Chapter Twenty:

(A/N: This chapter contains content that may be inappropriate for some/younger readers. It's Luke and Mara's honeymoon, after all. But it's nothing explicit: I don't write that…)

"She made your gown out of her favorite Senate dress?" Luke breathed, tears misting his eyes.

"Yes," Mara whispered, and the pair of them turned to Leia, who smiled warmly, accepting Luke's mouthed 'thank you'.

Then Luke and Mara looked up from their table when Han stood and clinked a fork to his glass for attention. The noise in the area died down and all eyes turned to the man standing next to Luke.

Han cleared his throat and looked out at the assembled friends for a moment before turning to the guests of honor.

"I first knew Luke as a whiny farm kid," Han began, earning a few snickers from the guests and a blush from Luke. "He's changed a great deal since then… he's matured. However, there is one thing about him that never changed: his unfailing desire to see the good in others. Even in his darkest hour, and in his most harrowing trials, he strived to see the best in his enemies, and in his friends. However, he also lost some of his carefree attitude, and he'd become solemn and withdrawn." Han turned to face the bride. "Mara, you've helped Luke find that again. He's in such high spirits now. You may not see it because you didn't know him before, but trust me, Luke's the happiest that he's ever been. It's because of you. Mara, take care of Luke's heart, and he will treat you like a queen." Han lifted his glass. "To Mr. and Mrs. Skywalker."

"Here here!" many agreed, and then glasses were touched together and sips were taken. Then Leia stood and took her turn.

"Mara, I am so excited to call you sister. We are going to have many wonderful times ahead, and I couldn't be more eager to spend time with you. But never forget that your relationship with Luke comes first. Even when children enter your life, always remember that there was just the two of you at the beginning of this adventure. Take care of each other and all else will fall into its rightful place. Hold on to this love that you feel now, and it will see you through the hard times. Congratulations, and may the Force smile upon your marriage."

More cheers were given and again the toast was carried throughout the room. Leia sat down and Wes looked up from the music podium.

"Alright Lovebirds, time for your first dance!" he announced with a wide grin.

Luke smiled and stood, offering a hand to his wife. She gazed at him with bright eyes and took his offered limb, allowing him to lead her to the dance space. Wes started up a slow song that Luke did not recognize, but as he listened to the lyrics his smile for Mara grew warmer.

.

Lost in the dark…

Nowhere to turn,

The light seemed so stark,

Then there you were.

.

Ooh, ooh,

Here we are, lost in each other,

No bounds, no cares,

Only one to the other.

Ooh, ooh, here we are…

.

Now love is a light,

So strong and unbreakable,

I'll stay with you Love, and fight with all my might,

To keep this love long and unshakable

.

Ooh, ooh,

Here we are, lost in each other,

No bounds, no cares,

Only one to the other.

Ooh, ooh, here we are…

.

If you stick with me, Love,

I promise you now,

I will never forsake you, nor trade you for those above.

So stay with me forever, starting now.

.

Ooh, ooh,

Here we are, lost in each other,

No bounds, no cares,

Only one to the other.

Ooh, ooh, here we are…

.

When the song ended, both of them had tears slipping gently down their cheeks, and Luke kissed Mara's away tenderly. He then drew her into a loving embrace and held her until the melody shifted.

Several more dances were had, and then the small cake was cut.

Luke lifted a wry brow at Mara, who feigned innocence before she could hide her devious smile no longer. With an evil grin, Mara smeared his cake all over Luke's face, and he laughed before returning the favor. Cat-calls and whoops were heard by the Rogues, and the couple kissed around wide smiles before retreating to wash their faces.

By the end of the reception, however, both Luke and Mara were eager for the party to be over. They were ready to be alone.

Catching on to this, Han snuck them out the back and soon they were boarding the Falcon, with Leia catching up just in time.

"Be safe, and have fun." Leia kissed them both on the cheek, and then pulled Mara aside as Luke waved goodbye and ascended the ramp to Han's ship.

"Yeah, and no funny business until you're off the Falcon," Han teased from the ship, making the couple blush a deep red.

"Here," Leia said, handing Mara a delicately wrapped box. "But don't open it until you are alone. You'll see why when you do open it."

Mara lifted brow, but nodded, openly curious about the contents within.

"Let's go!" Han called good-naturedly. "This taxi's leaving!"

Mara and Leia both rolled their eyes, but Mara entered the ship, dutifully keeping her gift out of view.

00000

"Finally!" Mara breathed as Han lifted off from the deck. She peered about the small city they'd been brought to, and wondered where Luke planned to take her.

Her answer came when he disappeared into a speeder rental shop and appeared moments later with a smile and the key codes for an enclosed two-person speeder. He then drove them straight out of the city limits and into the open plains.

"Where are we again?" Mara asked.

"Ansion, actually," Luke replied. "There are a few new honeymoon rentals available here, and I thought it'd be fun to check one of them out."

"Oh." Mara eyed the rolling green hills, most of them speckled with flowers. "It's pretty here."

"Yes." Luke agreed, smiling contentedly. "But we're headed north, where the one of the rare mountain ranges is situated. I managed to secure us the sole cabin there."

Mara lifted her brows, only then noticing the looming chain of uprooted land directly ahead. She watched in open fascination as they grew in size, their deep grey hue accented by caps of snowy white at the very peaks. Trees dotted their faces, some in clumps, others free-standing.

However, when they turned a corner— which required a near one-eighty maneuver— into an alcove she'd never have seen otherwise, Mara gaped.

The niche was an open space that looked as though it'd once been a sinkhole which had been fitted into a living space. A tall, spindly waterfall spewed over the edge of the farthest wall, supplying a lagoon of clear water which in turn fed a small stream that went over another hole… only to fall to another unknown floor farther down.

Velvety grass grew out from the water's edge to cover nearly every surface, while bare patches of rock shown through like bald spots. Flowers again powdered the landscape in pale pinks and lush purples, and even a few warmer shades like yellow and orange.

Then her gaze fell upon the cottage, which looked as though someone had taken a cobble-stone hut from a story book and placed it on the ground. It was cozy, obviously meant to house two, and yet Mara couldn't help but feel drawn to it.

She was out of the speeder as soon as it stopped, and barely waited for Luke to open the door before she was inside. To her surprise, the interior was a mix of wood and stone, with spots of rugs and carpets on the floor to give variance.

The furniture was rustic and aged to give it character, while the fireplace sat empty and cold. Mara could already picture sitting before it on the rug with Luke, their arms wrapped about each other…

She shuddered with pleasure when a hand ran down her arm sensually, and Luke kissed her neck from behind as if sensing her thoughts.

Mara felt her body respond when Luke continued to sprinkle the exposed skin of her neck and shoulder with kisses. She sucked in a breath… and then Luke pulled back.

She opened her eyes to find him smiling secretively.

"I… actually had a fantasy about spending our first night together right here," Luke admitted quietly, his cheeks coloring a faint pink. "I even made certain the specific blankets and such were ordered." He cleared his throat nervously. "But… if you'd rather do something else, I understand."

Mara felt her pulse quicken, and for some reason her thoughts returned to Leia's gift. "No… that sounds perfect, but I'd like to freshen up a little. Will you get things set up the way you had planned?"

Luke's grin was a little shy, if not greatly relieved. "Yes ma'am, just give me a little time."

"Deal," Mara agreed, taking her bag from where Luke had left it.

She carried it into the refresher and locked the door behind her, listening for a moment to Luke preparing what sounded like firewood. When Mara looked into the mirror, she discovered a sudden fear in her eyes, and her stomach fluttered uneasily.

Mara took a few calming breaths, trying not to focus on her time with Garris. He would not ruin their wedding night. Besides, she and Luke were married now, and he had never mistreated her… nor would he ever.

With that firmly in mind, Mara fiercely removed all doubts and fears from her mind and prepared for her evening with Luke.

Her husband.

The thought finally banished all darkness in her mind, and with a new lightness to her heart, Mara opened the duffel and shuffled through it, grabbing her toiletries. She brushed her teeth, and freshened up otherwise before she realized she had nothing to wear…

Mara's heart sank a little, and she bit her lip in chagrin… when she remembered again Leia's parting gift.

Why had she given Mara a gift in secret?

More than curious now, Mara grabbed the box from her bag and ripped into it, opening the lid eagerly. She gasped when she saw the contents. There were several sets of lingerie, but one was marked 'first night' in Leia's handwriting.

Inside there was also a note.

Mara,

I realize it may be awkward for me to buy lingerie for my brother's wife, but I want you two to be able to have a real honeymoon if you know what I mean. In my mind, that means you should have the option of dressing up for your new husband if you so choose. Don't feel obligated to wear these, I just wanted you to have them if you do want them.

~Leia.

Mara smiled, grateful for Leia's thoughtfulness. She lifted the white lingerie out of the box, and tried it on, smiling even wider when it fit perfectly, as well as the matching panties. It was of a sheer material, in a design like a blouse but with only the one button at the base of her semi-exposed chest. Loose fabric fell down her waist to just below her hips, with the panties covering her most private areas.

Mara brushed her hair out so it fell naturally, cascading over her shoulders and down her back. Finally, Mara paused to look in the mirror once more. As she did so, her eyes fell on the small window, and she realized that it was already getting dark out.

Nervous excitement took hold of her, and Mara turned off the light and silently opened the door, listening for a moment before stepping out of the refresher. It was— surprisingly— already mostly dark in their cottage, with the only light coming from the sitting room where the fireplace now housed a comfortable fire.

Mara stopped dead in the doorway when she saw that the room had been transformed into something she might have seen from an ancient-times storybook. The one where a knight would set up a bed of silks and furs before a wide mantle, ready for his lady to rest upon during their wedding night.

Mara gaped at the same scene before her. A lush pad of silken blankets and furs covered the floor before the fireplace, with a few lush pillows lying here and there— one as long and wide as a pair of Hutts. Candles had been set up strategically along the room, and a bottle of juba juice and two goblets sat upon a small table, as well as a few choice fruits and a bucket of ice.

As for Luke… Mara breathed rapidly when she saw him lounging among the bed of silks in nothing but an extra-long shirt.

Mara felt her heart speed up and she decided to make her presence known. She coughed discreetly and Luke's head turned around. His face split into a wide grin upon seeing her… until he stood and really saw her.

His jaw dropped and he paused in his attempt to walk toward her. Mara watched with growing pleasure as Luke's chest heaved in sudden excitement. Mara took her own given opportunity to gaze upon him, realizing that somehow Luke being only in a shirt was far more arousing than she could ever have imagined.

Mara was the first to recover, and she walked up to him slowly, gauging his every reaction. His hands trembled with the desire to touch her, and his eyes lit up with the joy he felt at her being his wife.

It was a desire she'd seen only briefly when he'd first entered her room on Nar Shaddaa.

Now it made Mara feel loved physically as well because Luke was her husband.

Mara brought her hands around his neck and gently brushed against him. "So…" Mara breathed into his neck as she rested her head into the nook of his throat. "What, exactly, was involved in this fantasy of yours?"

Luke quivered as his hands came down on her hips and rested there. "I wanted to make love to you right here… on this bed of silks," he said huskily.

"Then what are you waiting for, husband mine?" Mara whispered, licking the hollow of his throat tantalizingly with the tip of her tongue.

He shuddered and drew her body closer to his, Luke's grip tightening infinitesimally as his body responded in kind to her proximity. Mara showered his neck with more licks and feathery kisses while he allowed his hands to wander.

Mara's skin was afire wherever her husband's palms and fingers touched her… but when his fingertips brushed the outsides of her thighs and reached the waistband of her panties, her breath quickened. Mara tightened her hold on Luke as he slowly tugged her underwear down. When his hands no longer reached, he knelt before her, caressing her exposed stomach with his lips.

Mara couldn't breathe properly as his ministrations drew her further and further into bliss unlike anything she'd ever known. Mara closed her eyes… only to find the experience was enhanced that way.

"Luke…" she finally whispered, her voice breathy with pleasure.

His hands, now grasping her panties away from her body, held them as he drew his fingers back up her legs. Mara ran her fingers through his hair, and Luke quivered in turn.

When she thought her trembling knees would dump her, Mara joined him on her knees, hungrily finding his lips. Luke placed his hands against her back, pulled her close… and Mara gasped as she felt him.

Their embrace grew steadily more fevered until Mara couldn't resist any longer, and she tugged his shirt off. Mara pulled back to see him in his full glory before Luke shuffled closer yet again and gently took her down to the padded floor.

Mara trembled when his naked skin touched hers, and she drew him ever closer. Luke's fingers found the clasp of her shirt and promptly released it. Then, without removing the garment entirely, Luke covered her body in kissed from head to toe, pausing in a few select places to drive Mara absolutely crazy.

By the time he moved back over her, Mara was wild with ecstasy, and she moved into an inviting position, with Luke eagerly accepting. When he met with her, Mara's word exploded into a joy she had ever known could exist, and in the throes of passion she cried out his name, hearing Luke in turn whisper loving words to her.

When they peaked, Mara clung to him as tightly as possible, and Luke took her to new heights…

00000

The blankets were no longer neat. The juice and fruit, and even the ice had been put to use… but the lovers could not have been happier had their bank accounts been suddenly flushed with credits.

They were utterly exhausted physically, but their joy mingled in the Force, much like their bodies were now spooned together on the oversized pillow facing the flames. The musk of Luke's sweaty body still excited Mara, but she controlled herself, content to simply lounge against him.

There was no embarrassment, no fear, and certainly no need to bring up the bitter past. She rested her head back as Luke sat propped on his elbow, and he kissed her head lovingly.

"I love you Luke," Mara murmured, reaching back to touch his cheek.

She felt his smile against her hair, and he caught her hand to kiss her fingers. "I love you too."

Mara smiled openly, closing her eyes to revel in the sensation of their Force senses mingling. It was still stranger to Mara, how well they merged. The act took little to no effort on their part, it seemed.

Mara felt the love Luke had for her, much clearer now than ever before, and she did not need any words to confirm or describe it, because she knew.

And never before had Mara felt so much at home.

"Yes…" Luke murmured, wrapping one arm about her as he heard her thought, and hugging her gently. "You are my home, Mara."

"And you mine," she whispered.

She shifted then, with Luke lying back to receive her into his embrace as she snuggled against him, her eyes now heavy as she laid her head on his chest. Luke enveloped her in his arms and then used the Force to pull one of the blankets over them both, and they settled down for the night.

"Goodnight, My Love," Luke breathed.

"Night Farmboy."

... And Luke smiled.

(A/N: I wrote the song lyrics BTW…not too shabby if I say so myself. As for the periods between versus, the program wouldn't let me space the song without them, so I apologize if its distracting...)