A/N: Enjoy this weeks chapter. Some light fluff to get you through the week ahead. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, Disney, or the Avengers. Just Mia.
It was later that week that I took the pregnancy test. It was negative, much to my disappointment. Steve was obviously upset, but chose to comfort me instead of showing his own emotions. Later that day I hugged him and he sank into me, needing the comfort.
"We can try for 6 months after the wedding," I offered. He brightened up considerably with that.
"I would like that," He said, hugging me tightly to his chest. I smiled as Athena rubbed up against our legs like a cat.
"Now, we can definitely practice in the meantime," I said, snuggling in further. He laughed, as the elevator sounded.
"Okay lovebirds, we have one task today. And Steve can't be present for it," Gwen said, marching over to drag me away from my soldier.
"Oh no no no," I moaned.
"The girls are all in the car, and Tony insisted on coming." She said, throwing me my purse.
"Not today, please. My heart isn't in it." I said as Steve and Sam greeted each other, glancing at us in confusion.
"Just because one good thing didn't happen today, doesn't mean we can't celebrate the upcoming good things." She argued. Sighing my discontent loudly, she pushed me towards the elevator.
"Bye boys! Take Bucky to Coney for a couple hours, and take Athena too!" I said as Bucky came out of the elevator.
"Athena, we are no more than pets to those two," Bucky huffed sarcastically to the dog. She just wagged her tail and jumped up to tackle him. He was groaning as she licked his face. They had bonded, and now he was always asking to take her running.
I rolled my eyes playfully at Steve who kissed my cheek as I passed him.
"Have fun dress shopping," He said, casually. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I'm gonna get you for this," I said, pointing at him as the doors to the elevator closed.
"Okay, so we have Kleinfeld's first, and afterwards we are stopping along Madison Ave for dresses for the ball," She said clapping her hands.
"I already have ordered our dresses. And I mean everyone's. I'm having them custom made."
"What?" She said, face falling, "But I wanted to pick mine."
"Do you trust me?" I asked, smiling secretly. She replied, "Of course."
"Than trust me when I say you are going to love this dress." I said, winking at her. She shrugged and started guessing what it looked like.
"No hints," I said as we got down to the parking garage. Darcy, Jane, Maria, Pepper and Natasha were all staring down Tony who was bouncing up and down excitedly.
"Come on!" He said, hurrying us up.
"Tony, you are too much like a girl sometimes. You love shopping more than I do." I said, glancing at him.
"No, I just like spending money. And Dad would have spared no expense, you know that?" He said seriously. It meant a lot to me that he was here, in lieu of our father.
"Well, I was only a year old, but I could tell he loved me." I said as we all got in the limo. Tony hated renting one, so he bought one on a whim, because sometimes we needed to travel in style.
"Happy, to Klienfields," Pepper said, before breaking out a bottle of champagne.
"Oh this is too much," I said, burying my face in my hands.
"Not even close. We were gonna announce it in the papers, but we stopped to think about how you would feel about that," Tony said, patting my knee.
"I love Steve, but I don't want our life to be on display. And we agreed that a long engagement was not gonna be in the cards for us."
"Have you decided on a date?" Gwen said, confused that I hadn't told her.
"I want Chief Fisher there. So we wanted it in a month." I said, as Pepper had the privacy screen lowered.
"You're trying to make things easy for me," Caroline said from the front seat of the limo.
"Caroline?" I laughed in amazement.
"She is the best Event Coordinator," Tony said at my look of confusion.
"Colours, first ones that come to mind," She said, grabbing her binder.
"Um, red, white and blue?" I joked. Everyone gave me a look and I knew it wasn't funny.
"I can't believe you would say that," Tony said, looking offended.
"Fine, because it will be closer to Thanksgiving, I was thinking pale yellows, earth tones. I'm not too good with colours." I said, honestly.
"We cannot even go down that path. I've got it. Navy and peach tones." Caroline said, making Happy chuckle.
"Venue?" Caroline asked, as she was passed a glass of champagne. I looked to Tony and gave a small shrug in question. He smiled and said, "I'd need to go have it cleaned up and updated, but I think it's a great idea."
"The Stark Family Mansion on Long Island," I said, making Darcy choke on her drink.
"How many houses do you guys have?" She asked, in amazement.
"10 in the U.S., one in Cuba, 3 in England, and a couple scattered around other countries." I responded. I hadn't been acquainted with the one in Cuba, as Tony was sure we were still not welcome there. But I had used the penthouse in London while I was attending Oxford.
"So you haven't had people keeping it maintained?" I questioned Tony, "You said it was Mom's favorite house."
"Let's just remember, it's technically a castle." Tony said, bragging slightly.
"And it went to me in their wills, when I turned 21. But I was in England, and too busy with school. So where in the future am I going to actually get the deed?"
"It's been in your safety deposit box for 4 years," He mumbled.
"And when were you going to tell me?" I said, narrowing my eyes at him.
"It slipped my mind. After the Battle, I wasn't myself. Remember?"
"Obvious to anyone who knows you. You were even more out there," I said, remembering our few conversations the following months.
"Yes, it is in your name now. And yes, you have a staff of year round maintenance that keeps it pristine. Say the word, and I will have Jarvis installed there," He said looking hopeful.
"No, I will survive without Jarvis."
"What about FRIDAY?" He asked.
"Eh, I want someone where you can't spy on me through your AI," I teased. Soon enough we stopped and Happy came to open the door for us. Pouring out of the limo, I remembered we were in public and I couldn't be outright flashing my ring around if I wanted everything on the down low. Turning it so my bling faced my palm, I made a fist to keep it from view of people passing by.
"Welcome to Klienfields, do you have an appointment?" A nice lady, dressed in black, said.
"Stark for 1:30pm," Pepper said, handing her a $100 to keep her quiet about it. She tactfully took the money and scanned the schedule. I wanted no cameras, as this wasn't something I wanted out there until after.
"Right this way," She said quietly, leading our party to a secure area of the floor, away from the public. I was happy I had changed into a hoodie and jeans in the morning.
"You're stylist today is going to be Randy," She said as she motioned for us all to sit down. Another young woman come out, and offered us drinks and a light snack. Randy appeared from out of nowhere and immediately motioned for me to stand.
"Amelia, it is an absolute honor to us that you've chosen Klienfield's. I personally try to snag the more high profile clients, because I know how much you appreciate not being in the spotlight. Something's about your wedding should stay a secret, and here at Klienfields, we value your wishes."
"Thank you, Randy," I said surprised.
"Now, who all do you have with you today?" He asked, smiling at my group of misfits.
"My brother Tony, and my sister-in-law Pepper. This is my wedding planner Caroline, my friends Jane and Maria. Darcy and Natasha are my bridesmaids, and Gwen is my Maid of Honor." I said, motioning to each one.
"Wonderful to meet you all," He said politely.
"Now, I am going to start off with the most important question. What is your dress budget?"
"Unlimited," Tony piped up, scaring he girls.
"No more than $7000," Pepper corrected.
"Yeah, that," I said, making Darcy chuckle. Jane rolled her eyes at our friend's childishness, and elbowed her to make her shut up.
"So what kind of dress are you thinking of? Certain styles you like?" He asked, writing this down.
"I like mermaid. I'm a big lace fan, and I really want something that seems like a classy 1940's dress, slightly modernized."
"Oh, you are making this too easy," He teased, before spiriting away. I was worried for a few minutes until he brought a rack of dresses to our viewing area.
"Caroline, would you please help Amelia in the change room," Randy suggested. It was sweet that he would let me keep my dignity like that, but I said, "Unless you are uncomfortable with it, I don't have a problem with you helping me."
"If you don't, then follow me." He said smiling at my consideration for his feelings. Walking to a large change room, I noticed the way he kept the door open a crack. As I got undressed partially, he got the dress ready for me to step into. I went out for everyone to tell me what they thought, and then I would go back to change again. This continued on for three more dresses before Randy helped me with zippering up a low back, mermaid style dress with vintage lace and billowy-capped sleeves.
"Yes," I smiled. He knew from my face that I wouldn't want to show anyone.
"It will be our little secret." He whispered, showing me the price tag. My smile doubled in size and strength, as I noticed it was under $2000.
"I have an idea," I schemed.