Chapter 1

"Sir, I must remind you that you have prior engagements elsewhere. Ms. Potts is-"

"Just a minute, J.A.R.V.I.S. This is a critical part in the planning process."

I frowned in concentration as I peered at the screen hovering in front of me. I broke into a grin as I put the last square in place.

"Triple word score. In your face, Cap!"

"I don't believe playing Words With Friends with Captain Rogers is a wise way of spending your free time."

"Relax, J.A.R.V.I.S. I was just taking a quick break."

I swiped my hand to brush away the electronic Scrabble board before looking back down at my desk.

As I studied the armor schematics, a sinking feeling of guilt settled in my stomach. I'd been getting that a lot lately. It had started when I began building the Mark 43. Or as I liked to call it: the Anew armor. (Get it? Because I was starting anew? Nobody?) Maybe it was because I hadn't told Pepper yet. After all, the whole reason I had initiated the Clean Slate Protocol in the first place was to spend more time with her. Except I'd overlooked one tiny detail when I had done that.

I am Iron Man. What that basically means is, I can't go without wearing a suit for long. Trust me, I'd tried. I was the mechanic. I tinkered to pass the time. Without that, who was I?

I'd been good about staying away from the blueprint archives. That was before I'd become bored out of my mind. you can only fix Dummy so many times.

"Sir, I really must ensure that you get going."

"Going," I repeated, blinking in confusion. "Going where?"

"Your wedding. You're already half an hour late."

"Oh, shoot!" I exclaimed as I leapt to my feet. "I knew I was forgetting something."

I sprinted out of the workshop and didn't bother taking the elevator as I ascended the stairs three at a time. That's what I got for being a scatterbrained genius with too much time on his hands. I mean, who forgets his own wedding? Me, apparently.

Lucky for me, I'd put on a tux too many times to count, so that didn't take long. I didn't pay much attention as I climbed into the closest car in my garage. Good thing they were all cool. I stepped on the gas and sped away, hoping the cops wouldn't stop me.

I felt like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland as I dashed into the chapel muttering: "I'm late. I'm late. I'm late."

I didn't get around to the: "for a very important date" part before running into my fiancé (soon to be wife) in the hall.

"Tony! There you are. Did J.A.R.V.I.S. not bug you enough?"

I cringed apologetically. She didn't sound very angry, but I knew she was seething inside. "Sorry, Pepper. It won't happen again."

Pepper just shook her head and smiled. "Don't make promises you can't keep."

Okay, I guess I couldn't blame her for that comment. She was probably right, anyway. I was rarely on time for anything, really.

"Now, get in there," Pepper prodded, nudging me toward the large mahogany double doors that were wide open.

I gulped. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't usually the type to get nervous, but making a lifelong commitment like marriage? I figured that was enough to make anyone a little anxious. Oh, well. Too late now.

It didn't help that nearly all the press in the southern half of California were there. At least we were in Malibu and not, say, New York City.

"What are you waiting for?" Pepper whispered from behind me and I realized I hadn't moved due to being lost in thought. Oops.

I could hear members of the audience muttering amongst themselves about waiting and impatience as I strode down the aisle. I tried not to squint as the photographers snapped pictures, the white flash of their cameras nearly blinding me. At least I was used to it.

I almost breathed a sigh of relief when I reached the front of the sanctuary. The hard part was over.

That was when the bridal march music began to play.

I'd seen Pepper out in the hall, but the light had been dim and I had been too distracted to take notice of how she looked. As she, too, walked down the aisle, my breath was nearly taken away.

She was absolutely gorgeous. Her white gown was flowing near her feet like the ocean's waves on a calm day. Her veil was rather short and I smiled to myself. That was my Pepper. She'd always hated wearing head accessories. The major thing that made her truly beautiful, however, was how her cerulean blue eyes shone with joy. Not to mention the bright smile she had saved just for me which caused me to feel warm from the inside out.

In all honesty, I wasn't really listening to what the minister was saying. I only had eyes for Pepper. It appeared to be the same way for her as she took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

I guess I must have said: "I do" at the appropriate time because before I knew it, Pepper had said those same words and the minister pronounced us husband and wife.

As soon as he told me to kiss the bride, I did just that. I wrapped my arms around Pepper and kissed her deeply. Of course she did the same just as passionately. I ignored the cheering that erupted, but Pepper didn't as she pulled away, laughing.

"Look where we ended up, boss," she said with an amused smile. "I never could have imagined going from your secretary to your wife in a matter of years."

"Uh, technically I'm not your boss anymore. You're the CEO, remember?" I pointed out before I offered a smile that matched hers. "But you're right. They've been a great few years, haven't they?"

She nodded and leaned in to kiss me again. Oh, I could get used to this.

"What do you say we head to the reception?" Pepper asked when she had finished.

I was tempted to say: "Forget the reception. Kiss me again," but it seemed as if the crowd was getting restless.

So, with something like a reluctant nod, I led her out of the room and down to the Gathering. Otherwise known as the lobby. You know, if this was a hotel. Never mind.

When I'd first chosen Malibu Presbyterian Church, Pepper had asked me if it was necessary to have so much space. I'd told her that there was no such thing as too big with Tony Stark. Plus, it was obvious that I had made the right decision considering how many people had shown up.

Now, I would tell you all about the reception if there was much to tell. I don't actually remember most of it. You should ask Pepper. I guarantee she can fill you in on every single juicy detail there is.

You're probably ready to get on with the story to the intense battle scenes and whatnot. Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to wait a while for that.

In the mean time, why don't I move on to something a little more thrilling? It's not punch, kick, and shoot the enemy thrilling, but it's pretty exciting if I do say so myself.