#zoaswips

[zoawrites]

The Courtship of Rachel Palpatine - A Regency Tale

After a long sojourn away, Ben Organa-Solo returns to the ton of Chandrila to accept his inheritance as the new Duke of Naberrie. Pressured by his new position and his mother to marry, in a fit of rebellion Ben concocts a scheme and makes a wager with his best friend:

Court and marry the granddaughter of his family’s arch-nemesis.

Chapter 7: A Game of Cricket

A society cricket match causes frustration to rise between Duke Solo and Miss Palpatine.

-

Sneak Peek

Rey watched Ben Solo stride out of the tent with the other players, stripped out of his coat like the other gentlemen, but sans cravat. His dark waistcoat was also unbuttoned, which annoyed Rey because his appearance edged on scandalous combined with the way his shirt fell open just enough to reveal a hint of his pale chest. 

Did she spot a spattering of moles?

Heat suffused her cheeks and chest and a sudden need for air came over her. Rey opened her periwinkle blue lace fan and gently waved it in front of her face. 

“Are you alright, Rey? Your cheeks are red.” Finn was clearly concerned but Rey was mortified. 

“Of course!” She grimaced at the defensive squeak in her voice. “Of course,” she repeated more stably. “It is only the heat.”

“The heat?” Rose asked, in far too innocent a tone for her eyes were on a certain tall, dark-haired gentleman. She glanced at Rey with a smirk. “Are you certain?”

“It’s hot, Rose,” Rey snapped, flapping her fan faster as if to emphasize her point. “Surely you’ve noticed.”

“Yes, but you look as if you’ve just had a bracing walk in it,” Rose retorted. 

[zoawrites]

The Courtship of Rachel Palpatine - A Regency Tale

After a long sojourn away, Ben Organa-Solo returns to the ton of Chandrila to accept his inheritance as the new Duke of Naberrie. Pressured by his new position and his mother to marry, in a fit of rebellion Ben concocts a scheme and makes a wager with his best friend:

Court and marry the granddaughter of his family’s arch-nemesis.

Chapter 6: A Suitor's Visit

Rey receives a surprising visitor to Exegol House.

-

Sneak Peek

The fervor of his response startled her. Duke Solo sounded…angry. Indeed, there was now a defined scowl upon his face; a dangerous one, in fact, and it caused Rey to retreat slightly. He must have noticed, for an emotionless mask replaced the scowl and he gave a shallow bow. 

“Forgive me, Miss Palpatine. I forget myself.” 

“There’s no need,” she murmured, willing to forgive him because he seemed sincere. “I must thank you for understanding. Not many understand me.”

His dark eyes took on a fierce sheen. “But I do.” 

[zoawrites]

The Courtship of Rachel Palpatine - A Regency Tale

After a long sojourn away, Ben Organa-Solo returns to the ton of Chandrila to accept his inheritance as the new Duke of Naberrie. Pressured by his new position and his mother to marry, in a fit of rebellion Ben concocts a scheme and makes a wager with his best friend:

Court and marry the granddaughter of his family’s arch-nemesis.

Chapter 5: The Promenade

Whilst Ben and Rey promenade they play an illuminating game.

-

Sneak peek

“Then take this opportunity to learn,” he said with a lopsided smile. “Let’s play a game. We may ask each other three questions and we must answer honestly, no matter what it is.” 

Miss Palpatine looked dubious. “Any question?”

Ben met her eyes. “Any question. Would you like to go first?”

“Yes.” She looked away and for a few moments they strolled in silence. Ben assumed she was creating her list, just as he was. “All right.”

“Ask away.” 

[zoawrites]

Pride, Prejudice, and Progeny

At sixteen, Rey Johnson ends up pregnant by her seventeen year old boyfriend, Ben Solo. But the two are torn apart before Rey can tell Ben about her pregnancy. Fourteen years later, Rey and Ben’s child is on the hunt for their dad. They find him - a junior partner in a big time law firm and running for senator - and run away to meet him on the other side of the country.The former sweethearts are drawn together again, connected by the child Rey kept secret. Old feelings resurface, but as Rey and Ben grow closer, his ambition, her distrust, and outside influences may be burdens too heavy for the new family to bear.

Rated M

Chapter 15: Answers, resolution, and a happy ending.

-

Sneak peek

Rey’s finger hovered over Ben’s image in her phone. Anxiety threatened to overwhelm her, fear that he wouldn’t pick up or if he did they would get into another fight and the situation would worsen. 

With a deep breath she pushed those fears aside and got within a millimeter of pushing the button when a taxi pulled up to the house. Distracted, Rey lowered her phone. The taxi door opened and the last person she ever expected to see hopped out. 

“Han!” 

[zoawrites]

Pride, Prejudice, and Progeny

At sixteen, Rey Johnson ends up pregnant by her seventeen year old boyfriend, Ben Solo. But the two are torn apart before Rey can tell Ben about her pregnancy. Fourteen years later, Rey and Ben’s child is on the hunt for their dad. They find him - a junior partner in a big time law firm and running for senator - and run away to meet him on the other side of the country.The former sweethearts are drawn together again, connected by the child Rey kept secret. Old feelings resurface, but as Rey and Ben grow closer, his ambition, her distrust, and outside influences may be burdens too heavy for the new family to bear.

Rated M

Chapter 13

A gala and a text wreak havoc.

-

Sneak peek

“You’re gonna be just fine, sweetheart.”

“Says the man used to facing down a thousand cameras,” Rey muttered. 

Bree wasn’t paying any attention to her parents. Her face was pressed against the car window as they rolled up to the entrance. At least she wasn’t intimidated.

“Says the guy who knows you,” Ben retorted gently. “And there aren’t a thousand cameras. More like…a hundred.”

“Yeah. A hundred cameras is so, so different from a thousand.”

The limousine came to a stop and two attendants in blue jackets approached the door. Rey’s hand tightened around Ben’s, but her attention was on the crowd outside. 

“Hey.” Rey turned to him and he leaned in to kiss her chastely. “I’m with you,” he whispered against her cheek. “Just follow my lead.”

[zoawrites]

The Lost Son - A The Quiet Man au 

Ben Solo returns to his ancestral home and finds his destiny

This story is inspired by the movie "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, one of my family's favorites and one we watch every year on St. Patrick's Day. 

Rated T 

Chapter 3

A scheme is hatched to bring Ben and Rey together.

[zoawrites]

The Courtship of Rachel Palpatine - A Regency Tale

My regency fic is back! And with a new - more fitting - title! I'm excited to bring this chapter to you and even more excited for what's to come! Enjoy!

Chapter 4: A New Dance

Summary: A frustrated Ben gets the chance to woo Miss Palpatine at a dance.

Rated M

-

Sneak Peek

Dame Holdo herself appeared, as if summoned by Rey’s words. Rey smiled brightly, sincerely delighted to see the dame. After the two women bowed to each other, Dame Holdo turned to Hux, who bowed as well. 

“Mr. Hux, do excuse me, but I must introduce Rachel to someone.”

Before Hux could express the displeasure that was written all over his pale face, Rey was tugged through the crowd by her illustrious hostess. 

In the last direction she expected or wanted.

“Ben, my dear!” 

[zoawrites]

Pride, Prejudice, and Progeny

At sixteen, Rey Johnson ends up pregnant by her seventeen year old boyfriend, Ben Solo. But the two are torn apart before Rey can tell Ben about her pregnancy. Fourteen years later, Rey and Ben’s child is on the hunt for their dad. They find him - a junior partner in a big time law firm and running for senator - and run away to meet him on the other side of the country.The former sweethearts are drawn together again, connected by the child Rey kept secret. Old feelings resurface, but as Rey and Ben grow closer, his ambition, her distrust, and outside influences may be burdens too heavy for the new family to bear.

Rated M

Chapter 11

The Solo family must adjust to life in the spotlight.

-

Sneak peek

“What the hell just happened?” Rey exclaimed. Her hands were shaking; her face - and her daughter’s face - were blasted on every screen in Chandrila and probably nationwide.

“I don’t know,” Ben growled, his phone at his ear. “But I’m gonna find out.”

“What do you-” he held up a finger and Rey paused. 

“Mitaka. Get me Snoke. Now.” 

-

Dedicated to @morphobluetravels who is the beta for these upcoming chapters and an awesome person!

[zoawrites]

Pride, Prejudice, and Progeny

At sixteen, Rey Johnson ends up pregnant by her seventeen year old boyfriend, Ben Solo. But the two are torn apart before Rey can tell Ben about her pregnancy. Fourteen years later, Rey and Ben’s child is on the hunt for their dad. They find him - a junior partner in a big time law firm and running for senator - and run away to meet him on the other side of the country.The former sweethearts are drawn together again, connected by the child Rey kept secret. Old feelings resurface, but as Rey and Ben grow closer, his ambition, her distrust, and outside influences may be burdens too heavy for the new family to bear.

Rated M

Chapter 12

A passionate night leads to a heated discussion. Ben is visited by Snoke.

-

Sneak peek

“Do not make any hasty decisions, Benjamin,” Snoke continued. He planted his hands on Ben’s desk, his eyes shining. “Your future is in the Senate. You have raw, untamed power. The potential of your bloodline to exact the change the Republic needs. Your mother yes, but your grandfather as well. Your grandfather, a former president. You, my young protege, are the future.”

Ben couldn’t look away from Snoke, enthralled by the glorious future he promised. He believed Ben could make the Republic better as a senator and become president, like Anakin Skywalker, and do even more. 

Surely Rey and Bree would understand that. 

[zoawrites]

A Nanny for Christmas - A Reylo Christmas Story

After her promised dream job is given away and her boyfriend dumps her, Rey Johnson is at a loss. In search of direction, she ends up as a nanny for an acerbic millionaire’s twins right before the holidays. When the family goes to a mountain lodge for Christmas, the nanny and the millionaire grow close. Love and holiday magic ensue.

Rated T

Chapter 1

Chapter 8

Christmas morning brings a big surprise.

[zoawrites]

A Nanny for Christmas - A Reylo Christmas Story

After her promised dream job is given away and her boyfriend dumps her, Rey Johnson is at a loss. In search of direction, she ends up as a nanny for an acerbic millionaire’s twins right before the holidays. When the family goes to a mountain lodge for Christmas, the nanny and the millionaire grow close. Love and holiday magic ensue.

Rated T

Chapter 1

Chapter 9: Epilogue

Two years and another Christmas later...

[zoawrites]

like glitter and gold - a tale from the Gold Rush

1848: Rey Niima answers the request to be the wife for a man in a California gold rush town. As time goes by, the relationship becomes something more than either party expect.

Title from Barns Courtney's song "Glitter & Gold"

Rated M

Chapter 1: Arrival

Chapter 22: A Day of Thanks

Rey and Ben partake in a new tradition.

-

Sneak Peek

“Ben.”

“Hm?”

“I have to cook.”

“You can take a minute and rest.”

She twisted to glower at him. “You fondling me is resting?”

[zoawrites]

A Nanny for Christmas - A Reylo Christmas Story

After her promised dream job is given away and her boyfriend dumps her, Rey Johnson is at a loss. In search of direction, she ends up as a nanny for an acerbic millionaire’s twins right before the holidays. When the family goes to a mountain lodge for Christmas, the nanny and the millionaire grow close. Love and holiday magic ensue.

Rated T

Chapter 1

Chapter 7

In the aftermath of the kiss, Rey has a heart to heart with Han and confronts Ben.

-

Sneak Peek

For a little while they stood in silence while watching the long line for Santa move along. Leia and the twins were still some way from their target, but Rey didn’t see the kids acting up or looking bored. Yet.

“Is there a new guy?”

Han’s question came out of the blue and a little too casually. Rey was instantly put on guard.

“No,” she answered slowly, peering at Han. “Why?”

He shrugged. “Just curious. Seemed like your ex was acting jealous. Thought maybe there was a reason for it. Seemed,” he cleared his throat with a cough, “like he thought Ben was your boyfriend.”

Snap had definitely assumed Ben was her boyfriend but Rey hadn’t thought it was that obvious. At least, she didn’t think an old man standing twenty feet away would have been able to tell. That was the last time she underestimated Han Solo.

[zoawrites]

Just Believe - 8 Chapters - Rated T New York City, November 1947: Ben Solo is the no nonsense event director for Skywalker Department Stores, the family business, which hosts an annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. But after the Santa Claus he hired is found drunk Ben has to employ a new one on the spot named Kris Kringle, which sets off a chain of events Ben couldn’t possibly imagine and leads him to love and renewed faith.

The Christmas Conundrum - 9 Chapters - Rated T After getting fired from her job right before the holidays, Rey is accidentally mistaken for an abandoned baby’s mother and is forced to take care of him. Ben Solo is the boss guilted into giving Rey her job back. Confusion, chicanery, and romance ensue. Inspired by the films 'Bachelor Mother' and 'Bundle of Joy'

tell me you’ll never more roam - One Shot - Rated T Rey is never excited for Christmas. This year, she is.

A Nanny for Christmas - 9 Chapters - Rated T  After her promised dream job is given away and her boyfriend dumps her, Rey Johnson is at a loss. In search of direction, she ends up as a nanny for an acerbic millionaire’s twins right before the holidays. When the family goes to a mountain lodge for Christmas, the nanny and the millionaire grow close. Love and holiday magic ensue.

[zoawrites]

Pride, Prejudice, and Progeny

At sixteen, Rey Johnson ends up pregnant by her seventeen year old boyfriend, Ben Solo. But the two are torn apart before Rey can tell Ben about her pregnancy. Fourteen years later, Rey and Ben’s child is on the hunt for their dad. They find him - a junior partner in a big time law firm and running for senator - and run away to meet him on the other side of the country.The former sweethearts are drawn together again, connected by the child Rey kept secret. Old feelings resurface, but as Rey and Ben grow closer, his ambition, her distrust, and outside influences may be burdens too heavy for the new family to bear.

Rated M

Chapter 14: Ben feels the full consequences of his actions.

-

Sneak peek

Ben shot out of his chair, hands gripping Snoke’s coat like a vice. “You don’t go anywhere near my daughter,” he growled. 

“Then do as you’re told.” Snoke shoved Ben away, forcing him back against his desk. The two men glared at each other for a few seconds, warring for command. To his shame, Ben looked away first.

Victorious, Snoke straightened his rumpled suit and his expression became passive, but there was a rage simmering just beneath. 

“I want this election won, Solo. I don’t care about the cost.” 

[zoawrites]

A Wager and a Promise - A Regency Tale

After a long sojourn away, Ben Organa-Solo returns to the ton of Chandrila to accept his inheritance as the new Duke of Naberrie. Due to his rakish reputation, his mother insists he marry. Rebelling, Ben concocts a scheme and makes a wager with his best friend:

To court and win the heart of Rey Palpatine, the granddaughter of his family's archenemy.

Rated E

Chapter 3: Irritation

Rey laments about the Duke's attentions and her grandfather has news. Ben is confronted by his mother.