Everyone knows that Christmas is Natasha's favorite holiday. Maybe it was the cheerful atmosphere or young excitement—it definitely wasn't the Christmas music. It was a rare occasion when the Avengers had a break from fighting missions. For the second time over the past few years, the entire "family" was going to be together at the tower to celebrate.

"Is Santa coming tonight Daddy?" Lucy asked her father earnestly.

"No Lucy, today is December 23rd. Santa will come tomorrow night on Christmas Eve," the super soldier replied to the same question for what felt like the billionth time.

"Aww. Well, we're going to leave him lots of cookies for when he comes."

"That's right."

"Daddy?"

"Yes?"

"What about Santa's reindeer? What do they eat? Won't they be hungry too?" Lucy questioned, tilting her head to one side.

"I don't think that Santa's reindeer can fit down the chimney," Steve said with a small chuckle. "But we can leave some carrots next to the cookies. Maybe Santa will bring them back outside for his reindeer to eat."

"Okay," Lucy replied. Then after a short pause, "Daddy? Why does Mama like Christmas so much?"

Steve laughed to himself over his daughter's curiosity and perceptiveness. "Well, you'll just have to ask her yourself. Come on Lucy-Lou; let's go see what the girls are up to in the kitchen." Steve extended his hand, and Lucy took it excitedly.

"Hi Mama!" Lucy exclaimed excitedly as she burst out of the elevator and onto the common floor.

"Good timing Lucy," Pepper said. "You can be our official taste-tester," Pepper handed Lucy a warm chocolate chip cookie. The six year old devoured it before giving two thumbs up. "So I guess we'll need another batch of these then," Pepper smiled. At the same time, Steve motioned that he was going to check in on Tony, Bruce, Clint, Thor, and James.

"Mama, I have a question."

"Yes девочка?" the redhead spy said as she pulled her daughter into her lap.

"Why do you like Christmas so much?" Lucy asked curiously.

"Yeah Natasha, I would like to know that too," Jane cut in. "You seem to have so much more patience around Christmas."

"Well, it's a good story. I've always loved Christmas. But Steve is just one more reason why I love it so much..."

*Flashback-Christmas Eve*

"I can't believe that we're all home for Christmas and can spend it together," Steve mused happily as Natasha fixed his tie. She looked stunning—She had on a sleeved red lace dress that ended mid-thigh. His eyes fell to her waist, where the dress was tight and accentuated her flawless curves and angles. Her crimson hair fell in loose curls just past her delicate shoulders. To top it all off, she wore a pair of nude pumps and the dainty diamond bracelet that he had bought her for Christmas last year.

"I know. It's kind of like a Christmas miracle," she finished and stepped back to admire her boyfriend.

"Nat, you look gorgeous."

"You clean up pretty nice too," she said with a smirk and then leaned in to kiss him tenderly. She pulled away and his lips lingered. "Come on soldier, we better get to Tony and Pepper's floor for this party."

Naturally, it was Tony's idea to throw a huge party on Christmas Eve. His floor was packed with strangers; people that Steve didn't recognize. Their plan was to have a nice, low-key Christmas among themselves, but it looks like that was just for Christmas Day now. Natasha was talking to Clint across the room when Tony approached him.

"Hey there Cap, enjoying the party?" Tony asked and flashed one of his signature smiles.

"Well, this isn't really my scene Tony. I'll be happy tomorrow when it's just our family here."

"All right party-pooper, suit yourself," Tony clasped Steve on the back before leaving him alone. Steve took a deep breath and went to retrieve Natasha.

*Meanwhile*

"I don't know Clint, there's just something...off about him tonight," Natasha explained to her best friend. "He seems jumpy—almost nervous."

"Don't sweat it Tash, you know how Steve gets when he feels uncomfortable. This party isn't exactly his cup of tea," the archer replied.

"Yeah you're probably right. I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Here he comes now."

"Hey Clint. Nat, do you mind if we get out of here for a few minutes? I could really use some air," Steve asked politely.

"Sure," Natasha replied with a small smile as she took his arm.

Natasha eyed Steve curiously as he let out a breath he had apparently been holding in. The elevator doors slid open on the roof and Natasha let out a small gasp. "Steve, what is all of this?" The roof of the tower was completely redecorated. There was a red carpet rolled out that was lined with candles in lanterns. The carpet led to a white gazebo that overlooked the New York City skyline and had candles on the railings around it. There were red roses everywhere—petals on the carpet, and roses in full bloom wound throughout the woodwork of the gazebo. To top it all off, white Christmas lights sparkled from the gazebo ceiling and soft music began to play from hidden speakers.

He turned to face her and bowed, holding out his hand. "Natasha, may I have this dance?"

She smiled and placed her hand in his. "Yes, you may." He led her across the carpet and up into the gazebo. He held her close and placed his hand on the small of her back. Together they silently swayed to the music for a while. Natasha broke the silence as Can't Help Falling in Love came through the speakers. "I love this song," she whispered against his shoulder.

"I know," he whispered back as he released her and took both her hands in his. Before she registered what was happening, Steve dropped down to one knee. "Natalia Alianovna Romanova, you are the absolute love of my life. I don't know what I ever did to deserve you; your kindness, your love, and your attitude. I once thought that being frozen for all those years ruined my life. Ruined my only chance at love. But you, you're the reason why I am where I am today. Maybe being frozen in that ice was a blessing in disguise because if I were never frozen, I would have never met you. Never seen your bright smile, beautiful face, or the way that you move your eyebrows. I love everything about you, your strength, determination, and loyalty. I love your laugh, and the way you can stare someone down from across a room. I love how you can kick some ass and still look amazing doing it. You make me smile every single day and I still can't believe that you're with me. I love you more than anything, and I love you more and more each day. Every morning when I wake up next to you, I feel like I'm seeing you for the first time—falling for you for the first time." He reached inside his jacket and removed a black velvet box. He opened the lid to reveal a stunning ring and continued. "I know that I will never be good enough for you, but I'm hoping that you'll have me anyway. So, what'd do you say Nat? Will you marry me?"

"It's about God damn time Steve," she said through the tears that had began to pool in her eyes. She grabbed both sides of his face and passionately kissed him. Steve stood up and gingerly slid the ring on her slender finger. It was a big oval diamond, surrounded by smaller diamonds. Natasha took a moment to admire her ring. "It's beautiful Steve," she smiled widely.

"It was my mother's. And I wouldn't want it on anyone else's finger." She snaked her arms around his neck as The Way You Look Tonight played. The two continued to dance the night away, not a care in the world.

At the end of their dance, Steve leaned in close to Natasha's ear. "Merry Christmas," he softly whispered before he pulled her in for another passionate kiss.

*End Flashback*

"Daddy is so romantic Mama!" Lucy exclaimed happily, content with her mother's story.

"Yes he is Lucy, and that's one of the reasons why I love him so much. Now come on, let's finish making these cookies for Santa Claus!"

A/N: Sorry for my absence, I will explain more in my next update. This is just a quick chapter I posted for something to read. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

-Fhockey42