Chapter Four – New Light

Night was falling slowly over Lake Country, and Ahsoka had excused herself to go and patrol the area leaving Anakin and Padme to themselves. They walked together outside along the deserted promenade which was lit by glowing lanterns. Together, they went over to the same area where they had shared their first kiss. The view of the vast lake was just as exquisite as it had been the first time Anakin had seen it.

The married couple were held each other close with their arms round each other as they watched the water lapping and shimmering in the moonlight, which was now reflecting off the surface of the blue waters.

"I can't wait to teach our child to swim," Padme said softly. "Those waters are so relaxing when you swim in them. You feel as though all your worries and problems fade away."

Anakin smiled and held her closer with her head against his chest and resting his own on top of hers. "I look forward to that too. I expect they'll be a natural just like you."

Padme laughed. "Remember when I taught you how to swim?" Anakin couldn't hold back a chuckle as he remembered. The day after their wedding she had led him into the water until he was up to his shoulders in it. The blissful feeling the warm water gave him was just as relaxing as her very presence gave him alone.

"It's going to be even more wonderful to have Ahsoka here."

"Yeah, I was sure that once her mission was complete she would move on just as she did before. But I never thought she would be willing to stay with us and do this for our family."

"I guess it goes to show how many people really do care about you Ani."

"I didn't think that was true. I was beginning to think that I was nothing but a disappointment to everyone. After the Jedi denied me the rank of Master, I felt more responsible than ever for what happened to Ahsoka, that it was because of me that I failed her and as her master. I felt even worse when the Council seemed to lose their trust in me and treat me as an inferior. The only reason they gave me a seat on the Council was because of Palpatine and even that wasn't enough."

"But I know better Ani." He looked back down at her. "You're a good person. You've proved that more than a dozen times already. Look at all the planets and civilizations you saved. All those people who are living because of you."

"The hero with no fear. Yet I do have fear. For you and the baby."

She wrapped her arms round him and he hugged her back. "I'm right here, safe in your arms. And we're both safe here in Lake Country. You have nothing to fear Ani. If Ahsoka was able to defeat Darth Maul then I don't know what there is that could mess with her now."

Anakin could not disagree with her there. It seemed Ahsoka had grown stronger after all that had happened to her and had now become a cut above the rest.

"I don't just want her to see herself as a bodyguard to us though Padme. I want her to be more than that, more like a part of our family. When she was my student, she felt more like a little sister to me. A sister I had to teach and protect. Even though she's now grown and learned pretty much all she could, I still want her in my life as though she was one of our family."

Padme glanced off to the side, then gave a smile. "I'm pretty sure she might think the same about you Ani. I saw how happy she was when you accepted her request earlier. If you give her a little time, then I'm sure she'll tell you when she's ready." She looked up into his blue eyes and he looked down into her brown ones.

"I hope so too." With their arms round each other they walked back to the villa.

What Anakin did not know was that Ahsoka had been seated on one of the lower roofs and had heard all of their conversation. And just near the end, Padme had noticed her and they'd both exchanged a smile. As she watched them walk together, Ahsoka felt a lot better than she ever did. She may have walked out on the Jedi and her master, but seeing how much Anakin still needed her, she understood where she now belonged. Especially now that she knew that he wanted her to be a part of the family, and not just as a bodyguard, which had been her plan originally. It just made it a whole lot better. She may not have known her real family anymore on Shili, but with Anakin, Padme and now their unborn child, she could be part of a new family. Smiling happily, she looked up at the stars.

A short time later Anakin and Padme were heading towards the master bedroom. When they arrived, Anakin swept Padme up into his arms and she giggled uncontrollably. He opened the door with the Force and they both felt a welcoming feeling of homecoming. Turning to face each other they shared a long, deep kiss. They then changed into their sleeping clothes, climbed into the huge bed and rested in each other's arms.

Anakin felt so much better than he had in what felt like forever. Though he still feared his nightmare vision, he felt that he had made the right choice. If Windu and Kenobi took care of Sidious and Grievous then all would be well. They could handle the Separatists easily after that, seeing that they had been working with Dooku, they must have been in alignment with Darth Sidious too as he was Dooku's master.

He looked down at Padme who had her head rested against his bare chest with her hand rested over his heart. He smiled in contentment and put his palm on her stomach and felt the bulge of their child. A small nudge against his palm made him chuckle softly. Padme stroked his chest.

"I think she likes me," he whispered.

"She?"

"Yes, every time I think about the baby, I keep picturing a beautiful little girl, a younger version of you, my angel."

Padme laughed, remembering the other night when they had spoken about this. "I don't know Ani, I've always been sure I would have a boy first, if I ever had a child. And when I first found out, I kept imagining a cute little blond boy with your blue eyes."

Anakin smiled and ran his hand up her back pulling her closer and she slipped her arm round his neck. "No matter which it will be, our child is a blessing and will bring more happiness into our lives."

Padme didn't answer with any words, she leaned in and their lips met.

Halfway through their kiss Anakin suddenly froze. He had felt something within the Force. It was like when you light a match. A Force presence which he did not recognize seemed to come to life in an instant then shimmer down to a gentle glow. He glanced around the room and out the balcony door but there was no one there. He climbed out of the bed and went to glance through the long flowing net curtains to see if Ahsoka was near, but looking out on the balcony she wasn't there. He somehow knew it wasn't her because he was sure he would know immediately if it were.

"Ani, what is it?" Padme asked from the bed.

"I don't know. I can feel something. Another Force presence, one I don't recognize."

Padme glanced round herself looking anxious. Had the Jedi located him and come to investigate his disappearance?

Anakin closed his eyes and focused on trying to find the location of the Force presence. He did then feel Ahsoka's Force presence, but she was nowhere near to them at this minute, and it wasn't the same as this new light he now felt. He searched deeper into the force trying to find out what they were up against.

But strangely when Anakin suddenly got a fix on the presence and followed its light, he saw that it seemed to be coming straight from Padme. His eyes opened and he stared around her, but there was only her and no one else. But then his eyes widened at a sudden realization of what this peculiar Force presence could be. He climbed back into the bed beside his wife staring hard at her stomach and tenderly placed his palm on the soft, warm bulge.

Padme watched her husband get back into the bed beside her, she wasn't sure if she should feel uncomfortable by the odd stare he was now giving her. But then his hand was gently resting against her stomach and she instantly understood.

"Ani, is it the child? Can you feel…?" She found herself unable to finish her question because in her heart she knew what his answer would be.

His astonished look seemed to melt into an expression of wonderment. "Padme, I can feel her…him or her. I can feel it. They're strong with the Force, so bright, so beautiful."

Padme blinked and two tears fell down her cheeks. She put a hand over his and the other on the side of her stomach. She now knew for sure that a son was growing within her, a beautiful son. Who would probably become just as noble as his father and achieve great things. A Force sensitive child who might share the image of the little desert boy she had met all those years ago.

Anakin felt so overwhelmed. Although he had been excited about his child, he had also been anxious about being able to take on the important role as a father. But now as he felt the child's bright presence in the Force, he knew that he already had something in common with his child. Being strong in the Force and it would be his responsibility alone to tutor his child in how to control and use it. Just the thought of training his own child filled him with an overwhelming joyful feeling.

With a tear falling down his cheek, he leaned down and kissed the bump. Padme giggled and stroked his hair. Her laughter was music to his ears. Leaning back up, he saw tears of joy falling down her lit up face. Smiling back at her he held her cheek in one hand, the bump in the other and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was long and filled with a love stronger than any he had given her. For they both knew that not only had they created a strong happiness with their union, they had now created a child who was not just going to be the happy ending for both of them…but a happy beginning.

Author's Notes
I'm very happy that you're all Following my story. And to those of you that may have wondered, though this looks like perfect a way to end the story, there is a lot more to come. I never planned for this to be a quick story, however I don't think this daily updates will last much longer, as I only had a few chapters already written. But I feel very confident about how this story will go. Just keep enjoying and sending me your reviews on what you think of the story.

Thanks Carrie2sky for your Beta Reading

May The Force Be With You!
LouisaJane007 XX