Epilogue
Snow fell outside the window as holiday decorations in the tower sparkled and twinkled in the bright lights that lit the room. The room itself was filled with people as it seemed every Avenger, including Sam, had gathered to celebrate the Christmas holiday.
The tree, which Tony insisted had to be real and fresh, stood so tall it nearly touched the ceiling and was decorated with a mixture of heirlooms, new glittery baubles, and handmade crafts that perfectly told the story of the people residing in the tower.
The noise in the room was loud and happy as everyone spoke to each other and waited for the festivities to start. Standing in front of the room with his heavily spiked eggnog, Tony finally quieted the group.
“Okay, it is a family tradition that at our holiday party, each guest must open one present each.” He told them. “Now is that time.”
As everyone sat around the room, gifts were handed out, and people waited for their turn to open the boxes.
“A new set of arrows!” Clint laughed as he inspected them.
“Lighter material,” Kara told him. “Easier to shoot and faster to reach their target.”
“You made those?” Maria asked her.
“Hell yeah, I did.” Kara laughed. “Tony and Bruce aren’t the only geniuses around here. Just because I choose not to build things doesn’t mean I can’t.”
“Touché.” The woman said back.
Moving on, everyone opened their gift until Steve was the only one left. Sitting beside Layna on the couch, he smiled up at Kara, who sat on the ledge set into the floor next to Thor.
“Hm…I wonder who this is from.” Steve teased as he picked up the wrapping paper covered in glitter.
Layna smiled. “It’s from me.”
“I know, sweetheart.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, let’s see what’s inside.”
Kara’s gaze flicked to her daughter, and she could see how hard Layna was working to keep her fidgeting to a minimum as not to give away her fear. This was a meaningful present, and she was scared that he wouldn’t have the reaction she needed him to have.
Laying her head on Thor’s shoulder, Kara watched as Steve peeled back the paper and opened the box on his lap. Then he looked up at Layna.
“Is this a school paper?”
She nodded. “Mama said she didn’t tell you yet. I had to write a paper in class about my hero. I picked you. My teacher tried to get me in trouble, but Mama and Uncle Tony worked it out for me.”
“Why would you be in trouble?” Thor wondered out loud. “Captain America is a great hero.”
“She didn’t write it about Captain America,” Kara said so everyone could hear. “She wrote it about Steve Rogers and how he filled in the role of father when her own never did.”
They watched in silence as he skimmed the pages, and Kara could see his eyes becoming wet. “Thank you, honey, this is amazing. The best present you could have given me.”
Glancing at Tony, who gave her a reassuring nod and smile, Kara sighed. “There’s more under the tissue paper.”
Looking at her in confusion, Steve reached further into the box until he felt a large envelope and pulled it out. On the front, in Layna’s handwriting, was a quote.
Thank you for being the dad you didn’t have to be. I love you. Layna
Steve looked up at Kara, and she nodded at him to open the envelope. He did so, and the whole room could see his body freeze.
“What happened?” Bruce asked. “What is that?”
“It’s…” Steve faltered and then looked at Kara. “Are you sure?”
“It wasn’t my decision. This all came from her.” She smiled, tears in her own eyes. “I just helped her put it all together.”
“But are you sure about this?” He asked again, urgently.
“I wouldn’t have helped her if I wasn’t one hundred percent positive that this was the best decision for everyone involved,” Kara said honestly.
“Would someone just tell us what the hell is in the envelope?” Sam yelled across the room.
Bringing his gaze down to look at Layna, Steve could now see how nervous she was. “It’s a petition for adoption.”
Looking at the young girl, Steve smiled. “You asked your mom for this?”
Layna nodded. “Did…are you…?”
“You want this? Really?”
Layna nodded. “Yeah.” She paused. “Will you be my daddy for real now? Please?”
Laughing, Steve dropped the papers and lifted the girl into his arms. “Of course, I will.” Then he sat her down again. “I may not have given you life, but life gave me the gift of you.”
“I love you, Daddy.” Layna smiled at him brightly.
Still looking shocked, Steve hugged her again. “I love you too, my wonderful daughter.”
Over Layna’s shoulder, Steve locked eyes with Kara. Smiling to each other, they realized that even though they came from harsh backgrounds and had lost everything they’d ever known, they now had the family they deserved. They weren’t going to take that for granted for even one second.
They were finally a family. They were finally whole again. Whatever happened, they would face it together.