-Mid December-

Steve held the ladder as Natasha climbed up with the mistletoe in her hand. Even with the help of the ladder, the hook was still a bit high for her and she was reaching.

Steve slowly got down on one knee while he held the ladder. She was busy concentrating.

"Natasha, I love you..."

"I love you too," she smiled, still not looking at him. The flimsy ribbon didn't seem to want to go on the hook. "There, got it!" She looked down at Steve on the floor and although something didn't look right, it didn't quite register what he was doing.

Steve looked up at her. "Natasha, I would be the happiest man alive if you would spend the rest of your life with me... Will you marry me?"

Natasha's eyes widened and she held onto the ladder for balance. Her mouth fell open. "Oh my God, Steve..."

He stayed in position, waiting to see if she would answer him. She started nodding her head, "Yes! Yes!"

Before she could move, Steve was up on his feet taking a ring box out of his pants pocket. He opened the box so she could get a closer look. "You want to come down?" he laughed, as she tried to balance on the ladder and look at the ring. He offered his other hand to help her down but instead she said, "Aww, it's red, white and blue - it's so Steve!"

"Actually," he pointed to the red side, "the red represents you and the blue represents me."

"Oh it's so pretty Steve. I love it!"

He was thrilled with her genuine, happy reaction. "Here, baby, try it on." He lifted the ring out to hand to her.

She slid it on her finger.

"How's the fit?" he asked.

"I think it almost fits," she sounded happy. "It might be a little big."

"Well, we can go get it sized," he smiled. He put out his arms to help her off the ladder. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly.

"Oh, Steve... oh my God..."

He moved her over to stand underneath the mistletoe. "I think a kiss is in order," he said, motioning his head up to the mistletoe with a grin.

Natasha sidled up to him, still shocked at the scene that had just played out. "I get to kiss you forever," she said softly.

***

Steve layed in bed, fighting sleep, squinting to keep the light out of his eyes. "Tashaaaaa," he begged, "come to bed." He patted the bed next to him but she was not joining him.

"I'm sorry, honey," she said from the bathroom. "I keep trying to get ready for bed and ...I'm getting distracted.

He laughed to himself. At least she's happy distracted.

Natasha dried her hands on a towel and then walked towards the bedroom to sit next to him on the bed. He reached over for her but she was too far away and he was too tired to move. "You're killin' me, babe," he said with a chuckle.

She opened the nightstand drawer. "I'm looking for a good safe place to put my ring every night. I want to get in the habit of alway putting it in the same place." She shrugged and took the ring off, putting it back in it's box and then into the drawer.

"You're cute," he said and he rolled over to put his head in her lap.

Natasha grazed her fingers over his hair, tenderly. "You're tired. Too much celebrating, I think."

"Mmmm," he said, leaving his eyes closed.

"But Barbara sure was glad to see us, wasn't she?" she asked.

"She was," he sighed and rubbed her knee. "That was a nice dinner."

Natasha leaned over him and laid her head down on his back, listening to him breathe. They laid that way for a minute and she was sure he must be asleep but then she heard his deep voice start to echo through his body as he said, "What would you think about getting married there? - At Barbara's?" She sat up and he turned his face to her and opened his eyes. He could see her thinking about it.

"That's not a bad idea," she smiled. "How long have you had that up your sleeve?"

"Probably since our first date," he laughed.

"Awww, you're a romantic," she said. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, it's time for you to turn in. You're so tired."

Steve rolled onto his back and Natasha turned the lamp off. She curled up to his side and rested her head on him. "Goodnight, babe," she said, kissing the underside of his chin.

"Goodnight, honey," he said, squeezing her shoulder.

***

Natasha woke up to movement. It took her just a second to realize it was Steve moving in his sleep, shaking and breathing erratically. He wasn't moving a lot but she knew what was happening. She quickly moved away from him like he'd asked her to do a while back. His biggest fear sharing a bed with her was that he might accidentally hurt her in his sleep if he had a nightmare.

"Steve?" she whispered from beside the bed. "Wake up, you're having a nightmare."

She watched as his body stilled and his mouth opened, he was breathing heavy. When his eyes opened, they darted around. She could tell he was still coming out of the nightmare.

"Steve, come back. It's Natasha," she whispered.

"Tasha? You're here?" he asked with a gulp, his breath ragged.

"I'm here," she said, returning quickly to sit on the bed. She put her hand on top of his, and in return, he wrapped both of his hands around it. "You're okay now."

"You were gone, I couldn't find you..."

Seeing Steve unraveled was upsetting to her but he needed her right now so she wasn't letting on. "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere."

He sat up on his elbows to look at her, then finished sitting up the whole way so he could wrap his arms around her.

She spoke slowly and deliberately to him. "You are safe. Bucky's safe... I'm safe. Everything's okay. You're safe, Steve."

Steve held her tighter and laid back down slowly, pulling her with him. He rested his head on top of hers as she nuzzled into his neck. His mind let go of the image of trying to force Red Skull into telling him where Natasha was. I've never had that dream before, he thought. Natasha rubbed little circles on his collarbone as she settled down and closed her eyes.

She's safe.

The thought was comforting. He rubbed her arm softly. The nightmares were not constant like they had been before Natasha came back into his life. She'd had a calming effect on him.

And Bucky was safe in Wakanda for now.

He opened his eyes and looked down at her resting her head on him. He watched as her chest and stomach rose and fell under the covers with each breath she took. Her shape and her scent were intoxicating and a wave of peace washed over him. His mind slowed down and his breathing followed.

He thought about how his life was finally in some sort of order. His only thoughts weren't about how he was going to survive a battle or who needed to be saved... or what new responsibility he would take on. He had balance in his life now, stability, friends that were like family, and the girl he loved who was about to become his actual family.

It had been five odd years since he'd been unfrozen and in all that time, he thought he was living. But now, he was actually living. All the years of believing he was doing the right thing and thinking he was on the right track. But the happiness wasn't truly there. The brain can be calculated and controlled but the heart... the heart thaws in it's own time.

***

Thank you for reading this story. I didn't intend to set out on this journey, the story kept coming to me over and over until I finally gave in and let my fingers type it. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Thanks again.

Wait, you know better than to leave a Marvel movie before the credits...

Not so fast, sit back down...

...and since you're loyal enough to scroll down, here's your bonus credits scene!

Secret Bonus Chapter 21 - EVERYONE WE LOVE

-January 28, 2017-

The center of Natasha's chest felt like it was tight as she tried to sit up straight and take even breaths. It was a good feeling though, it was all excitement. She looked down at her hands, sitting on her lap, and wiggled her fingers upwards to look at her blush pink nail color. Her engagement ring caught her attention. A slow smile washed over her face as she thought about Steve. She could imagine his smile with those perfect white teeth, his kind eyes... the blue color that made her heart melt when the light hit them just right.

"I love your hair being back to red," Wanda said.

"Thanks," Natasha said, cheerily.

"Me too," Laura said from the front passenger seat.

"I knew Steve was missing my red hair so I thought I'd change it back for today but it's probably just temporary," Natasha said.

Clint nervously tapped his finger on the steering wheel as he drove.

Wait, that's Morse code, Natasha thought. He's tapping out "How are you doing back there?"

She looked up into the rear view mirror and smiled at him and started tapping back on her door, "I'm a little nervous."

He tapped back, "You look beautiful." That was Clint, one minute being sassy, the next he was caring. Just like the big brother she never had.

Clint turned the car down a driveway as Laura looked back at Natasha from the passenger's seat. Natasha noticed the sign at the end of the driveway said "Closed for a private event."

"This is a great limo, where did you ever find it?" Laura asked.

Natasha smiled, "Actually, when I called Pepper to invite her and Tony, she made arrangements to have it sent here. It's one from Tony's private collection, it's from the 40's. Howard and Maria rode in it on their wedding day." The antique cream-colored limousine really was stunning.

The parking lot of Barbara's was more full than usual and Natasha's nerves jumped momentarily.

"This is it!" Wanda said with excitement.

"I'll see you ladies inside," Natasha smiled as Clint opened Laura's door and then Wanda's. Laura and Wanda hurried up the walking path in their long blush pink dresses, their bouquets in tow. Natasha watched them until they disappeared into the restaurant. Clint opened her door and held out his hand.

"Come on, pretty girl, let's get you married," he had a big smile. There was a chill in the January air and Natasha's little white wrap did nothing to keep it away but she stopped to hug Clint and squeeze him tight.

"Thank you for everything," she said, peeking over his shoulder.

He stepped back and looked at her. "I'm really happy for you, Nat."

"Don't make me cry before the ceremony," she kidded him. Clint offered his arm and Natasha held on as he walked her closer to the door. Her long layers of white tulle just barely swept over the ground as she walked. Her dress was simple but classy. The top of the dress was made of tulle straps that widened as they flowed down into the bodice, covered in delicate, shimmering lace flowers that also flowed down partially overtop of her hips and stopped at random points on the tulle, as if the flowers were free falling. Her once again red hair was pulled into a loose, low bun that was flowy with some wisps straying away from her. The top of her hair was full and she had a sleek side bang decorating her forehead. Her eye makeup was more dramatic than normal but neutral and tasteful and her lips were a soft pink. Her diamond drop earrings had been a gift from Clint and Laura. Wanda had given her the fragile fishing line necklace with a matching diamond drop.

The door opened from the inside and Peter Parker moved outside slowly, not giving anyone inside a sneak peek. He picked up his camera and took a few shots of Clint escorting Natasha.

"Thanks, Peter," she said as came closer. "We really appreciate this."

"Oh, it's... no problem, Natasha. I'm honored, really. Mr. Stark told me I have to do a good job, this is really important. And I know this all has to stay confidential." He smiled, " If there's anything you want me to get a special photo of, just tell me. I'll just walk around and keep snapping shots."

"Thanks. But I hope you also enjoy yourself," she smiled at him.

Peter returned to the restaurant to position himself inside for the perfect shot of her entrance.

"You ready, Nat?" Clint looked at her.

She nodded and he tapped on the door. A waiter slipped out the door to hold it open wide. Natasha took a sharp breath and Clint begin walking her inside. Before they could see anyone from around the main entrance wall, they could hear the string quartet playing and the music shifted into "Here Comes the Bride." Natasha could hear her heels hitting the stone floor and her stomach did little happy flips. Clint squeezed her arm a little tighter as they walked around the corner.

Natasha looked straight towards the windows to look for Steve, she had a little trouble seeing him at first with the guests all standing. The crowd made little noises, excited to see her. The room was filled with cool, winter light and it was a grayish day outside but the white twinkle lights inside strips of white tulle that lined the room gave everything a warm glow. When her eyes made out the aisle, they shot straight down the center and there was Steve.

Her heart jumped.

Steve's hands were folded over his charcoal colored suit and his face was all lit up. Standing next to him were Sam and Bucky, also wearing charcoal suits. All three had light gray ties on. She was surprised to see that Bucky was clean shaven and had a much shorter haircut. Laura and Wanda stood on the left side, also smiling at her.

Natasha walked slowly and gracefully towards Steve with Clint keeping her pace. Every step she took, Steve's chest tightened with excitement until he felt he couldn't wait a second longer. But he did. He stood there grinning at her as she returned the enthusiasm. Her eyes flirted with him and told him a story that no one else could know, he knew her so well. "There's your girl," Sam whispered quietly.

Natasha kept the smile on her face and tried to concentrate on Steve even though she could see so many friendly faces looking to her.

As Natasha and Clint reached the front, Steve stepped forward next to them.

An enthusiastic, raspy voice began streaming from the officiant, "Who presents this woman to be married to this man?" The officiant was a tall, thin man with darkened glasses and white hair, combed straight back.

"I do," Clint said firmly and hugged Natasha. He turned to Steve for a handshake but then he also leaned in to hug Steve. Clint took his place in the front row next to Natasha.

Steve stepped in next to Natasha and she slipped her arm through his, feeling his warmth through his sleeve and feeling instant comfort just by his being there. They looked at each other with smiles and he mouthed "hi" to her and then she returned it.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Steven and Natasha in the loving bonds of marriage..." he went on but all Steve could think about was this beautiful girl next to him and how he was going to get to wake up and kiss her every morning for the rest of his life. He looked over at her again and met her eyes.

"Do you enter this marriage of your own free will?"

"We do."

He addressed the room, "Please be seated." Clint and Laura walked to the microphone.

Clint: From Corinthians...

Laura: Love is patient, love is kind.

Clint: It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud.

Laura: It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking.

Clint: It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Laura: Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Clint: It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Laura: Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Clint: For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

Laura: When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.

Clint: When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

Laura: For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.

Clint: Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Laura: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Laura and Clint looked at Steve and Natasha and smiled before the returned to their positions.

Steve and Natasha turned to face each other.

The officiant began again. "Do you, Steven take Natasha to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love, honor, cherish and comfort her, in good times and bad, forevermore?"

"I do," Steve said steadily.

"Do you, Natasha take Steven to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, cherish and comfort her, in good times and bad, forevermore?"

"I do." She looked down at his hands holding hers and then back up at his face to look into his eyes.

"The rings, please." The officiant held out his hand. Sam placed Natasha's ring in his hand and Laura stepped forward with the ring for Steve. "A ring is a circle. So shall your love for each other be - a circle with no beginning and no end. Complete forever."

He looked at Steve. "Steven, place this ring on Natasha's left ring finger and repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed."

Steve carefully took the ring from him and looked at her. His voice was calm and low as he said "With this ring, I thee wed." He slowly pushed the ring onto her finger as he held her hand with his other hand.

"Natasha, place this ring on Steven's left ring finger and repeat after me: with this ring, I thee wed."

Natasha took the ring, which felt heavy in her cold, nervous fingers. Her voice cracked and she looked at Steve's eyes to steady herself. "With this ring, I thee wed."

"May you always share with each other the gifts your love brings. Be one in heart. May you always create a home together to share your love, generosity, and kindness.

Steven and Natasha, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Excelsior!" He looked at Steve, "You may now kiss the bride."

She looked at him as he reached his hand out towards her and they could hear cheering and clapping. Steve firmly put his hands around her back and went in for the kiss, eventually dipping her backwards. He could hardly contain his excitement. "I love you, baby," he smiled as he kissed her and brought her back upright. "Steve... I love you too," she said as she wrapped her arms around him. Laura handed her the bouquet back and Steve held onto her as they started to walk back down the aisle. Sam and Laura followed, with Bucky and Wanda right behind them.

In the restaurant lobby, the wedding party gathered excitedly. Steve lifted Natasha up and hugged her, giving her a little spin. The officiant joined them and said to Steve and Natasha, "Never forget this day - especially on the bad days. You two have true love, I can tell from the way you look at each other. When it comes to the power of love, I'm a true believer." He looked at Steve. "Steve, you take care of this woman - don't ever be too proud a man to show her how you feel." Steve nodded, "Yes, sir."

Peter appeared again with his camera and snapped some candids. "All the guests have gone to the other room now. Are you all ready to take some pictures?" The guests went to another room for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails so they could take photos in the main room. Peter lined up the wedding party in different positions and took lots of photos. Then he photographed Steve and Natasha alone. It was late in the afternoon and getting more dim outside when they all noticed delicate snowflakes start to appear outside. They hurried outside to take more photos in the snow. The last photo Peter took was Steve dipping Natasha back to kiss her with snowflakes circling all around.

They all walked back to the lobby for a few minutes so the restaurant staff could continue to set up the tables in the main room. The band was setting up on the raised stage area and the tables that were covered were frantically being set by other members of the staff. Barbara appeared in the lobby with a tray of champagne for the wedding party. "Congratulations, you two," she said, hugging Steve and Natasha.

The day was exciting, the noise was a low roar from the next room. The wedding party were drinking and celebrating. Steve walked Natasha to a quiet corner and they stood there as if there was no other commotion, looking at each other. He raised his glass, "Mrs. Rogers." She raised hers, "Mr. Rogers. "To us," he said. They toasted and kissed and across the room, the other four were watching, Laura getting her phone out to snap another one of her impromptu pictures. "Hey you two," Sam called out. "No sexy talk over there without us!" They laughed. Steve grinned at her. "Remember when I was your fake husband?" She nodded. "Well, this is much better than that," he said, giving her another kiss. "Don't sell yourself short," she said, "you were the best fake husband I ever had."

From the main room, they could hear the band warming up and starting to play. Steve grinned at her as they started playing music from the early 40's. She'd made sure to give the band a list of some of his favorites to play. "You take such good care of me," he said, giving her a squeeze. "I told them the songs were for my grandfather," she laughed. She would never dare tease Steve if he didn't enjoy every second of it. He was a good sport.

The guests were starting to move back into the main room to be seated for dinner. Barbara popped her head back in to let them know the guests were all seated and the band leader would be announcing the wedding party. Natasha had been very careful not to include last names when she wrote down the wedding party. Although the guests were all in the know, the staff and band needed to be kept in the dark as much as possible.

The band leader began welcoming the guests and then announced "Jim and Wanda" and Bucky swung his head around to give Steve and Natasha an odd look before he stepped out into the room. "Jim?" he mouthed to Steve. Next up was "Sam and Laura." Sam enjoyed himself dancing Laura through the room to the head table.

"And now, the pair you've been waiting for... Mr. and Mrs. Rogers!"

Steve and Natasha had their first dance and they couldn't take their eyes off each other. The sun was down and the room was comfortably dim, only lit by the soft white lights. Peter continued to take photos of them and the guests.

After Steve thanked the guests for coming and he said a blessing, everyone was served dinner. Steve and Natasha were served first and when they finished, they started making their way around the room, greeting everyone.

Walking up behind Rhodey, they overheard an awkward conversation which led Steve to squeeze Natasha's hand. Rhodey and his date were sitting with Thor, Jane, Tony, and Pepper.

"It's really too bad Bruce isn't here. Couldn't anyone find him? I think he's the only one not here," Rhodey said.

Thor saw Natasha standing nearby and smoothed it over. "Ahh, Banner, that's a story for another day." He stood up to hug Natasha.

"Hi, everyone," Natasha said cheerily. There were lots of hugs and handshakes to go around.

"Pepper, Tony.... Thank you so much for sending the limo and for bringing Peter..." Natasha said.

"Yes, thank you. It was a great idea. That was very kind of you," Steve added.

"Our pleasure," Pepper said, beaming. "Everything is just so beautiful!"

"Cap," Tony said and lifted his glass.

"Tony," Steve said. "Thanks for being here."

Rhodey stared over at Tony, trying to catch his attention. "See? Weddings are nice. When are you two going to tie the knot?" Rhodey asked, just to get under Tony's skin. Tony shook his head and smiled. "Pepper, you could be Mrs. Stank..." Rhodey and Tony laughed.

When Steve and Natasha move to the next table to see Vision, Scott and his date Hope Pym, and King T'Challa, they hear Pepper tell Tony he's been well behaved tonight.

"King T'Challa, I don't know how I can ever thank you enough for bringing Bucky with you and making sure he's cared for in Wakanda."

"He is making great progress," T'Challa said. "I am happy that I could bring him today for your celebration."

As Steve and Natasha were visiting with Maria Hill, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Dr. Helen Cho and Dr. Eric Selvig, the band leader announced that the wedding party would like to say a few words. Steve and Natasha returned to their seats.

Laura was handed the microphone. "Natasha and Steve, I'm so happy you have found each other. Natasha, I love you like a sister I still miss when you lived in our house. Now that you and Steve have a life together, I hope you know our door is open to you both any time... especially if you want to babysit," she laughed and everyone joined in. She handed the microphone to Wanda.

Wanda looked down and took a breath and when she raised her head, her eyes were teary and her nose was pink. "I also think of you two as family," she took a breath. "My family is gone and I never thought I would get over it. But Steve and Natasha stepped in to fill that emptiness and they treated me with kindness ...and generosity. Seeing how selfless they are with me and everyone else - and each other, it gave me hope that there are other good people out there. I love you both, congratulations," she said as she raised her glass.

Bucky met her halfway to take the microphone and he stood right behind Steve and Natasha.

A big smile came over his face as he patted Steve's shoulder. He held the microphone up to his mouth and Steve looked up at him, squirming a little. "Don't worry, buddy, I'm not going to give you a hard time," he laughed. Steve just shook his head and laughed. Natasha looked up at Bucky intently.

"I've known this guy forever... feels like about a 100 years sometimes," he laughed. "Hands down best hider and seeker in our neighborhood, by the way." Bucky squeezed Steve's shoulder, "Now, Natasha, I don't know if you know this but Steve and I used to chase girls together." Everyone laughed. "Mind you, we didn't have much luck but hey, we tried. Now that he's found you, I am out a wingman." As the room filled with more laughter, Steve realized that Bucky sounded more like himself from the old days than he'd heard in ages. "I won't hold it against you."

Bucky's tone got more serious, "Now... everyone who knows Steve knows he gives until there's no more left of him - everyone that meets him takes a piece of his heart with them. And it's okay, 'cause he's got a big heart. But now... he's chosen to give his heart to you. And I know you'll take care of it... I know you'll take care of him. And you'll never have to worry that he's going to go away, because he's the most loyal person I know. He'll be with you 'til the end of the line." Bucky paused to compose himself. "Congratulations, Natasha and Steve," he held up his glass.

As Bucky was about to hand Sam the microphone, he pulled it back and said, "Oh and, Natasha, if this guy gives you any trouble, you call me."

Sam stood up with the microphone. "Well, first of all, I am also down a wingman," he looked at Bucky, "so, you know, I think we can work something out here." Sam reached out for a high five from Bucky and the room broke into laughter.

"What can I say about Steve?" he tapped his mouth playfully. "Well, Steve is a great friend and, honestly, he's a good man ...Probably the best one I know. That's why I don't know how it took him so long to make his move on Natasha," he giggled. "He had eyes for her a long time ago," he looked directly at Steve. "But seriously, I'm so happy for you two - you're a great match. And I'll always be here for both of you, whatever you need. So... Sláinte! Budem zdorovi! Cheers! And let's dance!"

The band broke out in an upbeat, old-style version of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and the wedding party hit the floor. Steve didn't even care if he wasn't a good dancer, although, truth be told, he actually wasn't a bad dancer. With his physicality and gracefulness, he caught on quickly. He could pull it off. He even managed to swing Natasha and spin her a bit. The guests started to join them and there was a lot of laughter, lots of smiles. They took a break to cut the cake and the dancing was back on.

During a slow song, Thor danced Jane right up to Steve and Natasha and tapped Steve's arm. "Steve, I brought you something... actually, it probably benefits Natasha more," Thor said and handed Steve a flask of Asgardian alcohol.

"Thor! Thanks, that's so nice," Steve said.

"Yeah, thanks, Thor," Natasha winked at him. She looked back at Steve and said "Now I can get you drunk and have my way with you."

On any other day, Steve might have shied away from that comment but today, he was in the best of moods. "Well, why don't we go have a shot then? Thor, Jane, care to join us?"

"Come on, Jane," Natasha grabbed her arm, "We'll just go have a regular person shot."

The next time they hit the dance floor, Steve's cheeks were rosy and he was feeling warm all over. Natasha couldn't help but think he looked adorable and he had his hands all over her, which she didn't really mind. The band leader leaned into the microphone to say, "This one's a request for the special couple."

It was a slower song so Steve reached out to hold Natasha close. He didn't recognize the song initially but Natasha thought she did and she immediately looked across the room to Tony, whose shoulders were shaking with laughter. "What's up?" Steve asked her.

"Oh, I think Tony played a little joke on us," she said as the band leader sang out "and I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me..."

Natasha roared as she caught a look at Pepper walking up to Tony and smacking him in the back of the head.

Steve wasn't going to be irked by Tony today so he just continued to hold Natasha tight and dance with her. When the song ended, the cake was served.

Sitting at the head table eating cake, Steve leaned over to Natasha and whispered, "This is great cake but all I can think about is getting you home."

Natasha's eyes widened as she started to laugh, "Wow, Rogers, let me get you another shot!"

The guests continued to dance and drink.

Peter approached them just then. "I have an idea for a picture," he said. "Would you please come with me?" He walked them over to the giant windows and arranged them in the middle, with all the glass behind them, a view of the dark lake in the distance. He said "Now if I stoop down in front of you just a little, I can get a picture of you two and in the reflection of the glass, I can see all the lights and the guests dancing." Peter stooped low and snapped a few shots with different exposures.

"Thanks, Peter," Natasha said, "I can't wait to see that."

"Parker," Steve called out as Peter walked away, "thanks for doing this."

Steve turned back to Natasha and held her. They looked out towards the lake and stood quietly. "I want to remember this forever," Natasha said, "this has been the best day. Everyone we love is here."

As they looked back at the guests having a good time and listened to the sound of laughing and music, Steve brushed the side of her face with his thumb. Leaning down to kiss her softly, he said "This is only the beginning of our story."

September 2017

Thank you for reading The Heart Thaws In Its Own Time! This book was my baby for months while I wrote it and I hope you liked it. Thank you for all the votes, every one means something to me - I smile every time I get a vote notification, so don't think it goes unnoticed!  I'm in the middle of a follow-up story which I hope to have completed by the end of 2017. Follow me for updates! —A