Chapter 14-

The days became cooler as winter showed up in the city that never sleeps. Snow was one of Emerson's favorite things to watch. Ever since she was a baby when it would snow, her mood would change from anger to happiness. It was almost like she could sense it. The older she got the more she fell in love with snow. Liam was born in a snow storm on Christmas Eve. Something most people would hate, but for Emerson it was a blessing. She had her new son in her arms and snow on the ground. The best Christmas present she could ever ask for.

It was only a couple weeks into December and not a flake of snow had fallen. Now that didn't stop Emerson from making her bakery look like a winter fairy wonderland. There was white fluff in the windows, to make the allusion of snow. While a cake made snowman was sitting on top. Next to the snowman were snowflake cookies, which none looked the same. As every snowflake looked different from the other. Something Emerson was very proud of. Inside the bakery the decorations were even more magical. Liam made paper snowflakes at school to hang up in the bakery. She had little snowman sculptures on the tables, which were changed out to light blue chair instead of the mint green.

"Emerson, uh I don't know how to say this. But Tony freaking Stark is at our counter." Noel said talking a mile a minute as she came into the kitchen. "He wants to talk to you. Is this because you are dating Captain America? Man I wish I could date a superhero."

"Noel stop talking and start frosting. I'll go see what Stark wants." Emerson said handing the younger girl the bag of frosting. Walking out into the front of the bakery she saw more then just Tony Stark but also a leggy strawberry blonde, who she assumed was Pepper Potts. "Uh hi are you looking for Steve? He's picking up Liam right now. They should be back any minute."

"We really just want to know when you two are going to come over for dinner? The whole team has been waiting for this." Pepper said smiling at the blonde. "They keep asking me about it. Well everyone but Natasha. I just assume its because she already knows you."

Raising her eyebrows, she pulled out her phone. "I've just been busy with the bakery. Wedding season and all that. But we are free this weekend."

"Now you're not. Come to the tower on Saturday at 7." Tony said taking her phone and opening her calendar. "Now you can't forget. Do you like Chinese? We are going to have stir fry."

"Sounds good. Steve and I will be there." Emerson said taking her phone back from the billionaire.

"We'll be where?" Steve asked as he and Liam walked into the bakery, not realizing that Tony and Pepper were standing beside Emerson.

Crossing his arms, Tony looked at the super soldier. "You'll be at the tower on Saturday at 7."

Turning towards the voice. Steve was surprised to see his teammate standing in his girlfriend's bakery. "Stark? What are you doing here?"

"Well we had to come see you of course." Tony said rolling his eyes. "Pepper was worried that we hadn't heard anything from you since you got back from D.C a month ago."

"Sorry we've been busy. Working on our relationship." Steve said wrapping his arm around Emerson's waist. "But of course we will be there. Will the whole team be there?"

"They all live in the tower so yes they will be there. Even Thor." Tony said looking at the couple standing in front of him. They looked too cute, it was disgusting.

"Okay we will be there Tony." Steve said with a nod of his head as he watched Tony walk behind the counter. Smiling softly at Emerson's shocked face, she was not used to Tony Stark doing what Tony Stark wanted to do.

Taking a frosted chocolate chip cookie and leaving a twenty dollar bill on the counter. "See ya Saturday. Pepper lets go. Thanks for the cookie."

Saturday came a whole lot faster for Emerson, then what she wanted. Knowing that Steve wanted her to meet his friends, she put on a brave face. He's met her's. So why wouldn't she meet his friends that he saves the world with. She just had a feeling something was going to happen and she wasn't ready for another world ending experience.

Standing in front of the full length mirror in her, well now her and Steve's bedroom, Emerson looked at her reflection. She was wearing a long sleeve black shirt dress that zipped up in the front, hitting a few inches above the knee with a buckle belt that sat on her waist. She paired the dress with knee high 3 inch black boots.

"Do you think this is too much? Or not enough?" Emerson asked looking at Steve's reflection when he stepped behind her. "I mean Pepper always looks so put together whenever I see her on the news or in pictures." Steve was wearing a nice dark blue button up shirt with a pair of dark wash jeans. When she finally convinced Steve, to wear something other then khakis it was the best day of her life. Well metaphorically.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on top of her head. Something he became quite fond of. "I think you look beautiful. Everyone is going to love just as much as I do. You could show up in your Hogwarts pajama bottoms and a baggy sweatshirt. They don't care what you look like. They just want to get to know you."

"That makes me more nervous." She said as she leaned into his arms. "Is my sister here yet?"

Nodding his head. "Yes she is. Her and Liam are already watching some animated movie with talking turtles."

"Some animated movie with talking turtles?" Emerson asked smiling as she pulled out of his arms. "We still have a lot of work."

"Whats that supposed to mean?" Steve said as he followed Emerson out into the living room.

Turning her head to the man she loves. "That we still have a lot more movies to watch."

Hearing his mom's voice, Liam got up from the his spot on the couch. "You look pretty mommy."

"Aww thank you Liam." Emerson said bending down so the two were eye level. "You be good for your Aunt Jenson."

Nodding his head, he wrapped his arms around Emerson's neck. "Okay mommy. Have fun with the Avengers."

Kissing the top of his head. "I will. I love you."

"I love you too mommy." Liam said as he moved over to hug Steve. "Can you bring me something cool from the tower?"

Laughing as he pulled the kid into a hug. "I'll try to find something."

"Awesome. I love you."

Smiling softly, he looked over at Emerson. Who was grinning ear to ear. "I love you too bud. Be good for your Aunt."

"He's always good for his Aunt Jenson. You two lovebirds have a goodnight." Jenson said as the couple began to put on their coats. "Oh and can one of you show my picture to Thor? He needs to know what he's missing out."

Shaking her head at her sister while grabbing the container of cherry pie she made for the evening. She was going to make apple, until Steve begged her to make something else. He didn't want to hear Stark make new jokes about him being Captain America and eating apple pie. "Sure sis, whatever you want."

"He has a girlfriend." Steve said wrapping Emerson's scarf around her neck.

"Still should see me. I am one hot piece of ass." Jensen said winking at Steve, who's face turned bright red.

"We're leaving. Liam take good care of your aunt, she's acting crazy tonight." Emerson said Steve opened the door for her. "Bye."

The cab ride was silent as they rode to the Stark Tower. Emerson was looking out the window, playing with her fingers. Steve had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, not saying a word knowing that she just needs to get all the played out not going to happen thoughts out of her head. The taxi pulled over to the side of the rode and Steve payed the man as Emerson finally came out of her daydream.

"You ready?" Steve asked as he opened her side of the car. Watching her nod her head, he helped her out of the cab. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise."

The two entered the building, Steve waving at the security guard sitting at the front desk before they entered the elevator.

"Welcome back Captain Rogers." A British voice said. Making Emerson turn around in circles trying to figure out where the voice came from.

"Its just JARVIS. You'll get used to him." Steve said smiling at Emerson. "JARVIS can you take us up to the dinning room?"

"Certainly. Ms. Rhodes it is nice to meet you." JARVIS said as the elevator began to move.

Looking at Steve with the confused expression on her face. "Yeah you too, JARVIS. How did he know my name?"

"Stark probably programmed you into the system so you could have clearance. Ready for this Em?" Steve asked as the elevator stopped on the floor.

Nodding her head. "How bad could it get?"

"Thats the spirit." Steve laughed as they got off the elevator. "Lets get you a glass of wine."

"Alcohol perfect. That'll calm me down." Emerson said following him taking in her surroundings. The floor plan was open, the windows gave the perfect few of the buildings around. Everything looked modern up to date. Almost the second it was out of style it would be replaced. Something she would never put past Tony Stark. There was a long table that was set for 8.

"Your here! Right on time." Tony said as the couple walked up to him and the rest of the Avengers. "Emerson, this is Thor, or Point Break. Bruce, who has breathe taking anger issues. Clint or you can call him Legolas. And you know Natasha and Pepper."

Nodding her head, Emerson took the glass of wine Steve poured her. "Yes hi. Its nice to meet you all."

"Lady Emerson how did you meet Captain Rogers?" Thor asked as he nursed his own drink.

Smiling at the memory, she looked over at Steve. "We met at the park. My son threw a baseball at his head, accidentally of course. And well things just started there. Liam loves Steve, thinks he's the best thing since I became his mother."

"Ah wit!" Thor said raising his drink to Steve. "I like this girl."

"Yeah I like her too." Steve said kissing Emerson's temple. "When is dinner?"

"Its ready, we were just waiting of you." Pepper said standing behind Tony's seat. "Everyone take a seat."

Emerson was pulled by Pepper to sit right next to her in the middle of the table so everyone could see her. Making sure she had Steve's hand in hers to secure him also sitting next to her, she sat down. Ready to take the questions from Steve's friends.

"Emerson. What kind of name is Emerson?" Clint asked as he began to pile food on his plate.

Swallowing her food, before she talked. "Oh it was my mom's maiden name. They wanted to keep it going in someway. My sisters first name is Jenson. Which was my dads mom's maiden name."

"Creative." Bruce said smiling very lightly, before adding. "But why didn't you or your sister get your mothers mom's maiden name?"

"Because Jackson is my dads name. And that would be just confusing." Emerson said while thinking if the questions stay like this then maybe tonight won't be so bad. Everyone continued to ask Emerson questions about her life. Tony wanted to make sure everything was okay after he watched Liam's father walk out of his life. Thor praised her for being a strong independent single mother. Saying she would be a good warrior. Bruce asked about her being an entrepreneur while Clint just asked what kind of bake goods she sold. Pepper tried to actually get to know the girl and that was when all hell broke lose.

"It was your idea for Steve and Peggy to dance?" The strawberry blonde asked shaking her head. "You are really something. No wonder why Steve is so in love with you."

"Steve and I kissed." Natasha said after being silent the whole night. Everyone but Emerson reacted the announcement. "How does that make you feel Emerson?"

"Really Nat?" Steve asked shocked that she would even bring up the kiss. They were on a mission and it wasn't like he really wanted to kiss her.

Turning her head towards the red head, she shrugged her shoulders. Emerson said softly. "Steve told me that it happened. You were on a mission, trying to get spotted. Not that big of a deal."

"Not a big deal, right." Natasha said as she walked out of the room.

Shaking his head, Steve stood up. "I'm going to go talk to her."

Steve found Natasha standing out on the balcony not wearing a coat, in the 30 degree weather. Standing next to the red headed assassin, he looked out into the city. The view was amazing, he had to give Tony that.

"So why did you bring up the kiss?"

"She's perfect, and I'm jealous of her." Natasha said looking over at the super soldier.

Sighing softly. "Why are you jealous?"

"Because." Groaning softly, Natasha leaned in and kissed Steve softly.

Pushing the red head away. "Natasha what was that?"

"I like you Steve. I thought you wouldn't get back together with that girl. I may have called her, but I wasn't happy about it. But it didn't matter that I called her, she was already on her way to D.C! Do you realize how horrible it was to see you two make up?" Natasha said pushing away from the ledge. "That kiss meant something to me. Did it mean nothing to you?"

"Nat."

"You know what, no I don't want to know. Go back inside and be with your perfect girlfriend." Natasha said walking back inside. Not realizing Emerson leaning against the wall.

"For a super secret agent you are really bad at noticing somebody listening in. Maybe that is why SHIELD got taken down. You guys really need to work on that." Emerson said as Natasha walked by.

The red head stopped walking and turned to face the blonde. "So you heard everything then?"

"That I did." Emerson said crossing her arms. "You know why I don't care that you and Steve kissed when he was in D.C? Why I don't get jealous easy?" Natasha nodded her head and stood toe to toe with Emerson. "We were broken up. Life happens, I mean I had a kid at 18. I'm a single mom living in New York City with a 6 year old boy. I have my own bakery, I'm not worried about my boyfriend kissing another girl while we were broken up. Being jealous just seems like a ridiculous emotion when I have all these other things to worry about."

Shaking her head. Natasha groaned loudly. "Can you just stop that."

"Stop what?" Emerson cried, seeing Steve lean against the doorframe watching the two girls.

"Being perfect. I can't hate you, when you are perfect. And I really want to hate you right now." Natasha said before she walked away.

"She's right you know." Steve said wrapping his arms around Emerson. "You are perfect."