Nowhere to Go But Up✓

I'd Marry You With Paper Rings

It was finally here. Our wedding day. Goodness what a journey getting to this point. I woke up alone, the first time in months. Even though we did this all out of order, a baby then marriage, Steve insisted on spending the night before our wedding apart and I decided to indulge him. Sometimes his ancient ideals were really sweet.

We decided to get married at our house, just a small ceremony with family and friends, which considering I had more cousins than I could count, and Steve had friends from both the station and the Avengers, the guest list was still pretty long. I was pacing around our room, anxiety seeping in. This time was so different from my first wedding. This time I had everyone. But I couldn't stop the sadness that settled in my heart.

This was only possible because I lost Nick. And as this day got closer, I found myself thinking of him more frequently. I know I'm making the right choice, the choice that he would want me to make. And there was peace in that understanding.

I didn't have too much time to wallow in those feelings as my mom, aunts and cousins barged into my sanctuary, determined to get me bridal ready. As overbearing as they are, I'm happy I get this moment this time around. Before we get too into the thick of hairspray and lipstick and waterproof mascara my mom pulls me aside, handing me a small wrapped box. "Steve stopped me on my way in and asked me to give this to you. It's your something new."

I took it, carefully undoing the wrapping and opening the box to reveal the most beautiful necklace I've ever seen.

"Look inside." My mom instructed before unclamping the locket. Inside were two pictures. One was of Steve, Lucy, Joey, and myself the night Joey was born. The second photo was the last photo I had of Nick. It was me, him and Lucy the night she was born.

"Oh Steve." I said as my mom helped me clasp it around my neck.

"He stressed about that for weeks. He was worried that you wouldn't want the picture of Nick, that it would be too much."

"It's perfect. He never ceases to amaze me."

"Let's get you ready! You have a wedding to get to!" My mom said and everyone else cheered and assisted me in getting the dress on and my makeup done.

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We were all in place and I was getting antsy. We were running a little behind schedule. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the music started up and one of my cousins, who I it in charge of directing the party down the aisle, instructed the first bridesmaid down the aisle. Slowly but surely we inched forward until it was just my dad and I left. "Don't let me fall Daddy." I instructed him. He chuckled and held onto my arm a little tighter.

The music changed to the song I had picked out to walk down the aisle to and everyone stood up, waiting for my entrance. The curtains that we had set up in the archway to block me from view opened and my dad started leading me down the aisle. I left it up to him to not let me trip because my eyes were on Steve.

We made it to the end of the aisle and my dad handed me over to Steve. I gave my bouquet to Sam, who I had asked to me my man of honor. We then turned to the officiant and he began the ceremony. I was instructed to say the vows I had written first.

"I requested to go first because if Steve went first, I wouldn't be able to speak afterward." Everyone laughed at that. "It's said that the great love of our lives comes when we least expect it. I now know this to be true. Steve, when we met last year I was not ready for a relationship, least of all with someone as special as you. As everyone here knows I had lost my husband and I was still grieving. Then you came into my life, quite literally saving myself and my daughter when we got into that wreck. And then you stayed with her while I was in surgery and then recovery. You didn't need to do that, stay with a strange, demanding three year old until her mom was coherent enough to be there but you did and in doing so, you became my best friend. You were determined to break down my walls. So when you finally asked me out, I had to give you a chance and I fell harder than I ever thought possible. I fell for the way you would just know I was having a bad day and show up with food. I fell in love with the way you love my daughter, how you put her first like I do. I promise to love you like that, putting you and our love first, every day, for the rest of our lives. Steve, you are my great love, the one I wasn't expecting." I was crying by this point and Sam passed me a tissue. I dabbed my eyes.

Steve was on the verge of tears as well. "How am I supposed to follow that? Astoria, you are the one I least expected. I had closed myself off to the possibility of the life we've created together. When I first came out of the ice, I had thrown myself into the Avengers. I felt like I owed the world for the opportunity I was given. And afterwards, when I was ready to leave the world of avenging behind, I threw myself into EMT, saving people on a smaller but no less important scale. And I worked myself hard, knowing I can do more, be more. And then I met you and all those things I thought I didn't want or couldn't have suddenly felt possible. You allowed me to love your daughter and have a space in both your lives. And then you gave me the greatest gift, another kid, our son, and the possibilities grew. I have lived a long life and this is where I want to spend the rest of it, by your side."

I was on the verge of ugly crying and was trying desperately to keep it in. We exchanged the traditional vows and our rings and soon the officiant was pronouncing us husband and wife. "You may kiss your bride." And Steve pulled me in and dipped me low, kissing me like it was his dying wish. The crowd cheered and Sam handed me my bouquet back so Steve and I could walk back up the aisle.

We did our photos quick as the caterers brought out the food and drinks for a brief cocktail hour. And then it flowed effortlessly into our reception. When it came time for our first dance he held me close and spun me around the dance floor while "How Do I Live" by Trisha Yearwood played over the speakers.

"And how are you feeling Mrs. Rogers?" He whispered in my ear.

"I am extremely happy. I hope you are too."

"I don't think I've ever been happier." This was it, what all the fairytales were talking about. This was my happily ever after!

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Here it is! Only the epilogue is left, which will be up later today. Here are some pictures of the dress I envisioned Story would wear.