After the four of them returned from Christmas services, dinner became what was left of the ham. As Bucky and Sharon left, Nat was on the phone with her mother, telling her the news of the engagement. It was a happy moment, until Steve received a call of his own.
"Hi, is this Steve Rogers?"
"Yes, it is. Can I help you with something?"
"Yes, my name is Dr. Ellis. I'm calling from NYM. I have some news that you may want to sit down for."
Steve sits, but he is immediately concerned that a Doctor called him on Christmas Day.
"I'm sorry, but you said you're a Doctor? Can I ask what this is about?"
"Steve, I'm calling on behalf of your mother. She's been brought into the hospital. We're currently running tests to…"
"Tests for what? What's wrong with my mother?"
"We're not sure. So far all of our tests have shown nothing to be physically wrong. We will need to perform an M.R.I. I've called because she wants to see you. Can you get here?"
"I can, is there anything I need to bring? Is there anything she needs?"
"I feel it would best if we discuss that in person. When you get here, go to the nurse's station. They'll page me."
"Thank you Dr. I'll be there as soon as I can."
As he hangs up the phone, Steve drops his head in his hands. He'd known his mother had been sick recently, but she was a fighter. To hear that no one knows what's wrong scares him. When Natasha comes back in the room, she finds him this way. She wonders what could have happened to change his demeanor so quickly.
"Steve? Steve what's wrong? When I was on the phone with my Mom, you were as excited as I was to tell her the news. What happened?"
"Nat…, my Mom, s-she's been hospitalized. I got a call from a Dr. Ellis at NYM. They don't know what's wrong, but she wants to see me."
"Then let's go. I'll be right there with you."
On the drive to the hospital, she can't stop thinking about his mother. Shortly after they first met, Sarah was already beginning to treat her like a daughter. They got along great, and she was happy to see that her son found someone who made him happy. Even though she knew how badly the fight over his enlistment hurt them both, she encouraged Natasha to stay in touch. Every so often they would talk, about school, and the future. With a brief glance, she can see Steve staring out the window. No matter what they find out, she's going to be there for him through it all. When they arrive, he takes her hand in his with a gentle squeeze.
"Excuse me; I'm looking for Dr. Ellis."
Nurse Foster looks up and greets him.
"Of course, your name please?"
"Steve Rogers, he called me to inform me that my mother was admitted here."
"Rogers, yes. Your mother, Sarah was admitted an hour ago. Give me a moment and I'll page him for you."
As the minutes pass, Steve begins to pace. After what feels like an eternity, a young doctor walks in, leaning on a cane.
"Mr. Rogers?"
"Yes, are you Dr. Ellis? Have you been able to figure out what's wrong with my mother?"
Actually, Dr. Ellis is in surgery right now. He asked me to come speak with you. I'm Dr. Donald Blake."
"So what's wrong with my mother?"
"We're working on figuring that out, I assure you. She was brought to us with symptoms of extreme fatigue, and recurrent dizzy spells. We are keeping her under observation."
"Dr. Ellis said she wanted to see Steve. Is it possible for us to do so?"
"I'm sorry Miss, you would be?"
"Natasha Romanoff, Steve's fiancée."
"Of course, Miss Romanoff. If you both will follow me, I'll take you to her room."
The walk is spent in silence. As they follow the doctor, the couple leans heavily on each other. Nat still has her own mother, but when she retired, she moved to Florida. This is why she stayed close with Mrs. Rogers; she was always there for her. It was another way she felt she could hold on to Steve.
"I'll wait outside. If you should need anything Steve, please come get me."
"Thank you, Dr. Blake."
He hesitates, but having Nat by his side gives him courage.
"Go on, baby. I'm here with you. We can do this."
They walk into the room, holding hands. At first sight, she looks pale. She seems to be asleep, so they sit down quietly at her bedside. Steve says a short prayer, with his head bowed. They both look up when she says his name.
"Steve?"
"I'm here, Mom. Merry Christmas."
"Don't look so sad. I'm still here with you. Don't you worry about me. How is the adjustment to civilian life progressing?"
"I'm getting back into it. I've gone back to college to finish my degree."
"I'm glad. I know that was a regret of yours when you went to war. The only other major regret you had besides…"
As she pauses, she notices the redhead sitting beside him. When she remembers who the woman is, a smile comes back to her face.
"Hello, Natasha. I'm glad you're here. I know you've been busy, but I've missed you."
"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Rogers. I've missed all of our talks."
"I told you Ms. Romanoff, to call me Sarah."
Steve and Nat both smile at this. His mother still has a strength that she never let go of. Her husband's death, and her son fighting a war couldn't take it away. She held on, and remained the fighter she always was.
"So have you decided on the day yet?"
"The day of what of Mom?"
"Steve, I wasn't born yesterday. I saw you two come in holding hands. When you clasped your hands together in prayer I noticed the ring on her finger. Have you decided on the day of the wedding?"
"Not yet, Sarah. We know it's going to be in the summer. Don't worry, we'll be sure you're the first to know. All you need to do is get better, so you can be there."
"Nothing is going to keep me from being at my son's wedding. I'm glad you two worked things out. Take care of each other."
When she falls asleep, Steve pulls the covers up to keep her warm. As they exit the room, Dr. Ellis has arrived and is conferring with Dr. Blake.
"Mr. Rogers, I'm sorry I couldn't greet you personally. How is your mother doing?"
"She's strong, Doc. She's sleeping right now. Is there any news?"
"We've figured out what's causing her fatigue and dizzy spells. She's developed a cancer cell."
The couple is speechless at the diagnosis, and both Doctors can see the worry in their eyes.
"But there is good news. It's one we've treated before. The last patient we treated for this type was cured. And she has shown no signs of recurrence. We seem to have caught this early enough. We're going to fight this, don't worry son."
"Thank you Doctor Ellis, Doctor Blake. I'm sure you'll take good care of her."
As both Doctors go to check on other patients, Steve and Nat leave for their apartment.
"Your mom is going to be fine, Steve."
"I know she is. She'll be at our wedding. Thanks for being here with me."