Gabby had gone back to sleep after making her midnight birthday wish. She had to admit, she had doubts that it would come true, but she felt relieved that at least she got it out of her system. And, she could expect that it would be a good day because nothing could or should go wrong on her special day. Gabby couldn't remember her other two birthdays, but now that she was three, she was old enough to remember this birthday.

Still asleep the next morning, Gabby was cuddling with her teddy bear, unaware she was about to get a rather cheerful, musical awakening.

"Wakey wakey, birthday girl." Carousella sang, her horn magically playing the Happy Birthday song, and the musicorn licking Gabby awake.

Gabby stretched and woke up with a yawn. She got out of bed and ran downstairs for breakfast, and she was happily surprised when she saw chocolate chip pancakes with peanut butter and berries for breakfast.

"Happy Birthday, Gabby." Anakin and Padme said when they saw her.

"Thanks, Mommy and Daddy." Gabby said, rushing over to get some birthday hugs and kisses from her parents.

"There's our big girl," said Padme, giving her now three-year-old daughter a big hug and kiss. "You're growing up so fast."

"I'm only three, Mommy." Gabby giggled.

"That's a pretty big deal, Sweetheart." Anakin said, ruffling Gabby's hair. "Today's your special day, so you best enjoy your pancakes before they get cold and Carousella starts eating them."

That's what Gabby loved about her parents; they never failed to find ways to make her feel special, especially on her birthday, even if she couldn't remember her first and second ones very well. This time, she was going to have a birthday to remember.

After breakfast, Gabby was excited to see what gifts her family got for her, and what her friends sent her. A lot of presents were delivered from on and off-world too. Being a princess, it was no surprise to her parents that senators and royal families, especially those who were close friends, would send gifts for the little princess.

"I don't think I've seen this many presents even at all of Fantasia's birthday parties and mine put together." Carousella chuckled.

"So many ribbons and pretty wrapping paper." Gabby said. "I'm gonna have a lot to use for scrapbooking and other crafts."

"Don't forget about whatever's inside each gift, Princess." Anakin said.

"Will you help me read the cards, Daddy?"

"Of course, Princess."

So, Anakin, Padme, and Carousella helped Gabby read the cards on each gift so she knew who each one was from, and she found so many great things. She even got a gift from her maternal relatives on Naboo. There were lots of great toys, dresses, shoes, jewelry, and even a starter tiara of little diamonds from the Naboo Council and queen, which Gabby was happy to try on. But, Gabby was mostly looking forward to seeing Anakin's present; his were always the best in her eyes (once she looked in the scrapbooks and her parents told her about her last birthdays).

For her first birthday, Anakin gave Gabby her Teddy. For her second, he got Gabby ballet slippers, which she never practiced dancing without. And she eagerly wondered what he got her this year.

Padme got nice gifts too. She knew how Gabby loved when she got a new storybook (even though she couldn't read them herself yet), a plush horse, or a new outfit. And Carousella, this being the first time she would celebrate Gabby's birthday with her, with a little help, managed to make her a beautiful little music box that looked like a carousel.

Of course, Gabby wanted to save the best for last.

"Thank you, Mommy and Carousella. Your presents are amazing." Gabby said.

"Okay, Princess. I know whose gift you're most eager to see." Anakin said, getting out his gift.

Gabby looked at what Anakin held in his hands. A handmade japor snippet necklace like the one Anakin gave Padme, only this one had pink, blue, green, and purple beads on it. Gabby couldn't help but feel touched when she saw it.

"It's beautiful," said Gabby.

"It's a very special piece of jewelry," said Anakin. "It's called a japor snippet. They're said to bring peace and healing to the ones who wear them. I gave your mother one years ago to bring her good luck, and now that you're a big girl... I'm giving you one so you have lots of good fortune coming your way as you continue to grow."

Anakin helped Gabby put the necklace on. Gabby held the little charm in her hands, close to her heart. She decided she would never take it off so she would never lose it.

"Thank you, Daddy." Gabby smiled. "I love it."

Carousella then glanced at another box.

"Oh, look. Here's one more." Carousella looked at the card. "It's from all the royal families of the Nine Kingdoms."

Gabby opened the present from the Nine Kingdoms. And when she opened the box, she found a book in it. It was a big brown book with golden star patterns on the cover. Gabby opened it to find that more than half of the pages were blank.

"What kind of book is this?" Gabby asked, confused.

Anakin took the book and opened it to the very first page, and there he found a message.

Dearest Gabriella,

As you continue to grow, so do your powers, and as they do, you might not understand how they work at first, especially since many come in an unpredictable pattern. Therefore, we, the leaders of the Nine Kingdoms, saw fit to create this book called the Learning Libro when you were born and have decided you are old enough to learn how to use it. It is unique to your magical essence alone, and will help you learn the possibilities of present and future powers you receive. Each time you get a new power, a new chapter will be created. With time and patience, you'll grow to become an exceptional spell caster and perhaps a wonderful queen of Naboo.

Happy Birthday and many more

And it was signed by all the kings and queens of the Nine Kingdoms.

"This thing will definitely come in handy." Anakin said. "And, we'd better start picking up all this wrapping paper and stuff."

"While you do that, I need to head out to pick up Gabby's cake." Padme said.

"I'll stay and help." Carousella said. "The sooner we clean up, the sooner Gabby can play with the new dance game her grandparents got her."

"Yay!" Gabby cheered. "Let's get this done."

Meanwhile, the Jedi Council, was questioning Obi-Wan on why he took Gabby out of the Temple without their consent. Although they were glad it meant Padme wouldn't press charges, they were shocked and confused by Obi-Wan's behavior.

"It appears Skywalker's behavior has rubbed off on you." Mace said.

"Then perhaps, in this case, it was a good thing." said Obi-Wan. "Returning Gabby to her family was the right thing to do. Carousella and the others were right. We have forgotten compassion, and we are not without our own share of attachments."

Obi-Wan listed as many examples as her could think of. Master Plo loved Ahsoka like a daughter, Master Fisto had a crush on Master Secura (how embarrassing for Kit Fisto), and the entire Jedi Council fell in love with Gabby the moment they met her three years ago, treating her like a daughter and never discouraging her from addressing them as her aunts and uncles.

The Council was silent for a while. Then, Master Plo Koon spoke up.

"Anakin Skywalker has matured since the birth of his child, and caring for her does not appear to have stopped him from being an exceptional contributor to the Republic's side in this war."

"Nevertheless, Skywalker did violate the Jedi Code," Master Windu pointed out. "and got his daughter to deceive all of us as well as he did."

"That may be true," said Obi-Wan. "But Anakin deserves the benefit of the doubt in this scenario. Like he said, he was only trying to protect his family, the same way we are supposed to protect peace in the Galaxy. The young ones are right. The Jedi Code is older than all of us combined. Perhaps it is time for changes to be made."

"Need I remind you that you also formed an attachment to Gabriella?" Mace said.

Obi-Wan looked at Mace and the others.

"How many of us have children?" Obi-Wan pointed out and noticed Master Mundi raise his hand. "Who we raised and took care of ourselves as Anakin did?"

Ki-Adi put his hand down and looked down as he realized Obi-Wan was right. He never got the chance to raise and love any of his children as Anakin had with his one child, and now he would never get that chance. Not unless he decided to marry for love and have a child, married a woman who already had children of her own, or adopted a child.

"Meditate on this, we shall." Yoda said, but Obi-Wan already made his decision, and decided he needed to pay a visit to someone.

Of course, he didn't forget that it was also Gabby's special day. Luckily, he happened to spot something perfect in a toy shop's window.

Meanwhile, Anakin helped Gabby set up a new video game called Dance Prance Revolution. Gabby fell in love with it immediately, and Anakin kept trying to beat her score. Shockingly, he was losing to a three-year-old even when he didn't just let her win.

"I think this game you got is broken." Anakin grumbled.

Then, Carousella got a turn, and got almost the same score as Gabby.

"You were saying...?" Carousella smirked.

Anakin rolled his eyes.

"Hey, you have four legs. I've only got two." Anakin pointed out.

"Oh Daddy." Gabby giggled. It was kind of amusing sometimes how Anakin just had to show off, and when he started getting competitive.

"I'll show you what I got," said Anakin. He cracked his knuckles and took another go at the game.

"Daddy's probably gonna be here for a while," said Gabby.

"Yup," said Carousella.

That was when they heard a knock on the door.

"I wonder who that could be." Gabby wondered out loud.

Carousella went to answer the door, and was surprised to see who came to visit.

"Hey, Gabby." Carousella called. "I think you'll wanna see who's here."

Gabby came and she ran to give her visitor a big hug.

"Hi, Uncle Obi-Wan."

"Happy birthday, Gabby." Obi-Wan said, returning the hug. He held up a box with a pink ribbon on it "I brought a present."

"Thank you. That's so nice."

"Where are your parents?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Mommy said she had to go pick something up, and Daddy's trying to beat my score on my new Dance Prance Revolution game."

"Anakin dancing? This I have to see." Obi-Wan smiled, on the verge of laughing.

And sure enough, Obi-Wan couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Anakin trying to beat a score on a dancing game.

"Oh come on!" Anakin groaned, seeing how he still couldn't even get past Carousella's score.

"I didn't know you were such a good dancer," chuckled Obi-Wan.

Anakin immediately turned red in embarrassment when he heard his old Master's voice.

"How long have you been standing there?" Anakin asked.

"Long enough," said Obi-Wan.

"I'm getting the sense you came for something other than it being my daughter's birthday?"

Gabby and Carousella decided to leave the room.

"We'd better not hear you fight again." Gabby warned. "Not just because I don't want to see my loved ones fight, especially on my birthday."

Carousella made a motion with her hoof that she was watching them. And the two friends were left alone.

Obi-Wan confessed to Anakin that the Council was wrong to treat him the way they did. He and many others could see now that Gabby and Anakin did indeed need each other in a symbiotic type of bond, pretty much. Anakin needed Gabby to keep his emotions in check and mature him by teaching him to be responsible, and Gabby needed Anakin for an example to be set for her, to guide her, and love her.

It surprised Obi-Wan and many others to find that a toddler knew more about the difference between attachment and love than all of the adults in the Order put together.

"I don't know what the final decision will be, but I, for one, believe it is time for a change." Obi-Wan said. "If the right changes are made, I'm hoping you and your daughter might come back... if you want to."

Anakin looked down and thought about it. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go back even if he were allowed to. He didn't like the way his daughter was left alone without her father, or how the Council didn't even bother to ask Gabby if she wanted to stay. But, there were also other things to think about. What about Ahsoka? She probably missed him something awful, and he missed her. She was like another daughter to him, and Gabby saw her like a big sister.

"I don't know, Obi-Wan." Anakin said. "I'll have to think about it. But, I do at least want to say... thank you, for taking care of Gabby. I know she couldn't have made it easy."

"Are you crazy? You make it look easy." Obi-Wan said. "You should've seen how she covered us in glitter and paint."

"Had to learn the hard way when to duck and cover when she gets into art mode?" Anakin smiled.

"Yes. And she's getting quite talented using her powers in some unusual ways."

Gabby and Carousella were listening in.

"They're actually talking," whispered Carousella. "That's a good sign."

Gabby took a peek into the room and saw her father and honorary uncle talking some more, eventually embracing each other in a hug.

"Hugs! That's always good!" Gabby whispered. And she ran in and joined in the hug.

"Here I come!" Carousella exclaimed, jumping in, accidentally knocking everyone, including herself to the floor, everyone piling on top of each other.

Everyone burst into laughter at the little accident.

Padme eventually returned with some of Gabby's favorite ice cream, caramel praline, as a surprise. And, the group gathered to share cake and ice cream.

Gabby made another wish and blew out her candles.

"What did you wish for?" Anakin asked.

"Daddy..." Gabby said.

"I'm just kidding. I know the rules." Anakin chuckled.

Before they cut the cake, Gabby opened her present from Obi-Wan, and was happily surprised when she found a stuffed pink and white panda bear with a magenta ribbon around its neck. Obi-Wan remembered one day it was his turn to pick up groceries, and Gabby went with him. And on the way back, Gabby fell in love with the pink panda bear she saw in the window and pretended to make her teddy bear talk to it.

"The pink panda from the toy store. I love it, Uncle Obi-Wan. Thank you." Gabby smiled, picking up her teddy. "Look, Teddy. Uncle Obi-Wan got you a new friend."

The adults all chuckled at how cute it was that Gabby had such an adorable and active imagination. They just couldn't imagine how any of them got along without her.

Gabby actually felt bad biting into the pretty unicorn cake Padme got her, but it was delicious. According to Carousella, her friend Strawberry Sundae was the best baker in Equinaro, and she insisted she could make the best cake ever for Gabby's birthday.

"You were definitely right about your friend being a great baker, Carousella." Anakin said, taking a bite of cake.

Anakin, however, was getting more cake on his face than in his mouth, and he spilled crumbs all over his clothes. Everyone laughed.

"Anakin, look at you!" Obi-Wan laughed.

"Are we sure Gabby's the three-year-old here?" Carousella said. "'Cause I barely see more than a few crumbs on her face."

Anakin just licked the chocolate and frosting from his mouth, but missed a bit of frosting that still sat on his nose,

"You missed a spot, Ani." Padme chuckled, as she cleaned the frosting from her husband's nose, and gave it a kiss. And Carousella licked up the crumbs Anakin dropped on the floor.

Gabby giggled at how funny it was that her father was such a messy cake eater.

"Best birthday ever." Gabby declared.

The next day, the Council made an important decision, and they requested Anakin and Gabby's presence. There were a lot of apologies to be made, and the Council fully expected that Anakin was probably still a bit mad at them, so they weren't surprised when he held his daughter extra protectively, especially around Master Windu. But, they explained that they were making some changes, to the Code, to the Order, to the very way they lived. But, they would need a little help from some experts on what it was like to have a family and balance that with fighting for freedom.

"Wrong we were to separate you two." Yoda said.

Gabby looked at her father. She reminded him that he told her that his mother used to tell him that people made mistakes all the time, and deserved a second chance. And they couldn't stay mad at the Jedi forever; it wasn't the way of the Jedi, or the way of the Skywalkers.

So, Anakin decided he would come back to the Order, but mainly for his daughter's sake.

"If something like this happens again, I'll leave and won't come back." Anakin said.

"Understand, we do." Master Yoda said.

Gabby gave each of the physically present masters a big hug, showing she forgave them. Those who were on holograms, she blew them a kiss.

Gabby felt very happy that both sides of her family could forgive each other, and that her birthday had come true. But she also knew that the Jedi would need more than one family to help them learn a new way of living. So, she contacted her friends and asked if they could help. And they agreed.

Things were definitely gonna be interesting in the Temple from now on, and certainly a lot of changes to how they confronted the Clone War. But now that more people knew about Anakin being Gabby's father, it would probably be a lot harder to keep it secret, and by now there were no doubt rumors floating around about the Jedi Order kicking out Anakin, Padme and Anakin having a relationship, and Gabby having a parent-child-like relationship with Anakin.

So, Anakin decided to go to one of Gabby's friends for a little help.

As it turned out, Gabby's friend Princess Roya was great at designing fashion, including jewelry. So, he offered to pay her to design a beautiful piece of jewelry for Padme, but Roya told him she would do it simply in the name of love... and asked Anakin if he could persuade Padme to let Roya design a dress for her.

"I'll see what I can do," Anakin promised.

One day, Anakin and Padme went to dinner together with their daughter at a nice place where he was sure there would be witnesses, as well as reporters. Padme was aware that the Jedi Order was making changes, but was unaware of what Anakin was planning tonight.

Anakin held Padme's hand and gave her a little speech.

"Padme, we've known each other since we were kids." Anakin said. "And I feel really grateful that we've been able to grow so close even after we spent years apart. But in that time, I've grown to love you as more than a friend, especially when you asked me to be a protector for Gabby. I love Gabby as my own daughter. And I love you. I love you more than words can describe. As a Jedi, under the old code, I couldn't profess that love without being severely punished by expulsion. But, now that the Jedi have sanctioned attachments, a lot is changing for me, and I'm hoping we can make a change too. One that will lead to something that will never change. Being together, you, me, and Gabriella. All of us as a family."

That was when Anakin got down on one knee, which got everyone, especially Padme's attention. And even more attention was brought when Anakin reach into his jacket and pulled out a velvet box, which he opened to reveal a silver ring with a beautiful diamond decorated like a flower that sparkled like a twinkling star.

"Padme Amidala," said Anakin. "The most beautiful, perfect woman in the galaxy. Once queen of Naboo, now and forever queen of my heart... will you marry me?"

Padme was speechless. Now she knew what Anakin was up to. Before, when he asked her to marry him the first time, he didn't have a ring to offer, and they married right after the Battle of Geonosis mostly because they believed they would regret not doing so if they found later that they would not have had the chance to marry after that. But now, Anakin was free to give her the proposal he believed she deserved, and they could have the wedding of their dreams.

Everyone seemed to eagerly await Padme's answer, especially Anakin.

"This is where you say yes," whispered Gabby.

Padme looked at Anakin as he was getting nervous, and she said. "Ani...Yes!"

People cheered, and reporters who happened to be nearby took pictures as Anakin slid the ring on Padme's finger. The newly engaged couple then embraced each other and kissed publicly for the very first time, now that they no longer had to hide any relationship.

"Daddy!" Gabby exclaimed, hugging Anakin's legs.

This time, Anakin didn't have to say anything when Gabby called him 'Daddy' because as far as the public knew, Anakin and Padme fell in love, Anakin got along with Padme's daughter, and the princess was getting a stepfather she already loved as her father. Now that Anakin would be the first Jedi to get married after the Code was changed, things were really going to change, and get pretty crazy too once the wedding planning began.