All the Time in the World
Chapter 29
The next morning, Sam Wilson stood in the kitchen, sleepily pouring himself some coffee. During which time, Amanda wandered into the room as well.
"Morning Steve," she greeted. As she made her way over to her grandfather. "Morning Sam."
"Hey," Sam replied. Just before he let out a big yawn.
"Did you sleep well, Mandy?" Steve asked his granddaughter as he reached up to rub her shoulder. Thinking about the talk they had last night.
"I did," Amanda assured him with a nod and a small smile.
"Good. That's good."
At this point, Sam turned from the counter, and his sleepiness seemed to wear off as he picked up the vibe that something was going on. It was the tone of their voices gave that away. As well as the air of the room, that seemed to change as The Super Solider and his granddaughter spoke.
"Okay guys. What's up?"
The two then glanced over at him, before looking back over at each other. The young woman then gave her grandfather a nod, letting him know that it was okay to tell Sam about the unfortunate complication.
After all, even though the FBI was currently only after Amanda it could affect him too. It could affect all of them.
"Well, Sam. You see...I…" Steve started.
"The FBI is after me," Amanda said, finishing her grandfather's sentence. As she plunked herself down in a chair opposite Steve.
Upon hearing this, Sam's jaw dropped as the shock of this announcement sunk in. This definitely wasn't what he was expecting to hear. Though he didn't know what he was really expecting to hear exactly. He had hoped that maybe after Natasha's speech in Congress that they would be in the clear, but apparently not.
"Wow. Really, man?" Sam asked, turning to his friend who simply nodded in reply. But from the look on his face, he could tell that Steve was pretty shaken up by all this.
This was his granddaughter after all. And if there's anything that the last few days have taught him. It was that Steve was a very protective grandfather. So Sam could only imagine how hard this knowledge was for him for deal with.
"Unfortunately, yes," the young woman said. All while looking down at the table, looking pretty shaken up as well.
To which Sam couldn't blame her. Hell, he would be to if he was in her position. Though the longer he watched her, he got the feeling she was more annoyed by this, rather than shaken per say.
He hadn't known Amanda all that long, but he got the impression that sitting around and hiding was not really her style. Much like her grandfather, he realized when he really thought about it.
They were fighters, the both of them.
"Wow. Seems I missed a lot."
Steve then nodded, before continuing, knowing his friend no doubt wanted more information. "They approached Sarah two days ago, looking for Amanda. From the information given to us by Hill, we know that they want to bring all S.H.I.E.L.D agents in for questioning."
Sam then felt his stomach drop, having gotten an uneasy feeling about that.
"Why do I get the feeling that's a not good thing?"
"HYDRA," Amanda said, simply.
"HYDRA," Sam said, understanding what this meant. "I guess it was too much to think we'd be lucky enough to bring those bastards down with the Triskelion, huh?"
The Captain and his granddaughter then both cracked a smile at his words.
"Yeah," Steve said, feeling the knot that had been lodged in his gut ever since he found out HYDRA was still a threat resurface.
Amanda, having sensed this then reached over and placed a hand on her grandfather's and gave him a reassuring squeeze as they sat at the kitchen table. Before she let out a long sigh.
"Basically we have no idea rather or not HYDRA is in the FBI or not. Until we can know, I'd rather not let them interrogate me."
"Makes sense," Sam said. "Wow, this is really messed up. Sorry Mandy."
"It's okay. I'll live," Amanda said. "And well, I can always throw punches if HYDRA tries to come at me."
Steve then chuckled slightly as Sam looked over at her with a funny expression and his coffee cup in hand.
"Dang girl. Is punching your way out stuff your solution to everything?"
"Well, Sam. When my charm doesn't work, then yes."
"Oh Mandy," Steve said with a laugh.
"What? It's a good hobby."
Sam raised his eyebrow at this, but then nodded in agreement. "That's fair enough. Remind me not to cross your grandbaby there, Steve."
"I think you'll be fine. Wont he, Mandy?"
"Oh yeah. We're all friends here."
"Good. And Mandy, I'll help you out in any way I can."
Steve then gave his friend a smile, truly appreciative for his help in both helping find Bucky and now helping have his granddaughter's back.
"Thanks, Sam," Amanda said. "I actually have an idea about that."
"Oh god. What?"
"Will you make me a waffle?" the young agent asked. "Please. I know you make an excellent breakfast."
"Girl, I haven't made you breakfast before."
"Well, Sam. My grandpa here let it slip that you make a good breakfast so."
"Oh is that so?"
"Yes."
The Falcon then let out a little sigh. "Fine. I'm make you something, Mandy. Just this once."
"Thank you," Amanda said with a big smile, before she practically pranced out of the room.
"Well, she seems to be in good spirits, given everything."
"Thankfully yes. I'd say she is," Steve agreed.
Sam then let out a chuckle and shook his head. "Where did you find her?"
At this, Steve knitted his eyebrows, feeling confused for a second. "Amanda?"
"No, Peggy."
"Peggy," Steve said. "Oh well, I met her my first day of training actually. She punched this guy Hodge in the face for saying something well, inappropriate to say the least."
"Dang. Now I see were Amanda gets it from."
The Captain then let out a chuckle. "She is a lot like Peggy."
"You love it, don't you?"
"Yeah. Don't get me wrong, she's an amazing person in her own right. It's a privilege to be her grandfather. But seeing Peggy in her. And in Sarah, is truly the greatest gift."
Sam then smiled at his friend's adoration and loyalty for his family. It was truly so amazing and just so nice to see. Though his own family was pretty awesome and special to him. Even he had to agree that the Carter-Rogers-Harper family was truly something special.
"I bet, man. You did get very lucky."
Then, just before either one of them could say anything more, they heard Amanda shout before she came running back into the room.
"Amanda, what is it?" Steve said, jumping out of his seat.
"It's cool. Grandpa. You can sit down. Everything's good," the twenty-five-year-old explained. "I just had a thought."
The Captain then sighed a sigh of relief, as she lowered himself back in his seat. "What's the thought, Amanda?"
"I can't believe I didn't think about this before. But maybe we're going about finding Bucky the wrong way."
"How so?"
"Well, HYDRA is responsible for what happened to Bucky. What if we use them to try and find him?"
"You want to use HYDRA to find Bucky?" Sam questioned. "Is that really a good idea given...?"
"Well, I was thinking we could re-task J.A.R.V.I.S to look through the files from S.H.I.E.L.D and see if HYDRA left any information about them and their affiliations. Which they must have done. Then we can use that to find a lead on Bucky, instead of searching for him directly. As well as maybe ascertain where HYDRA agents are so we'll know if the FBI has been compromised. Getting two birds with one stone kinda a thing," Amanda said. "I know it's risky. But this is a risk I'm willing to take, if you guys are."
The two men then exchanged a glance, as they mulled over Amanda's plan. Though Steve was of course, worried and rightfully so about how dangerous this could be. He also knew that his granddaughter had a good point about taking the fight back to HYDRA. Which could indeed prove to be helpful to them in the long run. Maybe give them the upper hand, something they definitely could use right about now.
"I wish I thought of that," Sam remarked. Which earned a chuckle from the other two.
"Well, that's a pretty solid plan you have, Mandy," Steve said.
"So you're game?"
"Yeah, I'm game."
A few days later, the new plan had been put in place. Tony had helped program J.A. .S comb through all the HYDRA files he could find. Now all the group was waiting for was a breakthrough.
On this particular morning, Amanda sat at the desk, watching J.A.R.V.I.S's progress while she switched between working on deciphering one of HYDRA's many codes in order to read through the files that Natasha had sent her.
As she worked, Amanda failed to notice when Steve walked into the room and came up right beside her.
"Hey. How's it going?"
Upon feeling his hand on her shoulder, the young woman turned around slightly to face her grandfather.
"It's going."
"Good." Steve then looked around at the array of snacks and the empty coffee mug along with the pot that rested on the desk beside her. "Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Some."
"Some?"
"Yeah… I woke up around three and couldn't get back to sleep so here I am. Don't worry. I got enough for now anyway."
"I'm not worried," Steve said. Then upon seeing the look on her face: which told him that she was not convinced at all, he spoke again. "Okay. So I'm a little worried."
"Though so."
"Just take care of yourself, okay? You are more important than any mission."
"I will, Grandpa. I promise."
The two then exchanged smile. During which time the computer suddenly started beeping.
"I hate to interrupt this touching moment. But I have something for you to look at, Miss Harper," J.A.R.V.I.S said.
"Thanks J.A.R.V.I.S."
"Okay, what's he got?" Steve asked. As he leaned in closer to the computer, keeping his balance by keeping one hand on the back of Amanda's chair.
"Let's see….Wow okay. We definitely got something," the young woman said. As she read over the information J.A.R.V.I.S had gotten a hold of.
They finally had a breakthrough. Apparently HYDRA had a shell company right there in New York City, just a few blocks away at that. Their reach had indeed spread far, just as S.H.I.E.L.D's had.
"Indeed we do."
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Amanda asked.
"That depends. What are you thinking?"
"Breaking and entering. Gathering any info we can. See if we get anything."
"Standard spy stuff."
"Exactly."
"Then yes."
"Sweet. Maybe I'll get to do some punching after all."
"Mandy!" Steve said with a chuckle.
"What? I'm just saying?"
"I know. But I think it would be best if we didn't draw too much attention to ourselves right now. If we don't have to."
"And I totally agree," Amanda said. "Still, if they come after me they are getting punched."
Steve then smiled, enjoying his granddaughter's humor. As he knew all too well, that she was in part just joking around with him.
"I would expect no less." After a minute, Steve noticed his granddaughter's happy-go-lucky smile slowly fade. "Mandy. What is it?"
"Nothing," Amanda said. Before she gave a sigh, as she worked through her thoughts. "It's just…I just realized this will be my first mission without S.H.I.E.L.D."
The Captain then rubbed his granddaughter's shoulder in a comforting manor as he looked at her with a sympathetic expression. As he understood just how surreal and strange this must be for her. It was strange for him too.
It really did make the loss of S.H.I.E.L.D seem all the more real.
"It's okay."
"Thank you," Amanda said in a soft voice, truly grateful to have him there right now. "It sucks. But I'll do this mission in honor of everything S.H.I.E.L.D taught me."
"Atta girl."
Steve then gave her a warm smile, relieved to see his granddaughter perk up again after this. Then just before he could say anything more. A sudden sound of the door opening drew their attention away from each other.
And as they turned in the direction of the door, they saw Maria hustle into the room with her I-pad in hand.
"Maria. What is it?"
"Your mother's here."
"My mother?" Amanda questioned.
"Yeah. She's in the lobby."
After this, Steve and Amanda wasted no time getting into the elevator and making their way down to the lobby.
Where sure enough, they found Sarah Carter standing by the information desk, looking around at all the surroundings. As she waited patiently, or as patiently as she could for her two loved ones to appear.
"Mom!" Amanda called.
Upon hearing her daughter's voice, Sarah instantly looked over in their direction and a huge smile appeared on her face.
"Mandy!"
As soon as her mother opened her arms for her, the young woman rushed over and gave her a big hug. Just like she did when she was a little girl, who was so happy to see her mother, when she walked through the front door after work.
Meanwhile, Steve stood back to observe the scene in front of him with a smile on his face. Which brightened even more when his daughter looked up from Amanda's shoulder and made eye contact with him.
"Hi Sarah."
"Hey, Dad," Sarah greeted.
Steve then felt the all too familiar feeling of love and adoration rush through him, at hearing his daughter calling him "Dad."
This was such a nice surprise to be sure. To see her there.
Though it wasn't really a surprise visit at all. As Steve had a feeling he knew why she was there. After all, it only made sense. Today was a very important anniversary for Sarah as well as for Amanda.
Though, the more time they all stood there in the lobby. The Captain was beginning to get the impression that his granddaughter hadn't picked up on the reasoning behind her mother's visit as of yet.
"Mom. What are you doing here?" the young woman finally asked.
Sarah then stared at Amanda for a minute, thinking she was kidding. But when it became clear that her daughter was clueless, she opened and closed her mouth, before finally replying.
"Mandy, sweetheart. It's your birthday."
"My birthday? It's the 16th already?"
"Yes. Silly girl. Come here," Sarah said with a chuckle. As she pulled her youngest daughter into another hug.
Meanwhile, Amanda stood there, feeling confused. And completely dumbstruck at the realization that she had forgotten her own birthday.
April 16th, 1986
On this particular Saturday morning, after finishing getting ready for the day, Director Carter made her way down the stairs of the house she shared with her husband. The two had moved to Virginia two years prior, after S.H.I.E.L.D purchased property in order to build a new headquarters in the Capital.
When her feet hit the bottom steps, Peggy heard her husband's voice traveling from another room. Upon entering the kitchen, she saw that he was on the phone, talking to someone as he set his empty coffee cup in the sink.
"Aw honey. Are you feeling okay?" He asked. Before he glanced over and noticed his wife had entered the room. He then gave a nod as Peggy gave him a questioning look. "It's Sarah."
Peggy then reached out to take the phone from her husband. "Darling."
"Mom."
"Hello darling. Are you all right?" Peggy asked in a slightly worried maternal tone.
"I'm fine." Sarah then paused for a minute before continuing. "Mom, why does my child hate me?"
A smile then appeared on Peggy's lips as she chuckled. Knowing all too well what her daughter meant by this.
As of today, Sarah was officially eight days overdue and very pregnant with her third child. After a very easy pregnancy, the baby was certainly taking her sweet time to get there, making Sarah feel very restless in the process.
"Oh she doesn't hate you, darling. She's stubborn. Much like someone else I know."
"You mean me."
"That was the implication, yes."
Sarah then gave a laugh. "I'd argue that I come by it honestly. But you know."
"But of course. Your father was ever so stubborn."
Peggy then smiled, happy to hear her daughter's laughter on the other end of the phone. It was nice to see that she still had her sense of humor. Especially, given how uncomfortable Sarah must be getting.
"Oh Mom. You're funny."
"It's the truth, darling. He was," Peggy said. "Although, I suppose we all can be. I'm sorry my new little granddaughter is taking this long to arrive."
"I know," Sarah said. As she looked down and rubbed her hand over her very pregnant belly. "And thank you."
"So still so sign, I take it?"
"None. Some practice contractions, but nothing has come of it. So far anyway."
"Good lord, this baby really is a stubborn one, isn't she?"
"Tell me about it."
"Aw darling. I bet you're feeling pretty uncomfortable as well."
"A bit. But I'm managing," the forty-year-old admitted. "Anna came over this morning and offered to take the kids for the day which was nice."
"Good girl," Peggy said, happy her youngest daughter did that for her older sister.
Sarah then let out a sigh. "Mom, please tell me I didn't take this long to arrive…? If so, I'm so sorry."
"No darling, you were very timely actually," Peggy said. As she thought back to the days before Sarah's birth.
Although, Sarah wasn't late by any means. Peggy remembered all too well how anxious she had felt. And uncomfortable. As well, as all the various other emotions she had felt, during that time.
It had certainly been an exciting if rough time for Peggy, given the fact that she went through it alone. But of course, it was well worth it in the end. Thanks to her darling daughter.
"I'm glad to hear it."
"Although...They didn't have the epidural back in the day so. There is that."
"Mom, please," Sarah said, shuttering at the thought of going through childbirth without that. True, she handled pain pretty well. But still.
"I'm sorry." The other woman then let out a fond chuckle. "Even if you had been late. I would have coped. Just like you are now. Darling, I am so proud of you for handling this as well as you are."
"Thanks Mom."
"Of course," Peggy said. "As for your daughter. She'll come when she's ready. And she'll be worth it. Just like you were."
"I guess I'm just getting a bit impatient."
"Oh darling. I think it would be odd if you weren't a bit impatient. It's to be expected. But she'll be here before you know it. Just try and relax, okay?"
"I will, Mom."
"Good girl," Peggy said. "Darling, I've been thinking. Would you like it, if I were to come up and keep you company in the meantime? To help with Jenna and Luke and all that."
"Mom, you don't have to do that?"
"I wouldn't mind, Sarah."
"What about work?"
"Darling, you and my grandchildren are more important than work."
Sarah then licked her lips, as she considered this offer. She did have Anthony but maybe it would be nice to have her mother come visit to help out, and just simply be there. Especially if she ended up being induced. Which her doctor was considering doing if this continued to go on into the next week.
"Okay. Well, I'll give Anthony a call and let him know," Sarah said. "Yes, I would like you to come."
"All right. I'll book a flight for this evening."
"Perfect," Sarah said. "I can't wait to see you. I miss you, Mom."
"I miss you too, Sarah. I'll see you soon."
After getting off the phone with her daughter, Peggy headed into work. And later on, while she was in her last meeting of the day, her secretary walked in with a note from her son-in-law.
Sarah had finally gone into labor.
Before too long, Peggy found herself on the helicopter platform of the former SSR base there were currently in with Howard Stark, who had accompanied her to the roof to see her off.
"I'll see you soon, Howard. Please don't burn S.H.I.E.L.D to the ground when I'm gone."
"Come on, Peg, It's me."
"Exactly my point. So please do as I say."
"Peggy, I got it. Go on," Howard said. "Spend some time with your grandkids and give Sarah my love, will you?"
The directors of S.H.I.E.L.D's then exchanged smiles. Before Peggy climbed into the helicopter, bound for New York City.
When she arrived, she was greeted by her son-in-law Anthony on the roof the hospital. Perks of being the director of a spy agency, made it so she had no problem arranging for her chopper to drop her off right there. And of course, it didn't hurt that Howard had donated a lot of money to said hospital over the years.
"Peggy. Wow. You always know how to make an entrance, don't you?"
"Oh you stop it," Peggy said, giving him a hug. "It's good to see you, Anthony. How is my daughter?"
"She and your new granddaughter are doing great."
"The baby's here?"
"Yes. For someone who took eight days to arrive. She sure did waste no time once she was ready, Sarah was only in labor for about three hours," Anthony said.
"Three hours?" Peggy questioned. And her son-in-law gave a nod. "I'll say she did want out then."
"Wait till you see her, Peggy. She's gorgeous."
Peggy then let out a chuckle as her and Anthony headed inside and took the elevator down to the maternity floor.
As the two walked passed the waiting room, Peggy was greeted by her two older grandkids, who promptly flung themselves into her arms, upon seeing her.
"Grandma! Grandma!" Luke and Jenna greeted, truly excited to see their grandmother.
"Hello darlings," Peggy said, giving them each kisses. And leaving lipstick marks on their faces, which they both almost immediately wiped off.
Especially Luke, who wasn't too fond of the kisses, as much as he adored his grandmother.
"Grandma! We have a new baby sister."
"So I heard," the older woman said. "What do you think of her so far?"
"She cute! And really tiny," Luke said. "She does cry loudly though."
"So did you," Jenna pointed out, leading to little Luke sticking his tongue out at her.
"And you Jenna. What do you think of your baby sister?"
"Yeah, she's pretty cute. I can't wait to show her things when she gets older."
The older woman then smiled and reached over to squeeze her eldest granddaughter's shoulder.
"I'm so proud of you, my darlings," Peggy said. "Your new baby sister is so lucky to have you both."
The director of S.H.I.E.L.D then pulled her grandchildren in for another hug. Before she let out a nice long breath, truly enjoying the happy moment with her family.
"Grandma?"
"Yes, darling?" Peggy asked, taking a step back so she could properly look at her grandson's face.
"Was Mommy tiny when she was a baby?"
"Believe it or not she was, Luke."
"That's so weird."
"Oh why is that?" Peggy asked with a chuckle.
"Because she's Mommy."
"Yes, and I'm her mummy. Believe it or not Luke, your mother was once a little baby. Trust me on that. I was there."
Just then, Peggy heard footsteps coming closer to them. And as she glanced up, she saw Anthony standing there, having just returned from Sarah's room.
"She's ready to see you now."
Peggy then gave her grandchildren a smile. "Well, I suppose it's time I go meet your little sister. You two be good."
The kids then waved "bye" to their grandmother as she walked away with their father.
"Congratulations Anthony," Peggy said, giving her son-in-law another hug and a kiss on the cheek once they arrived at the room.
"Thanks Mom."
Anthony then opened the door and gestured for her to go on inside. As soon as she stepped foot inside the room, Peggy laid eyes on her daughter siting up in bed, holding a little bundle in a pink blanket in her arms.
Upon hearing the door open, Sarah looked up from her new daughter and smiled when she met her mother's eyes.
"Hi Mom."
"Hi," Peggy whispered as she walked over to the bed. "Oh darling. How are you feeling?"
"Happy."
"I can imagine," Peggy said. Before giving her daughter a kiss on the head. "Now, let me see my new granddaughter."
Sarah then turned the baby slightly, so her mother could get a better look. "Isn't she beautiful?"
"Oh Sarah," Peggy said. "Yes, she's very beautiful. And…"
"Perfect."
"Yes, darling. She's perfect."
The two women then stared at the little baby as she slept soundly for a few seconds. Before Sarah glanced up at her mother again.
"Do you want to hold her?"
"Yes. Of course I would."
Sarah then gave her mother a smile, before gently passing her new daughter into Peggy's waiting arms. "Well, Mom, I'd like to formally introduce you to your new granddaughter."
As the baby was relocated, she let out a little cry. Peggy, of course, had many years of practice with babies. And was able to sooth her very quickly. Which never ceased to amaze Sarah, even though she was getting quite good at it herself.
There was something so truly heart-warming about seeing her mother, a spy and now director of an intelligence agency holding a little baby.
"Oh darling," Peggy breathed, completely captivated by her new grandchild. As she looked at the newborn's sweet chubby face, she noticed how much she looked like another little baby. A little baby that she held forty years ago. "She looks just like you did."
"Really."
"Oh yes," Peggy said with a nod. "You did well."
While she continued to gaze at her granddaughter, Peggy could almost picture herself holding baby Sarah all those years ago. And now that little baby was a grown woman with a child of her own. Three children at that.
People would often ask her if she missed the days when Sarah was little, even though parts of her did. It was only natural that she would, after all. There was something so rewarding, about seeing the person her daughter had grown up to be.
Of course, Sarah would always be her baby, no matter how old she got. But now, she was more than her daughter, she was also her best friend.
"Mom, are you crying?" Sarah questioned when she heard her mother sniffle.
"No. Of course not. Me crying. Why would you say such a thing?" Peggy said, though more tears appeared in her eyes.
"Your secret's safe with me, Mom."
"It better be."
Sarah then chuckled and shook her head in amusement, before speaking again. "Her middle name's Margaret."
Upon hearing this, Peggy looked to meet her daughter's face once again. And the younger woman nodded, confirming this to be true. Which made her heart melt all over again.
"Darling…I," Peggy said, feeling more tears prickle in her eyes. "Oh bloody hell. You're making me cry again. Thank you so much, Sarah. I don't know what to say."
"What else is there to say? You're my mom."
"Well, thank you, Sarah. I truly am honored," Peggy said. "Now tell me, what is this little girl's first name? I assume you and Anthony have selected one."
"Ah, that," Sarah said. "Well, her name's Amanda. Amanda Margaret."
Peggy then turned her attention back to the baby and gently touched her nose with a finger. "Hello Amanda. You, my darling are late."
"I swear I didn't mean to forget my own birthday, Mom," Amanda said. As they all got off the elevator and walked into the penthouse. "It just happened."
"I believe you, sweetheart," Sarah said, trying not to laugh.
"Stop it. It's not funny."
"Come on. It's a little funny," Sarah said. "Mandy, I'm not mad."
"I know you're not, And thank you," Amanda said. As she pinched her nose bridge, before hiding her face in her hands. "Wow, I'm such an idiot."
At this, Sarah stepped forward and placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders. Which made, the young woman move her hands away from her face.
"You're not an idiot. A goof maybe. But not an idiot."
Amanda then raised her eyebrows as she tilted her head to the side at her mother's words. "Thanks Mom. I'm sorry I forgot."
Sarah then rubbed her daughter's arms, sensing how embarrassed she was feeling.
"It's okay," the sixty-six-year-old said. And then a second later, another smile appeared on her lips as she tried to hold in a laugh.
"Mom, stop laughing."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Really." Sarah then stroked her daughter's face. "Oh you are a funny one. Always have been."
"You're not going to go on about how I was eight days late, are you?" Amanda asked. "Cause Grandma is always bringing that up."
"Oh well, my mother would do that," Sarah said with a chuckle. "Speaking of your grandmother. Between you and me, I'm pretty sure your grandmother has forgotten her birthday once or twice before."
"Oh thank god," Amanda said, feeling slightly relieved upon hearing that. "And where is my sassy and very British grandmother?"
"She's at home."
"She didn't feel up to making the trip?"
"Yes and no. It's more like she didn't feel like dealing with D.C and the train," Sarah said. "But…She sends her love."
"Ah. I get that," Amanda said. Truly amused by her grandmother's reasoning. "Funny though coming from someone who used to travel the world at the drop of the hat."
"Hmm," Sarah said. "Though in fairness to my mother. She is ninety-one now."
"Yeah. And he's ninety-five."
The two women then looked over at Steve who was standing a little ways away. He hadn't said anything since the three of them had been in Tony's penthouse. As he wanted to give his daughter and granddaughter a chance to talk.
But when they looked over at him, he stared at them with a surprised expression for a minute. As he was not expecting to be roped into this conversation. But within a minute, a smile then appeared on his face as he laughed.
"Um, Mandy. I think that's a little different," Steve said.
"True, true," Amanda said, with a cheeky smile. "And you do look amazing for your age. Not that Grandma doesn't."
"She has aged well, hasn't she?" Sarah noted. And her daughter gave a nod in reply.
"So Peggy's good?" Steve questioned. Just to make sure.
"She is," Sarah assured him. As she turned around to face her father. "Just has little patience for travel nowadays. But she told me tell you, Mandy. That she looks forward to celebrating your birthday as soon as you are able to pay her a visit."
"Awesome."
"She also said how much this year, with you not being there. Reminds her of your tardiness twenty-six years ago."
At this, Amanda just stared at her mother, looking a little bemused. Which made Sarah laugh again.
"Oh Grandma. She's going to give me a bad time about this for the rest of my life, isn't she?"
"Of course," Sarah said, patting her daughter's shoulder. "So, since I'm here in all for your birthday. What would you like to do, Mandy?"
"Well, about that." Amanda said. "There might be a little problem."
"How so?"
The young woman then exchanged a glance with her grandfather before replying. "Well, we have mission to complete first, you see."
"Ah. So I do," Sarah said. "Okay, tell me about the mission. What can I do to help?"
Later on, Steve changed into his Captain America uniform while everyone else was getting prepped for the mission as well.
After he finished changing, the Captain made his way into the living room, where he knew his daughter would be sitting. And when he came into view, Sarah looked over and just stared at her father for a moment. Truly amazed by the sight in front of her.
"Sarah."
Upon hearing her father say her name, Sarah snapped out of her thoughts and a huge smile appeared on her face as she lifted herself from the couch, and made her way over to him.
"Wow."
"What?"
"It's nothing," Sarah said. "It's just, this the first time I've seen you in your Captain American uniform. That's all."
"You've seen me in uniform before. I mean, your mom must have showed you pictures?" Steve questioned.
"Oh she did," Sarah said. "Of course she did. It's just seeing it in person…is well, pretty incredible."
Steve then gave her a sheepish smile. "Thanks."
Sarah then reached out and briefly touched his chest to feel the fabric of the uniform. Still reeling from the sight of her father, dressed as the super solider the world knew him to be. Yet, for her. He was still just her dad.
"You're welcome. Hey. Come here. I do believe I haven't given you a hug since I've been here."
At this, the Captain let out a laugh. Before he wrapped his daughter in his arms, and held her tightly. "Hugs are good."
"I've missed you, Dad," Sarah said, from her place on her father's chest. As she closed her eyes so she could better enjoy the moment.
"I've missed you too," Steve said. "It really is good to see you."
"You too."
Then when they broke the hug, the two looked into each other's eyes, and gave each other equally warm smiles.
"Hey. After the mission, I was thinking maybe we can grab dinner or something to celebrate Mandy's birthday," Steve said, knowing how much his daughter must want to celebrate it. After all, she had come all this way for the occasion.
"That would be great," Sarah said. "I'm sure Amanda will like this idea."
"I'm sure she will."
"First things first. You two have a mission to complete."
"Yes we do," Steve said. "I'm sorry about that, Sarah. I'm sure you would have preferred to just spend time with Mandy and everything."
"Don't worry about it. It's really okay," Sarah said. "I'm looking forward to coming along on the mission. Seeing what you to do. Then we'll have plenty of time to celebrate, afterwards."
"Thank you," Steve said, truly relieved that she understood. As he moved to kiss her cheek. "How are you so wonderful?"
"Well, I do have amazing parents," Sarah said with a wink.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I had so much fun writing all of it. The flashback where Amanda was born was definitely my favorite part, I would say. Grandma Peggy was so emotional. Peggy and Sarah's closeness is truly amazing. Not too worry, Peggy will definitely be making an appearance again in present day soon enough.
By the way, the Agent Carter easter egg, last chapter was the song Amanda was singing when she walked in the kitchen. Good guess to the awesome reviewed who asked if it was the red door, red is Peggy's color after all.
