So, I should have explained in the last chapter, but I got ahead of myself. This chapter deals with the end of Agent Carter Season 2. Mild spoilers if you haven't seen the show yet.
The whole trip to California was insane. Peggy had managed to land herself in the world's most awkward love triangle, a crazy movie star had been on a murder rampage using her newly acquired powers that she absorbed through "dark matter". Said movie star shot Anna, and Chief Thompson had been found dead in his hotel room. Bucky was glad to say that they would be going home soon.
Bucky had just gotten off the phone with Rosie, promising that yes, he had remembered her souvenir and that he would see her in two days. He went to head downstairs to check on Anna, but when he got to his door, Peggy was standing outside it with her hand poised to knock.
He blinked. "Hi, Peggy."
"James." She nodded. "Might I have a moment?"
"Sure." He opened the door wider to let her in.
Peggy rung her hands as she stepped into his bedroom. Bucky blinked at her again.
"Are you alright, Peg?"
"Oh, quite."
"Then what's wrong?"
"I…you know I truly did love Steve, correct?"
Well, that was out of left field. "Yes?"
"Good." She went back to wringing her hands.
"Peggy." Bucky said as he took one of her hands in his. "If you want to date Sousa, I understand."
"You…what?"
"You weren't exactly discreet, Pegs." Bucky laughed.
Peggy glared but smiled. "Thank you, James. You've become a dear friend and I didn't want you to think…" She trailed off.
"I wouldn't. You deserve to be happy."
"So do you, James."
X-X-X
Bucky had never been so happy to be home. Rosie had been waiting for him when he got back to Stark's mansion. They were in each other's arms within seconds.
"James," Rosemarie said between kisses, "after careful consideration, I've decided that you're not allowed to leave for that long ever again."
Bucky laughed and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Agreed."
X-X-X
After a brief discussion, Howard agreed to give Bucky some much needed time off. Bucky immediately convinced Rosie to take some time off and vacation with him. She agreed and after a severe lecture with Mr. Jones about abstinence and respect, the couple was on their way to Hawaii.
They spent two weeks exploring the island's beaches and wildlife. They also spent quite a bit of time getting to know each other better.
On the last day of their trip, Bucky made up his mind; Rosemarie was the only one for him. He loved her. He loved the way her curly hair frizzed up in the heat. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she was excited. He loved that she had a habit of biting her fingernails. Heck, he even loved her firm personality.
While Rosie was in her room (yes, they had separate hotel rooms) packing up, Bucky snuck out and went to the local jewelry store. The salesman was all too happy to show Bucky an extravagant assortment of engagement rings.
Knowing that his girl preferred simple, elegant things, Bucky chose a single, princess cut diamond set in a gold band. The salesman was overly excited while ringing Bucky's purchase up and even more so once Bucky told him to send the bill to Howard's mansion.
Bucky carefully tucked the velvet box into his pocket and sauntered back to the hotel. Hopefully, Rosie wouldn't notice how long he'd been gone.
X-X-X
Rosemarie had been home for two days now and she was having a hard time adjusting to real life.
Those two weeks spent with James were magical. She'd had boyfriends in the past, but this thing she had with James felt different. It was something special and precious. It should have been a shock to find that she loved him so fully, but it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
Rosemarie had spent her first day back at work in a dream like cloud. She just couldn't get James' boyish grin off her mind. She was currently trying to focus on restocking items when a single arm snaked around her waist and a solid body pressed against her back.
"Well, hello to you too." She smiled, turning around to give James a proper hug.
James grinned and kissed her nose. "I have something important we need to talk about. Can you meet me for dinner tonight?"
"Yes. Is something wrong?" Rosemarie leaned back to look him in the eye.
"Well, I have a new job opportunity with the government." James said seriously. "And I need to talk about it with you before I accept it."