“Daddy! Daddy! Wook what I drawed”
A piece of paper was being shoved in Steve’s face and he closed his eyes for fear of his toddler paper cutting them. When she settled down and he actually got a look at the drawing he couldn’t help but smile.
“That’s amazing Isla.”
“Reawy?”
“Yeah, do you wanna put it on the fridge?”
It was a drawing of what he assumed was himself and Isla holding hands and that other figure holding her other hand had to be Eddie. She’d drawn wild dark curls all around the head, anyway. They found a spot on the fridge front and center. Steve’s refrigerator was always covered in toddler drawings because he refuses to make Isla feel like she can’t take up space in their home. He refused to be his parents.
“Is Teddie coming today? I want him to see it too!”
“Yeah, Lovebug, he is.”
“Yay!” She ran around the house collecting her crayons and favorite toys, her princess curls trailing behind her.
Steve had been dating Eddie for about two years. A year after Isla’s mom passed. She’d had complications birthing Isla and didn’t make it. Steve was so nervous for them to meet, but it was hard to keep them apart. How else was he to explain why he had to reschedule so many dates. Having time to date with a job and a baby is hard. Eddie adored her, immediately and now Steve thinks Isla likes Eddie more than him. Steve wanted to propose next week, on their anniversary. He couldn’t imagine raising Isla without him, at this point. He’s just amazing with her, and Steve knows that Eddie loves her as much as he does. Steve kept looking at the drawing on the fridge, and back at Isla who was still gathering up her things so she could play with Eddie when he arrived. He came in the front door without a knock, he practically lives here anyway, and scooped Isla up immediately tossing her over his shoulder and running for the couch. Isla squealed in joy as she was flopped over into the cushions. He giggles permeated the space as Eddie played tickle monster with her. Steve hid his smile behind his coffee cup and texted Robin.
Steve: I think I’m gonna do it today.
Robin: ??????
Steve: propose.
Robin: I thought it /had/ to be perfect.
Steve: I think today is perfect. I don’t think I could last another day.
Robin: you’re disgusting. good luck, even though I know you won’t need it.
When he looked back up Eddie was making his way towards the kitchen. He saw Steve and then his eyes caught on the drawing.
“We look like a family.” He muttered with a sharp intake of breath.
“Marry me?” Steve said without thinking.
Eddie looked at him with wide eyes and rushed forward to kiss him.
“If you’re serious, a million times, yes.” He said when he pulled away.
“The ring is upstairs”
Eddie looked like he was going to burst with joy, Steve felt like his heart was gonna explode and Isla was giggling again as she ran into the kitchen.
“Daddy! Daddy! Did Teddie see what I drawed?”
“He did, Lovebug.”
“It’s beautiful, sweetheart.” Eddie added.
“Isla, would you like Eddie to be your other dad?”
“He isn’t?” She looked so confused.
Steve laughed as Eddie buried his head in Steve’s chest to hide his tears.
“Yeah, he is.” Steve agreed softly.
