DR. ROGERS: A Steve Rogers Story

FORTY-TWO

I could not have asked for a better honeymoon in a million years.

Steve and I had spent our time basking in the sun, drinking, and....well you know what.

We missed home, but we also loved it here.

Steve walked into the living room of our little Airbnb. He was sunkissed for sure. I was on FaceTime with Ashton.

"And dad and I went to the baseball game...and we went to the aquarium on Saturday."

"Oooo what was your favorite animal there?"

"The turtle." He said and smiled.

"That's so awesome. How's baby brother?"

"Loud." He said. Colton laughed in the background.

"Yeah? Is he crying a lot."

"No. He just says oooo and aaaa a lot."

"Soon he's gonna be talking to you bubba."

"I know. And he started crawling a little."

"Awee."

"Where's Steve?"

"Here." I said. I handed him the phone.

"Hey bud. How's it going?"

"Good. I miss you and mom. When are you guys coming home?"

"Two days."

"Ugh. Fine. I guess I get to hang out with daddy more."

"You stinker." Colton said over the phone. I chuckled.

"Just kidding! Steve now that you and my mommy are married, are you two gonna have a baby like baby brother?"

"We will see. I don't know if mom just wants you."

He giggled. "I want a baby sister. Then I'm a big brother to a boy and a girl."

"Yeah? I'll have to ask mom if she can call the storks for us."

"Deal."

"Hey. Bedtime soon. Say goodnight." Colton said.

"Goodnight. I loveeee youuuuu." Ashton said.

"Love you bud." I said. He handed Colton the phone. Steve handed me the phone.

"Hey. So his teacher called, and he hasn't been doing too good in school. She thinks he's been tired the Monday he comes back from yours a lot. And all he talks about is seeing you in New York."

"Shit. I'll get him home earlier when we come back."

"I'm not mad and I don't wanna take your time but....maybe we only do weekends now? Maybe not Thursday night? I know his school is only four days a week but..."

"No I agree. At least until summer. Is he gonna be good with that?"

"Not if I tell him."

"I'll tell him. It's fine."

"Thanks."

"Has he been behaving and everything?"

"Yeah. I think the wedding messed his routine a bit but other than that he's fine. His routine was messed when we had Dyl as well so it's all good."

"Kay. If you need anything just call."

"Yeah. Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon."

"Thanks. Bye." I said. I hung up.

"So what you just aren't seeing Ashton again?"

"I'm requesting full weeks with him during summer if he's doing that."

"Or..."

"What?"

"Do you wanna move closer?"

"No. I won't do that. We just bought a place together. We have great stable jobs. You've worked there your whole life."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Yeah. He's gonna be fine. I'll just request more in the summer. Everything will be good." I said. "But I can't worry about that. I'm celebrating us."

He smiled, kissing my lips. I kissed him back. Everything was perfect with him.

———

Steve and I sat on a sun chair together by the pool. We were both looking up at the stars.

"I don't think I ever wanna go home." I said.

"No? You sure?"

"Well Id miss ash but other than that, just us..."

"I could live like this."

I smiled, playing with his ring on his finger. It still took a lot for me to remember that I am married to the true love of my life. I had a real wedding. My parents got to watch me walk down the aisle. My son was there.

I truly had it all. And I was so grateful for it.

I glanced up at Steve. He gave me a smile.

"What?" He asked.

"I love you."

"Mmm. I love you too."

He pecked my lips. I turned back around.

It was quiet for a while. Steve just rubbed my waist with his thumb. I liked quiet with him. It was just relaxed.

Steve twirled my hair in his fingers. It was wavy from the saltwater. He said he liked it better natural. I rarely wore it natural.

"So when we have a kid..." Steve started.

"Oh god."

"What are some names you like?"

"You are going too fast."

"I like Harper or a girl, and Ian for a boy."

"Mhm."

He chuckled. "You don't care."

"Just wait until I'm pregnant." I said and laughed.

"Fine. I mean we could work on getting you pregnant right now..."

I laughed. "Come on loverboy."