March arrived and so did Spring in New York. With not many prospective art consultations on the horizon, Carol convinced Natasha to take time off. It wasn't difficult, she had been running herself ragged. Planning the wedding, multiple consultations in February, and Steve getting closer to his degree, these all left them very little alone time. She was still just a month and half into her pregnancy, so that wasn't the main concern. Sarah had another setback with the chemo. Her cancer was still diminishing, but not at the pace Dr. Blake had hoped for. Bruce was still working with him, and this time she agreed to the gamma treatments. Her son and his fiancée were the first to know.

"Steve, I'm worried that I might not make it to your wedding."

"Don't say that, Mom. You're a fighter. You've been doing well with the chemo, and I know the news of the wedding plans is helping you get stronger."

"I had another setback. Don't get that look on your face. Dr. Blake told you these could happen. But I wanted you and Natasha to know that I've decided to try Bruce's suggestion."

"The gamma treatments?"

"Yes, Bruce, Dr. Blake and I had a long discussion about it again. I've read the results on the other patients that have been treated with it. I'm going to take the chance."

"If you're worried Steve, don't be. Results show a 90% success rate. I'm positive that this will work."

"What about the other 10%, Bruce? What happened in those cases?"

"Excellent question, Natasha. The cancer did return, but it was weaker than before. We had to up the intensity level of the radiation, and the cancer was completely eliminated. I have monthly check ups with those patients, and they're not only cancer free, but their overall health has improved as well."

"We trust you Bruce. And you Dr. Blake. But if you could excuse us, I have something I need to tell Nat and my Mom."

"Of course, we've got to go prepare for the first treatment. Just simple tests of the machines since they were moved from Dr. Banner's lab."

As the Doctors leave, the two most important women in Steve's life wonder what the news could be.

"So what is it you want to tell us? It seems important."

"It is important, Mom. I got word today that I'm actually closer to graduating than I thought I was. Turns out, that I'll have earned my degree by the end of April, instead of June like we originally thought."

"That's great news, baby. There's something else though, isn't there?"

"Yeah, Nat you know how we were talking about a beach wedding?"

"Uh-huh. We both wanted that."

"Well, I wanted this to be a surprise for our rehearsal dinner. I can't wait that long. Tony and I had gotten to talking, and since you and I decided on that locale, I chose Brighton Beach."

Natasha is stunned at the revelation. It's close to their home, and it boasts the largest Russian community in New York.

"Oh, Steve! This is perfect. We were worried about having to take Mom too far from her hospital, and I know my mother will be thrilled because it shows honor to our heritage."

"That's why I chose it. I thought you would be happy."

"I'm more than happy. But now I've got to do something to surprise you. I will not be outdone on our wedding day!"

He knew that was coming. Both of them have always been extremely competitive. Whatever she does to surprise him, he's sure to love. Before they leave, they both get a kiss on the cheek from Sarah. The joy in her son and his fiancée is undeniable. Seeing how happy they are makes her determined to beat this cancer once and for all. The best news will come for all of them in May. Outside of the hospital, Steve gets a call from Tony.

"Hey, Rogers. Is Natasha with you?"

"Yeah, she's right here, Tony. What's up?"

"If you can get down to Brighton Beach, do it as quick as possible. I've got a surprise for you two."

It's early afternoon so the traffic isn't too heavy. The drive is only seven miles and they make it there quickly. When they get out of the car, Tony is nowhere in sight. When his phone starts ringing again, Steve knows who it is.

"We're here Tony. Where are you?"

"Look straight ahead. There's a housing development. Walk towards it."

It's not really a major housing development. There are a few houses spread along the beach. Most of them are occupied. Still walking, Tony gives more directions.

"All right, turn to your right. You'll see a smaller beach house. Light blue paint on the walls? You got it?"

"We see it. Seriously, what's this all about?"

"Uh-uh. Not telling until you get here. Keep walking."

When the line goes dead, Natasha looks at Steve inquisitively.

"I'm curious. What do you think is going on?"

"Tony and his usual eccentrics and theatrics. Just ignore it."

Just then a text comes through to the phone.

"Can't ignore it. Remind Red that curiosity killed the cat."

Looking at the message both of them are now confused.

"Did he…? How did he know what we were saying?"

At that moment another text alert comes through, this time to her phone.

"If you slowpokes would walk a little faster I could tell you."

Knowing that the answers they want are at the house directly in front of them, they pick up the pace. When they get to the front door, Steve is about to knock, until he sees the sign. The door opens and Tony is there, smug smile plastered on his face.

"Seriously, Tony? Romanogers? That's what you're calling this place?"

"I thought it was appropriate. After all this is where your wedding is going to be."

"Wait a minute. Steve when you told me we were going to have our wedding on the beach you didn't mention that Tony was going to rent a house."

"He suggested it, but I thought he was just kidding."

"Yeah, about that. Case in point, I didn't rent it. I bought it."

"You bought a beach house for the wedding day? That's a little much Stark. I thought we'd just book a hotel. It is what Steve and I discussed."

"Too cliché. What better way to celebrate your nuptials than having the wedding in the house you're going to move in to?"

Blue and green eyes go wide and jaws fall so fast, it's amazing they don't hit the floor with a loud thud. After the initial shock wears off Steve can only barely ask the question.

"You-you bought us a beach house?"

"I did. I told you this was going to be your wedding gift. You don't like it?"

Natasha is skeptical. She thinks there's some sort of catch.

"How much do we owe you for this? There's got to be something you want from us."

"Nope. The house is yours, free and clear. All you have to worry about is the utilities and the decor. Property taxes are taken care of as well. If you don't want to live in it, you can rent it out. It's my gift for the two of you to do whatever you want with it."

"Well in that case. I love it. Steve?"

"Me too. You've outdone yourself this time Tony."

Seeing Tony happy and giving selflessly to them makes the couple grateful that they have such a good friend. It goes a long way to bring Natasha from tolerating him, to kind of liking him. Before they leave, she still has one question.

"When you texted us, how did you know what we were saying? And how did you get my phone number?"

"Oh, that's easy. I installed a long range listening device on the back porch here. And as for your number, I hacked Steve's phone from mine."