Chapter 6

"You are doing well, my friend. But then, you always were a model student."

Obi-Wan smiled. No matter how old he was, Qui-Gon's praise always made him feel like a young padawan again. They had just finished his latest lesson and now were sitting together talking like old friends. He wanted to tell him about the baby, but wasn't sure where to begin. Qui-Gon was never a stickler for following the code. He knew about his relationship with Luna and was happy for him, but this might be a stretch even for him.

"Is everything alright, Obi-Wan? You seem a bit preoccupied today. I hope Luke is well."

"Oh, of course. He's doing fine and learning more every time I see him." He squirmed a little under under Qui-Gon's level gaze. "This is…more personal. I have some news Master, but I must warn you. You may find it a bit shocking."

"Shocking? You?" His master gave him a look of mock surprise. "I'm intrigued."

"I'm going to be a father! Luna just found out that she's going to have a baby." He couldn't hide the enormous grin that lit up his face.

Qui-Gin quietly nodded his approval and smiled. He didn't seem at all surprised. In fact, it almost seemed like he had been expecting this very announcement.

"Congratulations my friend. I'm happy for you."

"You don't disapprove?"

He chuckled to himself. "Who am I to disapprove of the will of the Force? What has happened is what was meant to be. Just take care to cherish this new life you have been entrusted with. If you undertake the duties of fatherhood with the same degree of care and consideration you put into being a Jedi, you will be successful."

Obi-Wan solemnly nodded, taking the words to heart.

"Now, I must be going. Practice what I have taught you, and I will see you again soon. Oh, and Obi-Wan…"

He looked up expectantly. "Yes?"

"I truly mean it. Congratulations."

With that, Qui-Gon slowly evaporated into the morning sun leaving Obi-Wan with much to think about.

…..

"Alright now, Luke. Focus on the rock. You can do it." Luke held out his small hand and the rock he was levitating slowly began to turn in midair. It spun around a few times before dropping to the ground with a plop.

Luke opened his eyes and looked at the rock. "I can't put it down right. It always falls." he sounded disappointed.

"You'll get it. It just takes practice and concentration. Keep working at it and don't give up." Obi-Wan stood up and wiped the sweat off his brow. He was one to talk. He couldn't even concentrate himself. Ever since he had found out about the baby, something had been troubling him. This morning his attention to Luke's lesson had been divided as he wrestled with himself over what to do.

Before he met Luna, Obi-Wan had strictly followed the Jedi code. Attachments were forbidden, and so the possibility of having a child himself was something he had never even considered. However, he had formed some strong opinions about certain things over the years and now he

was unsure of how to move forward.

Obi-Wan was nothing if not a traditionalist. As far as children went, he had always strongly believed that it was best if they were born into a loving family. And, while he and Luna lived together they weren't legally married.

There was no question that he loved Luna without reserve. The only reason he hadn't asked her to marry him years ago was his unfortunate position as a wanted fugitive. If they married, it would produce an easy to find record that would alert the Empire to his presence on Tatooine. While he longed for Luna to be his wife, he had long ago resigned himself to living as they did out of necessity.

Now things were changing. They were about to bring a child into the galaxy. He knew it was old-fashioned, but he truly believed it was important to be married to that child's mother. As he had told Luna a few nights ago, the only link he had to his family was his name and he wanted to pass that on to his son or daughter legitimately.

He put his thoughts aside for a moment and looked at the sky. It was blistering hot, even by Tatooine standards. Heat shimmered off the sand in waves and the air was still and oppressive. They would have to stop early today. He was no expert, but being out in this heat couldn't be healthy for the boy. While he had long ago made peace with the idea of living in the desert, there were still days when he desperately wished that Anakin had been born somewhere else.

"Why don't you just ask her?"

"What?" Obi-Wan asked.

"You know, to marry you. She really likes you. I bet she'd say yes."

Obi-Wan who hadn't realized his mental shields were slightly down gave Luke a startled look. Goodness, he's quick! I need to work with him on the finer points of telepathy post haste.

Just then, Luna came to the door and called to them.

"Are you two ready for a break? Come get something to drink!"

"Yes! Come on, Ben!" Luke leaped to his feet and ran towards the hut.

He reached the door just in time to see Luke climbing into a chair at the table. Luna placed an ice cold glass of lemonade in front of him which he grabbed with both hands and began gulping loudly.

"Luke!" Beru scolded from where she sat on the couch. "We don't make slurping noises like a bantha. Slow down and drink quietly please!"

"Sorry." He put down the glass and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "I was really thirsty." He then grabbed a sand cookie from the plate in the middle of the table and stuffed the entire thing in his mouth at once.

Luna giggled and ruffled the boy's hair as she handed a glass of lemonade to Obi-Wan and then walked over to join Beru on the couch. "You'd better slow down Luke. People might think you're a snake if you swallow your food whole."

Obi-Wan smiled at her, thinking again of his dilemma. What to do, what to…

"Mmm..Ashkherrr." Luke said with his mouth full, spraying cookie crumbs all over the table.

"What?" Obi-Wan laughed.

"She's nice and she's pretty and she makes great sand cookies. She's perfect. Ask her."

…..

They went to bed that afternoon and tried to rest since it was too hot to do anything else. Luna woke first and saw that it was twilight. She sighed with relief as a somewhat cooler breeze came in through the window.

Obi-Wan was still asleep and she took a moment to really look at him. He lay on his back with his features relaxed, one hand rested on his bare chest and the other above his head on the pillow. A thick lock of auburn hair fell across his forhead. He was starting to turn a little grey at the temples, but it suited him well. His beard was starting to grow back as well. He was so handsome!

As she lay on her side observing him, he woke up and stretched. He looked at the purplish twilight fading at the window. "Have we been asleep all afternoon? I didn't realize it was that late."

She snuggled close to his side and he welcomed her into his arms with a kiss. "We must have been tired."

They held each other for a long time, not talking just enjoying being together. Finally Luna spoke.

"What was Luke talking about this morning?"

"Pardon?"

"He said something to you, to ask me something. What was it?"

Obi-Wan was silent for a moment. "I didn't remember to shield my thoughts this morning and he read my mind."

"Wow, that's impressive. He's really amazing."

"Yes, very. We need to be careful about what we project when we're around him from now on."

Luna nodded. "So what were you thinking? Hopefully nothing too embarrassing."

Obi-wan chuckled. "No, it wasn't anything embarrassing. Believe it or not, he actually gave me some good advice."

"He did?" Luna smiled and looked at him curiously. "What did he say?"

"Well, he said that you're pretty, you're nice, and you make good sand cookies. You're perfect!"

They laughed together. Luna snuggled closer, and rested her head on his shoulder. "Awww, what a sweet little boy he is!"

"Indeed. He also encouraged me to stop worrying and do something I've been thinking about for a long time. I believe he's right."

"What?" Luna wondered what it could possibly be.

Suddenly Obi-Wan sat up. He pulled her up along with him and moved so that he was facing her. He took her hands in his and kissed each one before looking up and continuing.

"Luna Merris, you are the light of my life. When I first came here, I was only existing. Then you arrived. You changed everything and made my life worth living again. I can't imagine what I would do without you. I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?"