Chapter 65
Toni looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was wrapped up in a fancy updo, with hair pulled at just the right places to give it a wispy look.
Her dress had been nearly a hundred grand, and she already had plans to have Pepper auction it off afterwards so the proceeds could go towards foundations for children that had been made orphans. Even if her dress was excessively expensive, she couldn't deny that she liked how the mermaid style meant it clung to her waist, and how her dress would trail down behind her for several yards with a ruffled design that made it look like she was floating on a cloud. The neckline was a tasteful sweetheart cut, not dipping down any more than enough to hint at her assets, but not reveal them to the world. The entire dress had diamonds sewed into it, and she sparkled every time the light hit her just right.
But it was truly her headpiece that completed her look. She was wearing her mother's veil, one that had been passed down to her from her mother and her grandmother's mother before that. Her mother had never had the chance to give it to her, not beyond mentioning that one day when Toni got married, she'd wear the veil.
She remembered trying it on as a child, and her mother would smile as she brushed Toni's hair aside. Her mother would tell her how much she loved her, and how one day she'd find someone who loved her unconditionally.
"Oh Ducky," Aunt Peggy said, as she came up behind her, "You look absolutely lovely. Maria's veil fits you well."
She smiled softly at her aunt, as she turned around, "I just wish she were here for this. And Jarvis. And maybe even Dad, just to see his face knowing I was marrying Captain America; the man he dedicated his life towards finding."
Aunt Peggy laughed light at that, "He'd most likely blow a gasket. But I believe Edwin and Maria would both be very proud to see the woman you've become. I know Daniel and I most certainly are. You've grown up to be an amazing young woman, Toni. So kind, intelligent, and beautiful. You've surrounded yourself with an amazing family. Peter is lucky to have you and Steve as his guardians."
"We're the lucky ones," she swallowed, "Peter is such a good kid, and if Steve and I getting married earlier means we can give him a home, then we'll gladly do that. And Pepper has been so incredible, pulling all of this together in just a few days."
"I know," Pepper said with a smile from where she was sitting beside her a few chairs down, at her own vanity, as she got her makeup applied. "Consider it my wedding gift to you both."
She laughed, "Of course. You've done so much, Pepper, and we both appreciate it."
Aunt Peggy smiled at them both, before turning to her daughter, "Ava, you look lovely as well," she said, as she brushed her daughter's hair out of her eyes. "I'm glad I can see both of you dressed up like this."
"Mom," Ava said, throat tightening, as Toni felt a few tears nearly spring to her own eyes.
"No, let me say this," Aunt Peggy said, sounding like she was trying not to cry as well. "I know I've missed so much of both of your lives. Especially yours Ava. I didn't get to see you or Harry grow up and turn into adults. I wasn't there for the important parts of your lives. And I'm so grateful that I get to be here with the three of you and Daniel today. I'm grateful I've been given a second chance to see my Ducky all grown up and getting married."
"Oh Mom," Harry said, as he stood from where he had been tying his tie and came up to her. Aunt Peggy gently hugged him, not wanting to ruffle any of their clothes. "We're happy you can be here too. It was a hard few years without you, but what matters is that you are here now. That we got you back in our lives, and we have you here with us now."
"You're here now," Ava echoed. "And that's what matters."
"Are all of you getting emotional without me?" Mama Rhodes said, as she re-entered the room with Rhodey behind her. Rhodey walked over to where Pepper was, as her makeup had finished being applied, and he pulled her into his arms, being careful not to mess up her makeup.
"Just a little," Toni said, trying not to cry. Not when Pepper would kill her if her makeup ran now.
"Well then let me get started in throwing out my own little anecdotes," Mama Rhodes said with a smile. "Oh Baby don't you look nice. Steve isn't going to know what to do with himself when he sees you."
"He doesn't know what to do with himself now," Rhodey said with a laugh, "I was just over there, trying to see how the guys were getting on. It's pretty much Steve pacing around anxiously, wanting to get to the ceremony already, saying he hates having to wait to be able to call you his wife, and wants to be able to see you, as you always make him feel like all is right in the world. Wilson and Barnes' have been teasing him mercilessly, but he's standing by it. He's lovesick."
She smiled at the thought; her future husband couldn't wait for her to be his wife.
"I got really lucky, didn't I?" she asked.
"Please," Rhodey snorted, "He's very much the lucky one. You're Toni Stark. Genius extraordinaire. Billionaire. Philanthropist. Daughter, niece, cousin, CEO of the largest corporation in the world. Iron Woman. And mother. You're so much to so many people, and none of us would be half the people we are today without you in our lives."
"Rhodey Bear," she said, and he gently pulled her into a hug. "This is why you're my Man of Honour."
"It's nearly time, Toni," he said as he checked his phone. "Steve and Barnes have started walking down the aisle. Aunt Peggy and Mama should head in soon with Peter."
"Where's Uncle Daniel?" she asked, looking around.
"Sorry, I'm here, Sweetheart," he said, entering the room just then. "I just wanted to make sure Peter was doing alright."
"Is he?" she asked, brows furrowing. He'd spent the day with the men, as he was a part of Steve's lineup, and she had texted him a few times, but she still wanted verbal confirmation that her child was holding up okay.
"He's just fine," Uncle Daniel reassured her. "Although it appears he and Barnes have gotten quite close. Might want to make sure James doesn't corrupt your son. I remember the stories about what he was like."
She could tell from her uncle's face he was teasing, and she felt relaxed knowing Peter was starting to feel more at ease with everything.
The group exited the room then, and she watched as her aunt and Mama Rhodes headed in together, in the place of her mother figures. While they couldn't have anyone from Steve's side, she liked to think Aunt Peggy was there for them both.
She'd tried to pair up her bridesmaids, well and bridesmen, as best as she could, with Steve's side. And as such, Ava and Peter went in first, followed by Sam and Pepper, and lastly, followed by Harry and Natasha. Both of them had insisted that it wasn't a big deal. She offered to pair up Harry and Sam, then Pepper and Natasha, but they insisted that they could at least walk down the aisle together, platonically.
She hadn't pushed too far on that.
"Good luck, Baby Girl," Rhodey said, kissing her cheek lightly, before walking into the room.
And finally, it was her turn. She heard the music queue up. Canon in D. One of the first songs her mother had taught her to play on the piano, and one she loved to listen to.
"I know you love him," Uncle Daniel told her, "So I'm not going to offer you an out to this wedding. It's clear as day to me. I must admit, when Peg told me she thought the two of you would be good together, I couldn't see it. Not because you would be bad together, but because I'll always think of you as the little girl who slept over at our house and who took apart our toaster because the heat settings weren't optimal to producing perfectly toasted bread. I'm so proud of you, Toni, and I know Steve makes you happy. And I just want you to know that I'm grateful you're allowing me the honour of walking you down the aisle. It means a lot to me to be involved in your special day like this."
"There's no one else I'd rather ask," she smiled at him, "You're family, Uncle Daniel. Even when we lost Aunt Peggy, and Jarvis passed, you were always there for me. Even when I lost myself after my parent's death. You were more of a father to me than my own ever was, and I love you. Thank you for always being there."
"You're going to make an old man cry," he said, with a watery voice. "But I think we must go in now, Darling. Or your aunt will kill us both."
She smiled, holding the bouquet of chrysanthemums, just like the ones Steve had gotten her. The doors opened, as she walked into the church where they were getting married. She may not have been religious, but she knew Steve was, and that it was important to him. And if he could compromise for her, she could do it for him.
Her eyes immediately fell to Steve, as everyone else faded away. All she could see was her fiancé at the end of the aisle, wearing a perfect fitting black suit. His hair was groomed backwards, and his face cleanly shaved.
And the smile that filled his face when he saw her made her heart race.
They reached the end of the aisle quicker than she realized, and Uncle Daniel kissed her cheek as he handed her off. She passed Rhodey her bouquet, and he took it from her gingerly. And finally, she turned to face Steve. She looked into his eyes and saw his were filled with wonder and awe. He took her hands in his, and she smiled brightly.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Antonia Natasha Stark to Steven Grant Rogers. On this day, a family is brought together, where not only will the couple will be wed, but they'll welcome a son into their home. There is nothing more beautiful than the story of a family coming together. When Toni and Steve met, they may not have gotten off on the right foot, but they quickly gained balance and found how to dance together, in time, and with rhythm," The priest said, as he looked at them both.
He was a man who had taken over the church Steve and his mother had frequented as a child, and a man who had offered Steve great comfort after waking up in this modern world with no direction or purpose.
"Love means patience, love means kindness, and love means a willingness to be there for the other regardless of what life may throw their way. And as Avengers, both have had their fair share of challenges thrown in their direction," the man said, gaining laughter from the audience.
"We will now allow the bride and groom to exchange vows that they have each prepared for the other," the priest said, handing the reins over to Steve.
"Toni," Steve started, looking at her and only her. "I've told you before that I was lost when I first was pulled out of the ice. I had no idea what to do. Everyone I had known had moved on and had lives in the time when I was gone. The world didn't stop for me. I was so lost in this new world, and it felt like I was flying blind without any bearing. Then I met you and my world was changed forever for the better. You gave me direction. You gave me a home. You gave me a family. And you gave me your heart. I promise to cherish you forever. To make sure you're never left wondering how much I love you. I'll be there for you on days when it feels like you have no one in your corner, and I'll be there through all your triumphs, as I know there will be many, many more. I promise to take care of you, to love you, to fight by your side no matter what may come our way. I'll love you even when we're old and gray and I can barely remember my own name, but I'll remember how much I care for you. I love you, Toni Stark. You're my compass, and you guide me back home."
She felt her eyes fill with tears as the fell down her face.
The priest turned to her, and she took a deep breath.
"Even with your wedding vows, you manage to be perfect," she said shakily, and he smiled at her. "When I was a kid, I never had many friends growing up. Aunt Peggy would come to visit, and I'd look forward to those days because she always brought me stories of her missions, tone down for a child, or stories of other brave people she knew. But my favourite stories were those of Steve Rogers. Not the hero America had created, but the man who held the shield. The man whose heart was so pure and brave that he would fight for strongly for what he believed in. I wanted nothing more than to be like you when I grew up. Then I did, and I met you. You were so much more than the stores. You're kind, and loving, and even when the rest of the world sees what they want to see, you see me for who I am. Even with all my masks. You're there for me when I forget to eat or sleep, and you make my house feel like a home. I love you, Steve, and I'll love you until the end of the universe."
The priest told them to exchange rings then, and Bucky pulled them out of his jacket pocket. Steve slipped hers on carefully, brushing his thumb over the ring when he was done. Her ring had been made out of some of the vibranium from his shield, having shaved off just enough to make the band. She took his hand in both of hers afterwards, and slid the metal band she'd made for him, out of the metal of her first suit. The one that had saved her and brought her onto the path of meeting him.
"You may now kiss the bride," the priest said, and Steve scooped her up into his arms. She laughed, as he pressed his lips against hers. She melted into him, feeling elated.
She was his wife, and he was her husband.
Steve Rogers and Toni Stark, together forever.
She pulled away and laughed again when she saw Bucky covering Peter's eyes, despite his protests.
Steve held his arm out to her, and she slipped one through his. She looked over at Peter then and offered her free arm to him. He linked arms with her and gave her a smile. Toni then walked down the aisle, escorted by her new husband and soon to be son.
They back to the Tower first, to meet up with her lawyers and Social Services, while the others headed there the reception. Pepper had arranged for it in their own home, wanting the reception to feel personal and it was the perfect venue, given she'd had the fifty fifth floor redone after Ultron attack in case they wanted more room for gatherings in the future.
"I'm happy for the three of you," Happy said, to them, as he drove them back home. "Steve you better treat them well. I have martial arts training and don't think I'm scared of you because you're all jacked up. Toni means so much to so many people, and I'm glad she's found happiness with you."
"Me too," Steve said, smiling at her, as he held her hand tightly. "And that we'll be welcoming Peter into our home."
Peter smiled at them both, "I don't know if I've thanked you both. But I wanted to make sure you both knew how grateful I am to you. I know you didn't have to do any of this, and it means a lot to me that you took me into your home and offered me so much. Especially since Aunt May and Uncle Ben…I just really appreciate everything."
"We know, Sweetheart," she said, wrapping an arm around him. "Today we become a family, officially."
They arrived at the Tower then, and she could see the paparazzi surrounding the building, hoping to take a picture of her and Steve. Instead, Happy drove straight into the garage and to her own private floor where all her cars were. Steve helped her out of the car, and the three of them headed inside.
They arrived on their floor a few moments later, and she could see Peter look nervous. Steve put an arm around his shoulders, and the three of them headed to her office where the lawyers and Mrs Cameron was waiting.
"I believe congratulations are in order," her attorney said with a smile. She and Steve had already signed the paperwork to legally be wed, and now all that was left were the adoption papers.
"Thank you, Bill," she grinned, "Now, is everything all set? We can proceed and sign the paperwork, correct?"
"I must admit, Ms Stark, when you first said you would like to get married within the week, I had my doubts. I wasn't sure that you'd be able to pull all of this off, but you have. I do have to say, that because the situation is still one that is new territory for all of us, there may be a few more checks and balances than usual, but assuming Peter is not put in any harm, mentally, physically, or emotionally, everything should be finalized."
She presented them both the paperwork, and she signed it carefully.
Antonia Natasha Stark-Rogers
She smiled down at her signature. Her name had gone through yesterday, and she loved the look of Steve's last name joined to hers.
She handed Steve the pen, and he filled out his own.
Steven Grant Stark-Rogers
He took his hand in hers, and Mrs Cameron signed her name authorizing the paper.
"The two of you have now legally adopted Peter Parker. He is fully in your custody at this time," she smiled at the two of them. "Congratulations Mrs and Mr Stark-Rogers. I'll leave you to it, as I know you have a lot to celebrate today."
She immediately pulled Peter into a hug, and he held her back, just as tightly.
Steve hugged them both as well, and she took comfort in having them both there with her.
"We should head down," she said with a sigh, after a moment, pulling away. "Go tell everyone the good news."
"We should," Steve nodded. He linked arms with her once more, and this time, offered his other arm to Peter. And together, the three of them went off into the reception, for the first time, a family.
Harry leaned against the bar, watching his cousin dance her new son and husband. A smile filled his face as he saw how happy she looked with them by her side. He knew she'd had a rough couple of years when she was younger. And he was grateful to see her smiling as brightly as she was now.
"She looks truly happy, doesn't she?" Natasha said as she came up beside him, with two glasses of whiskey, and handed one to him.
"She does," Harry said, taking the glass from her. "She was glowing the entire time she was at the alter. They look like a happy family."
"Do you ever wish you could have that? A family" she asked him, almost sounding wishful. Almost. She caught herself then and shook it off. "Not together. But it's hardly the kind of life we get to think about as a SHIELD agent. How Clint balances it all, I have no idea."
"Mom did," Harry said taking a sip of his whiskey. "She ran SHIELD and raised my sister and I. And Toni half the time. If she could make it work, then maybe the rest of us can too."
Natasha nodded her head over to where Ava was on the dance floor, arms wrapped around James Barnes, "That's new," she commented, and Harry scowled a bit.
He was leading her through what looked like a very simplified version of a waltz, and despite Ava's smiles, he couldn't help but feel wary.
"New indeed," Harry said, with a shake of his head, "Don't get me wrong. I'm glad she's moving on after Bruce and everything, but I can't say I like it. Did she have to choose another Avenger? Why couldn't she choose someone safer? Find a nice scientist somewhere. Someone who's smart enough to keep up with her."
"She looks happy," Natasha commented, "Perhaps that's enough for now."
"I guess," he sighed. "I just don't want her to get hurt again."
"I am sorry," she told him, turning to face him. "For what I did to you. To her. And to Bruce. It wasn't my intention to hurt either of you, and I know you said you were more bothered by my hurting of her, but that doesn't mean I owe you any less of an apology. I made a bad call, and that's not enough to justify what I did. Toni gave me a home here, something I've never really had before. And you made me feel like I truly belonged. I can't ask you to forgive me. But I want to know if we can ever move past this. Can we ever be friends again?"
"She loved Bruce," Harry swallowed, "But Bruce was the one who chose to leave. You and I didn't make him. And after Wanda got in his mind, he was always going to run. Ava told me that much. If you ever do anything that hurts her again, I can promise you that we'll be done for good. But if I've learned one thing, especially over these last few years, it's that everyone deserves a second chance."
She smiled then, and he hated the way his heart began to race when she did so. He hated how she still had such an effect on him, even after all this time. Even after everything that had happened between the two of them. But she did, and he couldn't deny it, no matter how hard he was trying to.
"Want to dance with me?" he asked her after a moment of silence. She looked surprised at that, but nodded, nonetheless. He offered her his hand and the two of them made their way onto the dance floor, surrounded by all the other couples dancing.
He slid his arm down her back, as his free hand intertwined with hers. Together, they swayed in time with the song that was playing, and he allowed himself to get lost in the music around them.
Maybe, just maybe, it wasn't too late for the two of them. That they may have been ships in the night, but that didn't mean they'd have to pass each other completely.
Maybe they could still have their moment.
