Four months later

The city was covered in the softest layer of white, perfect for Christmas Eve. Untouched by the grime of mid winter, this first snow lay over the city like a woolen blanket, tucking into corners and around buildings, giving the bright lights a faded, fuzzy softness. Steve came up behind me at the window.

"You were right about the snow." he murmured.

"Always am. Even inside it smells like snow." I turned and took Jaime out of his arms. Our little boy had been born at a whopping 9 lbs 8 oz and had only grown from there, now in 6 month clothes at only four months. A side effect of the serum Jean and Bruce told me. It didn't matter to me. He was a healthy and happy baby, easily soothed and nearly always hungry. I pulled him into my arms, looking at his small sleeping face. He looked more and more like his father every day, his hair turning lighter, same big ears and plump lips. But the nose, those chubby cheeks, and the eyes slowly turning from blue to green, all mine. I looked up at Steve and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"He went down easy tonight huh?"

"I'm sure he'll be up in a few hours, but yeah. I think the Christmas party wore him out." He'd been passed around the Avengers all night long, hogged by Pepper and Steph the most. This year's event had been much more laid back than last year's soiree. Just a few of us, swapping gifts and eating good food. Clint had even sung Christmas carols. It was just about the coziest Christmas Eve I'd ever had. I snuggled Jamie closer and felt something hard in his blanket. Slightly alarmed, I gently unwrapped him a bit to reveal a sapphire and diamond ring tied to his baby blanket. I looked up at Steve in shock. Steve smiled softly, reaching over and untying the ring.

"You know, I've had this ring for over a year. I bought it right before the holiday party last year. I was planning on proposing that Christmas. Didn't matter that we'd only known each other a few weeks. Didn't matter if we hadn't lived together. I knew you were mine. You literally fell into my arms, how could I possibly ignore a sign like that? I wanted to wait until Christmas morning but, I saw you standing here, just like last year and I couldn't help myself. This year has been filled with so much. Good and bad I wouldn't trade any of it for anything, even our time apart. But, I want that to be our last time apart ever. I love you Charlotte, and I want to be a part of your life forever." he got down on one knee, holding the ring up to me.

"Will you marry me?" I fought through the tears rising in my throat, searching for my words. I had fallen so deeply in love with this man. Through everything, the distance, the betrayal, the hurt, I loved him. These last few months with the three of us were the most perfect months of my life. I smiled slowly, nodding my head.

"Yes, Blue Eyes. Yes."