-Blankets-
Jaina wakes in the predawn, feeling warm and cozy in the cocoon of blankets, her back to Kyp's chest. He sleeps with his face pressed to her shoulder, his hand low on her belly as if protecting the child she carries.
She smiles, covering his hand with her own, absentmindedly toying with his wedding ring. She doesn't think she's ever felt as content as she does right then. She and the little life inside her, both safe in Kyp's arms, their small family wrapped in blankets against the winter chill outside.
He wakes slowly, nuzzling her neck with a small disgruntled noise that makes her grin.
"Don't want to be awake, huh?" she asks in a laughing whisper.
"No. I was having a good dream. We were on a beach, you were in a bikini..."
Jaina snickers. "Not happening for a while, honey."
Kyp splays his hand over the small bump. It's too soon to feel the baby move, but they know now that Allana was correct and they're having a girl. How she knew is still a mystery.
"I don't want to name her after anyone," Jaina murmurs. "At least not for a first name. I mean, how do we possibly choose?"
He absently, lightly drums his fingers on her belly, and Jaina grins at the answering flutter only she can feel. "I agree," he says. "Something new. We'll think of something."
His lips brush against the nape of her neck, and Jaina's breath catches. Kyp hears it, makes an amused sound, and shifts to kiss just under her ear.
"Kyp," she breathes.
"All the years wasted," he mumbles against her jaw. "All the times I could have kissed you and didn't. I'm not going to let another get away from me."
Jaina rolls over, catches his face in her hands. "Don't," she says fervently. "I won't, either. I love you so much, I can't stand it sometimes. I just feel like I'm going to burst."
Kyp threads his fingers in the tangle of her hair. "I know. Force, I know."
Then he kisses her, his mouth a slow but passionate pull on hers.
Much later, Jaina lies on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. The blankets are now twisted around them. She could easily stay like this forever, she thinks. Kyp's hands are warm on her back, fingers stroking her spine.
"I've been thinking," she says.
"About what?"
"Carida."
His hand stills. "Why?"
"Because it's never mattered to me. I've always known about it, but... It's always been kind of abstract. I wasn't even three yet." She raises her head, folds her hands on his chest and props her chin on them so she can look at him. "I don't remember you before it. I've always known the you that's existed since. But when we were there... It became more real. And still, I don't care. I understand you so much better since Anakin's death, since my time in the Nest."
Kyp weaves his fingers into her hair. His dark green eyes are serious. "No one knows me like you do," he tells her softly. "I mean... I've told Luke and Han things, and they knew me in the days after, but I've never taken them to Carida."
"I should never have taken you for granted like I did. When I was nineteen, I was so sure I knew everything. But I really knew nothing. I had no idea what it cost you to help me, to stay with me through that. I'm sorry."
He shakes his head. "No. Don't. I'd do it all over again if I had to."
It's her turn to ask. "Why?"
"Because you needed me. I needed you."
She sighs and turns her head, pressing her ear once more to his chest. The strong, steady thump of his heart is reassuring. Kyp strokes his fingers through her hair and she sighs again.
"Most importantly," he says softly, after a while, "I love you. The only thing I'd do differently is that I'd chase Jag off."
Jaina laughs. She shifts to curl against his side, using his shoulder as a pillow. "We need a name for the baby."
"We have time. We'll think of one."
She nods, closes her eyes. Kyp tightens his grip on her and she falls asleep, secure in the safety of his arms.
