Journey of the Heart (An Avengers Fanfic)

Chapter 3 - Party Prep

After showing them around their new apartment suite and stashing their bags Pepper took Bekah to go pick out an outfit.

Tony took it upon himself to keep Grace occupied. She was ecstatic to explore her new room. She also enlisted her "Uncle Tony" to help unload her stuffed animals.

After trying on at least half of Pepper's wardrobe, they finally found the perfect outfit.

"Wow Bekah," Pepper said staring at her friend. "You look absolutely stunning!"

Bekah smiled at herself in the mirror, "I think we finally found the one."

"I agree. The simplicity of the dress suits you!"

Bekah did a little twirl, admiring the way the little black dress spun. The dress wasn't super tight and fell right below her knees.

"It's so comfortable. The fabric is absolutely amazing!" she said studying the skirt. "I love the old fashioned look it has."

Pepper went to her dresser and pulled out a pair of simple diamond earrings. "You can borrow these as well. Plus whatever shoes you want."

"That's really nice of you, Pepper. Are you sure about the earrings? Those diamonds are probably worth more than one of Tony's cars."

Pepper rolled her eyes, making a shooing motion with her hands, "Of course I'm sure. They'll go perfectly with the outfit. Now go change out of the dress and chose a pair of shoes."

Bekah gave her friend a quick hug before going back into the large closet.

"You're the best cousin-in-law ever."

Pepper chuckled, "If you say so. Now get a move on! You only have three and a half hours to  shower and get ready. I'm going to go see how Tony and Grace are doing. Knowing those two they'll probably be creating a mess."

Bekah laughed,"They are definitely related to each other. I'll be up in a few minutes."

"Sounds good," Pepper said, "See you in bit."

Bekah stared up at the floor length shelf that was full of shoes.

"Oh good gravy! This could take ages," she muttered throwing her hands up in the air. Beginning to pace and feeling slightly overwhelmed she sighed. "I guess the only solution is choosing randomly."

So she closed her eyes and grabbed a pair of shoes from the nearest shelf. Opening her eyes she found that she was holding a shiny pair of red heels. "Ah, a lovely choice if I do say so myself."

Smiling she grabbed the dress and accessories and headed back upstairs.

Upon stepping out of the elevator Bekah heard her daughter's laughter. Grace came running into the living room, Tony close on her heels.

"Come here you little squirt" he said with a grin. Easily scooping the little tyke into his arms he tossed her in the air.

Bekah chuckled, "I see things are going well."

Tony spun to face her. Grace now had her arms firmly wrapped around his neck, a big grin on her face as she waved to her mom.

"Things are going great! Gracie and I unpacked all her stuffed animals. I never realized what a collection she has. This munchkin could start her own stuffed animal zoo." he said tickling Grace till she started giggling.

Bekah laughed, hanging the dress up and setting the other accessories on the table. "Yes, she does have quite a stash. I don't suppose she showed you her book collection as well?"

Tony shook his head, "We were planning on doing that but..we uh.. kinda got distracted. The tickle monster appeared we've been trying to chase him away."

Grace giggled happily.

Pepper entered the rooms, pulling some suitcases behind her.

"I hope you don't mind Beks, but I found some Grace's things and thought I'd start unpacking."

"I don't mind at all Pepper, you're a lifesaver," Bekah said pushing a stray hair from her face, "I wasn't sure how I'd help Grace unpack and get myself ready for the party. I suppose I'll just unpack some of my own things later."

Tony kissed Grace on the cheek and set her down, "Why don't you go help Auntie Pepper unload some of your things. I've got some stuff to work on but I'll see ya later, okay?"

Grace smiled up at him before running over to Pepper.

Bekah watched the pair walk out of the room then turned to Tony.

"I haven't had the chance yet but I wanted to thank you for everything you and Pepper have done for us. This suite is perfect. Above and beyond what you had to do. I mean, it's completely furnished. You really didn't have to do all this you know..." she said trying to keep her emotions in check.

Tony put a hand up to stop her, "Yes we did. It's no problem. Just enjoy it! And that's an order, cousin." he smirked, "I don't want to hear another word about it. As Pepper would say, you're family- and family is important."

"I appreciate this more than you'll ever know," she said with a shaky smile.

Tony gave her a quick pat on the shoulder before heading for the elevator. "You're welcome. Now go do girly preparation things. I've got a party to prepare for."

Bekah followed after him. Stopping him before he stepped into the elevator she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "Okay, boss. Whatever you say. See ya later."

Tony grinned at her, "FRIDAY take me to the workshop." he said.

"As you wish, sir." the mechanical female voice replied, the elevator doors sliding shut.

Bekah sighed, and tried to get her emotions under control. It had been years since anyone had done something this nice for her. Normally they expected something in return. She knew Tony and Pepper weren't like that, which was a relief. They were genuinely kind, not expecting to be repaid. Unlike him...

"No!" she closed her eyes tightly, "No, no, no. Bekah don't do this to yourself," she said under her breath.

Knowing if she let her mind wander down that path it would drag up painful memories. Memories that were dangerous and had to stay buried.

For the safety of herself and her daughter those things had to stay buried, deep where no one could find them. She couldn't take the chance of Him finding out.

With great determination she pushed the memories from her mind and went to get ready for the party.