ALWAYS MY BABY GIRL
(Han)
Jaina and Jag have just finished their first dance. I'm happy to say that Jag paid attention when I taught him; he gave an impressive performance. I could tell how much it meant to Jaina. I watched their radiant young faces, so like Leia's and mine on our wedding day. I remember feeling so happy I could burst. I had never in my life thought I could be so filled with joy.
And more joy was added with the births of our children. I love all our kids, but there's something special about your only daughter.
The two kiss, in the same way I kissed Jaina's mother that day.
The next dance announced was for the bride and her father. I smile at my little princess, who eagerly takes my hands and gives me the biggest smile I've ever seen on her lovely face. She's chosen a song that is one of my favorites, one that I didn't even know she liked.
We step together easily. "Where'd you learn to dance like this?" I ask her.
"I just watched you and Mom. I figured if I could follow your steps, I'd be as happy as you are."
Leia and I had our share of bad times, but marrying her is the one decision I have never regretted. Not for a moment, not even when we'd be shouting at each other in the middle of the night. I know it was the right thing to do, and she thinks so, too. We're proud of the life we've made, the children we've raised, the work we've done. It's been a rich life and growing all the time. My fears of losing my daughter, at least in these moments, feel utterly unfounded as we move across the floor.
"I was so happy that Jag learned to dance," Jaina tells me. "He says he talked to you about it. So where'd you send him?"
"That information is only available on a need to know basis, and you don't need to know, honey."
"Well, it doesn't matter. I'm just so happy he did. He said he did it for me."
"Yes, honey, he did. I know how much he loves you."
"Isn't he the best? I mean, the best husband. You're still the best daddy a girl could have."
I feel as I could melt into a puddle of goo right here and now. This is the effect daughters have on their fathers. It's as if we're butter trying to stay solid in a hot skillet. This begins at birth and most likely continues for as long as we're breathing. Maybe beyond.
"I'm surprised you can dance in the shoes you picked out." Jaina had chosen a pair of very expensive, very impractical high heels for the wedding.
"I'm not dancing in them," Jaina laughed.
"You following in the tradition of your mom always having a pair of flats on hand?"
She giggles. "See for yourself."
I momentarily look down...and she's wearing her spacer boots. They're polished to a high shine, as are mine, and Jag's.
"You didn't really think I was gonna wear heels all night, did you?"
"Jag knows you're wearing boots, doesn't he?"
"Of course. We thought it'd be kind of fun to have matching footwear."
No doubt about it, she's my daughter.
The music is drawing to a close, and I will reluctantly release her. I pull her close as we perform our final steps. I kiss the top of her head, and she pulls herself up to give me a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Daddy. Thanks for everything."
"I love you too, sweetie." Is there dust in here? My eyes are glazing up.
She truly will always be my baby girl.