A/N: Sorry this took so long. It's honestly a little rushed, but I wanted to get something out. The time jump starts next chapter.

"Is everything alright?"

I looked up from my untouched dinner that Steve had been kind enough to make. It was chicken parmigiana, my favorite dish, something Steve knew and had probably cooked to cheer me up after the Ross fiasco. But my stomach was still in knots, a mild case of nausea sitting at the back of my throat, and my nerves were all over the place. To say the least, I wasn't hungry. And I still had no idea how I was going to tell Steve the news. It seemed simple enough, saying three words that I know would make him happy, but the thought terrified me. It was another change, another big change, and while a part of me was excited and happy, a larger part was still overwhelmed and again terrified.

I looked into my fiancé's eyes, his bright blue eyes, saw all the concern and love in them, and swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. His brow furrowed as he studied my face, he knew something was wrong, he knew me like the back of his hand by now. He could read me like an open book.

"I'm pregnant."

My face fell after I word vomited those words. I hadn't planned to say them, in fact I had been thinking of excuses, one of them being that I was just tired and shaken from my ordeal with Ross, but the other words, those words I hadn't been sure I was ready to say had fell out of my mouth with ease.

Steve blinked, his eyes widening a bit and his lips parting. He let out a shaky breath. "What?"

I swallowed again, my heart racing with anticipation, my hands fiddling with the napkin beside my plate. "I'm… I'm pregnant," I repeated. It wasn't as easy as the first time.

Steve's eyes remained wide, his lips still parted, his head shaking the slightest bit before he was bursting from his chair. It toppled over as he did, making me jump in surprise, then I was being lifted from my chair by his hands followed by his strong arms wrapping around me. I was crushed into the hardness of his chest, Steve's face pressed into the face of my neck. He held me closely, saying nothing and then he was pulling back to look me in the eye.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly reaching up with one hand to caress my cheek.

I hesitated. Not the question I had been expecting. "I'm… fine…" I wasn't. I was not far from fine, but still not close enough to classify myself as such.

The concern was still in his features. I was expecting a happy, overjoyed reaction. Steve had made it clear that he envisioned our future with kids in it. But his brow remained furrowed, the concern stayed in his eyes.

"This makes me happy," he admitted with another small shake of his head. "It's a bit earlier than I wanted, but I'm happy," he smiled hesitantly. "But I want you to be okay with this… I know that it might be hard for you after… after losing your daughter."

I felt my face fall in surprise again. How did he always know?

"I was hoping that we'd have time to discuss when we wanted to have a baby and make sure you were completely ready before we tried," he continued. "So you can tell me if you're not okay. I'd understand, Sweetheart."

I was momentarily at a loss for words, stunned again by how well Steve knew me and how he was always so understanding. My eyes got watery and I shook my head, wiping at them quickly which got another worried look from Steve.

"Sweetheart-."

"It's okay, I'm just… today has been a lot and I wasn't expecting this reaction from you," I admitted.

Steve blanched. "What reaction were you expecting?"

"For you to be happy, overjoyed, to smile real big and maybe even cry and fall to your knees and hug me or something," I shrugged, getting a smirk out of Steve. It was the truth, I expected a lot more than this reserved and calm reaction.

"I am happy, very happy, but I want you to be okay and happy too-."

"I am happy. I promise. I am…" I took another deep breath. "But I'm also terrified. A lot is changing, and it's for the better and it is what I want," I added hurriedly at the frown that crossed his face. "I want a life with you Steve and all it entails, but if I'm being honest it's still hard for me. All the change and starting over."

The frown didn't leave his face. "Have you been feeling this way for a long time?"

I nodded timidly.

Steve sighed. "Sweetheart, why wouldn't you tell me this? Was it the proposal-?"

"Steve, I haven't agreed to anything that I didn't want to do. And I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry or feel like I don't want this."

"I want you to be comfortable talking to me, telling me what you feel, even if you think I won't like it or I'll worry. I'd rather know than be kept in the dark. I want to be here for you, for anything and everything, and in any capacity that you need," he insisted, he gripped my hips tightly pulling me closer. "Always."

I don't think I would ever cease to be amazed at how understanding and compassionate Steve was. Nor did I think I would ever feel I deserved to be as lucky as I was that he loved and wanted me. I wiped my eyes some more, a small smile on my face.

"Thank you," I whispered looking up at him. "Thank you for being amazing as usual."

Steve huffed, pulling me closer. "I'm not the one who is amazing in this relationship. It's you. It's always been you."

I rested my head against his chest, feeling him sigh and hold me tighter. "Everything is going to be just fine, right?" I knew it would be, but hearing him say it would seal it in for me.

"Yes, Sweetheart," he breathed kissing my temple. "Everything is going to be just fine."

I believed each word he spoke with every ounce of my being. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders in that moment, my anxiety had greatly diminished just with his comforting words. I could handle anything as long as Steve was by my side.

"Marry me?" He said pulling back to look into my eyes again.

"I already agreed to that remember?"

"I mean soon. Tomorrow, well go to a courthouse and get the license and when they approve it we'll go back and get married there."

I frowned at him. He'd talked before about wanting to see me walk down the aisle in a pretty white dress. "But I thought you wanted-."

"I don't need a big wedding, all of the people we care about wouldn't be here to see it anyway. I just need you, me, a judge and a witness."

He had a point. What was the point of a big wedding when not all of our loved ones would be there?

"I'd like to make an honest woman out of you before our baby arrives," Steve continued.

I laughed again. "You're so 1940's."

He shrugged. "What can I say, I'm old fashioned because I'm old. So will you?"

I wrapped my arms around his neck, rising on tip toe and still barely managing to reach his chin. "Yes, Steve, I will let you make an honest woman out of me soon."

With a widening smile he kissed me again, slow and sweet, but when he pulled back he looked worried once more.

"Have you seen a doctor?"

"No, I just found out the news today. I wanted you to know first."

"Promise you'll make an appointment soon? Just to make sure that everything is alright?" He put a hand on my stomach then, warm and heavy. "That you both are alright?"

"Why wouldn't we be?" I asked.

"There's never been a baby born from a super soldier before and I just want to make sure things are…normal."

It hadn't occurred to me that the super serum might affect our baby. That thought caused the anxiety to return just a little, especially when I saw how worried Steve looked at that moment, a hint of fear in his eyes. But for once I wanted to be the one to ease his fears, so I hid my own worry and smiled up at him, taking his face in my hands.

"Everything is going to be just fine, Captain," I promised.

To my surprise The Panel, that I was subpoenaed to two days later, consisted of Secretary Ross. Just Secretary Ross. And a stenographer to record the interaction. I had imagined that it would actually be a panel of a few people, at least four or more. Tony informed me that the actual panel had twelve members, seeming to prove that Ross showing up on his own meant this was all a vendetta to get back at Tony or Steve, for whatever reason Ross had to not like them, and it made all the anxiety and worry I'd released before return.

I undoubtedly believed that Ross would like nothing more than for Steve and Tony to be locked away on The Raft, and probably myself in jail for association, and that he would find some excuse today to do just that. The Panel was the reigning governing body of all 'enhanced' individuals and those associated with them, biologically or otherwise, and if they found any cause, anything that made them a danger to the people of the word, they had the power to lock them away without question. Tony assured me everything would be fine, made me promise to tell Ross the truth no matter the consequences so that I wouldn't get myself into any trouble. And I was, unsurprisingly, the first to be called in.

I sat in a chair in conference room three of the Avengers compound, where Ross had decided to conduct his investigation, across from Ross, the stenographer in the corner, feeling nervous and very much like I was going to puke. The morning sickness I had never experienced with my daughter had reared its ugly head and done so quite viciously. I had spent the last two days with my head in the toilet during a lot of my free time. I didn't know why they called it morning sickness when it seemed to last all day.

Ross cleared his throat. "State your name for the record."

"Andrea Dawson."

"And your occupation."

"I'm Tony Stark's personal assistant."

"And what does that job entail?"

"Well… I manage Mr. Starks schedule, run errands for him, answer phone, text, and email correspondence-."

Ross interrupted me impatiently. "And how much access do you have to his projects?"

My teeth clenched at his rudeness, but I maintained a calm appearance. "That's not a part of my job. I'm not involved in the projects, he has project managers for that."

Ross frowned. "But you were aware of a certain recent project that Mr. Stark and Dr. Banner were working on."

"Well yes, but I didn't have access to that project nor was I really involved in it."

"What was he building?"

I hesitated. "He wasn't building anything. He was attempting to build something."

Ross rolled his eyes, bristling in his seat. "Ms. Dawson do not argue semantics with me, just tell me what he was working on."

"It was a time machine, Secretary," I answered. "Mr. Stark was attempting to build a time machine."

Ross seemed unsurprised by that information, finally looking away from me and writing down something on the paper that sat before him. He then looked to the stenographer in the corner, who nodded as if to say she had it recorded. I had expected him to react to that news, but it was clear that he had known. That still left me wondering just who was telling him.

"And the purpose of this machine?"

"To travel back in time," the answer sounded snarkier than intended.

Ross noticed. He was scowling now. "To do what?"

"To stop Thanos, I imagine."

Ross huffed, the idea of that happening obviously seeming unthinkable to him. "And how far into building this machine did Tony get?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Secretary. Again, working on Mr. Starks projects is not a part of my job."

Ross shifted the papers on the table, picking one up, his eyes darting across it. "It says here that Tony was having a building constructed on the property to house this machine. And you were put in charge of overseeing that it was done."

"Only because Mr. Stark was out of town-."

"In Wakanda? Correct?" Ross cut in with a pointed look.

I hesitated again. Tony had told me to tell the truth about the machine, but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to mention that Tony was working on secret projects with foreign countries. Could that be considered treason somehow? I glanced nervously at the door that I knew Steve and Tony were waiting on the other side of.

Ross cleared his throat loudly. "Ms. Dawson, need I remind you that lying to or withholding information from The Panel is a federal offense?"

"No, Secretary, I don't need reminding," I continued, shaking my head. "Yes, Mr. Stark was in Wakanda."

"And the nature of his business there?"

"Unclear, Secretary. I did not ask too many questions." This was technically true, Tony had been vague about his reasons to go to Wakanda and what he'd done there.

Ross didn't seem pleased with that answer, his scowl remained. "Are you aware Ms. Dawson, that Tony is directly responsible for the Ultron disaster that happened years ago?"

I remembered the attack on Sokovia by the crazed robot Ultron, but was unaware of Tony's involvement save for Iron Man and the rest of the Avengers stopping it. I shied away from watching the news and knew very little details about the situation.

"I was not aware that Tony was responsible-."

"He created the AI that went mad, used his iron man suits to build itself a body out of an indestructible metal alloy, and then tried to destroy the planet."

I blinked. "I had heard about the situation, but hadn't-."

"That single disaster lead to a multitude of other problems including the Sokovia accords. So you can see how we like to keep an eye on anything that Tony Stark has a hand in since we have already seen the destruction his creations can cause," Ross interrupted. "A time machine in the wrong hands, Tony's hands, could have disastrous consequences for the world as we know it. We're lucky that half the population survived, imagine if Tony or some other imbecile, like your husband to be, went to the past and screwed things up more than they already have, we all could end up dead or wiped from existence."

I felt the frown cross my face, my eyes narrowing in anger at his insults. "Tony is a brilliant and good man. For every one bad creation he may have a hand in, there are a hundred other good things that he has done or his company has done on his orders. I don't believe he would ever intentionally set out to cause harm to anyone-."

"We're not here to assess what you believe," Ross snapped. "We're here to determine if Tony Stark is going to put people in harm's way again as history has proven. Now tell me what you know about the time machine."

I clenched my fists, seething with anger, but swallowed hard and forced myself to relax. Working myself up and getting angry at Ross would accomplish nothing. He was probably trying to provoke me just to get a rise out of me and have an excuse to put me behind bars.

"The project was a secret to me. I only learned what it was when Mr. Stark decided to pause the project indefinitely." This was mostly true.

Ross was frowning again. So whoever his mole was, did not have this information. "Tony is no longer building the time machine?"

I nodded.

"Use your words, Ms. Dawson," Ross reminded motioning to the stenographer who was watching me.

"Yes, I was informed by Mr. Stark he has put the project on hold indefinitely. The machine was not constructed, it is still simply an idea," I shrugged.

Ross looked frustrated by this news, deflating slightly though the irritation still burned in his eyes. "Why did Tony stop building the machine?"

I wasn't about to tell Ross about Pepper's pregnancy. It was no business of his nor was it my information to tell. "It was due to personal reasons I won't divulge. You can ask him yourself-."

"Withholding information from the panel-."

"It is not my business to share, Secretary so I will not do so," It was my turn to cut him off, my tone bolder than usual, so much so that Ross's face fell in surprise. "If you want to know so badly ask Tony."

He blinked at me.

I crossed my arms and resisted the urge to shift nervously in my seat. "You're not here to assess what I believe or gather my opinion on Tony, and as I have already stated I don't know much about the time machine Tony was attempting to build. And since Tony is no longer building the machine there is no danger meaning you, and the rest of the absent panel, have nothing to worry about. Are we finished here?"

Ross, for the first time in his life, most likely, was temporarily speechless. The look of surprise shifted into one of annoyance, he clasped his hands together. "Yes, Ms. Dawson we are finished here, for now," he answered through clenched teeth.

"Thank you, Secretary," I rose from my seat, straightening my skirt and made for the door.

"Send Mr. Stark and Captain Rogers in," he barked as I reached the door. I paused to glare at his rudeness, he cleared his throat again. "Please," he added.

Tony and Steve were rising from the chairs they had been sitting in the moment they saw me, moving past the security detail Ross had brought, and coming to stand in front of me. Steve's hand was on the small of my back, concern in his eyes. He had been especially clingy since he heard the news of the pregnancy, hovering around and trying to wait on me hand and foot. It would have been annoying if I didn't find him so adorable.

"How'd it go, Kid?" Tony asked.

"He asked me everything we thought he would. What were you building. Why did you go to Wakanda. Why aren't you building the machine anymore. He thinks that you would put people in harm's way if you had built the time machine. He says you're a danger to others," I told him hesitantly. I didn't want to upset him, but I wanted him to know what he was up against. "He wants to see you and Steve now."

Tony ran a hand over his face with a hefty sigh. "Anything else?"

"I didn't tell him why you stopped building the machine. I didn't know if you wanted him to know about Pepper's…" I paused, glancing at the guards within hearing distance. "Condition. I told him it was personal and that if he wanted to know to ask you himself."

Tony smiled. "Thanks, Kid. I'm gonna take it from here. You did your part, now don't worry okay? Okay."

I usually had a lot of faith in Tony, but as much as I believed in him, I knew that Ross had it out for him. "Just… be careful, Tony. Reiterate you aren't building the machine, therefore you are no danger to anyone and you shouldnt be in trouble."

"I promise you, Andy, I got this," he assured heading for the conference room. "Andy take the rest of the day off. Come on, Cap."

Steve remained where he stood until Tony was out of earshot. He turned to me then, putting his hand on my stomach. "Are you okay?"

He was a worry wart, same as me. I put my hand over his. "I'm fine, just a little nauseous."

"Ross didn't hurt you or-?"

"No, I am okay. I promise. You should go before Ross loses his mind," I motioned for him to follow after Tony.

"What will you do?"

"I think I am going to go up to our room and rest… and hope that Ross doesn't find a reason to toss you or Tony or me in jail."

"Everything is going to be fine. Ross can't do anything because we haven't done anything wrong. You rest. I will come up once we deal with this and fill you in," Steve kissed my temple, squeezing me into him.

I smiled weakly at him. "Good luck."

I waited until Steve had disappeared into the conference room and went up to the fourth floor. I changed out of my professional work clothes and into much comfier sweats and t-shirt before crawling into the softness of Steve's king sized bed. Snuggling into the pillows I found my sweet spot and sighed heavily, trying to release all the tension I had been holding in. I was worried about a multitude of things, but the most pertinent worry was what would happen at the end of Ross' 'investigation'.

I'd dozed off at some point despite the worry, waking when I felt the weight of the bed shift. Steve was at my side, smiling, resting his hand on my hip. I sat up, suddenly alert.

"What did Ross say? What's happening?" I asked hurriedly.

"Relax, Sweetheart, Tony and I aren't going to The Raft any time soon," he assured. "We handled it as promised. Even figured out who the mole was..."

"Well tell me! Don't keep me in suspense! How did you handle it? Who's the mole?"

Steve took a deep breath, seeming to drag it out which only made me more anxious. "Stephanie."

I felt my face fall. "Your secretary?"

"Yes, Tony did that thing he does where he gets people all worked up and Ross let it slip that she worked for him. He planted her to be his eyes and ears and what better way to see what I am up to than to be my secretary?"

I had never cared for Stephanie, but this only made the dislike I had for her stronger. "I knew she was a nosey little…" I trailed off before I said some very unkind words.

"She's cleaning her desk out as we speak."

"And Ross?"

"Since Tony isn't building a time machine there's no threat so there's nothing that Ross can do. He can't punish Tony for having an idea as much as he'd like too," Steve shrugged.

"So we're in the clear?" I asked with an arched eyebrow.

Steve nodded, his smile widening. "We're in the clear, Sweetheart."

It instantly felt again as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It was a very good feeling.

"I got something today," he said rising from the bed and walking to his desk. He opened the drawer and pulled out a piece of paper.

I could see in thick bold letters at the top 'Marriage License'. I gaped at him. "You got it? So quickly?"

"Well when you're Captain America, you have some pull," he approached the bed and sat down again, offering me the paper to look over. The document had already been signed and approved.

"This means that…"

"We can get married whenever. You could be Mrs. Rogers as soon as tomorrow… if you wanted," he added bashfully.

I smiled, feeling butterflies swarm in my stomach and hoping that it was excitement and not nausea. I set the paper aside to lean forward and kiss him. "I'd love to be Mrs. Rogers as soon as tomorrow."

His grin was wide, his hand coming up to touch my cheek. "Then let's do it."

He kissed me then, silencing my response and I melted into him. The kiss felt different with the weight of worry gone, we no longer had to hide our relationship, Ross was no longer a threat, for the time being, and we were going to be married. We had nothing but time and happiness ahead of us and I was eager for it, despite still having some small anxieties, which I didn't think would ever go away. I tried to pour all my relief and happiness into his kiss, pressing myself into him and feeling a fire ignite within me. When he pulled back I was breathless and needy.

"Should we be…" he trailed off glancing quickly down at my stomach.

"It's perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy, Steve," I chuckled.

He still looked hesitant. "I don't want to hurt you. Either of you."

I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him down on top of me. He blinked in surprise, but a sly grin slid across his face.

"Make love to me, Captain," I demanded.

He chuckled darkly. "Is that an order?"

I rolled my eyes exaggeratingly and gave him a pointed look. "That is an order, Captain, are you going to comply?"

He was still chuckling as he sat up, pulling his shirt from his body, retaking his place over me once more. "Yes, ma'am."