"How does it feel to have saved the world again?" she asked Steve, smiling. They sat alone together, not another person for miles. It was a piece of paradise where they were. The sandy beach beneath them was golden and the crystal blue waves gently crashed ashore.
"I could probably asked you the same thing," he replied with a small laugh before reaching to her and pressing his lips against hers.
"Sooner or later we have to go back, especially because of S.H.I.E.L.D," she said as she lay back on the towel.
"I know. But let us enjoy the time we have together," he said lying beside her. "Any news yet from Stark?" he said and she laughed.
"No, but he will be fine. Let's focus on us," she said. One month had passed since the Battle of Manhattan. Once all the small issues were out of the way, like the council, she had shoved Steve on a plane. They had come here and it was amazing being away from the real world. She and Steve had been careful to avoid any conversation that might lead to Loki. He was a looming cloud over them, and they both never wanted him to come back. Thor had said he would be punished, but this was Loki, and she had seen him at his scariest.
"I have something for you," he said, leaning up from the towel beneath him.
"Okay," she said, raising an eyebrow in doubt.
"Don't worry it is not bad or anything," he said with a grin.
"You know I barely trust anyone. Luckily for you I do trust you," she said and Steve smiled.
"That helps calm me down," he said and turned back to face her. She looked down to see a small silk bag in his hand. "Elise, you actually make me feel like a normal, regular guy. But you also make me feel like the most special guy in the world. You are incredible, intelligent and beautiful to top it off. You speak your mind and assert your strength but also are compassionate and understanding when the other person deserves it. I know you probably could do better, being Asgardian royalty, but will you," he opened the bag and tipped the contents into his hand. There was an old fashioned ring inside, a single diamond lined with smaller ones and a sapphire at the end of each line. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Elise looked shocked.
"Sorry, yes! Yes!" she said loudly. He slipped the ring onto her finger, and it fit her perfectly. "It is beautiful. I love you Steve, I love you. You are the most amazing guy I have ever met, the sweetest, the bravest and the kindest. I love you," she reached her arms tight around him.
"I love you Elise Carter. And I look forward to a lifetime together of calling you my wife," she smiled even more, though that should have been impossible.
"Together, nothing can stand in our way," he reached for her lips and pulled her to him.
"You and I forever."