Hope someone out this is still reading! Long gap between posts, I know. Sorry! Real life and 50-60 hour work weeks are a total bummer!

This will be 2nd to last post... I think.

As always, reviews are the best!

"My most brillant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me." –Winston Churchill

Anakin Skywalker

Naboo Lake Country

Varykino House

I run my remaining humanoid hand across the coarse, stone railing of Varykino's veranda and then I breathe in deeply, inhaling the moist smell of the local fauna. I want to take in everything about this moment. It is a quiet moment, a peaceful and lovely moment. I can't help but note that my life up this point has been sorely lacking in moments like these. I have learned not to take beauty for granted. One second I'm here enjoying heaven-on-earth and the next I'll be fighting at the front lines of war. From extreme to extreme, so goes my life…

Unconsciously, the smell of this place brings me back to the last time I was here, just two weeks ago. Nothing about this location has changed in the time I have been away; undoubtedly I can imagine this place hasn't changed in hundreds of years. Yet, these memories that arise within me seem to come from a different galaxy then the one I currently exist in.

And then I remember. I remember once living in a galaxy where I had to bid for your love, Padmé. It was a cruel and trying place. Do you know what it feels like to be in world where those closest to you don't respond to your pleas for acceptance? From the arms of my loving mother, I was passed into Obi-Wan's chilled care. And from there I came to your crossed ones. It wasn't easy convincing you to open them to me. It wasn't easy laying my heart open, earnestly and repeatedly.

I remember a moment we had together here, not too long ago in that galaxy. Yes, maybe I acted-out in my pursuit of your affection. Did I truly contrast your skin to Tatooine sand? I can feel my mouth unconsciously contort and I cringe at those early attempts at seduction, but then I find myself chuckling and noting…It worked didn't it?

Well, sort-of. Despite my casual glee, I am thankful that you will no longer break off and turn from my kiss. No, you're not too proud to hide your feelings anymore. Feelings I had suspected were there. I think of the conversation we had, just a day ago. You had been so striking, in a rose-colored gown, lounging with me near the hearth of the parlor, fire on your face…

You were the first one to speak, "I've been thinking. If we plan on being together…"

"And we will be." I reassure you.

"But if anyone should ever find out…the Jedi, the Senate, even the media, the public…I don't want them to uncover some, " you had swallowed, struggling for words to accurately describe your contempt "…horrible, covered up liaison…I don't want an…a-affair. I want,..I think we both may want-"

"More." I finished your sentence.

You sighed in agreement. "I thought you couldn't read my mind."

"No, it's because we're of the same mind." I caressed her hands, firmly rooted against my chest.

"But the Order. The Order is a part of you. It's where you belong."

I stopped massaging her hands and instead gripped them firmly with my own. "Padmé, don't you realize that it's you who I've belonged to for all these years? The first time we met, when you fell out of the Tatoonine sky into Watto's shop like the angel I knew you were, my destiny was set. You are my destiny. You were part of it even before the Jedi accepted me for training."

I had to swallow back passionate emotion as I recalled the last, fateful conversation in that room, "I no longer wish I could wish away my feelings. And if or when the galaxy finds us out…well, perhaps it's best to ask forgiveness rather than ask for permission."

You made a face and said, "Is that a famous Jedi's saying?"

"Oh, I think he will be." I retorted.

You pause for a second before an unceremonious snort of laughter came out. I joined in and we both laughed heartily, thankful for levity, albeit brief as it was.

I then continued more seriously, "I need you. Body and soul. And if anyone ever finds that out…so be it. Let them find something beautiful." I gently brought your fingers to my lips. I kissed one finger, "They would find friendship…," I kissed another. "…commitment," and another "…unconditional love. They could also find a union…maybe even…a marriage."

I recall your short intake of breath. I pointed to the veranda and continued with a smile I couldn't contain, "Padmé, marry me! Right here-right outside these doors. Before we have to leave and go back to our duties."

And somehow you agreed. Somehow I convinced you.

So here I am, standing at the very spot where you denied me, now transformed into the spot where you will indulge me. A priest stands along with me next to two droids acting as witnesses. Destiny must have a sense of humor.

Suddenly, this quiet moment is interrupted as a bird flutters behind me, it's call bringing my attention to the parlor's doorway.

And then I saw you…

Padmé Naberrie Amidala

Naboo Lake Country

Varykino House

A white kova bird flutters in front of the doorway just as I step through the billowing curtains. I instinctively look down, bracing myself against its too-close wings. We seem to have startled each other. When I look up, the twinkling scintillations from sunlight hitting the lake dizzies me and I nearly trip on the front of my gown. Thus I meet this grace-filled moment utterly graceless.

And then I saw you…and nothing else matters. Surely, even the mirrored-shimmering of the lake's reflection is not as bright as you are, my love. It is as if you are a sun-star and I am a planet, drawn by forces of nature to your orbit.

I blink the light from my eyes and continue my walk toward you in this heavy, beaded wedding costume. Actually, it is my grandmother's own marriage gown, having been hidden away in one of the many closets of our family's retreat. My arms hang heavy and lonely by my side. I have no traditional paternal escort leading me, just a magnetic pull into providence. Surely, tt feels that the Force itself ushers me across this rotunda.

With each step, I recall the fateful events that have ultimately led me to you: an emergency landing on a forgotten desert planet…multiple assassination attempts on my life…a Jedi assignment of protection enforced against my wishes…indeed, it took a death sentence for me to stop denying my true feelings.

I promise that today and forevermore there will be no more denial, no more doubt, no more saying no. Today is all about saying 'yes'. Yes, to me and what I want. Yes to you, Anakin, and what you need.

Yes to love.