All Along ~ Chapter Nineteen/Epilogue

Guests were filing in and I nervously made sure all the glasses were in straight lines, the punch was chilled and stirred, and the naming day cake candles were lit. My family had arrived yesterday to begin the celebration early and had spoiled Luke with multiple gifts. He seemed happy and excited to meet his cousins, who entertained him until I insisted they all go to sleep for the night.

After they were tucked in, I announced our engagement, showing my parents and sister the ring Obi-Wan had presented me with. It was a simple gold band but it meant more to me than anything else I owned. To me it wasn't only a symbol of our commitment, but represented our lives together. Until death do us part.

I'd said those words before – to someone else. At the time, I'd meant them, but had been released once our contract had become void. I was about to say them again, and this time, I knew without a doubt that the promise would last a lifetime.

I loved Obi-Wan with all my heart although I couldn't define it. When my sister, Sola, asked me how I was so sure he was the one, I couldn't put it into words. It's just a feeling I have. That somehow, after everything we'd both been through, this was our reward. I knew our lives weren't going to be perfect, but we were in this together. We were a team and we wanted the same things – peace, happiness, and family. We already had obtained the first two and were working on the third.

The door chime rang out which heightened my anxiety. There were only a few more invited guests who hadn't shown yet. It didn't bother me that Master Yoda and Mace Windu were late. They probably had a good reason. What did bother me was the other guest Obi-Wan had insisted on inviting was only waiting in order to make a grand entrance.

Anakin had always enjoyed drawing attention to himself, and these days he was no different. He was a celebrity, and not because of his heroic acts as a Jedi, but because he was considered one of the best laserball players in the galaxy as well as one of the most desirable bachelors.

I wasn't nervous about him coming. I was more than happy with Obi-Wan. I was only worried Anakin was going to make a fool of himself and ruin his son's first party.

Luke was getting impatient as well and was getting fussy. My mother was doing her best to entertain him, but Obi-Wan was the one who handled him best and thankfully, he quickly went to her rescue.

"Hold on," he said before taking him. "You're losing your patience. Only by staying calm will you find peace."

I shook my head in wonder at the two of them. Obi-Wan had tried to explain to me how Luke understood him, although I couldn't see how. Our boy had a basic vocabulary including words like "no," "mama," "eat," and "more," although my favorite was "Bobo." He couldn't manage to say Obi-Wan and called him Bobo instead. I thought it was endearing and Obi-Wan didn't seem to mind. He had decided months ago that since Anakin was the boy's father, only Anakin should be called Dada.

However, the word "dada," hadn't seemed to catch on yet. The most likely reason was because Anakin was hardly ever around. If he wasn't competing with his ball team, he was traveling across the galaxy training or promoting the game. Apparently, he had found his passion and I was happy for him. Although, I was still nervous.

"You both need to settle down," Obi-Wan suggested, crossing through the crowded common room to reach me and kiss my cheek. "He'll be here soon and he'll behave. I promise."

I trusted Obi-Wan completely, but he no longer had any authority over the man! How could he make such a promise?

"If he doesn't," he added, "I'll simply toss him over the balcony. All right?"

I laughed softly, cuddled Luke for a second, and then took Obi-Wan's arm. Just when he had helped me to regain my confidence Captain Typho opened the door to my apartment and in Anakin came. As I had expected, he was loud and seemed to think everyone in the room had come to see him.

Finally, after greeting those he knew, although he completely avoided my parents I noticed, Anakin made his way toward us. His smile was large as he reached for his son, although Luke clung to Obi-Wan as if his life depended on it.

"It's okay," Obi-Wan told the boy who finally gave in and went to his father.

"Look how big you've gotten! You'll be an excellent frontman on the team someday," he told the Luke who seemed more concerned with the bright shiny metallic pendant that hung around Anakin's neck. It was a medal of some sort I had no doubt represented his latest victory, and he wore it with pride.

"Padme, Obi-Wan, it's good to see you,"

"It's good to see you as well, Anakin," Obi-Wan told him.

"Anakin," I replied, which was as good as he was going to get from me.

"I have someone I want you both to meet."

Out from behind him stepped a tall woman I hadn't noticed. I was embarrassed to say I was so concerned with Anakin's behavior, that I didn't see her, even though she was quite captivating with her long white hair, ice blue eyes, and muscular build.

"This is Nyana. She's a member of the women's team and often joins us on the circuit."

Obi-Wan introduced us both, although the young woman maintained eye contact with me. I wasn't sure why, unless she was trying to intimidate me. Good luck with that!

Surprisingly, she held out her hand, which I grasped hold of firmly.

"Senator Amidala. It's a pleasure to meet you. You did some fine work on Corulag. I remember you. My family and I hold you in high regard and I want to thank you for all the help you gave us during the drought."

I didn't recall her specifically. I did a lot of volunteer work through the Galactic Relief Society during my university years. Corulag was one of the systems we had helped.

Although her eyes were the color of ice, they were warm and I quickly had a change of heart about her.

"It's always been my privilege to help others," I told her honestly.

"Even though you probably did your best, I don't blame you for passing off this one," she told me, her wide mouth lifting into a smirk, as she indicated Anakin, who was ignoring the conversation and trying his best to make Luke laugh. "He's…quite the challenge."

Obi-Wan gazed at me as if to tell me the conversation was all mine.

"If anyone's up for it, I believe it's you," I told Nyana confidently, which transformed her smirk into a smile.

"Thank you," she said earnestly. "And thanks to both of you for inviting us to the party. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better."

The two of them stepped away and I watched with interest as Nyana tried to gain Luke's interest, who still seemed fascinated with Anakin's medal which was now inside his mouth.

"I like her," Obi-Wan noted before placing his arm about my waist.

"I do too. Looks like she can keep Anakin out of trouble."

"My thoughts exactly," he agreed. "Everyone's accounted for. Are we ready to get this party started?"

I was amazed at how unflustered he had been this whole time. "Absolutely," I told him, turning to face him. "You're announcing the engagement, correct?"

"That's right, and proud to do so," Obi-Wan said, leaning forward to make our conversation more private.

"Good, because after that, I have a little announcement of my own," I told him in a whisper as the tips of our noses touched.

"Oh really? What would that be?" he smiled, playing along with me.

It was hard to keep a straight face. He honestly had no idea!

"That you're going to be a father and Luke is going to have a little sister," I told him quietly before turning to loudly address the crowd. "All right everyone, welcome to the celebration! Thank you for coming! First, Obi-Wan has something he wants to say. Obi-Wan?"

"Obi-Wan?"

/End

Thanks to Casey525 for the story idea! It was my goal to end this story before I go on a month-long vacation to Alaska. I leave tomorrow! A few typos might've got by me, but I managed to complete it! Yay!

I'll get busy on a new story as soon as I get back on August 21st. May the Force be with you all! See you soon!