Love and the White Wolf - Book 2

23. Milestones and Millstones

The weeks and months following that first month as a real family were all marked by different events. The first was my birthday, June 7, followed the day after by Steve's naming ceremony. James did a masterful job of organizing my birthday party. He flew Gus, Ma and Alison in to surprise me the day before. Then on the pretext of a quiet dinner with them and Sam, organized a surprise party at the restaurant with the amazing jambalaya. Several Avengers who were not on mission managed to make it as well as Zoe, Laurel and Kyle. Even Oeznik was there although he kept to himself. Sarah came with Marcus and showed every sign of being in love. There were video messages from Michael Bublé, Donald, Nick, and even the Guardians. Harry Connick Jr. showed up to play piano for a few songs. Steve very happily showed he could handle a large gathering and aside from one visit to the ladies room to feed him proved he loved a party.

The next day we gathered at the Tree of Life, where James had managed a one hour time slot to set up chairs and hold the ceremony. As it was a public park space we couldn't block off the tree itself but it seemed kind of fitting to be celebrating a new life while other children were climbing over the tree itself. The celebrant kept it spiritual but non-religious as we officially named Steve, and requested the help of his godparents Sam, Alison, Kyle and Laurel, in raising him to be a good person. Even Ma found it moving as she wiped tears from her eyes. James had arranged for a caterer to provide a light lunch on our rooftop terrace. Once again Steve showed he could handle a busy day as he was passed from adoring grandparents to godparents. When it became too much he slept.

Gus had started his experimental treatment and admitted he felt better and more energetic than he had in years. His cancer was in remission. Ma said they were looking at taking a cruise in the fall, always a dream trip for her. I cried when we drove them to the airport but she invited us for Thanksgiving and we promised we would try to make it. Alison stayed for a few more days which pleased Sam.

During July, James had more meetings with the Avengers architects and the job had finally gone to tender with construction starting in September. He also had another top secret mission with the military, along with Sam and Torres. Laura Barton invited Steve and me to stay with them on their farm. I brought the dogs and they loved the freedom of the place, as well as having three kids to play with. We talked about many things including being the anchors for our husbands as their jobs took them all over the place. It was a quiet and peaceful place. The mission took only five days this time. Steve started to crawl which was extremely early but not entirely unexpected. He would make it a game, trying to make me run to catch him. Construction of our home continued.

August 2 was our one year anniversary. James borrowed an Avengers quinjet (I didn't even know he had a pilot's licence for it) and flew us to a private island with an airstrip off the Oregon coast. Who it belonged to is still a mystery. It was wild, the waves were mesmerizing, and we had a beach house to ourselves for a week. He did check his daily security briefings but there were no calls, requests or missions. We walked the beach every day talking, picking up shells, and showing Steve everything. At night, after putting Steve down to bed we'd have a fire going in our bedroom fireplace while we made each other a priority. It was romantic, relaxing, and over far too soon.

On our way back home he received word of another mission, an extraterrestrial one. The Guardians of the Galaxy were coming in to pick up James and Thor for a rescue mission. Rocket Raccoon had been kidnapped, held by a criminal cartel who believed he had stolen from them. The Guardians needed muscle they could trust. They thought it would only take a few days so it was decided Steve and me would stay at Avengers HQ instead of going home. James brought his go bag but had only a few of his favourite weapons with him. Fortunately he kept a set in his training room and he was able to pack them. His tablet and cell phone weren't going to be of any use in space so he left them with me. There was a meeting with the Guardians before they would leave again. As I waited in the Avengers lounge to say goodbye to James a couple of them came to see the baby. Peter Quill held Steve and remarked about how big he was. Before I could ask him he touched my arm and said he would make sure James returned safely. His girlfriend, the green-skinned Gamora also promised to get him home in one piece. Steve stared at her but she tickled his chin and he giggled. James and Thor came out then. Thor picked up Steve and dared him to hold Stormbreaker, his axe. Steve's eyes grew wide at the sight of it. Thor laughed his booming laugh and handed Steve back to me. Our goodbyes were usually private so James took us to an empty office. He sat in a chair and we both sat on his lap. James kissed Steve, and told him to be a good boy for Mama. Then he turned to me.