Chapter Text
6 months later
The low, lazy sun of a late Tuscan summer warmed Rey’s chilled hands, as she stood at the window of the villa, looking out across the hills, and marvelling at that particular kind of light that suffused the air here. It danced on the leaves, it suffused the very earth of the place. It was magic, pure and simple.
And it was all hers. She looked down again at the letter in her hand, the deed to this very villa, and her name, as the owner.
“It’s a wedding present” he said from the door. She turned, clutching the silk ends of her robe together, before remembering that she wasn’t in her dress yet. It wasn’t bad luck if she wasn’t in her dress yet. He was leaning against the door, hands in his dress trousers, his long hair waving around his jaw, the sight was still enough to stop her heart.
“Some present… a little much, some might say” she teased, as he closed in. He was wearing a white dress shirt, impeccably stiff and pristine, and it was early enough he hadn’t even rolled the sleeves to his elbows yet, as he usually did. She suddenly longed for that moment, later, when they were alone, him with his sleeves rolled, her dress discarded, shoes kicked off, and nothing but the sweet forever to look forward to.
“You do know there’s a date on it” she said, turning again to the view beyond the window, feeling a deep contentment settle in her bones. A feeling of home. He reached her, and wrapped his arms around her from behind, settling his face into the nook of her shoulder.
“Hard to hide it” was all he said, as she mulled over it.
It meant so much more than he made it seem, that scribbled date 4 long years ago. That he had believed in her, believed in them, when it had seemed like all was lost. He never gave up on the idea that they were destined.
“And if we had never ended up here together?”
“Then… I would know that you always had a place of your own, a place you loved. That would have been enough” he said quietly, and she believed him.
“I’m to tell you that the musicians are held up… could push the time back by an hour or so” Rey laughed at his unsurprised tone.
“It wouldn’t be Italy if everyone was on time” she agreed.
“Catherine is stressing about it”
“It’ll talk to her” Rey said. She leaned back and pulled his arms around her waist. His large hands instantly went to her lower belly, his new favourite place in her body, and cupped the infinestimal mound there.
“You are remarkably relaxed for a woman on the verge of matrimony.”
“When in Rome… I quite like the Italian way… it’ll happen when it happens” she sighed, as Ben brushed his thumbs over abdomen. Slowly he turned her around, and lowered himself to his knees, like a knight bowing before his queen, he carefully parted her robe, and ran his hands over the slightly distended curve.
“And it will happen – today… and forever more… you’re mine, kid. Both of you” he murmured as he pressed his lips to her skin, kissing that sacred place where their secret resided.
“Anyway, I can think of a most excellent use of the extra time” he smirked, his lips curling against her flesh, as his mouth moved lower, and her hands curled into his hair.
Six months after that
Ben Solo had worked to be more patient for many years. He had practised meditation, and he had sought feelings of calm and centeredness through his practise of martial arts. He now recognised the truth. In times of true stress, he had absolutely no control over his anxiety.
The door to the private bathroom opened, and Rey came out. Ben couldn’t stop himself from reaching her side as quickly as possible.
“Mr Solo, we have it under control” a nurse told him firmly, pushing him aside with her hip. Ben watched forlornly as Rey was guided back to the bed, her slim body shaking with exhaustion and pain. Her belly, distended and swollen protruded hugely before her, and he didn’t know how she could walk around with such a burden, as effortlessly as she had.
“Did the shower help the contractions?” he asked, as Rey climbed back on the bed.
“A little…” she panted.
“Shouldn’t you stay in there longer?” he asked, watching a nurse checking the mobile heart monitor they had attached to his wife.
“Mother’s heart rate is rising a little too fast, and baby’s is slowing a little” the nurse said, turning fully to him, as the midwife behind approached the phone mounted on the wall. Ben felt his own heart stop completely for a moment. His hands were trembling as he looked again to Rey, her hair plastered over her forehead, veins popping out, and her eyes glazed with pain. He had never felt so powerless.
“What does it mean?” he asked urgently.
“It means it’s time to deliver this baby. We will call the consultants for an exam, and they will discuss options with you. Everything is going to be alright, Mr Solo. Women have children everyday” the nurse said, turning to talk on the phone.
Ben went to Rey’s side, his heart hammering so hard he was sure that he might have his own heart attack any moment. He crouched beside the bed, finding his mouth was moving, without hardly realising what he was saying.
“They’re calling in consultants, which is a good thing, right? I mean, more heads are better than one.. Maybe I should call someone… Maz might know a good-”
“Ben” Rey’s voice cut through his thoughts, and he cut his eyes to hers. She was holding out her hands for his, and he grasped her fingers. His were shaking badly, sweating and clammy, he gripped her. Her fingers were cool, and still. He suddenly became aware of how calm Rey seemed. Even through the pain and uncertainty, she sat there, beatific in her peace.
“Sweetheart, calm down. You have to calm down.” She murmured. In her eyes then he felt as though he saw something ancient and wise, a strength passed down from mother to daughter, and daughter to mother again and again, from time unknown until ages without end.
“Help me breathe” she asked him, and he sat beside her, forcing air into his lungs, a painful exercise at first, and then, growing easier. His eyes locked onto hers, her hands gripped him, as fresh sweat popped up on her brow.
“Ben, call the nurse… something is happening. Something different” she said quietly, and he called out immediately, his naturally loud voice carrying easily across the room. The midwife and nurse appeared, hovering down below where Rey’s knees were spread, talking between themselves.
“Mrs Solo, it seems she’s coming on her own after all. She doesn’t want to wait one more moment for her birthday. Get ready to push” The nurse said, as she settled in between Rey’s legs.
“Are you ready?” she called. Rey kept her eyes on Ben, her hands braced in his, breathing in and out together, his breath guiding her back to calm, when pain stuttered the air in her lungs, and her leading him back when worry robbed him of his.
“I’m ready”