The Light in my Darkness

The Epilogue

Six months later

One week after the end of the semester, Clint rented a plane large enough for the two of you and several of your closest friends. You flew to a small island in the Caribbean and exchanged vows on the beach two days later as the sun set in the background. Besides the main cabana where you and Clint stayed, there were several smaller huts scattered around. So, even though everyone stayed for another week, you really only saw them when you wanted to.

Still, Clint was happy to kick them off the island when the week was up. He waited until the two of you were alone to tell you that he'd purchased the island several years ago and had just never really gotten around to using it. A whole island. Yep, that was your husband. The best part of the confession was when he told you that he was taking an extended leave from work so the two of you could honeymoon as long as you wished.

It was now two weeks later and you weren't planning on heading home anytime soon. The two of you were on the beach in front of your cabana. Clint was laying on one of the chairs in only his trunks and sunglasses. Drops of water dotted his skin from the quick dip he'd just taken in the ocean. You traced your tongue along your lip as you ran your eyes over him. Lifting your camera, you snapped several quick pictures.

Steve had invited you to have another show at the gallery. And as eager as you were to take him up on the offer, you weren't rushing yourself this time. You didn't have anything to prove this time and you intended to spend your time with your new husband. Not holed up in a studio. That didn't keep you from taking as many pictures as possible so you could use them later. You moved around Clint while you took several more pictures.

"Enough with the photos. Come here and lay down with me," Clint invited.

You smiled at him though you weren't even sure if his eyes were open behind the reflective lenses of his sunglasses. "Just a few more."

***

Clint grinned and shook his head before letting his eyes slip closed once more. Being here with you was closer to heaven than he ever thought he'd get. Once the two of you reunited, he was quick to secure his claim on you. He proposed on New Year's Eve and would have married you the next day if he hadn't wanted everything to be perfect for you.

But the best part was the two of you together with no schedules, no interruptions. He handed Hawkeye over to Nat for the summer and was leaving it up to you to say when it was time to go home. Another couple of weeks and he'd have to fly Wanda down for a few days. Both of you were missing her already.

Maybe if—

Water splashed over him and he sucked in a breath in surprise. His eyes shot open to find you standing nearby holding the bucket you used to rinse the sand off your feet before going into the house. At least it wasn't cold, he guessed. Your eyes were wide as you took a step back from him and he could tell you were trying to hide your amusement.

"So that's how it is." He scrambled to his feet and you squealed and turned to run down the beach. As if you could possibly outrun him. Several long strides later, he caught up to you and wrapped his arms around you to pull you into him. He spun you in a circle before his fingers found your ticklish spot.

You squealed and kicked your legs. "Stop. Have mercy on the pregnant lady."

Clint froze instantly but only for a moment. His heart raced and it was suddenly hard to breathe. Had you just... He made sure you had your footing then turned you to face him. He cupped one hand on the side of your face and leaned forward to look in your eyes. "What did you say?"

You grinned then and the force of it sent a jolt straight through him. "I'm pregnant."

He swept you up in his arms again as his lips slammed into yours. Two minutes ago, he would have sworn life with you couldn't be any more perfect.

He was so, so glad to be wrong.