"You want my approval for what?" Director Carter asked looking at her two closest friends.
"I'm going to make Bucko an arm, Pegs." Howard stated as if it was obvious. "By this time next year, he won't be lopsided anymore!"
"Why exactly do you need my approval? You've never asked me for that on any of your other projects." Peggy crossed her arms.
"Because I'll need time off for the replacement surgery and for physical therapy." Bucky answered. "I know this will take time, so I won't be able to train the guppies anymore."
"If this is really something you want James, I can't deny you. Have you spoken with Rosemarie about it?" Peggy uncrossed her arms and bent over her desk to sign off on the paperwork.
"I haven't had the chance." Peggy paused to look back up at Bucky. "Howard only brought it up thirty minutes ago."
"I'm not signing off on this until Rosemarie agrees, James." Peggy said plainly. "This will affect her as well."
"I know that, Peg." Bucky said seriously. "I'm not gonna go through with it unless she gives me the go ahead."
"But," Howard butted in only to back down when Bucky gave him a sharp look.
"This is as much her decision as it is mine. I'll talk to her tonight."
"Good man," Peggy praised. "I have no doubt that she will approve, but she deserves to be consulted with. Now, if she agrees, James will need to locate a suitable replacement for his work and Howard, you will give your full attention to this. I want this done right."
"You know I can't put a project down, Peg." Howard huffed, his ego bruised.
"I was actually thinking of asking the other Commandoes if they would want to join S.H.I.E.L.D. as either agents or trainers." Bucky suggested.
"Now, that is an idea." Peggy grinned fondly. "Very well. Talk to your wife and then call your team, Barnes. Now both of you, shoo. I've got work to do."
X-X-X
Rosemarie was making her way home from the hospital with a spring in her step. In the past few weeks, she'd been suffering from dizzy spells and had even vomited multiple times. She was fairly concerned she'd contracted something awful, but when she was late for her menstrual cycle, she knew it was something else entirely.
As on of her neighbors was a nurse, Rosemarie was able to make an appointment with a doctor relatively quickly. The doctor confirmed that her suspicions were true and Rosemarie left elated.
As she made her way up to her apartment, her neighbor Susan caught up with her.
"So, what did Dr. Miller say, Rosemarie?" Susan asked as she balanced a bag of groceries on her hip. "I'm sorry I couldn't get you in to see him on one of my shifts."
"Oh, its fine, Susan. I'm just thankful you were able to get me seen." Rosemarie smiled at her friend. "Dr. Miller said I'm about six weeks pregnant! The baby should be born around February."
"That's wonderful!" Susan squealed, giving Rosemarie a one-armed hug. "I'm so happy for you!"
"You'll help me, right?" Rosemarie asked. As Susan already had two kids of her own, she was a wealth of experience.
"Of course I will." Susan agreed readily. "I've got to go get dinner ready, but how about you come over on Saturday?"
"I'll see you then! Thanks again, Susan!" Rosemarie waved to her friend before entering her own apartment. She couldn't wait to tell James.
X-X-X
Rosemarie was just putting the finishing touches on dinner when Bucky walked in the door.
"Hi, doll." He greeted, giving her a kiss to the temple. "How are you feeling?"
Rosie circled her arms around Bucky's neck and gave him a passionate kiss. "I'm ecstatic." She breathed when they parted for air.
"I can tell." Bucky murmured, chasing her lips.
The couple continued to neck in their small kitchen for several moments before separating.
"I've got some big news." Bucky announced, pulling Rosie's char out for her and fetching their dinner plates.
"I bet I've got even bigger news." Rosie challenged as her husband sat down across from her.
"Oh, yeah? What is it?"
"You go first." Rosie grinned mischievously. "I want mine to win."
"All right." Bucky set his fork down. "Howard thinks he can build a new arm for me. What's your news?"
"Oh, I've definitely won." Rosie folded her hands under her chin. "You're going to be a daddy."
Bucky blinked in shock. "What?"
"I'm pregnant." Rosie smiled wide.
In less than three seconds, Bucky was out of his chair and had Rosie in a one-armed embrace. "Really? How did- when?"
"I found out this morning." Rosie guided Bucky's hand to her flat stomach. "We're going to be parents."
Bucky laughed joyously and twirled his wife. Dinner could wait.
Raise your hand if you're excited for Baby Barnes!