Chapter 11
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(LINE BREAK)
"Yes," Peggy answers, with a grin. "Yes, I'll marry you," Peggy answers, and when she does she and Howard kiss each other.
"This ring was my mom's," Howard reveals once he and Peggy break apart, as he puts the ring on Peggy's finger. "And before that it was my grandparents," Howard explains. "I could buy a ring that costs a million times more, but there is no ring in the universe that means more; and you're the only person that I've ever even considered giving it too," Howard tells Peggy.
"It's perfect, I love you," Peggy tells Howard, smiling as while she knows Howard could have bought any ring in existence it means more to be such a sentimental one.
"I love you too," Howard responds and the two of them once more kiss.
(Line break)
First thing the next morning, before heading to SHIELD Peggy and Howard have headed to the main of the Stark residences. Walking into the house they find Jarvis and Ana having breakfast together.
"Late night?" Ana asks, with a teasing smile.
"You could say that," Peggy answers, grinning slightly.
"May I get you some breakfast?" Jarvis asks.
"No, but thanks Jarvis, we've got to get to SHIELD," Howard explains.
"Isn't Miss Carter's apartment closer to SHIELD?" Ana asks curious, wondering what is going on.
"It is," Peggy confirms. "Something happened last night and Howard and I wanted you to be the first people to know," Peggy explains.
"What is it? Is everything okay?" Jarvis asks worried, looking between Peggy and Howard, looking for signs of injuries on either of them.
"Last night I asked Peg to marry me," Howard reveals.
"And I said yes," Peggy adds, and the second she does both Ana and Jarvis get huge smiles on their faces.
"Congratulations," Ana says excited as she and Jarvis hurry over to hug their friends.
"This is incredible," Jarvis says. "I am so happy for you both," Jarvis say.
"Thanks Jarvis," Howard says.
"Thank you, Mr Jarvis, Ana," Peggy says, with a smile, glad they reacted so well as there was no question that they were going to be the first people they told as they mean so much to them.
(Line break)
A couple of hours later, while Howard is down in the science and technology division, Peggy is up in her office going through mission reports when there is a knock on her door.
"Come in," Peggy says, and once she does Daniel walks in.
"Hey Peggy, I've got the latest intelligence reports out of Moscow for you," Daniel says, as he offers files to Peggy.
"Thanks," Peggy says, as she takes the files and as she does Daniel notices the ring on her finger. "Have all the agents made their check ins?" Peggy asks curious, as she starts to flick through the files.
"Yep," Daniel confirms.
"Good, that's good," Peggy says, looking relieved. "At one there's the mission briefing about the Andres mission. I want you to run it will me. Here's the file," Peggy says handing it over.
"I'll get right on it," Daniel says, taking the file. "Nice ring," Daniel tells Peggy. "Stark finally proposed?" Daniel asks.
"Yes, last night," Peggy confirms.
"Are you happy Peggy? Do you really see yourself marrying Stark, spending your life with him?" Daniel asks, wanting to be sure, as Peggy is his closest friend.
"I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else," Peggy admits. "And yes, I am happy," Peggy confirms.
"Then I'm happy for you," Daniel assures his friend, and the two of them exchange smiles.
December 19th 1954
Ever since their engagement Peggy and Howard have been starting to put plans into place for their wedding, but with SHIELD and Stark Industries they have had other things to focus on.
As they were all well aware of what day it was Peggy and Howard have both made sure that they were home well before sunset, the first time in months that has occurred. When sunset approaches Peggy, Howard, Ana and Jarvis all make their way down to the main living room of the Stark Estate.
Without saying a word to each other the four of them just sit in front of an unlit menorah. Once they are all sitting together they each reach out and take each other's hands, Peggy and Jarvis being able to tell that it is what Ana and Howard need, and sit in silence.
In five days the four of them will be spending Christmas with the rest of their family, but for this, this night and all it represents, Peggy, Howard, Jarvis, and Ana all feel like it is best for it to be just them, and honestly that's how they want it to be.
February 5th 1955
Ever since Christmas Peggy and Howard have been extremely busy with work, and planning their wedding, but despite that fact both Peggy and Howard are aware of what day it is.
Even though she has work that she should be doing Peggy is sitting alone in her office just staring that is one of a couple that she keeps on her desk; a picture of Steve Rogers before the serum.
Under normal circumstances Peggy would realise the second someone walked in her office, but this time she doesn't realise that she is no longer alone until Howard sits down across from her, knowing exactly what she is looking at.
"Ten years," Howard says, after a few minutes. "I miss him," Howard admits.
"Me too," Peggy confirms, looking away from the picture to look at Howard.
"I keep coming up with new charts, and ideas, about where he could have landed," Howard admits. "I'm going to keep looking," Howard informs Peggy.
"I know," Peggy says, as she never doubted that. "Howard you could look for the rest of our very long lives and never find him," Peggy reminds him.
"I know. I'm still going to do it though," Howard informs Peggy.
"I know," Peggy says, glancing at the photo.
"What do you think he would think about everything that has happened? About what's going to happen next month?" Howard asks curious, his tone of voice casual, but it is clear what he is really asking.
"I think he'd be happy, because we're happy, and as our friend that's what he'd want for us," Peggy tells Howard. "And I also know that he'd be thrilled that in a month I'm marrying the love of my life," Peggy says, looking straight at Howard.
"Peg…." Howard says, amazed as while he has no doubt that Peggy loves him, compeltley, she has never called him that before; and honestly a part of him thought that that's what Steve was to Peggy.
"I loved him, and I know you did too," Peggy says. "Steve will always be my first love, but Howard you are the love of my life," Peggy assures Howard, as that is what she has come to realise in the past few years.
"And your mine," Howard assures her, and the two of them exchange loving smiles. "Do you remember the winter of 44?" Howard asks curious.
"We all got snowed in," Peggy says, with a fond smile. "We were so close to enemy lines, and yet you and Dugan insisted on starting a drinking contest," Peggy says, torn between amusement and judgement.
"And you and Steve didn't approve," Howard says fondly. "First, and only time, the other Commandoes listened to me and Dugan over you and Steve," Howard says amused, as he loved that.
"That's because they liked what you were saying more," Peggy comments. "Not that I blame them," Peggy admits.
"That was a really good couple of days," Howard comments.
"Yeah, it was," Peggy confirms and the two of them proceed to tell all different stories about Captain Steve Rogers and the time they spent together, while purposely not talking about what occurred exactly ten years earlier.
April 3th 1955
A month later the day of Peggy and Howard's wedding has come. It is a lovely spring Sunday. Even though they are having a small ceremony there was still a lot to organize especially considering Peggy and Howard have decided to keep their marriage from the public, and press, until after their wedding and honeymoon.
Even though there is still a little while until the ceremony is due to start Peggy is standing Infront of a mirror in her wedding dress; a simple, through rather expensive, dress with a sweetheart neckline that has lace on the bodice and elbow length sleeves, feeling the complete opposite of the last time she was wearing a wedding dress. As she looks into the mirror Peggy hears a knock on the door.
"Come in," Peggy says, and she turns to see Michael, in a full suit, walk in.
"You look beautiful, Peggy," Michael tells his sister, smiling at her.
"Thank you," Peggy says. "You know the last time I wore a wedding dress was the day I was told you had been killed, one of the worse days of my life," Peggy tells Michael.
"That's not today, Peg, you're not going to lose me again for a very long time," Michael assures his sister. "And I think, despite everything, the timing was good, Fred wasn't right for you, Howard is," Michael assures his sister. "I know I wasn't exactly supportive when I first found out, but I've never been so glad to be wrong. You and Howard belong together. You're partners, real partners, have such a high level of mutual respect, and anyone around you can see how much you love each other," Michael tells his sister. "It's everything I've ever wanted for you," Michael admits.
"Thank you," Peggy says, hugging her brother, as while she has never needed anyone's approval it does feel good to have her brother approve of something she knows is compeltley right.
"I love you, I'm so proud," Michael assures his sister, as he kisses her cheek.
(Line break)
A while later in the backyard of the Stark Property in New York which has the best garden, Howard is standing under a Chuppah with Jarvis by his side and a minister, while Ana, Daniel, Dugan, Morita, Gabe, Jack, Rose, Jason, Angie, Stane, Phillips, James Falsworth, Jacques Dernier, Sam Sawyer, Vanko, and Pinky Pinkerton, are all sitting on chairs, waiting for the ceremony to start.
"Are you feeling nervous Mr Stark?" Jarvis asks curious as for so long he never thought Howard Stark was ever going to get married.
"Not at all," Howard says, as he looks around, honestly as much as he likes to, and feels the necessity to, hide parts of himself Howard is glad that Peggy convinced him to have Jewish aspects to their wedding.
A couple of minutes later the music starts and everyone stands up, seconds later Peggy is walking down the aisle being escorted by Michael. The second he sees her Howard feels beyond amazed, and beyond happy.
"Hi," Peggy says to Howard, with a smile, once she gets to the chuppah.
"Hi," Howard responds, smiling back at her.
"Dearly beloved, we meet here today to witness a sacred ceremony: the union of Margret Elizabeth Carter and Howard Anthony Walter Stark. With great reverence, we come together to celebrate the love and devotion shared by these two children of God that stands before us. We are especially blessed to be joined today by family and friends. The bride and groom are honoured you could be here to participate in this important occasion," The minster says, looking around at everyone. "Over the course of their relationship Peggy and Howard have developed a strong bond based on shared values and mutual respect," The minister says, and everyone who is observing the ceremony knows how true that is. "With a solid foundation from which to grow, they have made the decision to take the oath of marriage and spend the rest of their lives together," The minister says.
"Think the minster knows how long that will really be?" Angie asks Daniel in a whisper.
"No way," Daniel responds, purposely keeping his voice as low as Angie.
"Let us revel in the joy and love on display here. May we treasure these memories as Peggy and Howard, under the eyes of God, get set to begin their new life together," The Minster says. "Who gives this Bride today?" The minster asks.
"I do," Michael says, as he kisses his sister's cheek before sitting down in the front row.
"Marriage is a venerated institution, and one deserve of deep reverence," The minster says, addressing everyone who is watching on. "Today we observe the union of Peggy and Howard in holy matrimony, a commitment they have chosen to undertake with the sincerity that it warrants," The minster says. "While marriage is a sacred and serious tradition, it is also cause for tremendous joy. Married life is full of surprises, adventures, and memory-making- all made possible by the enduring power of love," The minster says, causing Howard and Peggy to exchange looks as they know how true that is, how much their life will be more full of surprises than most. "When Peggy and Howard finalize this union they will begin a new life of partnership, one defined by shared hopes, dreams and successes," The minster says to everyone before turning to Howard and Peggy. "Peggy and Howard, as you learn to live as one, you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow," The Minster comments.
"For sure," Jack mutters.
"Spend time together doing the things that make life precious, cooperate with each other, always make time to laugh together, and never loose appreciation for the love you share," The minster says and as he does Peggy and Howard look at each other and are both thinking the same thing, 'never'. "Remember, too, to adhere to the vows that you will make today. Seek strength from each other, give hope to each other, and let your trials help you grow together. they say love can build bridges and climb mountains, and they're right. You will find that as it grows and matures overtime your love for one another will prove both fulfilling and empowering," The minister says. "Yes, there will be challenges in life, but the strength of your bond will offer you protection against life's storms. Always make your relationship a priority, and continue to nurture each other," The minster says, looking between Peggy and Howard. "Through a commitment to love, and with the power of faith, together you will be able to navigate any obstacles that come your way," the minister says. "Under the eyes of God, I solemnly bear witness to these matrimonial proceedings. I will now finalize the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day," The Minster says. "The right of marriage is an ancient institution, an important ritual that binds two people together for the rest of their days. Today, as you form this union, you're choosing to take a vow that is as sacred today as it was to your ancestors," The Minster says. "Peggy and Howard I invite you to express your sacred vows to each other. Please face each other as you declare these vows before God and in the presence of your family and friends," The minster says, and once he does Peggy and Howard turn to look at each other. "Peggy, you may start," The minster says.
"Howard, when we met I was only nineteen years old. We were in hell, and I was in my own personal hell of grief," Peggy admits. "A few days after we met you made me laugh, it was the first time I had laughed in months; even when I'm feeling my worse, you make me feel better," Peggy reveals, and Michael knows for sure what it was that caused her to stop laughing. "Over time we became friends, then teammates, then partners. When I wanted to do something extremely reckless I knew I could count on you to help, and now I know no matter what you'll always have my back," Peggy says. "It's not easy for me to talk about my feelings, but with you it's always easy. Howard, you're the person I trust the most, the person I love the most, and the person I want by myside to face whatever is to come," Peggy says.
"Howard now is the time for your promise," The minster says.
"Peg, when I met you I was amazed by you, I have been every day since, and I know I will be every day that will come," Howard says. "I don't tend to make promises, but nine years I did make one to you, and today I make another," Howard reveals, causing everyone but Peggy to be confused about the promise he made. "Peg, you are the most incredible person I've ever met, and I promise to always do my best to be the man you deserve. I promise to always love you, to always have your back, to trust you with everything I am, and everything I will ever have," Howard says. "Peg, you are my partner, my best friend, and the love of my life; whatever our lives may bring I know we'll face and get through together," Howard says.
"Peggy and Howard, please join hands," The Minster says, and they do just that. "Under the eyes of god, Margret Elizabeth Carter, do you take Howard Anthony Walter Stark to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to support him completely and love him unconditionally, so long as you both shall live?" the minster asks, and those who know the truth about how long Peggy and Howard are going to live know how big of a deal like that.
"I do," Peggy answers.
"Under the eyes of Go, Howard Anthony Walter Stark, do you take Margret Elizabeth Carter to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to support her completely and love her unconditionally, so long as you both shall live?" The Minister asks.
"I do," Howard answers.
"Very well, let us proceed," The Minster says. "It is now time to exchange the rings. The circle formed by each ring is a symbol of your love and eternal commitment to each other. May these rings remind you always of these sacred promises you've made to each other today in the company of your family and friends.
"Peggy, you will go first," The Minster says, as Peggy gets Howard's ring from Jarvis. "Please repeat after me as you place the ring on the hand of your loved one," The minster says.
"I, Margret Elizabeth Carter, give to you Howard Anthony Walter Stark this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring I thee wed," the minster says.
"I, Margret Elizabeth Carter, give to you Howard Anthony Walter Stark this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring I thee wed," Peggy repeats as she slides a simple platinum ring onto Howard's finger.
"Howard, your turn," the minister says and Howard collects Peggy's ring from Jarvis.
"I, Howard Anthony Walter Stark, give you, Margret Elizabeth Carter this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring, I thee wed," Howard says, as he slides a simple platinum ring onto Howard's finger.
"By the power vested in me, by God, and the State of New York, I pronounce you, Margret Elizabeth Carter and Howard Anthony Walter Stark as wife and husband, lawfully wedded before god," The minster says. "You may now kiss each other," The minster says and once he does Peggy and Howard kiss, causing their friends, and family to cheer, until Peggy and Howard break apart. "Ladies and Gentleman, it is with great honour that I officially present to you Mrs and Mr Carter-Stark!" the minister presents.
Even though Peggy plans to continue to go by Carter, and Howard by Stark, at SHIELD, to avoid confusion the two of them both decided that they wanted their last name to officially be Carter-Stark. Once the cheering breaks down Peggy and Howard proceed to celebrate their wedding with their friends, and family, before leaving for their six-day honeymoon.