I'm not up to replying to everyone's previous responses, but I would like to thank you all for your incredible patience and loyalty to my story.

I can't stress enough that I don't mean to neglect the story. It's not my intention and I've honestly been writing it for so long that I'm losing interest in it, you know? And when I say I have many ideas and yet can't write them, I mean it. I can not sit here and force myself to write. I need to want to write and right now it's been very difficult having the interest to write when I have other things I'm focusing on. I'm not a professional writer and I know this story isn't the greatest. But thanks to all of you for taking the time to read it and continuing to wait for any updates I make. You're all so fantastic.

This chapter has a lot of fluff, so book an appointment to the dentist.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Avengers. *sob* And if you want to see Addie's dress, you may search up rs couture pink wedding dress, and it should be the first image that comes up ;)


Adrianna smiled as the dress consultant walked back in her dressing room. The older woman had a lot of experience and the dresses she had picked so far had all looked stunning on Adrianna. The first two had fitted Adrianna's figure nicely and each felt perfect for her wedding. But Adrianna wanted to see just one more before making her decision. She hadn't had much of a say about her last wedding dress, this time she wanted a dress for herself. It'd been four months since Steve had proposed and she only had three months to find the dress she wanted.

"I think you'll really like this one Addie," Brenda said with a wide smile. She hung the bag up and pulled the dress out of its protective layer.

"Wow. It's so pretty," Adrianna said softly, admiring the dress in the woman's arms. She couldn't help the smile creasing her face. Brenda helped Adrianna step inside and began buttoning the back up. The dress was a little snug on Adrianna, but she didn't want to take it off. The strap-less dress was pale pink, almost like a pink pearl. The corset top had a lace overlay and dipped down in the back above the few buttons. The skirt flowed down from the torso seamlessly and the front of the skirt had a satin overlay. The back of the skirt had a long train which spilled from just under the corset. Pale pink roses bunched the beginning of the train and some seemed to fall down the chiffon fabric as though they drifted down from a branch.

"I feel like a princess." Adrianna practically whispered. She stared at herself in the mirror, awestruck. She wondered if her mother had felt the same boundless joy as she had felt trying on her wedding dress. Her eyes teared up a little but Adrianna managed not to let them fall. She still had to show her friends.

"You look like one my dear, let's go show your family." Brenda grinned, taking Adrianna's hand. She led the young mother out of the room and down the hall to the lobby where Natasha, Pepper, Sadie, and Dahlia waited. She smiled to the three women as she stepped inside, laughing softly at their surprised faces.

"What do you guys think?" She asked, standing before them all. Pepper practically started crying, dabbing her eyes with a tissue she pulled from her purse. It was silent for a minute but Pepper soon spoke up.

"You look beautiful," Pepper said, smiling widely.

"That dress is stunning Adrianna," Dahlia complimented, nodding along with Pepper. She held Sadie on her lap, bouncing the toddler on her knees. Natasha nodded, too.

"I think we have a winner," the usually stoic agent responded, offering a soft smile to her friend. Adrianna beamed at their approval, it heaved a great weight off her chest and she felt like she could breathe again knowing her friends liked the dress. She dabbed at her eyes and was instantly overwhelmed with cooing and hugs from Pepper and Dahlia. Once Adrianna had composed herself she turned her attention to Sadie, who had been incredibly patient throughout the trip.

"Sadie," She crouched down, balancing on the pads of her feet. The little girl came forward and smiled to her mother.

"What do you think? Do you like mommy's dress?" She asked her, smiling gently. Sadie seemed to consider her mom's words, but soon nodded happily with bouncing curls. Adrianna grinned and lifted her up in a long hug, standing as she did.

"I'd like to get this dress Brenda," Adrianna confirmed. Pepper and Dahlia cheered, prompting Sadie to voice her approval as well. Natasha chuckled and took the girl from Adrianna so she could get dressed again. Adrianna went back to the dressing room, feeling ecstatic. Not only had she and Steve completed most of the wedding planning, but now she had her wedding dress. Somehow, getting the dress made their special day just that much closer and Adrianna found herself even more excited for it.


After a quick-lunch with her friends, Adrianna went back home. She was eager to get home to Steve, who seemed unusually tired this morning. He insisted he was fine but Adrianna wasn't so sure. Sadie was nearly asleep after the long morning and a full stomach, and Adrianna could see her fighting to stay awake throughout the car ride home. After parking the car next to the curb, she helped Sadie out of her car seat and carried her inside. Abby greeted them eagerly, barking once and walking beside Adrianna in hopes of a pat on the head or scratch behind the ears.

"Just a second Abby," Adrianna smiled, walking up the stairs with the dog on her heels. Sadie yawned into her mother's shoulder, her face buried in the soft cotton sweater. Adrianna put her daughter in her bed, took her shoes off her small feet, and tucked her in.

"Sweet dreams baby," She kissed her cheek and gently rubbed her hand until she was sound asleep. Once she left the room Adrianna gave Abby the attention she wanted, cooing to the dog as though Abby were just a baby too. The dog seemed to smile back to Adrianna and was content when Adrianna pulled away. The young woman looked around, her brows furrowing when she realized the house was quiet. Steve hadn't left, his motorcycle was still outdoors and he would've called if he did leave. She wondered where he'd gone.

"Steve?" Adrianna wandered to the bedroom, knowing he wasn't in the living room or the kitchen. She would've seen him when she walked in if he were. She didn't see him in the room, but the bed was unmade on his side and their small TV was on.

"Honey, are you in here?" Adrianna tried again. She heard movement and realized he was in the bathroom. Concerned, she walked to the door and knocked on it. She didn't receive an answer but heard more shuffling beyond the door. Adrianna tried the knob and finding it wasn't locked she opened the door. She stepped inside their shared bathroom and felt a little relieved when she found Steve inside. But the relief quickly turned into concern again when she saw how unwell he looked. The soldier was laying against the bathroom wall, hunched over, with his head against his knees. He looked up briefly when she walked in but quickly put his pale face against his legs again with a soft moan. It seemed that nagging feeling she'd had all morning was right.

"Steve, what's wrong?" Adrianna moved to his side, instantly going into 'mom mode' as Tony called it. She rubbed her fiance's back trying to comfort him. His body trembled slightly, letting her know he was cold despite the sweat that condensed on his skin.

"Remember how I wanted to sleep in today?" Steve asked, swallowing thickly after. His throat hurt and his voice was raspy.

"Yeah, but you seemed fine then." Adrianna rose a brow but continued to soothe him.

"W-Well, I wasn't. And I definitely don't feel better." Steve managed a quiet chuckle. He peeked up at Adrianna and saw worry sweep over her delicate features.

"Why didn't you tell me Steve? I would've stayed and helped you." Adrianna brushed his hair from his forehead, feeling a fever under her fingers as she did.

"That's why," He smiled slightly. "I wanted you to get your dress. Besides, you're here now." Steve leaned into her gentle touch and winced slightly when his stomach cramped. Adrianna kissed his head but didn't say anything else while he rested against her, sensing he wasn't feeling up to talking. She helped him when he emptied the last of his stomach contents, gently brushing a cool washcloth over his face to help with the fever and ill feelings he had. Once she finished cleaning him up she got him a fresh shirt and helped him change into it. For Adrianna, it was unusual seeing her strong hero needing so much help. But she was more than happy to help him.

"Come on Cap, let's get you to bed. Think you can do that now?" She asked, softly. Steve nodded gently against her chest.

"Yeah, I don't think I have to sit here any longer." His stomach felt a little better now, but he continued to shiver as Adrianna helped him to his feet. She managed to support his shaky, six-foot frame all the way to the bed where she tucked him in and put a quiet movie on the TV for him. Adrianna disappeared downstairs for a few minutes and soon returned with a fizzy drink and medicine. Abby bounded inside too and jumped up beside him. She panted softly and soon curled up against him, seemingly knowing he felt unwell.

"I know you hate taking medicine Steve, but take it okay?" Steve didn't need much prodding, he wasn't up to arguing with her just yet. He downed the foul-tasting liquid, swallowing a couple of times not to send it back up, and drank the sprite she offered him. He rested his head back on the pillows and felt his eyes grow heavy. After dealing with his sickness by himself all morning, it felt good to have someone take care of him. He thought he'd feel weak having Adrianna help him, like when he stayed at the hospital so often as a child, but it was the opposite. He felt soothed, warm, and loved. Steve knew he would be better soon under her care.

"Thanks Birdie," He whispered.

"No problem honey, get some rest." She kissed his forehead again and after watching him fall asleep, she went downstairs to tidy up.


Steve felt better after a few hours of rest. His throat was still scratchy but he no longer felt nauseous or feverish. Once he took a shower and dressed in clean clothing, he went downstairs to find his family. Abby trotted after him, eager to follow her master. Upon finding them, Steve leaned against the wall and smiled to his daughter and fiancé. His heart fluttered against his chest as he watched Adrianna. Their wedding was creeping closer and closer and Steve felt his entire being grow more and more anxious for that date to come. Adrianna noticed him standing there and smiled widely to Steve.

"Hey honey, feeling better?" She asked. Steve nodded and watched as Sadie saw him too.

"Daddy!" She exclaimed gleefully, getting up and charging toward him. Steve laughed and caught her in his arms, swinging her around once before hugging her tightly. Abby barked at the two but Adrianna managed to calm the canine by calling her over.

"Hi Sadie, miss me?" Steve asked Sadie, stepping over to the couch. Now that he had stood there for a while, he was feeling tired again. But he wouldn't let that stop him from cuddling his daughter.

"Ahuh," She said as she nodded. Steve kissed her forehead and sat on the couch.

"I missed you, too. I'm sorry baby," He apologized. He hadn't seen her all day and he felt some regret for not greeting her in the morning like he usually did.

"It okay daddy," Sadie smiled and wrapped her small arms around his neck. Steve chuckled softly and easily settled on the couch with her.

"Thank you sweetheart." Steve kissed her forehead again and looked over at Adrianna. He smiled to her as she sat next to him on the armrest. Abby curled up by Steve's feet, content to rest by her new family.

"I forgot to ask, how did shopping go today?" He asked, curiously. He knew she wouldn't spill details but he wanted to hear about her day, he liked knowing how everything went. Steve saw too many couples ignoring each other today and he didn't want Adrianna to ever feel ignored or abandoned, not ever again. A big smile creased Adrianna's face and Steve felt his heart soar.

"It went great. I found such a beautiful dress. Everybody loves it. And I love it. I think you're going to like it or I hope so..." Adrianna said, happily.

"I bet you're right." Steve assured, kissing her cheek. He shifted Sadie to his left and scooted over a little. Wrapping his arm around his girlfriend's waist, he pulled her down into his lap. Adrianna laughed softly as he pulled her close. He barely allowed her a second to get comfortable before kissing her again, tenderly on her neck. He was being mindful enough not to get her ill, too. Adrianna blushed softly but welcomed his gesture, which warmed her right down to her toes.

"I'm glad you had fun Addie," He snuggled into her neck and sighed softly when she brushed her fingers through his hair. Steve yawned quietly and settled down with his family as Adrianna and Sadie watched a film on the TV.


Adrianna and Sadie managed to slither out of Steve's grasp once he had completely fallen asleep. He didn't seem to notice their departure and instead snored softly. As Adrianna turned off the TV, she noticed his breathing sounded a little congested so Adrianna went into the kitchen to get medicine and prepare dinner. Sadie toddled after her mother, eager to help out where she could.

"How does soup sound Sadie?" Adrianna asked her daughter.

"Good mommy," She nodded. Adrianna grinned and pulled out some tomatoes, onions, and garlic from their small pantry. After putting them in the oven to roast, she gathered a few other items and started on the broth. She let Sadie help pour the chicken stock into the large pot and then set her daughter down.

"Table?" Sadie pointed to the dining table.

"Not today bear. We're going to have dinner out there with daddy." Adrianna explained. Adrianna smiled at her daughter's pleased nod. They didn't often eat outside the kitchen, so it was a treat to Sadie when they did. She kissed her forehead and continued cooking.

After the tomatoes finished cooking, she blended them and the onions and the garlic together with a little more chicken stock. She then added the mix into the pot and let it continue cooking. While her soup simmered, Adrianna put rolls in the oven. Once dinner was ready, Adrianna filled up three bowls and took them out to the living room. She set them on the coffee table along with the bowl of freshly toasted rolls. Sadie helped by carrying spoons and napkins out, setting them on the table too.

Steve was already waking up by then, the smell of freshly made soup rousing him from his sleep. Steve breathed in deeply and was pleasantly surprised his appetite had returned. Everything smelled good and it made his stomach growl.

"What's all this?" He asked, sitting up as Adrianna and Sadie returned with their drinks. Sadie was busy sipping what looked like juice from her sippy-cup. Adrianna smiled and handed him a glass of water and some medicine. Steve thanked her, took his medicine, and drank a few gulps of water to replenish whatever fluids he had lost.

"Dinner silly. I thought we could all eat out here so you're more comfortable." Adrianna helped Sadie get settled at the coffee table. The little girl sat on a pink, plastic chair Pepper had gotten her. Sadie loved it and enjoyed sitting at the coffee table just like she would at the dinner table. Adrianna kept an eye on her with her soup, but Sadie was mindful not to spill any.

"Well thank you Birdie, I appreciate it." Steve took her hand and rubbed his thumb over her palm. Adrianna smiled and handed him his bowl. She soon sat beside him and they ate their dinner together in peace. While everyone ate, Abby sat nearby and looked at her masters with pleading eyes. The dog was a notorious beggar and it wasn't easy for anyone to ignore her. Adrianna gave in, feeding her pieces of bread dipped in soup. Steve noticed her sneaking the dog tidbits and chuckled softly.

"She's got you wrapped around her paw," He said, earning an eye roll from Adrianna.

"Oh, just me? What about those potato chips you gave her yesterday?" Adrianna asked with a cheeky grin. Steve shook his head, knowing she had him there. He raised his hands in surrender.

"You got me." He laughed.

The family soon finished their dinner and after everything got cleaned up, the family relocated upstairs. Adrianna gave Sadie a bath and after getting her in her pajamas they returned to Steve's company. He laid down in the middle of the bed, allowing each family member a spot beside him. Steve wrapped an arm around Sadie as she sat beside him and his other arm around Adrianna, who curled up next to him. He looked down fondly at Sadie as she watched Snow White. The wishing song came on and she was happily singing along, though she made up some of the words. Her childish wonder never ceased to surprise Steve, it was something he wished he hadn't lost, but he was glad to get the chance to nurture it in Sadie.

And maybe some other children in the future too... That thought made Steve's heart hammer in his chest. He wasn't sure where it came from, though it wasn't unwelcome. He hadn't given it thought before nor was he sure if Adrianna had before either. He glanced to her, smiling softly when he realized she was singing along too. Adrianna caught him staring and looked up at him. She smiled and kissed his chin, leaving Steve with an even wider smile.

"You okay Cap?" She asked, tenderly touching his forehead to check his fever.

"Yeah, just fine." He assured, holding her closer. Adrianna nodded and settled with him against the comfy pillows and blankets. Steve focused on watching the film, allowing it to take him back to his "younger" days. He remembered going on a double date with Bucky and two young women and how the girls hadn't really been interested in talking with him or even sitting next to him. He still wondered what Adrianna saw in him that those women couldn't see. Adrianna would love him whether he was tall and handsome or small and skinny.

What did I do to deserve her? He asked himself. He looked down at Adrianna again and admired her beauty. She often didn't like accepting compliments, he suspected Malcolm's mind games played a part in that. But she was well deserving of them. Not only was she physically beautiful, but her personality was just as pretty as that. And that just made her all the more appealing. He played with her dark hair, fingering the soft strands. Adrianna noticed but didn't stop him. She smiled gently and simply let Steve touch her. He had grown from being too embarrassed to touch her to constantly having some form of contact between them both. He was gentle and never overstepped their predetermined boundaries. Adrianna marveled at the respect he had for her and let his touch relax her even further. She turned on her side and drape an arm across his chest. Steve didn't seem to mind and he continued running his calloused fingers through her hair. She sighed gently and quietly ran her fingers over his chest.

Neither dared stop the intimate touches, instead they relished the safety and comfort they found in one another.


The couple soon put Sadie to bed, tucking her in carefully and reading her a story together. Abby joined in too, laying by Sadie's feet as she usually did at night. Afterward, Adrianna gave Steve some more medicine to help him sleep well and they settled back in their own bed.

"What was on your mind earlier?" Adrianna asked Steve, sitting beside him as he lay under the covers. She was busy wiping off the makeup she wore today and would soon get up again to wash her face and brush her teeth. Steve looked at her, surprised.

"I've known you a while now honey, don't be so surprised," She chided playfully. "What's up?"

"I was just thinking about the future is all," Steve relented, "And about how lucky I am to have you."

"Really, was luck what bestowed my broken pieces in front of you?" Adrianna asked, not trying to belittle herself. She knew she wasn't whole when they had found each other and was merely pointing it out. Steve rubbed the small of her back and shrugged.

"Don't know, but I'm glad. You fixed me first." Steve had felt so much anger and anxiety before his friendship/romance with Adrianna, and now it had disappeared. Some days still brought back bitter memories but Adrianna helped him to deal with it.

"That I did," Adrianna chuckled. She set her makeup wipes and mirror aside and looked down at her soon-to-be husband.

"I'm glad too," She said softly, leaning towards him. Steve gladly accepted her invitation, leaning up on his elbows and kissing her tenderly. Adrianna smiled against him and soon pulled herself away. As she got up, Steve grasped her hand and turned her back to him with soft eyes. He playfully brought her back down and hugged her tightly.

"I love you," He whispered in her hair. "I forgot to tell you today."

"I love you too, Steve." She hugged him back and smiled, "It's okay. But I expect you to make up for it tomorrow."

"Deal," he chuckled and let her go. Adrianna nodded and headed off to the bathroom to complete her nightly routine. Steve lay back down in the bed and sighed happily. He really was lucky, a lucky kid from Brooklyn.