Epilogue

(Short and pure fluff, thanks for reading.)

Natasha grinned as she watched Steve roughhousing with the twins. They'd only been in the house a few weeks, but things were going really well. She had used most of her recovery time shopping on line, trying to pick furniture as close to the furniture in their house in the other reality. She was very pleased with the way the house had come together. The twins hadn't noticed the things she couldn't exactly replicate, and Steve looked so content.

She and Steve had discussed things and they knew someday the twins would need to know the truth, but why burden their children with things they couldn't possibly understand? And, James and Sarah were their children now. This was the reality she would protect with everything in her.

Steve stopped playing with the kids and sat down beside her. "I'd say 'penny for your thoughts', but we both know they are worth more than that. What are you thinking about?"

"I was just thinking about how happy I am, but I guess I also feel a little guilty. We are here living our life together, but the other us, their reality, our Carol-those are some big losses," Natasha said softly.

"You're not wrong. We definitely got the better end of this deal, but, you know what, Romanoff? I think it was finally our turn to win for a change. Since I woke up from the ice, I've really just been existing, that is until I got you. And, you have more than wiped out the red from your ledger in multiple time lines and realities. I say we just enjoy the moment."

Natasha kissed Steve on the cheek and cuddled in close to his side. "I think I can do that."

"I was thinking," Steve said slowly, "you've worked so hard to make this place just like the one the kids came from but you missed one glaringly obvious difference."

Natasha sat up and looked at Steve. "What did I miss?" she asked, suddenly concerned.

"Their parents weren't just living together. They were married. I think, strictly in the desire to be as accurate as possible of course, we should fix that, too."

"Steve, that's the worst proposal I've ever heard," Natasha teased.

"Yeah, well, my wing woman wasn't exactly the right person for me to get tips from this time around," Steve teased before putting his hand in his pocket and pulling out an engagement ring. "Maybe I should try again. Natasha Romanoff, would you make me the happiest man in any reality and be my wife?"

Natasha kissed Steve again before putting out her hand so he could put the ring on her finger. "You're sure it's not too soon?"

"I'm all in," Steve replied before pulling her into a kiss. "All in," he repeated.

They opted for a quiet civil service a few days later with just their friends in attendance. Dr. Cho pulled them aside during the small reception.

"I've been thinking about that cradle from the other reality. It could easily work here if you want another child.

Natasha looked at Steve then back at Dr. Cho. "Thank you, but I think we have everything we need right now."

"You're sure?" Steve asked as they walked away.

"If you want a baby, we could go back and say yes, but I think things are pretty perfect," Natasha replied.

Steve smiled. "I think I'm with you on this one. Things are absolutely perfect just the way they are."

And, they lived happily ever after.