A Christmas Gift

Padmé watched out the window, her long, dark hair curling around her face and shoulders protectively, as the pristine snowflakes gently fell upon the already snow capped ground. She softly sighed and pulled her blanket more closely to her, hoping to shield herself from the cold outside that was trying to gain entrance through the window. She had spent the entire evening with her family, enjoying their company and the antics of her nieces as they each begged to open another gift. Padmé chuckled at the thought of her sister’s face as she desperately tried to remain firm with her negative reply. Ryoo and Pooja weren’t to be fooled though, they knew their mother was always more tender-hearted during this festive season and they vainly tried to persuade Sola to rescind the one present rule.

“Pleaseeeee,” Ryoo had pleaded, feigning sad eyes.

“Oh, nice try, little one,” Sola had laughed at the failed attempt of bribery.

Padmé smiled at the memory as she continued to gaze outside. Her nieces had failed in their bid to open more gifts – Sola had managed to win the battle and told them morning would be here soon enough. The look of defeat on the girl’s face was difficult for Padmé to bear and she resisted the urge to give in to their demands at the risk of her sister’s wrath. Sola would have been upset, but not terribly, she noted to herself. It was more of the idea of disrespecting her sister’s authority over her children – a position Padmé did not want to intrude upon.

She glanced down at her protruding belly – she was due to deliver the twins within the week and looking forward to becoming a mother in every sense of the word. Over the years she had watched Sola care for her daughters and Padmé naturally assumed that she would play the role of doting Aunt because her career didn’t encompass having children of her own. Her political aspirations were too weighty and the thought of finding someone to settle down with and raise a family she had felt was far out of reach. After all, most of the gentlemen callers she had received wanted nothing more than her additional influence on their positions. They never took into account that she wanted more – much more.

And then she and Anakin Skywalker had been reunited. She smiled as she recalled their initial meeting – and how he stumbled over himself as he tried to talk to her.

Ani? My goodness you’ve grown.

So have you, more beautiful I mean, for a Senator I mean.

She had looked into those eyes and saw something she wasn’t ready for – something she was afraid to see – love and admiration. Anakin wasn’t interested in gaining any political favors from her, he saw her for who she was – a beautiful, intelligent woman who had strong convictions and wasn’t afraid to stand on her own to uphold those ideals. He simply loved her, unconditionally and deeply. An emotion she had never truly experienced outside of her family.

 ____________________*****____________________

And now here she was waiting for Anakin, her husband, to arrive at her family home to celebrate the holidays and forget the war – if only for a short while. She had barely seen him in months – he was in the thick of the battles and she had done everything she could possibly have done to protect the many lives involved, with emphasis on one in particular. He knew she was with child – or in this case, children – from his last brief visit when she was still in her first trimester. The news was a wonderful combination of shock and elation for him. The tears had coursed down his cheeks as he whispered, I wish mom were here, she would be so happy. In spite of the years of Jedi training he had endured his mother, Shmi, had never been forgotten. She still lived in his heart and he had refused to forget. Padmé could hardly blame him considering he had been with his mother all along. From what she knew of the Jedi Order the Force endowed children were separated from their parents while still infants and taken to the Jedi Temple. Therefore, any emotional attachments were quickly removed and replaced by caring, yet detached, Jedi to raise within the Order.

“Although it hurt him terribly, Anakin did the right thing in leaving Tatooine.” Padmé spoke in hushed tone to herself. “Shmi wanted a better life for him than that of a slave. If only he could have reached her in time…” She sadly remembered the horrible events from that time. It seemed so long ago and the remorse Anakin had felt – she had no words to express it adequately. “But the new life within me will alter him as nothing ever could. It will change both of us in profound ways,” she said as she gazed down at her belly and gently ran her hand over it. “Leia and Luke Skywalker – you will accomplish what no other could do and that is to bring peace to your father.” Padmé smiled as she spoke to her unborn children. “Yes, he feels that way with me but it won’t be the same. He will be complete and the sense of serenity he will embody…it can nurture him and help him grow even more than he already has. Your father loves deeply and passionately – it’s the only way he knows how. To completely give himself to a person, to grab hold of the universe and pull it in just to make his family happy. He will give his last breath for you if need be.” Padmé felt something slide down her cheek and casually wiped it away, only then realizing that it was a tear. “Pregnancy can sure pull on the emotions, can’t it my little ones?” she commented with a soft chuckle as she placed both of her hands on her stomach. As if to answer, she felt movement and a sudden kick from one of the twins. “Oh no, no getting feisty tonight,” she playfully chastised. “Last night was rough enough, I don’t need a repeat.”

Padmé glanced up to see a light coming at her and her heart began to flutter. She fervently hoped it would be the taxi that ferried Anakin to her. She waited, chewing on her lower lip in anticipation and then frowned as the light passed by her home. Saddened, she watched a moment more and then turned away from the window. “I need to sit anyway,” she quietly told herself. “Everyone is already asleep but I can’t possibly do that until I know Anakin is here. The weather can be treacherous if the snow changes course and comes down harder.”

Padmé carefully made her way over to the couch and partially lay down. She propped a pillow behind her back and extended her legs out, moaning with delight now that the additional weight had been redistributed. “Oh, it feels good to just lay here and relax.”

 ____________________*****____________________

Unbeknownst to the Senator another light approached the Naberrie home and this one stopped just outside the front door.

Anakin paid the driver and shivered not only from the cold as he stepped out into the snow, but from his eagerness to see Padmé again. He bounded up the stairs and quietly opened the door and peeked inside. Everything was dark except for the small flickering of light he saw emanating from the family room. He had no doubt that his wife had waited for his arrival when he knew she should be resting instead, but he could only argue with her so much before he turned into a puddle of goo and did anything that she asked.

“Looks like the fireplace is going – that’ll feel good,” he said with a quiver and stepped inside. He brushed away the few snowflakes that had landed on his shoulders and delicately shut the door behind him. The still silence told him that everyone was asleep and he quietly removed his boots, setting them next to the door. He had learned just how delicate his mother-in-law’s hearing was one night when he least expected it. Jobal could hear a pin drop in a dead sleep and suddenly wake up. No, he had to use stealth now and reached out to the Force to find his beloved wife. Yes, he could feel her in the other room where the fire crackled and she seemed to be in a very tranquil state.

He slowly crept through the house and into the family area where he saw Padmé’s back to him as she lay stretched out on the couch. He cautiously approached, not wanting to disturb her if she were asleep.

“I’m glad you finally made it,” she unexpectedly whispered.

Anakin abruptly stopped. He knew he had made no sound, nor uttered a word, and yet he had been detected.

As if knowing what he was thinking Padmé murmured, “You wore the cologne I bought you. I can smell it.”

Anakin sniffed himself and smirked. “I only wear it for special occasions.”

“And this is a special occasion?” she playfully replied.

Anakin walked up behind his wife and knelt down, checking a hidden pocket in his tunic as he did so. “Any time I can spend with you is a special occasion.”

Padmé turned her head toward him. “Then come over here so I can see you better.”

The Jedi repositioned himself and then sat down on the floor beside the couch. He placed her hand in his own and kissed it reverently.

“Ohhh, you must do better than that, beloved.”

“Hmm,” Anakin grinned as he got up and sat down in the small space afforded him next to Padmé. “Like this?” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers.

“More like…” Padmé whispered.

“This…” he answered for her as their lips met again in a kiss full of passion and longing. Anakin had been counting down the days until he could take a short leave and be at his wife’s side. His anticipation of their children’s arrival caused him no end of elation mixed with worry. And now that he was with her, all his anxieties faded away…

“I have something special for you,” he said, resting his forehead against her own. He relished in the scent of her perfume that lingered in his mind, her full lips that he could hardly tear himself from, and those gorgeous eyes that held him captive.

“I thought we weren’t going to exchange gifts?”

Anakin dismissed the ire in her voice knowing how much she enjoyed gifts, even if she denied it to others. “I couldn’t help myself.” He grinned at her teasingly.

“Anakin…”

He quickly hushed her by gently covering her mouth with his hand for a moment. “Ssshhh,” he said and reached into a certain pocket and withdrew a small box.

Padmé eyed him suspiciously.

Anakin bit at his lower lip and finally said, “Long ago I fell in love with an incredible woman. The mere sight of her took my breath away and her sweet voice mesmerized me. I knew one day I would marry her and that our lives would be filled with happiness and love. But something was missing. A symbolic token of our love.” He took the small box and placed it in her hand.

Padmé shyly smiled and slowly opened it…and then gasped. Inside she found a platinum band encrusted with precious stones. A triangular shaped diamond rested in the center and surrounding it were two smaller stones of opaque, yet deep blue with whitish strands throughout them and tiny leaves of ivy that looked to be protecting each of them.

Padmé didn’t know what to say.

Smiling broadly, Anakin removed the ring from the box and took hold of his wife’s left hand. He gently slid the ring onto her third finger and stared in amazement at how beautifully it fit.

“I was never able to give you a wedding band, but this ring contains your star stone and that of our children.”

“Oh, Anakin!” Padmé threw her arms around her husband’s neck and held him tightly.

“I’m glad you like it,” Anakin said with a smile that lit up the room as he embraced his wife.

Padmé looked at the ring as she continued to hug him, admiring the intensity of the stones and the tiny leaves that encircled them. “It’s perfect,” she managed to say and then she felt it. Something warm against her skin. “I have a surprise for you too, my love,” she coyly added.

Anakin pulled out of the embrace and stared at his wife. “So much for not exchanging gifts,” he smirked.

Padmé had to laugh. “This one wasn’t planned, beloved. My water just broke – the twins are on the way. Merry Christmas!”

 

A Christmas Gift – Part II

If Padmé could have captured the expression on her husband’s face with a holocam she would have done so in an instant. His eyes went from loving and attentive to surprise filled with sheer terror at her announcement. Once steady hands were now shaking with excitement and nervousness. His mouth tried to form the words but his voice was unable to articulate them.

Anakin found himself breaking into a cold sweat and shuddering as if he were in a cage filled with nexu’s. Except for the fact that he was in the Naberrie family home and Padmé was right beside him looking expectantly at him to do something.

“Wha-?” Anakin barely managed to utter the simple word.

Padmé couldn’t help but giggle. Even though this was her first pregnancy [and judging by the way the twins used her body as a boxing arena, it would be her last] she had experienced childbirth through her sister, Sola – at least from the sidelines. Although her water had broken, she knew she was not in any present danger. After all, Sola had had to wait for her midwife to arrive through a storm and she and the baby had been fine.

“Don’t worry, Ani. Everything will be fine,” she reassured her husband who was fast becoming a bundle of nerves.

“What do I do? Should I get Mom?” he asked with a wild look in his eyes. Averting his eyes, he quickly spied a pillow on the couch and grabbed it. “Here,” he said, shoving the pillow behind Padmé’s head. “Does that help?”

“Maybe we should get Mom and Sola.” Padmé gestured toward the direction of the bedrooms.

“Uh,” Anakin looked around, unsure of what he was even looking for. “Do-do you want something to drink or eat? I can get you something.” Anakin started to stand, ready to dash into the kitchen and fetch whatever Padmé desired – even if he had to cook it himself.

Padmé blanched – remembering Anakin’s attempt at cooking a cake for her one time. She had to admit that his intentions were in the right place but the substitution of ingredients was not a very good idea. “No, no beloved.” She took hold of his hand to stop him from running off. “I don’t need anything to eat or drink, but please go and get Mom and Sola.” 

Anakin quickly nodded his head and started to turn away but then turned back again, bent down and hugged his wife. “I love you, angel,” he ardently whispered into her ear.

“And I love you,” she quickly embraced him and then he was gone, nearly tripping over his own feet along the way. She saw him run into the corner as he tried to enter the hallway and the resounding, “owww,” that followed.

Padmé shook her head and chuckled as Anakin disappeared. “He certainly is excited,” she commented before glancing down at her monstrous stomach. “And you both are very determined little Skywalker’s.”

As if to reiterate her statement one of the twins kicked and Padmé watched the action of her stomach move. “It’s such a shame that your father has missed so much of this. Watching you both grow within me, feeling your movements…listening to your strong heartbeats. Yes, I think life as we know it is about to change drastically.” 

____________________*****____________________

Anakin arrived back into the family room with the two blurry-eyed women right behind him. Jobal took the blanket she was carrying and covered Padmé with it while Sola contacted the midwife on the holovid.

“How are you feeling?” Jobal asked with a smile on her face. “Are my grandchildren causing you much pain?”

Padmé gave her mother an incredulous look. “Mom, I look like a freighter! How comfortable can I be?” she asked sarcastically.

Anakin was beside his wife trying to be supportive by brushing her hair from her face, covering her more with the blanket, and stroking her arm. He was at a loss as to what he should be doing.

Jobal overlooked her daughter’s outburst and knew that she was just as nervous as Anakin. “Childbirth can be a daunting experience, Padmé. It would be best for you to focus on something pleasant and take deep breaths. Try to relax.”

“Relax?” Anakin looked at his mother-in-law wide-eyed.

“Yes, relax,” Jobal serenely repeated. “The last thing she needs right now is stress. We don’t need the babies to experience any difficulties.”

“The Force-” Anakin began.

Sola came over and interrupted the Jedi with news from the midwife. “Arianna will be here soon. I think she expected this because she was already dressed.”

Jobal nodded. “She’s a wonderful midwife. I think she knows when the babies will arrive well before we do.”

“Maybe she’s a Force sentient,” Anakin commented.

“Anakin,” Jobal looked over at her son-in-law, “would it be possible to use the Force on Padmé? We have nothing that will ease her until Arianna arrives.”

The Jedi smiled brightly and gazed at his wife. “Of course,” he said without hesitation. “I was going to suggest that.”

Jobal reached over and hugged her daughter, whispering, “You’re in wonderful hands. I’m going to get things ready.” She kissed Padmé on the cheek and then repeated the gesture on Anakin.

“Thank you, Jobal,” Anakin shyly whispered.

“You’re welcome, dear.” Her face lit up brightly, Jobal motioned to her other daughter and said, “Come on, Sola, we need to get ready for the arrival of the twins. What a Christmas this will be!”

____________________*****____________________

Anakin briefly watched the two women disappear and then turned his full attention to his wife. He thought about all the missions he and Obi-Wan had been on, all the battles they had fought, and yet each of them paled in comparison to the event that was about to happen before his eyes. A part of him felt guilty for not being able to be at his wife’s side during her pregnancy and yet he was so proud of her. His angel. He never realized how deeply a person could love until he met Padmé all those years ago. He didn’t truly comprehend it even then. It was one of those things he couldn’t describe, yet he felt it all the same. When they married after the Battle of Geonosis, he didn’t think he could have been happier…and now…now he knew that happiness came in many forms. His children – their children – would be born this night and he could barely contain his enthusiasm.

A thought suddenly struck him. Will I be a good father?

“Ani? Are you alright?”

The glossed over look on the Jedi’s face snapped back to reality at the sound of his beloved’s voice. “I’m sorry, angel. Yes, I’ve never been better.” Reaching into the Force, he gently laid his hands upon Padmé’s shoulders and directed waves of comfort through his body and into hers.

Padmé felt the soothing energy and it was as though she were in a dream. She relaxed immediately as thoughts of warm water churned around her body and peaceful music filled her ears. She felt as though she could go to sleep, basking in the glow of her tranquility.

____________________*****____________________

Arianna didn’t even knock as she entered the Naberrie home, removed her cloak and shoes, and scurried into the family room with her medical bag. Once there she stopped as her hand covered her mouth and tears inexplicably began to form in her eyes. She could see her patient lying on the couch and a blonde-haired man beside her kneeling on the floor, both of their backs to the midwife, and immersed solely in one another. She observed that it was more of a feeling that she found herself aware of than an actual visual display. She gazed around, noting that the fire in the hearth was glowing and crackling, filling the room with its heat. But that wasn’t the source of the warmth she felt. That emitted from the couple and their emotions and with it came the over-powering urge to let the tears flow freely that had stopped her. Never had she felt such adoration radiate in a couple and it didn’t just surround Padmé and Anakin – it encompassed the entire room.

 

Jobal and Sola came back into the family room and could hardly believe their eyes as they watched Arianna, a woman they had known all their lives do something rare. She cried.

Sola approached the midwife and touched her shoulder. “Ari? Are you alright?” she asked with concern, her eyes illustrating her confusion.

“Wha?” She turned to look at Sola without recognition. “Yes, yes, I’m fine,” she admitted, shrugging off her momentary lapse.

“Then I think we’re ready,” Sola told her with a slight hesitation in her voice.

Arianna paused. “Tell me…do you feel it? I-I don’t quite know how to explain it.”

“Oh,” Sola nodded in sudden understanding. “I guess we’re so used to Anakin’s Force abilities that these displays no longer overwhelm us. I should have forewarned you, I’m sorry.”

The mid-wife smiled. “No…that’s quite alright.”

 

With a bit of uncertainty, Arianna approached Padmé and her husband only to stare at them in awe. Both of their eyes were closed, smiles graced their lips, and Anakin’s tender caresses never faltered.

To experience such a deep commitment to another person. To love so completely… she silently mused.

As one, Padmé and Anakin opened their eyes and looked directly at the midwife.

“Arianna! I’m so glad you could make it!” Padmé exclaimed.

“As am I, milady. I must confess that the aura in this room is perfect to welcome two new lives onto the world of Naboo.” She nodded at the man beside her patient. “And this I assume is the infamous Anakin?”

Padmé blushed crimson as she cast a sideways glance at her husband. “Yes,” she coyly replied.

“Nice to meet you at last, Anakin. I’m Arianna Trestorn, the local midwife.” She offered him her hand.

Anakin shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Now that the pleasantries had been dispensed with, Arianna’s disposition changed to one of control and authority. “I assume you have plenty of sanitary towels and warm water standing by?” She looked unswervingly at Sola and her mother.

Jobal had known the midwife far too long to take offense to her manner and tone of voice. When it came time to deliver babies no one was more proficient than Arianna Trestorn. “Yes, dear, everything is ready.”

Arianna turned her head and looked into Anakin’s eyes. “You keep doing what you’re doing. It’s having a significant calming effect on your wife.”

Before Anakin could offer a rebuttal of any kind, Arianna had turned away from him. Not that he was going to protest – it would take an army to remove him from his place next to Padmé.

“Sola, do you have her bed ready?” Arianna scrutinized the furniture, unhappy with where her patient was currently situated. “This couch won’t do.”

“Yes, Ari. The only obstacle is getting her to it.”

“Leave that to me,” Anakin ordered.

“Surely-” Arianna started to object but the Jedi stopped her.

“Padmé is completely safe in my arms.” The look on Anakin’s face was hardly one the midwife could argue with – not that kind of determination.

Anakin turned around and once more called upon the Force before lifting his wife into his strong arms. “Are you alright? Any problems?” he asked her, not wanting to cause any discomfort.

Padmé clasped her arms around his neck and pushed his head closer to her. “I’m absolutely fine, beloved,” she answered and then kissed him deeply.

____________________*****____________________

Using the Force to try and cushion her as they walked, Anakin hurried to Padmé’s bedroom and tenderly laid her on the bed. “I didn’t jostle you too much did I?” he worriedly asked.

Padmé smiled and shook her head. “Not at all. Now come over here and sit next to me.”

He happily obliged. “As you wish.”

Arianna instructed Padmé how to position herself so the midwife would be able to monitor her progress and then lightly draped a sheet over her.

“It won’t be long now,” Arianna stated. “Looks like these two want to be born on Christmas.”

“I have a distinct feeling they’ll have a mind of their own,” Padmé said with a little laugh.

“Considering the parents…” Sola chided.

At that moment, Ryoo entered the room, awakened by all the commotion. “Momma?” she sleepily said.

“Right here, darling.” Sola walked over, bent down and picked up her young daughter.

Ryoo rubbed her eyes and asked, “What’s going on, Momma?”

Sola glanced at Padmé and back to her daughter again. “Auntie Padmé is ready to have the babies.”

“Really?” Ryoo asked in surprise. “Can I watch?”

Sola chuckled and said, “No, honey. Now let’s get you back into bed. You have lots of gifts to open tomorrow, remember?”

“YAY!” Ryoo replied and threw her small arms around her mother’s neck as Sola walked out of the room.

Arianna turned toward her patient after Sola left and asked, “I’ve asked you this over and over, but are you sure you want to deliver the twins naturally? We really should do a cesarean.”

“A what?” Anakin looked dumbfounded, as well as apprehensive at the question.

“A cesarean is when we cut the mother open and take the baby out through her stomach,” Arianna answered smugly.

Anakin’s eyes flew open in shock.

Padmé determined she should say something before her husband said something…inappropriate. He would never stand for anyone to hurt her and she knew it. “Naturally, and yes, I’m sure.” 

“Very well,” Arianna conceded and readied the supplies she had brought with her.

Suddenly Padmé’s eyes opened wide and Anakin could feel the wave of pain emanating from his wife.

“The contractions are getting stronger, good,” the midwife nonchalantly commented.

“That’s good?” Anakin asked in bewilderment.

Arianna looked at him as if he had asked the most insane question. “Of course.”

The Jedi ran a hand through his hair and then glanced at Padmé who nodded in agreement at the midwife’s reply.

“It’s alright, Anakin. It’s all part of the process,” Jobal assured him.

“Not if I can help it.” Reaching into the Force, Anakin again ushered forth the mystical energy to reduce his wife’s aches and brought with it his devotion toward her as well.

Arianna was impressed anew by the sudden charge in the air. She felt herself become more at ease while her confidence remained constant and alert. Even Jobal found herself affected by her son-in-law and the comfort he bequeathed.

Padmé turned her head toward her husband, silently thanking the Force for allowing her life to intertwine with his. The love shining in her brown eyes was inimitable and Anakin found it hard to swallow as he gazed at her in return.

Meanwhile, Arianna felt rejuvenated as she changed into her medical clothing and then checked Padmé’s dilation progress.

“You ready?” she asked, interrupting the starry-eyed gazes of the couple.

“Hmm?” Padmé asked and then quickly said, “Stars yes!”

____________________*****____________________

Ruwee and Darred, Sola’s husband had been awakened when their wives clambered out of bed to answer Anakin’s frantic plea of help. They knew there was little to nothing they could do and immediately went back to sleep. However, now that Ryoo had woken, it was only a matter of time before Pooja heard the commotion and followed after her sister.

Sure enough, another little girl woke up and got out of bed. Sleep was not to be had this night. Resigning to this fact, the men got out of bed and kept the energetic girls occupied while Padmé gave birth.

____________________*****____________________

Ruwee looked up and listened as Padmé’s moans reached his ears. She was so petite and he had often wondered how in the stars she would deliver two babies. Now, as he listened to her distant cries he felt compelled to rush into her room and comfort her as he had done when she was a child.

Darred read the expression on his father-in-law’s face and knew what he was thinking. “Anakin will take good care of her, don’t worry.”

“Yes,” Ruwee absently answered.

He reached over and patted Ruwee’s shoulder. “Trust him. He would never let her come to harm.”

Ruwee Naberrie glanced at his son-in-law and slowly nodded. “It’s just difficult to hear your child in pain.”

Darred chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

Darred stopped laughing long enough to answer. “What I would have given to have Anakin Skywalker in the birthing room each time with Sola. Padmé’s little moans and groans are miniscule compared to her sister when she gave birth. She screamed and spat words at me that don’t bear repeating. I was the villain until everything was over.”

Ruwee pondered the words, at the same time recalling when his wife had gone through the same process. “I guess you could say we’re the lucky ones. We don’t have to give birth,” he stated with a laugh.

____________________*****____________________

“You’re doing wonderful, milady. Now push harder, I can see the head,” Arianna encouraged.

Anakin wiped the perspiration from Padmé’s brow with a soft cloth. “You’re beautiful, my angel.”

Padmé’s eyes shifted as she stole a quick look at her husband. “Save it…for later!” she quipped between breaths. “More…Force healing…please.”

Jobal glanced up at the Jedi from her position next to Arianna and smirked. “Relax, Anakin. She’ll be fine. Just help her as you’ve been doing.”

Sola gave her brother-in-law a sympathetic look as she patiently stood nearby with more towels and warm water to wash each baby.

The fresh infusion of Force energy into Padmé’s body gave her the ability to relax more and give the final push that would produce one of the twins.

“That’s it!” Arianna excitedly shouted. “A little more! Yes, that’s it!”

Suddenly a wail erupted and filled the room – Leia Skywalker had been born.

Arianna cut the umbilical cord, secured it, and then placed the screeching infant into the blanket in Jobal’s waiting arms and then immediately directed her attention back to the second child who was still waiting.

Arianna checked the position of the second baby, making sure no complications had arisen when what appeared to be water spilled across her arms. “Ok, Padmé, everything is fine! You can do it! Luke is waiting for your help!” she pressed.

Anakin stared wide-eyed and speechless at everything that was transpiring. Jobal had carried his daughter over to Sola who began to wash the babe and he could only stare as his mother-in-law returned to Arianna’s side. There was just so much to take in; he didn’t know quite what to do. And I thought I was prepared for this, he silently scoffed.

Padmé groaned again, pushed hard and then let her head fall backward as she took a moment to catch her breath.

“Again! He’s almost here!” Jobal encouraged her daughter.

“Just…a minute,” Padmé gasped.

Anakin kept the steady stream of Force energy flowing into his wife.

Padmé took a few deep breaths, leaned forward, and pushed again. “Eeeeeeyyyyyyaaaaaaa,” she screeched.

“That’s it! You’re doing beautiful!” Arianna told her as she helped Luke down the birth canal.

Anakin mopped her forehead again and then kissed it. “I love you so much!”

Padmé heard the endearing words but her concentration was elsewhere at the moment, although she was ever so grateful to receive the healing energy of the Force. She didn’t want to imagine how much pain she would have had to endure without it. This is it, she told herself. She gave one last final push and a scream to match.

“I have him!” Arianna elatedly stated as she took hold of Luke’s shoulders and slowly pulled him free of his mother’s body.

Not being the least happy about leaving his warm, safe haven Luke let out a shrill scream that echoed his indignation. He also decided that such a noise wasn’t enough and promptly doused anything with range.

“Your son – most definitely!” Padmé teased.

“Our son,” Anakin corrected, grinning widely. “And our daughter.” His voice tightened as he realized he was now officially a father. “A family of my own…”

“Merry Christmas, Daddy,” Padmé said as she kissed him on the cheek.

“And to you, Mommy.”

____________________*****____________________

Jobal and Sola each carried a baby over to the new parents and placed Luke in Padmé’s waiting arms and Leia in Anakin’s. Although he was apprehensive and seriously considered that she might break, Anakin carefully cradled his newborn child in his arms and stared in wonderment at her beautiful face.

“Welcome, little one,” he softly said.

Padmé watched her husband and witnessed something she knew all along – Anakin would be a wonderful father. Glancing down, she gazed into Luke’s blue eyes and saw Anakin clearly through his features. “I think you’ll grow up to be a Jedi, like your father before you,” she whispered to him.

 

Finis