Chapter 22

Jaina had notice that since Jacen and Gracelin had returned, Gracelin was acting out of character. In their time on Naboo, Jaina had seen how Gracelin was content with just watching the holoset or reading a flimsy. Now, however, Gracelin was determined to always stay busy.

Jaina had tried to figure out what was bothering her but had no luck. Neither Luke nor Jacen would talk about what happened on their quick trip to Naboo.

Jaina was surprised how quickly Gracelin had jumped right into working with the Senators. She did little things, look up information for certain ones, bringing them caff during sessions, and sometimes taking notes, but all of it kept her busy. Jacen wished she'd stay at home long enough to unpack her boxes.

Leia was going to try to convince her to stay at home and rest. Han had tried; Mara had, too. Gracelin was just stubborn.

Today was one of Gracelin's days off from Senate work. And instead of unpacking her things in the new apartment, she was packing up Jacen's things from the old one.

Jacen had asked Jaina to help her. So that's where she was headed. She walked up to the door and it slid open.

"Jacen had been teaching you some new stuff I see." Jaina yelled into the small apartment.

"I'm in the bedroom." Gracelin called out.

"How much have you gotten done?"

"I'm just getting to his closet. I found a couple of boxes that had old style picture displays. I'm just looking through them."

"Well scoot over I want to see too." Jaina sat herself down on the floor next to Gracelin. "Oh that one was taken when we first arrived at the academy."

They sat and flipped through a few more. "Wow, Jacen looks really different in this one."

Jaina took the picture away to look at it more closely. She smiled faintly. "That's not Jacen."

"Its not? It looks like it could maybe be him though."

"That's our little brother."

Gracelin was confused, "Jacen never said anything about a brother."

"Anakin died, two years ago. Jacen took it really hard. He felt it was his fault."

"What happened?"

"No one really knows. Jacen won't talk about it. If he hears anyone talking about Anakin he leaves the room."

"I never knew."

"He's happier now, than he's been in a long time. And that's because of you and my little nephew."

Gracelin sighed, not this again. "Did Jacen say it was a boy?"

"Well, yeah?"

Gracelin rolled her eyes. "I wish he'd stop doing that!"

Jaina knew this was her chance, "And he wishes you'd relax."

Gracelin returned back to her packing at that statement. "I have a lot to do at work."

"You also have a lot to do at the new apartment. Luke pick out things for the baby's room."

"I can't Jaina!"

"Why not?"

"Cause every time I start to pick out things I remember my mother. I always thought she'd be the one to go with me to pick things out."

"I'm sure my mom would love to go with you. I know I would."

"Jaina, I appreciate it but it's not the same. My relationship with my mother had forever been changed. And I may never get it back."

"I'm not saying use my mom to replace yours. But let us help you. You're trying to do any and everything. I'm worried about you, we all are."

"Fine, I'll cut back on the work." Gracelin had heard enough about her work schedule and knew if she didn't give in soon they'd never stop.

"I think you and Jacen should both take some time off."

"I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask." They both sat in silence. "So have you decided what you and Jacen want to do about a party?"

"That, I have thought about. We decided that even though your mom wants a big party, we don't. She was talking about a party to announce our marriage, one to announce my pregnancy, and a baby shower. That's way too much."

"I agree. But you also have to remember, this is her first grandchild."

"I know. But Jacen's going to talk to her. Technically the wedding has already been announced. It's been all in those gossip flimsies."

"So, what?" Just one party?"

"Yep. Just one."

"He hasn't talked to her yet, has he?"

"No, why?"

"She'll complain and I haven't heard it yet."

Gracelin chuckled, "I think she'll live."

Gracelin sat, legs tucked underneath her, on the couch of their new apartment. She had made dinner, something that she had never done for Jacen before.

After Jaina had left she started thinking. She knew she was trying to avoid thinking about recent events. But because she's been keeping herself so busy she's hardly had any time with her husband.

She planned on making it up to him. She had turned off the comm. center to the apartment. She put away the data pads and boxes.

Jacen came through the front door and glanced at the table. He saw the table was set and he could smell the food.

He walked further inside and into the common room, where he saw Gracelin sitting on the sofa. She was wearing a pair of slacks and a low cut blue tunic that brought out the colors in her eyes.

She looked up at him and smiled. He was the joy in her eyes that had seemed to be missing. She had even curled her hair, knowing how much he liked it.

"What's all this?" He asked as he dropped his bag the sofa.

Gracelin stood up and met Jacen's gaze. "I'm sorry for the way I've been acting since we got here."

Jacen wrapped his arms around her. "I know why you put yourself into your work. It's okay."

She couldn't help but smile at the way he always seemed to understand. "Are you hungry?"

"Starving."

They both sat and ate. Talking about how their days had gone. Gracelin chose to leave out the discovery of Anakin Solo. She was enjoying their time together.

"What time do you have to go to work tomorrow?" Jacen asked her.

"Well I'm not going. I'm going to take some time off. Finish moving things and unpack. And work on the baby's room."

"You're going to work on the baby's room?" A smile lit his face.

"Yeah. Kristea and Jaina are going to help me."

"Kristea?"

"She's flying in, she'll be here in the morning."

"Ah. Oh, my mother reminded me that their twenty-sixth wedding anniversary is in two weeks. And we have to be there. It's a formal party."

"Like all of the political events on Coruscant."

"Do you want my mother to find you a dress?" Jacen's smile widened.

"No, I can do it." Gracelin chuckled.

"That food was delicious, Gracey." Jacen said getting up and clearing the table. He stood at the sink preparing to wash them when Gracelin came into the kitchenette.

"Just leave them. I'll take care of them in the morning." Gracelin said placing herself between her husband and the sink.

"Are you sure? I can do them if you want. After all you did cook."

Gracelin placed her hands behind his neck and pulled him in for a somewhat chaste kiss. "I'm sure. Let's just go to bed." She said with a sparkle in her eyes.

She silently took him by the hand and led him into their bedroom.