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andinewton · 7 years ago

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Healing the Hurt - Avengers Redemption Series - Part Two - Chapter 63 - Epilogue 9

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Amelia Richards (OFC), pretty much everyone from the MCU appears at some point!

Pairings: Bucky x Amelia (ofc)

Warnings: Chronic pain, physical disability, implied smut, eventual smut, swearing, fertility issues, pregnancy, angst with a happy ending, Stark has a heart.

Word Count: 151372 (complete with additional epilogues added)

Summary:  Everything is going well at Avengers Tower, Bucky is integrating into the team slowly but surely; he longs for his confidence back but knows it's going to be a long road, never more than when he meets the new secretary at his doctor's office.

Amelia Richards is a career SHIELD agent, recruited straight out of college into the "company" but now she finds herself passed around from department to department, her latest position as a secretary at Avengers Tower proving monotonous compared to her former life, but when James "Bucky" Barnes walks into her office one Friday evening everything changes…

Join Bucky as he rediscovers parts of himself he had thought long lost with someone who considered herself broken for a long time, helping one another heal in more ways than one…

Master List

A/N: So many new things in this chapter/epilogue! Including drunk Steve, the wedding itself, and the first time I wrote smut for Bucky and Amelia! You have been warned!!

Chapter 63 - Epilogue 9 - The Wedding

Summary: Set directly after Epilogue 1, live through the run up and day of Bucky and Amelia's quickie wedding!

Amelia and Bucky returned to The Tower early the next morning, planning on carrying on like it was a normal day, just with a few additional jobs to do, but neither of them could keep the smiles off their faces. The only people aware of their engagement were those directly involved in the proposal itself, having been asked to keep the secret just a little longer, and Tony was the only one who didn’t know about the pregnancy, because he was probably the one who wouldn’t be able to keep his mouth shut. They wanted to get married first, even though it was only a matter of days, but that was how it was.

‘Shouldn’t you be off doing unspeakable things with that guy with the metal arm that you’re weirdly attached to?’ Tony asked as he walked into the lab a little after eleven to find her at her station, data running on screens all around her. ‘I didn’t ask for a day off. Can’t just ditch out.’ She shrugged as he came around the desk, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple. ‘Congrats, Angel.’ He said into her hair. ‘I know you’re good for one another. Don’t know why, but you are.’ ‘Thanks, Tony.’ She leant into him affectionately. ‘I do have an itty bitty favour to ask you though.’ He looked down at her in mock horror. ‘A favour? I knew there’d be something.’ He let her go and leant on her desk, looking at her intently. ‘Spill it.’ ‘Can I have Friday off?’ She batted her eyelashes at him exaggeratedly. ‘God, is that all? You know that’s not a problem, more the problem is you actually not working.’ ‘I promise not to work Friday.’ She crossed her heart. ‘So, it’s okay?’ ‘It’s fine. Where you going? Dirty weekend with the bandit?’ ‘Bad taste.’ She jabbed him in the arm with her pen. ‘And no, but I do have another favour.’ ‘Another one, you’re pushing it, Angel.’ He teased. ‘But try me.’ ‘Okay, can you have Friday off?’ ‘Dirty weekend with me?’ He wiggled his eyebrows and she laughed. ‘No way I could keep up with you! You party way too hard for me. If I ask you this though you’re sworn to secrecy, okay? No telling, no dancing around singing “I know something you don’t know”, you just go subtle and supportive.’ ‘Subtle and supportive?’ He pulled a face. ‘I don’t know, doesn’t sound like me.’ ‘Tony!’ She slapped his arm. ‘Yeah, okay. Why do I need Friday off?’ ‘To give me away if we head down to city hall.’ She could see the realisation dawn in his eyes and he gained a small sideways smile. ‘You want me to give you away?’ ‘Please.’ She nodded. ‘You’re the closest thing I have to a family and I’d really like you to be there, even if you won’t give me away…’ She stopped as he threw his arms around her, pulling her out of the chair in an all encompassing hug. ‘Of course I’ll give you away.’ He murmured as her arms finally wrapped around him. ‘Really?’ She asked, she had been certain he would say no, although she wasn't sure why. ‘Really.’ He leant back and grinned at her. ‘But city hall? That’s really what you want? Because I’ll throw you a huge party and ceremony. We can fly out to Malibu, have it on the beach.’ ‘Just city hall is all we want.’ She insisted. ‘Nothing flashy, just wear a suit.’ ‘You’re sure?’ She nodded against him as he leant back. ‘I’m sure. Just you, Steve, Wanda, Nat, and Pepper, if she can make it at such short notice.’ He cupped her cheek with one hand and looked at her sincerely. ‘This is what you want?’ ‘Really what I want. We just want to get married with no fuss.’ ‘There’ll be a fuss eventually, when people find out another Avenger got married.’ ‘Be too late for them to invade the wedding by then though.’ She grinned. ‘You got a point.’ He cupped the back of her head with his hand and rested his forehead against hers. ‘If this is what you want then I’m in. Tell me your plan and I’ll tell you how we can make it better.’ She laughed. ‘It doesn’t need making better. We go to city hall in the morning, do the deed, then go for lunch at this little diner we know nearby.’ ‘You can’t eat lunch in a diner when you just got married!’ He pulled a face and she leant back from him. ‘Lunch at this little diner we know nearby.’ She said firmly. ‘And in the evening we’ll have a little party and can announce it officially, so long as that’s okay?’ ‘I can throw you a party?’ The smile on his face grew again. ‘No, we’ll just have a party at The Tower, just for the team.’ ‘You gotta let me have something, Angel.’ He complained. ‘If I’m giving you away let me shout the party, like any good father figure should.’ She rubbed her hand over her forehead and sighed. ‘No, Tony, because I know how your parties like to spiral from small get togethers. Just the team, a small buffet, maybe a few drinks. That’s all. We’re paying for it, end of story. Bucky is already with Pepper going over details.’ ‘You can’t trust him to organise your wedding party!’ Tony pushed away from her suddenly and went for the door. ‘Tony, no!’ Amelia yelped, setting off after him, but a wave of nausea ran through her. ‘Oh God.’ She heard the elevator ping as she hit the bathroom at a run, losing the toast she had managed to eat before leaving the compound. When she finally rocked back on her heels she pulled her phone out of her pocket and brought up the FRIDAY interface. ‘FRIDAY, put me through to Miss Potts, please.’ ‘Sure thing, Angel.’ Pepper and Bucky were just going over the final arrangements for the party. She wouldn’t be able to make it to city hall but she would ensure that they got everything else they wanted and was so happy for them. ‘I know someone who will make the cake and not sell you out, don’t worry about that.’ She smiled at Bucky seated across from her. ‘Would you like me to put together a press release to make it official? Release it overnight into Saturday?’ ‘I guess we ought to.’ Bucky said reluctantly. ‘Sorry to butt in,’ FRIDAY’s voice came over the intercom, ‘urgent call for you, Miss Potts. It’s Miss Richards.’ ‘Amelia?’ Bucky frowned as Pepper said; ‘Put her through on speaker. Amelia?’ ‘Hey, Pepper.’ Amelia sounded throaty and rough and it made Bucky sit forward in his seat. ‘What’s wrong?’ Pepper looked at Bucky and how concerned he was on hearing her voice. ‘Tony’s on his way up.’ Amelia swallowed, shifting slightly, sitting as she was on the floor of the bathroom stall. ‘He wants to help organise the party.’ ‘Too late.’ Pepper pushed print on her computer quickly. ‘Bucky signs this paperwork and the deal is done. Nothing Tony can do.’ She assured her. ‘Thanks, Pepper.’ Amelia sighed. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Yeah, tail end of the sicky thing, that’s all.’ ‘Sure you don’t want to postpone this, until you’re feeling better?’ She reached behind her to get the paperwork off the printer and slid it to Bucky with a pen on top. ‘No, Friday will be fine.’ ‘If you’re sure.’ ‘I’m sure, just don’t let Tony do anything crazy. We just want the team, not some big out of hand do where we don’t know everyone. And we’re paying, not him.’ Pepper laughed silently, knowing that Amelia seemed to have Tony’s number already. ‘You got it. Anything else?’ ‘Can I go home sick?’ Pepper glanced up at Bucky. ‘You feeling that bad, sweetheart?’ ‘I think I might just need some rest and some of that tea Nat got me.’ ‘I’ll come fetch you when we’re done here.’ He said as he signed on the simple list of things Pepper had created, but it made it official, meaning Tony shouldn’t be able to interfere. ‘Thank you.’ She smiled to herself. ‘Go home and go to bed if you need to.’ Pepper said, knowing Tony wouldn’t be long. ‘I’ll deal with the big spender.’ ‘Thanks again.’ Amelia hung up and pushed herself to her feet. She knew Pepper would stop Tony.

Tony sulked for days. Not overly, but he repeatedly sent Amelia frowning emojis when she was in the middle of working over the internal network. She replied with a cheerful laughing emoji most of the time, and only once sent him the middle finger. She kept on top of the ginger tea and cookies and they helped stave off her nausea long enough for her to convince everyone who wasn’t in the know that it was just some bug. Finally Friday morning rolled around and Nat dragged Amelia off to her room to get ready, insisting she and Wanda would bring Amelia to city hall to meet them. Even though Bucky had helped her choose her dress they still didn’t want him to see her until they got there. They wanted to get there as early as possible, not only to get it done but also to avoid being spotted by too many people. Even just the five of them were recognisable enough that they could probably draw a crowd. Tony joined the girls while Bucky and Steve made their own way to city hall. It was a little after half past eight when they all met outside on the steps, Tony having driven the girls, and he made Amelia wait in the car until he came around to open the door for her, offering her a hand out. ‘Not too late to change your mind.’ He winked at her as she swung her legs out, stepping onto the curb to see Bucky smiling warmly at her. ‘Not going to change it.’ She shook her head, taking the small posey of flowers Nat and Wanda had surprised her with. ‘You look beautiful, sweetheart.’ Bucky came over to her but Tony put himself between them. ‘Nuh uh. You don’t get her until the ceremony.’ And made shooing motions with his hands. ‘Oh God, Tony.’ Amelia sidestepped him and went on tiptoes to give Bucky a soft kiss. ‘Nervous?’ ‘Excited.’ He admitted. ‘Me too.’ ‘Okay, enough.’ Tony pulled Amelia back beside him. ‘Let’s go get this done.’ ‘Then pictures in the park before lunch.’ Wanda said, indicating to the camera she held. They were second in line for the ceremony, the couple before them with their witnesses staring in disbelief as five of The Avengers shared the waiting room with them. Bucky was glad Amelia had convinced him not to wear a tie, and Steve had joined him, because although he said he was excited nerves did nip at his stomach, worried he would mess up somehow, or that she still might change her mind. They congratulated the first couple as they came out before being called themselves and Amelia gave Bucky a small smile before he and Steve went in with the girls, leaving her with Tony to enter a few moments later. ‘Okay, Angel. Last chance.’ Tony came and tucked her arm over his. ‘Say the word and we’re out the door.’ ‘Not a chance.’ She shook her head. ‘You sure? Because I have dozens of eligible friends who would love to meet you.’ She laughed. ‘Sorry, Tony, you could have hundreds of eligible friends and I’d still choose Bucky.’ ‘You know, you seemed like such a nice girl, then you go shack up with him.’ He smirked at her. ‘Tony?’ She gave him side eyes as they started forward. ‘What, Angel?’ ‘Enough. I’m marrying Bucky, end of story. You’re just still sulking I wouldn’t let you make the party bigger.’ ‘How are you meant to celebrate with less than fifty people?’ He said exasperatedly. ‘I don’t know fifty people!’ She argued. ‘It’ll be a nice intimate little get together with everyone we care about. That’s what we wanted.’ ‘Sounds kinda boring. I’ll liven it up somehow.’ ‘You’ll do that just by being there.’ She pulled him to a stop before they went through the door. ‘Thank you, Tony, for doing this for me.’ ‘I can’t say no to you, science sis.’ She kissed him on the cheek and smiled at him. ‘If I had had an annoying older brother I’d have wanted him to be just like you.’ Tony couldn’t help but grin. He really liked her, felt protective of her, and if this made her happy he was all for it. ‘Let’s go make you Mrs Barnes.’ She nodded, unable to think of a comeback, and he led her through the door to where Bucky and Steve stood to one side of the desk, Wanda and Nat in the seats facing it. The officiant was standing and offered Amelia his hand as they reached him. ‘Miss Richards, welcome. And you, Mr Stark.’ He looked between the bride and groom as Tony handed Amelia over to her future husband, taking her right hand in his left. ‘We come here today to witness the joining of these two people, James and Amelia. If there is anybody present who knows of any legal reason why they should not be married you may speak now or forever hold your peace.’ Everyone turned to look at Tony but he held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. ‘She knows what she’s doing.’ Amelia pressed her lips together to hold back a laugh. She had been certain Tony would say something but now the time came he was leaving it alone. The officiant continued. ’James, do you take Amelia to be your legally wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward?’ Bucky just stared at Amelia. This was actually happening. He swallowed and his mouth moved but he couldn’t remember what he was meant to say. Amelia looked up at Bucky as his lips flapped but nothing came out, and she saw him swallow. He was so nervous it was almost laughable. She did the only thing she could think of. She reached up and pressed her finger against his chin dimple, as she often did when they were alone, coupled with an encouraging smile, and it seemed to clear his head. ‘I do.’ He stammered. ‘And Amelia, do you take James to be your legally wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward?’ ‘I do.’ ‘James, say your vows.’ ‘Amelia,’ he said fondly, all his nerves having disappeared at the simple touch she had given him, ‘I take you to be my legally wedded wife. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you for as long as we both shall live.’ ‘As a symbol of your promise, please place the ring on her finger.’ Bucky took the ring Steve offered and slid it on her left hand. ‘Amelia, your vows next.’ ‘James,’ she laughed, she couldn’t help it, she had never called him James, ‘Bucky, I take you to be my legally wedded husband. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you for as long as we both shall live.’ ‘As a symbol of your promise, please place the ring on his finger.’ Tony handed her the ring without even pretending to have lost it, much to her surprise, and she put it on Bucky’s right hand, as they had discussed. ‘By the powers vested in me, by the great state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.’ Nat started the whooping and applause, Wanda was crying as she took photos, Steve and Tony joining Nat in applauding as Bucky took his new wife in his arms and kissed her softly. ‘Worth it?’ Amelia said as they parted. ‘Totally worth it.’ He grinned back before lifting her off her feet for another kiss. The morning passed in a blur as they went to the park where Wanda took more photos, and they had coffee and pastries, even Amelia managed a little. Bucky was never far from her side for more than a few moments, and Tony took a few photos with Wanda in so she wasn’t missing from the pictures. Amelia’s favourite photo was the one taken of them amid a flowered archway, looking at one another lovingly having just shared a kiss. Wanda had captured the moment perfectly and Amelia knew she would want it as a desktop background for some time to come. Eventually they went on to the diner where they had a large circular booth. Amelia requested she be on the end, and the only one there who didn’t understand why was Tony. ‘I should tell him.’ She said unsubtly to Bucky once they had ordered. ‘He’s the one who’ll notice first, I should think.’ ‘Tell him? Who? Me?’ Tony looked between them, knowing something was going on and as he didn’t know what it was he assumed they meant him. ‘Yes, you.’ Amelia looked to him then back to Bucky and encouraging him to be the one who told him. ‘We’re going to have a baby.’ ‘I knew it!’ Tony knocked the sugar pourer over in his excitement, Nat cursing him as she picked it back up again. ‘No you didn’t.’ Amelia narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Okay, I didn’t.’ He admitted. ‘But I’m glad you did the right thing and made an honest woman out of her.’ He pointed at Bucky. ‘Not why I asked, but me too.’ He raised her hand and kissed the knuckle by her wedding ring. ‘He has been driving me crazy with wanting to propose to her for a month.’ Steve said. ‘I’m just glad this is over.’ ‘Sorry you had to put up with that.’ Amelia smiled at him on Bucky’s other side. ‘In the long run I’m not.’ Steve replied. ‘You guys deserve every happiness.’ ‘Thanks, pal.’ Bucky smiled at him before his eyes were firmly back on Amelia, just staring at her lovingly. Their drinks were brought and it was Steve who raised his glass. ‘First toast of the day. To Mr and Mrs Barnes and their long and happy life together.’ ‘You suck as a best man, Rogers.’ Tony said as everyone else raised their glasses before clinking the rims together, even though it was just soda. ‘Don’t worry, Tony, I have a proper best man’s speech for later.’ Steve smirked and Bucky shot him a glare. ‘Like what?’ He asked worriedly. ‘Like I have a few embarrassing stories your bride needs to hear.’ ‘Don’t get too cocky, punk. I can fire you as best man.’ ‘I want to hear them.’ Amelia said, putting her hand on Bucky’s cheek and making her face him again. ‘I want hear all about my husband’s glory and not-so glory days.’ ‘You definitely get the latter.’ Steve promised her. They were back at The Tower in good time and went their separate ways to freshen up before the evening began. Tony made sure the special order champagne he had bought had arrived and was chilling before going to find Pepper, knowing her meetings should be mostly done. The only things left to do on the party deck was something Tony had orchestrated. Once everyone had arrived he had a presentation projection arranged to shine on the wall, saying; “Congratulations Mr & Mrs Barnes” and they would enter from the stairs above as Frank Sinatra’s Love And Marriage played. They had agreed to his request, as he had asked so nicely, and he wanted them to make an entrance. Until then though, they had other newlywed activities in mind. Bucky carried Amelia over the threshold of their room, kicking the door closed behind him. ‘Looks like I got me a wife.’ He grinned at her as he strode to the bed. ‘You did that.’ She leant in and kissed him as he walked, then laying her on the bed carefully. ‘How are you feeling?’ ‘Honestly not as bad as I thought I would. I think excitement has pushed the nausea away for a little bit, and the anti-sickness pill Nat gave me didn’t hurt either.’ ‘That okay to take in your condition?’ He frowned worriedly at her. ‘It’s meant to be safe as a one off, and with the serum I should be just fine. And not sick for a few hours.’ ‘Good. Want to take advantage of that?’ ‘Oh God, yes.’ ‘Great, because I need to see just how many layers this net petticoat has.’ He winked at her before crawling down her body as she bit her lip, knowing what was coming. Bucky pushed at the material in anticipation, and had a moment of awe that had him pull all the material back down so he could look at her with a sideways smile. ‘New underwear, doll?’ ‘Special occasion.’ She shrugged. ‘You don’t say.’ He pushed the material up again and admired the lace on her stockings, the satin of her suspenders that matched the underwear. ‘Geez, sweetheart, if I’d known you were so dolled up we wouldn’t have gone for lunch.’ ‘That might have been worse, they already know what we’re doing.’ ‘Newlyweds, darlin’. It’s virtually the law.’ He lowered his head and kissed the flesh between her hip and the lace and her breath caught. He couldn’t help but smile. She responded to him so naturally she was a joy to watch, and she held nothing back, she was an open book, and he liked that. His hands slid to her hips and he pushed the material of the dress a little higher, following it as he placed a soft kiss just above her underwear before he slid it down, her flesh fluttering under his touch. ‘Bucky.’ She whispered, and that single word did things to him a year ago he wouldn’t have thought possible, and he leant to one side, drawing her underwear over her legs before tossing it from the bed. ‘Something you want, Mrs Barnes?’ ‘Just you, Mr Barnes.’ She said breathily as he lowered his head to her, kissing a path, his hand coming up to touch her as his tongue tasted her. Her hips flexed automatically as her head dropped back among the pillows, her hands grasping at the covers below her. Bucky’s tongue danced over her most sensitive spot, his fingers tracing her entrance before one long digit slipped inside her, and her hips bucked as she gasped, but he was ready and didn’t want to give up his prize. His metal arm curved over her hips, holding her still as his lips, tongue and fingers teased her, limiting her movements to the smallest of twitches as she tried to arch against him, and the noises she gave he was sure were made to drive him crazy. His tongue brushed over the tight bud of nerves, light at first before becoming more concentrated, then switching to suck gently before returning his tongue to her in a probing yet soft caress. Amelia could feel heat beginning to build inside her, like an impossible knot of impending ecstasy and one of her hands found Bucky’s hair, threading her fingers through it in a caress. When he added a second finger and curved them just so, she was so close to the edge that it was almost painful. ‘Bucky…’ she breathed heavily, ‘I’m going…oh God!’ One final deft curl of Bucky’s fingers threw her into the abyss and he continued his ministrations, drawing out her orgasm as her body spasmed below and around him, her thighs quivering, the cry she gave prolonged by his actions. Her panting moan subsided as Bucky crawled back up her body and she realised while she was distracted by the heaven he could create he had undone and pushed his pants down past his knees, and he nudged at her opening as her still trembling legs automatically curved around his back. He kissed her just beside her lips, her breath shuddering against his cheek before he took her lips for a full, deep kiss, his hips shifting as he glided inside her and she whimpered as her body still throbbed around him, enhancing the moment. When he was buried inside her he stopped and leant back just far enough to look down at her and her eyes fluttered open, her mouth still temptingly parted and the smile that spread over his face was so warm and genuine it hit her on an emotional level she couldn’t even blame her raging hormones for. ‘My beautiful bride.’ He whispered and she laughed, little more than a soft hitch in her breath but her eyes shone at his words. ‘My gorgeous groom.’ She murmured, leaning up just enough to kiss him firmly, her tongue sweeping over his lips in a bare touch but it was enough and he growled, pressing her head back into the pillows as he deepened the kiss, drawing out of her only to thrust himself back inside a second later. His short, sharp rhythm continued as the kiss ended, their faces still close as the little, familiar noises they each made spurred them on, Amelia raising her hips to meet his as though it were choreographed, his arm snaking around her back to tilt her pelvis as he went deep and the free noise she made as he filled her had him grind himself against her. ‘Fuck, doll.’ He groaned as she turned her face and kissed across his jaw. ‘Mmhm.’ She murmured against his pulse and he pulled her up into his arms, sitting back on his heels as she lowered her legs to give her some purchase. The new position limited their movement but they were short, deep and intense, and put Bucky’s lips at her throat where he nipped at the soft flesh in a downward path until he reached the soft mounds of her breasts. He could smell her perfume mixed with the warmth of her body, something that meant home to him now on so many levels, and it was just too much. Dropping her back on the bed he thrust himself home and she let out a cry at suddenly being filled so fully and he picked up a faster pace. Amelia felt the familiar heat building inside her once more, her fingers grasping across his shoulders for any purchase as he chased her into blessed release. As the dam broke the ecstasy burned through her in a scalding wave, bowing her back as she cried out incoherently, Bucky joining her a moment later with a groan as his hips stuttered, his rhythm lost. He dropped his forehead beside her onto the pillows, his breathing laboured and heavy. Amelia closed her eyes as she relearnt to breathe, her face splitting into a smile, and once she was able to she laughed softly. ‘Something funny, sweetheart?’ His voice was deep and husky, and he managed to turn his head just far enough that his breath tickled her ear. ‘Kind of.’ She turned to face him, rubbing her nose against his. ‘We normally manage to lose more clothes than this.’ He grinned at her and it was such a far cry from the shy man she had met less than a year ago it made her heart happy. ‘What can I say, darlin’, I wanted to see my wife come undone in her wedding dress.’ ‘Liked what you saw?’ ‘Oh yeah.’ He kissed her before carefully rolling free of her. ‘I’m going to need a shower before the party.’ ‘We have a while yet.’ She said, glancing at the clock on the bedside. ‘So let’s get cleaned up and do this snuggling thing some more.’ ‘Sounds good.’

Several hours later, once they were clean, redressed and ready, Bucky sat back against the headboard with his legs bent, Amelia sat between them with her back against his chest, her left hand laid over his right one as they took in their matching gold bands. They had gone with something simple, nothing fancy, just like everything else about today. ‘Did I tell you I love you, sweetheart?’ Bucky asked as her ring finger stroked over his own in a soft touch. ‘A couple of times.’ She said quietly, her head tilted towards him, his resting on her hair. ‘But did I tell you how much?’ ‘A little?’ She raised her head to grin at him, forcing him to lift his too. ‘More than that.’ He wrinkled his nose. ‘If you think it’s only a little I’m doing something wrong.’ ‘As much as I love you?’ She suggested instead and he laid a lingering kiss against her lips. ‘Even more than that.’ He murmured as her hand came up, her fingers threading into his hair as she leant towards him. ‘Not possible.’ Their lips had just met when there was a knock on the door and Amelia groaned but Bucky kissed her quickly before calling out; ‘What?’ ‘You newlyweds decent?’ Steve asked, making them both laugh. ‘Told you they knew.’ Amelia said as Bucky yelled for him to come in. Steve came in with his hands over his eyes which only made them laugh more. ‘Seriously, punk, we’re fully dressed.’ He slowly removed his hand and they could see he was grinning. ‘Had to be sure.’ He went back to the door, bent and came back up, bringing a gift bag with him. ‘Got you guys something.’ ‘Steve, you didn’t need to do that.’ Amelia smiled warmly at him as he came and sat on the end of the bed by their feet. ‘You didn’t, she’s right.’ Bucky took the pretty white bag stuffed with tissue paper. ‘I wanted to.’ Steve shrugged. ‘You’ve always been family, Buck, and that makes Amelia family too.’ ‘Don’t start going soft on me.’ Bucky said warningly as he encouraged Amelia to start taking paper out of the bag, and she pulled out a box, reasonably weighty, covered in shiny silver paper. ‘Is this going to be one of those things where it’s a box in a box in a box?’ Amelia looked at him suspiciously and he laughed. ‘No, I promise it’s not. I just wanted it to be…I don’t know, pretty? Done properly?’ ‘It’s beautiful.’ Amelia praised him. ‘Just open it. It’s not much, but you guys didn’t give us a lot of notice, you know?’ ‘Not my fault I couldn’t wait to marry my gal.’ Bucky said as he put the gift bag on the floor. ‘And I couldn’t wait to marry you either.’ She leant to the side and kissed his cheek. ‘How long is this honeymoon period going to last?’ Steve asked with a raised eyebrow as they turned back to opening the gift. ‘Never gonna end.’ Bucky promised as he slid his hand under the edge of the tape. ‘Start locking your door.’ Steve advised. ‘I don’t want to walk in on…that.’ ‘We really don’t want you to either.’ Amelia assured him. ‘Good. So start. Please?’ ‘Okay, door locking now automatic.’ Bucky promised as he and Amelia finished unwrapping the gift to reveal a brown card display box, holding two mugs, one stating Mr Barnes, the other, Mrs Barnes. ‘It’s the only thing I could get at short notice, but I have ordered something else that you’ll have to wait for.’ Steve promised them as they took them out of the box, to find he had also had printed how they took their coffee on the back. ‘You don’t need to get us anything else.’ Amelia crawled out of Bucky’s arms and kissed Steve on the cheek. ‘But thank you, they’re lovely.’ ‘She’s right, they’re really great. Thanks, pal. And thanks for today too. Wouldn’t have been the same without you there.’ ‘I wouldn’t have missed it. But I’m also here to escort you to hide upstairs, via the service elevator. Everyone is starting to gather on the party deck wondering what Tony has planned.’ ‘Not as a big a thing as he wanted, thankfully.’ Amelia promised as she slipped on her shoes before smoothing her dress and going to the dresser to apply her lipstick. ‘He’s a showman, like his father was.’ ‘How much is he like his dad?’ Amelia asked. ‘He never talks about him.’ ‘Surprisingly similar.’ Steve assured her. ‘Not that I would tell Tony that.’ ‘God, no.’ Bucky agreed as he laced his dress shoes. ‘Good men, weird priorities and weirder sense of humour.’ Steve explained. ‘His dad was just as bad?’ ‘Where do you think he got it from, doll?’ ‘Fair point.’ She fetched Bucky’s jacket from the front of the wardrobe and held it out for him, straightening his collar as he untucked the edge of his hair. ‘I actually really enjoy working with him, just have to take him with a pinch of salt.’ ‘He’s different with you though.’ Steve explained. ‘He’s protective. He’s not like that with anyone else, that I’ve noticed.’ ‘She’s special, that’s why.’ Bucky wrapped his arm around her and kissed her forehead. ‘She sure is.’ ‘Stop it, both of you!’ She shoved Bucky gently, not that he moved much, feeling embarrassed by their praise. ‘Okay, darlin’. Let’s go tell the rest of the team where we snuck off to instead, that okay?’ ‘Better option.’ She smiled up at him. ‘Than complimenting you? Never.’ He held his arm out for Steve to lead the way and they left the room, following him to the service elevator and riding up in relative silence. Once the doors opened the noise level rose considerably from the chatter of the team below. Amelia was glad she had made sure Tony kept the numbers just to those they knew because even this amount of chatter made her nervous. She just didn’t like so much attention. ‘You be swell, sweetheart.’ Bucky assured her as Steve went on ahead to let Tony know he could make his announcement. ‘It’s all people we know and who know us. Nothing to worry about.’ ‘I know.’ ‘So don’t be nervous.’ He smiled as he turned to face her, raising her chin with his fingertips. ‘This was what we wanted.’ ‘I know that too.’ ‘And it’ll be over before you know it.’ ‘My husband is a nag.’ She said lightly. ‘Your husband is the luckiest man alive.’ He lowered his head and kissed her cheek. ‘And you made me the happiest too.’ ‘I didn’t do anything.’ She complained. ‘You gave me a chance to explain and you said yes.’ He reminded her. ‘And you’re making me a daddy. That’s pretty special.’ ‘Our little miracle.’ ‘It will be.’ Steve nodded to Tony as he reached the bottom of the stairs, heading towards where Wanda and Nat stood with Sam at the back of the room, grabbing a glass of champagne as he passed a waiter with a tray. ‘Do you know what’s going on?’ Sam asked as he reached them. ‘Little bit.’ Steve smiled smugly before nodding to where Tony had taken to the third step and he cleared his throat before speaking. ‘Hey, everyone!’ The chatter died down and in moments he had everyone’s attention. ‘I’m going to make this brief, because it’s not my story, but you know a few of us had today as leave, and that was with good reason. Just…watch that wall right there.’ He pointed. ‘FRIDAY, run the film.’ Bucky and Amelia watched the wall themselves as Frank Sinatra began to sing about love and marriage, and they realised Tony had spent the afternoon with the contents of Wanda’s camera, the screen showing many pictures they themselves hadn’t yet seen from today, compiling a beautiful film of their special day. The team couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing, Sam breathing; ‘No fucking way.’ in surprise as he watched the couple saying their vows, exchanging rings and finally their first kiss as a married couple. Bucky pulled Amelia’s hand so by the time the film finished they were at the top of the stairs. ‘You sneaky assholes!’ Darcy yelled when she spotted them and Amelia started laughing, she couldn’t help it. Chatter broke out in the room, congratulations mostly, and they came down the stairs together to so many well wishes Amelia was suddenly glad they had chosen to do it this way. Once they had seen everyone and received their astonished best wishes the party began in earnest, the buffet food brought out and the cake that Pepper had arranged. ‘I can’t believe you did that.’ Sam shook his head as he looked at Bucky who was currently not attached to Amelia as she had gone to the restroom. ‘Goddam rings and everything. How long have you had this planned?’ ‘A few days.’ Bucky grinned smugly before taking a sip of his champagne. ‘We had a little help but we decided we just wanted to get married as soon as possible.’ ‘But you proposed, right?’ ‘Oh yeah.’ ‘When?’ ‘Few days.’ ‘Whoa,’ Sam waved a hand to make him stop, ‘you proposed and decided you’d just run down to city hall and do it a few days later?’ ‘Pretty much.’ Bucky smiled, feeling pretty proud of himself for Sam’s reaction alone. ‘She didn’t want the whole walking down the aisle deal?’ ‘This was what we both wanted, and it was her idea to go to city hall.’ ‘You’re one lucky son of a bitch.’ Sam shook his head before taking a swig of his drink. ‘Don’t I know it.’

Amelia was washing her hands when Sigyn came out of the stall and joined her at the sinks. ‘So,’ Sigyn started, smiling warmly at her in the mirror, ‘pregnant, huh?’ ‘What?’ Amelia went wide eyed but Sigyn didn’t miss the faint flush to her cheeks. ‘Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.’ Amelia blinked a few times, unsure how to answer, eventually settling on; ‘How did you know?’ ‘Really?’ Sigyn looked down at herself. ‘You went white at the prospect of food at the fourth of July picnic, Bucky is hanging on your every movement, let alone word, and you suddenly rush off and get married? Not that there’s any shame in being unmarried and pregnant, but it seems mightily coincidental. Oh and you aren’t drinking at your own wedding party.’ ‘I hadn’t even thought that might be a giveaway.’ Amelia shook her hands, not wanting to start the hand dryer while they were talking. ‘The quickie wedding was my idea, just because I didn’t want a big one. Bucky was going to propose anyway it just happened to coincide with the other news too.’ ‘Fantastic timing. I’m happy for you both. Lo is too, he just has this weird, scowly way of showing it.’ Amelia chuckled, she had seen Loki smile, but mostly at Sigyn. ‘Thank you.’ ‘And if you ever want to stop by I have dozens of pregnancy books and magazines you can borrow. Apparently I can never have enough, according to Lo. I swear he comes home with another one every time he goes out.’ She shook her head. ‘If I have to read another article about nipples I’m going to go crazy. Who else knows?’ ‘Steve, Wanda, Nat, Clint and Tony.’ ‘You won’t keep it a secret for long if Tony knows.’ She laughed. ‘You know he stood outside our bedroom door when I was taking the test so he’d be first to know?’ ‘He didn’t?’ Amelia’s jaw dropped. ‘He did. Busted me at the store buying the test then waited for the answer. Best part was the look on his face when I told him it was his.’ She laughed. Amelia had a moment of confusion before what Sigyn said sunk in. ‘Wait, you and Tony…?’ ‘Not even once.’ Sigyn assured her. ‘But it didn’t stop him panicking. When are you going to go public?’ ‘With the wedding or the other thing?’ ‘One then the other?’ She suggested. ‘Pepper is putting out a press release about the wedding tonight. I don’t know about the other. I don’t want people to think we just got married because of that.’ ‘People will speculate what they want anyway.’ Sigyn told her sadly. ‘There were so many rumours about why Loki was suddenly marrying a Midgardian, I mean human, I was glad to have Darcy and her website to help clear things up, not that everyone believes it, even now, but I don’t care. There’s always someone who thinks it’s all spin, just don’t let it get to you. The only people whose opinion matters are yours and Bucky’s, remember that.’ ‘I will. Thanks, Sigyn.’ ‘Any time. We both married into one hell of an extended family. That makes us Avenger sister-in-laws.’ She smiled. They dried their hands and returned to the party, Sigyn promising to offer advice any time Amelia wanted to ask, about anything. Amelia was grateful to have someone to talk to about, well, anything and everything related really. Bucky found her as soon as she came back through the door, wrapping an arm around her and keeping her close to his side as Sam gave her a disapproving look. ‘And you, Mrs butter-wouldn’t-melt, sneaking off and doing the deed. Shame on you.’ ‘Sorry, Sam.’ She apologised, even as he leant in and kissed her cheek. ‘I’m happy for you though. You keep this dick in line.’ ‘I try.’ ‘Here, I didn’t see you celebrating yet.’ He stopped a waiter as he went by and took them all a glass. ‘To the happy couple.’ They clinked glasses but Amelia didn’t drink and Sam managed to keep his smirk down to a minimum. This had him thinking. ‘You’re meant to drink it next.’ He reminded her. ‘I don’t like champagne, I need to mimosa it up.’ She said rapidly, having been thinking of an excuse since Sigyn mentioned it. ‘I knew it.’ He pointed at her. ‘Pregnant.’ ‘What?’ Bucky sputtered, not believing Sam had guessed it, while Amelia facepalmed. ‘She’s not drinking and you rush to get married? Doesn’t take a genius.’ ‘We’re just going to have to announce it. Sigyn figured it out too.’ Amelia sighed, looking up at Bucky. ‘I’m right?’ Sam laughed. ‘Dammit, another Barnes running around causing chaos.’ ‘Not so loud.’ Bucky shushed him. ‘When we announce it we want to do it, not have it be something the team overheard your overexcited yelling about.’ ‘Okay, sorry, but hell. Is there something in the water? It’s like an epidemic.’ ‘Two people is hardly an epidemic.’ Amelia pointed out. ‘Twice as many as has happened since I joined the team.’ ‘Two times zero is still zero.’ Amelia smirked at him. ‘Damn your genius.’ He laughed. ‘Pleased for you though. Has to be a hope the kid will have your looks and brains though, right? Because it would be cruel if they took after him.’ ‘I happen to think he’s handsome and smart.’ Amelia said quickly before Bucky could start whatever retort was on his lips. ‘And I’m going to steal him away before you insult my husband any more.’ She slid her hand into Bucky’s and pulled him with her towards the bar. ‘I need to get orange juice in this glass before anyone else gets suspicious.’ ‘The bar is staffed, sweetheart, that might be worse than just telling the team.’ ‘So what do I do?’ She stopped and turned to him. ‘You let me go swap it out in the kitchen?’ ‘Do you mind?’ ‘If would’t have offered if I did.’ He lowered his head and kissed her before taking her glass and heading about his task. Amelia glanced around, not sure where to head to instead, if anywhere, or if she should just stay here. In the end she didn’t need to make the decision as Nat came up behind her and linked their arms. ‘You look lost without him, Milly.’ ‘I feel a little lost.’ She gave her friend a small smile. ‘Room full of people, all here because of Bucky and I, some know the other secret, staff we don’t want to know the secret.’ She shook her head. ‘I’m torn between just telling everyone to get it over with and wanting to go hide in a corner.’ ‘Can’t hide in a corner at your own party.’ Nat corralled her towards the buffet table. ‘Get something to eat and talk to Bucky about it. Tony is going to make you guys give a little speech or something anyway.’ ‘I don’t think I can eat. Especially not if I have to give a speech.’ ‘The sickness coming back?’ ‘Not sure if it’s sickness or the fact that Sam and Sigyn both figured out what else is going on.’ ‘They did?’ Nat looked at her in amusement. ‘It’s not funny, Nat!’ She hissed. ‘It’s a little funny. We can clear out the staff for the speeches once glasses are replenished, then tell the team. They’ll work it out anyway, the amount of times you’re throwing up.’ ‘I guess. I’ll talk to Buck, see what he thinks.’ ‘And in the meantime, eat. You can have some potato chips or something else dry if you really don’t feel up to it.’ ‘Yes, Mum.’ Amelia said dutifully. ‘Good girl.’ Bucky could see Amelia seated on a couch with Nat and Wanda, each with a plate of food, but as he traversed the room his eye caught Thor talking to Steve, both laughing, and he decided as Amelia was in good hands to detour via the blonds. The closer he got he could see Thor had a flask in his hand and that Steve’s cheeks were particularly rosy. ‘Here’s the groom!’ Thor announced loudly, clapping Bucky hard on the back. ‘Congratulations once again.’ ‘Thanks.’ ‘May I top you up with something a little stronger?’ He offered the flask to him and he frowned. ‘Asgardian reserve, my friend. Made for those of us with a higher constitution than mere mortals.’ ‘I’ll pass, thanks all the same. This what you're on, punk?’ ‘It’s pretty good.’ Steve grinned. ‘You won’t get a buzz off anything else.’ ‘I’m buzzing from the ceremony, and don’t drink too much, I don’t want to have to spend my wedding night putting you to bed instead of my wife.’ Steve and Thor laughed as Bucky left them again, shaking his head until he reached the girls, his smile brightening as he looked at Amelia. ‘One special drink, just for you, sweetheart.’ He handed her the champagne flute of juice. ‘Thanks, Buck. Nat and I were talking. She had a suggestion.’ ‘Really?’ Bucky sat beside his new wife and slipped his hand into hers as he turned his attention to Natasha. ‘Really.’ She smiled. ‘You guys should tell the team in you speech.’ ‘Wait, we have to give a speech?’ ‘Just a small one, when you cut your cake. Thank everyone for coming, apologise for not telling everyone, and guess what else? Easy.’ ‘I guess.’ He frowned at Amelia. ‘You want to do this, doll?’ ‘It’s the team, it’s not like it’s going public. And Nat made a good point about me throwing up a lot. Sam figured it out without that.’ ‘Everyone will be pleased for you.’ Wanda promised them. ‘Up to you, darlin’.’ Amelia pulled a face then sighed. ‘Okay, but only if you make sure no one off the team overhears. Last thing we want is this leaking to the media the same time as the marriage announcement.’ ‘I promise to oversee it personally.’ Nat crossed her heart. ‘Fine.’ Amelia conceded. ‘Kind of excited.’ Bucky admitted. ‘Just don’t lose the ability to speak this time.’ Wanda reminded him how he had been struck dumb during the ceremony. ‘What can I say, the reality of the situation stunned me into silence.’ He raised Amelia’s hand, kissing her knuckles softly. ‘What say we cut this cake then see if we can have a first dance?’ ‘There’s not really any dancing going on.’ She pointed out. ‘Doesn’t matter. I still owe you for today, and it’s a tradition. It is still a tradition, right?’ He looked at Nat. ‘Still a tradition. Tell me the song and I’ll line it up.’ ‘What do you say?’ He gave Amelia his best puppy dog eyes until she groaned. ‘Okay, fine! Say a few words, cake cutting, make an idiot of myself dancing in front of everyone to Glenn Miller’s Everything I love, and all because you’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.’ She gripped his chin with her thumb in his dimple and leant in, kissing him softly. ‘Glenn Miller’s Everything I love?’ Nat double checked and Amelia nodded. ‘Give me a few minutes, I’ll tell Tony what’s going on and let you know when we’re ready.’ She patted Amelia’s knee and got up, Wanda going with her. ‘Sure you don’t mind, sweetheart?’ ‘I guess this will get it over with, right?’ ‘All in one go.’ ‘And none of that stupid smashing the cake in each others faces either. Waste of cake and the nausea is coming back.’ He ran his thumb over her wedding band. ‘I promise.’ Ten minutes later Tony ushered them both to the cake table, then herded Steve over to them. He was still grinning inanely and Bucky whispered to Amelia that it seemed Steve was more than a little on the way to being drunk. ‘I’ll start, shall I start?’ Steve asked, leaning between them both. ‘I’ll start.’ ‘He’s going to start.’ Bucky smirked. ‘Great.’ Steve walked around them, his champagne in his hand. ‘Hey, everyone, can I get your attention!’ ‘They’re already all looking here.’ Bucky reminded him Tony had already said there would be speeches and cake cutting. ‘Well, good!’ Steve looked among the team, smiling from ear to ear. ‘When Bucky asked me to be his best man he hadn’t even asked Amelia to marry him yet. I think he knew the moment he saw her that there was something about her, and he wasn’t wrong. This girl is special, she’s got some power over him I can’t even begin to understand, but it’s helped bring back the guy I’ve known for over eighty years.’ He looked up, a small frown creasing his brow. ‘Eighty years. We never thought we’d see a new century.’ Steve started walking up and down in front of the buffet table and Amelia and Bucky shared a look. He was definitely more…relaxed than they were used to him being. ‘What’s he been drinking?’ Amelia whispered to Bucky as Steve took a breath. Bucky shook his head in despair. ‘Some Asgardian hooch.’ ‘We met as kids when Bucky saved me from bullies, something he did right up until he left for the war. He was a great friend and a great example. Smart, funny, artistic, hit with the ladies, serious overachiever. Three-time YMCA welterweight boxing champion, did you know that, Amelia?’ She shook her head. ‘Tried to teach me a few things, but there was only so much he could show a skinny punk who didn’t listen, but he still tried. And not once did he exclude me, whatever he was doing. We were inseparable, and I don’t doubt that without him, I wouldn’t be here now. Amelia, you got yourself one hell of a husband. But,’ he grinned, ‘it wasn’t all smooth sailing, no. He had his fair share of trouble, quite often over dames.’ ‘Here we go.’ Bucky groaned as Amelia squeezed his hand, actually quite enjoying Steve’s rambling. ‘One time we were out at the music hall on a double date, I mean we were out on double dates a lot of times, but this time the ex of not just one, but both of the girls shows up. Both girls exes, not one ex for both girls. Long story short, Bucky tells them to scram…and they do…but then they come back…with eight of their buddies.’ ‘No one needs to hear this, punk.’ Bucky said as Steve walked back towards him but Sam called out; ‘I wanna hear it.’ To a cascade of laughter. ‘Public have spoken, Buck. This time he tries to talk our way out of it, no way even Buck can beat eight of the biggest guys we’d ever seen, and he almost manages it, until his date starts heckling her ex, and mine joins in. Long story short, we get our asses handed to us and the girls leave with their exes.’ ‘That wasn’t too bad.’ Amelia leant into Bucky. ‘Yeah, but he’s just getting started.’ ‘I knew Amelia was something special because he wasn’t going about any of his old methods to try and impress her.’ Steve laughed to himself, stopping partway down the table and seeming to get distracted by a tray of finger food, helping himself to a small canapé before continuing. ‘Like the time he had his eye on this gal from Queens, finally got her to agree to a date and he catches a head cold.’ ‘Shit.’ Bucky groaned, turning towards Amelia and she glanced up at him with his head lowered. ‘That good, huh?’ She murmured, resting her hand on his waist so they were almost in a hug. ‘This is the one where I fall on my face in the middle of a dance.’ He ducked his head further so only she could hear him. ‘My poor Bucky.’ She chuckled, pressing her lips to his cheek. ‘Just how much has Steven imbibed in, brother?’ Loki leant into Thor and asked quietly. ‘Perhaps more than he has before. And this may be some of Father’s personal brew.’ Loki narrowed his eyes at him before taking the flask and taking a swig, the burn making him cough. ‘Is Odin aware you have brought something so toxic to Midgard?’ ‘Father doesn’t know everything I do.’ Thor raised his eyebrows. Loki smirked proudly. ‘You rebel.’ He replied before turning back to Steve. ‘And he spins, trying to turn with this girl but instead just face plants in front of everyone!’ Steve burst out laughing. ‘I rush over to help him up, his nose is bloodied, he doesn’t know where he is. I ended up taking him home and putting him to bed for a few days until his fever broke.’ ‘That wasn’t bad either.’ Amelia wrapped her arm around Bucky and rested her cheek on his chest. ‘I know he knows worse though.’ She reached up and cupped his cheek. ‘Let me see what I can do.’ She said as Steve continued, turning in Bucky’s arms so he still held her but looking around for Nat. ‘One of my favourite times Bucky’s charms almost got him in to trouble was when we were serving with the Howling Commandos.’ Steve continued. ‘Oh God.’ Bucky groaned and Amelia chuckled as she indicated to Nat to come over with her hand. ‘We were celebrating a mission, in the usual way. There was alcohol, there was song, and there was women.’ Several of the team cheered, and it encouraged Steve all the more. ‘Bucky spies this cute dame at the bar, straightens his uniform and heads over there. She is all over him like a rash, she couldn’t keep her hands to herself!’ ‘Steve, that’s enough.’ Bucky tried but he was booed into submission. ‘He pays his tab, winks at us all, leaves with her under his arm, and is back in less than five minutes, orders a scotch, looks at us all and says two words; call girl.’ Bucky face-palmed as the team laughed, even Amelia chuckled as she leant back to find his face red. ‘To the rescue, babe.’ She said quietly and he frowned at her, not understanding, until he saw Nat approaching Steve with purpose. ‘Steve Rogers, ladies and gentlemen. Natural born comedian.’ She started the applause that soon echoed through the room. ‘No, wait, I’m not done!’ Steve complained as she laced her arm with his. ‘You are with the stories.’ She growled through her grin. ‘You want to say something nice make it fast.’ ‘Nice, right!’ Steve turned and raised his glass to his best friend who was giving him and unimpressed look. ‘Bucky, you’re the best friend a guy could ever hope for, and you’ve met your soulmate in Amelia. I wish you every happiness together. Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom.’ The room echoed his words before everyone toasted them and Amelia squeezed Bucky’s arms around her. ‘He saved it.’ ‘No, I owe him. Definitely owe him.’ Bucky murmured. ‘Just don’t go to war over it.’ She grinned up at him and he finally laughed. ‘Okay, doll, no war.’ ‘Oh! Cake!’ Steve yelled, pointing at them with his champagne flute with enough gusto it sloshed over the edges. ‘Cut it!’ Amelia laughed at his over-exuberance and Bucky shook his head. ‘We’ll cut it, in a second. You want to thank everyone, sweetheart?’ He glanced back down at Amelia who shook her head. ‘You do it, and the other thing.’ ‘Sure?’ She nodded. ‘Okay, doll.’ Bucky looked back up at the room full of those who were not only their colleagues but family, and knew they had nothing to worry about. No one here would judge them and Nat had, as promised, cleared the room of everyone but those who were supposed to be here. ‘Guys, first off sorry we didn't make this bigger deal but we just wanted a quiet one, no fuss, and celebrating with you like this is the icing on an even bigger cake than this one.’ He indicated to the beautiful black and white two tiered number Pepper had organised and was rewarded with a laugh. ‘We know it was short notice and we’re glad you could all make it, to help celebrate my marriage to the most incredible gal I’ve ever known. Amelia, you changed my life from the minute I saw you, and you keep doing it, every day, and I hope you keep doing it every day, for the rest of our lives.’ He beamed down at her and the amount of love in his voice and words had her well up and she flapped her hand. ‘Tissue, Nat!’ She called, but it was Wanda who made it first, pulling one of the many Kleenex from her bag, having gone through several herself today already. She dabbed her eyes carefully, knowing the smoky eye makeup might yet be salvageable as long as Bucky went easy on the rest of his speech. ‘Sorry, darlin’.’ He kissed her hair and she nodded her acceptance. ‘But it’s true. Special thanks for today go to Pepper, for helping organise the party at such short notice; Wanda, Nat and Tony for keeping their mouths shut, and finally, Steve. My best man.’ He glared at his friend. ‘I think I need to change that title after your speech. Thor, keep him off the Asgardian sauce the next time he has anything official to do, thanks. Besides that, I hope you all enjoyed that glimpse into my not so finer moments and one day I look forward to doing the same for you.’ He pointed at Steve, standing at the opposite end of the table with Nat, who had hold of the back of his jacket, just in case. ‘Lastly, I guess this is slowly getting out anyway, so before you hear it anywhere else, early next year Loki’s kiddo will have a playmate.’ He patted his hand with Amelia’s where it rested over his on her stomach with it. There was a moment of quiet while that sank in but it was Sigyn who shouted; ‘Yay!’ and started clapping, everyone else joining in a moment later. Amelia grinned, she couldn’t help it, everyone was so pleased for them, and she mouthed; ‘Thank you!’ to Sigyn for starting them off. ‘You knew, didn’t you, petal?’ Loki bowed his head to her as he applauded with everyone else. ‘I might have known something.’ She shrugged nonchalantly without looking at him. ‘Hmm. And what other secrets are you harbouring from me, precious one?’ ‘That’s for me to know, and you to find out.’ She gave him a teasing look. ‘We may miss the end of this party.’ He gave her a knowing look before turning his attention back to the other happy couple in the room. Everyone started forward to congratulate them again but Tony quickly put himself between them. ‘Nope, cake cutting still, then you can fawn over them!’ ‘Let’s make it fast.’ Amelia glanced up at Bucky and he reached to the table, picking up the knife and offering it to Amelia, wrapping his hand around hers so they could cut the cake together. Wanda made them hold the pose for photos, then the staff were allowed back in to serve drinks again and take the cake to be cut and served. Tony made everyone clear an area so the bride and groom could have their first dance and the rest of the evening was much less revealing. Bucky and Amelia stayed close, rarely venturing far from one another, retelling their story of how it almost all went very wrong just days ago several times. The evening led into the early hours and as festivities were drawing to a close Tony caught up with the happy couple as the were saying their goodbyes. ‘Here you go, Angel.’ He took an envelope out of his inside pocket and handed it to her. ‘Happy wedding day and all that.’ ‘What’s this?’ Amelia asked as she opened it. ‘Little something, nothing major, but you seemed to have missed one important ingredient from the whole wedding thing. Thought I could fill that gap for you both.’ Amelia read the text on the Stark Industries emblazoned card, then read it a second time, Tony’s casual tone belying the true nature of the gift. ‘Tony, we can’t accept this.’ She whispered as Bucky read over her shoulder. ‘Of course you can, it’s a gift.’ He waved his hand dismissively. ‘It’s far too generous.’ She tried to hand the card back as Bucky gave him almost an identical look to the one Amelia wore. ‘She’s right, Tony.’ Bucky agreed. ‘It’s amazing but we can’t take this.’ ‘Oh, wait, yes, you can, says so right there.’ He pointed to the bottom of the card. ‘“No refund, no exchange, no backsies”?’ Amelia read aloud. He had obviously considered this and covered himself. ‘No backsies.’ He confirmed. ‘So, the two of you need to stop by and see me, probably Steve too, to look at the schedule for when you can do this.’ ‘But two weeks on a private island?’ Amelia waved the card at him. ‘Wedding gifts are meant to be salt and pepper pots, surely, not once in a lifetime experiences!’ ‘Condiments are boring, memories you can’t buy. Make some, on me.’ He put his hand over hers, making sure the card stayed firm in her grip. ‘I mean it, Angel.’ ‘Tony…’ She tried one last time and he held up his finger. ‘Uh-uh. Your boss has spoken. Honeymoon.’ She laughed softly. ‘Thank you.’ And she hugged him. It only took him a second to respond and wrap his arms around her in return, squeezing her tight. ‘Just be happy, Angel Cakes, okay?’ He murmured into her hair. ‘I am happy.’ She replied and leant back, kissing him briefly. ‘And you make me happy too, in your own weird way.’ ‘Weird is good.’ He winked at her as she stepped back and Bucky offered him his hand which after a moment’s deliberation he took. ‘Thanks, Tony.’ ‘You.’ He poked him in the chest with a finger. ‘Take care of her and don’t fuck this up.’ ‘I don’t plan on it.’ ‘Good. Now get out of here.’ ‘Goodnight, Tony. Thanks again, for everything.’ Amelia said. ‘Anytime.’ He winked. After saying goodbye to everyone they finally hit their room ten minutes later, and within twenty Mr and Mrs Barnes were tucked up in bed, tired yet elated.

Chapter 64

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