April 7, 1872 Denver, Colorado Territory
Clint Barton's sharp blue eyes saw the dark smoke from the Twelve clock train. It was on time and it was bringing the long awaited arrival of Miss. Evangeline Couslon. They had been corresponding for the past three months Clint Barton needed a wife and Miss Coulson needed a husband fast. Clint frown at the thought of his last wife Laura had just up and left with Brock Rumlow. She had written a letter

Dear Clint
I can't stay in Colorado any longer there is no culture in the wild man wildness how can you expect a woman of my class to stay in such a place and your not the man I married you have changed to much since the war your hardly a man at all. So I am headed back to New York with Mr. Brock Rumlow he has promised me the life I truly deserve. He does not want the children to accompany us so I am leaving them with you. Cooper and Lila are your responsibility as their father do what you want with them keep them or I hear there's an orphanage nearby take them there I do not care. Do not contact me for any reason
              Laura
Clint had torn the letter a part and had gotten rid of everything that Laura had left behind. That was a year ago and he had been struggling to keep up with his horse ranch and caring for the children. He had hired a young girl by the name of Kate Bishop to take care of them during the day. But a night it was horrible Lila wouldn't leave his side and Cooper kept having nightmares and wetting them bed. Natasha Banner his neighbor had suggested that he put an ad out for a new bride. He had few replies non interested him until Miss Coulson. She had written that she could cook and sew and could do the basic in keeping house. She was looking a way out her Uncle's marrying her off to his much older business partner who was cruel and had been through two wives already who both had died mysteriously. So she was seeking a fast marriage to stop from being tied to such a man. She didn't expect much just a roof over her head and food to fill her belly. Clint knew that she was the  woman he needed she didn't expect much just life's basics. No love that would never happen again he given his whole heart to Laura to only have her stomp on his heart and abandon him and their family just because she wanted the finer things in life that apparently Clint couldn't provide. No it was better off this way he would have someone to take care of the children and the household. And Miss Coulson would have what she was seeking a home safe from a cruel man.

Clint felt a tug on his shirt sleeve he looked do to see his six year old son Cooper staring up at him with his blue eyes. "Is my new momma going to be on the train Pa?" asked Cooper with a uneasy look. Clint took a deep breath "Yes Cooper, Miss Coulson will be on the train" replied Clint with small smile. Cooper bit his lip "Will my new momma like me and Lila cause Morgan said stepmothers are cruel and mean" acquired Cooper with fear on his sweet little face. Clint groaned and got down on his knee and took Cooper in his arms "Son, where did Morgan get such idea like that?" asked Clint shaking his head and slightly cursing Tony Stark's daughter who ran in his opinion a wild, but Tony Stark was the Mayor of New Haven a quite little town about a hour and half drive outside west of Denver. A place that Clint and some others had settle after the war a place to forget the horrors that they all had seen and they had found that in the calm mountains of Colorado. Cooper shrugged "Morgan said all the Stepmothers in storybooks like Snow White and Cinderella all cruel and make the children do all the housework and make all the food and sleep in the cinders by a cold fireplace" replied Cooper his blue eyes welling up with tears. Clint sighed and wiped the tears away. "Oh Cooper my sweet boy I promise Miss Coulson is very nice and is looking fort to meeting you and Lila she won't make you do all the chores just help her and I promise you can keep sleeping your own bed. Do you honestly think I would let anyone sleep by the cold fireplace. Morgan is just reading fairytales thats not real life and if Miss Coulson is ever mean you tell me or Nat alright" replied Clint. Cooper nodded "Alright Pa" replied Cooper quietly.

Just then a large locomotive pulled into the station and Clint pulled Cooper back and picked up Lila who covered her ears. People started to get off the train Clint watched for a woman in a green dress travel dress and umbrella just like what Miss Coulson had written she would be wearing. Natasha his neighbor and one of his best friends joined him and the children on the platform "Here Barton let me take Lila so you can take care of Miss Coulson" said Nat with a small smile. Clint handed Lila to Nat and the looked down and his heart stopped as he watched a woman in a green dress and dark auburn hair in a fancy updo of curls. She was stunning with curvy figure, he was close enough to see had a natural beauty and an intelligent look about her. She locked eyes with him the widen a bit but she got a smile on her face and started towards him in a confident manner she definitely knew how to carry herself. As she walked several men's heads turn and their eyes moved up and down her body. This pissed Clint off they shouldn't have looked her like she was some lady of the night no she was his. Clint shook his No I can't think that that it's just a marriage of convenience he would never love her, he would never let his heart break again he thought to himself but he couldn't deny that she was an attractive woman.

The woman stopped once she reached Clint and Cooper was hiding behind Clint's legs. She looked at him intently and titled her head for moment. Clint saw the green of her eyes he could swear there was hints of grey and gold in them along with the green which was almost dark like emeralds. "Are you Mr. Clinton Barton?" asked the women she had a soft melodic voice it was warm and welcoming, Clint coughed but then nodded "Um yeah but call me Clint I assume you're Miss Evangeline Coulson" replied Clint seriously. She nodded "Hello Clint please call me Evie" said Evie with a sweet smile. Cooper peaked around Clint's legs looking at Evie intently his blue eyes full of wonder. Evie set the bag and umbrella she had been carrying she looked at Cooper "You must be Cooper I have something for you and your sister" she said softly before opening the bag pull out a beautifully craved wooden horse. Cooper's eyes widen when he saw the horse he squealed when he saw it and looked at Clint. "Pa can I?" he asked the excitement in his voice was clear and his smile was bright. It had been a long time since Clint had seen Cooper with a smile like that Clint's heart stirred a bit so he nodded "Of course Cooper but you must thank Miss Coulson" replied Clint. Cooper ran forward and took the horse then quickly hugged Evie "Thank you Miss Evie" said Cooper. Evie pressed a gloved hand to her chest then the other she put on Cooper "You're welcome Cooper please call me Evie" she said quietly. Cooper smiled at up her "What did you get Lila?" asked Cooper. Evie laughed and reached back in the bag pulling out a soft rag doll with brown yarn hair and a light pink dress. Lila who had been silent but watching with Nat saw the doll  "Dolly" she squealed getting down from Nat. The little two year old ran to Evie "pwetty Dolly" she said with a huge grin. Evie stopped down almost getting eye to eye with Lila "Well she maybe pretty but you're prettier" said Evie softly as she gave the doll over to Lila. Who took the doll hugged it and then looked up at Evie reaching out "Mama?" she asked innocently. Evie eyes up at Clint she could see that his eye twitch at his daughter calling Evie Mama but she just picked up Lila and bounced her a little making Lila giggle.

Clint walked over and picked up Evie's bag  then turn to her "Do you have a trunk or something?" he snapped. Evie saw that  like he didn't want to be there. She shook it off she had been through a lot worst at the hand of her uncle and his business partner. Clint Barton seem though a quite man seem good and kind. His letters had been the highlight of her week he wrote so beautifully of his children, the horses, the town he and his friends had founded all it seemed so nice, warm and loving. Unlike her uncle's home so cold and her uncle treated like some type of servant. When his business partner Alexander Pierce had turn an eye to her mere weeks after the death of his second wife. Evie knew she had to run so she did to her Aunt Maria Hill but she knew her Uncle Arnim Zola who ran a textile factory in Lowell Massachusetts. Evie knew that her Uncle would search for her she but by the time he find it would be too late Evie would be married.

Evie moved from her thought to the man before her, Clint Barton was a handsome man. Light brown hair and his eyes so blue. Evie's heart had quickened when she had saw him and prayed that he was the man to be her husband. And his two children Cooper was a mini version of his father and little Lila was in a blue dress and had dark brown hair that had curls everywhere. She had the gifts that were the last toys she had from her childhood Uncle had sold all her other childhood stuff almost everything had been sold to cover Evie's upkeep her uncle complain after her parent's death four years ago. Evie had these toys and her mother's books that her and Aunt Maria had hid. Now she was here with her books and few clothes on her way start a new life away from her uncle's control.

Evie nodded "Yes Clint just the trunk and another suitcase" replied Evie handing him her tag for the luggage. Clint nodded and moved where the luggage was being unloaded from the train. Clint went to an attendant who took it. Clint and the attendant lifted her trunk into the large wagon the Clint and the children had arrived in. Evie carried her other suitcase and bag placing them in the back of the wagon. Lila who was playing with doll ran to Evie raising her hands to Evie "Up Eve up!" said Lil. Evie looked at Clint for approval he just nodded and Evie picked up the little girl who smiled and laid her head on Evie's shoulder. Cooper than came over and grabbed Evie's hand while holding to the toy horse. Clint watches in wonder as his children already are so welcoming to Evie. Natasha comes over to him "That's amazing don't you think I haven't seen them go to anyone so quickly even Kate they took awhile to warm up too but Evie's it's just instant" said Natasha with smile. Clint watched as Evie was pointing out the colors on the her new dolly's dress and Lila repeating them. Clint went over to her "So are you ready to go to the court house today?" he asked in simple tone. Evie turn from Lila "Yes, Clint if that's what you want the sooner the better" replied Evie as she adjusted Lila on her hip. Clint reached forward to take Lila but the little girl clung to Evie tightly "No papa me want Evie" snapped Lila. Clint's eye twitch and he just shook his head glaring at Evie who whispered Sorry but and Clint just shrugged.

Natasha tried to break up the awkward moment "Let's get to the court house and get you two hitched then I we can grab a bit of lunch before we head back to New Haven" said Natasha. Evie blushed at the thought of being Clint's wife and all the responsibility that was to come with especially the intimate parts of being a wife. Aunt Maria who had been married twice had given Evie a full description of what happens between a man and a woman she had said some men are horrible and only thought of their pleasure. While other men took care of women's needs as well and were gentle. Evie prayed that Clint would be gentle at least for her first time. She blushed deeper as she looked at Clint he was a well built mad who definitely had muscles  that you could almost see through his linen shirt and strong firm legs and a nice firm backside she could imagine her legs wrapped around his waist. Goodness I am completely wanton not a proper young woman should think like that though Evie to herself. She looked at Clint who by the wagon waiting for her after helping Nastaha. Clint then lifted Cooper into the wagon, Lila finally went with him and placed her next to Cooper both children got excited about each other toys and began talking excitedly about them. Evie smile and Clint frown "You didn't have to buy them things that won't make my children love you" he snapped narrowing his eyes. Evie shrugged "I didn't buy them Clint those toys are mine from when I was child just sitting collecting dust I thought it would be nice if they were played with again, I not trying to make them love me, this arrangement is big change, in their lives, so I thought having the toys would bring them comfort and show them not all stepmothers are evil" she replied firmly meeting him eye to eye. Clint took a deep breath in smelt lightly of lavender. He looked from her eyes down to her lips they looked soft and pink so inviting so kissable and they would look amazing around his...and he lean in he was so close and he heard Evie take a deep breath in. "Are we going to get food yet Pa?" Cooper asked bringing Clint back to reality he took a step back and looked at his family and Nat who was grinning ear to ear. Clint ignore Natasha looks he just grunted at Cooper and held out his hand to Evie who took. As soon as Evie placed her hand in his the was a spark that sent shock down his arm, Evie gasped her eyes snapped to his eyes then Evie stepped into the wagon her hand leaving his. Clint shook his hand out and hopped up into the wagon. He commanded the horse forward he tried shaking the feeling the woman next him was giving him and just pushed forward to get this day over.

The ceremony was quick and was over before Evie could even think but she was now Mrs. Clint Barton, Evangeline Barton had a nice ring to it. Her uncle couldn't touch her if he ever found her she was safe and she was able to breathe again... well almost Clint that man beyond words everything about him drawn her in. His eyes, his body, smell like leather and sunshine. But she knew he was guarded after his first wife just left she understood why hell she would be the same way if that happened to her. But she hope with time that her and Clint could come to not just a civil union but maybe even a loving one. The children were chatting excitedly about the restaurant the toys. Lila was in Evie's lap and eating off her plate Clint had tried to stop it but Evie said it was fine if it got the little girl to eat Evie was fine with it. Now they were headed back to New Haven, Cooper and Lila were asleep in the back nestle on blanket on top of hay. Evie kept looking back to make sure that they were alright. But both kids were sound asleep next to each other cuddled with their new toys. Natasha smiled at Clint giving him her famous knowing looks. Evie was more motherly to his two children in just few short hours than Laura had ever been in their short lives which was heartbreaking.

Clint pulled into a small town that looked small but well kept. It had few stores and a church that looked picturesque among the snow covered mountains. You could see the early signs of spring coming with the trees with new blossoms. Just outside of town Clint stop in front of a bright two story house that was painted white with blue shutters. A man came out he was tall and had dark hair "Bruce come meet the newest citizen of New Haven Mrs. Evangeline Barton " said Natasha who then turned to Evie "Evie, this is my husband and the town doctor Dr Bruce Banner" said Natasha. Dr Banner gave Evie a proper nod. "Mrs. Barton welcome to New Haven we hope you like it here and will someday consider it home" said Bruce in a quiet voice. Evie smiled and gave him a nod back "Thank you Dr. Banner it is a beautiful place and I look forward to seeing what this place has to offer" replied Evie. Natasha moved to her husband who helped her down. Then Natasha open up the back taking Lila then Cooper out from the back. Clint looked at Natasha with a confused looked "We are taking the kids for tonight so that they don't bother you two on your wedding night" said Natasha with wink and a knowing grin. Both Clint and Evie blushed and looked at each other to only look away quickly. "Nat.." Clint started but Natasha bluntly as ever "Marriage isn't truly valid till it's consummated" replied Natasha in firm tone. Clint groan at his friends scheming the children were excited to spend the night with Auntie Nat and Uncle Bruce.

Clint and Evie drove in silence and it was awkward but soon they come around the bend and Evie gasped to see the Barton horse ranch it was in a large valley surrounded by blue and grey mountains still covered in snow. There was a large creek running throughout the land. There was a large red barn with few horse running around in pastures . There was a two story house painted yellow with green shutters  and a wraparound porch it was near a grove of apricot trees that were bright white almost looking like popcorn had growing out over all over the trees. Evie's face brighten and her face got huge grin "Oh Clint your home is beautiful" she gasped her hand resting on his arm. Clint couldn't help but feel pride at her words. Laura had always complained that it was never enough but Evie in just few seconds was praising his home. "Welcome home to Hawkeye Ranch" he said pulling the wagon to stop in front of the house. He got down and help Evie off the wagon.

Evie stepped on to the porch and looked out to the mountains rising up in front of the house their peak towered in the sky. The air was clear and clean so different from the smoke covered skies of Lowell and then Chicago Evie was free at last. Her uncle no longer had power over her and she wasn't tied to a man who had made her shutter every time he looked at her. Evie waited for Clint to put the horses wagon away. She picked up her bag and smaller suitcase setting them by the door then sat down in one of the wicker chair that were scattered on the porch. She pulled out a book from her bag and started to read. With in twenty minutes Clint came back on the to see her reading. He couldn't help but smile at the book Persuasion it had been one of his mother's favorite books and her had read it to her before she had passed away. He has to admit Miss Austen was talented and he enjoyed reading them. Clint studied Evie's face it was clear she was lost in the story, smiled at parts and giggled at others..she was beautiful but Clinton shook his head and cleared his throat causing Evie to look up at him.

Evie blushed at Clint staring at her "Sorry I got lost in the my book and I didn't want to barge in your house without you" said Evie quietly. Clint just shrugged "It your home too Evie and I understand getting lost in a book my Ma use to get lost in Austen Persuasion was one of her favorite I get it the dashing Captain Wentworth unending love for Anne Elliot and hers for him is worth reading" he replied with a slight smile. Evie's eyes widen "You know Austen?" she asked excitedly Clint just shrugged "I would read her books to my Ma before she passed but they were good" replied Clint. Evie's eyes widen nodded "I am sorry for your loss I understand I lost my own parents four years ago in a carriage accident" she said sadly. Clint sighed "Thank you it was ten years ago heart failure but to lose your parent a so quickly I am sorry too" he replied. Evie nodded in understanding they were silent for few minutes before Clint went to the door stepping aside to let her in first.

Evie walked into the house into a parlor with a piano and some chairs and lounge chair it was bright and the widows let in a lot of light. There was a hallway with a highly polished dark wood staircase that lead upstairs. Clint brought in her bags and setting them at the bottom of the stairs. "Well this is our house you seen the parlor and in here is my study slash library" he said opening to large door and Evie gasped at walls covered in books there was a large wooden desk next to the windows it was neatly arranged with Clint's work papers and kerosene lamp. There were a few chairs that matched the parlor chairs they looked sturdy and comfy. Clint smiled at her look on her face "You can put your books in here I am sure we will find a place for them all" he said.

He showed her the rest of the house including the kitchen and dining room. Then the went upstairs to the nursery and some guest rooms. Then he open the master bedroom it was a light and cheerful with a large bed facing the windows. It had large wardrobe that matched the bed frame. It looked cozy and comfortable "This is our room but I understand if you don't want to share" he started but the stop it being awkward. Evie just turn around touched Clint's chest "I fine with anything you're comfortable with Clint if you're not ready for that I understand" she said softly. Clint looked down at her lips so tempting he raised a hand brushing her cheek her lavender scent overwhelmed him he lean in closely. His lips brushed hers lightly kissing her softly at first. It's was like lightning went throughout his body and he couldn't help but pull her close. Evie's hand moved over his body making him groan at her touch. His lips moved with hers and he didn't want to pull away it had been so long since he had the soft touch of a woman...Laura hadn't let him touch her for almost two years before she left. At the thought of his ex wife it snapped back to reality and step back from Evie who groaned from the sudden absence of Clint's lips.

She reached for him "Clint did I do something wrong I am sorry that was my first kiss and I am not very good" she said sadly. Clint scoffed making Evie flinched making her want to disappear. Clint sighed "No darling that kiss...something else...it's me Evie it's been so long since I last kissed and even then they were nothing like that" he replied Clint clearly frustrated. Evie put her hand on his shoulder but Clint just walked away "I have to tend to the animals I'll see you later" he said firmly before walking out the room leaving Evie confused and hurt.

Evie change into a fresh dress getting out her travel dress it was a deep purple and a lot easier to move around in. She had washed the travel dust off and felt fresh and clean. Evie went to the kitchen and found some eggs on the counter and then some spices in the pantry along she went down to cellar to find some ham. Evie made quick work of putting together some supper for them. She got the stove fire started and fried up the ham and scrambled the eggs. She was laying out the plates with the hot food when Clint came in with some milk from the cow he had milked he looked at the table and at her surprised. His stomach grumbled at the smell of the ham and eggs. "Oh good you brought the milk, go wash up and we can eat" she said taking the milk from him. They sat in silence for few moments before Clint looked at her noticing she had changed her dress the purple made the red of her dark auburn hair glow. "I like the color of the dress it looks really pretty on you" he said softly. Evie blushed. "Thank you Clint" she replied. Clint nodded but said nothing else they clean up together washing the dishes.

Clint made sure the horses were put away and the cows were safe  he walked back house notice that the lamp was lite in his bedroom. He was nervous but then he remembered the kiss and how she had responded to him. Clint felt himself get hard and he groaned at the thought of her beneath him. He quicken his step to the house, locked up and removed his boots. He walked up the stairs walked to the door which was closed he knocked for waiting for a moment. "Come in Clint" he heard Evie's melodic voice come through the door. He opened the door and seeing her in the lamplight the night gown hide nothing showing all the curves of her body and her hair was down in soft waves down her back. "Evangeline" whispered Clint and he approached her slowly.

Evie watched as Clint approached her slowly she blushed under his stare. His bright blue eyes had gone almost black and her eyes moved down his well built body. Then her eyes rest on a very large bulge in his pants. Clint was near her his hand brushed her cheek. She gasped at his touch taking in his scent of leather and sunshine it was intoxicating. His lips brushed hers and it was tender and soft at first but with in seconds in became rapid and he moved her close to him. Clint's hand moved across her moved every curve. He pulled away "You're so beautiful, are you sure you want this darling" he whispered. Evie nodded not wanting to stop this feeling of having Clint touch her. Clint removed his shirt showing off his tan well craved chest that was lightly covered in chest hair. Evie reached out touching him lightly tracing his abs making Clint growled making her pull back. Clint grabbed her hand pulling her close "I like it when you touch me darling" he said smiling. Then he guided her towards the bed just stopping at the edge before reaching down to the hem of her nightgown. Clint with a sly smirk "Can I look at you?" asked he in a dark tone. Evie nodded nervously and with in seconds Evie's nightgown was over her head and flying to the side.

Clint grin at the women before him and he felt himself get even harder. God she perfect he thought to himself and he quickly removed his pants making Evie gasp. "Will that fit, god I didn't know that they could come so large" she whispered. Clint threw his head back in laughter he had never heard a woman swear before, Evie was so surprising  and he didn't know what to make of her. "Darling I promise it will fit we will take it slow and I will be gentle alright" he replied. Evie nodded and then reached both arms around his neck pulling him to her lips. Clint groaned as her lips touched his and he was a goner and he laid her out on the bed and soon was on top her loving the softness of her body close to his. This was definitely going to be long night and they wouldn't get any sleep. He was definitely looking forward to stay up all night with Evie.