Oh my gosh, thanks everyone for all the support. I'm really glad I have such understanding followers. You're all so wonderful. And not only that, It's been rearly nice seeing the response you all had to the story so far! I hope you continue to enjoy what you read.

Also, I made a mistake with my timeline (I already went back and fixed Chapter 1). Steve's been gone about two months, not three (at that point anyways).

While I was gone, I agreed to let Jussara Black incorporate her OC, Rose, into The A Team. Since I probably won't include Rose into my own writing, I consider her story to be set in a sort of alternate universe. But I think you guys would like it, it's interesting seeing how the group handles this new friend and I hope you give it a try when she posts the story. Personally, I'm just thrilled my writing has had an impact. It's really given me a boost and another reason to keep on writing.

Zara: She was staying with Tony and Pepper the first chapter, but we'll see more of her in this one. :)

Jo: Thanks so much, for all your messages and support. lots of love to you too!

RL: Thank you! Hope you enjoy the rest of the story :)

Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers or Marvel characters/universe, unfortunately. I also have never had children before, so if I make mistakes with anything please let me know because I am going off what I find on over the internet. Also, as I have mentioned, I'm depressed so chapters will be very slow going.


Adrianna smiles as she walks out of the bathroom and finds Steve is still asleep. She'll have to wake him soon, along with Sadie, or else they'll be late, but she lets them have a few more minutes of rest. It's only been a few days since she and Steve returned home and with his ribs and bullet wound still healing, Steve needs all the rest he can get.

While Steve sleeps, Adrianna busies herself by first wrapping her hair into her towel and then putting on her bra and underwear. Afterwards she grabs her makeup bag and sits on her side of their queen sized bed, crossing her legs and applying just a little foundation and powder to start. She relishes these quiet mornings, with nothing but the task at hand to occupy her mind.

"Good morning," greets her husband's tired but blissful voice. She smiles as she applies her lipstick, feeling his hand encase her pudgy lower belly. Even though she's only about ten weeks pregnant, her body is already accommodating to the little person growing within thanks to her previous pregnancy.

"Morning honey. How are you feeling?" Adrianna asks, glancing at him from the corners of her eyes. Steve rests his head on her shoulder, breathing slowly.

"Better actually. Being home is just what I needed." Steve responds, his thumb lightly brushing her skin.

"Glad to hear that Captain," She says and lightly kisses the top of his head, thankful when her light lipstick leaves no residue. She sets her hand on his and holds his hand tight. "You have to get ready though, we'll be late."

"Aw, Definitely don't want that." Steve agrees. He smiles and kisses her shoulder before getting up, grunting with the extra effort he has to put forth. But he doesn't complain, knowing he'll be stronger soon enough. He grabs a towel from the cupboard outside their room then heads to the bathroom for a shower.

Addie finishes her routine and gets dressed in a simple yellow blouse, green cardigan, and white pants. She then hurries to Sadie's room to wake their daughter so she can be dropped off with her grandpa. As she stands in the doorway of her daughter's bedroom, Adrianna remembers when she and Steve arrived home and how happy Sadie was to see them.

"Hey, look who's back!" Tony greets as he lets Adrianna and Steve inside his and Pepper's penthouse. Adrianna warmly hugs the billionaire, happy to see her friend again. He whispers in her ear before letting her go, "Sadie's watching a movie with Pepper in the bedroom if you want to surprise her."

"Thanks Tony," Adrianna says before setting her bags down and heading to the bedroom. Tony hangs back with Steve, talking in hushed tones. Adrianna imagines it's about what happened these past few weeks. But the second she steps in the room, she forgets about the troubles they've faced. Sadie spots her before Pepper does, as though she can sense when her mother is in the room. She crawls off the bed with a bright smile on her face.

"Mommy!" She yells elatedly, running up into Adrianna's waiting arms. Sadie buries her face in her mother's neck as they embrace, Adrianna hugging her daughter as close as possible. They've rarely been separated this long and Adrianna feels her breath catch as she reunites with her daughter.

"Hi baby," She coos with watery eyes, stroking her daughter's brown curls. She glances over at Pepper, who stands nearby with a cheery smile, and waves at her friend. Pepper waves back and sneaks out of the room, giving the two a moment.

"How are you sweetheart?" Adrianna asks Sadie as she pulls back to see her face. She sits on the floor with her, eager to hear whatever Sadie has to say.

"Good, I missed you mommy." Sadie says with a slight pout. "You were gone a long time!"

"I know Sadie," Adrianna says consolingly. "But I'm back now and I won't leave like that again any time soon. I promise."

"Okay," She nods, holding out her little pinky, "Pinky Promise?"

"Pinky Promise," Adrianna swears and hooks their pinkies together. "Did you have fun with Uncle Tony and Aunt Pepper?"

"Yeah. We played games, and watched movies, and Uncle Tony let me have ice cream," She says, listing off the things she did with her fingers.

"I bet he did," Adrianna laughs and pulls Sadie close again, "Come here."

"Hey, looks like I'm missing out," Steve says as he enters the room. Sadie immediately swivels her head towards the doorway and smiles to her father.

"Daddy!" Adrianna lets her go and Sadie runs up to him. Steve catches her as expected, grimacing a little upon the impact. He doesn't lift her up like he usually would, making Sadie suspicious. She steps back and looks up at Steve, worry etched into her expression.

"Are you hurt? Did I hurt you dad?" Sadie asks, her voice small. Steve looks absolutely heartbroken when she asks that, but he doesn't hesitate to bring her back and hold her gently to him.

"No Sadie-bear. You didn't hurt me." He soothes, kissing her head. "I just got a little hurt while I was gone, so we have to be a little careful. But it's not your fault, I promise."

"Okay," Sadie says as she nuzzles into his hip. "I'll be extra careful daddy."

Steve sighs softly and rubs her back, "Hey... I missed you a whole lot Sadie."

"You did?" She looks up at him curiously, almost astonished that he could say such a thing.

"Yes, of course!" Steve says, and holds his arms out as wide as he is able, "Even more than this."

"That's a lot!" Sadie says with a wide smile. "I missed you more though."

"Oh I don't think that's possible," Steve teases with a laugh. "I thought about you and your mom everyday."

He hugs Sadie again and looks over at Adrianna, who smiles warmly to him. The look in his eyes is of pure relief and adoration and something Adrianna won't forget anytime soon.

Adrianna nudges her daughter's shoulder. "Sadie, it's time to wake up honey."

"Hmm?" Sadie hums as she slowly raises her head. She sleepily wipes her eyes and yawns while Adrianna opens her pink curtains.

"Sorry honey, it's time to get up. Don't you wanna see Grandpa and Grandma?" Sadie hasn't seen David or Linda ina few weeks since they were sick with chicken pox, which was why Tony and Pepper watched Sadie while Adrianna retrieved her husband.

"Yeah!" Sadie says when she processes her mom's question. She sits up and as she starts to wake up more, Adrianna realizes Sadie isn't in her hello kitty pajamas. Instead, she's already dressed in pink capris and a white floral print shirt. Adrianna tries to cover her amused smile as she looks at her.

"When did you get dressed baby?"

"After my story..." She says, more alert now. "I didn't wanna be late."

"Oh... I see. Well, maybe since your shirt is too wrinkly now you could change it? And then we'll go down and have breakfast."

"Okay mommy," Sadie smiles and gets out of bed in search for a new shirt.

Adrianna leaves her daughter to her task and hurries downstairs to start breakfast. She quietly laughs to herself about her daughter's antics on the way down then enters the kitchen where Abby is patiently waiting.

"Good morning Abby," Adrianna coos as she crouches down and scratches the retriever's face. Abby wags her tail and "purrs", as Sadie calls it. She really just growls quietly, but out of pleasure not malice.

Adrianna gets up then pours dog food into Abby's dish and refills her water dish. Afterwards, she washes her hands and then gets back to business. She grabs the eggs from the fridge and heats up a pan, adding a little butter once it's hot. After she scrambles the yolks and whites, she dumps them into the pan for Sadie's meal.

"Something smells good," Steve says as he walks into the kitchen. He buttons his shirt as he comes beside Adrianna, sniffing the air and grinning.

"Must be Sadie's breakfast," Adrianna responds. She glances at Steve before looking back down at the pan. Something about the way the yellow eggs bubbled up in the heat made her stomach queasy. Or perhaps it was the smell of fried butter. Either way, she took a step back and lightly touched her lips, afraid she may lose it on the tiled floor.

"Hey birdie, what's... Oh. Morning sickness?" Steve asks and she lightly nods.

"All right, no worries honey. Go sit on the couch, I'll finish cooking. I'll be out in a second with a glass of water."

"Okay," Adrianna whispers after nodding again. She does as he instructs and sits on the couch, away from the overwhelming sights and scents. Steve has been extra cautious after her fainting spell. It hasn't happened again, but Adrianna knows that giving her body a rest is important, whether or not it does happen.

"Sadie, come down and eat please!" Steve calls out before joining Adrianna in the living area. He sits beside her and hands her a water.

"Yes daddy!" Sadie hurries down the stairs and goes straight to the kitchen, wearing a new shirt. Soon, Adrianna hears the clink of plastic silverware against Sadie's matching bowl.

"Thanks honey," Adrianna smiles and drinks the cool water slowly. "You're the best."

"I'd disagree but I think you've got enough on your plate." Steve chuckles. He kisses her cheek and wraps an arm around her. Unconsciously, his fingers brush her stomach. Adrianna can't help but smile.

"What?"

"Nothing, honey. I just noticed you're so touchy lately. You always manage to touch my belly. I think it's sweet," Adrianna shrugs and nestles against him. "And a little funny. But mostly sweet."

"I haven't really thought about it, but I guess you're right." He laughs. "Can't apologize for it though. I'm just really happy. Ecstatic. Overjoyed. Over the moon..."

"You sappy goof," Adrianna laughs, blushing a little. She looks up at Steve and when she sees the truth in his eyes, she asks, "Tell me more?"

"I'm excited," Steve says without hesitation, his voice low so Sadie won't overhear. "I think about it all the time, at least, whenever I'm not thinking about you or Sadie. And I feel so damn lucky to have you, Sadie, Abby, and this baby in my life. You're more than I've ever imagined I'd have."

"Okay, okay stop. You're going to make me cry," Adrianna teases lightly, even though it's true. She smiles lovingly and kisses Steve deeply. She gently cups his face and laughs. "Like I said. Sappy goof."

"You love it." Steve responds good-heartedly. He kisses her again and rubs her belly, "Let's finish getting Sadie ready. If I remember correctly, we have somewhere to be."


"So, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, are you ready to see your baby?"

Steve holds Adrianna's hand tightly in anticipation. He can't hide his enthusiasm as he and Adrianna nod in unison.

"Yes, of course!"

"Glad to hear it. Here we go," The doctor says with a cheery smile on her face. Steve and Adrianna sit in the hospital room with their carefully picked doctor, watching as she puts warm gel on the top of Adrianna's stomach. Her wiry hand gently moves the wand over her, looking for the right spot.

The doctor, Dr. Jameson, works in a private practice which specializes in keeping their clients a secret. Which is exactly what Steve and Addie need after the whole SHIELD fiasco. Even though they're relieved HYDRA was found out, Steve still wishes the truth didn't cost his family's privacy. Interestingly enough, the doctor hadn't recognized them when she came in. Probably because of the thick beard Steve sported.

"AH, there it is..." Dr. Jameson says with a smile, her dark eyes intently watching the screen. The room fills with the sound of a quick, but steady heartbeat. Steve feels Adrianna's grip tighten, noting how their baby sounds more like a galloping horse than a heartbeat. But he feels his chest swell with joy anyways.

"Steve," Adrianna looks up at him with a wide, happy grin. "That's our baby."

Steve simply nods, at a loss for words. His wife seems to understand, looking back at the screen expectantly. She probably won't be able to make out an image from the fuzzy black and white particles, but that doesn't stop her from trying.

The doctor seems to find it, though, and points on the screen. "Looks like you're about ten weeks Adrianna. You were right on the money."

"Yes, I knew it!" Adrianna giggles, eyes shining with glee. Steve laughs a little too, kissing the top of her head. He looks at the screen too, unable to really make out the baby from it, but not really caring. In his eyes, it doesn't matter. Their baby is real, whether he can see it or not.

When they finish with the ultrasound, the doctor schedules another appointment for them. She gives Adrianna some paper towels to wipe off the excess gel and sets the machine aside. Dr. Jameson grabs her clipboard, looking down at it while brushing aside some dark braids.

"Before you go, I just wanted to discuss some things with you." She explains. The tone in her voice worries him, but Steve tries not to let it show as he and Adrianna quietly listen.

"Now, even though Adrianna's medical background is pretty clean, yours, Mr. Rogers, isn't. Since you're healthy now, apart from your recent injuries, I'm not sure how these past issues will affect the baby, if at all. But these are issues I want to keep an eye on, like the heart murmurs and scoliosis."

"Okay, that sounds right." Adrianna answers. Her face is like stone but Steve can tell she's worried too.

"What should we do?" Steve asks, rubbing his wife's shoulder.

"Well, scoliosis is very rare to diagnose prenatally. There's too much cartilage to differentiate from bone. But like I said, I'm not sure if it will even be passed on. And it doesn't seem like the kind you had was congenital. As for the heart murmurs, we'll keep monitoring your baby's heartbeat to make sure it's normal. Some murmurs are nothing to worry about, others aren't. For now, we'll have to wait and see since there aren't any screenings for these things. But we'll have to keep a close eye on you and the baby, Adrianna. It's important you remain healthy as well."

"Okay, thank you doctor," Steve responds. He's grateful for her honesty amidst her reassurances. Steve kisses the top of Adrianna's head again, hoping to comfort her. Even though the doctor doesn't seem overly concerned, he knows Adrianna's mind is already spinning.

"I apologize if I've scared either of you. I know it sounds frightening, but I'm confident you won't have anything to worry about. What would help, actually, is a little more information regarding your experiment, Captain. If you can, anyways. I know it was a long time ago..."

"I'll see what I can find. Anything to help," Steve vows.

"Great, thank you. I'll see you at your next appointment Adrianna. The receptionist will schedule it with you out front." She smiles, as comfortingly as she can.

"Thanks Dr. Jameson," Adrianna nods and manages a small smile, too.

After the two leave the clinic, Steve takes Addie to the car. He wraps an arm around her, rubbing her shoulder.

"You want to talk about it?" Steve asks her, softly so she won't feel pressured. Adrianna is silent for a moment but she ultimately agrees.

"Yeah, that'd be okay. Over tea?" She requests, looking up at him with her lovely green eyes. Steve can see the worry brewing beneath her irises, and it pains him to see her so troubled.

"Of course honey. Anything you want," He promises. "We passed by a diner just down the street. I think we should walk over there, it looked pretty busy."

"Sounds good to me."


"Here's your tea ma'am and your coffee sir. I'll be back in a few minutes if you need anything else," The waiter says to them as he sets down their drinks. Steve and Adrianna thank him as he retreats, leaving them to enjoy the privacy of their booth.

Around them, other patrons enjoy fresh cooked meals and cheery conversations. The smells of breakfast and clinking of silverware are tempting even to people walking outside the diner. Steve looks outside the wide window, watching busy people hurry to wherever they need to go.

Steve takes a sip from his coffee as Adrianna starts speaking.

"I guess I was just surprised. I didn't really need to worry so much when I was pregnant with Sadie. She was perfectly fine. I was just expecting it to be the same this time around." She says solemnly. Steve gently takes her hand, nodding understandingly.

"I wasn't expecting it either. You know, I've never forgotten about the man I used to be. Sick and frail. But I never thought it would still affect us now. I'm s-"

"Nope. Don't apologize for that Steven." Adrianna says sternly. "The man you were, is still who you are. And the man you are does not and should not feel sorry for something so silly and uncontrollable. Besides, you couldn't possibly expect those issues to be passed on after being healthy so long. If anyone should apologize, it's me for making you feel sorry."

"At least we can both agree neither of us should apologize then," Steve grins. "That wasn't your fault either honey, I was on that route before you said anything."

Steve looks at Adrianna warmly for a moment, taking in the small amount of relief in her eyes. He softly strokes her hand.

"I know you're worried, Birdie, and I am too. But how about we focus on the good things instead? We've gone through a lot together and that tactic seems to work the best. The doctor serrs reasonably concerned, because she needs to be. I think we should just worry about keeping you and our little bird as healthy as we can."

"I wish you could know how mugh better you just made me feel." Adrianna says softly. She leans over the table and kisses him quickly. "I'm so lucky to have you."

"I think I'm the lucky one." He nearly whispers against her lips. "So do we have a deal?"

"Yeah, deal." Adrianna agrees and sits back against the leathery seat cushions. "Little bird?"

"The baby needs a nickname too. It's all I could come up with on short notice," Steve shrugs. "We can think of a different one if you want?"

"No, no, Little Bird is just fine." Adrianna responds with a pleased smile. "I love it. But..."

"But...?"

"Since we're here can we get a bite to eat? I'm starving," Adrianna pleads with a slight pout. Steve laughs and nods.

"Of course, like I said you can have whatever you want."

"Thanks babe," Adrianna grins then waves the waiter back over. "Yes, can we place an order sir?"


When they arrive back at David and Linda's home, Steve pauses before knocking on the door. Adrianna looks up at her husband curiously. She gently touches his arm, somehow sensing he wants to ask her something.

"Steve? What is it?"

"I was just thinking... They don't know where we've been all morning. Your dad would want to know. Did you want to tell them?"

"Oh... Wow, I hadn't even thought about that," Adrianna admits, slightly embarrassed she forgot. She crosses her arms and licks her lips, "I don't know. Did you? I mean, I waited a long time before I told anyone I was pregnant with Sadie."

Steve doesn't need to ask why. He already knows Malcolm was much too intimidating to approach about it and Adrianna was simply too worried to tell anyone else before telling him. But things are different now.

"I don't know either. Yes? I think. Yeah. But we don't have to if you don't want to." Steve says, providing her an out. He always makes sure she has an option with whatever plans he makes.

"Well, he seemed a little disappointed when I keat it secret so long last time. So... I think we should tell them. They'll be really happy to hear it. And Sadie should know, too." Adrianna reasons. Steve nods and smiles, then knocks on the door.

"Hi you two, long time no see." Linda says as she answers the door, smiling widely. She welcomes them inside, opening the door wide.

"Hi Linda, I hope we haven't kept you too long." Adrianna says as she and Steve enter their home. They each take off their shoes and follow Linda into the living room.

"Nonsense, we don't mind." Linda responds. She smiles and the three watch as David plays with Sadie on the pristine white carpet. Adrianna remembers the old carpet that used to be there, how it smelled of dust and was darkened by year's of use. He only replaced it when Linda moved in.

"Oh hey you two!" David looks up at them both, getting up from his spot on the floor. Sadie had been busy doing his hair but abandoned the task when she noticed her parents.

"Hi mommy, hi daddy," She greets and Hurries over to hug their legs. Steve and Adrianna ruffle her hair as they say hello to both family members.

"How are you honey?" David asks when he receives a hug from his daughter. Adrianna smiles and kisses his cheek.

"I'm just fine dad. Nice hair," Adrianna teases lightly. Parts of her dad's hair were clipped in hair clips, others brushed up high as Sadie could get it to go.

"Thanks." He laughs, "Now where were you two off to this lovely morning?"

While the adults sit on a pair of dark sofas, Sadie gets back to her toys. She sits beside a pile of plastic beauty shop supplies made for children her age and many elastic hair bands and plastic clips. Next to her pile is a large Barbie doll head, her hair already sticking in wild directions.

"Actually, we were just about to get to that." Steve answers. He wraps his arm around Adrianna's waist and holds her close. Adrianna can tell he's nervous. She tries to hide her amusement and instead focus on what she's about to say.

"Is everything okay?" Linda asks, her hand on David's.

"Everything's good," Steve reassures, smiling. "We went to the doctor's this morning is all."

"That doesn't really sound good, son." David teases good naturedly. He smiles, as if knowing what they're about to say. Adrianna has no doubt he figured it out. His surety gives Adrianna the confidence to speak.

"Sorry dad, he's just nervous. He's right, it was good. The baby and I are doing just fine." Adrianna explains, taking unexpected delight in the confusion, then pleased recognition, on Linda's face and the sheer happiness on her father's.

"Really? You're sure?" Linda asks, a smile easily forming in her face.

"Yep. Ten weeks as of today." Adrianna says proudly, placing her hand on her tiny bump.

"Oh my god," David grins, "This is great news! Congratulations you two."

He gets up and so do Steve and Adrianna. David hugs Adrianna hard, unable to contain himself. Adrianna just laughs and holds her dad as long as he wishes. For some reason tears prick her eyes.

"I'm glad you're happy." She says as they finally part.

"I'm very happy darling. Why wouldn't I be?" David asks, receiving only a shrug for an answer. Adrianna repeats the process with Linda while Steve receives a hug from David. In the midst of their celebration, Sadie tugs on her mother's shirt.

"What's happening mommy?" She asks, clearly confused. Adrianna crouches down to look in her imploring eyes. She takes Sadie's small hands in hers.

"Remember how your friend got a baby brother last year?"

"Yeah..." She nods, furrowing her brows. "Am I getting a baby brother?"

"Yes, or a sister. We don't know yet. But yes, you'll have a new sibling to play with." Adrianna answers, pleased Sadie caught on so quickly. Sadie nods again.

"Do I have to share my room?" She asks.

"No sweetie, not unless you wanted to."

"Okay," Sadie shrugs and smiles. Whatever apprehension she had about the situation immediately clears and she gets back to playing with her toys.

"That was easier than I thought," Adrianna laughs along with the rest of her family.

The family stays at David and Linda's for amother hour before heading home. By the time they arrive back home, Adrianna is exhausted. She yawns as Steve carries a sleeping Sadie inside.

"I'll take her up," He says and Adrianna nods. She busies herself with petting Abby, who remains silent. She seems to know to be quiet when Sadie is asleep, a behavior Adrianna hopes will continue when the baby arrives.

"Hi Abby. I bet you're happy to see us, huh?" Adrianna rubs the dog's face and then leads her to the couch. She collapses in the soft cushions of their couch and Abby jumps up beside her. The dog wags her tail, resting her head and front limbs in Adrianna's lap.

"I missed you too," Adrianna says after another yawn. She looks down at Abby and smiles. "I'll need your help when the baby gets here. I know you won't let me down."

Abby looks up and softly whines, almost whistling, almost sighing. She wags her tail harder when Steve joins them in the couch. She crawls so that she lays on both of their laps. Neither mind her antics, knowing she merely missed their company.

Adrianna rests her head on Steve's shoulder and sighs softly.

"When are we going to tell everyone else?" She muses.

"That is an excellent question." Steve says and shrugs. "When do you want to tell them? Now? We could send out a mass text."

"That's so impersonal," Adrianna says, "They'd be pissed."

"Hey, you wanted a suggestion." Steve teases. He kisses the top of her head. "But Tony's having that welcome back party next week. We could tell everyone then?"

"I like that idea better." Adrianna says, nodding. "Everyone will be there."

"Good. Now, since that's settled, I think you should get some rest. This baby business is wearing you out." Steve suggests. Adrianna is about to argue but instead yawns. She reluctantly nods.

"Alright. But only if you stay with me," she says sleepily. Steve smiles and nods.

"Whatever you want Birdie," He kisses her head again and the two get comfortable on the couch with their large dog. The warmth of Abby and Steve make Adrianna even more sleepy, and, soon enough, she's fast asleep.