A/N-This is a very short chapter that I thought needed to be added in after the previous chapter 19 was already written. Please R & R as always.
Chapter 19
Location: 500 Republica, Senator Clovis Apartment
Month 2, Day 1, Year 28 BBY
Anakin breathes in and out. He clenches his hands nervously as the lift takes him to her apartment- err rather penthouse. He hasn't been to see her in over two months since her wedding. Her family knew of her pregnancy now. She'd be showing by now. He breathes in deeply as the lift dings and his eyes land on the navy blues and golden hues of the penthouse.
It took up an entire floor as most of the Senator's apartments did. The corridor leading to the main sitting area is spacious, with a golden sofa and glass tables greeting his eyes. The brightness and openness of the windows is wonderful as well.
He senses her before she enters the living area of her home. She is laughing at something Sabe' suggests and his own mouth curls into a small smile seeing them happy together. Her signature is as bright as ever. His eyes sweep over her in a quick gaze. His eyes notice the slightly swelling of her abodemen underneath her slim frame. The dress she has chosen to wear is maroon with long sleeves for the winter. The dress pools onto the floor in an arch.
Both women notice his presence and Padme is surprised to see him. Sabe' eyes the lift from behind him, almost looking for a familiar presence to come along. Anakin states gesturing to them, " I hope I am not intruding."
Her brown eyes glance to her sister and Sabe' knows they want to be alone. Sabe' hadn't known what had caused their break in their relationship but, she knew not to ask. She comments, " I think I will run to the market to prepare for dinner, I'll be back in an hour. It's good to see you Anakin."
Sabe' squeezes her sister's arm and walks past Anakin to the lift on her own. The lift closes and the silence encroaching on them leaves them alone to their own thoughts. Padme's eyes roam over his appearance. He wears his Imperial gray cadet uniform which looks crisp and neat- nothing like the old clothes he'd wear when working on his speeder or racing bikes. His gray trifold hat is off his golden spikes. He keeps his hair shorter now.
He asks quietly, " How are you?"
He means to inquire about both of them and their health. Padme' smiles and responds, " We're both healthy. How is your second semester going?"
He shrugs thinking of his training with Ben and Qui-gion which had taken him by surprise. The training had increased in the recent days with adding in force pushes and force jumps. Anakin is learning quickly. He had no regrets in joining the rebellion's work, if it protected himself and allowed him to be an unstoppable force within the galaxy, he was all for it.
" The combat training is always enjoyable. I detest exams on military proctol though." He mutters bitterly.
She keeps the space between them but smiles and comments, " You've never truly liked book learning. You're a more hands-on learner."
He nods and eyes her luxurious home. His eyes comb the navy walls with the golden hues. He suggests, " Your home is beautiful. It reminds me a bit of the lake country and the bright golden sun every summer."
Padme rubs his stomach absentmindedly and suggests, " Yes that was what I wanted it to reflect a bit of home."
Anakin glances around waiting for Rush Clovis to enter at any moment and ruin their reunion. It has been two months since he's laid eyes on her. He had spent these many weeks trying to figure out what he should do and it had become clear after deciding to be trained in the ways of the force and with his parentage hanging over him, he needs to be a part of his child's life and his best friend's.
Padme' notices him looking for her husband. She comments, " He's in meetings until late this evening. So what are you doing here?"
He rubs the back of his neck and murmurs, " I've decided that if you will allow me to be part of your life and your child's."
Her grin widens and she ignores the gap between them. She reaches for him and he willingly takes her in his arms. He presses gently on her in a warm embrace, the three of them back together.
She whispers against his neck, " I'm happy you decided to be part of our lives."
He smiles against her and she pulls away as she feels a sharp kick from below. He senses her surprise and her laughter. He can sense their child's bright signature within his or her mother's womb. She grabs his hand and places it on her belly.
" Feel." She comments.
He closes his eyes and connects to the child within the force. The child responds to his or her father with a sharp kick to his hand. He chuckles in amazement of the force within their child.
He comments, " She's strong in the force."
Padme's brown gaze widens with his comment. She peers up into his blue ones and murmurs, " A girl?"
He chuckles and whispers, " Yes."
We have a daughter. She senses his thoughts spread through hers and senses his joy within their bond.
To Be Continued….