I'll be Home for Christmas

Peggy straightens the last of the presents under the Christmas tree. Everything was in order, and she just had to wait for the guests to arrive.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Rushing to open it, Peggy flung open the door to see Amanda Carter. "Mother," Peggy smiled. Her mother embraces her in a warm hug.

"Merry Christmas, sweetie." Amanda smiles.

"Merry Christmas, mother." Peggy answers. "Is father coming?"

"I'm sorry, dear. He is busy," she apologizes.

"No, it's alright," Peggy shook her head.

Howard comes next. "Peggy!" He grins. He leans in to kiss her, but she moves and Howard ends up with a mouthful of hair.

"There isn't any mistletoe if you're wondering," Peggy says, her voice smiling though.

"Now there is," he smirks, pointing to his hat. Peggy just rolled her eyes and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek. She contemplates telling him that mistletoe is poisonous, but she doesn't say anything; he should've already known.

Daniel Sousa rings the doorbell, so Peggy excuses herself to let him in. He is awkwardly holding a wrapped present. "This is for you," he says shyly.

"Thank you, Daniel," Peggy gives him a hug. "Merry Christmas."

A couple more people enter, including the Howling Commandos. Peggy's party is off to a great start. Everyone is having fun, that is, except Peggy.

Looking out the window, snow lightly falls, creating a picturesque scene. Peggy notices a tall shadow hovering at her doorstep. Curious, Peggy opens her door one more time. But when she looks up, she is speechless.

Because standing at her door is none other than Steve Rogers.

"Steve!" She says, her eyes wide. Smiling, she adds, "you're late."

Steve smiles apologetically. "I couldn't see in the snow."

Peggy's mind fills with unanswered questions. "Come in," she finally manages. She takes his hand and leads him to the dance floor. Conveniently, a slow song plays on the stereo. Lightly tugging his hand, she finally smiles a genuine smile. "You owe me a dance!"

"I don't know how to," Steve reminds her awkwardly. An amused smile plays on his lips as he watches her.

"I'll teach you," she reassures him. She looks beautiful, in a gorgeous evergreen dress with cranberry red accents. Peggy puts her hand on his shoulder, takes his left hand in her right, and repositions his right hand on her hip.

Steve blushes bashfully, always the gentleman.

"Don't look at your feet," she says. "Just feel." And the music swells around them. The dance isn't perfect, and he trips on her feet a couple times, but Peggy couldn't have wished for anything better. The two are lost in their own world. Looking into his eyes, Peggy feels tears welling up. "I thought you were dead."

"Well, I couldn't leave my best girl. Not when she owes me a dance."

At the end of the night, Steve smiles gently. "Merry Christmas Peggy." And he slowly leans in to kiss her, a little hesitant. When his lips brushed hers, Peggy feels her heart flutter. But he withdrew quickly. Instead, Peggy pulls his tie for a deeper kiss.

"I love you, Peggy," Steve smiles, his eyes wet with tears.

"Why are you crying?" Peggy asks.

"I'm sorry," is all he answers with. 

Suddenly, she feels cold, and everything becomes blurry. She lunges for Steve, but everything is dark.

Peggy wakes up, breathing hard. It is 12:00, Christmas Eve.

And Peggy buries her head in her hands and cries.