Lucky – Chapter 10


"Do you remember when we first met?" she asked, sitting up straighter in her chair, lifting her wine glass to her lips. He glanced over from his spot in front of the full-length mirror in the room. "How could I forget," he chuckled, leaving his half-tied tie to wrap an arm around her shoulders.

"Did you ever think we'd end up here?" She looked up at him, raising an eyebrow to warn him off of messing up her hair. He grinned innocently. "Oh, jeez, did Laura ever teach you how to tie a tie? You've been together for years! Come on." She stood and swiftly fixed his tie, fussing with it until she deemed it perfect – nothing less for her best friend. "Too bad I'm gay." She clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Or you'd be a fine husband."

"You've told me that before, Nat," he mused, glancing at the hand still against his chest.

"I know." She sighed softly and gave him a soft pat. He waited, content to share this moment. "I love you, Clint."

"I love you, too, Natasha," he returned immediately. It was true, it had always been true. But it was different, they both knew. He cupped his hand over hers. "I know it was never going to work out between us, but I am forever honored that I get to call you my partner and my best friend. Where we are now… I couldn't imagine a more perfect life."

"Ahh, that's just because Maria always offers to pay for our double dates," she chuckled, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Now come on. You have a hall full of people who love you and a bride waiting to walk down the isle. And I, for one, cannot wait until you say, 'I do.' So let's get this party started, Barton."

She walked him to the alter, giving his tie one last tug and his jacket one last fluff before taking her spot behind him, his Best Woman. Maria spotted her and blew a kiss; she caught it and held it against her chest. His breath caught in his throat as the band struck up "Here Comes the Bride" and the double doors opened.

And there was Laura, as beautiful and radiant as the sun, smile as warm as the summer day when he proposed. His eyes widened and filled with tears; he could not believe he got to spend the rest of his life with the love of his life. She was everything but frost needing to thaw. She was everything but made of stone.

Laura made her way down isle.

And that time, everyone saw it coming.

Including him.

End.