Chapter 10
By: MysticFantasy
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Even though he knew that he was going to married in a few minutes, Steve couldn't believe how twisted his gut felt as he stood at the alter as the wedding march played.
He stood with his friends, several witnesses, the colonel, the general and the priest in the small church on the base. Peggy and her husband were among the few people to come to the wedding.
Finally, Steve turned around and he felt his breath hitch once he saw Natasha. She walked with grace in each step, looking as if she was floating down the aisle. Her hair and make-up were flawless and her dress seemed to highlight her already beautiful appearance.
Steve heard one of his friends mutter "whoa" and he couldn't help but agree. Now, she's standing next to him and the ceremony began.
Everyone remained silent as the priest spoke of love and everlasting vows. The time came when everyone wanted to speak their minds.
"If anyone here has any reason that these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Steve could just imagine how many people in the room wanted to say something. Bucky, Peggy, the team, the colonel...
But no one spoke and the priest continued.
"As you exchange these rings, please repeat after me." the priest instructed as Steve took Natasha's hand and held a gold ring in the other.
"I, Steven Rogers, take you, Natasha Romanoff, to be my lawfully wedded wife. In sickness and in health, for rich or poor, for better, for worse, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live."
"I, Natasha Romanoff, take you, Steven Rogers, to be my lawfully wedded husband. In sickness and in health, for rich or poor, for better, for worse, to love and cherish, as long as we both shall live."
The rings were exchanged and now came the moment of truth.
"By the powers invested in me by our Holy Lord, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Peggy turned her eyes away as the two kissed.
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Natasha hadn't been all too clear about the tradition of carrying the bride over the threshold meant but she willingly accepted it since her new husband believed in it.
He placed her down gently and she looked in wonder at the new home they would share. Everything was already set. The furniture in the right places, rugs decorativly placed and everything just felt like it was home.
She followed Steve up the stairs to the master bedroom and was shown a closet full of new clothes for her to wear.
"All of this is ours now." he said. "I'll, uh, leave you to change and then we can have dinner together."
"Thank you." she said.
He gave her a light smile and then excused himself.
Natasha was alone and found herself smiling as she looked down at her wedding ring. Her symbol of being free and never having to worry about being in the Red Room again. Steve would never know how grateful she is for him saving her life.
She did a small spin in her dress before heading to the closet and deciding on a simple skirt and blouse to wear. She placed her wedding dress on a hanger and placed it in the back of the closet.
Then she went downstairs and spotted her new husband in the kitchen preparing a meal.
"Please, let me help." she offered. "You've done so much for me already."
Steve found the laddle slipped from his hand as she took over cooking the meal and offered him the chance to change out of his uniform.
He went upstairs and changed into regular khaki pants and a button up shirt. Before heading downstairs, he went into the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror.
He couldn't believe that he was really married. He'd always thought about the day when he'd finally have a wife and home of his own. He just hadn't imagined it would have happened this way.
Going back to the kitchen, he was entranced by the smell of the stew. He walked over to Natasha and peeked over her shoulder.
"What's that?" he asked.
"It's a recipe I learned." she answered. "I hope you like it."
"It smells great." he said. "I'll set the table."
Gathering the silverware and bowls, Steve set the table so they would sit next to each other. He was hoping they could be able to talk a little and learn more about each other.
A moment later, Natasha appeared with two bowls. Placing them on the table, she sat along with Steve.
"Nothing is wrong with it." she said.
"Ok." Steve said a little unsure of what to say. "I didn't believe you had done anything to it."
"Oh." she said and cast her eyes down. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright." Steve said. "I can only think you might assume you would try something like that."
"Guess it's going to take a while for all of us to get use to this change." she said as she lightly stirred her soup with her spoon.
Steve lightly smiled and ate a spoonful of the soup.
"Oh my gosh!"
"What? Is it bad? I admit that I'm not the best cook to..."
"No, it's not that." Steve quickly stated. "Sorry if I made you think that. I just wanted to say that this soup is great. It's the best I've had since my mother use to make it when I was a kid."
"Oh. Thank you." she said with a slight blush.
Blushing?! That's new. she thought to herself and continued eatting her dinner. She watched with amazment as Steve quickly finished his bowl.
"Thanks to the formula that made me a super soldier, my appetite has really increased. Even if it hadn't, this is worth seconds. Plus thirds."
"I'm glad you like it." Natasha said. "I think I'll top mine off too."
The two continued to eat until a quarter of the pot remained and was put away. Since the day had been so long, the two decided to call it a night. They both changed into their pajama's and awkwardly climbed into the bed.
They laid with space between them and allowed the silence to fall upon them.
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"Keep it quiet." Falsworth whispered as he and Dugan held the wooden ladder.
"I am." Dugan replied in the same tone. "Hurry up, Barnes."
"I'm going, I'm going." Bucky stated as he started climbing the ladder. He reached the porch roof and quietly walked on and toward the window.
Keeping as quiet as possible, the sergeant peered through the window. He right away spotted the occupied bed.
Steve was closer to the window, sleeping on his back, and Natasha was on the other side, lying on her side facing the captain.
Seeing that his friend was still alive, Bucky quickly made his way back to the ground with the others.
"He's still alive." Bucky declared as they gathered the ladder and quickly got away from the house.
"He fix his little 'problem'?" Dugan asked with a grin.
"Nope."