The Long Road Home, part six

Mara couldn't remember the last time she had been so angry. She thought that if she could have seen herself, the steam rolling off her would have been visible in waves. Her boots were loud against the stairs as she stomped up to the roof, having been forbidden to leave the landing bay until the following morning. Her anger flourished anew as she recalled the officer who had told her apologetically, "Sorry, too much incoming traffic; all departures have been postponed until tomorrow." She needed to get back into her ship, off Coruscant, and away. Now. At this point, she didn't even know if she was going to Yavin, she was so furious. She reached the roof door and threw it open with the Force, satisfied to hear it bang against the outer wall loudly.

Against the rail, his back to her, stood Luke.

Abruptly, her anger vanished. Her heart constricted in her chest at the sight of his profile, turned into the wind, blonde hair blowing around it unchecked. She was surprised to see him wearing formal clothing of midnight blue and silver rather than the black she had seen him wear almost exclusively for years, and the edges of her mouth lifted in spite of herself. He knew she was there-she could feel it-yet he didn't move, and said nothing. She stood there for several moments, waiting for him to turn around. As the seconds passed and he continued to stare out over the city, her emotions wavered between irritation, sorrow, and confusion. The part of her that wanted to turn and run warred with the part that wanted to go beg his forgiveness for the pain she had caused him, until finally she realized what was happening. *He's letting me go,* it dawned on her. *He doesn't want to, but if I want to walk away, he won't stop me.* As he had watched the others walk away-not because he was a man of no courage, but because he was a man of incredible nobility and sacrifice.

Despite that; despite who he was and who she was, with all that had transpired between them, he still wanted her. Her. Truths came rushing at her faster than she could process them. Knowing she would be stuck on the planet one more night, he had come up to the roof to give her one last choice. He wasn't trying to hold her. He was trying to keep her. Mara realized that she knew the difference, knew as she had never known before that what she had read years ago was true: the only real voyage of discovery in life consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. They had crossed paths so many times, but she had really only seen him for the first time that first night on Yavin Four. She knew if she turned her new gaze inwardly, she would see what he wanted her to see. She feared it no longer.

Slowly, one step at a time, she moved towards him. He remained motionless, and as she reached out through the Force, she realized he had closed himself to her. In momentary confusion she paused, then realized why: if she had chosen to turn around and leave, he didn't want to feel her walk away again. That realization both created an unfamiliar lump in her throat and hastened her steps, until finally she stood at the rail next to him.

"So, how much did you have to do with the 'Fire' not getting flight clearance?" she said lightly, though she had never been so nervous. She watched his pulse leap against his neck as she spoke, heard him clear his throat softly.

"Nothing. You should know I would never try and force you to stay."

"I know." Still he did not turn to her, as Mara ran through a million possible things to say in her mind. *What are you waiting for?* she scolded herself. She laid a hand on his arm, took a deep breath and said simply, "No one's forcing me now, Luke."

His head whipped around, his azure gaze piercing through her as he searched her face. "What are you saying, Mara?"

She smiled nervously at that, brushing the hair out of her eyes. She knew he wouldn't make this easy for her, and because she had expected it, she was ready for the question. "I'm saying I'll stay...not just on Coruscant, or on Yavin, but with you. I think we're insane, but-"

Luke cut her off completely, yanking her into his arms, his mouth meeting hers, his hands tangling in her hair. She could feel the tension vanish from his shoulders, then his back, as he opened himself up to her completely and she felt his relief, his stunned joy, and...

"I love you, Mara Jade," he said, pulling back from her slightly. The lump in her throat returned, hearing the words for the first time. He laughed, a little unbelievingly. She grinned up at him, feeling more than a little foolish, then shouted with surprise as he lifted her off her feet, spinning them both around. Their lips met again in midair, as he lowered her back to the ground and her body slid down his, making both of them shiver in remembrance. This time it was Mara who reached for him, deepening the kiss until they parted, breathless, minutes later.

"I love you, Luke," she said quietly, and his pride in her swelled. He knew that the admission was hard for her, and that made it all the more incredible. "I've don't think I've ever said that to anyone," she realized aloud. His throat tightened at that, and he buried his face in her hair.

"Then I am doubly lucky."

She laughed. "You may not think so when I start turning your life upside down."

He picked up his head, looking down at her. "You're wrong, Mara-I feel like I've been drugged for months. My life could use a little excitement."

"This from the man who blew up the Death Star? Speaking of which, we can't miss Jacen's performance tomorrow."

"What time is it?" he asked, smoothing her hair out of her eyes.

"Um...noon, I believe...Luke!" she jumped as he began to trace her body with his hands.

"I love hearing you say my name...you made me wait long enough for it." He kissed her temples, lightly, and her cheeks. "Noon? Hmmm...we should be up by then." Her heart slammed into her ribcage. "If we ever go to sleep, that is."

Mara chuckled, low in her throat. "I have to get used to this side of the Jedi Master, I think. Not," she cautioned, as he moved to draw away, "That that is a bad thing, of course."

"Of course," he laughed back at her, and then his face turned suddenly somber.

"What is it?" she asked. Luke took her by the hand and led her around the corner to another identical section of the wall, one that they both recognized. It was the spot where, five years before, he had given her his father's lightsaber.

"So this is where the road ends," she murmured, and he shook his head.

"No-this is where that road ends. Our road begins here." He picked up her other hand, and brought them both up between them. He searched her face for a long moment, his gaze tender. "It is obvious to both of us, I think I am safe in saying, that there is an incredible attraction between us that we are both eager to explore. Would you agree with that?"

Mara looked at him, wondering where this was going, and nodded.

"Well," he continued slowly, "There's something I think we should do before we carry out those explorations any further." He took a deep breath, before saying quietly, "Marry me, Mara. Complete the circle we began so many years ago."

Her eyes dropped to the lightsaber that swung at her belt, and then she looked back up at him, and opened her mouth to speak.

"Wait-don't tell me what I know you're thinking: whether we should or not. Don't talk to me about what people will say or how long we've been involved or who we were involved with in the past. Don't tell me it's too soon to ask, because some part of me has been waiting ten years already. Just tell me yes, or no."

Mara looked up at him: Jedi Knight and Master, once her sworn enemy, her sparring partner, her verbal adversary. Once upon a time, it seemed as if he had ruined her life. She looked up at him, and saw none of that before her. She saw only Luke, handsome and strong in his Jedi robes, peace surrounding him like a calm sea, blue eyes full of his love--for her. And, even more endearing to her, she could see that despite his outward calm, he was awaiting her answer with farmboy nervousness.

Mara opened her mouth again, closed it, and then finally said, "We're oil and water, you know. Conflict and peace...chaos and order."

Relief began to settle over Luke. "Any more cliched pairs you can compare us to?" He gripped her hands tightly. "Maybe, together, we can have all those things, and more."

Taking a deep breath, she went on, "I won't give up the Smuggler's Alliance."

"The only things I ask that you give me are daughters with your hair and sons with your will and determination."

She looked up at him, thinking how powerful her children could be with Luke as their father, and smiled a little. "What if they all have my temper?" When he didn't respond, she went on, "I also don't intend to set up permanent residence on one of your backwater planets. Yavin isn't my idea of an eternal home."

Luke's eyes met hers, and his love for her sparkled within. "We are home, Mara."

She nodded, silently. "Maybe we are. I think I know where all the roads go from here." She reached up and touched his hair, cupped his cheeks in her hands. "I will marry you, Luke."

In the dusk of the first day celebrating the events that had started them towards each other so long ago, the emotionally scarred trader and the battle scarred farmboy finally put aside their pasts and began to assume their destiny. Two Jedi, bound at last by the love they had never believed could happen, descended the stairs of the capital. The winter of their lives was ending, and a quivering spring lay just around the corner.

***********************************************

Leia was not at all surprised to hear the chime at the door later that evening. Han had long since fallen asleep on the couch next to her, the kids were safely in bed thanks to Winter, and she was taking a few precious moments alone to catch up on her reading. She leaned over and shook Han awake-never an easy task; he slept like a Wookiee-and urged him to sit up.

"Is there a war on?" he grumbled.

"Not this week, General," she smiled. "You still need to wake up. Luke and Mara are here."

Han closed his eyes defiantly at that, sinking back into the cushions. "If it's only Luke and Mara, I'm going back to sleep. Wake me up for something important."

Leia reached over and kissed her husband, lingering until his arms circled her back, and then pulled away abruptly and stood up.

"Hey...come back here," he protested, pulling at her hand. She shook her head, folding her arms and waiting for him to stand.

"You're awake now, no excuses. They have something to tell us." He grimaced as the door chime came again, and finally lurched to his feet. "I suppose I'll get it," he mumbled, heading toward the entryway. After a little fumbling with the light switch and the door panel, the door slid open to reveal Luke and Mara, just as Leia had said. Han clasped forearms with his brother-in-law and gave Mara a half-smile, saying, "It's a little late, kid, this better be good."

Luke grinned at him. "Don't worry, old man, we'll let you get back to sleep soon enough. We have some news we thought you would like to hear right away. We would have been here sooner, but...ah.." he broke off abruptly when Mara elbowed him painfully in the ribs. Han, however, missed this and was too busy rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and yawning to notice that Luke had stopped talking. He waved them inside, turning around too soon to catch the meaningful look that passed between them, and walked back into the living area where Leia waited.He watched his wife kiss her brother, and then walk to Mara, taking her hands. He was completely baffled by what was happening.

"You know?" Mara asked, quietly.

Leia nodded. "I can guess, from the general atmosphere, and the way you both look." Luke stepped forward and laid a hand on Mara's shoulder, a sign of solidarity. His sister smiled. "You have more than my blessing, Mara. Who do you think gave the order to stop ships leaving the planet?"

Luke gaped at her. "But you said..."

She turned to him. "Of course I said that. I didn't want you to think I was interfering." Looking back at Mara, she went on, "I hope that this union will truly put the past to rest once and for all. My brother deserves a road that heads forward, not back. Our family would be honored if you would travel it with him." Luke smiled as he recognized the well-wishing from an ancient Jedi ceremony they had studied together. Mara gripped Leia's hands, and the two women embraced.

Han, meanwhile, was still standing slightly back from these events, comprehending nothing. Finally Leia became aware of this, and reaching out, drew her husband into the circle. "Luke and Mara are going to get married, Han."

He looked surprised for a second, then pleased. "It's about time someone married him."

Mara snorted and said, "Thanks, I think." She looked down, surprised, as two arms circled her waist.

"Jaina, what are you doing out of bed?" her mother scolded her gently. "It's late."

"I know," said the little girl with a yawn. "But everyone was so happy it woke me up." Mara reached down and picked her up, and Jaina rested her head on the trader's shoulder. "Are you really going to marry Uncle Luke?" she asked sleepily.

Mara met Luke's eyes over Jaina's bent head for a long moment before answering. Rather than the sarcastic comment she would usually make, she said, "Yes, Princess, I really am." She blinked back unexpected tears before going on, "I hope that's ok with you."

Jaina nodded, eyes closed, but pleased to have been asked. "...Aunt Mara..." she mumbled.

Mara smiled, kissing the top of her head. "Come on-I'll tuck you back in." She shared the smile with Luke before walking down the hallway to the children's room. Already a new peace seemed to be falling over her. His eyes followed her as she walked away, his niece cradled in her arms, her glorious hair falling over Jaina like a blanket. *Our children will be powerful,* he thought. *And feisty,* he added, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

Leia watched her brother, seeing something he had long sought begin to settle carefully over him. He would have his own family now, something long denied him; he would have chaos and excitement every day through Mara; and perhaps some adventure would return to his life. While she knew that he had been trained to not crave excitement, she knew that he had always struggled with it and Mara would now give him an excuse to give freedom to things he had long been denied. *With good cause, usually,* she reminded herself, *and some of the denial was his own fault-though not always.* There had been tremendous pressure on him since the day his aunt and uncle died on Tatooine, and it had waxed and waned over the years, but never really died out. With the resurgence of the Jedi Knights and the steady growth of their powers, Luke would be free to relax a little.

::Well, as much as I can relax with Mara around,:: sent her brother wryly.

"Stop eavesdropping in my brain!" Leia scolded him out loud, smiling.

"Stop broadcasting your thoughts to every Force sensitive in the area!" he retorted.

Mara came walking back into the room, and though she had taken pains to tuck her feelings safely away, Leia could see that she had been touched by her short encounter with Jaina. This union would be as good for Mara as it was for Luke, for the trader had never really known the feeling of family, and had never been loved as fully and as unconditionally as Luke loved her. Together they would make a formidable couple, and the Skywalker line would continue. Reaching out for her hand, Luke pulled his future wife next to him.

"Have you thought about when yet?" Leia asked.

"As soon as possible, as quiet as possible," Mara said quickly, but Leia was already shaking her head.

"Impossible-it will have to be a State wedding, due to Luke's title and position, his relationship to me, and his past with the government-not to mention his fame in the galaxy as a war hero, especially now, during the anniversary period. That will take at least two months to put together properly as well as send the required invitations through the proper channels."

Mara was aghast. "A State wedding? Two months?" she turned to Luke, irritation beginning to burn within her. "Somehow you neglected to mention all that."

Luke bit back a smile. "I didn't know; I've never been married before. Well, I assumed that we would have to have a public wedding, but I didn't know it would take so long to set up." He carefully set up a Force barrier and, stepping slightly behind Mara in the pretext of brushing some lint off his robes, winked at his sister. "I am sure Leia will only invite the most important guests, keep the delegation as small as possible, isn't that right, Leia?"

Leia nodded, all seriousness. "And I am sure we can trim the time to one month, but that is the absolute minimum."

Mara turned to Luke, her eyes like green ice. "Don't patronize me, farmboy. The last thing you want to do is tell me there will be 20 guests and then have me walk in on every delegate in the free worlds."

"Excuse us for a second, Leia, Han," said Luke quickly, pulling Mara to the side. Han and Leia were amused to see the rather heated discussion that proceeded from that point, Mara waving her hands, Luke obviously placating her, until finally they seemed to come to some kind of agreement and walked back across the room. "One month," Luke said. "And we get final approval over the guest list."

"And," cut in Mara, "We use the old Jedi ceremony, but with one important omission."

Han and Leia exchanged glances, then looked back at her, baffled.

With a side look at Luke, Mara said, "Anything about promising to obey is removed from the text."

Han burst out laughing. "I would think that would be in Luke's vows, not yours, anyway!"

As the women's laughter joined his, Luke retorted, "That's right, I forgot that the Solo household is ruled by a woman and not by a man."

Leia elbowed her indignant husband in the ribs. "You could never take as well as you give," she laughed.

"Yeah, your brother's a real comedian," Han growled. The Solos walked the future Skywalkers to the door. Luke and Mara both embraced Han and Leia in turn, Luke whispering to his sister, "I owe you for this."

"We're finally even, now, I think," she whispered back. "Be happy."

"I will."

"May the Force be with both of you," Leia smiled.

Epilogue