Wait for the Signal: A Royalty Steve Rogers Story

Thirty-seven

I woke up to a breeze blowing into the room. It was the middle of the night.

"Steve?"

"Shhh. Go back to sleep."

He stood out on the balcony. I got up, putting my robe on and going over.

"Hey. It's freezing." I said. It was almost winter at this point.

"Mm. I can't sleep."

I led him inside, shutting the doors. I added logs to the fire.

"You're going to get sick if you stand out there." I said. I sat down in front of the fire. He joined me. We sat up against the lounge chair.

Steve had been getting nightmares recently. He would not sleep. I tried my best to stay up with him.

I set my head on his shoulder. His hand was on my knee as we watched the fire.

I snuggled closer, feeling his warmth. "What was it this time?"

"It's always somehow back to my father...losing you..what would have happened if you died."

"Steve. You have to stop worrying about what might have happened. I am here."

"I know. It just worries me all the time."

"He's dead. We are safe. We are king and queen."

He nodded. "Tell me something about you I haven't heard before."

"You know everything about me."

"I'm sure I don't."

I sighed. "Now you're making me think. I'm too tired."

"You have got to have something."

"I really don't."

He sighed. "You can go back to sleep if you need." He said. I shook my head no.

"I want to make sure you're alright."

"I'm fine."

I continued to watch the fire. My eyes were so heavy.

I closed my eyes, resting on Steve.

Steve

I knew my wife had fallen asleep on me. I did not care.

She was curled up. Once I knew she was fast asleep, I carefully got up, picking her up and bringing her into bed. She shifted.

We had both been working hard recently. Laura was already three years old. I don't know how it happened.

And with that, we were trying for another. It was hard on Elenor. She did not want to be pregnant again. But she knew what she had to do.

I kissed her head. She had tea next to her bed that was leftover. We had intercourse before she fell asleep. I always felt guilty. It was not natural. It was all forced.

I got into my side of the bed. Elenor leaned over to my side. I rubbed her cheek, pulling her close.

I wanted to make sure she was safe. She was happy.

I loved her so much.

~~~

I woke up to Laura getting on me. She sat on my chest.

"Papa." She said.

"Hi lovely." I said. She laid down. I sat up, rubbing her back. Elenor came in, smiling softly.

"Good morning," she said.

"Good morning mama." She said. I smirked.

"Good morning love." I said. She came over, laying back with me.

She moved her head to my shoulder. Eventually she moved to my ear.

"I have an appointment with Banner today."

"Oh."

"I woke up very sick."

"Oh. Darling you could have woken me." I said. She shook her head.

"I'm fine. I was expecting it at some point."

I nodded. "Let me know what you need."

"Thank you." She whispered.

"I love you." I said. "And I love you Laura Lynn."

"Love you." She said.

~~~

Elenor came into my office. I looked up at her.

"Hi." I said. She gave me a little smile.

"We are to be expecting another."

I came over, hugging her tight. "Truly,?"

She nodded. "And I hope that the books are right because I was on top so it better be a boy.."

I laughed. "Perhaps."

She sighed. "We really need one."

"No we don't." I said. "I would be overjoyed with another girl."

She nodded. I kissed her.

"I just hate the part where I get fat." She said. I chuckled.

"You're growing a child. I think that is the least of your worries."

"We can finally go to sleep again without intercourse."

I nodded. "I always feel so guilty."

"No. Steve. We know what we had to do. It's alright."

She rubbed my cheek. I nodded.

"Well I love you. And in nine months we will have a healthy baby. And Laura will be the best big sister."

She nodded. "I love you too. It'll be easier this time. I know what I'm doing."

"And my father is not around to stress you out."

"That too."

I kissed her head, pulling her into one last hug. "Love you."

"Love you too."

I really, truly did.