Hello everyone, just a quick note about my writing style. I switch from first person to third person in my story (denoted with a break) to highlight Jamie's inner thoughts most of the time but also allow for private conversations when Jamie is not around. Since I'm new to writing and really don't know if that's even allowed, feel free to offer tips or suggestions. There are also a time when the break is just a separation of events. I hope it's not too confusing.

Chapter 2

Pepper watched as Tony stroked Jamie's hair while she slept, his gentle touch always warmed her heart in a way she never dreamed of just months ago. The change in Tony was remarkable, so much so, that she decided to give the playboy another chance. Tony's life used to revolve around himself, his suits, having a good time, his ego. Granted after he escaped from his captors in the desert, he had changed dramatically, aware of others' needs, becoming an Avenger, risking his life for others but he was still self-absorbed. Even when they were engaged before, Tony loved her insofar as she provided him something that he needed. With this girl, Tony has given himself completely over to her, anything she needed or wanted, he would do anything for her. He lives to see her smile. Through learning how to love unconditionally with Jamie, Tony also learned how to love her putting her needs and wants above his own. Pepper is overcome with love for both of them, her fiancé and their daughter.

"What are you thinking about?" Tony's soft voice brought Pepper out of her reverie.

"I'm thinking about you…and Jamie. She really loves you, you know."

Tony looked down once again at his daughter, running his fingers through her hair. "And I love her. I'm so excited for the three of us to spend some time together as a family. I've been a little jealous of how she's fit in with Clint's family. I want that too."

"I hope she's willing to give me a chance," Pepper pondered, knowing she's late to the game when it comes to parenting Jamie.

"She will. She already likes you."

"Yes, I know but her being afraid of losing you to me, well, we will need to be careful to include her and spend quality time with her specifically whenever she is around and to make the effort to spend time with her on a regular basis."

"Yeah, maybe she would be willing to spend every other weekend at the tower with us and maybe some weeks too," Tony buzzed with excitement about having Jamie all to himself…well, all to himself and Pepper. "I'll talk to her about it later."

Pepper smiled, still watching Jamie snuggling close with Tony. "We have a daughter. That still sounds so surreal. Maybe having time with her here will make it feel more real."

"Yeah, it's definitely unconventional but I think having multiple parents is exactly what Jamie needs right now. She still struggles with handling emotions, of course nothing like before, and she's afraid of losing another family. There should always be at least someone around to care for her. Besides, we all wanted her, there's no way any of us would have been ok with not adopting her." Tony smiled thinking about how much everyone is taken with this girl, including himself, maybe himself most of all. Who would have thought that the great Tony Stark would be wrapped around the finger of a little girl? "She really is something special."

Pepper nodded, overcome with love for her soon-to-be husband, seeing his love for Jamie is still so surprising and yet entirely everything she always knew he would become.

I slept through most of the plane ride, yawning and stretching when Tony rubbed his hand against my face while calling my name. "Good morning baby girl. Sleep well?"

I nodded, having enjoyed sleeping while cuddling with Tony.

"Are we almost there?"

"Yup, we will be landing soon so it's time to put on our seatbelts."

I reached around my seat to find both ends of my seatbelt then fastened it tightly against my lap. "Ok."

Tony instinctively checked the belt to make sure it's secure. "Daddy, its fine."

"I know baby girl. Sorry its habit," Tony quipped then kissed my forehead.

Pepper smiled, "I'm so glad we could all go together."

I smiled, happy too, but feeling a little like the trip would have been better if it was just me and Tony.

We flew into Munich, Germany. Although we still had to go through customs, we were ushered to a special area to meet with a customs agent instead of having to wait in the long line. Once through, we drove about a half hour to where we would be staying for the duration of our trip.

I've never stayed in such a nice hotel before. It's similar to Tony's penthouse with two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a balcony that overlooks Munich. Tony and Pepper's room has an attached bathroom with a hot tub, shower, and two toilets. Well, maybe they weren't both toilets because the one looked kind of funny.

My first instinct when seeing the humongous king-sized bed was to jump on it. Tony smiled, then Pepper yelled at me for being so wild. Tony didn't say anything, like he didn't want to upset Pepper. I flopped to my knees on the bed, feeling scolded and betrayed.

"It's been a long day, we should get ready for bed," Pepper suggested.

I sighed but complied, quickly changing into pajamas and brushing my teeth. Excited for night time snuggles with Tony, I ran out into the living room area. Pepper yelled at me for not getting into bed. I looked down feeling scolded again.

"Daddy, will you tuck me in?"

"Sure baby girl, I'll be there in a minute."

I skipped off to bed excited to at least get some time with Tony before bed.

A few minutes later, Tony came into my room. "Ready for bed?"

"Yes, but will you lay with me for a bit."

"Sure."

Tony leaned against a few pillows that were propped up along the headboard, making room for me to snuggle with him.

"Why does she keep yelling at me?"

"She's not used to having a kid around and we're all tired from the trip."

"I guess."

"Tomorrow, we will see a castle," Tony said changing the subject. "Some people think the Disney castle was inspired by the castle we will see tomorrow."

"Really? Where is it?"

"About a two-hour drive from here near the Austrian border. It's called Neuschwanstein Castle."

"I can't wait to see it. Will we get to go inside?"

"You bet. We will be getting the full VIP treatment complete with a tour of the castle."

"What time is it at home?"

"Well," Tony paused looking at his watch, "it's seven o'clock."

"Can I call Clint and Laura?"

"How about tomorrow?" Pepper suggested, coming into my room. "It's pretty late here."

I looked over at Tony who nodded at Pepper.

"But I just want to let them know I got here safe. Please, just a couple minutes. Please."

Tony looked over at Pepper again who looked annoyed but nodded. Tony pulled out his phone and dialed. "Hey Clint…yeah we made it….I'll put her on," Tony responded to various questions from Clint before handing me the phone. "Here ya go."

"Thanks Daddy," I beamed to Tony then turned my attention to the person on the phone. "Hi Dad!"

"Hi baby girl. How was the flight?" Clint asked.

"Good, well I assume it was good, I slept almost the entire flight."

"Happy to hear it. Are you going to be able to fall asleep though, it's pretty late there isn't it?"

"Yeah, it's one o'clock. I'm so excited I don't know if I'll be able to sleep but I'll try."

"What do you have planned for tomorrow?"

"We are going to see a castle that looks like the Disney castle."

"Cool. Well baby girl, I hope you have lots of fun. Be good for Tony and Pepper, ok?"

"I will."

"Mom and I love you. Hopefully, I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Ok. Goodnight Dad." With that, I pushed the end call button and handed the phone to Tony.

"Ready for bed now?"

"No. Can I read for a while or something? I'm not sure I will be able to sleep after sleeping on the flight here, that and I'm really excited about tomorrow."

"Sure baby girl. Goodnight," Tony said with a kiss to my forehead.

I laid back in my bed with two pillows propping up my upper body so I could read. Tony pulled the covers up to my chest, held his hand along my cheek for a moment then kissed my forehead once more before leaving, closing my bedroom door behind him. When the first signs of day began peeking into my room, I finally shut my book having read nearly the whole story.

With the late hour, Pepper and Tony went to check on Jamie, who's still sound asleep.

Pepper cooed, "She's so precious."

Tony smiled, "Yes, she is, especially when she's asleep cuddled up with her teddy bear."

"Does she normally sleep in this late?"

"No, but she also flew halfway around the world, slept for five hours on the flight, and its still considered night time at home."

"Should we wake her or let her sleep?" Pepper asked. "I'm afraid she won't sleep tonight if we let her sleep much longer."

Tony padded over to the sleeping girl, sitting on the edge of the bed, then gently pushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, "Hey baby girl, are you going to sleep all day?"

Groaning, I opened an eye to see who was disturbing me so early, then pulled the covers over my head. Tony chuckled then pulled my covers back down. "We need to leave soon or we'll miss the castle tour today."

"What time is it?" I asked, stretching the sleep from my muscles.

"It's almost eleven."

My eyes flung open, "Whoa, really?"

"Yeah, really. Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"

I nodded, rubbing my eyes to try to wipe away the tired feeling. When I finally opened my eyes, I spotted Tony sitting next to me on the bed and Pepper on the other side of Tony, both smiling.

"Good morning," I mumbled sheepishly, feeling uncomfortable around Pepper.

"Good morning sweetheart. Go ahead and shower then we will eat brunch before heading out. Sound good?"

I nodded, but kept my head down. Guiding my face to his own, Tony placed a gentle finger under my chin looking directly at my eyes, "You ok?"

I nodded then looked away. Tony glanced at Pepper who shrugged, "I'll wait for you guys in the kitchen."

Once she closed the door, Tony repeated, "You ok?"

I nodded without looking at Tony.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. I guess I'm just still tired. I'll get dressed then be out, ok?"

His expression clearly spoke of his indecision. After a brief pause, Tony wrapped me in a hug. "Pepper does love you, she just doesn't know you well yet. That's why we are all on this trip together. I want you and Pepper to get to know each other better while we spend time together as a family."

A tear trickled down my cheek. Feeling insecure, unsure of how Tony will react if I share what I'm thinking. So, I kept quiet.

Tony pulled away to look at my eyes, "Try, for me."

I nodded then fell back into the hug, soaking up every ounce of the security I feel with Tony. "I love you baby girl."

"I love you too, Daddy."

"Ok, go get dressed. We'll meet you in the kitchen when you're done."

I dutifully scooted out from under the covers and walked into the bathroom to get ready. My reflection in the mirror stole my attention. I can't help being afraid of losing Tony to Pepper. I know that's ridiculous, that Tony loves me, but the unwelcomed thought persisted.

Once I'm ready, I met Tony and Pepper in the kitchen as planned. Waiting for me was a plate of eggs and bacon, toast, and orange juice. I smiled at Pepper, "Thanks."

The three of us sat down to eat. Pepper and Tony ordered egg whites and wheat toast for themselves. I wondered if Tony wished he could eat mine instead, I thought after noticing Tony glance at my plate before digging into his own meal.

"Are you excited to see the castle?" Pepper asked.

"Yeah, I am. Daddy said the Disney castle was modeled after it."

"I heard that too," Pepper responded smiling. "I've never seen a real castle either, so I'm excited to see it."

"Well, you girls ready to go?" Tony asked.