A portrait is painted.

A/N: Guys, I am soooo sorry for not updating this fic. I feel embarrassed that I haven't been active on this website in such a long span of time. I've gotten sidetracked by my social media accounts and life getting busier that I'd forgotten about posting my stories here! Hopefully, this final chapter will make it up to you and if not, don't worry. I have many other Romanogers stories that I've written in my absence and I'll be uploading them asap! Once again, you have my deepest and most sincere apologies.🙇 ️

"I think it's great that your friend is okay with you dating my dad, Miss Natasha!"

The redhead half turned, smiling at Wanda who was in the backseat. "So do I. Although, if Clint hadn't approved, that wouldn't have stopped me from agreeing to be your dad's girlfriend."

"Really? I thought he was your best friend."

"Oh, he is. But sometimes, you and your best friends don't see eye to eye and you just have to follow your heart. I knew I was doing the right thing when I told Steve yes and he does too. We're in sync that way."

"That sounds so romantic."

"I agree." Steve chimed in as he took Natasha's hand in his, squeezing it gently.

Wanda noticed the affectionate gesture and she sat in her seat, grinning like a proud mother. She hadn't been certain her little matchmaking idea would work, but boy, was she happy it did!

Both adults started talking in quiet tones and Wanda looked out the window.

Daddy seemed happier than ever now that Miss Natasha was his girlfriend. Of course, the Rogers' home would forever be full of life, but Wanda could see a difference in her Father's daily routine. He had more of a pep in his step, whistled often and he was always smiling.

He smiled many times before Natasha came into the picture, but this was a different kind of smile. It was a smile brimming with hope and life and made him appear younger. Wanda wouldn't be surprised to find out that her daddy and Miss Natasha had fallen a little bit in love with each other. And if that was the case, they'd be married in a year.

"I'll pick you up in two hours, okay?"

Wanda nodded and gave her daddy a hug. "Alright. When you bring me home, can you show me Miss Natasha's portrait?"

"Sure! Play nice with the other children." Steve nudged her playfully.

"No promises!" She laughed and waved before running towards her friends.

Once she entered the gymnastics building, Steve headed to his car and drove off. He and Natasha talked about possible places to go for their first date the whole time, and she gave him information on restaurants to avoid at all costs. Time passed quickly and soon enough, they were pulling up to the house.

Steve got out first and opened Natasha's car door. She thanked him and stepped out, holding her long green shawl more tightly around her arms. It covered the white off shoulder blouse she wore that had tiny flowers embroidered on the front. Her skirt was also white with ruffles and stopped at her calves. Brown ankle boots adorned her feet, completing her look.

No one could blame Steve for staring at her for a good minute. Only when Natasha snapped her fingers in front of him and called his name did he come out of his reverie.

"Steve, are you alright?"

"Oh! Sorry. I just...got lost for a moment."

She nodded and slipped her arm in his. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah."

They went inside and Steve led Natasha to the room at the back of the house. A cushioned stool was in front of a large easel in the middle of the room. Several containers of paintbrushes and paint were lying about and paint stained white cloth had been spread on the ground so the tile wouldn't be ruined. A few paintings were propped against the wall that were still drying.

Natasha dropped her purse in the corner and kicked off her boots. She walked over to the stool and sat down. "I'm glad you still have time to paint."

"Me too. It's very cathartic after a long day." He got his essentials together while he spoke. "Even if it's just a quick sketch, I love art. It's an important part of my life besides Wanda and you." Steve pecked her lips, then helped adjust her shawl and her posture before retreating to his easel.

"Are you ready?"

"Go ahead." She smiled, inclining her head towards him.

Natasha managed to stay very still and she observed Steve as he worked. Sometimes when his eyebrow rose, he'd make several long strokes on the canvas and hum lightly like he was trying to figure something out. It was nice seeing him in his element, enlightening even.

Steve did become distracted, though.

There'd be a brief pause when his tongue darted between his lips and from the visible sweat on his brow and the trail those blue eyes took whenever he paused, Natasha knew that he was checking her out while painting her.

I guess I picked the right blouse, she thought to herself triumphantly.

Two hours passed in the blink of an eye, but a call from Wanda's gymnastics teacher informed Steve that the girls were being treated to lunch, so he didn't need to pick her up at the regular time. With an extra hour added to their session, Steve was able to do more with the painting and he finished it. He bade Natasha to come look and she hopped off the stool, hurrying to see the completed artwork.

She gasped in surprise at what she saw. Steve had captured the fullness of her lips perfectly with a slight curve that highlighted her sensuality. The flaming red hair that framed her face was so vibrant and real, it looked as if it could come alive. Her emerald eyes were passionate and yet, soft and romantic. Her shawl had the same deep green color of her eyes, but it blended well with the white blouse, giving a soft look to the picture.

Natasha was in awe of what Steve had accomplished in such a short time. The painting already dazzled her.

"Steve...I can't believe you did this. It's so beautiful."

He felt a warm rush of pride go through his body when she said that. "I paint what I see," came his reply.

"And you really see me like that?"

"I do."

Tears pooled in Natasha's eyes and emotion overcame her. No man had ever affected her so much, and she reveled in Steve's adoration. Eager for his touch, she grabbed his shirtfront, pulling him down to give him a passionate kiss. Their lips met hard and stayed connected until they had to break apart to breathe.

Her fingers entwined with his as she said breathily, "You know how to make a girl feel wanted, Mr. Rogers."

"The feeling is mutual, Ms. Romanoff."