This one is winding down, folks. We have 4 chapters or so left before we say goodbye to this little 0-8-4 and her family. Thanks for reading, and thanks for all the reviews. They really kept me motivated to keep the updates constant.

Nope, I still don't own Marvel.

After dinner that night, Natasha took Nicole to do the bedtime routine while Steve and Bucky talked. Nicole had already informed Bucky there was a baby in her mother's tummy almost as soon as he had entered the door. She definitely didn't get her mother's ability to keep a secret. If Clint and Natasha hadn't completely insisted Nicole not talk about the family for their safety, she probably would have announced their existence to the other Avengers as soon as she walked through the doors.

Dinner had actually been nice. The three adults had talked shop a little, and Natasha promised Bucky she would spend some time training him like she intended to train Sharon. If Steve didn't know better, he would think Natasha was actually looking forward to her temporary role as their trainer.

Once the two friends were alone, Bucky just shook his head. "Punk, I'm almost jealous. You did good. You've got a really nice thing going here. Being a family man suits you."

"Thanks, Bucky. I never thought I'd owe Hydra anything, but their plan kind of gave me everything I ever wanted."

"I take it you two worked out your problems."

"We did. I love her, Bucky. I'm happy," Steve replied with a smile.

"She's quite a dame."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't let her hear you call her a dame. Pregnant or not, she'd beat you up."

Bucky laughed. "So, when's the wedding?"

Steve frowned a little. "I don't think there'll be one of those. It took a lot to get this far. Things are different these days. Maybe marriage isn't as important as it was when we were growing up. As long as I have Natasha and the kids, it's enough. No reason to rock the boat."

"I got to say I'm a little surprised at you, punk. You're seriously okay with just living in sin with this dame? That's not like you," Bucky scolded.

Steve blushed a little. "Maybe I've changed with the times. I don't know, Bucky. I just know I'd rather keep things the way they are instead of risking Nat getting cold feet and pushing me away."

Steve didn't realize Natasha had finished tucking in Nicole and had heard the conversation from the bedroom door, and Natasha didn't give anything away when she joined the guys. She just took her seat beside Steve and listened to stories from the old days in Brooklyn.

After Bucky left, the two made their way to the bedroom. Steve seemed a little off, so Natasha cuddled in close and kissed him gently. Steve kissed her briefly on the lips then kissed her forehead. "I love you," he whispered into her hair, "but I'm pretty tired tonight. Mind if we just go to sleep."

"Of course not, soldier," Natasha replied. "If you need to talk, I'm here and there's no place I would rather be than beside you. I love you."

"Everything is fine, Nat. I'm just sleepy I guess. You can make an old man joke if you want."

"I think I'll pass this time. I'm too tired to think of a good one. The little traitor is sucking up all my energy. Goodnight, Steve."

Natasha could tell Steve was having trouble sleeping. Bucky had obviously gotten to him. She chided herself for not realizing her old fashioned man was probably struggling with their arrangement. She had always thought he needed the whole package with a wife, kids, and a picket fence. That's why she had worked so hard to set him up with a nice girl. How could she have thought he would be okay without a marriage certificate?

The next day, Steve was back to normal, but Natasha couldn't stop thinking about the conversation she had overheard. She really was committed to Steve, but marriage seemed like a huge step. Finally, she called Laura.

"Natasha, Clint said you were back. You scared us," Laura chided her as soon as she answered the phone.

"I did what I had to do. I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye, but I never would have gotten away without Clint."

"That would have been preferable. Did you tell Steve how you feel?"

"I told him. Actually, we are expecting another baby. I'm pregnant, Laura."

"That's a miracle. I assume you guys are going to raise the children together."

"That's the plan. I actually need some advice."

"Sure, I've been pregnant a few times. What's going on?"

Natasha took a deep breath. "How did you know you wanted to marry Clint?"

"I knew there was no one else I wanted to raise a family with. I knew I wanted to grow old with Clint. I just knew there was no one else for me. Has Steve asked you to marry him?"

"No, and I don't think he's going to ask."

"But, she want him to ask?"

"I'm not sure. I mean, I am raising a family with him. I do want to grow old with him, and he is definitely the only man I love or could ever love. But, I overheard him talking to Bucky last night. He's not asking because he doesn't think I'll say yes, and I think it's really bothering him that we won't be married when the baby arrives. With Nicole, it was different. This time, well, we made this baby together. I just don't know what to do."

"The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want to marry him or not, Natasha. Once you know that answer, the rest will come naturally."

"Thanks Laura. I'll talk to you soon. Hug the kids for me."

Since the whole team was getting together for dinner, they decided to meet in the common room. Steve and Natasha knew Nicole was too excited to keep the secret very far into the evening, so they made sure to arrive last.

Steve got everyone's attention. "Everybody, Nicole has something to tell you. Go ahead sweetheart," he added, lifting her up in the air.

"I a big sister. My baby in Mommy's tummy, but she not eat it. It grows there," Nicole announced.

"Seriously?" Tony asked.

"Yes, Mommy promised she didn't eat my baby," Nicole replied somberly.

Tony smiled. "I'm sure Mommy didn't eat your baby. I'm just surprised," Tony said, tickling the child. "So, Captain America knocked up the Black Widow. I didn't know you had it in you, Cap. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Tony, I think," Steve replied. Natasha only winked at Steve.

"Wow, that's great, guys," Sam added.

"This is a joyous celebration indeed," Thor added.

Pepper just hugged Natasha. "I'm so happy for you guys."

After the congratulations, everyone sat down to eat. "I'm guessing Red won't be going on any missions for awhile. We need to think of a new plan for controlling the Hulk," Tony said after the conversation turned to Avengers' business.

"I'm way ahead of you, Tony," Natasha replied. "I've asked Sharon to stick around. She can hold her own."

Bruce looked at Sharon. "Are you sure you want to try? It could be dangerous."

"I faced a jealous Black Widow in hand to hand combat, Dr. Banner. I think I can handle a Hulk."

Bruce smiled and nodded politely. "Call me Bruce."

Natasha noticed the exchange and smiled. She nudged Steve, and he looked at the two suddenly deep in conversation. He put his hand on Natasha's knee and squeezed.

"When the press gets wind of this, everyone will be talking about Romangers," Tony grinned. "We should call a press conference!"

"Romangers?" Steve asked.

"You don't want to know," Natasha assured him, "and, Tony, no press conference. Keeping our children out of the public eye is very important to their safety, at least until Fisk cleans house."

"Yes, yes, of course," Tony agreed. "It's probably for the best. Can you imagine the public's reaction to Captain America having not one, but two children out of wedlock. Scandalous. I'm actually kind of proud of you, Cap."

Natasha looked at Steve. He didn't look very happy. "Who said anything about having this baby out of wedlock?" she found herself saying. Steve looked her in the eyes. "Of course, we'll have to act fast if you don't want your bride as big as a house."

"Are you sure?" Steve asked softly.

"Sure I want to marry you or sure I don't want to walk down the aisle in a tent?"

"Either, both. I'm serious, Nat. Is marriage okay?"

"I don't particularly need a piece of paper to tell me I'm committed to you, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to the idea. Are you going to make me get down on one knee, soldier?"

Steve stood up from his seat at the table then kneeled in front of Natasha. "Nat, I love you. You've been my partner, my friend, the mother of my children, and you are the love of my life. Will you marry me?"

Natasha smiled. "I will." She pulled his face to hers and kissed him while the others cheered.

They headed back to their apartment after dinner. Steve was still smiling while they tucked in Nicole. "I've got to be honest. I didn't think you'd be okay with the idea of marrying me."

"I know," Natasha replied. "I heard your conversation with Bucky last night."

"Is that way you said you wanted to marry me, because if you're not sure-"

"I'm sure. I wasn't sure until Tony was talking, honestly. I do love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I just really didn't see the need for marriage, but you do. And, marriage would make you happy, right?" Steve nodded. "Well, I want you to be as happy as I am. I don't want you to feel like you're having to sacrifice who you are to be with me." She paused. "Besides, eventually, the press will get wind of our relationship. You're Captain America. You have your own Smithsonian exhibit. I think I'd much rather be remembered as the Captain's wife than as that Russian hussy who tarnished Captain America." She gave him a smirk then put her arms around him. "I think I'll like being Mrs. Rogers."

"I think I'm going to like you being Mrs. Rogers," Steve smirked before kissing her soundly, "but, for the record, you are definitely the gorgeous Russian woman who tarnished Captain America."

"Maybe we'll just keep that to ourselves," Natasha replied, before kissing him again. As he carried her to their room, Natasha realized Laura had been right. Once she knew what she wanted, things had just happened naturally. And, she wanted to marry Steve.