Eden POV

After dropping Bucky off at SHIELD headquarters, I rushed home to start working on the clients that had emails from. Luckily, it was all simple stuff and I was able to finish by 11:30. Once I logged off my laptop, I set to work getting the house cleaned up and laundry washed and folded. By 1:00, I was out the door and headed the toy store to look for a gift for sweet, little Lilah. As I walked around the toy store looking for the perfect gift, I thought about the last time I had seen her.

It had been nearly 6 months ago...school had just let out and Jill was off from work. I had driven out to spend some time with her…I remembered going to her brother Mark's house and how excited the kids had been to see me. Jake and Lilah had both ran at me and latched themselves on to my legs, giving me lots of hugs and kisses. It always made me smile to hear them call me "Aunt Eden". I had watched them grow up and had babysat them during the summers…they almost felt like family to me. Being an only child was tough, but I would love on those two like they were my real niece and nephew. Lynn was about ready to pop when I had seen her last….Seth was born only a couple of weeks later.

I walked around the store for quite a while before I found the perfect gift…a dollhouse. I had one that looked just like it when I was a little girl and I had loved it. This particular one had four different levels and came with all the accessories. Lilah loved playing with dolls and as far as I knew, she didn't have a dollhouse yet. I knew it was a little extravagant but once I spotted it on display, I couldn't help myself…I just had to get it for her. Since it was such a big box, I paid extra and had the store gift wrap it for me so I wouldn't have to do it later. The manager was super nice and helped me load it into my SUV before I knew it, I was headed back to SHIELD to pick up Bucky.

When I pulled up and parked, I could see Bucky was already out front talking to two people...a young man and woman. I got out of the SUV and started to head over to where they were standing. Bucky hadn't realized I had arrived yet so I made my way quietly over to them.

These must be his two recruits.

I recognized the female…she was the one Bucky had been sparring with the day I showed up to talk to him. In the light, I could see she was even prettier than I had initially realized. She was tall with an athletic build and her tight tank top showcased her well-endowed bosom. I was not pleased when I saw her reach out and touch Bucky's arm…letting in linger there longer than what I deemed was appropriate.

Bucky had his back to me so the woman was the first to see me approaching…I could tell she recognized me from that day. She looked me up and down and by the expression on her face, I guess I didn't impress her that much. She put her hand on her hip and smiled at me haughtily. Bucky saw the look on her face and he turned to see what she was staring at. He smiled wide when he saw me making my way across the parking lot. He walked towards me and wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug before leaning down to give me a long, deep kiss.

"I missed you" he said as he pulled away from me, leaving me a little breathless from the kiss...Bucky had been more reserved all week since he had sworn not to have sex with me until I was fully healed.

Maybe he has finally decided I'm ready.

"I can see that" I said, reaching up to push his hair back from his face.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the man and woman, "Come meet my trainees"

I let him drag me over to where the two students were standing...they had seen the interaction between the two of us and they were now watching as we made our way over to them.

"Eden…this is Roland" he said, gesturing to the young man. Roland stuck out his hand to shake mine, a bright smile on his face as he said, "Nice to meet you ma'am"

"Nice to meet you too Roland...Bucky has told me a lot of good things about you" I said, remembering how Bucky had mentioned what a great student Roland was and how eager he had been to learn.

Roland chuckled lightly and I looked over to see Bucky shaking his head, a small smile on his face. Roland started to say something but Bucky cut him off, "Don't even think about it calling me that…I'm still Sergeant Barnes to you" he said. I smiled and looked up at Bucky, "Sorry" I mouthed. We were still smiling at each other when we heard the woman clear her throat. I looked over to see an annoyed expression on her face.

Bucky motioned to her, "Eden this is Christine" he said, sounding not nearly as enthusiastic as he did when he introduced Roland. Bucky hadn't talked about her as much….I assumed it was to spare my feelings. An image of her on top of him, straddling his waist popped into my head. I remembered the way he had rolled her over on the mat and covered her body with his own. Christine had her eyes locked on Bucky but she finally let them fall on me, a look of utter contempt on her face.

She likes him!

She faked a smile and stuck her hand out, "I'm sure Bucky…I mean Sergeant Barnes, has told you all about me. " She batted her eyes and winked at Bucky and then turned her gaze back to me waiting to see how I would react.

I can't believe this bitch.

I took her hand and felt her squeeze it tighter than necessary…I returned the squeeze and then pulled back, "Actually, Bucky hasn't really mentioned you…it's nice to meet you though" I said, giving her a good hard look.

I heard Roland snort in an attempt to cover up the laugh and watched as Bucky turned his head away from Christine and faked a cough to hide the wide grin on his face.

I looped my arm through Bucky's as he finished giving them some feedback on their training session from that day. Christine kept shooting me dirty looks while Bucky was talking to Roland but I simply smiled sweetly at her and laid my head on Bucky's muscled arm. When they were finally finished talking, Bucky wrapped his arm around my shoulders and looked down at me with a big smile, "You ready to go to lunch?"

I nodded my head, "Yep" I turned to Roland, "It was nice to meet you…." I glanced at Christine "both of you" I finished.

Roland nodded his head but Christine rolled her eyes…Bucky saw and opened his mouth to say something but I squeezed his hand tightly to stop him. His eyes flickered to me and I shook my head at him…he had an angry look in his eyes but he didn't say anything. He finally turned to Roland and shook his hand before giving him a warm smile…he merely nodded his head in Christine's direction.

I could feel the death stare she was giving me as Bucky and I walked away. Sure enough, when we finally reached my SUV and turned around, she was still glaring in my direction. I waved at her before and I got in the SUV. It was obvious she liked Bucky and I guess I couldn't really blame her for that…he was so damn sexy…but her blatant disrespect towards me was uncalled for and I didn't appreciate it.

Bucky was quiet as he drove us to a nearby restaurant for lunch…I looked over at him and saw an angry look on his face. He seemed to be deep in thought and I could tell something was bothering him.

"What's wrong?" I finally asked.

He shook his head, "I'm sorry about Christine…" he finally said, "I will have a talk with her on Monday…she was very rude to you"

I shook my head at him, "Don't bother Bucky…it's okay. You know she likes you, right? That's why she was acting that way"

I saw him hesitate before he responded, "I've tried to discourage the behavior…she's asked me to lunch a few times…and there have been some other things…." He glanced at me warily, "You know I would never…"

I put my hand up to stop him, "Bucky, you really don't have to say anything…I know you wouldn't do that to me"

He took my hand and raised it to his mouth so he could brush his lips across it softly, "Damn right woman"

After lunch, Bucky and I went for a walk around our neighborhood and even stopped by the candy store. That night we cuddled up on the couch to talk and watch TV together. Before we went to bed, I decided to go ahead and pack our overnight bag so we wouldn't have to rush to do it in the morning. Bucky was lying in bed watching me as I packed, his eyes following me as I walked around the room…I was telling him funny stories about when I was a kid. I couldn't wait to show Bucky where I had grown up and for him to meet Jill and her family. Once everything was done, I went and washed my face and brushed my teeth. Once I got into bed, I finally realized how exhausted I was...waking up that early was not normal for me. I rolled onto my side and reached behind me to grab Bucky's arm and slide it around my waist. I smiled when he scooted closer and I felt his chest pressed against my back. Sleep came very easily that night.

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Bucky POV

I had never seen Eden so excited before…from the time we woke up until the time we finally got on the road, she was bouncing off the wall. It was a 3 hour drive and the party started at 2 so we decided to get on the road by 9 so we could spend some time with Jill's family before it started. When the alarm went off at 7:00, she rolled over and was instantly awake and kissing me sweetly on the forehead. Before I could even tell her good morning, she was up and out of the bed to head to the bathroom. I smiled when I heard her humming in the shower. As soon as I heard the water turn off, I rolled out of bed and headed into the bathroom. She was just stepping out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her body.

She smiled at me and then reached back into the shower to turn the water on for me. She winked at me and then walked over to the sink to brush out her hair. I saw her watching me in the reflection of the mirror so I winked at her before pulling my boxers down my legs and stepping into the shower.

I laughed loudly when I heard her call out, "Tease!"

Once we were both showered and dressed, we ate a quick breakfast and then got on the road. The closer we got to her hometown, the more excited she got and I couldn't help but grin at her. We finally arrived at Mark and Lynn's house and I pulled into the driveway and looked over at Eden nervously.

This is it Bucky…don't embarrass yourself…or Eden for that matter.

She grasped my hand tightly and must have noticed the nervous look on my face, "Their going to love you Bucky" she said before leaning over and giving me a long kiss "Trust me" she said as she pulled away.

I smiled and nodded my head at her before I opened the door and got out of the car. We walked up the driveway together, me clutching onto her hand for dear life while she glanced over to give me a reassuring look. As soon as Eden rang the doorbell, I heard shrieks coming from inside the house. A brown haired man answered the door and as soon as he saw Eden, he smiled and reached out for a hug, "Hey Eden…it's good to see you"

Before Eden could say anything, a little brown haired girl with pigtails came running up behind Mark and flung herself at her legs, "Aunt Eden!" she yelled.

I smiled when I heard Lilah call Eden her aunt and by the glow in her eye and the big smile on her face, I could tell Eden liked it too. She had told me many times how envious she was of Brooke and Jill…she had always wished to have a brother or sister.

Eden reached down and picked up the girl, giving her a big hug, "Hey Lilah bug…where's Jake?" she asked.

"Momma said he's off sulking right now. I don't know what it means but it sounds pretty bad. You want me to go find him for you?" Lilah asked.

Eden nodded and turned to Mark once Lilah had ran off, "What's up with Jake?"

He rolled his eyes, "A dozen or so 6 year olds and a princess themed party…how would you feel if you were him?"

Mark stepped back so Eden and I could enter the house and led us to the living room so we could all sit down and get through the introductions. I had to admit, I liked Mark and his wife Lynn immediately. They didn't even give my metal arm a second look. Lilah came running into the living room and jumped into Eden's lap to throw her arms around neck again in a tight hug.

"Jake wouldn't open his door for me" she said to her mom before turning back to Eden, "I missed you Aunt Eden" she said sweetly. She looked over and finally noticed me…I saw her lean over and whisper in Eden's ear, "Who's that?"

Eden smiled at Lilah and whispered back, "His name is Bucky. He's my…"

Lilah interrupted her, "Is he your boyfriend?" she said with a giggle.

Eden looked over at me and winked before answering, "Yes Lilah, he's my boyfriend"

The little girl giggled again and put her hand over her mouth. She looked my way again and crawled out of Eden's lap to come stand in front of me, "It's my birthday today" she informed me.

I smiled at her, "I know…" I leaned forward and whispered loudly, "There's a present in our car for you"

Lilah's eyes lit up excitedly, "What is it?" she said, taking it upon herself to crawl up in my lap and drape one arm around my neck. I looked over at Eden, surprised at how open and unafraid the little girl was being. Eden shrugged her shoulders and smiled at me before turning to talk to Mark and his wife. I had to admit it, Eden was right…this kid was absolutely adorable. When she noticed my metal arm, she didn't shrink away in fear…she just looked at me curiously and asked me about it. When I told her the short simple story behind it, she just nodded and shrugged her shoulders at me before moving on to another topic.

Eventually, a young boy entered the room…a big frown on his face. He smiled though when he saw Eden and made his way over to hug her tightly around the neck. Mark eventually had to excuse himself to finish some last minutes things for the party and Lynn announced it was time to feed Seth another bottle. Jake caught up with Eden while I entertained Lilah. I noticed Eden kept glancing over at me, a big grin on her face as she watched me chatting with Lilah….I smiled back at her and reached for her hand to give it a tight squeeze. Eden glanced over to see Lynn walking back in the room holding baby Seth and her eyes lit up, "Can I hold him?" she begged.

I swallowed hard and felt my heart start pounding the moment I saw Eden standing there holding that baby in her arms. It looked so natural to her…and she was smiling down at the Seth, using her fingers to caress his face as she spoke to Lynn. I couldn't help but stare at her and imagine that it was our baby she was holding.

The feeling of someone tugging on my sleeve finally made me turn my head away from Eden. It was Jake and he was looking up at me with an interested expression on his face, "What happened to your arm?" he asked. I told him the same story I told his sister and instead of shrugging it off, he asked if he could touch it. I nodded my head and presented my arm to him so he could run his fingers along it.

"It's so cool" he said softly. I chuckled softly at his reaction and when he asked me if he could show me his room, I couldn't help but say yes.

I like this kid.

I stood up and took the boy's outstretched hand and let him drag me towards the stairs. I looked back and caught Eden's eye, noticing the big grin on her face. She was still holding the baby and I had to pause for a moment to just take in the sight…memorizing it so I could think on it later when that wild notion would run through my head again.

"I love you" I mouthed to her before I turned and followed Jake up the stairs to his room.

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Eden POV

Today was turning out to be one of the best days I had in a long time….everything was perfect. The party had gone great and Lilah had loved her birthday present from me and Bucky. As soon as she opened it and saw what it was, she had run over to me and threw her little arms around my neck, "Thank you Aunt Eden" she had shouted. She had promptly turned from me and threw herself at Bucky who was sitting in the chair next to me. I felt my heart swell with joy at seeing the look in his eyes when Lilah had said, "Thank you Uncle Bucky" He had hugged her back just as tightly and I heard him softly whisper back, "You're welcome Lilah bug"

As soon as Lilah had gone back to opening her gifts, I leaned over to Bucky, "She's something else, isn't she?" I asked.

He nodded his head, "They both are" he said, glancing to his left where Jake was sitting quietly next to him. The little boy had taken an instant liking to Bucky and all throughout the party the two of them had sat on the grass in a corner of the yard talking to each other. I had watched as Bucky would tell Jake something and then the boy would erupt in a fit of giggles which would in turn made Bucky laugh.

He looks so comfortable…Bucky's a natural. I wonder how he feels about having kids of his own.

When Jill and Dave arrived, I had introduced them to Bucky. Just as soon as he was out of earshot Jill had turned and gave a low whistle and a high five to me, "Damn Eden…he's sexy as hell" I looked over to where Bucky was standing with Jake, a big smile on his face as he put the boy on his shoulders and ran around the yard with him. She continued, "The kids seem to really like him too…especially Jake"

Once the party was over, Bucky entertained the kids and I held Seth while the other adults cleaned up the mess. The kids had finally gotten tired of Bucky chasing them around the yard and now had him pushing them both on the swing set. I was rocking Seth back and forth, attempting to get him to sleep. As I sat there staring down at his chubby cheeks, I thought about how nice it would be to have a baby of my own. I glanced up at Bucky and noticed he was staring at me again, a big smile on his face. I stood up from the chair and made my way over to the swing set. He was still grinning at me as I approached, "What's that smile for Mr. Barnes?" I teased.

He stepped away from the kids and came to stand behind me and wrap his arms around my waist, "Just admiring how nice you look with a baby in your arms" he said. His words had made my heart pound in my chest but before I could say anything, he kissed me on the cheek and stepped back towards the kids to continue pushing them. He looked over at me with a smirk on his face when he noticed the effect his words had on me. I shook my head and laughed when I saw him wink at me. I decided to take Seth upstairs and try to rock him to sleep there. I made my way in the house and let Lynn know what I was doing before I headed to the nursery. I made myself comfortable in the rocking chair and began to sing to him. He finally closed his eyes and had the sweetest little smile on his face as I finished the song I had been singing to him.

"That was beautiful" I heard Bucky say softly. I turned my head to see him standing in the doorway watching me. I stood up and placed the sleeping baby in the crib and covered him with a blanket before turning and walking over to Bucky. He turned to leave and I followed him out of the room, shutting the door softly behind me. As soon as I turned around, Bucky's hands found my waist and pulled me into him…his lips came crashing down on mine.

Thank God

I kissed him back eagerly…this is what I had been craving from him all week…this is what I needed. My hands reached for the bottom of his shirt and I ran my hand up under it to let my fingers slide up his warm skin. He shivered at my touch and I felt one hand leave my waist and travel down to the button of my pants. I closed my eyes and waited for him to unsnap it and slide his hand inside but he never did. I opened my eyes to see he had stepped away from me and was running his hands through his hair as he tried to steady his breathing.

When he saw the confusion on my face, he waved his hand around, "Look where we are" he said hoarsely "Not the time or the place"

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment and I nodded in agreement. I turned away from him and started to head towards the stairs only to feel him wrap his arms around me once again. I whimpered when I felt him grind his hips against my ass…I could feel him hard and ready behind me and it was driving me crazy. He leaned down to kiss my neck before whispering in my ear, "I think you're completely healed now…when we get home tomorrow, I'm going to show you that it was worth the wait"