Chapter 25
AN: Thank you so much for the support. Hope you like this chapter.
"Howard, are you okay?" Peggy asks concerned, as she gets to Howard's side.
"Yeah, and you are too," Howard says, looking at Peggy with a look of amazement on his face.
"What do you mean?" Peggy asks confused.
"Peg, you're pregnant," Howard says, looking beyond shocked, but also amazed.
"What? I'm what?" Peggy asks shocked, needing Howard to repeat himself as she isn't sure she can believe him.
"You're pregnant," Howard repeats, with a smile. "We're going to have a baby, Tasha's going be a big sister," Howard says, grinning from ear to ear as now that he is over his shock he can just be happy.
"We're going to have a baby," Peggy repeats, smiling as she finally believes what Howard says, and the two of them kiss, both feeling beyond happy.
Having made an excuse about why they needed to leave SHIELD Peggy and Howard have travelled home as there are two people they want to tell before anyone else, including Natasha.
"Jarvis? Ana?" Howard calls as he and Peggy walk into the house.
"Mr. Carter-Stark? Mrs. Carter-Stark?" Jarvis asks, as he and Ana walk out from the kitchen.
"Is everything okay?" Ana asks, as she knows it is rare for Peggy and Howard to come home in the middle of the day.
"Peg and I just found out something," Howard explains. "We wanted to tell the two of you first, and wait a few weeks before telling anyone else," Howard explains, as that is what he and Peggy talked about on their way home, the fact that there is every chance that due to their different biology that Peggy could have a miscarriage or serious complications at any moment, and so they don't want anyone else to know until Peggy is further along.
"What is it?" Jarvis asks, as he looks between the two people he considers to be his two best friends.
"I'm pregnant," Peggy reveals, finding it strange to say the words as after the conversations she and Howard had nine years ago she figured it would never happen, looking at Ana as she speaks.
"Congratulations!" Ana says, looking thrilled before hugging Peggy and Howard.
"I'm very happy for you," Jarvis says, as Peggy, Howard, and Ana break apart, which allows him to hug Peggy and Howard. "Miss Tasha is going to be so happy, she's going to be a great big sister," Jarvis says, as he breaks apart from Peggy and Howard.
"Yeah, she is," Howard confirms.
"Like Howard said, we've decided that we're not going to tell her, or anyone else for a few weeks," Peggy explains. "With the serum being a factor it's best we wait," Peggy explains, and as she does both Ana and Jarvis realize why.
"We understand," Ana says.
"We need to get back to SHIELD. Even though we're not telling anyone else, Peg and I wanted you two to know," Howard explains.
"Thank you," Jarvis says sincerely and once he speaks Peggy and Howard leave, heading back to SHIELD.
Hours later Peggy and Howard have successful managed to spend time with their daughter without telling her that she is going to be a big sister. As Natasha is in bed Peggy and Howard are cuddling on the couch in Peggy's home office, listening to music as neither were able to concentrate on the work they have to do.
"I didn't think this was possible," Peggy admits, as she puts her hand on her stomach.
"I knew the possibility was so low that I put it out of my head," Howard admits. "When Tash came into our lives I though this was it, this was how we become parents, and DNA didn't matter. I can't imagine loving this baby more than Tasha just because we share biology," Howard admits, knowing that it is a big thing for a scientist to admit, but it's how he feels.
"Me either," Peggy admits. "They're both going to be our kids Howard, we'll love them the same," Peggy says, believing that.
"Yeah, we will," Howard confirms. "I'm going to go do research Peg. I'm going to figure out everything that could happen, whether because of the serum or any other reason, and I'm going to prepare," Howard explains.
"I don't want to know what could happen," Peggy admits. "I know you need to, that it will help you feel in control, and you need to find solutions to things that may never happen, but I don't," Peggy admits, feeling like it may actually help to know Howard knows all the possibilities that may occur. "I know this could go bad, but I don't want to plan for it," Peggy reveals. "I want to enjoy this, for as long as I can," Peggy admits.
"Okay," Howard says, kissing Peggy's head. "Peg, you know this means no field work, that's your rule," Howard points out.
"I know," Peggy admits, with a sigh. "Do you think this will effect my cell protection?" Peggy asks curious.
"I don't know," Howard admits. "That's one of the things I have to figure out," Howard explains. "I'm happy, and excited…. And terrified," Howard admits.
"Me too," Peggy confirms, and the two of them drift into silence as they sit together, both of them thinking about their family's future.
December 1st 1967
Four weeks have passed since Peggy found out she is pregnant, something which Peggy and Howard are still adjusting too, and while Ana and Jarvis are the only ones they have told they realize that, as there have been no complications so far, it is time they tell the rest of their family, starting with Natasha.
After a day at school Natasha is arriving home, in the middle of a conversation with Jarvis as she walks inside.
"Can't I just not do science and have dad teach me what I need?" Natasha asks Jarvis curious.
"I do not believe that will be possible, Miss Tasha," Jarvis informs her.
"But the teacher is sooo boring! At least Dad would make it interesting," Natasha argues.
"Miss Tasha, I believe you have had this conversation with your parents," Jarvis points out.
"Maybe," Natasha admits, with a sheepish look.
"Speaking of your parents they're waiting for you in your mother's office," Jarvis explains to Natasha. "I can take your bag if you would like," Jarvis offers.
"Thanks Jarvis," Natasha says, handing over her bag before heading to her mother's office.
Walking into her Mother's office Natasha finds both her parents, clearly waiting for her.
"Hey Tash, how was school?" Peggy asks her daughter curious.
"Not bad," Natasha answers. "I really want a new science teacher though; the one I have is really boring," Natasha admits.
"Well that's not right, science shouldn't be boring," Howard comments, with a frown. "I'll go through what you're learning with you, see if I can help you understand it," Howard explains.
"Thanks Dad," Natasha says gratefully.
"Tash, your Dad and I have to talk to you about something," Peggy explains, as she guesters to the couch, for Natasha to sit down.
"Is everything okay?" Natasha asks concerned, as she walks over to the couch, and sits down.
"We have some news, good news," Howard explains to Natasha as he and Peggy walk over and sit down in front of her.
"Tash, I'm pregnant. You're going to be a big sister," Peggy explains to her daughter, and for a few moments Howard and Peggy wait for how Natasha is going to react.
"I'm going to be a big sister," Natasha repeats, and her tone of voice make it very hard for Peggy and Howard to gage how she feels about it, but then her face breaks out into a huge smile. "I'm going to be the best big sister ever," Natasha says, with a proud look on her face.
"We're sure you will be, Kiddo," Howard informs her.
"I'm going to make sure no one hurts the baby," Natasha says, sounding determine.
"Tash, keeping your sibling safe doesn't have to be your responsibility," Peggy informs her daughter.
"I want it to be," Natasha says, and from the look on her face Peggy and Howard realize that they won't be able to talk her out of this so they decide to table the discussion for now.
"Tash, your Dad and I want you to know that just because we're having a baby doesn't mean we love you any less," Peggy assures her. "You're just as much of our child as the baby, we love you equality," Peggy assures Natasha, wanting to make it clear.
"I love you too," Natasha tells her mother, as she looks between her parents. "And I'm going to love the baby," Natasha assures her parents.
"We know, Kiddo," Howard tells her. "Tash, tonight the rest of the family are going to come over so that we can tell them," Howard explains.
"Okay," Natasha says, with a nod. "When will the baby be born?" Natasha asks curious.
"Late May or Early June," Peggy explains to her daughter.
"Cool," Natasha answers with a smile, causing Peggy and Howard to exchange looks, both feeling glad that Natasha has reacted so well to the news.
A few hours later Michael, MJ, Rose, Gabe, Stephanie, Dugan, Mortia, Lian, Melinda, William, Jack, Daniel, Janet, and Hank have all come over to the Carter-Stark Estate. As dinner isn't quite ready yet everyone is in the living room. While the adults are talking MJ, Natasha, and Stephanie are happily playing together.
"Everyone," Howard says, from near the fireplace where Peggy and Howard have purposely moved to.
"Angie, Jason, are you there?" Peggy asks, as they called their friends in LA on the speaker phone.
"Of course, English," Angie's voice answers.
"What's going on?" Dugan asks, as he can tell when something is up.
"Peg and I have some news, some good news," Howard reveals, causing everyone to look interested.
"I'm pregnant," Peggy reveals, with a grin.
"Congratulations!" Everyone yells, including Angie and Jason through the phone.
"This is incredible," Rose says, hurrying over to hug her brother and sister in law.
"This is definitely a call for celebration," Daniel says, smiling at his friends, and everyone agrees with him and so that's what they do; celebrate the fact that in a few months there is going to be another Carter-Stark.
January 11th 1968
A month has passed since Peggy and Howard told the rest of their extended family that they are going to have a baby and since then they have had an enjoyable Holiday season and banded around Gabe and Stephanie as they faced the first anniversary of their wife and mothers death.
It is late on a Thursday night and Peggy, who as of a couple of weeks ago, is now visibly pregnant, is in her SHIELD office, pacing back and forth. Hearing her office door open Peggy turns to see Howard walking into the office.
"I hate this!" Peggy tells Howard.
"I know," Howard says simply, closing the door behind him, but not walking away from the door.
"I should be out there, with them, not here!" Peggy exclaims, as she continues to pace.
"I know you're struggling with your current limits," Howard admits. "But Peg you need to trust in your team. Michael, Dugan, Jack, and Lian have this," Howard informs her.
"I've never been okay just sitting on the sidelines," Peggy says, and as she does Howard walks over to her, blocking her path so that she cannot keep pacing.
"I know," Howard once again confirms. "Peg, it's just for a few months. I know you prefer to the be the one in the middle of the action, that it's not easy for you to put other people in danger while you sit on the sidelines, but for now it's what you have to do," Howard tells her. "Trust our people, they know what they're doing," Howard explains.
"I've always maintained that I would never put an agent in a situation that I wouldn't be comfortable putting myself in, but now that's exactly what I'm doing," Peggy says to Howard, feeling guilty about that.
"It's not the same," Howard tells her. "Because I know if you could you'd be there with them," Howard says, having no doubt about that. "Peg, I can't imagine how you're feeling but what I can tell you is every time you're on a mission I worry, and wish I could be with you, but every time I remind myself that you can handle yourself, and so can our people; you just need to focus on that, as hard as it might be," Howard explains, and not trusting her words Peggy just hugs her husband, feeling incredibly grateful for him.
Six weeks later
Six weeks have passed since Peggy truly admitted that she is struggling with putting others in danger while she stays at headquarters, and ever since she has been continuing to struggle, but she keeps remembering Howard's words.
It's a Thursday afternoon and Peggy is in the SHIELD conference room with a lot of agents, listening to a science presentation by Howard and Hank.
"With the satellites in place, and the ones we are going to launch, we'll be able to use our new system for more accurate tracking. It will have future both civilian and Intelligence use," Howard explains.
"And what will it be called?" A random shield agent asks.
"GPS," Hank answers. "Global positioning System," Hank answers.
"Once we have it functioning it will be revolutionary change everything," Howard explains. "All the trackers we currently have will be obsolete," Howard says, and as he does Peggy feels something and she gasps and puts her hand on her stomach.
"Are you alight, Director Carter?" Janet asks concerned.
"I'm fine," Peggy answers, as she realizes what is going on, and so she gives Howard a look which says, 'I'm okay'. "Go ahead Director Stark, Doctor Pym," Peggy requests, and once she does Howard and Hank continue with their talk.
A little while later Howard and Hank have finished their briefing and almost everyone has left the conference room. As Janet and Hank leave the conference room, the last two to do so, Howard walks over to Peggy.
"What happened? Are you okay?" Howard asks concerned.
"I'm okay," Peggy assures him. "The baby kicked for the first time," Peggy explains. "Seems like they got excited about the new technology," Peggy explains to her husband.
"Well it is my child," Howard says, with a grin.
"Here," Peggy says, taking Howard's hand so that he can feel where she is feeling the baby kick.
"Wow," Howard says, looking amazed, and he and Peggy exchange amazed looks.
March 15th 1968
Three weeks have passed since Peggy felt the baby kick for the first time, and since then she has felt it kick a lot and the times where the kicks are the strongest have proven what Peggy suspects, that the baby likes hearing about science.
It is a Saturday evening, and after spending most of the day with Natasha, Peggy is in her home office working on some paperwork. Just as she finishes a complicated report Howard walks into the office, Peggy noticing that he looks rather proud of himself.
"Hey Peg, can you come to the lab? There's something I want to show you," Howard explains.
"Sure, you've got perfect timing, I just finished a report," Peggy says, getting up and walking to Howard. "What's going on?" Peggy asks curious, as they head towards the lab.
"Well I've been doing research, and while doing it I've learnt that there is a device that some places are using to see unborn babies, and see how they are doing," Howard explains.
"Let me guess, you've built one," Peggy says, assuming that this is the case.
"Of course," Howard says, feeling like that should be obvious.
"How experimental is it?" Peggy asks curious, as they get to the lab.
"Surprisingly not that experimental," Howard answers. "The device is an ultrasound machine and has a lot of application in other medical testing, but has only just started to be used in relation to pregnancy," Howard explains.
"Is it safe?" Peggy asks. "I know you wouldn't do anything that would risk me, or the baby, but I also know that sometimes your scientific mind clouds your judgement," Peggy explains, knowing that Howard would never intentionally risk her or one of their children.
"It's safe," Howard assures her. "Peg, not even scientific curiosity could lead me to create something to use on you that isn't safe," Howard explains, understanding why Peggy is being cautious and so he isn't insulted. "If you don't want to try using it, I understand. I just thought it would be good to see our baby, know if everything is okay," Howard admits.
"I want to give it a try," Peggy says, knowing that it will help with some of her nervousness.
"Okay," Howard confirms.
Over the next few minutes Peggy and Howard set everything up so that Howard can use the ultrasound machine which he created.
"You ready?" Howard asks curious.
"Ready," Peggy confirms, and Howard starts to use the ultrasound machine on Peggy.
"There it is," Howard says, getting an image on the screen.
"Is it okay? Is it healthy?" Peggy asks, terrified about the answer.
"Compeltley," Howard answers, smiling at Peggy, feeling relieved. "That's our baby, Peg," Howard says, smiling from ear to ear.
"That's our baby," Peggy confirms, smiling back at him, and the two of them kiss, then look at the screen in amazement.
April 17th 1968
Just over a month have passed since Peggy and Howard saw their baby for the first time, and since then they have used the ultrasound machine almost every night to see their baby; even using it to show Natasha her unborn sibling.
On Wednesday morning Peggy is basically racing through the corridors of SHIELD with Daniel, as just because she cannot be in the field doesn't mean she is not still doing a hell of a lot of work.
"Change the exit," Peggy tells Daniel. "Change it to by sea if they can't make it through air. Put both into position and go with the one that works best," Peggy says.
"Got it," Daniel confirms.
"Also, I want a full breakdown from the team who used Hank's… whatever it's called, I want to know every detail so that we can assess whether it should be rolled out further," Peggy explains, and as she does she has to stop walking as she feels rather dizzy.
"Got it," Daniel says, but because he has realized that Peggy has stopped walking, he does too. "Peggy, you okay?" Daniel asks concerned.
"I'm…." Peggy starts to say, but before she can finish her sentence she collapses.
"PEGGY," Daniel yells in terror as he moves to catch Peggy and lowers her to the ground. "SOMEONG GET MEDICAL AND DIRECTOR STARK, NOW!" Daniel yells at the people who are nearby, knowing that only Howard will be able to determine exactly what is going on.
Feeling the kind of tiredness, she hasn't felt since before she was infected with the serum Peggy opens her eyes, as everything comes back to her.
"Peg?" Howard asks, and she turns to see Howard next to her.
"The baby…" Peggy starts to say.
"Is fine, completely healthy," Howard assures her. "Peg, you've been trying to do too much, and your biology is even more different than how different it usually is because of your pregnancy, so your body is struggling," Howard explains, the worry clear in his voice.
"Where's Tash?" Peggy asks, understanding what Howard is saying, but feeling concerned for her daughter.
"With Jarvis, she's fine" Howard answers. "Peg, I know you don't like to, but you need to rest more," Howard tells his wife. "For both your sakes," Howard explains.
"I'll try," Peggy says, as she puts her hand on her stomach.
May 29th 1968
Six weeks have passed since Peggy collapsed, and ever since she has been doing her best to rest more; and take it easy; something which she has been struggling with.
As Natasha has a day off school due to a teachers training day she is with Peggy, and the two of them are at home, in the front room. While Peggy is reading files Natasha is working on homework. As she reads her files Peggy says movement outside of the window, and she knows it is not Jarvis or Ana as the body shape does not match.
"Tash, come here," Peggy tells her daughter, in a quiet, but worried, voice, and as she pulls the gun that is hidden under the couch.
"What's going on?" Natasha asks concerned as she does what her mother said and makes her way over to her.
Once Natasha is by her side Peggy stands up, and stands Infront of Natasha, just as she does the front door is broken open, and as she sees movement out of the corner of her eye, Peggy fires her gun, shooting the person who tried to attack her from the side, before quickly engaging in a hand to hand battle with the two men who broke in the front door.
Even with the complication of being heavily pregnant Peggy engages the two men in a fight. Quiet quickly the gun gets knocked out of her hand, but Peggy engages in the fight, and manages to knock both of them out, using a lamp to help. Just as the last of the men fall another comes in from the front, but he is shot by Natasha.
"Mom, are you okay?" Natasha asks worried, and as her daughter asks Peggy feels dizzy, and pain, and knows what's just about to happen.
"Tasha, get Mr. Jarvis, call your Dad," Peggy tells her daughter, in a calm voice, before collapsing.
"MOM!" Natasha yells in terror, and because she is so focused on her mother she doesn't hear the man she shot say "Hail Hydra" as he dies.