If anyone knows how to plant seeds, it's Wanda.

"Daddy?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you think of Miss Natasha?"

"She's very nice."

"I think so too." Wanda had felt a tightening in her side when they parted ways with Natasha at the airport an hour ago. She'd developed a strong connection with the woman in a short amount of time, but that didn't make it any less real. When it was time for her to go, Wanda gave her a lengthy hug, feeling happy when she responded by hugging her back just as warmly.

"I hope we'll see you in Odessa soon," she said against Natasha's cheek.

"Count on it. I have to make a few detours before I go back home, but when I do, I'll come by for a visit and you can have to give me a tour of your house."

"I can't wait for that." A tear slid down Wanda's face as she pulled back and smiled.

Natasha kissed the girl's tear stained cheek with affection before standing up again. She walked over to where Steve stood and shook his hand warmly.

"It was wonderful meeting both of you."

"Likewise. I'm sure Wanda will be counting the days until we see you again."

"Oh, I believe that." Natasha took another long look at the girl who was now standing beside her father, holding his hand. "Well, I'd better go. I'll see you soon."

"Goodbye," Steve replied and Wanda's little chin quivered as she waved.

I feel as if I've known you all my life.

Natasha's lips curved upwards into a soft smile and then she made her way down the long walkway.

Steve knew how much his daughter had been affected by Natasha and he understood that feeling as he'd been affected too, in his heart and his head and that didn't happen often.

Something about the redhead just made him curious to know more about her. Her sassy yet gentle nature was very appealing. She had a good heart and even though she was friendly, she wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in. That was admirable, but there was another point of interest for him. Steve was gifted for his talent in artistry, but he possessed a set of experienced eyes, and he noticed things about people.

From the way Natasha sat and positioned her body in the plane seat, he suspected she was a dancer of some sort. Maybe ballerina or ballroom trained...or she could just be very athletic, works out a lot at the gym. Whatever Natasha did, it had to be something she did regularly because her legs were toned. Those gams were every artist's dream.

"I wonder if she has a boyfriend..." Wanda murmured, interrupting his chain of thoughts - and probably for the better.

Steve didn't want to give Wanda any ideas, but something about Natasha not being a free woman put a lump in his throat.

"Maybe, maybe not."

"She is really pretty, though. And smart. A lot of guys would be interested in her. Plus, she's a redhead and you like redheads."

"Where did you hear that?"

"You said it."

"Yeah, but not to you."

"Why not? Everybody has a type.."

He shook his head. "That's not the point. I don't discuss women with you, Wanda."

"How come?"

"Because."

"Because what?"

"Because I said so."

"That's not an answer, daddy."

"I'm the adult here, kiddo, so I think I know what the proper answer is."

"But you're avoiding my question."

Steve pursed his lips and glanced at his daughter. Wanda had that determined expression on her adorable face and he knew he wouldn't have any peace until he gave her a satisfying reply.

"Fine. I like redheads. I think they're cute, okay?"

"See, that wasn't so hard." Wanda patted his shoulder and he rolled his eyes. Her head turned to the window. "I can't wait to see our house. I know you've shown me pictures of it, but seeing something in person makes it more real."

"I agree. And the fact that it's a furnished house makes me anticipate it more." Not having to spend extra money had given Steve an enormous amount of relief. It was very rare that houses were sold with furnishings.

Steve's old college friend, Bucky, checked the house out two months prior and live streamed with him the entire time so he could get a reliable account of the place. Luckily, everything was in amazing shape. The former owners also had good taste as each piece of hardwood furniture was made out of cedar, and cedar was expensive.

With that knowledge, Steve sold all of the furniture in their old Brooklyn apartment except for the mattresses and a few other things that had significant value to them both. As a little gift to celebrate moving into their first real home, Steve gave Wanda a large piggy bank. As a symbol of her affection for the porcelain, she named it Phil.

"Bucky and a couple of my other college friends will be waiting for us when we arrive. They wanted to help us move in, get reacquainted with me and meet you. They thought I was crazy when I told them I'd adopted a kid."

"Why? Because you're not married?"

"No, because they know what I was like in college. Shy, skinny, insecure, always getting beat up by someone bigger. By the time I started gaining weight and growing confidence, I had already graduated and was in my middle twenties. My college friends were all in different states and we pretty much lost touch, except for Bucky."

"But you were a different person then. Now, you're an artist with a new house and daughter."

Steve smiled and reached over to ruffle Wanda's hair. "That, I am."

Natasha's card was secure in Wanda's wallet and she mentally added, And maybe I can get you a girlfriend before the end of the year.