Forever and Always

Chapter 22

I couldn't shake my nerves as I was getting ready for the day. I'd be meeting Pepper for the first time and I knew she meant alot to Tony, so I was nervous that she wouldn't like me or want me to be a part of the family. I put on some denim shorts with a light blue T-shirt with a pair of converse, my hair in a ponytail as it was going to be a hot day. As I was walking out of the room I heard a lot of commotion in the living room. Everyone crowded in the middle and I could only assume they were greeting Pepper. I walked up to Steve who smiled and immediately put his arm over my shoulders. I locked eyes with a pretty pair of blue eyes, friendly but stern at the same time.

Introducing myself, I went to stick out my hand for her to shake but she took me in for a hug. Steve released my shoulders as she wrapped her arms around me. I did the same to her thin frame. "It's so good to finally meet you, I'm sorry I couldn't meet you sooner" she smelled like lavender. I smiled as she held me at arms length. "Please, I'm sure you're very busy taking care of Stark industries," she laughed. "It's a lot but besides that I heard so much about you and everything you've been through" she looked at me eyes filled with sympathy. I shrugged, "Yeah I wouldn't trade it for the world though" I looked over at Steve who smiled taking a step toward us. Pepper looked at Steve and myself with adoration in her eyes. "I'm so happy for the both of you." After a moment Tony came up behind Pepper and put his hands on each one of her shoulders lovingly. "Honey you must be tired, why don't you go take a nice shower and relax." She chuckled. "Time for a shower yes but us girls have to go shopping," Nat called from the couch.

Pepper shook her head, "Let me just freshen up and we can go." She left the room, Tony following, holding her bags for her. "Want a snack before we go?" Wanda asked more in general. "Sure" I replied as Nat shook her head no. I took a seat on the couch next to Vision. Steve took a seat across from me in one of the recliners. "We're all going?" Vision asked. I chuckled, "No it's a girls trip" he frowned a bit looking behind him at Wanda. Not long after Wanda walked over, putting down a tray of fruit, crackers and cheese for us to snack on while we waited for Pepper. "Have you picked out a color yet?" Steve asked. I looked at him funny, "Not yet why?" He shrugged, popping a grape into his mouth, "I just wanted to match is all" my heart swelled for my boyfriend, "It'll be a color that goes with anything, I'll make sure of it." There was a hint of something in his eye that I just couldn't put my finger on. I was about to ask him if he was okay but Pepper had broken the silence. "Alright ladies, are we ready to go?" We stood up simultaneously. "Perfect, Tony is bringing the car around for us." I walked over to Steve leaning down to kiss him sweetly on the lips. Moving over to his ear to whisper, "I'll miss you" I noticed goosebumps appear and I smiled standing straight and turning to walk out of the house with the girls.

I got into the back seat of one of Tony's many fancy cars. Pepper in the driver seat with Nat next to her and Wanda next to me. "I had a place in mind that has very nice dresses and we can get our nails done since it's right next door." Wanda chuckled, "we're supposed to have everything figured out for you to relax." "It's okay, just being with you three is relaxing enough" The place was about half an hour from the compound. Very modern looking with security guards stationed at the front door. I felt uneasy knowing that this store was most likely very expensive. A man not much taller than me styling a man bun stepped toward us clasping his hands together. "Ah Ms. Potts I'm so happy to see you again. Look at all these gorgeous ladies you brought for me!" he exclaimed after taking Pepper's hand and kissing it. "We have a party and I know you have only the best '' his eyes brightened. "Yes yes follow me ladies" he waved his hand in the air turning around and beckoning for us to follow. "He's so cute I love him" I whispered to Nat who chuckled. "Take a seat, rest your poor feet. Let me do all the work for you" The seats were very comfortable. Lined up in a private section of the store, I leaned back as someone showed up putting water on the coffee table in front of us.