Epilogue:

(One year later)

Luke paced the length of his dressing room, hands wringing as he fretted over this or that. However, as Han gazed at him like he had once before, he knew what the root issue was with Luke.

He was doing it again. He was getting married.

Only this time, Han knew it was for real. Mara would be as likely to walk out on Luke as the coat markings were to abandon the spotted cyal cat on Toydaria. In other words, the nine Sith hells would freeze over before that happened.

"Kid, you know she's going all the way on this, right?" Han asked him finally.

Luke sighed. "Yes, I know."

"Then why the nerves?"

Luke grimaced. "I know Mara will walk that aisle... it's just... subconsciously, I..." Luke sat with a shamed look. "I guess my mind is... just preparing for a repeat."

Han stepped up and placed a hand to his brother's shoulder. "Luke, I can understand that, and there's nothing wrong with preparing for the worst. But, marriage is about trust. And if you can't trust Mara to walk that aisle and take your hand and name, then you shouldn't be here."

"I do trust her!" Luke snapped, though Han knew he wasn't angry at him. "I..."

Then he deflated, and Han saw him close his eyes. He was certain Luke was willing away his doubts in the Force. Sure enough, when the other man reopened his eyes they blazed with a determination Han hadn't seen since before Callista.

"I'm ready," Luke stated, walking out the door before Han could stop him.

00000

Mara felt her heart beating in anticipation of the moment as the bridal party left her sight one by one until it was just her and Karrde, her chosen escort.

"Ready?" Karrde asked her, and Mara nodded.

He smiled and led her gracefully down the aisle. Mara's gaze found Luke and held fast. And she had never before felt so beautiful... so loved as she did in that moment when he blinked back happy tears.

Mara sensed his joy, his bliss... and his love for her grew a thousand-fold just for Mara's simple act of being there when she said she would. Mara smiled at him, and he laughed shakily, wiping at his face as his eyes overflowed.

Karrde handed Mara over to Luke, and her groom accepted her hand gently.

As they gazed into each other's eyes, the words of their officiator were heard and acknowledged, though their full attention was on each other.

When it came time for the vows, Luke went first.

"Mara, you are the most wonderful person I have ever known. You bring my world to life, and I can't believe it took me so long to gather the courage to start our relationship anew. This last year has made me so happy, and I look forward to being your only, constant and utterly faithful companion. I will stay beside you through the hard times and the good, in sickness and health. Until the stars all fade away and the galaxy dies, I will love you, and only you. You are my world, my heart, my everything. I love you."

He placed her simple wedding band in place, and then Mara went into her vows.

"Luke. My Farmboy. I have never been as happy as when I was with you. Even before we agreed on our deeper feelings, I think I loved you. I still do, and I always will. I promise to be faithful to you: I will never betray your trust. I accept your heart, and I will cherish and protect it, always... so long as you do the same with mine. I cannot wait to spend the rest of eternity with you at my side, day and night. No matter what lies ahead, I am yours."

Once his ring was in place, the officiator said something else, but all Luke heard after that was 'you may kiss the bride.'

Luke wasted no time in bringing his bride close and placing the tenderest of kisses upon her lips. However, Mara demanded more by wrapping her arms about his neck and deepening the kiss.

I love you Luke. Mara told him in the Force.

I love you too, Mara... always.