If there was a time for Anakin to shield his mind, this was it.

"What?", Padmé asked in disbelief.

"Will you marry me?", Anakin asked again. Padmé stepped away from him and leaned on the rail.

"Why are you doing this, Anakin?", Padmé asked looking at the floor.

"Because I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you", he answered. Anakin stood up and walked towards her. He grabbed her hands and looked deeply into her eyes. "What do you say?", he insisted. Padmé smiled and kissed him, then they hugged.

"Yes, yes! I'll marry you, Anakin", she said cheerfuly.

Anakin kept his look on the lake, disbelieving what he had just done. He loved Padmé, but marriage? It was too soon, and they weren't allowed to be in love in the first place, so why do this? He remembered the reason: to help Padmé, to keep her away from the dark side.

//This was the right thing to do...//, Anakin kept repeating in his mind, trying to convince himself of this decission.

"We will get married as soon as possible, alright?", he said softly. Padmé just nodded, she wasn't able to form any words, she was too excited and a knot was built in her throat.

*

Anakin couldn't sleep. The thought of marrying Padmé was just too much for him. They had only met again days ago after ten years! One thing was for sure: this was a tough decission. In part, Anakin was happy to have a commitment such as marriage with Padmé because they loved each other, but was that enough? Did they really trust each other? After what Padmé had told him, it was clear that it was hard for her to keep her promise about talking to Obi-Wan. Anakin also remembered that conversation they'd had days ago in the meadow, about lying for a noble cause. Now, Anakin was sure he couldn't totally trust her.

Padmé couldn't sleep either, she was too happy to even try to close her eyes. She was going to marry the man she had loved all of her life. He loved her back, and he had proove it by asking her to marry him. This couldn't be real, it was just too much to handle. Padmé got out of bed and put on her robe to take a walk on the gardens. She needed some fresh air.

Once on the garden, Padmé felt calmed. It was a little chilly, but she didn't mind, the feeling of being happy was more important and comforting than being cold. Padmé heard a noise coming from the other side of the bushes. It turned out to be Anakin, who was also taking a walk. Padmé smiled.

"Padmé, what are you doing here?", he asked a little uncomfortable.

"Same as you, taking a walk. You are nervous too, aren't you?", she asked. Anakin forced a smile and sat on a stone bench.

"Padmé, we need to talk, please sit down with me", he said in a serious tone. Padmé frowned and sat by his side, grabbing his hand.

"Tell me, Ani", she said. Anakin sighed and grabbed her other hand.

"We need to talk about our marriage. Please listen to me first and then you can talk", he said. Padmé nodded. "If we are getting married we need to keep it a secret, at least for some time, until things cool off a little bit. It will be better if we get married here on Naboo, hopefuly this week". Anakin paused and looked at her. A warm feeling went through his body. He smiled at Padmé and squeezed her hand. "I can't wait until we are married, Padmé". He meant what he said. Padmé smiled.

"I can't wait either, Anakin. I love you".

"I love you too, Padmé", he said before they kissed.

*

Anakin was on the balcony waiting to see sunrise. Maybe that way he could stop the feelings that were invading his mind. He was starting to regret his decission, he realized he wasn't ready for such a big step on his life. This was a big step for both of them, because it was going to affect both of their lives. His thoughts were interrupted by Padmé's footsteps. Anakin stood straight and stared at the rising sun.

"Good morning", Padmé said raising upon her feet to kiss Anakin, but he turned his face and Padmé kissed his cheek, a little confused.

"Hi", was his dry reply. "I'm going to the city to make some arrangements for the wedding, you should come with Sabé", he suggested.

"Oh, alright", Padmé said.

"Excuse me, I have to talk to the pilot", Anakin said before he walked inside the house. Padmé leaned on the rail and watched the sun as it rised through the mountains. She was a little confused about Anakin's strange behavior.

The next day, nobody talked. Anakin was too confused and Padmé was too nervous. That afternoon was going to be the wedding, and hours seemed to take days to go by. Both Anakin and Padmé had agreed to have a simple wedding, just a short ceremony where they could exchange their vowls.

There was only one hour left until the wedding, and Padmé started to get ready. Her wedding dress was quite simple, nothing too fancy or elegant. It was just a long strapless dress. She decided to wear her hair loose, and a little white flower over her right ear to match the color of her dress.

Anakin was getting dressed, too. He wore black pants with yellow stripes on the sides, a white shirt and black leather boots. He pushed his hair back with his hands and some water to keep it still. He watched his reflection on the mirror making sure that he looked perfect. After fixing the last details he opened the drawer on his shelf and brought out a little box. Now he was ready.

It was late in the afternoon, but the sun was still shining and giving the sky an orange-golden color. It was a lovely sight, unfortunately Anakin couldn't enjoy it. He was waiting for Padmé in the garden. What was taking her so long? The holy man was getting umpacient too.

Finally, Sabé appeared with Padmé following her. Anakin felt how relief washed over him and cleared his throat. Padmé's smile made her face glow and her cheeks blush. Anakin stepped to her and reached for her hand. When Padmé gave it to him, she smiled. They walked towards the holy man.

Anakin's heart was beating out of fear, Padmé's was beating out of joy. The holy man started, and after exchanging vowls, they were husband and wife. After the traditional first kiss as a married couple, they walked towards the house holding hands. They were turning on a corner when...

 "Padawan, what's the meaning of this?", Obi-Wan asked in a hard tone.