"Mama! Mama!" Leia burst into the house the next morning, eyes bright and braids flapping wildly. "Guess who's here?"

"Mama!" Luke ran up breathlessly behind her. "It's Uncle Finn and Paige!"

Leia whirled around and smacked him on the arm. "No fair, Luke! I wanted to be the one to tell her!"

Han looked up from his newest droid creation with a puzzled frown. "But mama, didn't you already know they were here 'cause of the Force?"

Her twins turned to her with identical sheepish expressions. "Is that true, mama?"

Rey smiled and shrugged helplessly. "Sorry, sweethearts."

"Knock, knock!" Finn called in a playful voice. "Anyone home?"

"Uncle Finn!" All else was forgotten as her children clamored to greet her friend and his three-year-old daughter, Paige.

"Mama?" Leia tugged her sleeve. "Can we take Paige outside with us to play?"

"Yeah, can we?" Luke begged. "We'll be real careful, I promise."

Rey looked at Finn, who shrugged. "It's fine with me."

"You may go," she told them, "but stay away from the cliff edges and the water, and don't even think about trying any Force tricks with her."

"Yes, mama! Now come, Paigey." Leia took the chubby-cheeked little girl by the hand. "We can show you how to milk Mana. Her milk is green, but it's actually really good…"

Finn watched them disappear out the door. "Should I be worried?"

She giggled and hugged him tightly. "It's good to see you, Finn."

"You too, Rey. It's been too long."

She ushered him into the living room. "How's Rose?"

"Bloated as a whale and tired of not being able to see her toes—her words, not mine."

"Oh, the poor thing—here, have a seat. She's due next month, isn't she?"

He nodded as he sat down on the couch. "She really wanted to come today, but you know, with the risks of hyperspace jumping and everything…"

"I understand. She'll just have to come as soon as she can once the baby's born."

"Actually—"

"Oh, where is Ben?" she said in exasperation. "Ben!"

"Sorry, love." Her husband trotted downstairs, holding their youngest in his arms. "I was

changing Evie."

She watched him, torn between annoyance and amusement. The only time Ben willingly changed diapers was to avoid something he enjoyed even less—and visits from Finn topped the list.

Ben gave a stiff nod in Finn's direction. "Finn."

Finn nodded back, just as stiffly. "Ben."

Rey rolled her eyes as she brushed past them to the kitchen. "Sit down and play nice, you two. I'm going to make us some tea."

The two men sat in awkward silence for a full minute before she finally took pity on them. "Rose is due in a month, Ben," she said as she rummaged through the cabinet for her best teacups. "Isn't that exciting?"

Ben glanced at Finn. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Finn replied curtly.

"And you should see how big Paige got," she continued. "Our own kids too, for that matter…" She sighed as she carefully poured the hot, fragrant brew. "It just doesn't seem right."

The corners of Finn's lips twitched upward into a smile. "It has already been ten years, Rey."

She bustled into the living room, balancing the tea tray in one hand and a plate of cakes in the other."Please don't remind me," she groaned. "I already feel old enough as it is."

"That's actually why I came here," he said abruptly.

She gave him a wry look. "To make me feel old?"

"No!" He looked embarrassed. "You look great, Rey—I mean, really great."

"Thanks, Finn." She sent her husband a warning glance, and he wisely settled back into his chair.

"I meant," Finn continued bravely, "that I came because the Resistance—sorry, the New Republic—is holding a ball to commemorate the tenth anniversary of our victory at Exegol. Poe asked me to invite you to attend as guests of honor."

"Guests of honor?" She looked uncertainly at Ben. "You mean—?"

He nodded. "You're both invited."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Ben asked.

Finn gave him a level look. "I may not like you much, but even I can admit that in ten years, you've never done anything to make us question you or your loyalty to the New Republic. You're a father now, and"—he sucked in a deep breath—"a good husband to Rey, too. I speak on behalf of the entire New Republic when I say that we would be honored to have you attend."

Rey smiled and patted her friend's hand lightly. "Thank you, Finn, truly."

"So, will you come? Poe will be there, and Rose too."

"It would be good to see everyone again," she began hesitantly, "but I really don't think—"

"We accept the invitation."

She looked at Ben in surprise. They had made the decision early on to keep their relationship out of the public eye. Although they were completely content in their love for each other, they understood that it wouldn't be easy for others to accept. They had moved to Ahch-To shortly after they were married, and on this small, out-of-the-way planet they had been able to live their lives and raise their family in peace. It hadn't always been easy, living in near isolation, but it was a sacrifice she was willing to make. She had never even dreamed of asking Ben to leave—hence her current state of shock.

"Are…are you certain?" she stammered.

He looked at her intently. "Yes."

Tears pricked her eyes as realization hit. Her dear, sweet husband. He knew. He knew how uneasy she was right now—and that being able to visit with old friends was exactly what she needed.

She sent him a grateful smile, then turned to Finn. "When is it?"

"Yes!" Finn grinned wildly and pumped a fist into the air. "It's three weeks from now, on Coruscant."

"Well"—she smiled, beginning to catch his enthusiasm—"it looks like we're going to Coruscant."

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Paige was the name of Rose's sister, in case anyone needed reminding. I thought that if Rose had a daughter, she would probably name her after her. Part 3 will be up tomorrow, but until then, please take a second to leave a review—they're always greatly appreciated!