Today was turning out even better with Marie than Sunday had been. He wasn't sure what was in store for them, what might come about when she told him what she wanted to, but he couldn't imagine things being able to get better than this. A walk through Central Park during a bright, gorgeous day, a classy, beautiful gal on his arm. He felt like he was in a musical. This couldn't possibly be his life, because his life had never been this good. Nowhere near it.

He wandered down the path for a while, enjoying the fresh air and sounds of nature, the press of Marie against his arm feeling like as natural an extension of himself as his shield when he slipped it on. He tightened his hold on her for just a moment, an unconscious reflex he was used to doing to check the straps of the shield were secure. It felt just as good to feel Marie's arm there instead.

Once they'd walked for a few minutes, Steve spotted a secluded bench, nestled in amongst several young trees, set slightly apart from the path. He nodded toward it, silently asking if she was ready to sit, and maybe discuss her own secret with him.