Life was peaceful once again. Or rather, it was peaceful at last. Anakin had never truly experienced peace. Had never known what it was. Now, he did.
He was holding two small bundles in each of his arms, smiling down at them. On his left arm rested his daughter, Leia. On his right arm, Luke. Each time he held them, it made him feel more complete and whenever he was resigned to let them go, there was an emptiness echoing inside his soul. He paced slowly across the balcony, looking out over Naboo, rocking the babies carefully and whispering words of love to them. Being a father was a blessing and being a father was humbling. He didn't hear Padmé coming out onto the balcony, but he felt her presence. The Force was useful like that. He looked up to see her grinning from ear to ear. How he adored that angelic smile. "What?" he asked and chuckled.
"You're so precious with them," she said and walked up to her husband and their little ones. "I knew you would be a great father, Ani." She placed her hand on his cheek and he leaned in to the touch.
"Just as I knew you'd be a wonderful mother." Suddenly, Luke started crying and their attention was drawn to him. "Is it time for dinner?" Anakin asked as he acknowledged the setting sun. It had become more or less of a routine when their little ones got hungry and usually, Luke was always the first one to cry, asking to be fed. "Here…" Anakin handed his son to his wife. "He seems the most peckish."
"As always," Padmé said and laughed, cradling Luke close and taking him with her inside. Anakin remained on the balcony with Leia. He looked down at her.
"You're just as beautiful as your mother," he said to her. "My little princess." He kissed her forehead and then grabbed her little hand, kissing that too. In return, the hand instinctively grabbed hold of his index finger and closed tightly around it. Anakin chuckled softly. "The Force is strong with you." He took the gesture as a confirmation that she loved him back. And that was all he ever needed.
