"Any ideas of things you would like to do?" Pepper asked me while my new family at breakfast together.

"Umm, I don't know. Whatever you want."

"Have you ever had a pedicure?"

"Pedicure? Like when they paint your toenails?"

"Yup. Interested? Afterward we can go out for lunch and do some shopping."

"Yeah, ok, that sounds like fun."

"Yeah sounds fun," Tony quipped. "Hey Pete, how about while they are out, we work in the shop?"

Peter nodded emphatically, "Sounds great, Mr. Stark."

"Why do you still call him Mr. Stark?" I asked curiously.

Peter cheeks reddened so Tony responded for him. "It's no rush, kiddo. You can use whatever name is most comfortable. Alright?"

Peter nodded but didn't make eye contact.

"I'm sorry, Peter," I apologized. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No big deal, I'm fine."

"We should get going. Ready, Jamie?" Pepper asked.

"Yeah, I'll just go get my coat."

Pepper and I were on the road after only a few minutes with Happy driving us through New York City. I tried to push back the frustration I felt when thinking about the comment I made to Peter. I know Peter feels like Tony is his dad and that Tony feels like Peter's dad, I just didn't think about how awkward it might feel for him.

"You ok, sweetheart?" Pepper's voice broke me from my reverie.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. How far away is the place?"

"We're almost there," Pepper responded, letting me dodge her original question.

Happy waited in the car while Pepper and I went inside. The boutique was quaint, narrow but long. About ten feet inside the door sat a counter with a list of the offered services hanging on a chalk board above the granite counter top. Next to the counter rested a beautiful, obviously handmade vase with elegant white orchids. Along the right side were three light pink posh leather chairs that make up the waiting area with an oversized painting of a Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom over a reflecting stream and a traditional Japanese garden bridge. We were greeted by a sweet older woman who called Pepper by her first name, Virginia. I was surprised to hear it since no one else besides Pepper's parents called her by her given name.

"And who's this?" the woman asked turning to me.

"This is my daughter, Jamie. Jamie this is Maggie. She has been doing my nails for a very long time."

"A daughter! I had no idea you had a child. So wonderful! Oh, Virginia, she's beautiful."

I smiled sensing the women's sincerity.

"Thank you," Pepper responded, smiling at me.

"So, what can I do for you ladies today?"

Pepper responded, knowing the terminology to use in a salon, "We would like deluxe spa pedicures."

"Wonderful, go ahead and pick out your colors. Your chairs will be ready when you're done."

Pepper nodded then directed me to a wall of nail polish with every conceivable color option including many with glitter.

"Well, what do you think?" Pepper commented seeing my overwhelmed expression. "We could do blues tones since it's winter or maybe purple since it's your favorite color."

"Um, purple."

Pepper looked at the section of purple polish. "Do you like these darker shades, the ones with glitter, or maybe the light purple more lilac?"

"I really like this one," I said holding up a medium shade of purple.

"Maggie also does designs, if you want. We could add a snowflake to your big toe or something like that."

"Yeah, that sounds good," I responded with a smile.

"I usually just do pink and white French tips but I think I'll get the same color as you. It's really pretty."

Pepper laid her arm on my shoulder then guided me to the back room where there are two massage chairs with basins full of water at the foot. I took off my shoes then climbed up into my chair. I watched as Pepper skillfully used the remote to start up the massage. "Roll up your pant legs then put your feet in the water." I was grateful for Pepper's instructions.

"So, what colors did you select?" Maggie asked returning with another woman who looked to be about Pepper's age, both carrying a basket of equipment.

"We both would like this color..." Pepper said handing Maggie the nail polish, "...with a little snowflake design."

"Oh, that will look amazing. How's the water temperature for you?" Maggie asked us both.

"It's fine," I responded when Pepper glanced my way.

The women set to their task alternating between soaking our feet and rubbing various lotions and scrubs on our feet and calves. I glanced over at Pepper who was clearly enjoying the massage part of the pedicure. "So, where do you go to school?" The younger woman asked.

I felt somewhat uncomfortable sharing information about myself but deemed this question innocuous enough. "I'm homeschooled."

"Wow, how do you find the time?" Maggie asked Pepper.

"Actually, most of it is online but Tony takes the lead on her science and math lessons," Pepper responded with a proud smile.

"Really! Oh, Virginia, he's quite a catch."

Pepper smiled, "I know." Pepper looked over at me, her smile warm and filled with gratitude. I could feel her love for both Tony and I, no doubt thinking about how much Tony has changed since becoming my dad.

Once the polish was dried, Pepper said, "It's a shame to cover up our cute toes but it's time to go."

I nodded, admiring the younger woman's handiwork then complied, putting my shoes back on. Pepper paid the woman and said her goodbyes. "Come back again with your mom, ok sweetheart?" Maggie said with a warm smile. I nodded then turned to follow Pepper back outside to where Happy was waiting at the car.

"You girls have fun?" Happy asked when he spotted us.

"Yeah!" I exclaimed. Pepper smiled at my reaction.

"Where to next, ladies?"

Pepper looked at me then back to Happy. "I think we're ready for lunch. I know a wonderful pizzeria not far from here."

"Thanks, Pepper, for everything," I shyly said.

"You're welcome, baby," Pepper responded, lifting my chin to look at her. "I love you so much."

I smiled feeling loved.