It's a mad house today in the factory. Poor young Freddie has been dashing about, as have all the other workers, including the Boss; trying to make sure the factory appeared of highest quality. James is beyond busy. The call had come in this morning, that they would be having a very important investor, and several of his associates, in today to meet with James. So that meant getting the factory ship shape, and making sure the office would be stock full, with everything needed to entertain the big wigs.
James sighs, as he continues to look over paperwork, that should have been organized and filed weeks ago. He had no one to blame but himself. He really should have done all this long ago. If he had, the whole factory wouldn't need to be in such an uproar. And so, he presses on.
He would get this place tip top, even if it killed him. A sudden knock at the door, draws him from his frantic thoughts. "Come in." James grunts, not even bothering to stop his task at hand.
Freddie pokes his head inside, nervous to have to bother his boss, but knowing he has no other option. "Sorry to disturb you sir, but one of the associates is here, and he is very insistent on meeting with you. I tried to tell him you are busy, but he is being very unreasonable."
James lets out a frustrated breath. "It's fine Freddie, send him in." He finishes up with the paperwork he was currently working on, then slowly turns around to meet his guest. His eyes, however, were not prepared for the sight before him. And before long, a wide grin was spread across James face. His feet then moving, to greet his unexpected acquaintance.
"I can't believe my eyes, Dum Dum Dugan? Is that you? What are you doing here?" James eyes almost pop out of his head, as he looks over his long lost friend.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten what I look like already. And after all we've been through. I'm truly hurt James." Dugan smirks, taking the last few steps to James, then pulling him in for a bear hug. "You old sorry son of a gun, look at you." He pulls away, looking Bucky over. "Big man now, what being a Manager and all." He razzes Bucky, enjoying as his friend turns crimson.
"Married with kids too." James states proudly, before grabbing the framed family photo, he keeps safely on his desk. "The little boy is Georgie, and the twin girls are April and May, and my sweet Doll of course." He hands the photo over to Dum Dum, so the man can get a better look.
Dugan whistles loud, before clapping James firm on the back. "Well ain't you one lucky fella. How in the hell did you ever convince a dame like that, to marry your sour puss?" His loud laugh echos about the room, and James can't help but chuckle himself.
"I'll tell you, I'll never know. Had a crush on her damn near my whole childhood. When I got back from war, well I was in a pretty bad place, as I'm sure you can imagine. But that women, she was my light. She kinda pursued me in the beginning. I honestly never thought I'd have a chance with her. But here we are, three kids later, and another on the way." James rambles on, not missing his friends wide eyes.
"Four kids? What ya doing, making your own army?" Dum Dum laughs again.
"Hey what can I say, I'm irresistible. Can't really blame the dame for not being able to keep her hands off me." And at that both men lose it.
You are frazzled. Between the kids all fighting, including the little bundle practicing their karate moves in your tummy. The house being a disaster, no matter how many times you attempt to clean up, something very hard to do with three children disarranging what you've just tidied up. And the complete and total exhaustion, leaving you yawning and your muscles screaming, since you barely dragged yourself from bed. All of these combined, leaving you extremely tired, annoyed, and confused.
"Goergie, Please don't pull on Aprils hair." You scold your oldest child, sighing heavily when May takes it upon herself to get revenge for her sister. "And May, don't hit Georgie... I know you were just helping your sissy. But you still can't hit." The three youngsters all begin to wail, you're a mean mommy, and clearly you don't understand the injustices against toddlers.
You just want a second to breath, maybe after their naps, they will all be in better moods. Plus, if you can get them to lay down, you could actually get some much needed rest yourself. And so you grab the two twins, Georgie following along behind you, and head upstairs, to attempt to lay them all down for their afternoon siesta.
You have been trying to get the twins down for an hour now. They both want held, screaming when you put one of them down into their crib. "Please girls, take a little nap for momma." You plead with them, through teary eyes. You are trying very hard to keep control of your emotions. But you have never had a day this rough before, and your pregnancy is wrecking havic on your horomones.
"Shhhhh, it's ok honeys, just please take a little nap." You practically beg. And that is when Georgie decides to make his wondrous debut. The temper tantrum he decides to bestow on you, the likes of which you have never seen before, is your final breaking point. "ENOUGH!"
Your childrens wide frightened eyes, get you to take a deep calming breath. Georgie bravely speaks up, and it breaks your heart to hear him. "You's a mean Mommy. I wants daddy, he woves me." His puckered lip wabbles, as he looks up at you.
"I'm sorry. Mommy shouldn't have yelled. I'll tell you what. How about we all get cleaned up, then pack a picnic lunch, and head to Daddy's office to surprise him?" You're happy to see smiles take over, the once very grumpy faces of your children.
They all are quick to nod out yes, and soon their once tear stained cheeks, are nicely washed. All three then dressed in their Sunday's finest, ready to leave, as you pack up the secret lunch. Once you're sure everything is just so, you check the children one last time, and then head out the door. Trying to plaster on your best smile, as you make the trek to your husbands office.
When you make it to the factory, and actually manage to maneuver yourself, and the three children to James office; you are surprised to see that it isn't Freddie, sitting at the desk right outside your husbands headquarters. No instead there is a man, whom you have never laid eyes on. Which is very strange, as James hadn't mentioned any new hires.
You do your best to fake a happy smile.Though with the three children, already beginning to make a fuss, you aren't sure if you are succeeding. Still you try your best, as you approach the man, who still hasn't noticed your arrival. Or maybe he is ignoring you, since you can't believe he hasn't heard the children yet.
"Excuse me sir, I need to see Mr. Barnes could you please let him....." You beginning to explain, before being rudely cut off my the stranger.
"Absolument pas. Monsieur Barnes is far too busy to be seeing...whom ever you are." The man, whom you now know has a thick french accent, barks out at you.
"I don't think you understand....." You try again, but once more the man is interrupting you, before you can actually give him any information about who you are.
"No Madame, I think it is, toi qui ne comprends pas. Monsieur Barnes is in un très important meeting, and doesn't have any time to spare for the likes of you. Or your heathens." He practically growls at you, his tone filled with venom, as he gives a look of displeasure to your children.
And now you have had enough. You don't know who the man is, and frankly you don't care. It's one thing to insult you, but he will not say discouraging words against your children. Your hand is moving before you even have a chance of realizing what is happening.
The slap is loud, echoing about the room, as the mans wide eyes meet your furious ones. You don't give him a chance to react, before you're hustling the children around him, and barreling through the door of James office. However you are stopped abruptly, at the sight that is before you.
Perched on the corner of your husbands desk, is a beautiful brunette. Her hand is on James chest, as the both of them laugh, still unaware of your presence. They are extremely close, too close in your opinion, and the way they are looking at each other, has an unsettling knot forming. Who is this women? And why was your husband going to such extremes, to keep everyone out of his office while she was here?
Is he seeing her? They clearly seem to be familiar with one another. Was he hoping you wouldn't find out? There would be no way he would know you'd show up today, so he had to be keeping everyone out, hoping it wouldn't then get back to you some how. You can't think of any other explanation. Hell, he had even made sure Freddie didn't work today, having that rude french man fill in for him instead.
Your blood is boiling. He leaves you to deal with three temperamental toddlers, while he has his mistress in his office. The two of them giggling without a care in the world. "So sorry to interrupt Dear Husband." Your wrath practically dripping off you, as you stare them both down.
James doesn't even have the decency to look guilty, our even surprised that you are standing there. No instead he looks at you with a huge smile, as if this gorgeous woman sitting on his desk, is the must natural thing in the world. He actually looks excited that you're here.
"Oh, perfect timing. I can't believe you're here. Peggy I'd like you to meet..." James stands, as he begins to introduce you, before your seething reply cuts him off.
"His Wife. Oh and these are his children, including the one he put in my stomach, only four months ago. In case he forgot to mention us. And just who the hell are you?" You're practically frothing at the mouth. But your little speech gets your darling husband, to finally wear the expression he should have been wearing all along.
His wide shocked eyes bore into yours, as his mouth opens and closes several times, before he finally finds his voice. "Doll!" The women though, wears a rather amused expression, which only makes your rage boil further.
"Don't you doll me. I've been at home having the worst day of my life, but still trying to be the best mother and wife I can be, and you're here at your office with this...this.....this JEZEBEL!!!" You completely lose it in the end, your voice growing hoarse from yelling.
"Hey now, that is enough." James looks at you furiously, coming forward to now stand infront of the desk, as if he was trying to shield this Peggy from you.
The french man you meet earlier, is now behind you, having burst in the room, at the sound of raised voices. He was speaking at you very angrily in french, but you could care less. "Oh cut the gas already. I'm leaving." You yell at the man, before setting your eyes on the smirking broad, still perched on your husbands desk. "Oh, and do have fun enjoying my so-called husband."
You shuffle the twins in your arms, and then make sure Georgie still has hold of your hand, before turning and marching out the opening door. Kicking it closed hard, when you make your exit. The action doing little to calm the fury, ever building inside you.
"Well isn't she a spitfire." Peggy chuckles, as James mortified eyes meet hers.
"I don't know what in the hell has gotten in to her. Peggy I'm so sorry." James begins to quickly ramble, before Peggy's laugh has him stopping.
"James, It's quite all right. I'm sure she was just shocked, we were in a rather unsavory position." She snickers at his displeased expression.
"I don't care how we looked. I'm her husband for Christ sake, and she should have a little faith in me." James grumbles out as he takes a seat once gain, behind his large desk. "Sorry you had to see all that Jacky."
"This was your wife and children?" Jacques questions. And when Bucky nods yes, he throws his arms in the air, mumbling out in french as he makes his exit.
Dum Dum's boisterous laugh, fills the small office, as does the distinct smell of whiskey. "Oh what I would have giving to be a fly on the wall. She really said all that to you Peggy?" He takes a large gulp of his drink, grimacing as the liquid slips down his throat.
"She did." Peggy snickers. "If looks could kill, I do believe James and I would currently be six feet under." She smirks at the brooding brunette, who was finishing of his seventh drink of the evening. "Imagine her thinking a plug ugly like James, has a chance at a dolly like me." Laughter bounces about the room, as everyone enjoys the joke.
Well, everyone except James. He pours himself another whiskey, slinging it back in one swig, before pouring another drink. "I can't believe... the way she behaved." He hiccups out, trying to stand, but failing miserably.
"Hey why don't you let me talk with her. I do have a certain way with the ladies." Howard joins in now. Enjoying, entirely too much, how easy it is to antagonize the former soldier.
"You.." hiccup "You keep away from my doll. She'd never fail for a scoundrel like you." James slurs out, as he sinks down further into his chair.
"Don't flip your lid old boy. I was just offering my services." Howard chuckles out, over the brim of his glass.
"You couldn't...you couldn't handle a dame like her. You didn't... you didn't see how she acted." James barley gets out. Trying to shuffle in his seat, so he can face Howard head on.
"Alright boys, lets change the subject. James, why don't you slow down a little bit." Pinkerton tries his best to de-escalate the situation.
"You...you don't get..don't get to tell me that anymore, Pinky." James smirks to the man, as he downs his glass. But before he can refill it, Jacques grabs the decanter out of Bucky's reach.
"Buck, you keep drinking like this, and how will you get home to that lovely wife of yours?" Morita tries to get him to see reason, but James isn't in the head space to see reason.
"I'm not going no where. Home. Ha. To her? No way." James resembles a sullen child, as he tucks his arm around himself, and shakes his head back and forth.
"Alright, fine buddy, sleep here then." Jim laughs now, "But I do think you have had enough. Why don't you lean back and get some sleep."
Bucky finally concedes, leaning back and abruptly falling asleep. The room waiting till they hear him snoring, before they all begin to speak.
"Sacré bleu, I think this whole thing, may be all Jacky's fault." Jacques humbly admits, his eyes down cast, as he shakes his head.
"Now how the bloody hell, is this your fault?" Peggy won't hear of such nonsense.
"Que Dieu ait pitié de moi. When the Madame came in to see Monsieur Barnes, I was très impoli. I insulted her and the jeunes enfants. She was already upset before seeing the two of you." Jacques explains, not enjoying as the room erupts in chuckles.
"I'll tell you what we'll do Jacky. Tomorrow, after James has has awoken, and we've fed him a good breakfast. You and the boys will explain everything to him, so he can get his marriage back on track." Howard pats the french man on the back, chuckling as he does.
"And what will you being doing then, if we are talking to Buck?" Dum Dum looks inquisitively at Howard.
"Well, I will be escorting Peggy here, to meet with James wife. Maybe then we can get all this sorted out in time for dinner." Howard claps his hands, clearly proud with his brilliant idea.
"That actually might work. Howard you really are a genius." Peggy smiles. She can't deny, she really is looking forward to talking with you. The fire behind your eyes, as you glared her down, had truly impressed her. She knows Howard and her, where only here to speak with James, but she couldn't help but feel you could be a useful asset as well.
And so, the room began to discuss, how they would enact their plan. Wanting to make sure they had every single minute detail worked out. Not wanting to risk not being prepared for the unexpected.
You're bustling about the kitchen, grabbing cups and the teaput, placing it onto the tray before grabbing the sugar and cream. Once happy that everything was in place, you scurry back to the drawing room, to continue your discussion with Rebecca about her rake of a brother.
You can't help but smile, as you make your way into the room, and catch sight of Rebecca holding May. You make your way towards the seats, placing the tray on the small coffee table, then quickly make Rebecca and you a cup of tea. You place hers on the small side table near her, as she currently had her hands full, since April had decided to crawl into her Auntie's lap as well.
As you are taking your seat, Georgie makes his way to you, tugging on your skirt to get your attention. "What is it my handsome fella." You ask lifting him into your lap. He nervously plays with his fingers, "Is daddy coming home?" Your eyes snap to Rebecca, an I told you so on your lips, but you swallow it down.
"Why wouldn't he darling?" You try and act as normal as possible, there was no way Georgie could know James didn't come home. It wasn't like James had never been late before, so why should he think his father wasn't home last night. Oh that's right, because he saw the two of you fighting, then you crying afterwards.
"Umm...didn't see him last night." Georgie looks up at you, and you find it hard to look at him.
"Don't worry Georgie, Daddy will be home." Becca says to the toddler. "Hey why don't we go lay down for your nap. Then you won't have so long to wait." Georgie jumps from your lap, running to catch up with his Auntie and sisters. You take a long sip from your cup. If only you could be as sure as Rebecca was about James.
If only you had your sister-in-law's luck, getting your children to sleep too. Because in no time at all, she was returning to her seat, and looking at you. "I'm sorry if I crossed a line. But I really do think James will be home tonight."
"I wish I could say the same. Why would he have not come home? And where did he stay? Because he wasn't here or at your house." You feel as though you may cry again, because the only conclusion you can draw is that he spent the night with that floozy.
Rebecca doesn't really have an answer for that. " I don't know." She sighs out.
"You wouldn't be taking his side if you weren't his sister." You grumble.
"You're probably right, but that would only be, because I wouldn't know him like I do. Wouldn't have watch him, and his puppy dog eyes, follow you around our entire childhood. I know you want to hate him, but I just want you to pause, and think if maybe there really could be another explanation." Becca moves closer to you as she makes her little speech. "He loves you, and the kids. I really can't see anyone being able to get him to risk losing you guys."
"You may be right about all that, but it still doesn't explain why he didn't come home. Or where he was last night." Knocking at your door, halts the conversation. You give Rebecca a curious look, and she only shrugs. "I'll be right back Becca."
You hurriedly make your way to the front door, the smile on your face dropping the moment you open it. "You have a lot of nerve." You begin, before being cut off by the man standing to Peggy's right.
"Hold it right there kitten. You really do have everything confused. If you'd be a doll, and let us come in, we could actually explain." Howard smiles brightly at you, hoping like hell this will work.
"If you'd please, it really has been a terrible misunderstanding. May we please come in, and have the opportunity to explain things properly." Peggy wants to slap Howard upside that big head of his. Once a bird dog, always a bird dog.
Your scrutinizing gaze, has Peggy and Howard shuffling nervously. Howard had been so sure once he smiled at you, you'd be falling all over yourself. Any other dame did. You finally sigh out in defeat, opening the door wide, and bidding them a "Come in."
You led the two of them along, back towards the drawing room. But you are surprised by Rebecca's shriek, the moment you three walk into the room. "Howard Stark! Oh my goodness, what on earth do we owe this pleasure? I'm Rebecca, Mr. Stark." She is out of her seat, and on his arm, in a moments notice. Howard of course beaming brightly, at finally getting the attention he was used to. And you blushing with embarrassment, how had you not realized that it was Howard Stark standing on your front porch?
"Well hello dolly. I would say that it is us, who do not deserve the pleasure of such a beauty as yours." Howard kisses Rebecca's hand, smirking as the young lady suddenly bursts pink.
"Howard, really. Remember why we are here." Peggy really can't believe she had thought this man could ever behave himself.
Howard only smirks harder, as he escorts Rebecca towards the chairs. Peggy and you trailing behind. When you all finally get settled, Rebecca is just about to burst. "How on earth do you know Howard Stark? And why have you never told me?" An awkward silence hangs in the air, as you try and think of a response.
"It's actually her husband we know." Howard finally answers, and Rebecca squeals.
"You know my brother? How? Why?" Rebecca can't help but wonder what Mr. Stark of all people could ever want with her brother.
"We actually met him during the War. We were all part of the team that helped Steve rescue James." Peggy speaks softly, and suddenly you are wondering, if maybe her and James had falling in love during the War. Maybe thats why she was here, she wanted him back.
"Oh my goodness, you knew Steve as well?" Rebecca is beyond amazed, what are the chances?
"Well I think Peggy knew him better then any of us...." Howard is silenced by a very hard elbow to his ribs. And you finally realize. She didn't want your James, because she loved Steve.
"Please pay Howard no mind." Peggy's glare has Howard chuckling. He really can't help but rile the old girl up, she makes it so fun.
"So...um...what where you doing at James office yesterday?" You ask, and suddenly Rebecca must understand who is here too. As her eyes snap to yours, and she wears that "I told you so" smirk.
"I'm glad you asked," Howard bursts. "You really did have it all wrong miss. I'm afraid it was all my fault really. I had the boys call James factory, and tell him an important investor would be in. In reality...it was us. The boys really missed their friend and wanted to have a night out with him....where as I had something a little more important to discuss with him." Howard loves watching your confused, yet curious expression.
"Howard..." Peggy warns, she isn't sure if they should tell you, before speaking with James first.
"What? I didn't say anything did I?" Howard mocks offense. "Besides, James is going tell her, so why can't I?" Peggy really can't argue with that, but after what happened yesterday, she has no intentions of butting in your marriage again.
"Howard is right, James tells her everything." Rebecca adds, hoping to persuade them to spill.
You can't help but shake your head at Becca, if James wants to tell you that's up to him, but you're not doing anything to upset him after how you acted yesterday. "So yesterday....when I walked in...you was..."
"James and I were only having a laugh, about all the trouble we all had gotten into back in the war. He really was very happy to see you." Peggy explains, Howard finishing the thought for her, in a way only Howard could.
"He wouldn't shut up about you. Kept going on, about you being the perfect mother and wife, I honestly was expecting a saint to open the door today." Howard's exuberant laugh has you all giggling along.
"Oh my, I am so sorry." You wish there was a hole you could crawl into, "There really is no excuse..."
"Except your pregnant, have three small children at home, and did catch your husband and this jezebel in what appeared to be a compromising position." Howard smirks as you blush.
"I am so sorry for calling you that. Please, I am usually much more level headed." You plead with Peggy, who is quick to set your mind at ease.
"It really is quite all right. Howard is right, you had every reason to be upset, and I was rather impressed with how you handled James." Peggy pats your hand, happy that this all worked out.
"So then where did my brother stay last night?" Becca's question causes Howard to really lose it now. Causing you and Becca to share a very concerned look.
"Please excuse Howard. James got a bit sozzled last night, and slept it off in his office." Peggy offers, glaring down Howard, who still hasn't stop laughing.
"See, I told you there was another explanation." Becca gloats, and for once, your happy to let her. And then the reality of how much of an apology you owe James, Dawns on you. You had made a big mess of things. You had accused James, and hadn't even giving him a chance to try and explain. No wonder he hadn't come home.
"Oh god, I really have messed up. Please...you all have to help me." You look at them all desperately, imploring them to assist you, knowing that they could rightly deny you.
"Calm down tots. We will help you. Just tell us all what ya need us to do." Howard speaks for the room. As much as he hates to admit it, he is a bit of a softy deep down.
"Can you and Peggy please make sure he comes home tonight? I know it may take some convincing..."
"Done, what else." Howard states matter-of-factly. Hopefully the boys have been working on James, and this part will already be taken care of, by the time Peggy and he get back to the office.
"Really? Ok well, Becca do you know your Mom's Sunday roast recipe? It's James favorite. If you can help me, we can make him all his favorites sides along with it." You can't stop the beaming smile, when Rebecca nods yes. "Ok, then I think we might actually pull this off."
"Mission bring the barnes' back together on three." Howard jumps from his seat, putting his hand out, and waiting for the others to pile theirs on his. Rebecca is quick to place her hand on top of Howard's, smiling to him as she does. Peggy rolls her eyes, but places her hand on top of Becca's. You are the last, placing your hand on Peggy's, you all chuckling as Howard counts to three.
James' head is killing him, and he can't believe he didn't go home last night. What in the world was he thinking? Damn whiskey. If he had been level headed, he'd have remembered that you two needed to talk this out. Instead he drank too much, and probably left you worrying all night. How could you forgive him?
Don't get him wrong, he wasn't happy about what you said, but that didn't give him the right to upset you in return. Thank god the boys had been nice enough, to take him to breakfast this morning. It had helped a little to clear his head.
"Buck, we need to have a talk." Dum Dum is the first to broach the subject.
"Yea? What about?" Bucky grumbles, before taking a long sip of his coffee, his fifth cup so far this afternoon.
"Someone has something he wants to say to you, dont you Jacky?" Dum Dum isn't asking, and Jacques isn't stupid enough to not answer.
Stepping forward, Jacques nervously shuffles about, before finally looking James in the eyes. "Monsieur Barnes, yesterday was all my fault." When James says nothing, only looking about the room befuddled, Jacques continues. "s'il vous plaît, pardonnez-moi. I didn't know she was your wife sir. I was rude. Mais pas seulement pour elle. I also insult your children. So, she was mad before she saw you with Peggy. Si ce n'était pas pour moi, rien de tout cela ne serait arrivé." He feels awful, he had been so rude, and it didn't matter that you are James' wife. He never should have behaved in such a manner. And with the state you are in, he really had no right, to be causing stress on a women with child.
"So you see Buck, you gotta go make up with the misses." Jim says softly, knowing his friends head would thank him.
"I had already come to that conclusion, though I appriciate the added information. Just further validates how much of a jackass I am. Fuck boys, it's not like this is the first pregnancy, I should have taking a moment to think about how Peggy and I looked, and how that would feel to her. Jesus, it's not like I haven't been jealous before. Oh god, and the kids were here to see it, and then I don't come home. I have a lot of making up to do." Bucky's hand comes up to cover his face, as he groans into his palm.
"Don't beat yourself up pal, we all make mistakes. The important thing you need to worry about, is how you're gonna pull off this apology." Dum Dum laughs, but winces, when his head reminds him of his own hangover.
"I've been wracking my brain all morning, believe me. It's gonna have to be big. Hey think Howard would lend me enough money to buy out a flower shop?" James finally chuckles for the first time that day.
"I say you just call the shop and have them bill him. This whole thing is kindda his fault. He was the "Master mind" behind all of this mess." Jim jokes now, regretting it immediately when Dum Dum's eyes light up.
"Say that's not a bad idea. Let me make the call, I was rather convincing as he's assistant, when I called here wasn't I?" Dum Dum practically leaps from his chair, as he bounds towards the phone.
"That was you?" James looks at a smiling Dugan, "Right, not important, Dum Dum, put the phone down flowers aren't enough."
"No, but they are a starting point. What's the misses favorite, we will buy them out plus all the red roses. We can come up with the rest after I place the call." Dugan picks up the reciever, shaking it at James.
"Actually I have a better idea. Oh boy, do I know just what I'll do." James is down right jubilant, as he thinks over the plan.
"Well don't keep it to your self pal, what are we gonna do?" Dugan hangs the phone up, and once again takes his seat.
"I'm gonna bring home dinner." James announces, standing and walking from the room, leaving the men confused.
"That better be one amazing dinner. Can't see how this is gonna work out other wise." Dum Dum announces, kicking his feet up as he leans back. The door to the office swinging open, almost causing him to lose balance.
"Hey where did James get off to?" Peggy asks, as her and Howard make their way into the office.
"Off to buy his apology." Pinkerton sighs, never taking his eyes off the paper he is reading.
"Going with flowers huh? I'd do the same thing, of course I'd buy the shop, but still." Howard rambles, glaring at Dum Dum when he begins to giggle. "And what is so funny?"
"We told him to do just that, even offered to have them billed to you." Dum Dum chuckles out, enjoying how Howard's eyebrows find their way to his hairline. "Don't worry Howard he decided to go a different route."
"Oh thank god. So what did he decide to do then?" Howard takes a seat, patting his knee at Peggy, who gives him a firm smack to the head.
"He decided on getting dinner." Jim feels in Howard and Peggy, and once again Howard is on his feet. "Hey what's the matter?"
"Come on boys, lets head to the flowershop, we have another bomb that needs defusing." Howard stalks from the room, the group's eyes instantly falling to Peggy.
"You heard him fellas, hop to. We'll explain on the way." Peggy really can not believe the turns of events. This whole trip really has been total chaos. Though she doesn't know what she expected, Howard was involved after all.
Everything was perfect. You had dinner keeping warm in the oven, since you weren't sure exactly what time James would be home. Draped in James favorite dress, and wearing your hair in his favorite style, all that there was to do now was to sit and wait by the door. Your knees are bouncing uncontrollably, as you go over the apology you had been working on all afternoon. You really hope that he comes home, and this all works out.
Just when you think your heart may burst from your chest in anticipation, the front door opens, and in walks your husband. When his eyes land on yours, a look of guilt takes over his face, and once again you're confused. "Hey doll." He calls to you from his spot. "I um...I want to apologise but I have a surprise would you mind going into the dinning room and waiting for me?"
You are shocked, he wants to apologise? All you can do is nod out yes, as you walk to the dinning room, trying to figure out what changed. You don't wait alone for long, because soon James is coming in, carring a box filled with bags. The bags displaying the logo of your favorite diner. "James....James what is that?" You say with a shakey voice.
James just beams at you. "I got us dinner from your favorite diner. The one we went to back when I was courting you. I got you all your favorites. I even remembered the shake and your piece of Apple pie." He sits the box down, and for the first time takes a look around at the beautifully set table. "Hey what's all this?" When he looks to you, he now wears a look of confusion.
Through teary eyes you look at your husband. "You big, foolish, sweet, kind, idiot man. I had a surprise dinner to say I was sorry to you too. Your Mom's roast with all your favorite sides. Oh James I've been cooking all day." You practically wail out, your husband pulling you into his firm chest, as you cry out in frustration.
Well, James fills like a right dumb ass. He should have called. But before he lets this turn into another ruined night for you, he gets a brilliant idea. "Hey Honey, I have an idea." He says as he kisses your hair.
You sniffle a few more times into James shirt, before you pull back to look up at him. "What's your idea?" James smiles at you, happy to see he could get you to calm enough to listen.
"Well doll, how about we eat both? I know you can't say no to that shake and apple pie. And I can't say no to anything you cook honey, So lets just each eat our favorites. Then we both get to say sorry, like we hoped to, and we both get to eat exactly what we love." James loves seeing how your face lights up with glee, but when your eyebrows once again furrow, he can't understand why. "What's the matter doll? I thought it was a good compromise."
You begin to play with your fingers, this is so silly. He brought you your favorites, the problem is, your favorites aren't all the baby is wanting. "Well Jamie, I ummm....well...did you happen to get your favorites too?" You know your cheeks have to be pink, this is so embarrasing, even if you are eating for two.
James suddenly understands, his animated laugh bouncing about the room. "Does my baby want daddy's cheeseburger?" He chuckles out, laughing once more when you are all-to-quick to nod out yes. "You can have it all my love. Anything for you and the baby you are growing." His lips once again find your hair.
The two of you jump, at the crashing sounds coming from your front door, and the sudden echo of your names. The two of you rush out, and upon seeing the sight awaiting you, you both burst out in giggles. Howard Stark is on the floor, as is Dum Dum and Jacques. Water, too many roses for you to count, and glass, cover not only the floor, but also all three men.
"Really happy to give you a laugh old sport, but would you mind helping me please?" Howard loses it. Here he was just trying to help, though the two of you are laughing, so he could technically call this a win.
"Oh Howard, we are so sorry, let me grab you three some towels. Please stay right there." You dash upstairs, and quickly disappear from sight.
"So Howard, how does my wife know who you are again?" James looks to the man on his floor.
"I'm Howard Stark James, really?" Howard lies, Peggy sighing out and pinching her nose as he talks. "Can't blame the girl for wanting me."
"Oh shove it Howard." Peggy finally interrupts. "We stopped by earlier to tell her yourside James. We both felt guilty, and we wanted her to know the truth." She could kick Howard. If he didn't already look a pitiful mess, she would.
Before anyone can say anything else, you are coming back down the stairs. You toss each man a towel, sitting down a stack of clothes off to the side, for them to change into. "I brought you each a pair of James pajamas, I'm gonna go grab a mop and a broom." And once again you are off.
"So, who wants to tell me, what you all are doing here?" James looks about the group around him.
"That's all me. I was trying to prevent another fight. When Peggy and I heard your plan, and since we knew your wife's plan, we thought we should help. Hence the flowers now decorating your floor." Howard stands and begins to dry off. "Mind letting me use the powder room?"
James only chuckles, "Up the stairs, third door to the right. You three feel free to use it." You walk into the room, as the three soggy men trudged upstairs. You carefully begin sopping up the liquid, before one of the men grabs it from you, and another grabs the broom. "We got this." They quickly clean up the floor, and soon the three wet men are returning to the group.
"So what brings you all here?" You ask everyone. James quickly answering.
"They came to keep us from fighting, about us both planning dinner." James chuckles. Loving how excited you become.
"Well that is great news. Would you all like to join us for dinner? There is more then enough." You usher everyone into the dinning room, not giving any of them the chance to decline. "I'll be right back with all the food." You rush to the kitchen, Peggy following to give you a hand, and soon the table is filled with the feast you had prepared.
"This all looks amazing." Jim says as he begins to fill his plate, the rest of the table following suit. The table breaking out into small conversations, as they all begin to eat. Everyone shouting out compliments, as they enjoy the food.
Howard looks to Peggy, who as if she could read his mind, gives him a warning glare. "You know James, I had intended to talk to you earlier, but we all got a bit sidetracked. I don't suppose you'd care to discuss things now, would you?" Howard wants to stick his tongue at Peggy, but knowing her she'd grab hold of it.
"Howard, I thought we had agreed to talk to him in private about this?" Peggy warns through a fake smile.
"Hey if you are worried about my wife, I should let you know, she's gonna find out. I run everything by her first. We are a team." James smiles to you, grabbing your hand, and giving it a soft peck.
"Great now that that's settled. James we want you to join us." Howard begins, but James is swift to cut him off.
"Stark, the army already said they have no use for one armed soldiers." James grumbles out, Howard should have guessed that, so how was he planning to suddenly have him re-enlist?
"James, we've started a new organization. What the army has use for or doesn't, has no bearing on what we think. Plus we have something to discuss about your arm as well." Peggy tries to set James mind at ease.
"What about his arm?" You can't help but wonder. You happen to love him how he is, so you aren't sure you are going to like where this conversation is going.
"Well, I have this contact. And this contact has access to technology that we can only dream about. And he has offered, if James wants of course, to build him a fully functional arm." Howard explains, before adding. "You should know, if you join us or not, the offer of the arm stands regardless."
You and James look at one another, neither knowing how to feel. "Howard, that is an amazing offer. I will need to discuss it with my wife of course. But umm... could you tell me a bit more about this organization, what would I be doing?" James finally speaks. Still unsure how he could really be of any help.
"We're called Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division, or Shield for short. And though you may doubt it, you would actually be a tremendous asset to us." Peggy begins, happy that James is atleast willing to hear them out. She hadn't been sure he would.
And so, with the two of you giving Peggy your undivided attention, she fills the two of you in, on what James would actually be in charge of. Howard then giving a play by play, of the surgery and prosthesis, should James also decide to take him up on his offer. It was a lot to take in, but James couldn't deny that he liked the idea of being part of the team again.
James was quiet after dinner, and it was unsettling you, as thick tension seemed to hang in the air. "That was some offer tonight." You tip-toe towards the subject, unsure where your husband's mind was at in this moment.
"It was." Is all you pull from him, as he begins to dress for bed. You wait for him in your bed, happy to have him home tonight, you had tossed and turned the night before.
"I just want you to know, whatever you decide, as long as you are happy, I'll be happy. I mean, the children are still little, so it's not like they'll remember, so it shouldn't be too much trouble." You begin to ramble, the silence to deafening to handle.
"Is that what you want?" James suddenly freezes his movements.
"To be completely honest James, I really don't know what I want." You sigh out, unsure if you really are going to be able to leave this home. You had grown up here, and had begun to raise your own family here. Still if James would be happier, you don't want to be the reason he gives up his dreams.
"You can't deny it would be nice." His gruff voice calls out to you, as he slowly begins to dress agains.
His statement confuses you. Was he thinking you'd be happier if he made more money? "What do you mean?" You finally question him. Surely he knows you are happy with the life you have.
"Well, you have to admit, I could help a lot more. Could actually pick both twins up, could toss them all in the air. Take you dancing, and this time properly spin you about the floor. Hell doll, wouldn't you like me being able to hold you for the first time?" James voice cracks, and suddenly you realize you aren't talking about the same thing.
You are out of your bed, and have your arms wrapped around your husband so fast, you almost take the side table out as you rush to him. "Jamie, you have held me, and I love the way you do it. And just so you know I was talking about the job, not the offer of the arm. But that too is up to you. But if you are only doing it, thinking it will make me and the children happy, or some how make us love you more. You should know, that isn't possible. James, we love you just as you are. I don't know how many times I need to say this, but I will say it until it finally sinks in, You Are Good Enough. I need you to stop thinking of yourself as my one-armed-husband, and start thinking of yourself as just my husband. If you want the arm that is great, if not that's great too. But I need you to know, with or without it, the children and I will love you. All we want is you to be happy my love." You kiss his back, squeezing him hard.
James can't hold back the tears, turning so he can now faces you. "You really mean that don't you. You couldn't care less, and damn it doll, I'm the luckiest man in the world." His lips crash to yours, devouring the contented sigh that escapes you, as you crumble into him. He pulls back, looking deep in your eyes. "How did I ever get so lucky?"
You smile up at your husband, before softly pecking his lips. "I am just as lucky. Ohh...." Your speech interrupted by your bundle in your tummy. "I think someone is happy you're home." You giggle out as you take your husbands hand, placing it over the kicking in your tummy.
"Boy oh boy, this might be the most active one yet." James' wide eyes find yours, gasping out, when the small bundle kicks harder, when he applies more pressure. "Well would you look at that. It's daddy, did you know that?"
You love moments like this, when all the world is right, and you have sweet times like this, to make memories out of. "Told you they are happy to have you home. Oh my goodness I almost forgot the surprise Howard gave me." You dash to your bedside table, and pull out the awkward device Howard had gifted you. You rush back to your husband, handing him the device."You put these pieces in your ears, and then this piece goes on my stomach." You inform him, loving how he looks over the item, with the curiosity of a child.
"And what happens next? If Howard is involved I don't think I should trust it." James jokes, looking at the strange contraption in his hand.
"Well, you can trust me." You slip the ear pieces in, then place the large bell shaped item to your stomach. And for the first time in your marriage, your husband is completely silent. It's as if he thinks speaking will somehow stop the magic he is experiencing. "Yes that's the heartbeat." You chuckle out, laughing harder when James glares at you, miming for you to be silent. "Ok ok daddy, but lets go to the bed, so mommy can be comfortable." You lead James to the bed, getting yourself comfy, and giggling when he practically pounces your stomach.
You card your fingers through his hair, as he listens with wonder, to the strong beating heart, of your ever growing child. After several hours he finally sets back. "Would you really be ok with me taking the job?" He nervously questions.
"James if it makes you happy, I'd follow you anywhere. You are lucky I didn't become a nurse, or uso girl, and follow you to the war. And don't think I didn't think about it. Honey all I have ever wanted, is you to be happy, because you darling are my happiness." You softly kiss his cheek, before snuggling back into your pillows.
"I will needed to talk to Peggy and Howard a little more, but I think I'm gonna take the offer. Actually I think I might take both offers." He looks at you, not really sure what he is expecting to see.
"Darling, I love you. And I meant what I said, whatever you want to do, I'm happy to support you. Change means challenges, but together we can do anything. You can do anything you set your mind to." You snuggle into James, enjoying how he wraps his arm around you and pulls you close.
"It's gonna be a real challenge, you sure we're up to it?" James needs to make sure you really are ok, and aren't just going along with what he wants. You're a team, so he wants you to be just as happy as he is. "Just because I take the job, doesn't necessarily mean we will have to move, or turn our life completely upside down."
"Yes we are ready. Despite yesterdays muck up, we are an amazing team. And you are right we might not have to change anything, or we could have to change everything. As long as I have you, that's all that matters." And you mean every word. As long as you are all a family, you can make any place your home. It'll take time to adjust, but you know together all things really are possible. You and James have proving that over and over again.
"We will be fine my love, we will be a family no matter where we live." You give his cheek one final kiss, snuggling back into him, as you prepare to go to sleep. James is amazed, you may never believe him, but he really is the lucky one. You are his rock, his daily reminder, Love conquers all.
There will be a lot to discuss with Peggy and Howard, but he can't help but be a little excited about this next chapter of his life. Maybe shield could use a secretary, in case you want to get back to work as well. He wants you to have options, just as much as he does. Plus, he can't lie, he really had enjoyed working with you before. But that will be your choice to make. He knows how much you love your time at home with the kids, but still you might want a break a few days a week.
But all of that is a discussion for another day. For now he just wants to bask in the feeling, of you pressed up against him. The soft noises of your slumber wafting about the bedroom, lulling James into his own peaceful slumber.