Part 11
Before Bucky knew it, a month had soon quickly flown by since that moment he finally got down on one knee and asked Brogan to marry him. Yes he thankfully hadn't had any repeat of that horrible dream but he still just couldn't shake the feeling that some serious changes were brewing and there was nothing he could do about it.
In a bid to distract himself, he discussed with Brogan the prospect of moving the wedding forward. In his mind if something did indeed happen to him at least she would have his name and she would be officially recognised as his wife. Cementing their future together for all eternity. When he first asked her about pressing forward with it, she wasn't apprehensive just a little confused at this sudden change within him. Yet as she gazed deep into those icy blue eyes she adored, Brogan could see instantly how much it meant to him her being his wife and agreed. After discussing it with the children and the Wakandan royal family it was decided the wedding would be a simple service in the beautiful garden area of the royal palace. Neither really had any family so a quiet simple yet beautiful service suited them down to the ground...
The big day has now finally arrived. Steve and Bucky were in a separate part of the castle getting ready, while King T'challa had arranged that Brogan had a team of his best servants to help her prepare and get ready for her special day. Owing to the fact she had no family, Brogan decided it would be James to walk her down the aisle and that her beloved Rebecca would be chief bridesmaid and double up as flower girl. As the ceremony drew closer, Brogan paused for a moment and sat at the huge beautiful dresser that was pride of the chambers that she had been given. As Brogan gazed at her reflection, she couldn't help but smile at the woman looking back at her. Her hair had been curled and styled and her make-up showed perfectly how beautiful she truly was. A warm smile filled her lips as one of the servants attached a beautiful diamond necklace around her neck that was a wedding gift from King T'challa. After everything she'd been through in her past, she never thought she would be sitting here preparing to get married. Looking forward to a bright future with a man who knocked off her feet literally and changed her world and entire life on its head. By the end of today she would be his wife, forever be known to the world as Mrs Brogan Barnes and she couldn't wait...
"How you doing Brogan? Nearly time" cried a voice behind her. Slowly turning, Brogan could see that it was in fact Shuri. The two had grown close during Bucky's time in cryosleep and she would never forget the hard work Shuri and her team did in breaking Bucky free from his Hydra programming "Not having second thoughts are you?.. think you've left it too late if you are"
"Never... here's to being the new Mrs James Buchanan Barnes" she smiled turning back to the mirror "Its just that I... I don't really look at myself in the mirror like this. I just can't believe that's me"
"You better believe it. You look beautiful. Sergeant Barnes is going to be amazed"
"Thank you. Do you know that one of the last times I looked at myself in the mirror was when James's dad beat me up and I finally summoned up the courage to leave him. Now look at me. Here I am getting married to a 100 year old super soldier. If the me back then only knew" Brogan laughed. She reached for her veil and attached it to the back of the head. The white lace was gently draped over her bare shoulders as Brogan slowly got to her feet "Well.. how do I look?" Her heart was racing as she turned to Shuri and the two children who soon joined them in the chambers "well?"
"Mama you look like a princess" smiled James proudly "Papa is going to love it"
The dress was a beautiful white ball gown in stunning detail. Covered in stunning crystal beading and lace. She truly looked like a princess bride with the added beaded train that fell behind her. For Brogan the wedding dress was to be the fairy tale ending she had always dream of
"You look like an angel" smiled Shuri, pulling her in for a hug "one thing is missing though...wait here" she raced over to a nearby drawer and quickly returned with a small wooden box that she held out in front of her "I have heard of the tradition something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue in one of my books" Brogan looked up at her slightly confused about what she was going on about "It is meant to bring good luck and happiness to the union if followed. You have something old already in Sergeant Barnes. He is like 100 right? So that's covered" she laughed "Something new is your dress. Something blue are the children's outfits so that just leaves something borrowed. That is where my brother and I come in..here"
Smiling and holding back the tears, Brogan took the box in trembling hands and managed to open it with ease. Inside was a beautiful silver tiara encrusted with diamond and emerald jewels. As Brogan removed it from the box, light hit it instantly and the jewels sparkled beautifully in front of her. The detail on it truly was stunning
"Shuri...I. I'm speechless. I don't know what to say" Brogan cried unable to take her gaze from the sparkling gems in her hand "its beautiful... Thank you so much"
"While Sergeant Barnes was sleeping I was monitoring his thoughts and dreams" she smiled taking the tiara from her friend and gently placed in it on Brogans head "All he ever thought about when he was under was you. Most of the images in his mind where you laughing or smiling happily. Others were close-ups of your eyes. I could always see how much they meant to him and how they left him hypnotised. That's why I thought this would be perfect for your special day and obviously complete your outfit"
"Thank you so much for this" Brogan pulled her even closer for a tight hug "I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for him. Neither of us will forget the kindness of you and your brother"
"Its like my brother says Brogan..." smiled Shuri "Our father and your Sgt Barnes were both victims in the tragedy of war. Helping you both was the right thing to do. Oh my goodness me we must go... It's time.. we can't keep your groom waiting now can we"
It was a beautiful summer's day in the late afternoon and was a perfect time for a wedding. The gardens of the palace faced a beautiful warm sunlight. The area filled with breath-taking beaming light over the improvised aisle and seating area in the garden. Wanting it to be a private quiet affair the only guests in attendance were T'Challa, Shuri, Natasha and Sam. While Steve and Bucky stood by the minister already feeling nervous as he waited for his love to arrive.
T'challa had loaned Bucky a traditional Wakandan suit for his special day. There was a distinct tribal animal print motif imprinted within the material. This further cemented his "White Wolf" nickname the locals had given him. Bucky's long hair had been slicked back into a tight ponytail and his beard tidied and trimmed. After reassurances from Steve, Bucky let out a deep breath. He looked at those sitting in attendance and smiled as they soon turned their heads to the far end of the aisle...his bride to be had arrived...
At the end of the improvised aisle, Jasmine scented candles hung from naked tree branches. Spread down the aisle were white rose petals as far as the eye could see. Bucky spotted Rebecca at first. The youngster wore a light blue simple pastel dress and in her hand she carried a small wicker basket. Proudly she began to scatter red, pink and white rose petals to the floor, receiving a cheeky wink from her father as she came to the end of the aisle. Quickly she raced over to sit on Shuri's lap and waved furiously at her proud Papa
"Wait till you see Mama Papa" everyone began to laugh at the innocence and loudness of her words "She looks just like a princess. Guess that means you're a prince now too"
Taking James's arm, it was now Brogan's turn to step on the aisle and head to the man she loved. The proud youngster lead his beloved down the aisle like a true professional. Her first born soon became her tower of strength and without him Brogan knew she would have fainted there and then. She couldn't have picked a more perfect person to walk her down the aisle in her eldest son. They've been together throughout all those dark moments of the past and it only seemed fair that her child lead down her new path and onto her new future with Bucky.
As the pair walked down the aisle those in the seating area couldn't take their eyes off Brogan. Pictures were quickly taken as guests smiled proudly at the young mum. Up ahead she saw him. James Buchanan Barnes, her future husband, the love of her life and her everything. Greeting him with a warm loving smile, his eyes were fixed on her. For a brief moment it felt like it was just the two of them there. If she wasn't mistaken Brogan could have sworn there was tears in his icy blue sparkly eyes as he couldn't stop looking at her...
"Oh my God... Look at you" for the first moment in his life Bucky Barnes truly speechless "You look beautiful... Rebecca was right... you do look like a princess"
"You scrub up pretty good yourself Bucky Barnes" He looked completely different that was for sure. Yet regardless of what he looked like she loved him with all her heart "So..shall we do this?"
Bucky hugged young James in a proud embrace as Steve ushered the boy to sit with the rest of waiting crowd ready for the service to begin. Tears soon fell from both their eyes as it was soon time to exchange vows. Both of decided to create their own versions and to make it just that bit more personal on this special day
"Brogan, on this day I give you my heart. Wherever our journey leads us we will live, learn and laugh together" he took her trembling hand in his and lifted it slowly kissing her palm. Looking back up at her, Bucky gazed deep into those beautiful green emerald eyes he adored "I promise to care for you and love you. I will try to be worthy of your love. Through sorrow and success for all my days. My heart and soul belong to you. And I am with you till the end of the line..."
"Oh Bucky..." she smiled reaching for his heavily bearded cheek "I pledge my love, my devotion, faith and honour to you. I believe in you always, the person you will grow to be and the couple we will be together. I will be yours in plenty, in once, in Sickness and health. I will dream with you Bucky. Celebrate with you and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are my love,my life and something I told you when we first met...my hero"
James headed forward and handed the rings to the minister. Brogan place the gold band on Bucky finger with ease and after a brief struggle he in turn managed to place Brogan's ring on hers. After asking if anyone has any objections there was a short pause before the minister made it's finally official. He turned to the happy couple and pronounced them husband and wife.
Right on cue, Bucky slipped his hand around his new wife's waist and pulled her close. He leaned in and kissed her softly like he'd never done before. Once the kiss was over there was a huge round of applause throughout the garden. Instantly Rebecca raced over to her father and Bucky picked her up resting her on his hip. James raced over too and hugged his mother as the rest of group all rushed to congratulate the happy couple
"congratulations guys..." smiled Steve patting Bucky on the shoulder "What you guys have is special. Here's to a happy future to you both"
"Thanks Steve..." Bucky reached forward and hugged his best friend. Apart from Brogan, he was the one you never gave up on him "Who' of thought it right? Me? Married..."
"She'll keep you in line man...she's gotta be special if she's able to tame the winter soldier.." Sam laughed "Honestly I'm happy for you guys...I mean it"
"So what you doing now then?" Asked Natasha turning to Bucky and smiling "Honeymoon no doubt"
"You gotta be kidding... If only. I can't exactly go anywhere can I?" laughed Bucky slipping his arm back protectively around Brogan's waist "Shuri is watching the kids tonight so at least we can spend some time together just the two of us"
"Oh I see.. special time together just the two of you. That's how it is it?" teased Sam "Guess knowing how to do that wasn't erased when they stuck your brain in the blender then?"
"Im not saying a word and I'll leave you to make your own judgement's Sam Wilsom " Brogan grinned resting her head on Bucky's shoulder as she stroked his chest through his shirt "shall we go then husband?"
"Well when you put it like that.." Smiled Bucky, giving his two friends a cheeky wink "Cant keep my wife waiting can I now?. Be good for Shuri kids and we'll see you in the morning.."
After saying goodbye to everyone, Bucky took Brogan's hand as they were lead to the specially prepared bridal suite at the rear of the Castle. Yes he still had those minor insecurities about being intimate but tonight he decided it was going to be special. His fears would have to be put to one side so he could make it a perfect evening for them both. He wanted to make love to her with deep passion and give her the perfect end to this special day...
