A Rocky Start

With the nursery door open Peggy Carter could hear the cling clang of the doorbell sounding from downstairs shortly followed by Angie's voice calling out that she'd get it. She smiled warmly down at the infant she was currently dressing in a lacy navy blue dress and matching booties. They didn't normally dress Natasha in such things but today was special. Today Natasha would be officially theirs by law, so a fancy dress was in order for such a wonderful day. Later that afternoon they would change her into white satin and silk for her christening, but Peggy was partial to this dress, especially when she added the tiny red fedora Rose had brought along with some paperwork that needed Peggy's attention. Peggy had taken the holiday season off to spend with Angie, so no one at SHIELD outside of Howard and Rose knew about her new addison, not even her protege Nicholas. She would share the news soon, but for now she wanted to keep this a secret shared by just those she considered family.

"That," Peggy said as she finished dressing her daughter. "Will be Mr. Jarvis, here to pick us up and take us to the courthouse." Picking Natasha up she pressed a soft kiss to her hair and then settled her into the crook of her arm. "Are you ready for an exciting day my little darling?"

As she descended the stairs Peggy could hear the familiar voices of her girlfriend and Edwin Jarvis, as well as her godson's. Hearing Tony's voice was a pleasant surprise that made Peggy smile. It had been a few weeks since she'd seen Tony because he'd been traveling with Maria for the holidays, and she felt a sudden burst of excitement at the thought of spending time with him and introducing him to his new godsister. When she walked into the living room to join everyone Peggy could see the excitement of seeing one another mirrored in Tony's expression as his dark hazel eyes caught sight of her.

"Aunt Peggy!" Tony squealed excitedly, darting towards his godmother.

"Anthony." Jarvis called out a gentle warning upon seeing the babe in Peggy's arms.

Peggy smiled reassuringly, easily shifted Natasha to one arm before Tony collided with her legs. "It's alright Mr. Jarvis." She said gently, her free hand going down to rest on Tony's back as he pressed his tiny five year old face into her thigh. "Hello my sweet boy." The way Tony nuzzled his face into her let her know Maria must have left town again after returning him home, if she even bothered to bring him herself, which meant Tony was a bit affection starved. She rubbed his back, then ran her fingers through his hair before speaking up again. "Anthony, come sit with me. I have someone I'd like you to meet."

Tony reluctantly pulled away from his aunt and took her offered hand. He honestly didn't notice the baby in her arms until he was seated beside her on the sofa. The baby had a dress on so it must be a girl, which just further crinkled his nose.

"Anthony Stark, I'd like you to meet Natasha Carter." Peggy replied as she felt Angie slip into the seat beside her. "

"Carter?" Tony repeated. "That's your name Aunt Peggy."

Peggy smiled as she nodded. "It is, and now it's hers as well because I'm her mother."

Tony's dark hazel eyes went wide. "She's your baby?"

"She is." Peggy nodded, her eyes bright with happiness and pride.

"Aunt Angie's too?" Tony asked next, fully aware that his Aunt Peggy loved Angie the way Jarvis loved Ana. It was the kind of love he wanted to have when he was grown up.

Again Peggy nodded. "She's our daughter."

Dark hazel eyes that were once wide with surprise were now narrowed in contempt. How dare this baby come and take away his Aunt Peggy! Who did she think she was? He glared at the baby, the silly thing that just laid there in his Aunt Peggy's arms, arms that should be wrapped around him. Finally after several moments of scrutiny Tony shook his head. "No, I don't like her. Send her back."

"Send her back?" Peggy repeated, a little surprised by his response but only for a moment. Aside from Jarvis and Ana, who were restricted a bit by their professional roles with the Starks, Peggy and Angie were steady, open, and unlimited sources of affection and love for the boy. Peggy was about to try and reassure him that Natasha wouldn't change that, but Angie spoke up first.

"Hey Tony," Angie said gently from over Peggy's shoulder. "Did you know that I have four older brothers, and an older sister?" Tony's eyes went wide again and Angie smiled as she nodded. "Yeap, my Ma had six kids, and ya know what? She and my Pops, they loved each one of us so much. Ya know how?" She paused a moment as he shook his head. "When someone new comes into your life, like a new brother, or sister, or cousin, they don't take love away, they make love grow. Your Aunt Peg and me, we're not gonna love you less because we have Nattie to love too. We're just gonna have lots more love for everyone."

"Angie's right, sweetheart." Peggy reinforced. "I am always going to be your Aunt Peggy, and I am always going to love you and be there for you when you need me. And now, you'll have Nattie to love you too."

Actual surprise washed over Tony's face. "She's going to love me? Why?"

Peggy was going to maim Howard Stark one of these days. "Of course she's going to love you, Anthony. You're older than she is, she's going to look up to you, and she's going to love you because you are a marvelous person to love."

"You're her big cousin." Angie added with a nod of agreement. "She's gonna adore you, kid!"

Tony looked between his aunts for a few moments, seeing the truth of their words reflected in their eyes. He relaxed a bit and gave the baby another long look. Then he inched a little closer to his Aunt Peggy, and reached out a tentative hand. He gasped softly when the baby grabbed his finger and then he smiled. "Hi Nattie. I'm Tony."

Natasha cooed softly and Peggy smiled brightly. "See, she already loves you."

Angie chuckled softly as she watched Tony interacting with Natasha and then whispered into Peggy's ear. "I can't wait to see what kind of trouble those two get into."

"Lord have mercy on us all." Peggy chuckled.