Bucky looked down at the piece of paper he pulled out of his tux. He had tried to write out his vows multiple times, but couldn't quite put his thoughts into full sentences that didn't sound like crappy dialogue from a bad rom-com. So the only thing written on the paper in his hands was the word "possibilities."
As Bucky chuckled to himself and tucked the paper back into his jacket pocket, Sarah smiled. She was a surprised when Bucky asked if they could do their own vows instead of just repeating the traditional ones the officiant had to offer. He said he wanted to say something that was personal to them, even though he wasn't entirely sure at the time what that was. Standing at the makeshift altar in the backyard, he still wasn't sure, but he started talking anyway.
"Over the years, I didn't have much say in how my life would turn out. I was lost in plain sight. But your brother helped bring me back. My brother," Bucky said as he looked over his shoulder to give Sam a quick smile before turning back to face Sarah, "brought me to you. I am in awe of your kindness and strength. Your capacity for love. How you made room in your heart for me and helped me make room in my heart for so much that I had almost completely given up on for myself. That I could live fully and my future had possibilities again." He shook his head to himself. "I don't know what's ahead of us, but I'll be forever grateful to find out with you. I love you, Sarah, and asking you to marry me was one of the highlights of my life. I still kinda can't believe you said yes." Bucky chuckled, feeling in awe of the moment. "It is an honor and a privilege that you chose me to share your life with. I promise to love you and our family as long as I live."
There were some audible "awwws" from the wedding attendees and Bucky blushed, shifting his weight from one leg to the other. He told himself to keep his focus on Sarah and pretend it was just the two of them. That wasn't too hard. She looked so beautiful. She always did. But there was an extra something to her today. Joy was radiating off of every inch of her and, even though it made him self-conscious, Bucky knew it had something to do with him. After decades of causing pain and destruction, he couldn't believe he made someone feel so loved and empowered that she practically glowed from it.
Sarah grabbed both of Bucky's hands and held them in her own, giving them both a squeeze. The ease at which she touched the metal was something Bucky was still floored by. She looked him straight in the eyes and smiled.
"I never thought I'd get married again. My boys and I have a good life and a happy home. But then my brother brought you here. And I thought, another mouth to feed. Another man in the house. Another pain in my ass." Bucky scrunched his nose at Sarah and the crowd chuckled. "But, right away, you became an important part of this family. My brother trusts you with his life. My sons look up to you and love you. You give and you give—never expecting anything in return. But I give you my heart, B." Tears slowly rolled down Bucky's cheeks, but he didn't let go of Sarah's hands to wipe them away. "We can't change our pasts," Sarah said, giving Bucky's hands an extra squeeze on pasts, to which he sniffled and nodded. "But we will face our future together. I love you, Bucky. And I promise to love you and our family as long as I live."
Sarah grinned and Bucky gave her a watery smile.
"Thank you James. Sarah," the officiant said. "Sam, I believe you have the rings?"
"Got 'em right here," Sam said as he pulled both rings out of his pocket and handed one each to Bucky and Sarah.
"Traditionally in this country, wedding rings are placed on the left hand. Our happy couple is scrapping that and will be placing their partner's ring on the right hand."
Bucky gave a quick half-smile at the officiant and a bigger one to Sarah. She was the one who casually suggested they both go with their rings on their right hands. Though she never gave a reason why, Bucky knew it was so he could fully feel the ring on his finger. If it was on his metal finger, he'd be able to sense the weight of it, but not feel the metal against his skin. It was something so tiny, but it made Bucky feel seen. Just one of the many ways thoughtful ways Sarah made his life that much better.
"These rings represent the continuing love and support you have committed to each other. James, as you put Sarah's ring on her finger, please repeat after me. Sarah, please accept this ring as a symbol of my honor to be your husband."
"Sarah," Bucky started, choking up a bit from the overwhelming feelings of happiness and near-disbelief that this was really happening. "Please accept this ring as a symbol of my honor to be your husband." He slid the ring onto Sarah's finger and smiled when it fit perfectly, even though he knew deep down that of course it would fit because Sarah was with him when they picked out the rings and had them sized.
"Sarah," the officiant said. "As you put James's ring on his finger, please repeat after me. Bucky, please accept this ring as a symbol of my honor to be your wife."
"James," Sarah said proudly. "Bucky. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my honor to be your wife." She slid the ring onto Bucky's finger and then locked their fingers together so they were holding hands, palm to palm, between them.
"By the power vested in me by the state of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your spouse!"
Cheers and applause rang out from the attendees, Sam, and Sarah's maid of honor as Sarah threw her arms around Bucky, leaned in, and planted a huge kiss on her husband. On instinct, Bucky wrapped his arms around Sarah and lifted her off her feet. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this completely and utterly giddy.