Aric hugged his best friend again. "Cor, I don't know how you managed it," he said.

Corso grinned, Aric's enthusiasm was visible, and he couldn't deny he'd missed his brother. "You know, necessity being the mother of, uh, good ideas," he replied, and reached to make sure Miriah was within reach. His fingers brushed the soft fabric of her dress and he relaxed. "Just glad I got to see Coleen start her new life." He picked Declan up, who had been hanging on his pants leg, and Aric was pulled over to the table. Corso hugged his grandson and turned to Miriah. "Let's go sit, darlin'. I'm hungry." Miriah followed him and sat, while Mia wrangled Declan away to his chair. Corso leaned down and kissed his wife's upturned face, then took his seat beside her. "I am hungry, but all I can think of is you," he confessed.

"We have all the time we want, sugar. Let's just be present, here and now, and enjoy being with everyone." Miriah had the same hunger he did, but months of self deprivation had taught her some new coping skills, and she managed to push her desire down. Corso felt her emotions cool and again wondered how many barriers he would have to break down to get her totally back, but turned his attention to the platters of food set before them, hoping the reception would be done soon.

Caly found it hard to look away from her parents. She had a plan for their vow renewal, and now that her father was home, could look at a date for it. It had been fun to plan this, and she was keeping the details close, not wanting to spoil any surprises. Grinning, she took Torian by the arm and led him to the dance floor, laughing when he spun her around. Everything is just right, she thought joyfully.

Devin sighed with contentment. Everyone is back on Odessen, he thought, and it feels like things are okay again. He looked over to where Corso sat, his arm on the back of his wife's chair. They look happy. I know there are some things they need to work out, but it doesn't feel like a big thing. Corso put his head down to Miriah's and whispered something that made her smile, and Devin felt a warmth spread through him. Mia took his hand and he brought hers to his lips. "Everything is wonderful," she said, and he hummed agreement. Maybe now things can go forward instead of feeling like we're waiting for something bad to happen.

Logan and Lara had taken the baby home, even though James wanted to spend more time with his grandfather. Corso had hugged the little boy and told him that they would play very soon, which seemed to calm him. He knew then that his absence had been about more than trying to force Miriah to stop putting herself in danger. His family had truly suffered, and he felt ashamed of that.

Magdalane had been making the rounds of the room and stopped in front of Lana. "Lana, you look beautiful," she said, and saw the blonde Sith blush. Lana handed the baby to Mags and grinned. Mags took the child and they looked into each other's eyes. "You are already aware of the force, aren't you?" she cooed, then looked at Lana's astonished face. "Tali knows." Tali had been playing with Merida but felt Mag's focus and looked at her mother.

"I thought it was just a mother-son bond," Lana said. Her force use was back to normal, but she put in so many hours in each day that by the time all was quiet at her house, she was exhausted.

"He's an amazing baby," Mags said, and handed him back. "I'd like to take over some of Tali's training. Her healing abilities are growing, and she's old enough now to be more focused. That is, if you're willing for me to train her."

"It would truly be an honor," Lana said, smiling.

"I know these days are long and you're tired, but they pass so quickly, Lana. The Alliance is working smoothly, and there's no need to put in the long hours." She must be reading my mind, Lana thought, but nodded.

"I know, I realized this week that I can get as much done in six hours than eight or ten, if I am rested."

Mags smiled. "I wish I'd been able to teach Mir and Maura that." As the Jedi walked away, Lana caught Tali's smile, and hugged Jared to her chest. Yes, indeed, she thought, as Nico put his arm around her.

Coleen couldn't decide which she was more in awe of, her mother for this beautiful wedding, or her aunt for the cake. She was amazed at how closely the design matched the beading and embroidery of her dress. Ty looked indulgently at her, and finally took her hand. "I'm hesitant to cut it, it's so beautiful," she said to him, and he chuckled at her.

"It really is, but I think the others want to taste it," he said softly, and with his hand guiding hers, they cut into the back of the cake. Ty gingerly put a small portion into her mouth, and her eyes closed with the flavors that exploded on her tongue. When the party cheered, Coleen blushed, and left it to Caly to finish cutting the portions, taking Ty over to where her parents sat.

"This is all so wonderful," Coleen said, hugging her mom. "Dad, I know Mom spent a lot of time on this, but I've enjoyed it so much!" She hugged Aric then, and he held for a moment more.

"All we've ever wanted is for our children to be happy," Aric told her, seeing the glisten of tears in her eyes. "Be happy, Col. Do what you love, and love your family. We're proud of you." That seemed to set her off again, but she was smiling, so he didn't get upset.

"We're going now, I don't think either of us slept much last night." They had opted to wait until tomorrow to take Caitlin with them to Haven for a few days. The thought of that made Aric wish for another trip to the small, private island on Rishi, and he made a mental note to talk to Corso about it. Maybe that could happen again. He looked over to the table where Miriah and Corso were, and saw that they looked fine together. They stood as if to leave as well, and he watched them cross the room.

"Let's go home," Corso whispered, and Miriah felt a shiver as his warm breath crossed her ear.

"Okay," she said, and stood, and when Corso grasped her hand, she felt the dark hole in her soul start to close. Aric smiled at them and she felt her face warm. Surely he wouldn't tease Corso now, she thought.

"It was all very lovely, Maura," Corso said, taking Maura's hands in his own.

"Truly it was, the food was delicious and I'm so glad you liked the cake," Miriah said. She'd been too anxious to be alone with Corso to taste anything, but she could tell it had been prepared perfectly. Coleen hugged her aunt again, her happiness bubbling over. After a few farewells, Corso took Miriah's hand again and they started for the exit, only to be stopped by Caly and Devin on the way. They made plans for a family dinner the following night, and Miriah stepped out to the detail. Once they were on the way to the apartment, Corso felt torn. He knew they needed to discuss some things, but his mind was only on holding Miriah close, feeling her silky skin on his and craving their connection, wanting to strengthen it so that neither could deny how they felt.

Ian held Kira close, and smiled at her as they danced. "It's so good to be with you," he murmured, and Kira smiled back.

"It is. I'm grateful that we have this time together." She closed her eyes and rested her head on his broad shoulder. If only we could stay this way, Kira thought. Ian was her perfect mate, but her Jedi training held her back. She could love him, even live with him, but in her thoughts, marriage was taboo. The Jedi restriction on it was well ingrained, even though Tython was long destroyed now. Still, in this new galaxy, the new Eternal Alliance, the force users here encouraged connections and attachments. Barsen'thor Magdalane had even married with the council's approval. Now, she thought, there is no council. As if Ian were sensing her thoughts, he held her even closer.

"We are free to do as we wish, love. All I want right now is for you to be happy," he said softly, stroking her back gently as they swayed to the music.

"I am happy," she replied, and knew deep down that she was, happier than she'd ever been.

Coleen grinned at Ty, and at Caitlin snuggled between them. "I am so happy," she confessed, blushing as Ty took her face between his hands.

"You make me happy," he told her, then kissed her. When they parted, he took the little girl to her room and returned to Coleen, who had already changed into a beautiful silk gown. The stretch marks on Coleen's hips were just silver streaks now, but she was still embarrassed by them. Ty saw nothing but the one he loved, and they started their married life, both ready for whatever lay ahead.

The detail stopped at the apartment and Miriah thanked them for their service before going inside. Once the door closed, she pulled Corso to her. "But, Mir, darlin', we need to dis..." He was interrupted by her fingers on his lips.

"Shhh," she said, starting to unbutton his starched, stiff shirt. He put his hands on hers, stilling them.

"But we really need..."

"Shut up and kiss me," she said, her voice in that husky tone that always pulled at him. She met his lips and everything faded away for him. The issues, the hurt feelings, it was all muted by the fact that he was finally kissing his wife. He scooped her up and they were quickly in their bedroom. He unfastened her gown, kissing down her spine as he did so, and the dress fell in soft folds to the floor. His clothing followed suit, and Corso lay Miriah down on the bed, his eyes filled with love.

Aric rubbed Maura's shoulders, aware that she was tired on a level he couldn't understand but wanted to help with. "It was a beautiful wedding," he said. "Everything was perfect."

"It really was," Maura said in a sleepy voice. "I can't think of even one thing that wasn't done as we wanted."

"And to see Corso there? That was like magic," Aric replied. "I had no idea he was working on a plan to get here."

"I knew Miriah looked cagey this morning, but there were so many things going on, I didn't follow up," Maura admitted. She turned to put her head on Aric's chest and was fast asleep in seconds. She cannot keep doing this, he thought. Maybe with Coleen settled, Maura can get more rest. He felt a smile cross his face then. Corso's home. Now maybe everything can move forward. He cuddled his wife close and followed her into sleep, his heart light.

Corso finally lay still, Miriah draped over him, her hair trailing down his body. "I have surely missed you," he said, his voice full of emotion. He felt her soft skin slide against his as she moved to lay beside him, and he felt a catch in his breathing.

"And I have missed you, sugar. I know, we have some things to talk about, but all we have is time," Miriah told him. She let out a satisfied sigh, but instead of resting her head on his shoulder, she pulled her pillow under her head and closed her eyes. Immediately missing their contact, he lay on his side and put his arm over her body.

"I love you, Miriah," he said, and saw her smile.

"I love you, too," she said. Those words seemed to satisfy a need inside him, and he closed his eyes as well. He could sense the change in Miriah's breathing which meant she was sleeping, and opened his eyes again. She was as thin as he'd ever seen her, and that bothered him. He traced a finger along an old scar, and jumped as Miriah rolled over, her back to him. Screw this, he thought, and pulled her into his body. She relaxed against him and he pulled the bed covers over them, content with having her close.

Magdalane had observed her son and Kira Carson together at the reception, and found that she was pleased with this pairing. Ian had been longing for something more in his life for some time now, she realized, and he seemed totally happy. Michilina had been there with her husband, and Mags knew that her daughter was well loved, so seeing Ian content made Mags feel content, too. Felix, you should have seen them. Ian was confident, smiling and talking. He's always been so introverted, it was amazing. Mags lay down and blocked her sister, who was already ramping up her emotions with Corso home, and felt like it had been almost a perfect day. She was almost asleep when she felt the warmth of the force around her, and smiled.

Corso slept well. The travel and stress of getting to the wedding combined with their lovemaking had him relaxed and tired. He woke once when Miriah had drifted away from him, but he didn't think it was on purpose, and simply pulled her close again. No matter what, he thought, we're together. It was with some surprise that when he woke, he was alone.