“What do you mean she’s not coming?” I asked frustrated.
“She called Pepper saying Clint offered to have her for Christmas with his family and she thought it was better for her emotionally,” Maria explained.
“There has to be something more than what we know,” Bucky stated.
“Clint was the first person to show her any sort of kindness or compassion when we came up against her and Ultron.” Rhodey interrupted. “Her brother took some bullets for Clint and just kinda been a father to her.” He continued.
“I don’t understand if she knew she wasn’t coming, why wait until today to tell anyone?” I was frustrated. “It’s just kind of rude.”
“She doesn’t like to disappoint people,” Maria stated.
“Or upset them,” Rhodey added.
I sighed, “Well I hope it works out for her then.”
Pepper cleared her throat, “I’m going to go check on the caterers.” She disappeared out of the sitting room.
We had all found our way around the room in various settings. Morgan being the only child had run off to the game room. Everyone looked amazing, dressed to the nines to sit around a table to share a holiday meal. None of us really had a family, Pepper had Morgan, but we were our own mashed together pieces into a family.
“Did anyone ever hear from Thor?” Maria asked.
“Uh, aren’t you the people keeper?” Rhodey joked.
“We spoke at the Gala, he didn’t plan to be anywhere near here by now. He was only in the area because he needed to get something from Clint.”
“What an odd combination.” Maria pointed out.
“What could Clint have that Thor would need?” Sam asked.
“I don’t even want to know,” I replied. “I was a little sad that Clint declined to come to dinner. It would have been nice to have all the kids together.”
“Says the one who isn’t turned into a jungle gym,” Bucky grumbled.
Chatter broke out around the room, all the guys comparing horror stories about small children and the expectations that they inevitably fail at upholding. Somehow, I found myself lost in my own thoughts again. There was so much life before Thanos amongst everyone in this room; each of us had lost someone the day he was finally defeated. By some strange miracle, I ended up in this house, with these people who embraced me as one of their own.
I couldn’t imagine how Wanda felt, everyone she knew and loved was gone now – her brother, Nat, Steve and Vision. It made more sense to me now that I knew about Clint. It was selfish of us to invite her and put her in a position to choose. I had always hoped someday she would come back to the compound to live, it’d be nice to have another girl around, but I think it might be time to stop pushing that so much.
“Dinner’s ready,” Pepper said coming to stand in the archway.
“I’ll go grab the munchkin,” Bucky said standing up.
He held out his hand to help me up and I graciously took it. “I’ll take your drink with me.”
He bent down to kiss me. “Thank you.”
“Gross.” Sam moaned.
I laughed walking past him. Bucky walked towards the long hall leading to the theater and toy rooms while the rest of us made our way to the formal dining room.
“He’s going to make a great father,” Pepper said softly.
I smiled at her halfheartedly. “He would.” I agreed.
“You don’t seem very excited at that prospect.” She observed.
I shrugged, “It’s a conversation that is tiptoed around, he doesn’t think he ever should have them.” I emphasized the word.
She sighed, “That’s rough.”
“Doesn’t keep them from trying.” Sam coughed.
I glared at him, “No one asked for your sass, Sam.”
We sat around the table, Rhodey at an end, Sam and Maria on one side; Pepper on the opposite end of Rhodey with three chairs on the remaining side for Bucky, Morgan and me. I smiled hearing Bucky making flying sounds down the hall, clearly, he was “flying” her to dinner. She really was the most spoiled and loved little girl in the world.
Morgan giggled as Bucky sat her in the chair next to her mom, before taking his own between her and me. He kissed the top of her head; it was hard not to notice all of the smiles at their exchange.
Dishes were passed and our plates were filled with all kinds of delicious foods, it was a very traditional menu that Pepper had arranged for us. I hadn’t had much of an appetite all day, I chalked it up to nerves and exhaustion, but the smell of everything was making me slightly nauseous. I kept my plate as plain as I could without it being too noticeable. But I knew I wasn’t that clever.
Bucky leaned over to me, “Are you okay?” He whispered.
I nodded, “I’m sure it’s just exhaustion.” I whispered back.
He kissed my temple and went back to the food shuffle.
After everyone’s plates were dished up, Pepper cleared her throat demanding our focus.
“Speeches were always Tony’s’ thing.” She smiled halfheartedly, “But this is a special time and a really special thing for me.” She paused for a moment. “These last seven months have been long and hard; I truly don’t think Morgan and I would have made it through them without a single one of you.” She smiled at the little girl next to her. “We’ve all experienced a great amount of pain in the last year and I really just want to thank you all of the joy and love that you have poured back into my life and Morgan’s life. The way you have all stepped up to make sure she hasn’t missed a single moment of love. I know that somewhere Tony and Natasha are looking down and smiling at all of this.” Her eyes started to sparkle from the unfallen tears. “Anyway, thank you, for everything. I love you, and Morgan loves you.”
Rhodey raised his glass, “To family.”
The rest of us raised ours, “here, here.”