The island of Varykino was like something out of a fairytale; complete with a castle and a spectacular view over the grand lake and the green mountains surrounding it. It was the beginning of a beautiful day. The morning sun was rising into the cloudless, blue sky reflecting in the clear water and every now and then a mild breeze would sweep in from across the lake, setting the leaves of the trees off into a floating dance. Rey admired the way they moved and grasped a green leaf in between her fingers as she looked out over the vast body of water. Back on Jakku, there was nothing but sand for as far as the eye could see. No colors. Everything was just plain and dull. There was nothing inviting about it. But here, the colors were vibrant and everything was living and breathing. Peaceful and prosperous.

Her mind was adrift on the lake and she was only brought back from her reverie when she felt his arms wrap around her body from behind. His head came to rest in the crook of her neck and she felt his warm breath on her skin. "Today's the day," he said, looking out over the water with her.

"So it is. Are you nervous?" She felt him shrug.

"Maybe a little. Are you?" She smirked and copied his gesture.

"Maybe a little." Angling her face towards him, she kissed his lips before stepping out of his embrace. "Come on. We've got work to do."

The basic preparations had already been made the day before; like carrying out tables and chairs to the terrace where the ceremony and dinner would be taking place. Today, they were setting the tables and putting up decorations. In the morning, Ryoo came over with her family, including her sister Pooja and their respective children and grandchildren to help with the rest. The young ones took to exploring the place while the adults took care of all the work. Ben ended up with Ryoo, Darian and their two sons in the kitchen, preparing the food, while Rey went with Pooja and her family to set the tables and decorate the exterior of the house. Rey quickly realized that Pooja was very talkative and therefore made an excellent conversational partner.

"I was so happy when Ryoo told me of you and Ben!" she told Rey as they set out the cutlery. "We're all very excited to welcome you into the family."

"And we're very grateful for you letting us be a part of it," Rey replied. "I lost my own family a long time ago. I never thought I'd be part of a family again. And certainly not a family this big," she added with a chuckle as the little children ran by giggling. They were trying to catch a butterfly. Pooja's daughter, who was also setting the table, called after them to take it easy, but they were already too far off to pay her any heed. With a roll of her eyes, she shook her head and sighed.

"Children, eh?" she said, looking across the table at Rey who was gazing at them with both fondness and longing.

"I think they're delightful. You must be so lucky to have them." The young woman smiled.

"They're the most precious things I have. What about you?" Rey lifted her head from the table.

"Hmm?"

"Would you like to have children?" she clarified. "Have you and Ben discussed that yet?" Rey could tell she was genuinely curious, simply wanting to know more about her new family member. She hadn't given much thought to it before, but now that she was asked, she knew that, yes, she did want to have children. Some day. But she didn't know if Ben did.

"No, we haven't," she confessed. "We've had so many other things to think about. We're currently looking for a place to build an academy for Force-users, so we're taking it one step at a time. But I suppose that one day, if it feels right, then we might have children." Pooja and her daughter smiled knowingly at her response.

"Well, you're young," Pooja said. "You've got time to figure things out."

"But if you need any tips or advice," her daughter added, "we'd be happy to provide you with some." Rey gave them a nod.

"I appreciate it. Thank you."

Little did she know that Ben was having a similar conversation with Ryoo's family back in the kitchen. He was getting acquainted with her two sons – his own second cousins – while they helped each other chop vegetables and cut the meat for the main course. "So Ben…" the older of the two started, "How long have you and Rey known each other?" Ben had to stop and think. His mind travelled back to when they had first met in that forest on Takodana. Already then, he had felt something stirring within him. Had felt that there was something special about that girl. He had seen her before. In visions. But it wasn't until she had called his family lightsaber to her on Star Killer Base that he knew it was her. That she was the one – the girl he had been waiting for. Technically, they hadn't known each other much longer than a year, but it felt like he had known her all his life.

"Um… A little over a year," he replied, trying to sound casual.

"But it feels like a lifetime?" the other son asked with a glint in his eye and Ben wondered whether he was Force sensitive, too, and could somehow read his mind. Nevertheless, he smiled.

"Yeah. Yeah, it does."

"I thought so. So do you have any plans for the future?" Ben raised a brow.

"Plans?"

"Yeah. You know, like, where do you want to live and how many children do you want?"

Was it the heat from the boiling pans or the heat of their stares that made him sweat? Children. How many children did he want? How many did Rey want? If any? He had no idea. He cleared his throat to answer. "Well, we both agree that we'd like to live here on Naboo. We're planning on building an academy somewhere where we'll train Force-sensitives how to use the Force. But I don't know if we'll have any children." As soon as he'd said it, he realized he should have rephrased that last part.

"No?" They were both looking at him in surprise. "You don't want to start a family of your own?"

Okay, it was definitely not the heat from the pans that caused him to sweat. What was this? An interrogation? They might as well have been probing his mind. They were asking too much of him and he could not provide the answers they wanted. But what did he want? "I… I think I do," he found himself saying. "Someday."

"But what about Rey?"

"I – I don't know. We haven't talked about it." There. That's what he should have said from the beginning. There would probably come a day when they would talk about it. Perhaps today, tomorrow or several years from now. It was uncertain.

"Oh, I see," the elder son said. "Well, you'll have plenty of time to talk about it, so there's no rush. Just as long as you're both in agreement and know what you want, then that's the only thing that matters."

"Yeah, so let's make sure you get married first," the younger said and gave Ben a friendly pat on the back. It made him feel a lot better. They were right. First, they had to get married before they made any other decisions. He wouldn't think about yesterday or tomorrow. He would think only of today and enjoy every single moment. And the day had only just begun.

Around noon, Lando and Chewie arrived with Maz Kanata whom they had offered to give a ride and she had gladly accepted. It was widely known she had a soft spot for the Wookiee. They were all dressed up for the occasion and Chewie had even trimmed and combed the hair around his face and wore a white bowtie around his neck. Similarly, Lando had a sharp blue cravat about his neck and a glowing, yellow vest over a white shirt. Of course, the look would not be complete without his signature cape. Maz donned a green dress with long sleeves and could almost have blended in with all the greenery around them. When Rey saw them coming, she called for Ben to come and say hi.

As soon as Lando saw Rey, his face lit up and he spread his arms wide open so she could run into his embrace. He was the closest thing she had now to a father-in-law and he doted on her like one as well. "Hey there, kiddo," he said and then proceeded to give Ben a hug. "Congratulations on your wedding day." He pulled out a small package from his pocket and handed it to Ben. "This is for the both of you." Chewie was holding a package in his paws, too, all wrapped up in pretty ribbons. He said it was from him and Maz. Ben took that as well and put them over on the table with the gifts that the Naberries had brought.

After giving each of them a proper greeting, Rey went on to compliment them on their looks. Turning to Lando and Chewie, she said, "Don't you two look dashing! Chewie, you look so handsome in a bowtie!" Chewie was being modest as he thanked her for the compliment, but Maz wouldn't have it.

"Don't talk nonsense, the girl is right! I've never seen you so handsome in all my life!" Maz then adjusted her glasses to get a better look at Ben, who found it extremely uncomfortable to be under her scrutiny. "Your man isn't too bad looking, either," Maz winked at Rey. "Easy on the eyes, just like his father. He's a Solo, all right. See that profile? A sharp, strong jawline. Yes, your offspring will be beautiful, to be sure."

When at first it was only Ben who felt embarrassed, now Rey shared his discomfort as well, as it was no longer just about him. It was a good thing they weren't having drinks, or they both would have choked on them. Not knowing what to say, Rey simply thanked Maz and then quickly changed the subject. "We have some refreshments for you, if you'd like some. Dinner will take place after the ceremony, so it will be a couple of hours until then."

"Sounds like a great idea," Lando said and if Rey wasn't wrong, even he was desperate to escape the embarrassment. Luckily, they were all saved by the arrival of another much-anticipated company.

It was Finn and Rose, closely followed by Jannah, Zorii, Poe and former lieutenant Kaydel Connix. They also had C-3PO, BB-8 and D-O with them. Another exchange of hugs took place as the friends were reunited. This group also came bearing gifts for the bride and groom which they were asked to place among the rest. As for their attire, it was nothing short of elegant. Finn and Rose matched each other in dark blue suits: Finn in a nice jacket and Rose in a summery dress with lace on top. Poe and Kaydel also matched; both of them wearing something red. They had just recently started dating, which made Rey very happy. At first she thought there might have been something between Poe and Zorii, but Zorii wasn't looking for a relationship, so they decided to stay friends. The former bounty hunter was now working with the others in the Intergalactic Salvation Union, as was Jannah, who turned out to be the long lost daughter of Lando Calrissian. It seemed everyone was finding their place in the world.

Rey and Ben proceeded to escort their guests to where the refreshments were and Rey took the opportunity to ask Finn about the rest of their invitees. They had sent out invitations to everyone who had been part of the Resistance, but only received replies of acceptance from a few. Given that most of them now worked in the ISU, Rey figured Finn might know more of it. "Do you know if anyone else is coming?" she asked him and he knew which people she meant.

"I know some are. They will be here in time for the ceremony. But then there were those who said they didn't know if they could make it." Ben was listening to their conversation and couldn't help but make a remark of his own.

"I think we all know what that means." He shared a look with Rey and she shrugged.

"If they don't want to come, then that's fine by me. The most important thing is that you're here," she turned back to Finn and the rest. They were the only friends she needed.

Sensing that time was starting to run away, Ben took it upon himself to make sure everything was moving along according to schedule. "Sweetheart?" he said and Rey hearkened. It was a term of endearment he had begun to use lately. She had not told him so, but she loved it when he called her that.

"Yes, Ben?"

"I think it's time for us to go and get ready."

"Oh, that's right," Rey looked down at her simply dressed form. She was going to change into the wedding dress she'd bought and also do something about her hair. Luckily, she'd been promised to get some help with that. "Rose, will you help me?" Her face lit up like a sunbeam. She had been looking forward to this probably more than even Rey herself had.

"Of course! Let's go get you fixed up!"

"Can we come, too?" Jannah asked, referring to herself, Zorii and Kaydel. "We'd love to help." How could she say no?

"Of course you can! I'm sure I'll need all the help I can get." Rose squealed in delight.

"This will be perfect! We'll get to have some girl time!" Rey felt the excitement growing within her. She'd never had a proper 'girl time' before, as Rose liked to put it. In fact, she was so excited that she didn't even give her soon-to-be husband a backwards glance as she went inside with the other girls. Ben was then left with the boys. And Maz. Thankfully, his uncle decided to steer things up.

"Well then, gentlemen… While the ladies help the bride, how about we help the groom?"

Ben looked himself over in the mirror and could see the other men in the room watching him from behind. He was dressed in a white shirt with billowing sleeves and on top of it, he wore a light blue vest with a high collar and lacing in the front. A subtle silver pattern was woven into the fabric and only became visible to the eye when the light hit it. His pants were the color of the finest sand and a pair of tall, black boots made up his footwear. To top it all off, a small garland of green leaves circled around the back of his head. Rey would be wearing something similar, but that was all he knew. He had no idea what her dress looked like or what she would do with her hair. Secretly, he hoped she would keep most of it down. He liked it that way, as opposed to the three buns she usually did, not only because he thought it was beautiful, but also because he could then run his fingers through it.

At first, Ben had been unsure as to how much they could actually afford for the wedding, but then Lando had informed him that Han and Leia had left him their fortune in a safe vault on Chandrila. It was the planet where he'd grown up before he was sent to train with Luke at the young age of ten. So Ben and Rey had gone there together to retrieve some of the money he'd inherited from his parents and, at the same time, he had shown her around the place where he'd grown up, but only because she had insisted upon it. In Ben's opinion, there wasn't anything particularly interesting about Chandrila. It was the homestead of many a politician and Ben preferred to keep away from politics. In that sense, he was less like his mother and grandmother and more like his father and grandfather. But now, looking himself in the mirror, he thought more of how he resembled the former two. Not as a general or a senator, but as royalty; dignified and regal. Lando seemed to share that opinion, for now he was standing right beside him and Ben met his gaze in the mirror to see him smiling with pride.

"You really do look like a prince," he said. "If Han and Leia could see you now, I know they would be just as proud as I am." Chewie concurred and Ben smiled.

"Thank you."

Finn and Poe had yet to say anything about his appearance. They had been awfully quiet the entire time, although he didn't blame them. They were most likely as unsure of how to approach him as he was of approaching them. Either way, he knew they weren't here for him, but for Rey. But for that alone, he owed them his gratitude.

"I would like to thank you both for coming here," he said and sensed their surprise at his words. They had not expected to hear that from him. "I know we may not be on the best of terms with each other and perhaps we never will be, but I know how much it means to Rey that you're here and no matter what you may believe, her happiness is the only thing that matters to me. So thank you."

There. He had reached out to them. Now it was their turn to reach back, if they chose to. He couldn't read their faces. Eventually, the pilot spoke and their eyes met. "You really do love her, don't you?"

"I do." Ben held Poe's gaze, unblinking. He needed him – needed them – to know he was being serious about this. The pilot drew his lips into a thin line and nodded, as if accepting something he didn't have the power to change. But then his expression softened and his lips quirked into a lopsided smile.

"And it seems she loves you back. We may not get along that well, but at least we can all agree on one thing: we all want Rey to be happy. And if being with you is what makes her happy, then who are we to stop her?" Poe exchanged a look with Finn who nodded in agreement.

"I think what Poe is trying to say is that we're willing to move on and put the past behind us. You did apologize, after all. And more importantly… you saved Rey's life. That alone is proof that you care about her and want what's best for her."

Ben almost couldn't believe it. They were actually reaching back to him. Somehow, they could see that his feelings for Rey were true and that he didn't want to cause her or them any harm. "So… Are we good?" he asked.

"Yeah," Finn said and offered him his hand. "We're good." Ben took it and then Poe's. They were finally moving forward.

"Oh, Rey, you look so beautiful!" Rose said and Rey couldn't help but agree. Staring at her own reflection in the mirror, it was like discovering a whole new side of her that she never even knew existed or ever could exist. The young woman looking back at her was like a stranger – but it was a stranger whom she was glad to meet. For the first time in her life, Rey felt beautiful. She felt like a woman. Not childish and insecure like the girl she had once been, but mature and confident.

The dress she had picked out was traditionally white with long sleeves made of lace. It had a heart-shaped neckline and the skirt was long and flowing. When trying out shoes, she had tried a pair with a bit of a high heel just for the fun of it, but in the end, she had opted for a pair of white, flat-heeled slippers. They were much more comfortable, not to mention easier to walk in. The last thing she wanted was to trip on her way down the aisle.

Her hair was let down, but Rose had curled it and now soft tendrils of brown framed her face and a garland of pink and white flowers crowned her head. Makeup had also been provided by Rose, but Zorii had helped apply it to her face. A soft shade of pink covered her eyelids as well as her lips, matching the flowers in her hair. Likewise, a faint pink blush had been added to her cheeks. They had also made her eyes more prominent by applying black mascara to her lashes and eyeliner underneath her eyes, but not too heavily. They wanted to achieve a natural look and Rey thought they had succeeded in doing that.

"Thank you," she said. "All of you. I couldn't have done this on my own." Getting dressed might not have been too hard, but she was certain that any of her attempts at applying her own makeup or curling her own hair would have been disastrous. She wouldn't have had any idea of what she was doing and would probably have given up within the first couple of minutes. She knew perfectly well how to handle a lightsaber, but a curling iron or a makeup brush? Needless to say, she lacked the skill. But like with any skill, it could be perfected if one only practiced. Maybe one day she would learn how to make herself look pretty. But for now, she was lucky to have friends on whom she could rely to help her.

Zorii waved a hand dismissively. "It was nothing. Honestly, it was just fun. So long as you're happy with the look?"

"I love it," Rey said, smiling fondly. "I only hope Ben will, too."

"Oh, don't worry, he will!" Rose assured. "He asked you to marry him, didn't he? No matter what, he loves you just the way you are. Never forget that." Rey admired the ability Rose possessed of always knowing just what to say. Perhaps even envied her for it, if only just a little.

There was a knock on the door and Jannah went to open it. It was Ryoo, asking if Rey was ready. "Yes, she's all ready!" Rose replied. "Is it time?" Ryoo nodded in affirmation.

"Yes. All the guests have arrived, so we can start the ceremony whenever you're ready. Oh, Rey my dear, how lovely you look!" she added when she saw her. "Ladies, if you would follow me, we can go and take our seats now."

Suddenly, the nerves kicked in and Rey found that it was hard to breathe. She didn't want them to leave her alone. What if she fainted? Or worse: What if she got sick? "Rose!" She tugged at her friend's arm, a look of panic in her eyes. Rose caught it, but merely smiled and grabbed Rey's hands.

"I know. It's okay to be nervous. Just breathe. You'll be fine." Rey took the advice and breathed in deeply to calm herself. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm sure Ben is just as nervous as you are. I'll see you outside, okay?" She wouldn't leave until she had Rey's consent.

"Okay," Rey finally said and with one last reassuring smile, Rose left with the others. Now all Rey could feel or hear was the rapid beating of her own heart. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and stepped through the door.

Rose had been correct in assuming the groom would be nervous. He was so nervous, he could hardly stand still. Ben flexed his hands where he stood and only stopped when he caught Lando's look from where he sat in the front row. He was mouthing a word to him and Ben could perfectly read his lips: Breathe. He nodded in reply and did what his uncle asked. He didn't even know what it was that made him this nervous. Maybe it was because of all the people staring at him, although at the moment most of them were thankfully preoccupied conversing with each other. Or maybe it was something else entirely? No matter the cause, his anxiety was annihilated the moment silence fell and he saw her standing there, right across from him on the other side of the terrace.

His heart stopped and all of his senses shut down for a moment as he beheld her. He didn't even hear the music which began to play as she slowly made her way towards him. She was breathtaking. Her hair fell down in elegant curls and the flowers she wore in her hair were the same kind of flowers she now held in a bouquet in front of her. The folds of her dress caught in the light breeze and swirled around her legs like water. For all he knew, she might as well have been afloat or walking on air. She was defying gravity with her graceful movements and he was sure that even the stars envied the way she glowed. Compared to her, they were nothing but dull specks of dust scattered across the sky. Not even if they were combined could they ever hope to achieve her radiance. She was the brightest and prettiest star of all.

Rey was fully aware that all eyes were on her, but it was only the eyes of one person that mattered to her and she was looking right at them – looking into them – just like she had on Exegol when she'd given him the saber. And just like then, the rest of the world fell away and it was only the two of them. His warm gaze kept her steady and calm. Gave her strength. It was the only thing that kept her knees from buckling and her body from caving in completely as she walked down the aisle. And all the while, she couldn't stop thinking about how handsome he looked. His blue vest had a shimmering silver thread that made her think of the moon, but more than that, it perfectly framed his muscular figure, making his broad chest and shoulders really stand out. As for the green leaves in his hair, they really drew her attention and she thought the look was becoming him. If anything, it made them match each other nicely.

When she reached her destination, she gave the bouquet of flowers to Rose who was sitting in the front row next to Finn. Then she was ready to meet her other half. Smiling at one another, they took each other's hands and didn't let go for the entire ceremony. Just before the music stopped, they both felt a familiar presence in the Force. Glancing across the terrace, to the spot where Rey had just stood behind the assembled guests, they saw Anakin, Luke and Leia. They had come, just as promised. But Rey and Ben were the only ones who saw or even noticed them. They didn't speak a word to each other, but in this moment, words were unnecessary. In this moment, a simple expression was all it took to let them know that they were loved.

The music stopped and the marriage officiant began his speech; starting off by welcoming each and every one who had come to witness Rey and Ben's union. Then he proceeded to speak of the Force and how it had brought them together. The Force, he said, would always be there to guide them through the good and the bad times. And then it was time for their vows. Rey went first.

"Someone once told me that the belonging I was seeking was not behind me, but ahead of me." She found Maz in the crowd and they shared a smile. "And they were right. I didn't see it at first. I was walking through a haze and I didn't even know it." While stuck on Jakku, she had no idea just how blind she was. All she could think about was the return of her parents and that she had to stay and wait for them to come back. It wasn't until Ben came along and showed her the truth that she was ready to accept it and let go of the safety of the dream she'd been living in. "But whenever I look at you, Ben, the fog disappears and I can see everything around me so clearly. I see every color and every minute detail which I was never able to discern before. Because before… I didn't have you."

She made a short pause and drew in a shaky breath. All of the emotions welling up inside her was making it hard to speak, but her voice pushed through. "My belonging is with you, Ben. It's always been you. You've always been there for me; to light my way in the dark and lift me out of the fog. And I vow that I will do the same for you. I love you. More than any words can say."

By the time she finished her vow, her eyes were glistening and Ben felt her hands clutching his tighter, passing on the word to him. But what was the use? Anything he said would never amount to what she'd just professed. He wasn't even sure he could speak at all after hearing her beautiful confession of love for him. But he had to try. He had to do it for her.

"Rey… Before I met you… I was lost – wandering on the wrong path. And I couldn't find my way back until you came along and showed me how. You gave me the courage to take my life into my own hands and you taught me that hope is never lost if you just believe. You believed in me and for that I owe you my love and my life. You inspire me every day and…" His voice was beginning to break and he was forced to look down for a moment. Once again, he felt the gentle squeeze of her hand, letting him know she was there for him. That she believed in him. So he looked up into her face once more and found the courage he'd been speaking of. The courage to move on. "And I know how lucky I am to have you in my life, because it's more than I ever dreamed I could have. I used to have nothing. But now… Now I have everything. You are everything to me, Rey. And I wouldn't trade a single moment of my life, no matter how dark and hopeless, because they all brought me here. They brought me to you. And now I know that not even death can keep us apart. I will always be with you, just as you will always be with me."

With their vows made, the officiant proclaimed them husband and wife and when they kissed, the entire audience rose from their seats, erupting into thunderous applause and cheers so loud that the sound was heard all across the lake surrounding the island. As Rey and Ben pulled apart, they shared one single thought. It remained unspoken, but deep inside they could hear each other's thoughts just as they could feel what the other was feeling. This was their moment and no one could take it away from them. Now it was them against the world and from now on, they would be known as Rey and Ben Solo Skywalker.

A/N: Well, there you go, guys! Mr. and Mrs. Solo Skywalker! I really wanted to combine the two names instead of just using one over the other and I think it has a nice ring to it, too. I had not expected this chapter to be so long, but as I was writing it, everything just flowed and it was so much fun to write! I certainly hope you enjoyed reading it and that it wasn't too long! In the next chapter, Ben and Rey will get some alone-time on their honeymoon ;)