Forever and Always

Chapter 26

"You're not burning up or anything my love" Steve said, taking his hand away from my forehead. I haven't been feeling well but I truly believe it was all in my head. The anxiety of Vile and not wanting anything to happen to anyone. "I have to go meet Alice, I'm fine don't worry about it" We were sitting on our bed in the Tower and Steve gave me a stern look. "If you're not feeling well, I don't think you should go" I shook my head standing up, "It could be a 24 hour bug, or it might be nothing. I'm not running a fever, I just feel nauseous and it could be anxiety" I heard him give out a long sigh. "You sure you don't want me to come with you?" I was grabbing my purse and keys from the dresser, "You can come if you want to hang with Bucky but Alice and I have some errands to run for the wedding" He got up and wrapped an arm around my waist pulling me close, "I'll happily accompany you" he kissed the top of my head making me lean into him. He kept his hand on the small of my back as we made our way toward the parking garage.

I missed not driving my car, so I started driving it back and forth from the tower and the compound. We walked up to my car and Steve insisted on driving since he was worried that I wasn't feeling 100%. I threw him the keys not having the energy to be overdramatic. "What're you and Alice doing for the wedding?" I angled myself so I was facing Steve as he glanced at me before focusing on pulling out onto the road. "It's more window shopping today. Getting ideas for favors and bachelorette party stuff. I'm not too sure what else is left but I want to cover everything." I saw him smile, taking a hand off the wheel to hold mine. I plugged my phone into the aux cord and put on our playlist to listen too as we made our way to Brooklyn.

Since the proposal that was almost 2 months ago already, we've really gotten a lot done. We decided on getting married at the compound. The color theme would be navy blue and gold. We did cake and food tasting. Tony said he had the bar covered, as Pepper said she wanted to take care of the details of the venue. Nat and Wanda were on duty for the bachelorette party. I just had to go dress shopping with the girls and window shopping with Alice to get the last ideas. The wedding was scheduled for March which is the month that Steve and I bumped into each other for the first time. With Christmas getting closer, that only left us 3 months to get everything ready for the wedding. I loved winter but I also hated it at the same time. New York having a white blanket of snow over it couldn't get any prettier and I was so excited to celebrate Christmas this year with everyone. What I hated was the traffic and the constant cold and rush of people trying to get all their Christmas shopping done. I definitely could have put on more layers but I looked cute in my boots, jeans and winter jacket, a beanie atop my head and gloves that matched my boots. To be fair there was a pair of leggings underneath my jeans. Being a Floridian, when it was 70 outside I'd have to put on a jacket.

With the traffic today it took about 50 minutes to get into Brooklyn. Alice and Bucky lived in an apartment building that reminded me of my old one. Getting out and walking to the door we were greeted by Bucky. I gave him a hug as he motioned us to come inside. I've been to their apartment a few times but seeing it set up for Christmas made it feel alot more homey. "Babe!" Alice shouted running into me for a hug making me stumble back. "Alice, you're crazy!" I chuckled trying to get that nauseous feeling out of my head. "You okay?' she whispered, stepping closer to me. I nodded my head and gave her a questioning look. 'You look a little paler than normal" I frowned, "it's winter Alice everyone gets pale" her eyes didn't lack the concern as she studied me for a few more seconds before taking hold of my hand and turning to the boys. "Well we're off" I let go of Alice's hand to give Steve a kiss and hug before we headed out the door. "Be safe, call us if anything" Steve shouted as the door shut, both of us chuckling as we made it out into the cold air of New York.

***

"Are you guys coming to Tony's Christmas Party?" I asked, my arm linked with Alice as we walked toward the shops. "I want to, but Bucky is still iffy." I frowned, feeling saddened, "Yeah but imagine waking up Christmas morning and being with all of us opening gifts and feasting all day long!" She nodded thinking over what I said, "Yeah we have 2 weeks before Christmas I'm sure I can convince him" We walked up to the first store going in and immediately feeling the warmth wash over me. "I'm sure you'll be able too"