Greetings, dear readers. You know the routine. Major apologies for the long wait. This chapter fought me. I wrote, deleted, and rewrote. I think I'm pretty much pleased with the final result.

Qweb: Yeah. Nick is well known for subtlety.

GabycatStark17: Thanks. Maria Hill stakes her claim!

RandominatorOwl: Thank you.

sunshineforever13: You're welcome. Thank you for reading & reviewing

a graceless heart: Glad you liked. More cuteness in store.

Jokerang: Thanks for your concern. I'm okay. Just occasionally get a little overwhelmed. I had fun with the July 4th theme to the story.

star3235: Thank you. Next chapter ready. Hope you like.

holsvick: I love this couple, too. I'm glad you think I'm doing them justice.

Ashley Pannell: Aww. Thanks. You're very kind.

The Avengers and all the familiar stuff are still not mine, the other stuff is straight from my overactive imagination. I think you can tell what's what. I'm very thankful for follows, favorites, and, most especially, reviews. Now, for your reading pleasure, on with the tale.


Evening Stroll 24

Steve and Maria were in the Tower gym, working on some hand to hand combat skills. If the holds were a little closer than usual and lasted a little longer than normal...well, they were both off duty and they were in private.

When Maria's phone rang, Steve groaned from his position on the floor, Maria straddling him. He made a half-hearted attempt to grad her as she rose smoothly and crossed over to answer it.

"Hey, Mia," she answered with a smile, glancing over at Steve. He gave her a thumbs up,, relieved that it wasn't SHIELD business.

"Hey, Maria," the teen answered. "I'm not interrupting your work or anything, am I?"

"No. I'll be going in later," Maria told her, crossing back to where Steve rested, laying her head on his stomach. Pulling her ponytail holder out, he started running his fingers through her hair. She sighed and closed her eyes. "What can I do for you?"

"Well. You know that Phil and my mom are planning to get married, right?"

"Yeah, he told me." She chewed her lip a moment. "Are you and your brother okay with that? You like Phil, don't you?"

"We're good with it," Mia assured her. "He seems alright with us being around and he makes mom really happy. Happier than dad ever did."

"He rally likes you and Max, too," the woman told her.

"He said that you're his best friend, so I guess he probably talks to you about important stuff, right?"

Maria smiled. Clearly, there was something on the girl's mind. The minds of both kids, if the whispering in the background was any indication.

"We talk about a lot of things," she replied. "Mostly work stuff, but some personal stuff, too."

"Has he said anything about...I don't know...maybe...adopting us or anything?" Mia questioned, extremely casually.

Maria sat up, causing Steve to do the same. He looked at her, concerned.

"Adopting you?" Steve raised his eyebrows. "Is that something you want him to do?"

"I don't know." Again, very casual. "It's okay either way. I mean, it's not like we were really close to our dad, so we wouldn't be hurting his memory or anything by changing our names, but we're okay with keeping it, too."

"I think that's probably something you should talk about with him and your mother," Maria cautiously advised, looking to Steve. He nodded agreement.

"It's no big deal," Mia explained. "It's just that I was looking at some phone cases in the internet and found one I liked. You can get them monogrammed at no additional charge, but I thought it would be stupid to get one with an 'R' if my name's going to be changing soon,"

Somehow, Maria had the impression that it was a little bit more than that. "Yeah. You should definitely find out before you place your order."

"I will. I just though you might know something. I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing."

"Steve and I were just working out."

"Well, you should definitely get back to that. Can't desert your guy in the middle of 'working out.'" Maria could almost hear the smirk in her voice.

"Honestly, Mia. We're practicing some hand to hand."

"If that's what you want to call it..."

"Brat."

"Bye," the girl shot back, ending the call.

"That sounded interesting," Steve commented with a grin.

Maria shook her head.

"What was that about adoption?"

She looked at him. "She was wondering if Phil has said anything about any plans to adopt her and Max after the wedding."

"I guess he hasn't?"

Maria shook her head. "Not to me. Do you think it would be out of line for me to mention it to him or to Jen? In a kind of round about way? She tried to make it sound like it really didn't matter, but I got the impression that it was actually pretty important."

"It would probably be okay it you could work it into conversation somehow." He considered a moment, then looked at her again. "What was she saying just before you hung up? When you told her that we were working out together?"

"She was acting like she thought it was a different kind of working out," she told him.

"I like the way she thinks," he commented. He carefully pushed her backwards, stretching out on top of her. He kissed her deeply, his hand resting at her waist, playing with the hem of her shirt, then sliding up underneath it to caress her warm skin.

She tangled her fingers in his hair, her tongue lazily exploring his mouth. He sighed with contentment as his lips moved down to her neck.

"You do remember where we are, don't you?" she asked, gasping as his fingers skimmed her breast.

"Together," he mumbled.

"In a workout room in Avenger's Tower where anyone could walk in."

He raised his head and looked around. "JARVIS?"

"Yes, Captain Rogers?"

"Would you please lock the door and turn off all the cameras in here?"

"Certainly, Captain."

"Thank you." He turned his attention back to Maria. "Now. Where were we?"

XXXXXXXXXX

Later that evening, Steve and Maria picked up their meals in the mess hall and looked around. Phil motioned for them to join him. The three exchanged greetings and waited while Steve said grace.

"So, Phil. How's the wedding planning going?" Maria asked casually.

He nodded and finished chewing and swallowing before answering. "Well. We got the license. Now we just have to find a date that Jen doesn't have a concert and neither of the kids has anything going on and hope that no major crisises pop up so I can be there, too."

"Kind of important."

"Yeah."

"Have you given much thought to after the wedding?" she asked.

"I suppose we'll be married."

She rolled her eyes and he grinned, then continued. "We've talked about a lot of things for after the wedding. What in particular were you curious about?"

"I assume you'll both continue to work?"

Phil nodded. "We both really enjoy what we do and we're pretty good at it."

"What about where you're going to live?"

Steve sat quietly, his gaze moving from one to the other.

"I'll probably move in to her place for now. Eventually, we'll do some looking around, find someplace with a little more space for all of us."

"What about the kids? Are you going to adopt them?"

He froze, a bite of salad halfway to his mouth. Brow knit in thought, he studied her. "I haven't really thought about it," he admitted. After thinking about it for a few minutes, he continued. "I think I'd like to. I love them and I'd be honored to give them my name, but I'd have to see how they'd feel about it. How Jen would feel about it." He turned to her again. "Why do you bring it up?"

"The matter came up in during a recent phone call. I was told it's no big deal either way, but I rather got the impression that someone was hoping I might put a bug in your ear," she told him.

"Consider me bugged," he told her. "I'm getting the impression that you feel she wouldn't be totally opposed to the idea."

"I got the impression that they would not have a problem with it," she confirmed.

Phil nodded, his mind clearly working on the situation.

She watched him for a few moments, then took a drink of her coffee. "Why now?" she asked.

"Why now what?" he asked, confused.

"Get married," she clarified. "Why did you decide to get married now? You've been dating for quite a while, so what made you decide it was time to get married?"

On her other side, Steve stilled, her question raising his hopes. She was at least willing to talk about marriage, even if she wasn't discussing it with him.

"I guess it just felt like the right thing and the right time," Phil replied. "I love her, she loves me. We just decided that we were ready to make that commitment official and legal. It's important to both of us and it's important to the kids. I think that they need to know that I'm in it for the long haul."

She nodded.

"There are practical reasons, too. Once we're married, I can add them all to my insurance, which is a whole lot better than what they've got now. Mia and Max both still have some medical issues from the crash that we'll be dealing with over the next few years. Also, they'll be allowed a little more information and will be taken care of is anything happens to me."

"Makes sense," she agreed softly, turning her attention to her plate. Phil's gaze drifted from her to the man next to her, a question clear in his eyes.

Steve gave him a small smile and a shake of the head. Phil smiled back and shot him a quick thumbs up in return.

Until Maria glared at one, then the other.

"Time to get back to work," she stated, pushing her chair back and standing up.

"Back to work," they agreed.

XXXXXXXXXX

A few days later, she had wrapped up a meeting and found herself contemplating what to to for lunch. The neighborhood looked familiar, and, after some thought, she realized that the Roth apartment was only a short distance away.

She pulled out her phone and dialed. When Jen answered, Maria started by assuring her that nothing was wrong. After determining that the cellist had the day free, she got to the point of her call.

"I'm in your area and was wondering if you might be interested in grabbing some lunch with me," she asked the other woman.

Jen laughed lightly. "Sounds good. I've got a few hours before the kids get home from school." They agreed to meet at a small local cafe.

Maria arrived first. She secured their table and ordered a coffee for herself and a white wine for Jen, per her request. When the blonde arrived, she waved and made her way over to the table. She hung her purse on the back of her chair, sat, and took a deep drink.

She sat the glass down, folded her hands on the table, and looked to the other woman. "Okay. I'm ready. Hit me with it."

Maria studied her a moment.

"Shovel talk, right? I've been expecting this."

The agent smiled. "Is it necessary?"

Jen shook her head. "I figure it's probably pretty much like the stuff Phil says about Steve."

"I can't imagine Phil saying anything negative about Steve," Maria laughed. "He's idolized Captain America since before I was born."

"True, but he's adored you on a personal level longer." She leaned forward, her gaze fixed on the brunette. "He's thrilled that the two of you are together, You're two of his favorite people. But if it came down to it, he is always going to have your back, Maria."

"And I his."

"Understood."

The two placed their orders, then returned to their conversation.

"I don't want to see Phil hurt," Maria continued, "But I really don't want to see you or your kids hurt, either. I guess I just want to be sure that you know what you're getting into."

Jen smiled. "I don't think anyone really knows what they're getting into when they get married."

"SHIELD is a highly demanding mistress. It's rough on our people, it's tough on their families, it's tough on their marriages. We have a whole lot of single people and a divorce rate even higher than the national average."

The other woman raised a questioning eyebrow. "You've done some research about that?"

Maria shrugged. "Curiosity."

"We've been dating a couple of years now, so I do understand somewhat. The high stress levels that he can't talk about. Having to suddenly take off with no explanation. Extended periods with little to no knowledge of what's going on with him or if he's even alive." She looked Maria in the eye. "If that's the price I have to pay to be with him, I'm willing to pay it."

She sat back as the server delivered their meals and waited for their approving nods before leaving.

"It's rather funny, really. My late husband, Derrick, was a master manipulator. He kept secrets. He cheated. He lied. When caught in a lie, he would tell another. Once I'd finally had enough, I swore that if I ever dated again, he would have to be completely up front and honest. Absolutely no secrets.. Then, I met Phil, and one of the first things he tells me is that his work is top secret and that his work is a bit part of his life. I was out the door so fast." She smiled softly and shook her head "But it was a whole lot harder to get him out of my mind. I kept running in to him. Then, when Max ended up in the hospital after an asthma attack, he just showed up, food in hand."

"That sounds like Phil alright."

"My point is, I'm marrying Phil because I want to be with him. I've given it a lot of thought and I know it's what I really want. I know that he loves us and he wants to be with us. He'll be there when he can, and when he can't, I can do it on my own. I have been for a long time. Even before we officially separated, Derrick wasn't around a whole lot. The most involved he was with the kids was during conception. "

"His loss," Maria commented.

"Yeah. Anyway. I'm not with him because I need someone to take care of me or my kids. I'll be glad to have him when he's there, but I'm fine on my own, too."

"I'm sure you are," Hill agreed. "Just so you know, you don't have to do it all on your own, though. SHIELD has a family assistance program. They help support the families of agents, particularly when they're on a long term or really demanding job. They provide medical, legal, financial help. Whatever they can do. Of course, if you or the kids need anything, you can always come to me. Or Nick. Or Steve. Or Pepper. Or any of the Avenger team, really."

"That's really nice of you," Jen answered, slightly choked up.

"Yup. Phil get the kids, you get SHIELD and the Avengers." She grinned. "I think he's getting the better end of the deal."

"I have to agree, but I think we're getting a pretty good deal, too. My parents are both gone. I have a brother, but he usually only shows up when he needs something. I like the idea of having some extended family for them. Especially now that Mia is getting to an age where she's less likely to want to talk to her mother about things. I'm glad she's going to have some strong women around that, hopefully, she'll be able to go to."

"I'm certainly not someone to offer advice to her, Jen. I was in such a different place when I was her age," the deputy director protested. "I would probably end up making things worse."

"I think that most of the time, she just needs someone to listen," her mother said. "Someone to bounce things off of. Someone who knows when to tell her to ask her parents about things."

Maria looked at her sharply.

"We discussed the topic of adoption over dinner last night."

"Good. I hope it went well?"

"It did. There are some details to iron out, but I think we'll probably end up doing it."

"That's great. And the wedding plans? Phil said you had the lisence and were just trying to nail down a date."

Jen nodded. "It would kind of have to be a weekday, since we'll be doing it at the courthouse, but that makes things a little more complicated for our friends who work regular hours."

"Are you set on the courthouse?"

She shrugged. "Neither one of us belongs to a church and the other venues that I know of that would be the right size are booked for quite a while. Then there's the matter of someone to officiate. We just figured that a JP would be easiest."

Maria considered a moment. "You could probably have the ceremony at the Tower. There's more than enough room and I'm sure no one would mind. And the chaplain from the base could probably perform the ceremony. If he can't, I'm sure Nick or Stark could find a judge who would work with you."

"You know, that just might work. Really well, in fact."

"Do you want to go over and have a look? See what you think?" Maria asked.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt."

The two grabbed a cab to the tower while Jen called Phil to discuss the idea with him. Like her, he thought it a good one and offered to meet them there. When the trio stepped off the elevator into the common area, the bumped into Pepper.

"We were thinking about having our wedding here," Phil told her. "If that would be okay with you?"

"That's a wonderful idea," she replied, hugging them both. "Of course, it's not up to me. The Tower is the property of the Avengers team, but I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with it." She led them over to the seating area and had JARVIS pull up the Tower schematics to show them the various options available, depending on number of guests, time of day, formality. If they wanted something indoors or outdoors.

"Oh, and we'll need to get you moved into a larger apartment, too, Phil," she added.

Jen looked at Phil, then started to speak. Pepper held up her hand.

"I'm not saying that you have to live here. Though you can if you want to. The whole team has living space here, but I think that everyone has places elsewhere, too. This is just another option. When Phil is here working on a project or something, you can stay here and get to have dinner with him or spend a little time with him. The kids can stay here if the two of you need some time to yourselves. Then, there are..." she glanced at Phil. "Other issues."

"Safety," Phil completed her thought. "In case of another major incident, this is probably about the safest place in the city."

"Wasn't it pretty much destroyed a during the invasion?"

"It's been completely rebuilt since then," Pepper told her. "Lots of new safety features."

"Plus, there are the other risks we talked about," Phil reminded her. "I like the idea of you having someplace safe to go if someone were to try to get to me through you."

He looked at her. "It's a possibility."

She took a deep breath, then nodded. "I know. We know. We accept that."

Maria said her goodbyes and headed out, leaving the trio to sort out plans.

XXXXXXXXXX

A week later, Maria found herself in the new Coulson family quarters, dressing with Mia and Jen. Jen's dress was a tea length ivory v-neck dress with a lace overlay and cap sleeves. Mia and Maria both wore peach dresses, similar in style, though simpler.

There was a light tap on the door. Mia opened it to find Steve waiting in the corridor. "Steve's here!" she hollered, inviting him in. Maria and Jen came in from the bedroom.

"Hi," Maria said.

"Hi," Steve answered, gazing at her.

Mia and Jen watched them for several moments, then smiled at each other. Finally, Jen cleared her throat.

"Did you need something, Steve?"

"Huh?"

He finally tore his gaze away from Maria. "Oh. Yeah. Phil just asked me to check in and make sure that everything's okay."

"I think we're just fine," Jen told him. "How's he doing?"

"A little nervous, I think," Steve admitted.

"I should probably go check on him," Maria commented. "Isn't that part of the best man's job?"

Jen came over and embraced her.. "Thanks for your help, Maria."

"You're welcome. We'll see you shortly."

"Nick or I will bring Max down when it's time for him to walk you down the aisle," Steve told her.

She nodded her thanks again as the two exited, heading for the room where Phil was dressing.

Steve took her hand, threading his fingers through hers as he turned his head to smile at her.

"You may be in some trouble, sweetheart."

Her look was questioning.

"I don't think you're supposed to outshine the bride on her wedding day," he explained.

She laughed, wrapping her free hand around his arm as she leaned close. "I think you might find a number of people here who will disagree with you."

"That's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No matter how wrong it might be," he told her stopping to wrap his arms around her. He lowered his lips to hers, stopping just short. "I don't want to mess up your makeup. Not that you need it."

Instead of answering, she reached up, pulling his head down to her. The kiss was deep and satisfying and when they parted, she studied his face, rubbing her thumb over his lower lip.

"No smudge lipstick is one of the wonders of the modern world," she told him.

Sharing another smile, they contiunued to the groom's dressing area. Steve tapped on the closed door.

"Everyone decent?" he querried.

Maria rolled her eyes. "It's not like I haven't seen Phil..." She stopped when Steve turned to her, eyes wide and brow lifted. "Not completely dressed."

"Come in," Phil called.

Steve opened the door and followed Maria into the room. Nick was helping Max with his bowtie while Phil studied his shirt front.

"I can't believe this. They put an extra button at the bottom of this shirt."

Maria laughed as she crossed over to him. "That's okay, though, because they put an extra button hole at the top." She fingered the empty button hole at his collar.

He sighed and started to undo the buttons. "Stupid tiny buttons and stupid tiny button holes."

"You couldn't help him out, Nick?" she asked, stepping close. She slapped his hands away and took over getting everything properly lined up.

"That's the best man's job," the Director replied. "Besides, I've been busy with the bride's escort," He straightened the boy's lapels and stood up. "And now that you're finally here, I'm thinking about a raid on the kitchen to check out the appetizers. Care to accompany me, Junior Agent Max?"

"Yes, sir," the boy nodded vigorously,

"Capaain Rogers?"

"Do we have any intel?" Steve asked seriously.

Nick leaned towards him. "Rumor is that they have lobster puffs and some kind of bacon and cheese wrap thing."

"Sounds like a worthy mission. Count me in," Steve told them.

Nick moved towards the door. He opened it and peered out into the hallway. Finding it clear, he pulled his head back in. "I'll go first. Count to 5, then you follow, Max. Another 5 count, then Captain Rogers can bring up the rear. Are we clear?"

His team nodded. Without another word, he peered out, then slipped silently out into the hallway Steve watched Max as he counted down, then, with a nod, followed. Steve started counting, He stepped over to Maria for a quick kiss, then joined the others.

Maria laughed, shaking her head as she finished the buttons on the groom's shirt, then picked up his tie. "You want to tuck it in or do you need me to?"

He glared at her, turned his back and quickly did so. When he turned back, she draped his tie around his neck and expertly tied it into a perfect bow.

"Mia and Jen are alright?" he asked, watching as she affixed his cufflinks.

"They're fine. Excited. Beautiful," she assure him.

He smiled broadly, studying her.

"You look pretty great yourself." She smiled her thanks. "You'll be a beatiful bride, too, when the time comes." He watched, waiting for her reaction.

She said nothing, just looked at his chest as she smoothed his jacket.

"I know you've talked about it. The tension when I mentioned getting married. The questions the other night at dinner."

"Yeah. We've talked."

"He wants to, you don't?"

"Yeah...No, not really...sort of...I'm not sure...It's complicated.."

"Is he trying to pressure you?" he asked, lifting her chin so he could look her in the eye. "Do I need to have a talk with him?"

"No," she assured him. "No need for that. He's being very patient. I told him that I need to think about it and he said he'd wait."

Phil took her hand and led her over to a sofa where they both sat down.

"What's the problem?"

"It's not the bride part that worries me. It's the wife part. I have no idea how a marriage is supposed to work. What is a wife supposed to do? What if I mess up?

"What your marriage is supposed to be is up to you and Steve. A marriage is as unique as the people who make it. And you, my friend, will absolutely rock whatever you put your mind to," he told her.

"Maybe. I suppose." She sighed in frustration. "I'm honestly not sure what my problem is. I'm almost sure I want to say yes. I'm so close to saying yes. But everytime I try to, the words just seem to stick in my throat. Something just won't let me say it. Some piece of the puzzle that's missing or something. Everyone says that they just knew when the time was right."

"And you're just not feeling that," Phil stated.

"I'm not feeling that," she confirmed.

"Then you wait until you do," he said simply.

There was a knock at the door and Steve stepped into the room. "Mission accomplished," he told them, holding out a napkin. He unfolded it, revealing an assortment of small appetizers.

"My hero," Maria declared, fluttering her lashes at him as she popped one in her mouth. She offered one to Phil, who shook his head. Instead, she slipped it into Steve's mouth.

Finally, the Captain looked to the other man. "You about ready? Nick is taking Max down to get Jen."

There was another knock on the door and Natasha entered. "We ready?"

Phil nodded. "Ready."

"Then I'll let the chaplain know and get everyone in their seats."

"Thanks, Nat."

She responded by wrapping her arms tightly around him for several moments, then stretched up to kiss him on the cheek.

"Anything for you, Phil." She turned to Maria. "You have the ring?"

Maria held up a small silk bag, nodding.

Steve and Natasha headed back to the ballroom while Maria gave the groom one final check.

"Good enough?" he asked.

"More than," she confirmed.

He grabbed her in a bear hug. "I'm so glad you're here to share this with me." he told her.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

She threaded her arm through his and together they walked down to the common area where the ceremony was being held. The chaplain smiled at them as they took their place in front of him.

When Phil has approached him about performing the ceremony, he had responded positively. As much as he felt called to what he did, sometimes the hospital visits, condolence calls, funerals, and memorial services got a little overwhelming. A wedding would make a nice change of pace.

Maria looked out over the crowd, her gaze lingering for a moment on each couple. Nick and Charlotte were on the front row. He draped an arm around her shoulder and leaned close as he said something that made her laugh. Next to them, Clint and Natasha smiled encouragement towards Phil. On the next row, Bruce and Betty held hands, whispering quietly to each other. Thor fiddled uncomfortably with his collar as Jane tried to still his hands. Tony sat next to an empty chair, waiting for Pepper to join him after making sure the bridal party was ready.

And Steve. Sitting next to Charlotte. His eyes on her. Smiling.

She couldn't help but smile back.

Pepper entered from the back of the room and slid into her seat next to Tony. She nodded to the chaplain, who, in turn, nodded to string quartet, who shifted to a light, airy piece.

Everyone turned as Mia entered the room. With a shy smile, she took a deep breath, tucked her hair behind her ear, and started down the aisle. When she reached the front, Phil wrapped her in a hug.

"You looke beautiful," he told her.

"Wait until you see mom," she replied.

She took her place and the music shifted to the classic wedding march. The guests rose to their feet as Max escorted his mother down the aisle.

His expression was serious as he concentrated on keeping his steps in time to the music. On his arm, Jen absolutely glowed. The ivory of her dress set off her porcelain complexion. He blonde hair was twisted into a loose chignon.

Maria looked back and forth between her and Phil, trying to decide whose smile was bigger.

At the end of the aisle, Max nodded, satisfied with himself.

"Who gives this woman?" the chaplain asked.

"I do. Max Roth. Her son," the boy stated clearly. "And my sister. Mia Roth. That's her there," he added, pointing.

Amid muffled laughter from the guests, he placed her hand in Phil's, then stepped over to stand next to his sister. She rolled her eyes, then hugged him.

Maria felt Steve's eyes on her as Jen and Phil exchanged their vows. She glanced at him, knowing that he was imagining the two of them.

At the proper time, she handed Phil a gold band and he slipped it onto Jen's finger. She did the same. After, he looked over to the two children standing behind her.

"Mia? Max?" He held out his hands. They joined him, each taking one of his hands. "You heard the promises I made to your mother."

They both nodded.

"I'm making those same promises to you. Today, we are a family. Mentally. Emotionally. Legally."

Their eyes went wide and they turned to their mother for confirmation. She nodded with a smile, taking their hands so that the new family formed a circle.

Maria glanced over at Nick who was looking quite satisfied with himself. The two top SHIELD officials, with a little help from the Starks, had managed to pull a few strings and get the adoption pushed through quickly.

"You are mine. We don't share blood, but I've discovered over the years that there is more to family than blood." He allowed his gaze to wander the crowd, lingering on Clint and Nat, Nick and Charlotte, then turning his head to include Maria.

"I promise I will always love you and do my best to protect you, provide for you, and support you. We'll probably have our share of problems. We'll disagree. We'll argue. But I am fully committed to this family. To all of you. And very proud to be a part of you."

There were more than a few sniffles among the guests as both kids hugged their new father.

When they finally separated, then chaplain cleared his throat.

"I now pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss your bride." After he did so, the other man continued. "May I present, Philip, Jennifer, Mia, and Max Coulson."

Guests rose to their feet as the family made their way back down the aisle.

After toasts, dinner, and cake, people began to move out onto the deck for dancing. As the evening wound down, the Coulsons left for a week at the Stark's beach house. Guests began to take their leave. Maria relaxed, content in Steve's embrace as they swayed together on the dance floor.

She took a deep breath and looked up at him. He had been so patient with her. Surely she could give him the answer he was waiting for. After all, she was almost sure.

When she started to speak, he placed a finger over her lips and shook his head.

"No, Maria. Not tonight."

"Why not?"

"You remember how you didn't want to tell me you loved me when you were drunk?"

"Buzzed," she corrected.

"Buzzed," he acknowledged with a grin. "You didn't want to say it then because you wanted me to know that you really meant it?"

She nodded.

"Today has been about romance and marriage and everyone is caught up in the emotion of the event. I don't want you to accept my proposal with all that running through your system."

"I suppose."

"Like I told you, take all the time you need, I don't think you're completely ready, and I'll wait until you are. No pressure."

She let out the breath she had been holding.

"You're right. I don't know why, but I'm just not ready."

"So we wait until you are."

"You're amazing, Steve Rogers," she told him, leaning close and wrapping her arms around him.

"Then, we make a great pair," he replied, kissing the top of her head.

"Indeed, we do."


And that wraps up chapter 24. Thank you so much for spending your valuable time on my flight of fancy. I'd would love to know what you thought. Your feedback inspires me more than you could possibly know.

I've basically got the next chapter prewritten in my head, so hopefully, it won't be quite so long before I get it posted. I think I'll be working on my HIMYM story next, a couple of one-shot ideas bouncing around, pretty good idea for the next chapters of Complications and Risks, vague idea on Courtship. So many ideas, so little time.

Your patience is greatly appreciated. Whatever you're reading, I haven't given up on anything yet, so there should be something more in the near future. :)