"Because he's usually all grumpy, right?" Sam said, laughing through tears at this point. His Best Man speech had morphed into somewhat of a roast of his best friend/brother-in-law. Bucky clenched his jaw and forced a smile while people chuckled at what Sam said. His hand was locked firmly with Sarah's in her lap as he wondered if he should inflict some pain on Sam directly after his speech, after the reception, or sometime in the near future as some sort of surprise attack.

"But in all seriousness, nothing makes me happier than seeing my sister happy. And, to my eternal shock, Bucky makes her happy. So I am grateful not only to have him as my colleague and best friend, but a true brother to me, loving parent for AJ and Cass, and a real partner for my sister. He's one of the best people I know and I wish he and my sister nothing but success in this messed up world. Because they've both been through the worst things that life can serve up and came out the other side more caring and compassionate. I love you, Buck. I love you, Sarah. I'd say I'm glad you found each other, but I'm the one who introduced you, so I will be taking full credit for this marriage. Thank you, everyone!"

Sam flashed his sister and Bucky a wicked smile before bowing at the applause from everyone else. Feeling good with his performance, he turned the microphone off and handed it to the DJ who was set up in the corner of the tent.

"Thank you, Sam," the DJ said into her mic as she pressed some buttons on the computer set up next to a digital turntable and a whole mess of speakers. "If the happy couple would please come to the center of the floor, it's time for your first dance as husband and wife."

Hands still clasped, Bucky and Sarah stood up and made their way to the middle of the tent. The sun was setting and everything in the tent was softly lit with twinkle lights and real looking fake candles.

Bucky had taken off his tux jacket and tie as soon as he was able once he got to the reception, so he was just in his shirt with the cuffs rolled up and his perfectly tailored pants. Sarah's sleeveless lace dress was more of a cocktail number than super formal wedding gown, so the pair of them looked and felt more relaxed as they held each other and started to sway as the music started. The song was soft at first, but Bucky smiled when he recognized it as "As Time Goes By" from the Casablanca soundtrack.

"Thank you for today," Sarah said to Bucky as pulled her close.

"Thank you for today," Bucky replied before kissing her, despite knowing everyone was watching them (which made him wholly uncomfortable). "We're married," he whispered as he pulled away.

"And you're dancing," Sarah exclaimed with a chuckle. "Like, actually dancing."

Bucky grinned and shrugged as he dipped her. "Mighta had a lesson."

Sarah's eyebrows slid up in genuine shock. "I'm probably not supposed to be so turned on by that, but I really am, B."

Bucky lifted Sarah back up, leaned in and murmured, "We can dance all night long."

Sarah smacked Bucky's arm and they both laughed before settling back into some hybrid of a hug/slowly dancing in a small circle. Other couples started joining in on the dance floor and they'd nod and say thank you as people who danced by offered up congratulations and well wishes.

After two more songs, Bucky was grateful when Sam tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he could cut in and dance with his sister. With a genuine smile, he clapped Sam on the back, kissed Sarah on the cheek, and wandered back to his seat at the head table.

Someone had refilled Bucky's water glass and he took long sips as he looked at the collection of people assembled to celebrate Sarah and him. He laughed when he saw Cass and AJ talking very animatedly to a seemingly invested Ayo. Ramonda was in deep discussion with Carlos and his wife about who knows what. Clint and Laura were dancing together like a couple of drunk teenagers. His therapist and Wanda laughed over a glass of wine at a corner table. Scott had pulled something small out of a pocket and was showing it to Shuri. It was weird having people show up for him, but he was humbled and glad for it all the same (even though he'd never tell Sam that).

Bucky knew so much could change in such a short amount of time because it happened to him again and again and again—mostly for the worst. But for the first time in what felt like ages, change was good. He looked down at the ring on his right hand then back up to find his wife laughing with her brother. Maybe… just maybe… some change was great.

THE END