Hopes

Chapter 44.

Anakin's POV

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I let out a breath, rubbing my palms together slowly. The young man beside me smiled nervously, adjusting his high collar and tugging at his smart jacket. The sweet scent of the flowers that climbed over the wire arch drifted on the gentle breeze, dancing through the beams of sunlight and chasing the yellow specks of pollen. A sea of happy faces sat in the wooden benches, each decorated by a small bouquet of orange and pink flowers. In the front was Obi-Wan with Satine holding his hand as they sat next to the comfortably cradled twins, all dressed in fine pearly white attire. Obi-Wan caught me looking at him and smiled reassuringly.

The pleasant chatter died down as the two ladies appeared at the end of the stretch of clean grey stone nestled between either side of the guests. I heard Lux inhale sharply and knew that I was no better. Any breath I had retained was spectacularly stolen.

Ahsoka was grinning from montral to montral, her slight figure accented perfectly by her lacy white dress. Tasteful touches of pale blue ran up from the bottom of her swishing skirts, disappearing into the countless sparkles that adorned the silvery bodice. In her trembling hands was a beautiful collection of small purple flowers, pink rosebuds, and red and white turu-grass – a shrub native to Ahsoka's home planet, Shili.

Beside her, smiling with more grace but just as much joy, walked Padmé with her chocolate hair caught up into intricate loops and secured in a tight bun. Adorning her forehead was a glistening filigree chain, entwining back into her curly hair, and complimenting her delicate frame was a short-sleeve, white dress, ornamented by a thousand shimmering beads. It was much like the gown she wore on our first wedding day, but somehow she looked even more stunning today.

The ladies walked up the aisle together, and I smirked at Ahsoka's expression. Her nose was scrunched as she bit her lip, pulling funny faces at Lux who struggled not to burst out laughing. She was and forever would be my little sister, but I knew the one to whom she was joining herself deserved her. I would always be protective, but they were two halves of the same heart, shared the same dreams, and supported each other no matter what. I was so proud of her.

When they stopped beside us, Padmé gave my hand a small squeeze, then the service officially began. Lux and Ahsoka had been so good as to allow us to renew our wedding vows on the same date that they had set for their own wedding. It had been just over two weeks since Obi-Wan and I had returned from Coruscant, but it felt like yesterday. Time had flown, melding into a million happy moments, surrounded by all of the people I loved the most.

As per our arrangements, the celebrant, a cheerful Mirialan woman, started by asking Padmé and I to say our vows first. We did so with the utmost sincerity and excitement, and in no time, my lips were pressed against hers to the sound of thunderous applause.

Then we stepped to the side and let Lux and Ahsoka proceed with their part of the ceremony. Ahsoka was very nervous and kept breaking out in fits of giggles, but Lux was extremely patient, putting up with her antics with an adoring smile.

"You may kiss the bride," the celebrant concluded in relief, standing back as Ahsoka threw away her bouquet and launched herself at her new husband.

After another round of applause, this time accompanied by happy chuckles, the party retired to the reception that was being held inside Satine's palace. The spacious dining area was lit up with tiny blue lights, decked with white streamers, and embellished with tall vases that housed impressive flower displays of oranges, yellows, and purples. The series of long tables spread across the mosaiced stone floor were overflowing with all kinds of tasty treats, sumptuous meats, fresh fruits, and steaming breads. Flickering candles shone proudly as they were dotted in between the touring dishes of food and perched atop the silver-trimmed tablecloths. A grey phantom sneaked through the shadows, and I knew she would be receiving a feast from the titbits that fell from the table or my hand.