Steve had barely taken a step out of his truck when his cell rang.

"Hello?" he spoke, walking towards James' side and popping out the stroller.

"Is this Steve Rogers? Relative of Natasha Rogers?" a nurse asked.

Fear gripped his chest, his hand clenching the phone. "This is he."

"She woke up, sir."

He wanted to run, but the fragile child he carried with him prevented him from doing so. Still, he couldn't help but walk faster as he approached Natasha's room. His heart pounded, each step filled with a mix of hope and fear.

"Will he be here soon?" a beautiful voice said, the sound like a siren calling the soldier forward.

The wheels of the stroller squeaked against the linoleum floor as he turned into the doorway.

Sitting on the bed was Natasha, her posture weak but her presence unmistakable. Her green eyes lit up, and her Russian features brightened with a smile.

"Steve."

Steve rushed to her side, placing a tender, delicate kiss on her lips. "Oh, Natasha," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Her fingers brushed against his cheek, her green eyes shining. "How's our baby?"

Steve smiled and lifted James from his stroller, the baby's tiny body stronger and healthier than before. James blinked his bright green eyes up at his mother, stretching his small hands out as if begging to be held.

Natasha chuckled, cradling the child close to her chest. James's tiny hands clenched into fists, his head nuzzling against her.

"He missed you," Steve said, his voice soft and full of warmth.

Natasha smiled tenderly, her hand caressing James's soft blonde hair. "I missed him."

It was as if no time had passed. The torturous week without her was long forgotten as Steve focused on the scene before him, a moment so pure and filled with love that it stirred a fierce protectiveness within him.

Steve slipped his hands into his pockets. "I missed you," he murmured softly.

Natasha looked at him, her lips curving into a slight smile. "I missed you too."

Steve's fingers brushed against the cool metal in his pocket, reminding him of the reason he had taken her out on the date that seemed so long ago. With firm and steady movements, he lowered himself to one knee. Natasha's green eyes widened, surprise and emotion flashing across her face.

"Natasha Romanoff," Steve began, taking one of her hands into his. "Ever since I've known you, you've been a constant presence in my life. You helped me get used to this new world. You helped me find my best friend, and you gave me a son."

His voice was steady, but the raw vulnerability in his eyes spoke volumes. He pulled a small diamond ring from his pocket. It wasn't flashy, but it held meaning—a simple, elegant heirloom he knew his mother would have approved of.

"You're a strong and independent woman. With you by my side, I feel like I'm the man I'm meant to be. From the first time I saw you, I fell in love. Your strength, your humor, your loyalty, and the soft side you've shown me now with our son—everything about you has captured my heart," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He paused, holding the ring higher, its subtle sparkle catching the room's light. "Will you marry me?"

For a moment, Natasha said nothing, tears welling up in her green eyes. Her lips parted, and her fingers trembled slightly as they rested in his larger hand. Red curls framed her face, her Russian features glowing with emotion. Steve's heart began to race, each second of silence stretching into an eternity. He had laid himself bare, exposed his deepest feelings—a vulnerability he hadn't even shown Peggy.

Finally, Natasha's fingers tightened around his. "Yes," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly as tears slipped down her cheeks.

The world around them faded. Steve didn't notice the crowd that had gathered outside the door or the applause that echoed through the hall. He only noticed Natasha's soft lips meeting his, James's tiny hand gripping Steve's finger, the weight of their love grounding him.

"I love you," Steve whispered, his forehead resting against hers. "More than anything."

Green eyes met blue, their shared warmth enveloping the tiny family. "I love you," Natasha said softly, her voice steady and sure. Her free hand reached up, brushing away his tears. "You've always been my home, Steve."

One year later

"Honey, I'm home!" Steve called as he entered their house, the walls lined with pictures of their family.

Silence greeted him, but it wasn't an uncomfortable one. A slight smile played on Steve's lips as he closed the door behind him.

With light steps, he ascended the stairs, his eyes lingering on the pictures adorning the wall. There was a photo of the Avengers, all huddled together with drinks in hand. Another showed him and Natasha on their wedding day, their smiles radiant. At the center was a portrait of James, clutching a small bear, his grin wide and infectious.

The sight filled Steve with a deep sense of contentment, the stress from his recent mission melting away as he approached James's room.

Soft singing drifted through the partially open door. Steve peeked inside to see Natasha sitting on the rocking chair, James bundled in her arms, his sleeping face pressed against her chest. She sang a gentle Russian lullaby, her voice soothing and melodic.

With careful movements, she rose, placing James into the crib Steve had built with his own hands. She lingered for a moment, brushing her fingers over James's soft hair before turning.

Steve stepped forward, sliding his arms around her waist. "I missed you two," he whispered, his lips brushing against her temple.

Natasha leaned into his embrace, her hands resting over his. "We missed you too," she replied softly.

With a slight twist of her body, she turned to face him fully, her arms wrapping around his neck. Their lips met in a tender kiss, a silent promise exchanged between them.

"I love you," Natasha whispered against his lips.

"I love you," Steve murmured, his voice filled with unwavering devotion. He rested his forehead against hers, his arms tightening around her. "Forever, Nat."

Natasha smiled, her hand tracing the line of his jaw. "Forever."