I just want to say to everybody how much I appreciate you all following along with this story! It's turned out to be a lengthy one, I know! I just hope you'll keep sticking with it, as you may start resenting me in the near future...
Tony stood in the middle of his new living room, complete with a twenty-foot vaulted ceiling, along side his general contractor, Craig Gibbons. "As you can see, Tony, we have a bit of finish work to do, but all in all, I'd say we'll be able to make the deadline without a problem," Craig explained, his voice echoing off the walls. It was a grand space, with large windows facing the south to look out onto the back patio and into the vast back yard, which was lined by trees along the hillside of the lot that dropped gently down to a private beach. It was a bright, sunny day, and he could see the waves of the ocean lazily licking at the shore.
Tony looked around him, admiring how the house was coming together, before turning his attention back to Craig. He and Pepper had found a smaller lot in Malibu, still on a hill above the water's edge, but much more secluded than the previous lot. This house was going to be far more private for them. A plus, he admitted, now that they'd also be raising a child. The lot had a good view of the ocean, just like the other one had, but there were also a lot of trees to create some shade. Pepper had admired it so much when the realtor had shown it to them, that he couldn't resist snatching it up for her. He wanted her to feel as at home in this house as she had in the other one, only more so. The floor plan and design they'd picked had a modern flare to it, but with Pepper's input, this one was far more on the traditional side than his previous house. There were practicalities that he'd not had in place before, such as the way the rooms were laid out now to accommodate a growing family versus a house full of party guests. Her input had been very important to him, and he felt, standing in the house now, that she would absolutely love it. It breathed their individual styles, and had interwoven them perfectly to create a place that felt very cutting edge, yet very warm and inviting. Pepper had chosen colors that were very calming and reflective of the outside environment, with light gray-blues,soft greens and beachy, sandy beiges. The whole color palette was very neutral and designed to make it feel as if the outside was coming in. The ultra-modern minimalism of the past house had been traded for an updated throwback to the vintage style of the post-war era. But instead of a traditional ranch-style house that was common during the 1950's, they'd opted for an open floor plan with an upper floor built on, for their bedroom and, now, the nursery, complete with plenty of large windows to allow as much natural light in as possible, while keeping with the sleek geometric lines that were popular during that period.
They'd lessened the square footage (also to accommodate the smaller lot), and Tony had given her the kind of kitchen he'd never thought to put into the other house, on account of that fact that he wasn't exactly a culinary wizard. This kitchen had everything in it Pepper could dream she'd ever need, and they'd both been giddy to know that she'd be cooking for him in it frequently. It was the third largest room in the house, next to the living room. Third, because the biggest room would be his, once again.
"And the shop? Did the equipment I ordered come in?" Tony asked hopefully.
Craig smiled. "Anxious for that one, aren't you?" he asked, smiling.
"Oh, you have no idea," Tony said, smiling. "You know how it is, man. You have to have your tools, right?"
The men chuckled.
"I certainly do," Craig agreed. He patted Tony on the back. "Come on. Let's at least take a peak, huh? It's just a big empty space right now, like the rest, but I have a feeling you're a lot like me. You can appreciate the bones of a house."
Tony followed behind Craig as they jogged down the stairs to the shop door. The glass access door hadn't been put in place yet, so they just walked through the still-gaping door way. As soon as he stepped inside, Tony looked around and inhaled deeply, smiling with grand satisfaction. "Ohhhh yeahh," he moaned. It was almost like he'd never left, only with a few minor modifications to the last shop he'd had. He placed his main workstation from the center of the room to the western wall, where a large plasma screen TV had been anchored. A wet bar area accompanied it, with a clear glass door refrigerator hugging the wall. To the east, was the space where, in the past, he'd have parked his many luxury automobiles and motorcycles. But now, it would be a space for he and Pepper to park, as there was a ramp leading up and outside to the driveway, like the mansion had had. But also there was a child's playroom he'd added to the space. So I can watch junior while Pepper's at work, he thought fondly. This wasn't something he'd shown her in the plans, but he'd talked to Craig about it, and they'd come up with the idea of building a room that was a kind of glass enclosure so Tony could clearly see his son or daughter playing while he worked, and know that they were safe. He'd had soft plush carpet installed in it (as apposed to the hard epoxy floors that were throughout the rest of the shop). He'd also put a crib in there, a baby swing, and even a changing table. And he couldn't wait to show it to Pepper.
"It's perfect," Tony said, taking one last look around the entire shop. He smiled in satisfaction at Craig.
"I'm glad you like it," Craig said proudly.
They headed back upstairs, and Craig extended his hand out to Tony. "I've gotta run, Tony, but I think you'll agree, things are setting up well for that Valentine's Day deadline."
"They certainly are," Tony agreed, shaking Craig's hand. "I really appreciate you pushing so hard to get it done in time, Craig. We both do."
"My pleasure," he said. "Feel free to hang around. The guys are picking up the molding, and some of the last minute fixtures we have left to install, but they'll be in here working later today. And I believe the rest of the flooring will be in this weekend. All that will be left to do next week is decorate."
"Sounds like a plan," Tony said. He bid Craig a goodbye, and Tony closed the front door. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, smiling to himself.
Slowly, he walked back into the living room from the entry way, and walked up the stairs to the master bedroom, peaking his head inside once more. He and Craig had toured the whole house, but Tony wanted to look just once more before he left. He wrapped a knuckle on the doorjamb happily before moving down the hall to the next room, which was going to be the nursery.
He stepped inside and shoved his hands in his pockets, looking around him proudly. The arched picture window on the south wall flooded the room with light, and he imagined Pepper, sitting in a rocking chair next to it, rocking their baby to sleep. He could almost hear her soft voice humming a lullaby as she rocked, gently patting the baby's back and softly kissing him or her. Tony chuckled to himself. "Wow," he whispered, amazed at how much his life, and his priorities, had changed. He walked to that south wall and leaned against it, folding his arms and gazing outside into the back yard. This was going to be his child's room. He couldn't believe it. They'd included some extra bedrooms on the lower level of the house, to be used as guest rooms right now, but he'd begun to imagine that this child would someday out grow this room,and move to one of the others. And, he found himself hoping, that with any luck, there would be another baby to put in this nursery after the first one had moved on. And after that one had grown, he would even venture to say he wouldn't mind having another one. And another. Enough to fill every bedroom in the house. He chuckled again, amazed at how he was now fantasizing about having a family versus what he used to fantasize about- cars and women. He loved the idea of he and Pepper filling up the house with children. They'd have their own little sanctuary now. A large house, to fill with love and laughter, a big yard perfect for all the raucous horseplay they and their kids could handle. But most importantly, it would be the place for he and Pepper to build a life together. "Can't wait," Tony murmured to himself, smiling, the feeling of excitement for what the future held building even more.
XxXxXxXxXx
It had been a busy day at the tech conference, so when Pepper returned to her hotel room that evening, it was all she could do to not go straight to bed. But she knew Tony would be calling, and she was anxious to hear how his meeting with their contractor had gone. She still couldn't believe that he'd arranged for them to be able to move in on Valentine's Day. She smiled at the thought of his sweet gesture. Finally, she and Tony would be able to start building their life together. Since the mansion had been destroyed, there was an uneasy sense of transition they'd both felt, like being suddenly thrust into limbo. Sure, they'd had her condo to call home during this time, but she, and Tony, she was sure, felt like it was time to close the book on that place, and start writing the next chapter of their lives. She supposed this was why Tony had planned their wedding the way he had. They both wanted to move on as quickly as possible from that place of feeling unsettled, of old habits and insecurities, and become the people they needed to become, both for themselves, and each other.
Pepper sat down heavily on the edge of the bed, and slipped off her shoes to rub her feet. These days, it seemed like her feet got more sore more quickly, and her usual stiletto heels were getting more uncomfortable each day. "Pretty soon, I'll be relegated to orthopedic shoes, if this keeps up," she said to herself, smiling. She could only figure the extra pregnancy weight she was gaining was the culprit. The added pressure on her feet was making foot fashion a difficulty. She looked down at her baby bump and patted it. "You hear that in there? I'm already making sacrifices for you," she said, smiling.
Just then, her phone rang beside her on the bed. Her screen lit up with a picture of her and Tony, and she smiled as she answered.
"I've been waiting for you to call," she said sweetly.
"Oh yeah? Have you managed to free yourself from the geek convention, yet?" Tony teased.
Pepper giggled. "I did. Just a moment ago. I'm back at the hotel, now. Your child and I were just discussing my need to give up heels in the near future. My feet are killing me."
"Uh-oh. There goes another favorite thing of yours," Tony said. "First, coffee. Now, sexy shoes. Whatever are you going to do, Potts?"
Pepper looked back down and smiled as she put a loving hand on her belly. "It's okay. You've given me a new favorite thing that replaces both of those by far," she said sweetly. She slowly shifted herself back to rest against the headboard so she could put her feet up. "So? Tell me," she said, sighing in relief. "How did your meeting with Craig go?"
"Well, Mrs. Stark," Tony purred. "Our humble abode is shaping up quite nicely. You'll love it. It's spectacular."
"Really?" Pepper said, smiling ecstatically. "Oh, I can't wait to see it! Is it everything we wanted it to be?"
"And more," Tony said, thinking specifically of the surprise he'd had waiting to show her in the basement. "And the nursery I added? I couldn't help but imagine you rocking mini-stark to sleep in there. It'll be perfect, Pep. You'll see."
Tony heard a soft sob coming from the other end. "Babe? Something wrong?" he asked, frowning. His heart suddenly stopped. "Pepper?! You're okay,right?!" he said, thinking maybe she was in pain like she was the other day.
"No, no! I'm fine, I'm just..." she said, her voice warbly from her tears. She sniffed and continued. "I'm just anxious to start our lives, you know? It seems like we've been in limbo for so long. I just want to get settled into our new house, and be normal, married people."
Tony chuckled. "Well, as normal as our lives will ever be anyway," he added.
Pepper chuckled. "Right," she said. "But you know what I mean! It's time we get to have a little peaceful happiness of our own. All I want to do is be with you, and our baby, and just..."
"Live happily ever after?" Tony offered quietly.
He heard Pepper sigh. "Exactly," she said. "And look who's going all story-book on me."
Tony chuckled softly. "I know exactly what you're saying. You know, when Craig left the house today, I went upstairs and was looking out the window of the nursery at the wind in the trees? And I started thinking about how good that place will be for us. Pepper," Tony said, pausing to form his next thought into words. "I want a life with you filled with a lot of... I don't know...love, I guess? And laughter? Sure, there will be good times and bad. But honey? I want us to look back someday and say we wouldn't change a thing, you know? After it's all said and done? And all of our kids are grown..."
"All of our kids?" Pepper said, interrupting. "Tony, I know we'd discussed the possibility of having two, but..."
"I want more," Tony said. "Pepper, I've decided I want a big family. I know we haven't discussed this yet, but this house has bedrooms to fill, baby. And I want them filled," he said, his voice breaking slightly with emotion. "With our children," he murmured, finishing.
He heard her go silent. And then he heard another sob. "Oh, Tony!" Pepper whispered. "I don't know what to say!"
Tony grinned. "Just tell me I'm not crazy for wanting this for us," he said.
Pepper laughed through her tears. "No, no!You're not crazy!" she assured. "I want that, too!"
"Really?" Tony asked excitedly. "You do?"
"Yes!" Pepper said. "What could be better?"
"Nothing in the world," Tony said, smiling.
They both chuckled happily at their new plan for the future. Tony was positively giddy that Pepper was as excited about having a big family with him as he was with her. And he could hardly wait until a week from now, when they could move in to their new house, and officially move on from the past.
"I can't wait to see you, tomorrow," Pepper said. "It feels like we've been apart for so long."
"It always does," Tony said. "But I'll be heading out first thing in the morning. I'm hoping to make it by 3:00."
"Why 3:00?" Pepper asked.
Tony scoffed. "Really, Pep? You've forgotten about our plans?" he teased. "That's check in time, sweetie. At the House on the Cliffs? Remember? Dancing the night away? Followed by our night of unbridled passion? Jesus, are the pregnancy hormones turning your brain to mush, already?"
Pepper giggled. "Okay, okay, Stark. Relax. All I was saying was that I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow night," she assured. "But I'm thrilled that you'll be here early. That means we can get ready for the Gala together."
"Or we can be late to the Gala, and find something else to do," Tony cooed suggestively. Suddenly, he broke out into song. "Reunited and it feels so good!" he crooned loudly into the phone.
Pepper laughed out loud. "You are such a goof ball," she said, giggling.
"Come on, baby. You know you can't wait to get your hands on me again," he purred.
"Or is it that you can't wait to get your hands on me," Pepper purred back. Tony moaned in approval, and they both giggled coyly.
"All I know is, if you've missed me even one iota as much as I've missed you? We'll be testing the structural integrity of that place ourselves tomorrow night," Tony replied.
Pepper giggled again. "Oh!" she suddenly gasped. "That reminds me! Bill and I heard that there has been so much rainfall in the last few days, that there have been landslides all over the bay area! Everyone was wondering if the Gala was going to be moved to a different location," she said.
"Landslides, huh?" Tony said. Suddenly, his mind flashed with images from his nightmare of Pepper being trapped under a pile of rubble. He gasped and swallowed hard. "Uh, s-so is it?" he choked out, trying to sound natural.
"So far, there's been no change in venue that we know of." she replied.
Tony closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Well, keep me posted so I know where I'm headed. And the sooner the better," he said.
"Of course," Pepper said. "I guess the amount of rain we've had up here has reached a new record for this time of year. And it's not letting up, by the looks of it."
Tony sighed. "Well, so much for enjoying our drive back," he said. "At least until we get farther south again."
"Oh, I don't know," Pepper said. "We made the best of our last few moments together as we were speeding to the airport, I might remind you."
Tony smirked. "Yes, we certainly did," he said.
"Now, who's brain is turning to mush?" Pepper teased.
Tony smiled at her teasing him, trying to push the images from his horrible dream out of his mind. He heard her yawn on the other end.
"Tired?" he asked.
"Very," she said. "But I wanted to make sure I talked to you before I turned in for the night. I'm thinking some room service for dinner, first, though."
"Good girl," Tony said. "No skipping meals. That's what I like to hear."
Pepper scoffed. "Yeah, right. Like your child would let me do that. We are in full-on baby making mode, now, Tony. My appetite is getting more voracious by the day. You won't have to worry about me forgetting to eat any more."
Tony smiled. "Well, get some food, get some rest, and tomorrow, I'll be headed your way," he promised.
"Sounds wonderful," Pepper cooed. "I can hardly wait."