Warning: sexual content. This posting has been edited from its original format to comply with 's terms and conditions. To read the original go to Wattpad or AO3; user name sjsmith56, same title.
Greg was as good as his word. Working around Bucky's missions he started Bucky out on the foundation crew to teach him the basics then moved him to the framing crew where he met Jed and had a good conversation about Terry Edwards. From there he went to door and window installation to get the house to a lock-up phase. After learning about insulation, HVAC and hanging drywall, Bucky was put on the flooring crew and learned more than he ever thought possible about the different flooring options and how to install them. From there he went to kitchen and bathroom installation and finishing. Although Greg used a painting company and a ceiling finish company to finish the walls and ceilings those crews answered Bucky's questions about everything. Between June when he started, minus the days of all the missions he went on, until the beginning of December which he took off to help Julia prepare the house for Christmas Bucky learned more about building houses than he ever knew was possible. On his final day with Greg before his leave of absence his boss asked him out for a drink. Both men ordered a scotch and sat there sipping it.
"You're good," said Greg. "Everything I threw at you was handled well and you helped me out in the process."
"Why did you show me all of it, Greg?" asked Bucky. "I would have been happy doing odd jobs."
"I know but I have an ulterior motive," admitted the man. "Julia told me about wanting to make an offer to Bob Johnson for the house. If you're successful you'll need to know a lot to fix it up. That family let so much slide but the house itself has good bones. My grandpa built it for them back in the 1940s. It's the only way to keep a guy like Terry Edwards from building one of his modern monsters on that property."
Bucky nodded. He had a suspicion it was something like that. "Did she tell you we've talked about getting married and staying here?" he asked.
Greg nodded. "I've known Julia since she was a kid and I hung out with her brothers when they came to visit the grandparents," he said. "I have an autistic brother, not as high level as she is. She never really needed protection here because we cared about her. None of us liked Mason but he had a hold on her. He never saw her as an equal. You, on the other hand, have seen her as an equal from the start. I was at the bar the first night she brought you there and saw how you watched over her. There was never the vibes from you that Mason gave off. You love her and you treat her right. Hell, you moved here to stay with her. That counts for a lot. You're part of the local community now Bucky and we locals look out for each other."
Bucky smiled and sipped some more of his scotch. "I'm asking her to marry me soon," he stated. "Hopefully my army settlement comes in and I can use that money to buy the Johnson house. I like living here and I think my kids will be safe here."
Greg's brow furrowed. "As safe as anywhere," he noted. "Is there something about your future children that concerns you?"
"Most of the changes HYDRA made to me were also genetic in nature," replied Bucky carefully, in a low voice. "There's a good chance my physical abilities will be passed on to my children. They may be targets for some unscrupulous organizations. Some place like here is a better place to raise them as it's out of the way, private and, like you said, the community will watch out for them. I want them to have as normal an upbringing as possible."
Greg extended his hand. "Then you have my promise to help you," he said.
Bucky shook Greg's hand. "Thank you," he replied, then drained his glass. "I better get home to Julia. We're going to have a fire tonight, roast some marshmallows, drink some Bailey's and hot chocolate."
Greg smiled and drained his glass as well. Out in the parking lot Bucky looked at the truck Greg leased for him. Because he was already well covered for medical benefits the man had offered to lease the truck on his behalf instead. He was free to use it for work and for pleasure. Greg even paid for the snow tires and chains that would be needed when the snow really started falling. It was just another indicator of the decent man Greg was. There hadn't been much snow the past two months but the forecast was for a big snowfall that night and Bucky was glad to be prepared. Waving goodbye Bucky drove home. It was snowing heavily when he got to the house and he had to stamp the snow off his boots before entering. Julia had already started the fire and it was toasty warm inside.
"I'm home!" he yelled out as he came in the door.
"In the kitchen!" she yelled back and he came in to the kitchen to smell something wonderful cooking.
Picking her up and putting her on the counter he stepped between her thighs and pulled her close, kissing her sensuously. She returned the kiss and wrapped her legs around his waist.
"It's started snowing heavier," he mentioned when he stepped back for air. "I'm yours for December. Whatever you need doing around here I'll do."
"There will be plenty to do once it stops snowing," she answered. "Go take a shower, put something comfortable on. It's all finger foods tonight. Decadence at its finest."
He smiled and kissed her quickly. Ten minutes later he was back down in a long sleeve T-shirt and jeans. He was barefoot but it was so warm from the fire that he didn't notice the cool floors. He noticed Julia was wearing a tunic and leggings that showed off her legs. Wrapping his arms around her again he kissed her neck from behind and she hesitated for a moment as she felt slightly aroused by the action. Quickly turning around she handed him a plate of softened Brie with crackers. As she pulled a tray out of the oven Bucky noticed prosciutto wrapped asparagus and bacon wrapped scallops on it. There was a bottle of red wine open and he poured out a glass for each of them, taking them to the coffee table. Finally everything was laid out and he patted the cushion next to him.
"Come here," he ordered. "I'm starving."
She curled up next to him and he popped a scallop into her mouth, watching her eat it. Taking turns they fed each other. Any drips were taken as an invitation to be licked by the other and they laughed at the sensation of a tongue on the chin which inevitably led to sensuous kissing. Together they cleaned off the plates and Julia stood up to go to the kitchen to bring the next set of food out. Bucky grabbed her hand and pulled her back down onto the couch, laying himself on top of her.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked in that low husky voice that indicated he was aroused.
"Chocolate fondue," she replied, smiling sweetly at him. "I was thinking we could eat it without our shirts on."
"Really?" he asked. "Is that to get any drips that fall on our bodies?"
She nodded, still smiling sweetly. "Or we could go straight to the main event," she suggested. "I've always wanted to make love in front of a roaring fire."
"Me too," he replied, staring at her eyes. "But I think I would enjoy licking here ... and here, or here."
He lifted up her shirt and licked her abdomen then her breast and finally her neck. "You're not wearing a bra," he noted.
"And you're not wearing underwear," she noted back, looking at how low his jeans were riding.
He looked down at himself. "Thought it would expedite things," he said, licking his lips. "You get the fondue ready while I clear these plates. Do you want your hot chocolate now?"
She nodded and he ground his hips into hers as they kissed sensuously again for several minutes. Finally getting off of her Bucky offered her his hand. He gathered the plates and put them in the dishwasher then heated some milk for the hot chocolate as he liked it the old fashioned way. He added semi-sweet chocolate, a little bit of sugar and then some vanilla once the chocolate melted. Tasting it he was satisfied and he took the bottle of Bailey's liqueur adding some to each mug. Then he poured the hot chocolate mixture in and topped it off with whipped cream from the aerosol can. Taking them back to the table he returned to carry the fondue while Julia brought the cut up fruit and marshmallows. Standing in front of each other they each took their tops off and sat facing each other. Julia speared a strawberry and swirled it around the chocolate then held it near Bucky's mouth. Without taking his eyes off her he opened his mouth and gently took the food into it. There were no drips. He did the same with a bit of banana and fed Julia, watching as a drip of chocolate fell right between her breasts. Carefully he leaned forward and licked it off, but continued kissing her up her chest to her neck then lips. A little giggle escaped her lips and he almost threw himself on her but he restrained himself. Together they took a drink of the hot chocolate, with both of them getting whipped cream on their noses. He touched her nose with his fingertip, licking it while she did the same. Then he speared a marshmallow, held it over the fire until it had slightly caramelized and dipped it in the chocolate. Together they ate it, getting chocolate and melted marshmallow on their lips and chins. With a smile they crashed their lips together, kissing and licking the sweet mess off of each other's faces. A serviette was still needed to get the remainder but both of them were definitely aroused by the action and Julia laid back on the couch while Bucky placed himself over her.
"That was ... interesting," he said, as he caressed her. "We might as well skip the food and go straight to the chocolate here."
He ran his fingertips from her navel to her neck as she watched him. "I wouldn't say no," she said softly, then she raised herself on her elbows. "Or you could come closer and we get to why we're really here."
"I thought you'd never ask," he said, gently pulling her leggings and panties off. After undoing his jeans button Bucky slid them off and laid in between Julia's legs. "You're so beautiful in the firelight. I've wanted to do this all night."
Placing her hand behind his head Julia raised her face to kiss him, gently pressing her tongue against his. They became lost in each other's arms for a few minutes, enjoying the feel of skin against skin in the golden glow of the fire. As Bucky became harder he placed his hand between the top of Julia's thighs, feeling how soaked she was already. He sat up on the couch and pulled her onto his lap then onto his cock. With the firelight behind her it was like she was surrounded by a golden halo. Because of the fire's warmth her skin was as hot as his usually was and it made him feel like they were two embers in the same flame. She rode him rhythmically as he kissed and caressed every part of her chest, neck and face. Her soft sounds became more desperate as he continually thrust up into her.
"Bucky," she gasped in his ear, "I'm close."
Watching her come then feeling her lips on his kicked his own climax into overdrive and he surrendered to the pressure in himself, coming loudly with his own cry of triumph. As they both regained their breath and clutched the other closer Bucky smoothed Julia's hair back and kissed her neck. Holding tightly onto her he reached down to the floor for his jeans and searched one of the pockets. Finding what he was looking for he sat back still holding her close to his chest.
"I love you so much," he whispered. "You read me so well that sometimes I wonder if we share a mind. I don't ever want to be with anyone else."
"I love you, too," she whispered back. "I never thought I could trust anyone again to love me as much I love them but I trust you with every inch of my body."
"Will you marry me?" asked Bucky, caressing her hair. "Will you be wife, have my children and stay with me for as long as we both shall live?"
She raised her face and he brought the ring out from behind her back. Her face lit up and she took it from him, putting it on her ring finger. The solitaire diamond sparkled in the firelight and she held her hand away to see it better. Nodding she whispered "yes" and kissed him tenderly. He enclosed her in his arms, kissing her back. They bent their foreheads together briefly then she looked at him lovingly.
"How fast do you want to get married?" she asked.
"I'd do it tomorrow if we could," he replied. "But there is no rush. Do you want a quiet wedding, with just close friends and family? Or the whole big church thing?"
"Quietish," she replied. "We could do it here when the family comes for Christmas. Would Sam come?"
"I think so," said Bucky, "seeing as how he would be best man. We can ask Bob to rent out his house for any Avengers who want to come. There are some that should be there, that supported me when I was arrested; Clint and Scott come to mind. Do you really think we can pull it off so quickly?"
Julia smiled and kissed him. "I know people," she said enthusiastically. "Tomorrow we'll rally the troops. Tonight, it's just you and me."
They kissed again then went up to the bathroom for a quick shower before returning to clean up the remains of the chocolate fondue and to get dressed. They cuddled in front of the slowly dying fire to kiss and hold each other, not wanting the evening to end. When the fire finally died down Bucky turned off all the lights and they stood in front of one of the windows that overlooked the lake. The snowflakes were big now, so full of moisture that they clumped together. The only sound they could hear was the sound of their breathing.
"My first big Lake Tahoe snowfall," said Bucky softly. "I'm guessing I'll have to dig us out tomorrow?"
She leaned into his shoulder. "Yeah, but I'll help," she said. "Once the snow stops the plows will do the roads. It will look so different. But that's okay because we're different now." He turned to look at her and she wrapped her arm around him. "We're committed to each other now. I'm going to take your name as well. It never felt right with Mason but with you ... it feels perfect."
"You're not worried that we'll mess it up?" he asked.
"Nope, not a single bit," she said confidently. "Bucky, you're from a generation of men that committed to a woman for life. My grandpa was a vet. He was 17 when Pearl Harbor happened, 18 when he went to Europe, 19 when he lost his leg and returned home to San Francisco. That's when he met Grandma, while she was working in a factory. He came out here with her whenever they had time off together. He loved the wilderness. It was quiet, nothing like the war. Her dad was a park warden and he told Grandpa that if he could get an artificial leg there was no reason he couldn't work as a park ranger. He was stationed at Emerald Bay State Park, just down the road. In their first year of marriage they saved enough to buy this land and he built a cabin by himself. It's the garage now. Greg's grandpa built the house when the vet's bill passed giving financial assistance for vets to have a home. They were devoted to each other even though many thought she could do better. She always knew he was the best man for her. Just like I know you are the best man for me."
Bucky turned to her in the darkness and looked at her with admiration. His arm never phased her, not even once, because of a beloved grandfather with an artificial leg. Despite all of her own limitations her family had never treated her different and she had become a strong resourceful woman with qualities that attracted him. She was right ... he was devoted to her, had been almost from the beginning. He kissed her suddenly and she responded, encircling his neck with her arms. He lifted her up, as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and continued kissing her, not to begin something sexual but because the connection was so satisfying.
"Let's go to bed," he said. "I just want to burrow under the covers with you and keep you warm."
She kissed him in reply and he carried her up the stairs. With his body heat they were soon both warm and cosy under the covers. They fell asleep soundly and didn't waken until Jasper tried to get under the covers with them in the early morning. He laid behind Bucky's back, enjoying the heat his body generated. The couple laid there, part way between sleep and waking; kissing and caressing, with the occasional endearment whispered between them. Like many other instances they had experienced together he felt so happy and normal. Eventually nature called and he went to the bathroom, having a peek out the window to see if it had stopped snowing yet. It hadn't so he returned to the bed and spooned behind Julia, kissing her neck and wrapping his arms around her.
"It's still snowing," he whispered.
"Then we'll stay in bed," she whispered back. "When we get hungry, we'll eat. When we get thirsty, we'll drink."
"When we get aroused we'll make love," he whispered, kissing her ear after he said it.
Her hand caressed his face and he pulled her closer. Jasper trilled from behind him and he chuckled. This was the life he always wanted and now he had it. Eventually they both fell asleep again and when they awakened several hours later the sun was peeking through the curtains. With a sigh they both got up and dressed, heading downstairs to the kitchen. Julia opened the curtains on the panoramic windows and they were almost blinded by the brilliance of the sun on the snow.
"Look at it Bucky," she said. "Have you ever seen a sun so bright and snow so white?"
"No," he responded. "Not anywhere."
Julia suddenly went downstairs where the extra bedrooms were. Bucky could hear her looking for things and he stood at the top of the stairs listening. She appeared at the bottom of the stairs carrying two winter jackets, 4 boots and some gloves.
"These should fit you," she said as she came up the stairs, handed him a jacket and boots, then tossed the gloves on the kitchen counter.
She quickly put them on and he followed her lead. The jacket was a little tight but the boots fit fine. Pulling the gloves on she went to the front door and unlocked it. With his boots on he followed her outside and found himself blinded by the bright winter sun. After entering the code to unlock the garage he reached inside his truck and took out his sunglasses. Julia pulled a couple of shovels off the wall and handed one to him then with a grin went back outside and began to shovel the driveway. He joined her and for the next twenty minutes they shovelled the snow off. When they were done Julia went back into the house and took the shovel with her. She stamped her feet inside the door, removing the boots and jacket.
"Well, if that didn't work up an appetite you are not human," she said.
"I always have an appetite," he replied but he smiled and followed her lead.
They took the shovels to the deck door and he unlocked it, placing the shovels on the deck. Then they had a big breakfast before heading out to shovel the deck and back walkway to the dock. Bucky stepped out onto the dock, expecting to see the water had frozen but it was still liquid. Just as he turned to ask Julia about it he got a face full of snow. Wiping it away he looked back to see Julia making another snow ball.
"It's on, little girl," he laughed, as he rushed towards her.
Picking her up he threw her into one of the huge snow banks they had just created. As she giggled he grabbed her hands and held them down on either side of her face as he laid on top of her.
"Let me go," she said shyly. "It's cold."
He shook his head. "You started it," he declared.
Taking the glove off of his vibranium hand he plunged it into the snow then brought it up and touched her cheek gently. She shivered at his touch but stopped struggling. Leaning closer to her face he kissed her, gently at first, then more passionately. Pulling her hands out of his she embraced him and he rolled over so she was on top. He noticed how red her cheeks were and he touched them again with his flesh hand. This time she leaned into his touch and she kissed him, pressing her cold cheeks onto his warm face.
"Are you getting cold?" he asked. "I think we're done out here."
She nodded and stood up then offered her hand to help Bucky up. Together they went back inside, shedding their boots and jackets. Bucky started a fire in the fireplace as Julia poured them each a coffee. He sat on the couch and she curled up next to him, pulling a throw blanket onto herself. After some time just enjoying the fire Julia pulled her phone out and checked the time.
"Well, my parents should be up now," she said. "Are you ready to tell them we're engaged?"
"I am if you're ready," he replied.
She placed the video call and her mom's face appeared, smiling in surprise at the call. "Julia, Bucky, what a nice surprise," she said. "I heard you got quite the snowfall last night."
"We did," replied Julia. "Didn't take long to shovel though because Bucky's a machine. I'm calling about something else. Is Dad nearby?"
"Yeah, he's right here," said Lydia, looking offscreen. "Bill, it's Julia and Bucky."
Her dad's face appeared. "Mom, Dad," said Julia. "Bucky asked me to marry him last night. I said yes." She held up her hand, showing them the engagement ring."
Unlike when she became engaged to Mason, this time the reaction was much more positive with both of them expressing their congratulations. Bucky realized he had been holding his breath waiting for their reaction and he let it out with relief.
"We don't want a long engagement," he said. "Julia suggested we get married when all the family is here for Christmas, maybe a couple of days after."
Julia's parents looked at each other. "That doesn't give us much time," said Lydia. "Are you thinking a justice of the peace at the house?"
"Yeah," replied Julia. "Bucky thinks Bob Johnson will rent his house out for any Avengers guests. It will be crowded in here but I don't mind. We can do a reception at one of the bars. I'm sure any one of them would be happy to let us party there."
"If you're sure," said Bill. "We'll help where we can. We're happy for both of you, you know that, right?"
Julia looked at Bucky lovingly. "Thanks," she said. "I know he's the right man for me."
Bill looked at his wife then at both of them. "We agree," he said. "Welcome to the family, Bucky."
"Thanks," said Bucky, embarrassed. "You know I plan to be married to Julia for a long time. She's all I ever wanted."
Both of her parents smiled and said their goodbyes. Julia hugged Bucky and called her sister next. It was just as good a call as the one with her parents. Finally, she called her brothers and received their blessings and promises to be there. Then she sat back and looked at Bucky.
"Your turn," she said. "You should call Sam."
Taking a deep breath he placed a video call to Sam. "Hey, Buck, Julia," he said. "How's it going?"
"Really good, actually," said Bucky. "I asked her to marry me and she said yes."
"Oh man, that's awesome," exclaimed Sam. "I'm happy for you both. When's the wedding?"
"Well, that's what the call is about," said Bucky. "We don't want to wait so we were thinking between Christmas and New Year's. I would like you to be my best man. What do you say?"
"Seriously, that soon?" he asked then thought for a moment. "Yeah, I'll do it. That gives a few weeks to get ready."
"I want Sarah and the boys to come as well," said Bucky. "I'm going to ask Bob Johnson to rent out his cabin to me for the Avengers to stay in. The ceremony is likely to be in the house here and we'll work something out with one of the bars nearby for a reception. You'll have to bring winter clothing as it snowed here last night."
Bucky stood up and took the phone to the window showing Sam the scenery. After hearing Sam complain about how much snow that was he settled down and said they would all come. With a promise to firm up the plans later Bucky said goodbye and sat back.
"I better phone Bob next," said Bucky. "Do you want to invite him to the wedding as well?"
"Sure," said Julia. "But I doubt he will come. He came just after his dad died and he bought the tools and wood but we didn't see him for years before that and he hasn't been around since you fixed up his place."
He placed the call and spent ten minutes on the phone. Bob agreed to rent the place for 10 days starting December 21, and ending New Year's Day. He declined the invitation to the wedding saying he wasn't comfortable driving the roads in winter. Then, just before he hung up, Bob broached the subject of perhaps Bucky and Julia buying the place from him. He agreed not to put it on the market until they had a chance to actually sit down and talk about it face to face. Julia was listening on speaker and Bucky watched her reaction. When they ended the conversation she hugged Bucky. She looked excited at the prospect of owning the Johnson's house. For the next few hours as they both made calls he could tell that it was something that meant a lot to her.