I think there are 5 chapters left after this. You have all been such awesome readers! Thank you so much and I hope you like this chapter :)

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Having applied the bacta gel to Leia's wound, Han was now bandaging her arm beside a fallen log. The injury was superficial, but his heart had still shot to his toes at her wail of pain.

Then, the Stormtroopers were behind him and he had thought for certain they were doomed…

But, Leia's eyes shone with clever radiance and she smiled at him, flashing the blaster in her hand. And, in that moment, he had never loved her more, had found every single thing about her utterly beautiful.

The words had tumbled effortlessly from his lips, utterly sincere and undeniable.

I love you.

Her reply of 'I know' hadn't even surprised him. She had probably known before he himself did.

A deafening explosion sounded in the sky and they both looked up to see the blinding flash of the Death Star. Disbelief was followed by pure joy, until Han thought of Luke. He turned to look at Leia, who was staring up at the sky as if she were a million miles away.

"I'm sure Luke wasn't on that thing when it blew," he said, hoping desperately that he was right.

"He wasn't," she said softly, gaze drawing inward. "I can feel it."

He didn't know what she meant by that. But, he needed Luke to be okay. When he left, the kid would be the only one he could trust to take care of Leia. Bolstering his courage, he took a breath.

"I know what you were talking to Luke about last night."

Leia's eyes jumped to his and the dreamy look faded to something fearful. She looked away. "How do you know?" Suddenly her voice was tremulous.

"I'm not stupid," he said quietly.

Eyes still averted, her brow furrowed momentarily. "So, you know." Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. "What do you think of me now?"

What did he think of her? He thought she was the bravest, strongest, most beautiful woman he had ever met. And he couldn't bear her tears.

"I think…" Now, his eyes dropped away as well. "That I want you to be happy. So, if you want me to go…" He forced himself to meet her puzzled gaze. "Then I'll go. No questions asked."

She was staring at him, mouth agape, eyes uncomprehending. "You think I want you to leave?"

It was Han's turn to be confused. His mouth rounded to a small circle and he was too bewildered to speak.

She scooted closer to him. "Han…all I've ever wanted was for you to stay. And I still do. I love you, you Nerfherder." Placing one hand behind his head, she yanked him down into a long kiss. At first, Han was too surprised to react. As reality dawned, he smiled and melted into the kiss, pulling her close, while still being careful of her wounded arm.

A gleeful, growling cry interrupted them and they broke apart to find Wicket climbing over the log to congratulate them on their victory. Overjoyed, Han and Leia both patted his fur, grinning. He scampered off and they were again alone.

Smiling into each other's eyes, Han gathered her close and eased them both back onto the grass. They watched the burning embers of the Death Star flaming and dimming in the sky.

Han had never felt so at peace. He wondered briefly at what had upset Leia so, but at the moment, she seemed so happy. He was loathe to upset her.

This woman in his arms, he never wanted to let her go…it hit him in a flash how deeply he meant the sentiment and the memory of what losing her might feel like intruded. He wanted her…forever.

One arm around her, eyes on the sky, he said the words before he could second guess himself.

"Marry me." His voice came out low and deep and when she didn't immediately respond, he thought she hadn't heard him.

But her head turned, drawing expectant eyes to her. Their gazes lingered on each other for a long, drawn-out moment in which her eyes softened and she blinked rapidly. Han stopped breathing.

"You're serious?" she whispered breathlessly.

He nodded solemnly, suddenly terrified. She lowered her eyes and bit her lip. A terrible feeling of dread shot down Han's spine. He forced himself to breathe and swallowed hard.

"I would marry you in a heartbeat, Han." Her voice was barely audible; he had to strain to hear her. "But, there are some things I have to tell you…that might make you change your mind about me."

He couldn't imagine. "Never."

She smiled but her eyes remained sad. "You say that now."

"I'll say the same thing tomorrow. And the next day."

She nodded, stiff-lipped.

"So, tell me," he said quietly, having effectively blocked out all the joy and celebration surrounding their small, private nook of grass.

She gave a quick shake of the head. "I can't yet. It's too soon. And there's so much to celebrate. If I talk about it…there won't be room for celebration."

He watched her carefully, fear and pain radiating from her entire being. What could possibly be so terrible? But, he didn't want to push her.

"All right. I can wait until you're ready." He drew her closer and placed a soft kiss at her temple. She curled into him as if he might be able to absorb her into his own body and protect her from harm. He knew physical harm did not frighten her. Clearly, this was something far worse.

They lay for a long time in comfortable silence, simply being close before reality intruded once again.

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The party was still going strong, but Leia was starting to wilt. She was still smiling and chatting happily with any and every one, but Han could see the strain around her eyes. The day had taken a toll and the adrenaline was no longer enough.

"Sweetheart," he murmured near her ear. "It's time to go to bed."

Her upturned face graced him with a coy smile. "Is that all you ever think about?"

He grinned. "Actually, yeah. But, not this time. This time, we just need a good night's sleep."

She looked around at the music, laughter, and chatter. "I don't see that happening tonight."

"Not here. We can go to the Falcon."

She sighed and now her exhaustion was readily apparent. "Too far."

He shrugged. "We'll take a speeder bike."

Her brow rose and then she smiled. "That's a wonderful idea." She looked around and Han saw her eyes come to rest on Luke. "Let me speak to Luke for a minute."

He nodded and watched her go to Luke's side. He was talking enthusiastically with Lando, Wedge, and Nien Nunb. When Leia reached him, he turned to her and they wandered away from the others, his arm sliding around Leia's waist. Hers wound around his in return.

They were speaking quietly, both smiling then suddenly Leia grew serious. Luke sobered instantly and glanced at Han. Leia's eyes were on the ground beneath their feet and Luke took her hands in his, speaking with an air of soothing confidence.

What could they possibly be talking about? What could be so serious that Leia thought he would reject her because of it?

He continued to watch them until, finally, they hugged warmly and Luke gave her an encouraging smile. As she returned to Han, Luke caught his eye. Feeling a bit leery, the older man watched as Luke gave him the same encouraging smile he had given Leia. Han wasn't sure what to think but he nodded back, smiling with one side of his mouth.

When Leia was beside him again, he pulled her close and grinned with false cheer.

"You ready?"

"I suppose," she replied reluctantly. She stopped suddenly and tipped her head up to look at him. "I love you," she said softly. "Whatever happens, I want you to know that."

Gazing down at her, he was filled with an ominous feeling that was only overshadowed by the feelings for Leia that burst through him. Whatever she needed to tell him, he would be by her side.

"I love you, too." As they stepped down onto the walkway that led away from the village, Han took one last glance back at Luke. He was watching them go, his face now creased with concern.