In the two weeks since Bucky and Julia announced their engagement both had worked hard to get both houses ready for visitors. They made up all the beds, cleaned everything, and made sure the driveways were completely shovelled to accommodate the extra vehicles. Then they started decorating the houses for Christmas with Bucky stringing outside lights on both houses. He requested a permit to cut down a tree in the Tahoe National Forest, driving out there during the second week of December. There were other people out there also choosing a tree and they looked with amazement as Bucky easily cut and carried a large Douglas fir tree to his truck, tying it in for the trip back. They were only able to get a permit for one tree but Julia said there was an artificial tree in the garage that they could put up in the Johnson's house. Fortunately there were decorations in storage at the Johnson's that they used. They drove to South Lake Tahoe where they had their appointment for their marriage license, having applied for it online, then bought new decorations and lights for the big tree. She and Bucky decorated it then made sure it was fastened to the wall after they found Jasper trying to climb it.
Based on the responses they received they expected Scott and Hope, Clint and Laura Barton, along with their 3 children, Sam, Sarah and her two boys, Shaun and his friend Katy, Colonel Rhodes, and Thor to represent the Avengers at the wedding. With three bedrooms upstairs, four downstairs and a large downstairs family room they hoped there would be room for everyone. Sam suggested the kids could all bunk in the family room with sleeping bags which seemed like a good solution. On the 20th Bucky picked up groceries and alcohol for the Johnson's house.
At the Devin's house it was much the same set up, with the plan having the grandchildren bunking together in the downstairs family room. Julia and Bucky, Bill and Lydia, and Janey would take the upstairs bedrooms while John and his wife, and Jake and his girlfriend were assigned the downstairs bedrooms.
When Bucky asked how they would keep so many kids entertained Julia told him that there were all sorts of sledding and tubing parks in South Tahoe that everyone would have a blast at, as well as skiing, indoor swimming, and bowling. She also located quite a few pairs of ice skates for anyone that wanted to try it, even buying a few second hand pairs. Finally, she suggested they also buy a couple of used game systems and board games from a second hand store.
Over the course of three days everyone arrived safely in Lake Tahoe. The San Francisco residents, Avenger and non-Avenger arrived first, in a convoy in case the roads were bad. Julia's family brought a ton of food with them including two turkeys and all the trimmings, to feed the large number of people staying at the two houses. The Bartons, Sam, Sarah and the boys arrived next, flying to Reno on consecutive flights then driving their rental vehicles together. Rhodes and Thor arrived last, via portal as there had been a last minute mission that both had been involved in. As introverted as Bucky could be he was actually quite pleased at the Avengers who came for Christmas and the wedding. Everyone got along. The game systems were a hit in both houses. Shaun and Katy actually organized a gaming tournament that all the kids got involved in. On Christmas Eve day everyone went to one of the tobogganing hills. Like Julia predicted they all had a blast.
That evening Shaun and Katy said they would supervise the kids at the Johnson's house so the adults could get together at the Devin's house. Bucky protested that they didn't need to do that but both of them insisted they were enjoying themselves immensely. Julia took his hand and pulled him back towards the rest of the party.
"Let the kids have their fun without us interfering," she said. "They seem pretty level headed to me. Come, make me a fancy drink."
He smiled at Julia. With the prospect of a house full of adults he had bought a cocktail guide, and stocked many of the essentials, prepared to give everyone what they wanted, as long as he had the ingredients. Although most of the men kept it simple, drinking beer, scotch or bourbon, most of the women wanted something fancy.
"Bucky, you didn't tell us you had bartending abilities," joked Clint. "The Avengers could probably hire you for the office Christmas party next year."
"I just picked it up for this occasion," he replied, giving Laura a margarita. "If you want really fancy drinks wait till you see what the reception facility has. It's actually a burger bar where Julia and I first went to dinner. They have a drink menu that will blow your mind."
When everyone had a drink in their hand Bill Devin stood up to give a Christmas toast. "First of all I want to thank all of you Avengers that made the trip here," he said. "I know we took you from your homes at Christmas time so our family is going to try and make tomorrow a special Christmas Day for you. Second, I want to thank Bucky for being the good man that he is. When we first found out about him and learned that a relationship was developing between him and Julia we had our concerns. But he has been nothing but honourable with our daughter. He was open and truthful with me about wanting to stay with her even though he had only known her about a week. I'm proud to say that I will call him one of my sons come Sunday. Finally, I want to say I'm a lucky man to have such a good family to spend special times with. I'm proud of all my kids and love you all. Cheers everyone."
Bucky felt a surge of emotion at Bill's words and had to take a deep breath. Julia squeezed his hand, having become so attuned to him that she could tell what he was feeling most of the time. It was something they discussed one night in bed when he brought it up before they got engaged.
"What Mason said about you was never true," he said gently. "He hid his true self from you when you were married. That's why you didn't know about his cheating. You read me so well that sometimes I don't have to say anything ... you just know what I'm feeling."
"Well, maybe that's because you're an honest man," she replied. "It's part of why I love you so much. Remember when I first said you were alone by choice?"
"Yeah, I remember," he said.
"I think it was more than that," she said. "You were protecting yourself. The only one you really trusted was Sam and that took time and effort. But you trusted me a lot quicker than that and you opened yourself up to me. It became a lot easier to read you and to recognize your tells. I do know you so well because you do trust me. I will never break that trust Bucky, I promise you."
He had listened to her that evening and realized she was probably right. There were several reasons why they were so attuned to each other. Getting married was inevitable with that kind of foundation to build on. Now, on Christmas Eve as he sat comfortably with the others, he realized that he felt comfortable being with this large group of people, a big achievement for him. He looked up to see Sam looking at him with a slight smile and he nodded, then raised his glass to him.
"So, let's liven this party up a bit," said Jake. "Let's put some music on, dance a little, drink a little more and have some fun before the kids get back. Bucky, help me move these couches so we have room to dance."
They pushed them to the side and a party playlist was found. Jake even started the dancing by pulling his girlfriend up and twirling her around. Soon most of the group were up dancing and the occasion did become a party. About an hour into it they became aware that most of the kids and teenagers were gathered there watching them.
"Why are you guys having a party without us?" asked Jordan, Janey's oldest son.
Jake was about to make a flippant response but Janey shot him a warning look and looked at her 17 year old. "You willing to dance with your mother?" she asked.
"Yeah, you taught me how to dance," he said with a smile. "Besides it's Christmas."
As he took his mother's hand and started twirling to Crocodile Rock the other kids jumped onto the floor, pulling their parents with them. AJ took Sarah's hand while Cass looked lost. Suddenly Julia stood up and held her hand out to the boy, something noticed by both Sam and Bucky.
"Show me your moves, Cass," she said, and he took her hand with a grin.
As he started doing a weird combination of the Twist, and other 1960s era dances Bucky and Sam sat back with grins on their faces. Sam nudged Bucky and leaned towards his ear.
"She's an amazing woman," he said. "You're a lucky man."
"I know it," replied Bucky, smiling at how happy she and Cass were as they danced.
It reminded him of that first night they went to dinner at the burger bar. As she taught the kids some line dance moves, he remembered watching her that night, seeing how animated she was in what was obviously a comfortable environment for her. As he watched at the house she danced with several others starting with one of her brothers in what was obviously a choreographed hip hop dance they must have developed when they were teenagers. Even the kids were asking them to teach the moves as they replayed the song several times. Throughout all the laughter and smiles Rhodes sat next to him.
"Bucky, you and Sam weren't kidding," he said. "She's lovely. No wonder you fell in love so quickly with her."
Bucky turned to Rhodes. "You see why I couldn't leave her here alone," he said quietly. "I never met anyone like her."
"She is a unique individual," replied Rhodes. "You make it work with her. Put her first, before the Avengers. I'm glad you found someone to share your life with. I truly am."
Rhodes offered his hand and shook Bucky's. The music changed to something slower and most of the kids sat down, having a soft drink to quench their thirst. When You Send Me came up Bucky stood up and placed himself in front of Julia with his hand outstretched. Smiling softly she took it and they began dancing, alone at first. Then her parents, her brother John and his wife, Clint and his wife Laura, then Jake and his girlfriend joined them while the others watched. AJ started asking his mother something in a loud voice and Sarah shushed him.
"Quiet baby," she said gently in a low voice. "Just watch your Uncle Bucky and Aunt Julia dance a real dance. This is how a couple in love dances."
When the song ended Bucky gently touched Julia's cheek and they hugged. In a sense, it marked the end of the evening as Laura Barton checked her watch.
"Oh my, it's almost 11:30," she announced. "Time for bed. Santa won't come if everyone is up. Come on kids, let's get over to the other house and get ready for bed."
The other parents did the same, not taking any talkback from the kids. Bucky and Jake moved the sofas back into place and others helped clean up the plates and glasses, loading the dishwasher, putting extra food away, and cleaning up the mess. As the Avengers families left the Devin house there was a chorus of "good night" and "Merry Christmas" shared between the inhabitants of both houses.
"You two go on up to bed," said Lydia to Bucky and Julia. "Bill and I will make sure everything is locked up. This was a great evening. Your Avenger friends are a lot of fun, Bucky. They care about you. I'm glad you invited them."
"It was a good evening," said Bucky. "Good night and Merry Christmas."
He kissed Lydia on the cheek then offered his hand to Julia and they walked up the stairs to their room. Once inside she began to take her top off and Bucky stopped her.
"I loved watching you tonight," he said softly, touching her cheek. "You were amazing with everyone and it just made me love you even more."
"It was fun," she said, wrapping her arms around him. "I liked having the kids be part of the party. They want to be grown up so much but don't really get many chances to interact with adults in a social situation."
"You're probably right," he said. "What about tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow I think we should start with building snow men during the day, ice skating after, then we'll do board games in the evening," she suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," he agreed.
They kissed, changed into some sleep clothes and cuddled together. Still being somewhat old fashioned Bucky had been reticent about having sex while Julia's parents were in the next bedroom. There would be ample opportunity to make up for it on their wedding night as they were staying elsewhere.
They both woke up to the sound of activity in the kitchen. Quickly showering Julia was dressed first and went down the stairs followed a few minutes later by Bucky. Immediately he was hugged, kissed, and wished a Merry Christmas by the people already in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone. Jake put a coffee into his hand with a grin and Bucky winced at the amount of Bailey's already in it. Several of the Avengers were also over, having made a dish in the other house and bringing it over to share. The whole mood was one of cooperation and good feelings. Seeing that the cut firewood was looking depleted Bucky put his coffee down, pulled his boots on and went out to where he had cut and stacked a cord of wood a few weeks previously. He loaded up his arms with some and turned to see Shaun there.
"Grab some of those, will you?" he said. "Might as well be useful while everyone else is getting breakfast ready."
"Sure," said Shaun. "Hey Bucky. Thanks for inviting us. Katy and I are having a really good time. Everyone has been really welcoming to us."
"You're welcome," said Bucky. "Thanks for taking on supervising the kids. You must like them."
"I'm still a kid myself," said the young man. "Do you have something planned for them today?"
"Julia thought making snowmen, then going skating would suffice," he said. "There's a natural skating area that we don't have to pay for. We have a few extra pairs of skates available. Then board games tonight."
"Sounds good to me," said Shaun. "Here, let me get that."
With his free hand he opened the door for Bucky and followed him into the house with the extra wood. They went back out a second time and filled up the wood storage inside the house. Breakfast was just being set out and everyone was there. After making sure all the kids were set up the adults helped themselves and spread out through the kitchen and living room to eat. All too soon the kids were finished eating and clamouring to open their presents. After putting them off for some time Bill and Lydia finally gave in and said the present opening could begin, at least for the children. They watched as the presents were opened, not just for the Devin grandchildren but also the Barton siblings and Sam's nephews. As the kids dispersed to the lower level with their presents that left the adults. Bucky reached under the tree and brought out his present to Julia as well as her present to him.
"You go first," she said. "I hope you like it."
He unwrapped it to find a new watch inscribed on the back with BB-You Took the Cookie. Love JD. Christmas 2025. Eagerly he took his old watch off and put the new one on. Then he kissed her tenderly.
"Thank you," he whispered. "I'll cherish it always. Now open mine."
She unwrapped it and saw the name of a jewelry shop on the box. With a smile she opened the lid and gasped. There was a pearl necklace and a pair of drop pearl earrings with diamonds.
"Bucky, this must have cost you a fortune!" she exclaimed. "They're beautiful."
"They're for the wedding," he said softly. "In my day every well dressed woman had a string of pearls. You're worth it, Julia. Every penny." He looked intently at her and she threw her arms around his neck crying. The others noticed as Bucky stroked her hair and murmured into her ear. "It's okay, baby, you cry. I've got you."
The two sat there oblivious to everyone else who watched them with soft smiles on their faces. Katy walked past to refill her coffee cup and noticed the necklace and earrings. Her eyes opened wide but she said nothing until she got to the kitchen where Janey was.
"I'd cry if the man I loved gave me a gift like that," she said in a low voice.
"Maybe Shaun will someday," replied Janey.
"Oh no," stammered Katy. "He's just my best friend. We're not ..."
"My mistake," smiled Janey, turning away.
Katy continued trying to convince Janey that their relationship was strictly platonic but had to give up when the older woman wouldn't engage. By then Julia had stopped crying over the surprise Christmas gift and started rounding up the kids for the snow man building. She divided them up into two teams and they went outside to begin the process. The rules were to build as many snowmen as possible but they all had to be at least 3 feet tall and have 3 distinct sections. Bucky went to the wood pile and found discarded branches they could use for arms. Candy was substituted for coal for the eyes and mouth. Lydia donated carrots for the noses with the proviso that they be returned for the making of Christmas dinner. Down in the lower level of the Devin house a plethora of old caps and scarves were found to complete the decorating. With everything ready Julia did a countdown and the competition began. As the adults came out to watch the competition from the deck everyone commented on how Julia formed the two groups. She made sure they were diverse, knowing that it was better if they were mixture of all the kids. There was a lot of laughter at the attempts to make the bottom section as big as possible. Then the kids had to cooperate to get the middle and top sections on before the decorating of the sections could begin. When time was called each side had three snowmen each, all equally well decorated and clothed. A tie was declared and Julia produced different prizes including gift cards for various gaming platforms, candy, and funky ear muffs for the prizes. Looking at the happy faces of the kids, as they compared their prizes (and made some trades) everyone went back inside the Devin house feeling like the spirit of Christmas was alive and well in Lake Tahoe. Inside Bucky looked at Julia with fondness as she talked with several others in the living room.
"She is a treasure," said a deep voice and he turned to see Thor at his side, also looking fondly at Julia. "She knew exactly what those children needed to pull them together. I noticed it yesterday when she included them so easily into the adult party. She has great insight, Buck, and she reminds me very much of my own mother. You are a lucky man to have found someone like her to share your life with. I am ... envious."
"Thank you," replied Bucky. "I am a lucky man. Do you remember that mission in Indonesia? She decided then she wanted to marry me and have a family with me. It's a wonderful feeling to have that waiting at home for you."
Thor smiled and patted Bucky on the shoulder. He poured himself a coffee and looked out the window at the wintry landscape. It occurred to Bucky that Thor was lonely and he felt bad for the big man, knowing that he enjoyed almost everyone's company. He pulled Julia aside and looked at her.
"The reception," he said. "Have we invited any single women to it?"
"Yes and no," she said. "We've made it kind of open to everyone until the bar reaches their capacity. Why?"
He grimaced slightly. "Is the burger bar open for regular business tomorrow night or Saturday?"
"Probably," she replied, then she looked at Thor. "You want to set him up with someone? How about Sam, or Sarah, for that matter? I know lots of people they can have a good time with. If we can get someone to look after the kids while we go out tomorrow then I can spread the word about them and make sure they receive some attention. If anything happens they can always ask that person to be their date for the reception."
"You know that many people?" he asked, his face amused.
"Yeah, I know a lot of people," she replied, her face just as amused. "Bucky, this really is my home town. Sure I was born and raised in San Francisco but I practically grew up here. We spent every summer, every Thanksgiving, and every Christmas here. Let's take the kids to the skating rink. Some of my friends are sure to be there and we can start spreading the word. Heck, I've already received a few texts asking about Sam. Look at Thor ... he's a god."
"I could make love to you right now," he whispered into her ear. "You don't know what you do to me, sometimes."
She smiled up at him. "I want you as well," she whispered back. "Maybe bring a couple of blankets for the truck tomorrow and I can show you another place."
There was another mysterious smile from her and she left to announce to the kids that they were going skating. Bucky took a few deep breaths trying to will down the hard on that was developing in his pants as he leaned against the kitchen counter. Janey looked at him and must have known because she laughed out loud and shook her head.
"You have it bad, Bucky," she whispered. "My goodness, you're going to have such a good life with my little sister. Underneath it all, she's a wild child, you must have figured that out when she took you to the plateau. She never brought it out with Mason but she's teasing you with it."
"Now you tell me," he muttered, then he grinned. "God I love her."
"That's the spirit," said Janey. "Now go take those kids skating. I think you're decent now."
He checked himself and grinned at his future sister-in-law then joined the crowd in the living room trying on skates. Julia handed him a pair and he looked at her in horror.
"I haven't skated since I was a teenager," he protested. "I doubt I remember how."
"You'll remember," she said with a grin. "When in Rome ..."
Eventually they got everyone that was going skating distributed between several vehicles and they headed out for the natural ice rink. Like Julia predicted there were already a significant number of people there. They found an open bench and began getting everyone to switch out their boots for skates. Julia's nieces and nephews headed out right away but several came back, including Janey's oldest, Jordan, who held his hands out to Lila Barton. Shyly she took his hands and he skated backwards as he encouraged her to take her first steps. Clint looked seriously at Jordan, then at Bucky.
"I'd say she's in good hands," shrugged Bucky. "It's not like he's going to try anything with her father right here."
Thor put his skates on and went around the natural area several times before returning. Bucky looked at him. "New Asgard is in Norway," explained Thor. "In the winter we do what the Norwegians do."
Julia already had her skates on and she went around the area returning with a couple of friends. "Thor, these are my friends Amanda and Elinor," she said. "They've never met a real god before. I'm sure they would love to be escorted for a few turns around the ice."
He took each of their hands in his and shook them gently, as he smiled a charming smile. "Lady Amanda, Lady Elinor, it would be my pleasure," he said as he offered them his arms and expertly skated off with them.
Bucky rolled his eyes. "I've already set Sam up," said Julia, pointing out Sam being helped by two solicitous women. "And Sarah." She pointed to the other direction where two handsome men were each holding one of her hands as she struggled to stay upright. When she slipped and fell, she laughed out loud and both men willingly helped her up, escorting her to a bench where they sat and talked.
"How do you do that?" asked Bucky. "How do you get people to do your bidding?"
She put her arms around his waist and went on tip toe in her skates to kiss him. "I can't tell you yet," she smiled. "Not until we're married."
He laughed and sat on the bench to get his skates on. Gingerly running his feet back and forth he tentatively took a few glides then lengthened them. Julia caught up to him as he got his skating stride back.
"See, you never forget," she said, then put her hand in his.
He smiled, looked sideways at her and skated alongside her for some time. "Thor thinks you're a treasure," he said. "He thinks you have great insight into people. I already knew that. Janey said you have a wild child inside you and that you're teasing me with it."
"What do you think?" she asked.
"I think I'm going to love being married to you," he said, braking so they were in the middle of the skating area. "I think that our relationship hasn't just opened me up but has opened you up as well. You're going to keep me on my toes but what we have is going to be so satisfying to each other that every day is going to be an adventure. So I want to know one thing. How soon do you want children?"
He looked down at her, a soft smile on his face. She looked up at him and touched his cheek with her gloved hand.
"Next week I want to take the IUD out," she said softly. "Then I want to start trying as soon as we can."
"Okay, we'll do that," he said, smiling. "I want to start right away as well. Just so we have no secrets I received a text from my lawyer yesterday. The Army offered a settlement. It's significant and he thinks I should accept it. We can make an offer on the Johnson house and begin making it our own."
Julia jumped up and he held her as they kissed. People clapped and whistled as they skated around them. When he let her down he took her hand and they skated some more. Like previous occasions since they became a couple he couldn't recall when he had ever been so happy, as each moment seemed better than the one before. Taking sideways glances at Julia he couldn't get over how lively her face was as they skated in the mild temperatures. In just a few days they would be married and begin to start a family. His real life would begin.