Follow You

A Declaration of Adoration

BARTON FARM

Elliot tossed a ball to Sasha who, instead of tossing it back, watched as someone walked toward them.

"Dad! Look!"

Elliot turned to see Natasha and a smile crossed his face. "Hey, Nat. How was your mission?"

"Good," she replied. "He's gone. For good this time."

He nodded. "Good. I hate that he was still alive, trafficking innocent girls and turning them into weapons."

"Me too. But he and the Red Room are gone for good. I saw my sister and adopted parents again."

"Yeah? How'd that go?"

"No one killed each other, so that's a win in my book."

Elliot chuckled. "Yeah, I'd say. Nat, I-" He exhaled slowly. "God, I haven't done this for years. I love you, Natasha. Even though she isn't yours, you're a second mother to Sasha, and that's more than I could have ever asked for. Working with you, and being with you, has been the best, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Natasha smiled and nodded. "Yes, Elliot, I will marry you."

"Yes!" Sasha cried. "Aunt Laura and Uncle Clint are gonna be so happy!" She ran toward the house.

Elliot chuckled softly. "We better wrangle her in otherwise she'll plan the whole wedding."

Natasha smiled and said, "That would make it easier for us."

"I suppose, but I don't want a big wedding. Just something small with Clint, Laura and the kids. I mean, if you're okay with that."

Natasha placed a hand on his cheek. "That sounds perfect."

"Great. By the way, I love the hair. The blonde suits you."

"I thought it was time for a change since I wiped the red from my ledger."

A week later, the two were married at the farm.

Lila smiled and said, "Now you really are Aunt Nat."

Natasha returned her smile. "I always was."

"Can I call you Mom?" Sasha asked. "Since Laura is my aunt, and I've never known my mom..."

Natasha nodded. "I'd be honored for you to call me mom." She turned to her husband and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "To think we met because you were sent to kill me."

Elliot smiled slightly as he thought back. "I'm glad I made a different call."

"Me too."

The two entwined their hands and shared a smile before looking out across the vastness of the farm, enjoying the simplicity of each other's company on such a blessed day.