Chapter 2
It took almost a month for her to see Steve again. She still felt like he was everywhere she looked, always just out of sight. She shook those thoughts away as she followed behind her parents towards their usual Saturday destination. As always, her parents were distracted with the twins, so she and her brother headed towards the playground.
It was while they were having lunch that she ran into Steve again, quite literally too. She had excused herself for a moment and had gone to the public bathrooms. As she got out, after washing her hands thoroughly, she ran into a man. Automatically, she apologized profusely.
“It’s fine, doll. I wasn’t looking either.” She looked up as soon as she heard the familiar tone of voice. A bright smile took over her face as she looked up at him.
“Steve!” He grinned at her obvious enthusiasm. “What are you doing here?” she asked him quickly, her smile still in place.
Steve shrugged, “I like to take a walk around here sometimes.” She nodded in understanding; the park was lovely for taking a stroll in. “How are you? How’s school?” They were still standing in front of the exit of the public bathroom. When someone muttered for them to move, Steve gently guided her to the side.
“School is…crazy.” she sighed out, not noticing the amused glint in his blue eyes. “Everyone is hounding me about college applications and career choices and I– I just don’t know. I’m not good at anything, really. I’m not that smart either. “ She shrugged, “I don’t know.”
Steve put a big hand on her shoulder, making her look up at him in surprise. “I know it's difficult now, but everything will work out in the end. Even if you don’t know it right now, the universe has a path for you. God has a path for you. Don’t stress too much about it, okay?”
She hadn't known he was religious (she wasn’t) but she didn’t mind the sentiment. It was nice thinking that everything will go according to an unknown plan. She just wished she could get some clues as to what she should do to make it reality. What college, what major, anything.
“Thanks Steve, you’re probably right. I’m just a bit stressed right now.” She shrugged, looking around his shoulder to watch her family. They were totally clueless as to what she was currently doing. If her father knew she was friendly with an older man like Steve, he probably would’ve killed them both.
“I was thinking–” Steve said, catching her attention once again. He was rubbing the back of his neck, the expression on his face uncertain. His arms flexed with the movement, showing off his muscled physique. “Maybe we can exchange numbers? If you’re ever stressed, or just want to talk, you would be able to reach me. We don’t have to, obviously. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“You’re not! Definitely not uncomfortable. Yeah, I think it would be nice to text sometimes. You know?” She knew she sounded just a bit too excited, but Steve didn’t call her out on it. Instead, he held out his hand for her phone to put his number in. He called himself from her phone so he would have hers as well, and smiled.
“Great. Well, you know how to reach me. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. For now I'm sure your family is wondering where you went.” He chuckled at her disappointed expression. “Go on, we don’t want to worry them too much. I’ll speak with you soon, doll.” He winked before turning her around by the shoulders and gently pushing her in the direction of her parents.
She sighed in defeat. She turned around one more time to say goodbye, and gasped in surprise when he wasn’t there anymore. She glanced around with a furrowed brow. Gone. Steve was gone already. She took a deep breath and finally walked back to her family.
“Where were you?” Her father asked as soon as she sat down. “Stomach ache.” She replied, not caring about what her family now thought she had been doing. Her phone felt heavy in her pocket. The knowledge that she had Steve’s number was intoxicating. She couldn’t wait to talk with him again.
As soon as they returned home, she locked herself in her room. Her mother always expects her to help with cooking dinner at five-thirty, so that would give her two more hours of alone time. She laid down on her bed and wiggled around a bit to get her phone from her back pocket.
What should she say to him first? She didn’t want to sound like an immature kid, but also not like a boring old person. She sighed, deleting the beginning of a text. What to do? She rolled over so she was laying on her belly.
“Maybe just ‘hello’?” she mumbled to herself. Should she type it as hello, or hi, or hey? How many y’s if she went with hey? Would one be too little? Would it be weird if she did multiple? Three y’s perhaps?
She groaned, burying her face in her pillow. She took a few seconds to recollect herself, and then resumed coming up with an appropriate text. It’s only the first message. After that one, she was sure Steve would take over the conversation for them. He usually did. She liked that about him. She doesn't have to worry about much when she’s around him.
“Hi is fine.” She finally muttered to herself as she sent the text. She immediately threw the phone to her side, burying her face back in her pillow. She didn’t want to desperately hold on to it while she waited ages for– Oh, it buzzed already.
She scrambled to sit up and grabbed the phone again. One new message from Steve R.. R must be the start of his last name, she mused. She quickly swiped her phone open to see what the message said.
Hi doll! Have you gotten home alright?
She smiled at the sweet sentiment. She quickly replied that she had, in fact, gotten home just fine and what was he up to? Impatiently she waited for his response, this time keeping their chat open. She could already see that he was typing.
I’m glad. I also went home after the park, just finished some paperwork and was thinking about you. I’m real happy you texted me.
She blushed, biting on her lip to hold in an excited squeal. She couldn’t believe he was thinking about her! She grinned, typing away on her phone with butterflies in her stomach. She would never be able to tell anyone about this, she realized. Steve will have to remain her secret.
Were you really? I was also thinking about you…
She hoped she didn’t come across as too flirty. She didn’t want to scare him away.
I absolutely was. I can’t get the image of you out of my head, doll. I’m glad to hear the feeling is mutual ;)
She gasped. Oh my god! He sent her a winky face! That must mean he likes her, right? He called her pretty before as well, in the park and while walking her home. Men Steve’s age wouldn’t lie about that kind of thing, right? That was more for immature high school boys. She grinned, no high school boy could compare to Steve.
It is! I was also really happy to run into you today. You always seem to be around somehow haha
She worried her lip between her teeth when it took Steve a little longer to respond. Did her message come across as weird? Perhaps sending the ‘haha’ was a bit childish. Steve was probably used to talking with mature, confident women…
It must be part of God’s plan that I told you about. I’ll always be around when you need me to be.
“Hm.” She nodded as she read the message. God’s plan, huh. Well, she mused, if this God has a plan where Steve is heavily involved in her life, she’s willing to follow it. She giggled to herself. What if Steve was God’s plan for her? She shook her head quickly. No, that would be crazy.
Thank you, Steve. That makes me feel really happy.
Of course.
Then immediately after that;
I have some more work to finish, doll. I’ll speak with you later, alright?
With a disappointed sigh she agreed. Throwing her phone away once again, she collapsed back onto her mattress. Her heart was pounding from her interaction with Steve. Her cheeks were bright red. She could feel the heat radiating from them.
She slowly trailed her hand up and down her thigh, wishing it was Steve doing so instead.
After those first messages, they stayed in contact almost constantly. During school she would reply a bit less frequently, as Steve did order her to pay attention in class. Some days it would take Steve hours to respond, sometimes not replying at all until the next day. He explained it away as work emergencies, but she couldn’t help but be worried about him.
As days turned into weeks of talking with Steve all the time, she really felt like he’s the most important person in her life. They hadn’t seen each other face-to-face in ages. However, she still feels like he’s everywhere around her. She still sees him out of the corner of her eyes as she walks to school, or when she goes to the park with her family.
Her graduation was now coming up, and she still had no future plans. She told her parents and the school that she applied to multiple colleges. She also started telling everyone she wanted to major in communications, as that was a major no one really cared to ask more questions about.
She texted Steve about her worries all the time. He did a great job of reassuring her that God’s plan will make it make sense for her. Unfortunately, her time was running out. Soon everyone will start to receive mail from the schools they applied to, and she would get nothing.
It was late afternoon one day when she once again texted her worries to her good friend Steve.
I really don’t know what to do…
He replied almost instantly.
I have a suggestion but I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.
She perked up in interest. So far, every single time she voiced her worries about the future, Steve would brush it off with calming but unhelpful words. This time he came with a suggestion.
I would like to hear it. I’m ready to take any suggestion at this point.
She could see him type, and then stop typing, and then resume again. What could his suggestion be that it required this much careful wording? It must be something great.
You could always just marry a rich guy?
…What? She read over the short text message multiple times. It did not start making more sense after the fifth time of reading it. Marry a rich guy? How would that solve any of her problems at all? Steve sent another message when she did not respond.
Think about it, doll. You have not applied to any college’s, so you won’t further your education after high school. You will have to start working somewhere to earn money. With just a high school diploma, and no work experience, your options are not great.
She nodded as she read the message. That’s all true, she mused. But– ah, he sent another one.
Your parents will either keep you at home and make you take care of your brothers full time, or they’ll kick you out with no money. I would hate for either to happen, doll. If you were to marry, you could move in with your spouse and they could take care of everything for you. You wouldn’t have to worry about school or work ever again.
She nodded slowly. His reasoning seemed well thought out, as if he’d been thinking about it for a while. And it did seem like that could be the solution to all her problems. Only one problem though,
That sounds pretty great tbh. But in case you forgot, I am not currently engaged Steve. I don’t even have a boyfriend! Where would I find this mystery man?
His response was very fast.
You already found him, doll. I’m not going to propose via text however. Do you have time to meet tomorrow?
Her mouth dropped open in shock. Steve?! He– She took a deep breath, closing and opening her eyes to read the message again. Yes, it definitely seems like he’s offering to– to marry her. Why?
You would do that for me? I can’t ask that of you, Steve. You should marry someone you like, not just some stupid girl who’s in a bit of a pickle
She bit her lip as she waited for his response. As she glanced at the time, she realized her mother was going to call for her to help with dinner any second now. She wanted to round up this conversation first before disappearing half way through.
I do like you, doll. It would make me feel better if I know that you’re with me, safe and protected. I’d hate for you to find some abusive creep to marry. That would defeat the purpose.
She sighed when she heard her mothers voice.
I have to cook dinner now, Steve. I’ll think about it okay? We can still meet up tomorrow to talk about it?
And they did. The next morning they met up at the cafe where they ran into each other that first time. Steve was already sitting in the back of the room, two cups on the table. With a small smile on her face she walked towards him. Steve stood up and pulled her into a tight hug. It was the first time they hugged but it did not feel awkward at all. Instead, it felt natural.
“You remembered.” She sighed out when she took a sip of her iced Chai tea. He grinned, the tips of his ears turning a bit red as he nodded. She smiled back before taking another sip of the cold beverage.
“Alright,” Steve began, folding his hands into a fist, “I know what I said yesterday shocked you quite a bit. Have you had the time to think it over a little bit more?”
She nodded slowly, putting the plastic cup on the table carefully before responding. “It did surprise me, but I have thought about it. I think… Well, I think it’s a crazy idea.” Steve frowned, and opened his mouth to respond. She quickly cut him off, “But, I do think you had some good points. It seems that marrying someone who could take care of me would solve most, if not all, of my problems. The thing is, I don’t want you to force yourself to do it.”
Steve sighed, a hint of amusement in his eyes while his face remained serious. “I understand where you’re coming from, doll, I do. However, you must know that it would be no hardship for me to marry you. I have feelings for you after all.”
She gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. He nodded seriously while she opened and closed her mouth to respond. Steve…liked her? Had feelings for her? Oh my god!
“I see this comes as a shock to you.” He grinned, “ It is true, doll, I really like you. I would like to court you, marry you. I am aware that you have a short amount of time left to make a choice about the future. That is why I have written a…well, I suppose it is a courtship contract. It would basically make us engaged if you sign it. It lays out some expectations for us during our marriage. Of course, I will still go down on one knee with a ring, I'm not a barbarian.”
“Oh my god.” She whispered as she looked down at her lap. She couldn’t believe it, she really couldn’t. How could someone like Steve be interested in someone like her? It just didn’t make sense. Steve could probably have anyone he’d like, and yet he’d choose her?
“Here, “ He pulled out a folder out of his bag, “read through these. That should clear up some confusion I think. These have already been notarized and I have signed them myself. All it needs is your signature, and then all your problems will disappear.” he said with a smile as he handed her the folder.
She nodded as grabbed hold of it. Inside the folder were three A4 pieces of crisp, white paper with black ink printed on them. The first paper had a short explanation of what will be found on the other two pages, as well as a place for signatures and dates. She could see Steve had signed it a week ago already. How long has he been thinking about this, she wondered.
The other two pages were filled with rules and expectations. The first page was about the husband (Steve), the second about the wife (her!). She glanced through them both.
Amongst other things, it stated that the husband would take care of the financial and physical wellbeing of the wife. He would make sure they would have a roof above their heads, and food in the pantries at all times. It also explicitly stated that the husband would not prohibit the wife from pursuing any creative endeavors.
As for the wife, well, those rules were a bit more strange and embarrassing. She was expected to move in with her husband (Steve) after they tied the knot, which they would do as soon as she graduated. She was to remain pure and clean until their wedding night, which wouldn’t be a problem for her as she was an obvious virgin. She also wasn’t to ask about- or take interest in their finances. She was to rely on her husband for everything.
Most mind boggling, however, was the final expectation written on the bottom of the page. She was expected to provide the husband with a son. Not an offspring, no, a son.
As she read through it all again for a second time, a little bit less overwhelmed as she knew what to expect, she realized it was all pretty favorable toward her. Steve would take care of everything, worry about their livelihood and everything else. All she had to do was take care of the home and give him an heir.
She put the folder down and took a quick few sips of her drink to soothe her dry throat. Was she really going to go through with this? Is she actually that desperate?
…
Yes, she decided, she is that desperate.
“What do you think, doll? I know you must have some questions for me.” He leaned forward slightly. His shoulders looked so wide and strong that it almost made her swoon. She pushed those thoughts away as soon as they came. They were here to discuss important paperwork, get your head in the game!
“Why a son?” Was the first thing she could think of.
“Ah, well, I’m afraid I'm a bit old school that way. That is not to say that I wouldn’t be happy with a daughter, either. If we were to have a daughter first, we'd just have to keep trying for a son. If we have a son, we can still have more children who can of course be girls.”
“How–”
“How many children?” She nodded. “Well, I quite like the thought of a big family. Perhaps not seven,” She giggled, nodding in agreement. “but three or four sounds nice.” He said, his voice wistful as if talking about a dream he’d had for a long time.
“Right, okay.” She mumbled. “And, how can you be so sure you would be able to provide for our family?” She blushed as she said it. Our family sounds so strange to her. Just yesterday Steve was just her friend Steve that she had a mild crush on. Now, they were discussing the terms of their courtship.
“This… is a conversation that requires some privacy. Let’s go somewhere we can talk.” Steve said, packing up the folders and standing up. She followed one step behind him as he walked out of the cafe. She forgot her drink in all the rush.
“This is better.” He said satisfied as they sat down on a bench in a quiet place of the park. No one was walking around them, all she could hear was the wind and her heartbeat.
“You asked how I would be able to provide for our family.” Steve began. She nodded, that was indeed what she said. “Well, I haven’t told you the entire truth about who I am. I have another side to me that I have kept from you. I did not want our friendship and possible relationship affected by it.”
He had her full attention, hanging on his every word. He scrubbed both hands over his handsome face before staring right into her eyes. “Truth is, I'm Captain America; Steve Rodgers.”
Steve R., suddenly came up in her thoughts. Her mother had recognized him, hadn’t she? Was that why her mother had seemed to know who he was? She muled it all over. It made sense, the more she thought about it. Steve’s habit of calling his coworkers his team. Said team being the freaking Avengers. And how he would be busy with ‘work’ for hours or days on end. Missions. He was doing Avengers missions while texting with her.
“Oh my…” She whispered, her eyes taking in all of him as if for the first time. Captain America wanted to marry her? Had feelings for her? She shook those thoughts away quickly. Not Captain America, Steve had feelings for her and wanted to marry her.
She smiled, “I believe you.” He let out a deep breath and smiled charmingly at her.
“I knew you would understand. You’re such a good girl, doll. Now that you know how easily I would be able to afford taking care of our family, how do you feel?” The way he said the word family, almost in a longing sigh, helped make up her mind. If Steve was this serious about it, then so was she.
“I–” She frowned playfully, enjoying how his eyes widened slightly in worry at her expression. “Are you not going to go down on one knee?” She pouted, her arms crossed over her chest in exaggerated displeasure.
A brilliant smile broke out on his face. He quickly stood up from the bench, patting down his pockets until he found what he was looking for, and taking out an emerald velvet box. In a smooth move he bent down on one knee, right on the grass of Central Park. He opened the velvet box and held it out towards her.
She gasped when she caught sight of the engagement ring for the first time. It was unlike any ring she had ever seen. The band was made of gold, with in its center a beautiful round emerald stone. The gem was encompassed by more gold that made it look like the sun. On both sides of the sun stone were delicate little diamonds. The ring shined beautifully and appeared to be extremely delicate.
“My dear Junie-Juniper,” She giggled at his wording, tears already gathering in her eyes. “We met in this same park weeks and weeks ago. You were this beautiful little redhead who asked me shyly if you could sit next to me. As if I could ever deny you anything, sweetheart. We have become such great friends now. I always look forward to your texts and sweet little messages throughout the day. I love how thoughtful you are as well, how much you love your brothers and respect your parents. I also love how much you turn to me with your problems. I love taking care of you. I would like to do so for the rest of our lives. So, my sweet little Junie doll, will you please agree to marry me?”
She was definitely crying by the end of his little speech. She couldn’t verbally respond, so instead she nodded so quickly that she almost gave herself whiplash. Steve let out a shuddering breath and then laughed in delight. He grabbed ahold of her left hand and gently slid the ring on. A perfect fit.
As swift as lightning, Steve stood up and picked her up from the bench. He hugged her tightly in his arms, spinning them around while she giggled in delight. After a few seconds of spinning he gently put her back on the ground.
“Can I please kiss you, Junie?” He whispered, grabbing hold of her cheeks to tilt her head up to meet his eyes. With a blush on her cheeks and tears still in her eyes, she nodded. With a happy grin, Steve leaned down and captured her lips with his.
The kiss was slow and romantic. It was only her second kiss ever, so she was grateful to Steve for gently guiding her along. He turned his head slightly to make the angle better. His tongue softly prodded at her lips, and she obediently opened her mouth for him. Steve groaned from deep within as his tongue moved to taste her further.
They kissed for a few long seconds, before Steve slowly pulled away again. He smiled and stroked her cheek lovingly, before hugging her against his chest again. Her heart was pounding, and she was feeling hot all over. If just kissing him made her feel like this, she couldn’t wait for more.
They remained in the park, hugging and slightly swaying, for a long time. Eventually, when the sun almost began to set, Steve whispered in her ear if she would pretty please sign the papers so it was official? She didn’t even have to think about it.
As soon as the ink was permanent on the paper, her name next to his forever, he pulled her back into another toe-curling kiss. She smiled up at him when he pulled away again.
“Thank you.” She whispered softly, unbelieving of the fact that this man, this super man, had done so much for her. He smiled down at her. “Absolutely my pleasure, doll.”
Steve walked her home with an arm around her waist. He grabbed hold of her left hand frequently to look at the ring on her finger. “It’s such a beautiful ring, Steve.” She sighed out when he did so the first time.
He had kissed her temple, saying, “Only the best for my best girl.”
That made her blush a fiery red of course.
The walk to her family home was not a short one, yet it felt like only a few seconds in Steve’s arms. She sighed in disappointment when they reached the end of their stroll. She hugged him around his waist before he could say a thing.
“I don’t want you to go.” She mumbled into his chest, her face buried in the fabric while he carded his strong fingers through her long hair.
“Soon, honey, soon we’ll live together. I was thinking about introducing myself to your parents tomorrow.” She pulled away slightly to look up at him in confusion. “I need to let them know of my intentions, Junie. Of course, I would also like their blessings. If they don’t give them to me…well, we’ll see tomorrow.”
“Okay, I guess. So I’ll definitely see you tomorrow?” She asked him quietly, hope clear in her voice. Steve hummed in agreement, making her smile.
“Now, go on inside. It’s already dark, I'm sure your parents are worried. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He tilted her chin up to give her one more sweet kiss on the lips. Then, with a soft slap on her ass, he gestured for her to go inside. She squeaked in surprise but followed his order without complaint.