"What?", Ace asked as he thought his hearing was failing him for a moment. "Did you just say what I think you just said?", he asked as she nodded, "Yes... I quickly got checked up... I'm... we're having a child...".
Ace looked at her in the eyes, seeing that she's really overjoyed, and he looked down where his hand is, and he shifted his ears into tiger ears, leaning in to touch her belly by his cheek, slowing his breathing down, focusing, and widened his eyes, tears falling down his cheeks, peering up at Peggy who was confused at first before realizing what Ace is doing, and he spoke, "I hear it...Oh, Peggy, our baby...It sounds strong...".
Peggy gave a happy sob, caressing Ace's hair, smiling tearfully as Ace shifted his tiger ears back to normal as he raised his head, his hands caressing her belly, "I hope it's a beautiful girl like you...", before kissing her tenderly on the lips.
"Could easily be a son... we can't be so sure right now.", Peggy smiled as she took a deep breath. "But... either way... we're having a child, Ace...", she teared up as Ace kissed her once more.
Ace smiled lovingly, "And we're going to love them, Peggy...So, the note was a bit of distraction for me, huh?", and Peggy giggled softly, "Yeah...Eleni somehow knew on account of being a mother herself...".
"Well, we'd have to thank her by eating some of her wonderful food...She's making breakfast, hmm?", Ace nodded, and Peggy smiled, "Yeah.".
Ace chuckled, "Let's go enjoy breakfast...Our baby would need all the nutrients and all to grow...Gods, I'm a daddy...", awe and joy in his eyes, and Peggy giggled, happy to see Ace excited over the moon.
They went to enjoy breakfast with Eleni and her husband, and after thanking them for their hosting services, the couple went off to stroll on the beach, taking their stuff with them, and Peggy couldn't stop rubbing her belly with a joyful smile.
Ace smiled, kissing her on the cheek, "Soon, we will feel them kick, my beautiful captain...Do you think you can handle a little magic trip?".
Peggy glanced at him, "What are you thinking?", and Ace smiled, "Since we got today to ourselves before we head to the palace for Mama's birthday tomorrow, how about revisiting New York? I know I showed you pictures and all of how New York is today, and some places are still the same as in your time, but well, I can call for Magic Carpet to take us to Central Park, and then when it's dark, we can go to the warehouse for a pre-family reunion with my parents before you meet everybody else, if that's okay with you?".
"That's more than fine with me.", Peggy smiled. "I really find it kind of crazy that we haven't actually gone back in the time we've been together...", she admitted. "I know, I probably should've brought you back sooner...", Ace sighed deeply.
Peggy squeezed his hand and kissed him on the cheek, "It's okay. You were protecting me as I could have been in some culture shock if you brought me back earlier after the first week or whatever...Traveling with you, exploring with you without the war on my shoulders...it was more than I ever dreamed of...".
Ace smiled in relief, happy to have such an understanding, wonderful lover in her, it's no wonder why she's his other half...He can't wait to propose to her in Central Park. He whispered to her, "I love you, Peggy Carter...".
Peggy smiled, "I love you too, Ace Stacy.", kissing him on the lips tenderly as she wrapped her arms around him, and he firmly yet gently returned the gesture, and the kiss lasted for a minute before Ace exhaled, "And you're settled, right, with breakfast?", not wanting to make her motion-sick and all.
"Yes, I am...Go on and call for Magic Carpet...I'm curious to meet him.", Peggy reassured him with a warm smile, and Ace nodded, guiding them into a partly hidden alcove on the beach, and whistled low and deep.
"Hope you left a message for our host... don't want her to worry about us leaving at such short notice.", Peggy chuckled as he smiled, "Don't worry, she knew that way ahead of time, but she thinks we're taking a red eye and already should be heading to Athens.".
Peggy smiled, "Good.", and a few minutes later, upon touching Magic Carpet, Ace laughed warmly, "Hey, Carpet, meet my love of my life, Peggy Carter, and she's expecting...", and Carpet hugged Ace, and waved a tassel at Peggy.
"Oh, wow...I know you said that he's a magic carpet...Hello, Carpet...You really are a sight to see...", Peggy gasped in awe, and Carpet initiated a polite kiss on her hand, and vibrated in excitement as her hand rubbed his back.
Ace chuckled, "He definitely likes you...He's welcoming you to the family.", and Peggy smiled widely, "Thank you, Carpet...", and Carpet initiated a blush with his tassels before clapping with a curious tilt at Ace.
"Oh, yeah. Info. Can you drop us off in Central Park, in New York City, somewhere that Peggy can see the view of the city in a way?", Ace asked, and Carpet nodded before positioning down into a hovering spot, creating stairs with his end tassels.
"Heh... I think I know where he's planning then.", Ace chuckled as they got on. "Oh, by the way, Carpet, don't let the others know about Peggy's surprise... we'd rather let them know so keep it zipped.".
Carpet initiated a zipping of his lips with his tassels, and Peggy giggled, "For a magic carpet, you're really good at emotions and gestures. You'd make a spectacular mime or great at sign language.".
Carpet gave a little nod, and Ace chuckled, "Almost everyone thinks the same, Peggy.", before Carpet then lifted off, and Peggy gasped in awe as the world went faster and faster outside the bubble of her and Ace's seats, with Carpet going at lightspeed, but slightly slower for the sake of the little life within Peggy.
Ace smiled, holding her warmly, "I was the same when I went for the first time with Mama. I was probably 4 years old.", with a chuckle, and Peggy whispered in amazement, "And our child will be riding with us one day...", rubbing her belly affectionately.
Ace kissed her on the cheek, joining in the gentle rubs with his hand, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as they took in the sights of Europe and Africa, and relaxed as Carpet went over the ocean, with Peggy asking curiously, "What do you mean by Carpet knows where to be?".
"Well, Carpet has been with Genie on his travels before Eden was found, and so, Carpet has a wicked good memory, so I suspect that he's going to Belvedere Castle since it's the highest point in Central Park.", Ace replied.
Peggy gasped in awe, "It's still standing?", as she was only affording to be on the grounds of the castle back then as it was a tourist attraction in a way.
"Well, yeah... did you think they'd tear it down?", Ace asked as Peggy blushed. "In a way... sort of... I thought maybe they'd tear it down and replace it with another skyscraper or something.", Peggy told him. "I'm sure the city is not as recognizable.".
Ace sighed deeply, "Time changes things, but some things remain the same. Lady Liberty is guarding the city, Central Park is just as beautiful as it is, and Times Square is crazy but the buildings themselves are still there, just different, and some of the skyline is also familiar, but yeah, there's new skyscrapers.".
Peggy smiled, "Good. And I suppose the hot dog stands are a bit more modern-ish in a way?", as she and Bucky used to spend 5 cents for a hot dog. Ace nodded, "A bit, yeah, but the hot dogs themselves are iconic. Dad and the others would go for them while on patrol.", and Peggy chuckled.
"And what about Coney Island, the Yankee Stadium, and the infamous traffic?", Peggy asked with a chuckle. Ace smiled, "The traffic is just as crazy as it is, but the transport system of buses, subways and trains are even better and faster, especially after that terrible day of the Grand Central collapse.". People has been finding ways to build a better Central, and it's still in the progress of construction as it isn't easy with traffic and space everywhere.
He had told the tragic story within his life story, and Peggy was devastated to hear that such a wonderful landmark in her time was destroyed by a madman. Ace continued on, "Coney Island still got some familiar rides and games, yet there's some new ones every five years or so. And the Yankee Stadium, it got relocated slightly because of space, and the stadium got parts from the original stadium while it's bigger, better and modern-ish.".
"But still not the same?", Peggy asked as he nodded. "Yeah, old one is mostly gone with a newer one in its place. Still, you'll probably recognize quite a few skyscrapers.", Ace smiled at her.
Peggy smiled at him, "I'm sure I will.", as she rested her head on his shoulder, as they enjoyed the ride, and soon, Peggy gasped in joy and tears as she saw Lady Liberty, smiling as Carpet flew around Lady Liberty, rising up to the cheek where Peggy was so close enough to lay a kiss on the giant cheek, like greeting an old friend.
If she was imagining, she would have sworn that Lady Liberty's smile moved a tiny bit, and her heart felt so complete as she's finally home, her eyes wide and in awe as she saw Coney Island, shocked to see Times Square, and smiled as she saw Central Park with its beautiful forests and meadows and landmarks as Carpet made it to Belvedere Castle, to its turret balcony.
"Really hasn't changed too much, has it?", Ace smiled as Peggy nodded. "No... it really hasn't...", she sighed as she kissed his cheek.
Carpet hovered close to the floor, and the couple got off, and Ace smiled at Carpet, "Thanks for the ride, Carpet.", as Peggy hugged Carpet, "Yes, thank you, Carpet.".
Carpet gave them a thumbs up with his tassels and nodded at Ace with a motion of zipping up, and Ace chuckled, "I know you have a great memory, Carpet. Thanks for affirming it. And take our stuff to one of the guest bedrooms in the warehouse. We're fine with my phone and such. Just tell them that we're in the city.", fingering his pocket, inwardly relieved that his little secret is safe.
Carpet gave him a thumbs up, and then flew off, leaving the couple as Peggy looked over Central Park and the skyline, "Oh, Ace, you're right! I can see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building!", using binoculars.
Ace smiled warmly, "Welcome home, Peggy.", as Peggy was in awe and joy, "Better than you ever dreamed, huh?".
Peggy gave a tearful laugh, "More than I ever thought! This is the happiest day of my life! Our child, coming home, having you by my side, what would be more perfect than this?".
"Well, how about a proposal?", Ace smiled warmly, and Peggy turned around, lowering the binoculars, and gasped, tears prickling at her eyes to see Ace kneeling down with a velvet box showcasing a simple yet beautiful ring with a twisted braided band, and a lovely diamond.
Peggy shakily whispered, "Ace...", and Ace took a deep breath, "Margaret Elizabeth Carter, ever since we met on the mountain, I'd never thought I'd be so complete, so happy, and when I see you smile with your beautiful eyes, it makes me feel whole, and loving you, it feels so right...Peggy, would you do the honor of taking me as your husband, to be Mr. Carter to you, to marry me?".
Peggy took a deep breath as to keep herself from sobbing with joy right then and there as she slowly nodded. "Yes...", she whispered as Ace looked at her. "Come again?", he gave a small smile as she steeled herself and gave him a smile.
"Yes. I will.", Peggy said much louder before wrapping her arms around him tight in a hug. Ace smiled widely, kissing her neck tenderly, whispering, "I love you, Peggy.", and Peggy smiled tearfully, "I love you too...", as Ace took out the ring from its velvet box, sliding it into Peggy's engagement/marriage finger.
Peggy looked at it with joy, "How did you get this?", and Ace chuckled, "Found it in that marketplace a couple of weeks ago in Romania.", with a warm smile.
"It's perfect, Ace...Now it's completely the happiest day of my life. Considering the pain that day in the future when I give birth, it would be a close second, to that day of marrying you...", Peggy smiled serenely as she gently rubbed her belly once more...
Ace kissed her on the lips tenderly, "Every day with you and our child is a day I look forward to...", and Peggy blushed, smiling widely, "You are always finding a way to say things out of love...", as he stroked her belly warmly along her hand.
"I guess I observed more than I thought, to my family's relationships.", Ace chuckled before smiling, "Shall we stroll through the park?", and Peggy grinned softly, "Oh, that sounds perfect, and I'd love to get a couple of hot dogs too...".
"Alright then...", Ace smiled as the two of them quickly got back down ground level before starting to walk through the park. "You know, this place has quite a bit of history with my family...".
Peggy nodded softly, "Indeed. It's truly one of the sentimental places for everyone.", knowing the stories of Peter meeting Jasmine, Jean, and Gwen officially as a considerate quartet of lovers, and the mating of Biva and Rajah, to their abduction by Kraven.
Ace chuckled warmly and went to show Peggy the locations of the events as they strolled through the park, enjoying a couple of hot dogs and smoothies, and as it was getting close to sunset, they took the subway to the closest station near the warehouse.
As they got close to the warehouse, Peggy was nervously excited, and Ace squeezed her hand, kissing her cheek, "Don't worry, like I said, they will love you. They will see the ring, and they would be happy for us, and that will last for their curiosity until tomorrow when it's time to give gifts to Mama, and then we can announce about our baby, okay? Unless you don't want to wait?", giving her the choice.
"No, I can.", Peggy said. "As you just suggested, that'll probably be perfect to tell them.". Ace nodded, "Thanks, part of me did think maybe it was better to tell it all at once, you know?".
Peggy chuckled, "I don't blame you there, but I think we would have plenty of stories to tell over dinner, next to talking about the proposal...By the way, did you wing it, going with your gut?", with a smirk, as Ace said the same thing on that night in the base.
Ace blushed widely, "Most of it, yeah. Carpet didn't know, honest. At first, I thought it would be somewhere near the cliffs or something.", and Peggy smiled warmly, "I wouldn't care as long as it's you...".
"You got it, captain.", Ace chuckled before they noticed that they are now coming up to the front door, and Peggy squeezed his hand reassuringly, and he opened the door, coming in as Peggy closed the door after them, and he called out, "Hello? Dad, Mama, Mum, Mom?".
"Always forget you've got three mothers...", Peggy chuckled as Ace smiled. "Well, Dad was incredibly shocked that all three of them wanted him and they all were happy to share.", he said as he glanced around.
"Anyone home?", he waited for a response. "Hmm... they might be out or over in Agrabah at the moment.".
Peggy smiled, "Well, shall we start on dinner or just wait?", and Ace chuckled, "A dinner surprise would be nice, but I don't know if they are already eating on their dates when they are out...But waiting, that would be really anxious...I mean, I can't enjoy watching TV when I am half thinking of seeing their faces again after a few months of traveling...".
"Is there a sign for privacy?", Peggy purred wryly, wanting to distract him, discreetly tugging at his rod, and Ace groaned slightly, with a smirk, "You know what? I think there is...", realizing that they hadn't made love in the past two days since the last time in an abandoned barn.
Peggy shrieked out in delight and mischief as Ace held her up, kissing her passionately, heading to one of the guest bedrooms on the ground floor where their luggage laid besides the door, and closing the door with a quick swap of a sign into the doorknob.
A half hour later, Peter and his lovers came through the portal from Agrabah, sighing deeply, "Boy, I didn't realize that we literally had to count the flourishing population.", as they were seeing to the space of buildings within Agrabah to make sure that it's enough for the inner-city population, and of course, in the port villages by the river and the beaches, and nomad tents in the desert, especially after many Wakandans made the island their home upon finding love or adopting children.
Upon the poly marriage years ago, Peter was made Sultan Consort, Jasmine as Grand Sultana, Jean as Queen Sultana, and Gwen as Duchess Sultana.