Ever since I came out of the ice, I don’t think I’ve had a real day off—except for our wedding and our honeymoon. And even then, it didn’t take long before duty called again. It was the same for you.

The Avengers were always needed, and that meant spending more time at the compound than in our own place in Brooklyn. Peace and quiet were rare, which is why we both agreed—no kids, not until we were ready. Not until we could actually step back and just… be.

But lately, every time we’re around kids, I start wondering. What it’d be like if we had a family of our own. I picture you—pregnant—what cravings you’d have, what the baby’s name would be… if they’d take after you or me. And the more I think about it, the more I realize how much I want that life with you. And I know you do too.

So tonight, I wanted to do something special. I even made dinner—which, yeah, I know, probably not what you expected from me. But while we were eating, I was working up the nerve to ask you something.

And then, while you were mid-bite, I looked up, smiled, and reached for your hand, my thumb brushing over your skin as I cleared my throat.

"Hey, doll… I got a question for you." My voice was soft, steady, but full of meaning as our eyes met.