
"We'll have 'us' time together soon, don't worry," he assured her.
"Alright, let's do this," she placed her hand on the copper knob, twisting the door to step inside.
"There they are! Rey! Congratulations!"
Barely a couple steps through the threshold, the pair were met with a crowd at the foyer. Rose, Kaydel, Paige and all the ladies from Rey's college dorm were first to rush up to the celebrant and gave her huge hugs. Ben's friends Poe, Finn, Armie, Gwen and Jannah were up next, greeting their friend and Rey. Next, Ben's uncle Luke and his wife Mara, and lastly Rey's adopted parents Maz and Chewie as well as Ben's parents Han and Leia stepped up to greet the couple.
Leia and Maz stuck up a chat with Rey more about her contract with her new publishing company when Ben gat yanked by the arm by Poe.
He nearly stumbled from his own feet by the sudden force. Rey looked over at him and Poe quizzically about ready to follow when Poe gestured for Rey that he would only be a second with Ben. She chuckled at the men and turned back to her conversation with Leia and Maz.
"Ow! Poe what the hell?!" Ben said, trying desperately to break free from his friend's grasp.
Poe found a safe distance away from the crowd, especially Rey, and finally let Ben's arm free.
"Sorry man, I just need to talk to you really quick," he apologized.
"And a 'Hey Ben, let's chat' wasn't simple enough for you?" he scowled at his friend for wrinkling his jacket sleeve.
"I never do simple, you know that buddy," Poe winked.
"Hey guys!" Rose showed up with champagne flutes for herself, Poe and Ben, handing the gentlemen their drinks. "Poe, did you ask Ben yet?"
"Nope, just pulled him aside."
"Thanks Rose," Ben said. "But can I ask why you two dragged me here away from my girlfriend? Need I remind you this is a party for her and it kind of looks bad that I'm not with her right now…"
"She'll be fine for five minutes lover boy, calm down," Rose teased.
"Okay so what is it?" Ben glanced between his two friends, who were smirking with delight.
"Did you ask Rey yet?"
"Did you bring the ring?"
"Are you asking her tonight?"
"It's the perfect night, you should do it!"
"Okay, okay… Can we like put the brakes on the twenty questions, jeez."
Ben took a generous sip of his champagne. He was nervous already as it was. Poe and Rose's barrage of pressure was just adding to the jitters.
"Yes, I'm going to ask her tonight. I'm just trying to find the right time."
Rose squealed in delight as Poe heartily patted Ben's shoulder.
"That's great buddy! We're all excited for you guys," Poe exclaimed. "Is there anything we can do to help? When are you asking?"
"Oh, you should ask during the dinner! Like for your toast or something!" Rose suggested.
"I don't know. I mean I wasn't planning to give a toast to begin with," Ben said. "And I don't know yet when I'll ask her. I just… I want to feel the moment. I don't want to plan much. But for sure I'm asking her, okay?"
"That's more than enough for me. Aughhh I cannot wait to go dress shopping with Rey!" Rose said excitedly.
"Of course," Ben and Poe laughed at their bubbly friend.
~.~.~.~
A few minutes later Ben, Poe and Rose rejoined the crowd in the common area to mingle with the rest of the guests. Poe chucked Ben on the shoulder one last time and he and Rose gave him encouraging gestures before Ben returned to Rey's side.
She excused herself from her chat with Ben's uncle Luke to speak with her boyfriend.
Ben was a bit flushed, more so because Poe and Rose's pep talk only made him all the more nervous for tonight.
"Hey sweetheart. Are you okay? You feeling alright?" she asked, a tone of concern in her voice. She rubbed her hand along his arm and clasped her hand to his.
Ben gulped and nodded briskly.
"Of course, baby. I'm wonderful. Just chatted with Poe and Rose about your book and we shared a glass of champagne," he tried to dismiss. "Sorry I left."
"It's alright, sweetheart," she smiled warmly at him.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm starving to be honest," she giggled. "When is this dinner going to happen?"
Right as Rey said that, Ben's family's trusty butler Threepio announced to all the guests that dinner was served.
Everyone gathered around the formal dining room and took a seat at the grand mahogany dining table, large enough to seat their entire party.
Rey and Ben sat at one end with their parents beside them. Before they sat down, however, Rey was pulled aside by her college friends to take a couple of photos to upload to their social profiles. Taking advantage of that opportunity, Ben was once again pulled aside by Armie for a moment.
"So…" his ginger friend led on.
"So…?" Ben wasn't sure what he was supposed to say.
"Have you asked Rey yet?" Armie asked as if it should've been the obvious question.
"Why is everyone asking me that?" Ben groaned. "Not yet, man. But I will."
"You will tonight, right? Because we're all expecting it."
"Thanks, no pressure," Ben rolled his eyes.
"Come on man!" Armie patted his shoulder. "I know it's nerve-wracking but really you have nothing to worry about. You know Rey will say yes, she's crazy about you. and you're crazy about her."
"I know, I know," Ben said. "I just… I just want the moment to be right."
"I get that," Armie nodded. "Well if you need any help, let us know. We're all on board for this!"
"Again, no pressure," Ben and Armie chuckled.
~.~.~.~
They all took their seats around the dining table as the kitchen crew was prepping their salads. Drinks were being poured, which gave Leia the opportunity to stand up from the head of the table and clink her glass to ask for everyone's attention.
"Well first of all, everyone looks so lovely evening thank you all for coming and celebrating our lovely Rey's wonderful accomplishment," Leia said.
'Congratulations', small claps and cheers and clinking of glasses were heard all around, thanking Leia and praising their guest of honor, Rey.
"Rey dear, we are all so proud of your hard work and perseverance. It finally paid off and you're getting your novel published. I can speak for everyone here and say that we are one hundred percent continuing to support you along this new journey."
"Thank you so much, Leia," Rey said, almost ready to cry from her sincere words.
Leia went over to the other side of the table and gave Rey a warm embrace.
"Ben sweetie, why don't you give a toast for your girlfriend?" Leia suggested.
"Yeah Ben, say something," Rose slightly smirked at him, wanting to wink, but knew Rey was also glancing at her direction.
He didn't have to look around. He knew all eyes were on him. It seemed like everyone knew that Ben wanted to propose to Rey except Rey, he hoped. He already asked his parents for his grandmother's ring and he received the blessing from Maz and Chewie. All his friends knew he was going to ask her as well. Surely something huge like this would have been kept tight lipped so hopefully Paige and Gwen, the biggest gossips in the group never said a word to Rey. It seemed like she was still oblivious to the stares because she glanced at her boyfriend in a loving way, genuinely happy to have him say a few words.
Of course he couldn't say no to her face. That sweet, beautiful face he wouldn't mind kissing for the rest of his life. Now if he could only gather the courage to ask for her hand in marriage already.
Rey smiled brightly as Ben prepared to stand up and face the crowd. They all turned their attention to him, the room stark quiet aside from the faint noises in the kitchen.
"Uh okay. Hi all. I'd like to reiterate what my mother said first off. Thanks for coming here and celebrating Rey's amazing accomplishment. You deserve it and more, sweetheart," Ben grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles
'Thank you' she mouthed to her boyfriend.
Ben returned his attention to the rest of the guests and it was so obvious that they were expecting something from him. He knew that this would have been a good moment to ask Rey the burning question. But his nerves got the best of him.
"With that, I can honestly say that everyone in this room will support you every step of the way, and I'll be first in line to buy your book when it gets published."
A round of 'yes's and light chuckles spread, agreeing with Ben's statement.
"To many more wonderful stories. To my Rey, the love light in my eyes. Congratulations sweetheart," he raised his champagne flute, with everyone following suit and toasting the guest of honor.
Dinner went by smoothly, everyone making light conversations around them. For a moment, Rey stepped away with Paige and Gwen to use the restroom. Once she left the room, Jannah and Kaydel wasted to time and walked over to Ben.
Kaydel started off by swatting Ben on the shoulder.
"Ow! Hello to you too, Kay," he grunted rubbing the tender spot.
"Ben, what the hell?!" Kaydel replied.
"What?" he looked at both ladies.
"Why didn't you pop the question during your toast?" Jannah asked. "It was the perfect moment. She was making googly eyes at you the whole time."
"Yeah, you coward!" Kaydel slapped him in the arm again.
"Kaydel, I swear to God, stop it!" Ben mumbled. "I'm sorry I got nervous!"
"Chicken!"
"Kay, we can call him names all we want but the moment has passed," Jannah tried to calm her.
"Yes, thank you Jan."
"Oh no, you're an idiot, Ben," Jannah had to reassure him. "So you better man up and ask her before the evening is over."
"I will, I promise," Ben said. "I mean, you're right, that was probably the best moment to do it, but now I'm thinking I just want it to be more intimate. I'm terrified."
"Why? Rey adores you."
"I know that, Kay. But I'm still so nervous. I love her so much. It's a wonder how she chose me."
"Then make sure you put a ring on that girl's finger, so she knows just how wonderful she is, Ben."
~.~.~.~
After dinner the guests scattered between the dining hall and the living room, chatting, drinking, and enjoying the company. Since Kaydel and Jannah, Ben had been approached by Paige and Gwen, Leia and Han, and Maz. Every single person asking him when he was going to pop the question. It was that reason that Ben needed to take a breather and step away from the crowd.
Thankfully almost everyone was drunk, with the exception of the two or three people designated to drive home with their parties. It was easy for Ben to slip away unnoticed. He stepped outside to the foyer and made his way to the far end of the balcony where no one would immediately see him. He really wanted some alone time to collect himself.
He knew he loved Rey. He knew she loved him back. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, making her smile, giving her the moon and the stars. He knew that. So why was he so damn nervous?
It was probably because when he met Rey all those years ago, coincidentally, they were at a wedding. Sort of. They were taking on part time jobs as servers for their university's community center during their undergraduate studies. On one occasion a wedding reception was booked. Rey was working overtime from another job and towards the end of the night the exhaustion caught up to her. It was around the time for the best man and maid of honor to toast the newlyweds and Rey pretty much tripped over her own feet as she walked out of the kitchen towards a table to fill their glasses. But before she could make a fool out of herself and possibly lose her job, a pair of strong arms caught her and she fell into Ben's arms instead.
When the servers were tasked to clean up at the end of the reception, Rey went over to properly thank Ben for saving her. They chatted in the parking lot hours after they finished their shift and Rey mentioned how magical she always thought weddings were. Though at the root of it all, she told Ben that her ideal wedding didn't need to be extravagant because the only thing that mattered was that she was marrying the love of her life and that was more than enough.
Ben remembered that conversation and almost every single one after that. He wanted to be guy that was more than enough. He wanted to be the magic in her life.
"Love?"
Ben shot his head up from resting his hands on his face and found Rey sneaking outside the double French doors to get away from the noise.
"Hey honey," Ben smiled at her.
Rey sauntered over to her boyfriend, taking a seat on the marble bench beside him.
"What are you doing out here? Are you alright?" she asked, a bit concerned.
"I'm good, baby," he grabbed her hand and kissed her tiny fingers. "Just needed some air."
"I hear you," she leaned on his shoulder and let out a breathy sigh. "I mean, I love this whole get together, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your mother to host it. But I've nonstop been talking with everyone. I just needed to take a break before my voice gets hoarse," she giggled.
"Don't lose your voice. You've got that meeting with Ms. Holdo on Monday," Ben reminded her.
"I know, and I'm still so nervous about it."
"Don't be. She already loves you and picked up your book," he chuckled. "You earned this, Rey. Don't be scared to actually pull the trigger and start planning to publish your stuff. The whole world deserves to read the magical story of yours."
"You really know just what to say to make me less nervous, darling," she gave his arm a squeeze. "Thank you."
"Of course, sweetheart."
They spent a quiet moment taking in the crisp night air and ogling at the twinkling velvet sky.
"Do you remember the night we met?" she said out of the blue.
"I was actually just thinking about that," he chuckled. "What about it?"
"Nothing really," Rey happily sighed. "Just reminds me of the night because we spent such a long time sitting outside the community center and talking. It was a clear night like tonight."
"That it was."
"Not sure if I've told you this enough, but thanks for saving me from falling and possibly losing my job," she joked.
"I'll catch you anytime you fall, Rey," Ben turned to her and kissed her forehead.
"Always my hero," she smiled at him.
She rested her head on his shoulder some more and took in the crisp night air. For someone who grew up with very little and was given the world after she met Ben, it's still the small moments with him that mean the world to her.
"Don't you wish time can stop for as long as you want so you can make a moment last forever?" she mumbled blissfully.
"I do," Ben smiled, kissing the top of her head. Of all the moments tonight, this was it. He felt it in his gut. "But if I could just make a little tweak to this moment…"
She lifted her head and looked at him quizzically.
"What do you mean?"
Ben smiled softly and stood up, pulling her gently with him. When Rey got on her feet again, he smiled down at her adoringly.
"Is this all you wanted, to look at me lovingly to make the moment perfect?" she giggled.
"That… and…" Ben smirks before letting go of her hands and dropping to one knee.
An audible gasp escaped from her lips, her hands instantly going to her mouth to shield her surprise. Ben shakily reached into his jacket pocket for a velvet box, lifting the cover to reveal the most beautiful gem that twinkled in the twilight.
"Rey," his voice began to crack.
He was so nervous, even though he knew she loved him so. If her watery eyes and dimply smile weren't already an indication, her shaking body was just as anxious as he was.
"Rey, you are the most wonderful person I've ever met. You're so beautiful, and you've got a heart that matches it. You have that spark of love in your eyes not just for me but for everyone and everything you do. If you can imagine just how much I love you, how much wonder and passion and purpose you've brought to my life, you'd know that my love for you is pure and unbreakable."
She was lightly sobbing, a cheeky smile from ear to ear at his words.
"So, if this can at least just show you a fraction of how I feel, I hope you'll accept it. You told me the night we met that the only thing that mattered to you was marrying the love of your life. I hope I'm more than enough to be that person."
He delicately pulls out the gem, his grandmother's ring, and offers his hand. Rey shakily gave her left hand to him, her breath hitching as she knew what he was going to say (or rather ask) next.
"Rey Kanata. Make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"
Even though she knew what he was going to say, the words spoken aloud still made her heart leap in surprise.
"Yes, of course I'll marry you!" she squealed.
Ben broke out a Cheshire smile and quickly slid the ring on her finger, jumping to his feet and grabbed his now fiancée's waist to kiss her fervently.
He lifted her off the ground and twirled her around, with Rey's giggles mixing with both their sniffles ringing in the air.
"I love you so much, Rey."
"I love you too, Ben. I can't wait to marry you. And you are so much more than enough. You're my everything."
He set her down and kissed her once more. Though this time they were interrupted almost immediately.
"Can we come out now and celebrate with you guys?!" Poe hollered from the door.
The newly engaged couple turned to face the double French doors and inside they saw a spectacle of all their friends and family pressed against the windows and doors, watching and waiting for the couple to let them out.
"Yes, come out here," Ben chuckled at their impromptu audience.
Everyone eagerly shuffled out into the patio and cheered, congratulating the pair.
"Were you guys watching us the whole time?" Rey asked her friends.
"Duh!" Rose giggled going in for the first hug.
"Congratulations!" Kaydel, Jannah, Paige and Gwen gathered to ogle at Rey's diamond ring.
"You finally did it, buddy! How does it feel?" Armie asked.
"Like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders," Ben chuckled.
"About damn time too," Finn was next to congratulate him. "I was going to kick your ass if you weren't going to ask Rey already!"
"Oh, I cannot wait for grandchildren to spoil!" Maz squealed with Leia.
"I'm already planning out their nursery!" Leia exclaimed.
"Ladies, how about we get through their wedding first before the grandkids?" Han chuckled at them.
~.~.~.~
After one too many glasses of alcohol from celebrating with everyone it was time to go home. She asked Armie to help her walk Ben out to the town car. Armie congratulated them one last time before the couple settled into the backseat and went home.
Once they reached their townhouse, Mitaka assisted Rey and Ben from the car to their porch and bid them a goodnight.
Ben handed her the keys to open the door while he leaned on her, a bit drowsier from the evening's events since the car ride home was soothing. She managed to help him upstairs and out of his clothes and into bed. Rey took a bit more time to wind down since she needed to remove her makeup and undo her hair.
After several minutes, she stepped out of the bathroom and walked over to the nightstand and grab the wooden box for her necklace. Fidgeting for a second to undo the clasp, she was suddenly met with a pair of warm hands taking over and undoing the clasp. Ben removed the necklace and returned it to the box for her, letting Rey for a moment admire the piece of jewelry on her ring finger. He turned to her and laid his hands on her waist.
"Do you like ring?"
"I do, actually. It's so elegant. I didn't know they still made it like this," Rey was always one for the Victorian aesthetic.
"It was my grandmothers ring," Ben shared.
With wide eyes, Rey smiled, "That just makes it a hundred times better. Padme always had great taste."
"Excuse me, my grandfather picked out that ring for her, sweetheart," Ben chuckled. "Shouldn't he get the credit?"
"Yes, but he would have known her style to pick out the perfect ring. Hence, Padme had exceptional taste," she giggled.
"Well I can't argue there," he laughed.
Rey snaked her hands around his neck and shared a chaste kiss with her fiancé.
"I am so proud of you, sweetheart. I'm so excited for your book to be published."
"Well I'm more excited to be spending forever with you," she replied. "You make me so happy, Ben. I can't wait to marry you."
"Likewise, Rey. If I could, I'd have asked you to marry me on our first date. Hell, the night we met."
"You really were sure that I was the one?" her eyes started to water and her heart beat faster.
"It was the only thing I was sure of. Still is," he smiled at her.
They kissed passionately and in an instant, things started to get heated. Ben brought Rey down to their bed, showering her with kisses on her bare skin. For a moment when they broke from their connection Ben hovered over Rey, messy bun, face free of makeup and glowing from the evening they both shared. He stared into her deep hazel eyes with specks of gold only ever noticed by him. This woman was his everything. His forever.
~.~.~.~
In the quiet of the night, Ben and Rey lay naked, tangled limbs under ruffled bed sheets. She rested her head on his chest and her hand atop his heart. He traced a finger along the grooves of his grandmother's ring now resting on his fiancée's finger. He recalled the day his grandmother offered him this piece of jewelry, coincidentally weeks before he met Rey.
"Benji, you're going to meet someone one day and not understand the true meaning of happiness until you stare into their eyes."
"How do you know that, grandma?" Ben sat on the floor and rested his head on her lap. "All my other relationships failed..."
"Because," she smiled at her now grown up grandson and kissed the top of his head. "I didn't understand it until I met your grandpa Anakin. One look into each other's eyes and we just knew…"
"You really think I'll find someone for me like what you have with grandpa?"
"I know you will. I can feel it," she nodded. "And when you do…" Padma turned slightly to open a drawer nearby, pulling out an old jewelry box. She revealed a shiny trinket and raised it in front of Ben. "You will give this to her."
"Is that…?"
"My engagement ring, yes."
"But mom and Uncle Luke said you never let them have it. Why me?"
"Well I couldn't give just one ring to my two children. You're my only grandchild. You don't have to fight over it with anyone," she smirked.
"Fair point," he nodded.
"I just know whomever you give this ring to, they'll be wonderful."
Padme handed Ben the ring and closed his palm shut.
"Ben?" Rey mumbled.
"Hmm?"
"What are you thinking?" she said, sleep evident in her voice.
"Just… how much you make me happy, Rey."
"You make me happy too, love," she said as she snuggled closer to him.
Ben reached over and flipped the switch to turn off the lamp on his nightstand, settling into bed with Rey.
"You were so wonderful tonight my darling," he whispered. "Everyone is so excited for you."
"You're wonderful," Rey said in return. "As long as I have you by my side, that's all I'll ever need."
As Rey steadied her breathing and finally fell asleep in his arms, Ben smiled to himself, recalling that memory between him and his grandmother. She was right. The day he met her he found a level of happiness he never knew existed. And he intended to keep this happiness with Rey forever.
~.~.~.~
.
The End.
A/N: I've been meaning to post this for months now, but I didn't get to finishing the last part until just recently. I miss ff and I miss you guys! Work and personal life has kept me from writing these days, but I'm always running my mind with ideas. I'll be back with more, I promise! Until then, I hope you're all doing well and talk to you soon!
As Always, thank you for reading!
-ThoughtsInMyMind