"Understood, sir.", Steve said, and with a satisfied nod, Harrison went quiet, and Bucky smiled at Steve, and Peggy squeezed his hand, earning Steve to look at her as she mouthed, "Who?".

Steve mouthed back, "Jacques.", and Peggy blinked, understanding now, realizing that Jacques couldn't be patient anymore, and wants to go back home to Atlantis, to reunite with Sia and their boys.

Only like perhaps 10 minutes of the car, they arrived at the rental cottage, and the couple thanked Harrison before they went in, and then Peggy replied, "Okay, spill.", and so, Steve went to explain the outcome of the mission, Jacques saving Bucky's life, the chaos leading to Jacques taking up the risky idea of faking his death and escaping in the brink of time before everything went sky-high.

"Honestly, a few months ago, he still wouldn't have gone through with that... but thanks to both our efforts as well as external factors... The Germans having to occupy Vichy, Vichy joining the Free French, that mess they've gotten into around Stalingrad being encircle, if what the Soviets claim to be true...", Steve said.

"He feels like he might not be needed now, and that France will be liberated soon.", Peggy said as Steve nodded, "Didn't Churchill just announce in the Commons that he feels this is the end of the beginning or something? That honestly this year might be the tide changing.".

"I hope so... I just want this whole damned thing to end as soon as it can...", Peggy sighed. Steve wrapped his arms around her, "I know. I want it to end too...Peggy...have you noticed anything?", and Peggy sighed deeply, "Period came again while you were gone...I think Jacques' theory is right when you told me about it a couple of months ago...".

"Well, next month is supposedly the theory of 9 months before you get viable enough upon getting used to me...Through, it has been five weeks now...Do you want to try again, to get used to my size again?", Steve asked gently.

Peggy whispered, "I really hope you're right about the first part of the theory because I can't...I can't handle waiting another damn 9 months for the second part of the theory being 18 months before I am viable enough...And...Can you wait just two more days, if we could make Christmas really special?".

"Of course.", Steve kissed her on the lips. "I suppose though it would be much better if our child was born on that day rather than being conceived...".

"It would make things easier to remember.", Peggy chuckled. "Plus, save on gifts when you can double birthday and Christmas gifts together.".

Steve gave a warm laugh, "Fair point. But you have to admit that when we would visit Atlantis sometime, we would have a whole five years' worth of presents or something like that for Vinny, Kory, the twins, and of course, Kida's child as well.".

Peggy chuckled, "Oh, gosh, I didn't even think about that!", smiling as she kissed him on the cheek, "You have to admit that our child would have friends and such...".

"Yes, and they will be safe and happy, Peggy...Does this mean a couple of days of domestic life including cuddling in bed?", Steve asked warmly, and Peggy smiled, "Waiting doesn't mean that we can't be in each other's arms...But first, let's have a homemade dinner. I missed cooking with you, luv.".

Steve smiled, "Agreed.", and so, the couple went to have their long-awaited dinner, unable to be apart for long, dancing in the parlor to some gramophone music, and enjoyed a vocal story on the radio before going to bed, falling asleep in each other's arms with them sleeping better than before.

For the next day and half, Peggy and Steve enjoyed domestic life, with the others visiting after a phone call, naturally, successfully getting an available priest and driving to the beach occasionally to check that the beach is clean and lovely for the altar and seats and such.

Bucky sometimes went with them, checking up on the cove near Telpyn Beach for that's the coordinates for Jacques to breach and land, and then finally, not long before Steve's 'bachelor' party, in the late afternoon, Jacques came up to the surface.

Steve and Bucky waved to Jacques after securing up the mini sub, making sure that the cove is hiding it successfully, and he grinned, "Hey, boys! Please tell me that I ain't late. I tried to keep track of time, but not easy when I'm staying under.".

Bucky chuckled, "Nope, you ain't late. You're in time to actually enjoy the 'bachelor' party back at Steve and Peggy's rental cottage.", and Jacques looked relieved, "Thank goodness! Am I to guess that Peggy is at her parents' house, to stay in English tradition and all?", looking at Steve.

"Yeah; we're doing the whole bride not being seen before the wedding again.", Steve chuckled. "Which is a tad silly considering that all you two are doing is just doing things over. Speaking of which, are you two even going to change up your vows?", Bucky asked as Steve shrugged.

"Honestly, I don't know. Part of me things maybe not because it was pretty good the first time... the only issue is that I can't exactly remember what I said word for word...", Steve rubbed the back of his neck.

Jacques smiled, "Well, maybe try to slightly change the vow, but keep it the same. I think Peggy wouldn't mind.", and Steve chuckled, "Thanks, Jacques. So, are you going to stay a day or two?".

"Well, with you getting married tomorrow, I could meet your in-laws, but best that I should leave tomorrow night, especially with the fact that I can't be seen by the entire town. Oh, sure, only a day of witnessing you guys getting married, with the reception party and tonight of your 'bachelor' party, people wouldn't remember me well, but I'd not rather risk the chance too far beyond that.", Jacques replied.

Steve then nodded, "That makes sense. At least this 'bachelor' party could be a cover at least, if we are to get food and a barrel of fresh water or two from the rental cottage's storage for your trip.".

Bucky nodded, "Totally, and I can skip over to Harrison and Amanda's house, do the same thing as you are forbidden to see Peggy even once, Steve.", and Steve chuckled, "Indeed. Let's do it.".

And so, the guys went to stock up, driving back to the rental cottage, and the in-laws' house, and a couple of hours later, a week's worth of rations and such is stocked into the mini sub, and upon seeing winter flowers and such, Steve got an idea to make his and Peggy's wedding night even more special, and the guys helped him out, with Jacques giving him a bit of Atlantean culture advice, and after celebrating with an acceptable portion of wine, they went to sleep.

Finally, the wedding has come, and today, it's a sunny yet chilly day, with a short blanket of frost on the ground, Peggy and Steve took the morning to get fitted, prepared, and fussed over, and then after a car drive of different cars at different times, Steve, in his best army base uniform, is waiting nervously yet excitedly, with Bucky at his side as best man, of course, as he chuckled, speaking quietly, "I thought you got the nerves out the first time, Stevie-o.".

"Mostly, but I think it's because her parents are around, I'm worried about making a jackass out of myself...", Steve said as Bucky chuckled.

"Oh, jeez, now you're making me think we're Lampwick and Pinocchio when you phrase it like that.", Bucky snickered as Steve gave him a look.

"Well, we certainly know who which would be there.". Both of them quickly remembering going to the theaters back in 1940 to see that film.

Bucky gave a snort and a chuckle, "True enough.", as it was clear that Steve is like Pinocchio while Bucky is like Lampwick.

Then they heard the gramophone set on a blanket, echoing out the wedding hymns, and Steve looked forward, anxious to see the handiwork of Amanda, barely noticing the priest taking position behind them, and the few people including Jacques, Phillips, Amanda looked back, and then from behind a sand bed of Telpyn Beach, is Harrison in his best formal suit, escorting a stunning Peggy, in a beautiful pearl white gown, with lace sleeves to the wrists, with a lighter white design of leaves on the hem, with a trailing veil-cape of lace, with her hair lush and healthy, tied in a low side ponytail, down over one shoulder, with diamond blue earrings.

"What do you think?", Bucky whispered to Steve. "Better or worse than the last time?", with a hum. "About the same...", Steve admitted. "I mean, she was already perfect the last time so no way she really could've topped it this time... but she came in just as perfect.".

"Smart answer.", Bucky teased. Steve gave a small jab at Bucky's side with his elbow as Bucky played it off, yet he had to admit that his brother was entirely in love with Peggy at first sight as she and Harrison seemed to be graceful across the aisle which was a lightly woven carpet.

Peggy gave a bright smile at Steve who was in awe, smiling warmly, and soon, Harrison gave Peggy's hand to Steve's hand, "I give my daughter to this man. Take care of her.", and Steve nodded respectfully, smiling as he lovingly and gently caressed her hand as she came up to stand across from him.

Upon Harrison's seating next to his wife, the priest began the first part of the ceremony, smiling warmly and happily, lasting for some minutes, and then came the second and final part of the ceremony, as he spoke, "And now, for the vows. Steve, you're first.".

Steve took a deep breath; trying to remember what he had said before, feeling it was still pretty much close to perfect for a vow to her. "Peggy.", he started once more, "Before I met you, my life was fairly poor in a multitude of reasons; despite having a brother in all but blood with me for much of those days...", he glanced at Bucky for a second before looking back at Peggy, "But my health was a mess, and that, in turn, certainly didn't make me have that much luck with other women. And then you came into my life, and liked me for who I was, and you still keep that love for me despite how I am today. You're the most perfect woman that I've ever met, and I'm blessed every day that you're in my life. I love you, Margaret Elizabeth Carter.".

Peggy smiled tearfully, her heart pounding in joy as she's finally having her loved ones here today, and yes, it would have been more perfect if Michael was here as the teasing, yet happy brother.

The priest then spoke, "Your turn, Peggy.", with a warm smile, and Peggy took a deep breath, "Steve, I'm usually quick on my feet, yet I never thought I would find a man like you to fit my life like a missing piece of my own puzzle, yet when you came into my life, it was wonderful, with meaningful dates, warm smiles, comfortable snuggles on the couch, and having a grand old time together in so many ways I've never imagined, and now, right here, right now, my life is going to get even more wonderful and exciting, being together in love no matter what anybody says, sees, or even asks for the papers, and with joy, I will have every moment with you as your wife for I love you so much, Steven Grant Rogers.".

Steve smiled warmly, never taking his eyes off her as he gently squeezed her hands, and the priest then cleared his throat, "Now, the rings, if you please.".

Steve took the second set of rings from Bucky that he borrowed from Peggy and Steve the night before, and with a smile, Steve donned the second wedding ring into her finger, joining the first wedding ring as he echoed, "I do.", upon the priest's question, and then came Peggy's turn as she happily donned the other ring into Steve's finger, joining his first wedding ring as she echoed, "I do.".

"Then, by the country of Great Britain, in the land of our beloved King George the Sixth, vested by me, in the eyes of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.", the priest warmly spoke.

Steve leaned forward to take Peggy into a kiss as his arms wrapped around her; just practically relieved that he could do this again after having to wait a few minutes through the ceremony. "Everything feel right now?", he asked, in reference to her parents being witnesses along with Bucky being one in his case.

Peggy whispered, "Yes, everything feels right...", smiling radiantly as they broke away as the priest echoed, "I give you Mr. and Mrs. Rogers!", and the small audience cheered with Amanda crying happily and Harrison smiling, rubbing her shoulders with a kiss to her forehead.

The couple smiled happily, holding hands as they went down to greet everyone as they threw soft petals over the couple, and soon, they were having the reception party on the boardwalk from the small parking lot, with the twice-over newlyweds delightfully enjoying their dance as husband and wife for the second time.

An hour later, after it looked like that some of the invited guests from the town, having known Peggy from boarding school or in the town school, is well enough drunk, Jacques knew that it was time for him to leave.

"I'm going to miss you, Jacques. I know it's not much, but I think Sia would appreciate a few packets of Earth seeds to experiment on, and Kory would like this.", Peggy smiled, giving Jacques a small bag of packets of different vegetable seeds and such, along with a rattle toy.

Jacques laughed, "Oh, for sure. I'm really going to miss your spitfire sassiness, Peggy. You never failed to surprise me all that time on the journey.", as Peggy blushed warmly, and Steve smiled, "See if you and Vinny together can teach the kids how to play ball.", giving him a pigskin leather ball.

"Oh, this would be fantastic, Steve! Vinny will love it. I'm gonna miss you, Yankee. Don't forget to pop over to the city once in a while, eh, you lovebirds?", Jacques smirked as he teased them, and Steve blushed, smiling.

Peggy replied, "We will do that, Jacques.", and Jacques smiled, "Great, and hey, don't lose hope, girl, sooner or later, you will be a mother. I know I can be wrong, but I hope I'm right, eh, Steve?".

Steve nodded, "Thank you, Jacques, for all the help, personally and professionally. Drive safe and say hello to the family for us.", and Jacques nodded, "You got it. Bye, lovebirds!", with a laugh before he left on, with Bucky to watch his back all the way back to the mini sub for security.

After checking up the mini sub's boiler and putting his new gifts, Jacques waved from the hatch, "Hope to see you one day in the city, Bucky! You watch over lover boy's back on the frontlines when you do, and tease Peggy like a sister, eh?".

Bucky laughed, waving, "Will do, Jack! Drive safe!", and Jacques saluted him before dropping down as he closed the hatch, and went to dive the sub under the water, heading southwest.

After canvassing the coast, Bucky nodded, glad that there was no trouble, and headed back to the reception party, whispering to the couple that Jacques made it out of the bay safely from the cove.

Happy and relieved, the couple soon vanished away from the party, taking up one of the cars back to the rental cottage, and after parking the car and unlocking/opening/closing the door, Steve took Peggy bridal style in his arms, whispering, "You are gorgeous, Peggy...Your mother really did an amazing job.".

Peggy giggled, "It was her dream, and she was definitely proud of her work. That picture taking back at the beach will prove that fact to our children that their grandmother did that.", as Steve kept carrying her up the stairs.

"Oh, for sure. Now, can you close your eyes after I put you down in front of our door? I need to do a last-minute detail, but it will be perfect, I promise.", Steve asked, and Peggy smiled, "Of course, luv.", as they made it to their door, with Peggy being put down, closing her eyes, feeling the air from the door being open, hearing Steve's careful steps, hearing a whoosh of a match, smelling smoke for a second, and then feeling Steve's presence.

"Okay, open them.", Steve replied, and Peggy did, before a gasp came as she saw what Steve had done, for there are candles flickering on some of the dressers or on the desk, with the windows mostly draped, with a bit of the blinds covering the top, with English Primrose petals in heart shapes on the floor, with Pansy purple petals saying 'I love you', and Christmas rose petals shaping a baby, with Camellia petals shaping a heart around the baby on the bed.

"Steve...", Peggy happily sighed. "I know, I know... it might be a bit much and all and I doubt it truly would make much of a difference in any attempt to conceive a child but-", Peggy quickly shut her beloved husband up with an overjoyed kiss.