Author Note: Okay, so you know when you meant to do the thing and you thought you did the thing only you didn't actually do the thing and every time you thought about the thing you weren't in a position to check on the thing? Yeah… that thing.

I am so sorry. XD

Epilogue

Wrapping a robe around his body, Luke moved out to the balcony to take in some of the cool night air. He had a lot of thinking to do.

It had been months since he and Mara had decided to make a real go out of their marriage, doing things that couples did. This meant spending more time with just each other, though you could hardly say they ever ignored Devin. Kam and Tionne were pleased to watch the boy when Luke and Mara wanted an evening together, and so at least once a month they had their small dates.

Their physical intimacy started out strong as they made up for lost time, but then they settled into passionate and loving explorations. Mara wanted to have another baby but Luke had convinced to her wait a bit. This way they could let the holopress die down from their supposed separation as well as Devin being old enough to have his own room and the new baby could go into the nursery.

In truth, Luke was feeling guilty and he wasn't going to bring a child into the world until he had things sorted between him and Mara. He loved and desired her and when she offered him all his dreams, how could he say no? Was it really the right choice to take advantage of the situation?

Was it taking advantage of the situation?

He was sure Mara loved him, he told himself this fact constantly, but she kept to the belief that she didn't know what she felt.

Until now.

Last night was the slamball finals and their favorite team had won. Spirits where high, and with Devin asleep, things had lead to the bedroom. When they were done, and Mara was drifting into a blissful sated sleep, she had whispered those three little words, seemingly unaware of doing so.

"Luke," he hadn't heard her approach, but her voice carried across the balcony.

He covered up his thoughts and turned towards her casually. "Sorry, didn't want to wake you."

"I woke myself." She shrugged and crossed over to the edge, leaning her robed body against the rail.

"You okay?" he asked out of habit, feeling the anxiety coming off of her.

"I stopped asking myself," she replied, ignoring him as she stared out over the jungle.

"Stopped asking yourself what?" He moved closer to her, but kept a respectful distance.

"I told you I didn't know if this was lust or love between us," her head tiled up to stare at the night sky, "and for the sake of us I kept trying to figure it out."

"And?" He tried to remain neutral.

"I got tired of trying to figure it out," she sighed. "I kept coming up against the same walls and arguments for either side, so I figured what the hell, things are good between us, why mess with a good thing?"

Luke bowed his head. "Mara, you would not let me settle for you, I will not allow the same of yourself."

"I'm pregnant, Luke."

"Huh?" He couldn't breathe. Did he hear her right?

"Clighal informed me yesterday," she turned towards him, "and I didn't know how to tell you so I, well, didn't."

"Wait," he was overloaded with thoughts and emotions, but one stood out, "you went off your repress meds without consulting me first?"

Anger started to rise in him as he felt as if he'd been used and betrayed, but he was less than innocent in the matter, but to bring a child into this?

"That's the thing," she shook her head, "I didn't!"

"What?"

"Clighal told me that repress meds are pretty much fail safe," she turned away and stared back out into the forest, "but somehow they failed us."

"They failed us?" he echoed.

"Yes," she nodded, "and I had her check, the baby is still pretty small but she was able to get enough genetic material, this one is definitely yours."

His breaths came in short shallow huffs as he moved forward, wrapping his arms around her. "We're having another baby."

"Yes," she whispered, and they simply stood there, images of their growing family running through his head.

"I love you, Luke," he heard her say, and his heart fell.

Having the baby meant that any chance Luke had of making sure Mara truly did love him and it wasn't a result of mixed emotions were forever ruined. At least she would never leave him now, but could he live with himself?

"Luke," she asked quietly, "did you hear me?"

He forced a smile. "I love you too."

"You don't believe me," she accused, pulling out of his arms.

"Mara," he tried to deny it, but then he was never good at lying. "You're pregnant, you might feel obligated—"

"I don't believe this." She shook her head and turned away. "I finally get myself sorted and this is what happens. I wish the Force would stop playing such a damn cruel joke on me!"

"Mara." He stepped forward, wanting her to calm down.

"No!" she yelled and turned around, pointing her finger at him. "I told you, I stopped asking myself, just letting myself feel, just like you wanted."

"That's… good," was all he could think to say.

"Good?" she squeaked uncharacteristically. "Good? I came to the realization that I would do anything for you, that I couldn't live without you, that I loved you and was trying to find the right time and way to tell you and somehow end up pregnant along the way and you think I'm crazy or something?"

Her confessions hit him hard. "I didn't say you were crazy."

"You might as well have!" she yelled and stormed off back into the bedroom.

Was he doomed, cursed, was this the price he paid for being a Skywalker?

"Mara!" Luke rushed into the room behind her, but found her presence had shifted to the nursery.

"Sshhh," Mara was soothing Devin who was crying in that 'you woke me up' way. "It's okay, mommy was just venting off steam."

"Because daddy is an idiot," Luke sighed, leaning against the threshold.

Mara bowed her head, and Devin started to calm. "You're not an idiot, Luke. Not exactly bright sometimes, but not an idiot."

"Close enough," he let out a deep breath, slowly approaching her so he could see Devin in the small caged bed they had installed for him. They would have to get an even bigger bed when they moved him into his own room, he was growing so quickly. Cilghal had said he was perfect for his age. Still he was growing too quickly.

"I have everything I ever wanted in life," he said into the air, "and I try my hardest to destroy it."

"That's the nature of human beings, Luke," Mara answered. "I have everything I ever needed and didn't even know it for years."

"What a pair we make," he sighed.

"But it's a matching pair." She looked up at him.

"Boy or girl?" he had to ask.

She smiled. "Too early to tell."

"Can I name this one?" He reached up and stroked her cheek.

"I insist," she smiled, then grabbed his hand, "but if it's a girl you are not naming her after any past dalliances you've had."

"Deal," he laughed, leaning down to kiss her gently.

"I do love you," she said breathlessly once they were through.

"I love you," he answered, his eyes flickering down to Devin who stared up at them grinning. "I love you too, little guy."

"Luke," Mara's voice took a tone of caution, "you're not going to favor the new baby over Devin because this one is actually yours, are you?"

"I…" he paused, realizing Mara's fears where valid because while Devin was his flesh and blood, this new baby would be of his own creation, "warn me if I start to?"

"I will." Mara nodded, ending the subject for now.

For the next few minutes, Luke simply held his wife as they soothed Devin back to sleep, their love growing as was their family. He knew things would never be easy for any of them, but they would always have each other. Devin would need them both if he was to overcome the burden of being the Chosen One.

Luke slipped his hand over Mara's belly, trying to sense the small life within.

No, Devin would need all of them, as a family.