Chapter Text
Late June 2019
“Peggy! Wanda! She’s gone!”
You blinked up at the ceiling from your position on your new couch as you heard Becca yelling and running around upstairs. You sipped your tea as you stared at the stairs, counting down until Becca would inevitably make it down to the first floor.
“3...2...1…” you whispered to yourself.
“She’s down here!” Right on time, Wanda yelled behind her as she jumped the last two steps and bounded toward your spot in the living room.
“There you are!” Becca joined a moment later. “You just about gave me a heart attack! I thought you got cold feet or I don’t know! But this is no time for you to be down here drinking coffee! We have things to do! Today is a very important day, dear sister!”
“Actually,” you started, slowly standing up and heading to the kitchen, “this is tea. And while yes, this is a very important day, I’m not too worried about today.”
“Well...good? That’s good. You shouldn’t be worried…” Becca said. “But we need to get moving! We’ve got to get your hair and makeup done, and put on your dress and get you to that altar!”
“Becca, honey. Calm down,” Peggy’s soothing said as she joined the girls in the kitchen. “Y/N is the only one allowed to be this frazzled about her own wedding day, and she seems perfectly calm to me.” She winked at you and shot her a small smile.
“I know! But… I just want everything to be perfect for them. They deserve it!”
“Becca, it will be perfect, especially thanks to you, and all your planning. You’ve really outdone yourself the past few months. Everything will be perfect.” You threw your arms around her and gave her a squeeze. “Thank you so much, Becs.”
“You’re so welcome!” Becca had tears in her eyes when she pulled away. “Alright enough mushy stuff. You, upstairs. We have T-minus six hours before you officially become part of the Barnes family!” She said, pointing at you and squealing a bit.
“I’ll be up in a moment, Becca. Let me finish my tea and then I’ll let you have your way with me.” She rolled her eyes but agreed, leaving with Wanda to go start getting ready.
“You do seem rather calm about all this.” Peggy leaned over the counter, cupping her own mug of tea in her hands. “You weren’t nearly as serene about even my own wedding.”
“I just have a good feeling about today is all,” you smiled into your cup.
“Where did you head off to this morning? I passed by your room earlier and saw the door open but you weren’t inside.”
“I just had to make a little stop to have a few words with someone before today could happen.”
You’d been kneeling in the grass for fifteen minutes, not sure what to say. The knees of your jeans were getting wet from the early morning dew, and the birds were already chirping in the early morning light. You’d only been here once, not stepping into the town cemetery since last year with Bucky, but you knew this was something you had to do, for peace of mind. You placed a few roses, from the bushes in front of yours and Bucky’s new home, on the headstone.
“I don’t know if this is weird or the right thing to do, but it felt wrong to be marrying James today without at least trying to talk to you.” You took a deep breath and finally said the words that have been eating away at you for weeks.
“I never thought I’d meet someone as caring, kind, compassionate, and wonderful as Bucky. I’d hoped but that’s not always reality. But then I met him, through your son. Your beautiful, intelligent, so very kind-hearted son, and I felt like I found a home with them. But I feel guilty, that I’m with them, and you can’t be.” You were crying now, tears slowly falling down your face. “But I want you to know, it was never my intention to replace you, it still is not. He may call me “mommy” now, but he will never forget you. He will always know that he is special because he has two mommies to look out for him and love him, one down here, and one watching over him from above.”
You felt lighter after that, and thought maybe it was time to leave. But something made you stay, and so instead, you had settled more comfortable on the wet grass, and began to talk to Dot. You told her all about her boys, about the silly things they do, about their achievements. You told her about them, because it didn’t feel fair that she had to miss this, especially missing Noah growing up. You knew, somehow, that she was listening and that was good enough for you.
“Hmm.” Peggy looked at you thoughtfully before plucking the cup out of your hands. “Alright, we’ve sat here long enough. Let’s go.”
With her arm looped through yours, you ascended the stairs where you could hear Becca and Wanda chatting along, every now and then a comment from Natasha, who valued her beauty sleep and didn’t take kindly to being woken up by an energetic Wanda.
“I wonder how Bucky’s fairing if you’re this calm about today.”
“Where are the rings? Steve! I can’t find the rings!” Bucky said searching over and under everything in Steve’s house.
Steve and Sam stood at the base of the stairs in identical positions, arms crossed in front of their chests, as they watched Bucky zoom around the room.
“Do you want to stop him or should I?” Sam said.
Steve sighed. “I got him. Can you start getting Noah up and ready?”
“Sure thing, man.” Sam patted Steve on his back then headed up the stairs.
“Bucky. Buck!” Steve grabbed Bucky’s arm and sat him down on the couch. “The rings are on my dresser ready to go when we are. You gave them to me to hold on to, remember?”
“Oh right.” Bucky sighed, his hand came up to rub the back of his neck. “Sorry, man.”
“Hey, it’s normal. Remember my day with Peggy? I wouldn’t have made it to the altar in one piece without you there to keep my head on straight.”
“Yeah that’s probably true. You were a mess.” Bucky chuckled at the memory.
“Today is going to go just fine. There’s no reason to worry, especially with Becca running the show. Take a minute to calm down and then go get ready. We still have some things to take care of before we get you down that aisle.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Bucky stretched, then leaned over and gently pushed Steve’s shoulder. “Thanks, Punk.”
“Anytime, Jerk.” Steve returned the gesture.
Bucky made his way back into his guest room in Steve’s house, opening the door to hear the squeals of laughter and excitement coming from Noah as Sam helped him into his clothes. Noah had been so excited to be going to another wedding, after taking part in Steve and Peggy’s in November. When he heard he was going to be the ringbearer for his dad’s wedding, he’d been ecstatic. It was such an important job and he couldn’t be more proud. Bucky smiled at his son’s enthusiasm, and made eye contact with Sam, who sent him a wink.
“Alright, Little Man, let’s give your dad time to get ready.” Sam ushered Noah out of the room.
Bucky walked over to the dresser and stood in front of the mirror. He looked a bit of a mess, he had to admit. His hair was crazy from the tossing and turning the night before, and his clothes were rumpled from the little sleep he got. But the longer he stared at himself in the mirror the clearer he could see how happy he was. The image of you walking down the aisle toward him stuck had been in his head for the past two weeks, and now with only a few hours left to wait, the anticipation was killing him. He’d been waiting for this for months and today was finally the day the three of you would officially become a family.
“Knock knock!”
The door burst open and in tumbled your mother, sister and niece. You jumped and turned around at the noise.
“Oh honey! You look so beautiful already!” your mom gushed. While your hair had already been done, you were still in your robe and your makeup was only half on. Regardless, you thanked her and set down your makeup brush to give her a hug.
“I don’t look nearly as nice as you three. Look at you, Miss Charlie! I think you’ll steal the whole day!” Charlie twirled in her soft peach-colored dress that poofed out at the bottom, and had little rhinestones on the outer layer of tulle that would be sure to sparkle in the sunlight. “Prettiest flower girl I’ve ever seen!” Charlie giggled in delight.
“Yes, she’d adorable, but today is about you and you’re the only one not ready yet!” Liz exclaimed.
“It’s okay, Liz. There’s no need to rush. I just have to finish my makeup and put on the dress and then I’ll be ready to go. There’s still tons of time left.”
Liz groaned. “You’re about to get married. Married, Y/N! This is not a last minute occasion that you can whip on a dress and walk out the door with a few moments to spare!”
“Thank you! That’s what I’ve been trying to tell her!” Becca said, carrying in the flower crown you’d decided you wanted instead of a veil.
“Oh no, there’s two of them,” you muttered to yourself. You heard a snicker and glanced up to meet Nat’s eyes. You gave her a pleading look and she did what she does best.
“That’s enough. We need to give Y/N some space,” she said crossing her arms, looking every bit as intimidating as when you’d first met her. “Everyone out until she needs us.”
You could tell your family wanted to argue about staying but you also knew Nat wasn’t one to argue with. As everyone filed out of the room, you grabbed Peggy’s hand asking her to stay and help you finish getting ready. Before Nat closed the door, you stopped her and slipped an envelope into her hand.
“Can you give this to Bucky before the ceremony please?”
Nat nodded and smiled, giving you one of her rare hugs you’d only received once before.
“Sure thing. Clint and I will head over in a little bit to make sure the boys are ready.”
“Thank you, Nat!” You grinned.
After she left, Peggy watched as you finished your makeup. It was simple, definitely not what Becca and Liz would have done if you’d let them near your face with a makeup brush, but it was subtle and it was you, and that’s what mattered. Hanging on the door of your closet was your wedding. It had taken a month to find a dress that was “you” and also appeased your dress-shopping group, but it had been worth the wait.
It was an A-line dress made of chiffon and lace. The bodice featured an intricate lace design with some light beading, and had small, lace cap sleeves. The layers of chiffon made the skirt flow down your body and would look nice on the the top of the Peak.
Peggy helped you step into the dress and started to hook the row of buttons in the back. You let out a small sigh of relief when the dress buttoned all the way and fit like it had at the last fitting last month. You turned around to face the mirror and gasped. You almost didn’t recognize yourself.
“Wow. Darling, you look gorgeous,” Peggy said behind you, meeting your eyes in the mirror.
“You really think so?”
“Of course! I’m always right.” You both laughed, because when had Peggy ever been wrong before?
“Just need the final touch.” Peggy laid the delicate flower crown of peach-colored carnations and blush pink roses and ranunculus, that matched the flowers in your bouquet, on your head and took a step back. “There. You look perfect, my dear.”
“Thank you, Peggy.” You wrapped her in your arms for a moment, much like you had before her wedding months ago.
She handed you your bouquet and you descended the stairs, careful not to trip in your heels. The chattering in the room silenced and your mother already had tears in her eyes.
“My baby! Oh, look at you! Oh, I’m not ready for this!” She threw her arms around you while still managing to avoid messing up your hair.
“Of course you’re ready for this. Always so dramatic, mom.” You giggled and kissed her cheek.
“You look like a fairy, Aunt Y/N!” Charlie said.
“Thank you, honey.”
“So pretty!” Wanda said.
“You were so right, the flower crown looks perfect!” Liz had been apprehensive about a change in tradition and you not wearing a veil.
“Yeah, I’m kind of in love with it.”
Becca had been strangely quiet though. You looked to her and could see why. She was desperately trying not to let her tears ruin her makeup and had taken to fanning her eyes.
“Becca, honey, are you alright?” You tried, grabbing a tissue and dabbing lightly at her eyes.
“I’m just so happy you’re going to marry my brother. I’ve always wanted a sister and you’ve really become one already and today just makes it official and I’m just so happy.”
“Oh Becs! I think of you as a sister too! Please stop your crying honey, you’ll ruin your makeup.” She laughed at that, her tears finally slowing.
“Look at me, I’m a mess. On your wedding day! Ugh!” She groaned but smiled all the same. “If any of you mention this to my brother, you’re gonna get it.”
“I wouldn’t dare, Becs. Cross my heart.” You drew an X with your finger over your heart.
“Okay, I propose a toast before I head over to the boys.” Nat came out from the kitchen holding a tray of champagne flutes and a stemless wine glass for Charlie. She passed out the glasses to everyone, handing you a glass. You must have had a look on your face, because Nat said, “Don’t worry, it’s sparkling cider like Charlie’s. Wouldn’t want you getting tipsy on your wedding day.” She winked, then held up her glass.
“To Y/N!”
“To Y/N!” Everyone else replied and downed the liquid in their glasses.
“Alright, I’m off to grab the guys, I’ll see you there Y/N.”
By half past noon, all the men in Steve’s house were dressed in matching navy suits with blush pink roses pinned to their lapels. Little Noah, with his hair slicked back and in his own suit, looked like a miniature copy of Bucky. As best man, Steve’s job was to keep Bucky calm through all of this, even if that meant allowing the banter between Bucky and Sam as a distraction from his nerves. Bucky was just arguing with Sam over which DC superhero was best, much to Noah’s amusement, when the doorbell rang.
Steve shook his head at his friends’ antics and opened the door for Nat.
“Well don’t you look good all dolled up,” Steve smiled. Nat rolled her eyes.
“Don’t let Peg hear you say that. Besides, I always look good.” She smirked. She wore a long chiffon, navy blue dress that matched the color of the guys’ suits and flowed down her body. It had a flattering low V-shaped neckline that suited Nat’s style and would make her stand out from the other bridesmaids, as she wasn’t a bridesmaid at all.
“There she is!” Bucky called from his place by the couch. “My third groomsmaid,” he grinned.
“You’re lucky to have me, Barnes.” She placed a kiss on his cheek and he gave her a hug.
“I have something for you from your better half.” She handed him the letter from you, and wiped her lipstick off his cheek with her thumb as he opened it.
James,
If I know you as well as I think I do, I know you’re probably frazzled to hell right now. Listen to me. Stop. Take a deep breath. Better?
I love you, and I can’t wait to marry you today. You’re my best friend (don’t tell Sammy) and I’m so lucky to have bumped into your son, our son. I love you both so much. I miss you both so much and it’s been less than 24 hours. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with the two of you. I can’t wait for years of kisses and hugs, and late night snuggles, and science projects that are always far more messy than planned, and the giggles that seem to be the soundtrack of our life. To expand our family and fill it with even more love. Someday.
But for now, stay calm, don’t give Stevie too much trouble. I’ll you soon. I’ll be the one in white.
I love you.
-Y/N
“Daddy? Why are you sad?” Noah’s voice broke through his mind.
Bucky didn’t even realize he was crying. But he wasn’t sad, not one bit. He leaned over and pulled Noah into a hug.
“These aren’t sad tears at all, Bud. These are happy tears. Y/N wrote me a letter about how excited she is to marry us today. How much she loves you and me. How much she can’t wait to see you and me and her together at the end the aisle today.”
“Oh! I love Mommy, too! Let’s go see her now!”
“We can’t, not yet. It’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding.”
“Yeah but daddy, I’m not the groom!” Noah’s annoyed sigh caused the four adults to burst into laughter.
“He’s got you there, man,” Sam said.
“Yeah, yeah. It’s my fault for raising a smartypants,” Bucky said, leaning over to tickle Noah.
“Alright, we should start heading to the Peak. Becca said we need to be there by one ‘o clock, so let’s move,” Nat said. She turned on her heel and walked out of the house and to her car, where Clint was dozing in the passenger seat, as mornings on weekends, or rather early afternoons, were not his thing.
“Becca, you’ve really outdone yourself,” you murmured to yourself as Liz helped you out of the car. Becca, Wanda, and Peggy had gone ahead of you to make sure everything was perfect, leaving you to spend the last few moments with your family.
You were amazed by how beautiful the venue was. To the left, a huge tent shaded the tables and chairs from the June sun; it was large enough to fit practically the whole town who were sure to be in attendance. From the parking lot, you could see all the peach-colored flowers and navy ribbons of the centerpieces. A dance floor had been set up and you could see the strings of lights that surrounded the whole place, and you were already eager to see what it would all look like when the sun set.
To the right, the aisle you were to walk down was lined with rows of chairs on either side. Guests were mostly seated, few were still standing around and chatting. At the end of the aisle was an arch covered in flowers, and just behind that was a beautiful view of the ocean from the top of the cliff. The view from the Peak was exactly the reason why you choose this spot as your location, one of the only things you were insistent on upon planning the wedding.
Bucky stood with his groomsmen, and maid, at the altar. He was turned around, facing away from everyone, and from his posture, you were sure he was nervous. A waving hand drew your eyes down to Noah, who stood by Bucky in the cutest little suit you’d ever seen, looking every bit like Bucky’s twin. You waved back and blew him a kiss.
“Alright, looks like we're starting in about fifteen minutes.” Becca said, when you found her behind the dressing wall-partitioned area that was designated for the bride. She adjusted your flower crown and the strap of your dress. “Are you ready, Y/N?”
“As I'll ever be, Becs. Thank you, for all of this.”
“It was nothing. Besides, you’re family.” Becca grinned and ushered Wanda, Peggy, and Charlie out toward the edge of the aisle.
“We’ll see you down there honey,” your mom said, kissing you on the cheek before leaving to find her seat with Liz.
“How are you feeling, Sweetheart?” Your dad asked, sticking his head around the partition.
“I’m… I’m good. I’m really, really good.” You couldn’t help but grin. This was the start of your forever.
“I’m so proud of you, honey.” He kissed the top of your head. “Oh! I almost forgot. Here.” He pulls out a small hair pin from his pocket. The main gem was a vibrant blue surrounded by smaller white gems, forming a flower shape all together. It was beautiful and sparkled brilliantly in the sun.
“It was my mother’s. Figured it crossed ‘Old’ and ‘Blue’ off the list.” He chuckled. “She’d want you to have it.”
You couldn’t help yourself. You threw your arms around your father, feeling him embrace you in return.
“Thank you, Dad.” You slipped from his embrace and slid the hairpin into your hair.
“Anything for you, dear. Now, we probably shouldn’t keep them waiting much longer.”
As you began to walk toward the arch at the end of the aisle, you could hear the light melody of the piano and violin played by a couple of incredibly talent seniors in the high school. You saw Becca wave a flourish of her hand when she saw you, and the music changed. The moment the first notes began, Becca ushered Charlie down the aisle. Following behind her was Liz, Wanda, then Becca.
You and Bucky refused to be normal and have you walk to the traditional wedding march. Instead, as you got to the edge, the beginning of "Can't Help Falling In Love" began. All the guests stood, but you weren’t focused on them. You were focused on your blue-eyed boys. Steve tapped Bucky’s shoulder and Bucky turned to you. Immediately, his right hand flew to his mouth, tears coming to his eyes, his face turning red. His other hand was on Noah’s shoulder, keeping your boys together. You couldn’t help but grin as you made your way to them.
The last few notes finished and your father kissed you head before placing your hand in Bucky’s. Noah pushed him aside to hug your legs, and you giggled and held him into you.
“She looks like a princess, Daddy!” Noah said.
Those sitting closest to you chuckled.
“She absolutely does, Bud.” Bucky said, his eyes never leaving yours, and you felt your face flush.
Steve took Noah to stand with him and Bucky’s dad cleared his throat before speaking the opening words. You’d chosen George Barnes to officiate the wedding purely because it just felt right. He was kind of like the father of the town. The Barnes family held so many get-togethers and community parties. Plus, he was important to you both. It naturally made sense for him to be a part of your wedding. As he spoke, you and Bucky mouthed ‘I love you’ to each other, his hands holding yours. His palms were a little moist in yours, but warm and comfortable.
“Bucky and Y/N have chosen to write their own vows,” Mr. Barnes said, looking to Bucky. “Go ahead, son.”
“Okay.” He let go of one of your hands to reach into his pocket, only to pat around his suit when he couldn’t find what he was looking for. “I, uh, seem to have misplaced my vows. I’ll just have to wing it.” He chuckled nervously.
“Y/N. Doll. You walked into my life when I least expected it. From the moment I saw you with Noah at the bookshop, I knew you were special, but I knew I loved you on our first date, when you didn’t even mind having to make the night kid-friendly on such short notice. You’ve always been supportive and loving to the both of us, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect partner. I thought I would only get a shot at love once in life, and I had accepted it just being Noah and me. But you gave me a second chance at love and I’ll never be able to explain how grateful I am or how much I love you, but I’ll try. I promise to always bring you ice cream when you’re sick. I promise to pull you out of the house when you’ve been working too long. I promise to never touch your legs with my cold feet in the morning. And I promise to only sneak one cookie when you make batches for parties.”
Steve prompted Noah to move forward with the rings on the pillow. Bucky plucked yours off, giving a wink to Noah. “With this ring, I promise to love you unconditionally and give you my support for everything you want to do and achieve. I promise to stand by you when things get tough. I promise you will always have a safe place in my arms.”
Through your tears, you watched as he slid the ring on your finger, your hands shaking the whole time. Becca handed you a handkerchief and you dabbed at your eyes, trying to prevent any running mascara. You gave it back and shot a wobbly grin Bucky’s way.
“James Buchanan, how dare you! I’m an emotional mess and it’s all your fault.” Once again, your guests joined into the laughter, which helped to calm your nerves.
“You’re also a hard act for me to follow. James, when I rolled into town, I never expected anything like this. I was looking for a place to fit in. I wasn’t expecting to find the love of my life, nor the love of such an amazing family. Your son stole my heart so early in my time here, but you...I wake up every day so thankful that we crossed paths. I hope you know how much you light up my life and make me feel safe. I have loved you for 427 days; I love you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you are yet to be. Because of you, I learned that home is not always a place. You and Noah are a package deal, I knew that coming into this. Wherever you and Noah are, you are my home.” Bucky absently rubbed your knuckles with his thumbs. There were unshed tears in his eyes that seemed ready to break through any second now. His steel blue eyes were deeper and glossy on his red face. You mimicked his earlier actions and plucked his ring off the pillow in Noah’s hands.
“I promise to not have deep conversations before you’ve had your first cup of coffee in the morning. I promise to order my own fries instead of insisting I don’t want them, then eating yours. I promise to give you a back massage after you’ve had a long day and not complain when you use my shampoo because it smells better. I promise to hold your hand every chance I get. With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to love you unconditionally, and give you my support for everything you want to do and achieve. I promise to stand with you through anything that might come our way. I promise to love you with everything that I have, and to always be your safe haven.”
As you slid Bucky’s ring onto his finger, his hand trembled and squeezed yours when you’d put it in place. You knew he was barely holding on and you were so close to being officially declared married, but there was one more thing you had to do. You squeezed Bucky’s hands back then turned around and held your hand out to Becca. She placed a sterling silver dinosaur pin in your palm. You turned and crouched down to Noah’s level, careful not to step on your dress, and took his hand in yours.
“Noah Bear, I know I didn’t give birth to you, but I love being your mom. We’ve already talked about how I’m never going to replace her, but instead, you are very lucky because you have two mommies. With this pin, I promise to scare away all of the monsters in the closet and under the bed. I promise to go to the museums to learn about dinosaurs and space. I promise to always let you have the first cookie of a new batch, just for testing purposes of course.” You winked. “I promise to always have cuddle time, even when you grow up and don’t think you need it anymore. I promise to always be there for you when you need me. I promise to love you with everything that I have, unconditionally, like you were my own. Because you are.”
Bucky and Becca were quick to steady you when Noah all but threw himself into your arms. You wrapped your arms around him and gazed up at Bucky. His eyes were like faucets and you could feel the dampness on your own face. There was a chorus of quiet sniffles amongst the seats.
After another moment or two, you pulled away and fastened the pin to his lapel. You gave him a kiss on the top of his head, and stood up. Bucky held your left hand and Noah held your right.
“From this day forward,” George began, wiping a tear from his eye, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
You and Bucky grinned at each other and his hand slipped from yours and slid around your waist, pulling you to him. You melted into his kiss as your hand gripped the back of his neck. You pulled away giggling in the moment, surrounded by your loved ones and applause. Today was perfect.
“All I’m saying is, Batman is pretty boring, and really, take away the bat costume and he’s just a sad, rich guy.” Bucky whispered. “The villians and even the protegés are what make him more interesting. Dick Grayson is far cooler than Bruce Wayne will ever be.”
“James, honey, I love you, but maybe this isn’t the right time.” You quirked your eyebrow at him. “Besides, Jason Todd is the most interesting of them all, and the wife is always right, therefore I win.” You kissed him and that shut him up.
The two of you were in the middle of your first dance as husband and wife, swaying along to one of your favorite songs that reminded you of Bucky. Your head laid on his chest, the warm, safe feeling of his arms around you enveloping you in the moment. The sun had started to set a little while ago, and as dusk approached, the strings of lights were turned on a twinkled in the dark. You had to admit, it felt magical. You pulled back to gaze up at his face, and watched how the lights danced across his face and twinkled in his eyes. Your hands went to either side of his neck, your thumbs brushing his jaw.
Bucky twirled you around, then dipped you, making you giggle and break the serenely emotional spell you’d been surrounded in. As the music faded into a new song, some guests joined the floor and dance alongside you and Bucky.
“I think you’re about to be taken away from me, Doll.” He murmured by your ear. You followed Bucky’s gaze to where Noah was making a beeline toward you.
“Can I dance with you, Mommy?” He wrung his hands together, seemingly nervous.
“Of course you can, Noah Bear.” You pulled your hands from Bucky’s neck and wrapped them around him as his own arms went around your waist, resting his head on your stomach. That fuzzy feeling you loved so much filled you with warmth just then. Together you swayed to the music, feeling so grateful for moments like this.
Several songs later, Charlie stole Noah away, giggling as she dragged him off for some innocent mischief, and giving you a much needed break. You found Bucky chatting with Nat and Sam. You slid your arm around his waist and pressed your lips to his, tasting the sweetness of frosting there.
“This turned out great, Bunny. Congratulations you guys,” Sam said as he popped another cheesecake bite in his mouth.
“Thanks Sammy,” you beamed.
“Yeah, everything is gorgeous. You’re absolutely glowing.” Nat said, her eyes flashing. And in that moment, you knew she knew. You didn’t know how, but if anyone would know before everyone else, it would be her.
“Thank you...How?” You squinted at her. You ignored the confused looks Bucky and Sam were giving you.
“Don’t you know yet? I know everything.” Her signature smirk was on display.
“Of course.” You shook your head but smiled all the same.
“Gonna enlighten us, Bunny?”
“Yeah, don’t leave us in the dark here, Doll.”
You looked to Bucky then. You weren’t going to tell him this way. In fact when you’d found out, and after the initial nerves and then acceptance, your mind started to fill with cute ways to tell him he was going to be a dad...again.
“Well, uh… We hadn’t really talked about this much. Didn’t exactly think this was going to be where I told you,” you looked pointedly at Nat, who didn’t look at all fazed by your “intimidating” glare. “But how would you feel about Noah having a little sibling?”
“Noah having a little…” Bucky’s eyes opened wide. “You’re..you’re..” You nod, confirming the words he hadn’t said in over eight years. “We’re pregnant?” He whispered.
“Well, technically I’m pregnant,” you giggled. “But yes, we’re going to have a baby.”
Before you knew what was happening, you were lifted off your feet and swung around in circles, bracing yourself on Bucky’s shoulders. He set you down suddenly, holding your waist to steady you.
“Are you okay? Are they okay? I probably shouldn’t have done that.”
“James, calm down. We’re both fine.” You smiled.
“Congrats, Y/N!” Sam embraced you, rocking you back and forth. “I’ll gladly take the title of ‘Best Uncle.’”
“Oh of course, you will be, Sammy.” You looked at the three of them. “But can you three please promise not to say, breathe, or even think a word about this to anyone for just a few more weeks. I just, I want this to stay quiet and just be for us for a little longer. And I’d rather we told Noah before he found out from someone else.” You really wouldn’t know what to do if Noah came home from school one day hearing that his mommy was pregnant from one of his friends.
“Of course, Bunny.” Sam kissed your forehead and headed back to the dessert table. Nat nodded at you then followed him, leaving you and Bucky alone.
“Is this okay? I mean I know we haven’t talked about expanding the family, not really. And it’s so soon. I only found out a couple weeks ago. I’ve been trying to be subtle, I didn’t want to take the focus off of us, and I heard you’re supposed to keep it a relative secret for the first twelve weeks or so. Of course, I wasn’t subtle enough. Explains why Nat knew not to give me champagne this morning and has been helping to keep me calm all day amongst Bec-”
You were interrupted by Bucky’s lips on yours. You melted into him, savoring the moment. He pulled away but only enough to press his forehead to yours.
“I’m more than okay with this. Them. I’m so excited to bring another little one into this world. Parts of me and especially you.”
“Do you think Noah will be okay with it?”
“I think he’ll be thrilled to be a big brother and have a partner in crime to team up against us.” You both laughed at the thought.
“I love you, Y/N Barnes.”
“I love you too, James Barnes.”