One year later…
As it descends, the Naboo sun casts a pink and golden hue across the cloudless sky. I stand with my daughter at my side, feeling as nervous as I had nearly 25 years earlier, when it was Padmé and I who were getting married. Today it is our daughter's turn. I look down at her as she holds onto my arm. She looks radiant, her hair is loose around her shoulders, woven with wild flowers and she wears an ivory gown very much like her mother had worn on that day so long ago.
"Are you ready?" I ask her.
She looks up at me and nods. "Yes," she replies, though I can feel her nervousness. "I've been ready for this day for a long time, Dad."
I smile. "You and Han make a great couple," I tell her. "Just the right amount of fireworks to keep things interesting."
Leia laughs. "Yes, that's very true." She takes a deep breath. "I love you, Dad," she says, her eyes tearing up. "I don't know if I've told you recently."
I lean down and kiss her cheek. "I love you too, sweetheart," I tell her. "I am so very grateful that you found it in your heart to forgive me, and to accept me into your life."
"I can't imagine my life without you in it now," she tells me softly. "Though at one time I never would have believed it possible for you and me to have any sort of relationship."
"I know what you mean," I tell her. "But life is funny sometimes; just when you think you have it figured out, it turns everything upside down."
She smiles. "Yes, I know exactly what that is like."
The music begins, and I feel Leia's grip on my arm tighten.
"This is it," I tell her. "Ready?"
"Uh huh," she says, taking a deep breath.
"Let's go then."
As friends and family look on, I escort my daughter across the balcony towards the spot where the Naboo holy man and Han Solo stand waiting. Han watches as his bride approaches, his eyes full of love and happiness. Chewbacca stand with him, as well as my son. Luke watches his twin approach, his face reflecting the joy he feels for her. We pass by Sola and her family, who have come to attend the wedding, including Pooja and her husband, Len, who helped me so much when I was incarcerated so many months ago. I see Padmé's parents, in their 70's now, but very happy to have their extended family all together for this glorious day. It makes me think of my own mother, and wish fervently that she could have been her to share in this joyous day. She is her in spirit, though; I can feel her presence within each of my children.
We reach the altar, and I turn to Leia. I take her face in my hands and kiss her cheek softly. "Be happy," I tell her simply.
She nods at me, too emotional to speak for the moment. I then place her hand in Han's, and step back to take my place with Padmé. She holds our baby daughter, Shmi, in her arms as we watch Han and Leia become united in marriage. It is a happy day, one of the happiest of my life, and I am so grateful for the Destiny that has blessed me so bountifully. I take Shmi from my wife's arms, and tenderly kiss her forehead as she sleeps. "Sleep, little one," I tell her softly. "And dream sweetly."
"Ladies and gentlemen, could I have your attention please."
All guests turn their eyes to my son, who stands with a glass of champagne in his hand. "I have been asked to give a toast to the newlyweds, and I do so with great pride. As all of you know, my twin sister and I have spent more of our lives apart than together. And while that maybe is an obstacle for some, I can honestly say that I feel closer to her than anyone in the galaxy. Ironically, I met Han before Leia, through a strange twist of fate. If someone had told me on that day that the cocky, arrogant..."
"Hey!" Han protests good-naturedly, earning a laugh from the guests, including Padmé and I.
"Just kidding Han," Luke says with a smile. "But I do remember you asking me, shortly after we had found Leia, and I quote, 'do you think a princess and a guy like me could..' and that's as far as you got because I cut you off with a most emphatic NO. I think most of us were waiting to see who would kill who in the beginning, for it certainly seemed like the two of you were anything but meant for one another. But it didn't take long before it became clear to everyone that you two were perfect together. I love you both very much, and I know I speak on behalf of our whole family when I say that I couldn't be happier than I am today seeing you joined in marriage." He lifts his glass at this point. "To Han and Leia," he salutes.
We all raise our glasses in salutation to the newlyweds.
"Is she asleep?" I ask Padmé as she returns from the nursery.
"Finally, yes," she replies. "I left the droids with her. I'm sure that 3P0 will alert us the minute she so much as rolls over."
I laugh. "Yes, I'm afraid so. He is rather fussy, isn't he?"
"Just a little," she replies. "It's a pity nothing can be done to restore his memory of you, Ani."
I nod. "Yeah, that would be something, wouldn't it? R2 does though, I'm sure of it."
"Well you and he had a lot of adventures together, didn't you?"
"Yes we did," I reply. "He was always a reliable little droid. So what do you say, Senator Skywalker? Care for a dance?"
"I don't know," she replies coyly. "Are Jedi Masters allowed to dance?" she asks with smile.
I pull her into my arms. "Well you see, my love, the advantage of being a founding member of the new Jedi Council is that you are pretty much allowed to make the rules."
"Oh dear," she replies. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea," she says with a shake of her head.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"I mean, you making rules?" she teases. "The very idea is preposterous."
I laugh. "Well, I've grown up some over the years, I think," I tell her. "Life has a funny way of forcing you to do that."
She nods. "I'm so proud of you, Ani," she tells me. "The Jedi order has been restored thanks to you."
"Well, we're a long way from that still," I remind her. "But we're on our way. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon have been very helpful in helping Luke and I find Force sensitives, and I'm hopeful that other Jedi will soon find their way back to help us as well."
"And with Leia in training, and soon enough little Shmi, the future of the Order looks bright indeed," she says.
"Don't forget about grandchildren," I tell her with a smile. "One of these days we'll be grandparents, Padmé. Hard to imagine, isn't it?"
She frowns. "Yes, very. Well at least you'll be well trained in the diaper changing department once you become a grandfather."
"Great," I reply. "Just when Shmi is out of them, we'll have grandkids to change. I'm sure there must be a rule somewhere about Jedi changing diapers…"
Padmé laughs as she takes my hand and leads me back to the party. "Nice try, Ani. Now come on, didn't you say something about a dance, Master Jedi?"
"I did indeed, Senator," I reply as we make our way back to our families and friends.
