DISCLAIMER: see chapter one

CHAPTER SIX
Waiting

5 Months Later

"Honey, it's kicking!"

I drop my hydro-spanner and nearly trip over the non working air purifier in a dash for the kitchen.

Six months pregnant and everyday is a new experience. It thrills me every time I feel the baby move, every time I hear its tiny heart beat.

"Wow," I grin, hand on her stomach. Her eyes are bright as she looks at me, hand over mine, life… what an awesome thing.

"Tell me about it. I am trying to explain to the Senate floor why I am disappearing every fifteen minutes because this little one likes to plant itself firmly on my bladder," she giggles.

I smile faintly helping her to a chair. She tries to brush me off saying she doesn't need me to baby her, and I know she doesn't…but I like doting on her.

We've been fortunate these last few months; the council has kept me close to Coruscant. I have become almost an expert in negotiations much to my pleasure and to my padawan's dismay. I am grateful because I believe the peace to be ending soon. The rumor of the separatist force is all but known fact. It's just blind hopefuls that ignore the threat. The Jedi have not been asked to step in, as of yet, I just know the request is on the brink.

Padmé has been on every committee that has been put together to try and negotiate a peaceful resolution, but I think that even she knows the struggle is a losing battle, too many are deaf. She is so passionate, I love that about her, but I also am terrified because of it. She makes herself a target with her outspoken views and while I agree and understand her plight, I am looking forward to the time when she will take refuge on Naboo.

Looking at her now in the light blue nightgown she wore the night I returned from Manaan her pregnancy is obvious and radiant, quite the contrast from when I see her as she heads for the Senate. I don't how Sabé and Saché do it, but there isn't a hint of her pregnancy. But loose clothes and such can only work for so long, and can only be unsuspicious for so long.

"Honey, I think we need to talk about Naboo…" I approach the subject gently as we sit together watching a dancing light and water display going on, on the roof across from her apartment.

"I know," she huffs, "I am beginning to look like I swallowed a small planet…I should start thinking about going but we are very close to making a decision on what to do about the separatists. I want to be here when we do."

"I know you do, but we promised the council that we do everything in our power not to jeopardize the Order or the senate…"

"I know all of that! Really Obi-Wan I have thought about all of it! I do want to have our baby on Naboo but…" she snorts in disgust folding her arms.

I shouldn't find her conflict so amusing, but the way she looks now I can't help it.

"You think this is funny Mr. Kenobi? Why don't you try the sore back, throbbing ankles and having to pee every five minutes and then we'll see how funny you think it is! Better yet, why don't you carry this kid for the last three months and I will laugh when you have to go through delivery!" she tries so hard to glare at me but I am sure that the picture she just painted is making the task difficult. I know I find it entirely entertaining.

"I love you," I try kissing her cheek. She frowns then with an overly dramatic sigh says, "I know…and I love you too you insensitive over grown bantha."

I just laugh.

He is a good husband, truly he is. But there are times I wonder if his mind doesn't takes a vacation. He can be so sweet and thoughtful…he opens doors, brings me a flower out of blue or sends me my favorite Dex's special at my office at the senate for lunch, nice things. Then there are other times…

Oh yes, he will find more entertainment in calculating the exact number of texture flecks on the ceiling then hearing about my day. Maybe if I sit real still he'll think I am houseplant and he will sit with me for a while why he feeds and waters me…he might even talk to me then, plants like that you know; plants and wives. He also seems to forget the fact that hiding six months of baby is not the easiest chore in the world.

Like just a few weeks ago the council had him and Anakin escort me to an off-planet meeting, no bid deal right? That's what he thought. Now going off planet is an ordeal anyway but then add baby, two handmaidens, husband, and Mr. Anakin Thousand Questions Skywalker…well it becomes a little more then daunting. And would you believe my loving, caring, adoring husband waltzes in and dares to ask why getting ready is taking so long! AW! I swear it was one of the rare instances where I applied my 'death glare' and was ready to beat him with my shoe! I think it was only because of the crazed look in my eyes that kept him from commenting on the amount of luggage I had. His restraint saved both our marriage and his life.

"This makes three nights in a row, won't Anakin be suspicious?" I ask as we lay in bed, he with the evening news data pad and I with my thoughts.

"He is spending a few days under Master Windu's tutelage…part of his preparations to apply for the Trials," he answers absently, not even looking at me as his fingers tap out the daily word challenge.

"Hmm," I rest my chin on his shoulder peering at his puzzle, "how do think he'll do? Endor…five letter forest moon."

"He's not ready…would you please not do that, I hate being thrown off," he shrugs me off his shoulder, "Besides it could be one of thousands of five letter forest moons!"

I raise an eyebrow, "Okay, if you say so, but Endor is right," I point. He grunts brushing my hand away. "And a nine letter word for…"

"Enough! You have my full attention my darling, exasperating wife," he tosses the pad on the night stand turning to face me expectantly eyes ablaze with good natured irritation.

I grin, "We haven't talked about Naboo since the day before yesterday," I start becoming serious.

"I know, I realize that I might have come across as pushing and I am sorry for that," he sighs.

"You didn't, I just over reacted. Something big is going to happen soon, I feel it. I wanted to be here when it happened but I know that I can't," I sit up a little more.

This is one of those times I think about just what we both have had to give up in the name of this marriage. The choice to remain loyal to my position or to my husband and unborn child isn't really even a choice, but it does make me more aware of how far I would go to protect and ensure our future…I would go to the end of the creation.

"I am sorry, if there were some way I could help or something that I could…" he starts.

I smile interrupting, "You would do it, I know. That means more to me then you know, and that is part of the reason I don't for a second feel bad about my decision to go to Naboo next week."

I should feel better with Padmé on her way to Naboo, but I don't. In fact, I feel completely out of control. At least with her here I could see here most any time I wanted I could assure myself of her safety. I wanted her to go to Naboo to get away from the stress…and because the Separatist army is very real and very dangerous.

I am a selfish man, I've come to realize, because I would not hesitate to do anything in my power to keep her from even the slightest hint of danger, even if that meant keeping her away from the Senate.

But I am merely an anxious husband without such power. It makes me apprehensive anytime I think about her outspoken opinions; she makes herself a target even though it is innocently. The Separatists do not care that she is a senator, that she is a former Queen all they look at is the fact that she is against them and that is all the motive they need to attack.

Come on Padmé… I stare at the holograph receiving/transmitting screen. She should be there by now!

"Incoming message," the stiff program voice announces with no emotion.

"Engage," I state nearly frantic.

"Hello," I answer waiting for the image to clear.

"Hi, I made it! Safe and sound."

Her beautiful smile finds me. Relief fills me and I breathe deep.

"Good, where is Artoo?" I don't see the little droid I had a long talk with, giving it the duty to look after her.

"He is right here, Obi-Wan see?" she laughs beckoning the silver and blue droid into the frame.

"Bweep, dwoo," it states.

"Thank you Artoo, keep an eye on her," I answer.

"Beep, woop," it rolls from view.

"Paddy, wanted me to give you his regards too before I forget," she seems to shift weight from foot to foot. "Honey, I've really got to go…it was a long trip," she laughs.

"Okay, thank you for contacting me," I grin not wanting to let the screen go black.

"Of course, I love you," she blows me a kiss.

"Love you too," I smile sadly and the screen does black.

Explaining to the senate that I had a long time family friend that wished to see me because his health was failing was both a lie and a convincing story. However, that trip extending to two and half months and still going is something all together different. Oh, well.

I am ready to have this baby! Do you hear me little one…I said I am ready to see you now!

I know Obi-Wan thought that when I went to Naboo I would have a peaceful rest that I would just lounge and sleep… he's never been pregnant! I have been fighting Paddy too, who thinks that women who are pregnant should do nothing but sit and be waited on…after giving him a long lecture he doesn't protest as much now, though I am sure Obi-Wan has gotten an ear full of complaining. Sit, rest, sleep, relax, I don't think so!

Since coming, I have replanted the south garden, re decorated the reading room in the master bedroom, converting it to a nursery, I have drafted several motions to the senate regarding our humanitarian efforts in the Far Reaches, as well as a few briefs on our intergalactic spending. Take it easy…? HA!

I am so excited though, Obi-Wan comes today! He wanted to come sooner, but it just hasn't been possible. Soon, soon, oh not soon enough…come Baby I've waited long enough don't you think?

"Be diligent, be observant and please Anakin, be careful!" I cautioned him before he left for Dantooine. The council arranged for Anakin to attend, with a few other students, a history seminar at the Teaching Enclave there so I could go to Naboo to witness the birth of my child.

I am still a little confused by the council's approach to this. I know they feel it is the will of the Force but if, or rather, when the Order finds out about my marriage and child it could seriously damage so many. The basis of what the Jedi are founded on is so strict and absolute. It is not that I think myself such a significant part of the Order that it could not endure my loss but rather because of who my padawan is. Anakin, too powerful, too emotional, too angry, too anxious for his own good.

But I don't want to dwell on the infinite sea of 'what ifs' I would rather think about an even more astonishing bit of reality. I am going to be a dad. Soon, very soon my wife and I are going to hold our child and our lives will change so dramatically I don't know if I will even recognize us. The anticipation is making me insane.

They really need to put the landing pad a bit closer to the Lake! This one is only twenty minutes away but at this moment it feels like eternity.

"Obi-Wan, welcome back!" Paddy meets me just before the entrance with a friendly hug.

"Thank you where is…" I start too focused on my goal to be cordial.

"Garden, she's been working in the gardens all morning said she needed something to keep her busy till you got here," he calls even as I am heading into the house.

I head for the bedroom first, my arms loaded with a special gift. I know exactly where to put it too.

After a few minutes of preparation, I exit through the massive glass double doors to the balcony. I find Padmé instantly. I take a moment just to watch her. She is beautiful, I've told her that so many times but she just laughs me off saying she doesn't know how pregnancy is beautiful. I just shake my head in wonder that she can't see just how stunning she is. She glows, she carries life…life! She gives life to our child and she seems not to understand how it awes me; she doesn't understand that I find her stunning.

I make my way to her without the slightest sound, "Hello Beautiful," I smile watching the sun play across her face.

She jumps slightly face turning to me with a glorious smile, "Obi-Wan!"

She tries to stand, "I've been waiting for you all morning, we thought you'd never come!" she half cries, half laughs, brushing the dirt from her cream pants.

"I had to see Anakin off," I take her hands helping her with infinite tenderness.

"I'm just glad you're finally here," she chokes welcoming me with a long lingering kiss.

I hold her close, her presence, her in my arms…it gives me peace. If I believed in luck, which I don't, I would think I was the luckiest man in the galaxy.

"I've got something for you…it's in the house," I pull back, arms still around her, tipping her chin so her eyes meet mine.

She grins with excitement and I take her hand leading her into the house.

A/N: Do you all hate me? I don't blame you, I am sorry, I have no excuse. I humbly hang my head and beg for mercy. Please forgive me. :-) pretty please…with Obi-Wan on top... uh oh…! gutter alert ! …Never mind, please just don't hate me too much for taking so long to get this up :-) Thank you all so much for your get well wishes I think I am finally over the bug… yeah:-)

The title was kind of a dedication to all ya faithful patient readers who have done just that, 'wait' for this chapter I hope you enjoyed. RaeAnne

Lehcar Sundance: Hee, hee Lord Farquad, that is an interesting picture there…same big black suit for the dear Lord Farquad? So glad you enjoyed :-)

Sassy-satine: yeah Leia was a big 'duh' that's why I tried a throw a curve ball with the 'Vader' thing lol :-) and it was very fun writing Padmé as the paranoid wife silly huh :-) Thanks so much for reading!

TheAmazingTecnocolorRingWraith: Apple huh, yum! Oh so glad to hear you are a J/E fan too! Long live the really bad eggs and the infamous 'Island Scene' (many a good fan fic have been based on that one real wonder… he, he)

Speaking of Island scenes, I haven't heard about Ewan's new movie! I am so jealous! Island: beach, beach: sand, sand: sun…sun: Ewan without a shirt! YUM-E! A clone huh, goes from killing clones to being a clone…is irony or what?

Zan189: so glad that the Vader caught you by surprise, I was hoping it wouldn't be an expected twist :-) I too adore a story that keeps you interested and guessing, I am so glad that I was able to throw a twist in there :-)

So glad you like my portrayal of the Obi and Padmé. I can assure that while the ending is all the way written it is no a way a sappy soap opera ending. It's still sad but there is a measure of happiness a bit higher then originally planned. I want to give the readers a happy ending…and in truth myself too. I was getting depressed writing the end! LoL

I thank you for thinking I have talent…sometimes I feel so painfully untalented, and so very boring and predictable that when I get such a nice complement it perks up my day :-)

Sparkle85: I agree Obidala is just awesome, such fun reading/writing and a baby, who doesn't like a baby? So glad you enjoyed, thanks for the review!

xInuyashaxangelx: I am glad that is weird in a good way ;-) But I don't want to give too much away :-) I am so glad you're enjoying!

Esteban T. Rodriguez: so glad you like it! I hope you continue to read and enjoy!

Aiska Kenobi: so glad you enjoyed the chapter! I think everyone will like this new story line better then the original :-) appreciate the review as always Saskia!

mrs. skywalker: me too, oh I envy Padmé! But at least I can pretend… lol

eac-dudette: so glad you'll keep reading I appreciate it!

S. B. Kisses: thank you!

Sarahhillary39: so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reviewing!

SuP3R G1R: Yes, Padmé makes me jealous, I want to be her! Sarcastic, dry humor Kenobi…makes me sigh, too good for his own good I swear! And I live to make my reviewers happy :-)

Vee017: I know, doesn't that sound weird, Leia and Vader Kenobi and baby Obi-Wan…gives me the willies but it was so fun to try and throw a twist in there! I am glad everyone seemed to like the family stuff and Padmé over reacting… hehehe :-)

Yeah practice really makes all the difference. I started with Dr. Quinn (man I am so embarrassed, but it was years ago… and it was only ONE lol) then went to (and if you tell anyone this next one I will adamantly deny it but I was like 13, 14 so you must remember that) Dawson's Creek, then X-Files, I have dabbled a bit in Law and Order: SVU, CSI the original and CSI Miami along with a couple others though only a very small fraction are posted here. All this J/E talk is really, really making want to write a J/E story! In fact it has me finding all pirate stuff…I have my I heart Capt. Jack Sparrow button firmly in place, my Pirate Girl sticker affixed, my pirate jewels found, my pirate flag waving and darn it, I am too young for rum otherwise it would be in hand!

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!

Starnat: thank you ;-)

Nyoko: spanglish…I have a hard enough time with English! LOL So glad you 100 hooked and I must confess do you know how long it took me to figure out how to make (') thing over Padmés' name? This chapter. Yeah, I can do just about anything with Word…but that one had me stumped, but I am victorious!

Well thank you, I appreciate that you think I should remain true to my ending and I would except I do actually like this new one better my first one had me just about crying lol. Don't worry it's still sad, just not AS sad :-) So glad you are enjoying this story! Vader…hmm oh a name, what's in a name…hmm lol

The rain the spring: well I refer to myself as Obi-Wan's girl…then again no one ever said I was sane either, hehehe. So glad you like the chapter, thanks for reviewing!

Resurrected Angel: Thank you for both your reviews! I am so glad you are liking my story, and yes, Vader as Obi's father's name is creepy, I thought it up and it still seems creepy to me.

Stella Lovegood: Hehehe I think we all share the same sentiment Vader Kenobi creepy! I hope this chapter didn't disappoint! Thanks for reviewing. And if anything looks funny here it's because English is my mother language, I just sometimes abuse it lol :-)