Chapter 35. Reflections

August 29, 2031

Bucky stepped into the house, kicking his work boots off as he balanced the bouquet of flowers with two bags of last-minute groceries he picked up. The sounds of small bare feet running out of the kitchen reached him and he braced himself for the attack of Rebecca and Billy, or as he called them, The Little Rascals.

"Daddy!" yelled Rebecca, as she hugged his long legs. "Come quick, Mommy's breathing funny."

Instantly he was on alert, and he pushed past his daughter to the kitchen to see Julia bent over the counter, obviously in labour. He placed the flowers and groceries on the counter and put his hand on her back, rubbing it gently.

"How long?" he asked with concern.

"Just an hour but it's already painful," she said. "I called my mom just a few minutes ago and she's about ten minutes out." Another contraction engulfed her, and she moaned, trying to breathe deeply but struggling. It eased and he could see the fear in her eyes even though she was trying to stay calm for the sake of the kids. "I called Dr. Rudzinski's office and she's already at the hospital delivering another baby." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Bucky, I'm scared. This doesn't feel right."

"Do you want to lie down?" he asked gently. She shook her head. He took his phone out and went to the powder room to talk to the person on the other end, grabbing his boots on the way. He returned and put his arm around her, bending over so he could speak directly to her and not alarm their kids who already knew something wasn't right. "We're going to take a portal through to the birthing center. Someone will stay with the kids until your mother gets here."

She nodded and he ran up the stairs to get her bag. As he came down the portal was opening, and he told the kids to stand back. Dr. Strange came through with a young woman, a sorcerer in her own right.

"This is Emily Travis," he said in his clipped way. "She'll stay with your children until a family member arrives." He went over to Julia and quickly brought up a glowing circle that he ran over her back. Then he shook his head at Bucky with concern. "Placental abruption. The placenta has partially detached. You need to get her to the hospital immediately."

As Dr. Strange created another portal to the hospital Bucky slung Julia's bag over his shoulder, picked her up in his arms, and stepped through, followed by Dr. Strange. Emily looked kindly at the two children.

"My name is Emily," she said. "Your mother will be okay. Dr. Strange won't let anything bad happen to her, I promise. Now, would you like to see something wonderful?"

She had them both sit on the family room couch then proceeded to tell them a story complete with sounds and holographic images of imaginary creatures, princes and princesses. It kept them enthralled until Lydia Devin arrived to take over their care.

When Bucky stepped through carrying Julia he called out to the nurse on duty at the maternity admitting desk. Dr. Strange stepped forward, already dressed in civilian clothes, explaining he was a doctor and a sorcerer. When he mentioned placental abruption the nurse immediately ordered Julia be taken to a surgical suite. A gurney was brought forward and Bucky laid her on it, then held her hand right to the doors where the staff said for him to wait. Dr. Strange stood next to him.

"If it's only been an hour there's a good chance they're in time to save the baby and Julia," he said. "If I have to, I can stop time for her so they can operate but I'll only do that if it becomes necessary."

"You can do that?" asked Bucky, his eyes a little wild.

"I can," said the doctor. "She'll be alright. It's a serious complication but her obstetrician has probably dealt with it several times."

"I have," said a voice and they turned around to see Dr. Rudzinksi stripping off her surgical gown from the delivery she just finished. "How long was she in labour before you brought her in, Bucky?"

"She said an hour," he replied and described everything that happened from when he arrived home.

"Okay, if you could scrub up and put a cover over your clothes you can be there when I do the Caesarean section," then she turned to Dr. Strange. "You're welcome to stay, Doctor. I'd like to hear how you diagnosed a placental abruption through magic."

He smiled and followed her to the sink and watched as she thoroughly scrubbed up then waited as a nurse brought her a towel to dry her hands. As he did the same he described the process of how he used magic to see inside. He did tell her he could stop time on Julia if things got out of hand.

"Good to know," she smiled, as a nurse tied on her mask. "Let's go deliver a baby."

This time both Bucky and Julia had asked not to be told what they were having during the ultrasounds. Bucky sat near Julia's head, holding her hand and whispering how much he loved her. Quickly Dr. Rudzinksi confirmed that the epidural was functioning and she cut into Julia's abdomen, exposing the uterus after cutting through the layers above. As she cut into the uterus itself she expressed concern about the amount of blood and she glanced at Dr. Strange. Nodding his head he took the Time stone out and stopped time, just on Julia's uterus.

"Fancy trick," said Dr. Rudzinski as her assistant suctioned out the excess blood. "Let's get Mrs. Barnes set up for a blood transfusion. She's going to need it."

Reaching inside she pulled the baby out and laid him on Julia's abdomen above the cut. Expertly she tied off the umbilical cord and cut it then the baby was taken over to the warming station while Dr. Rudzinksi removed the placenta and checked to see if she had missed anything.

"Okay, let's see if the bleeding is under control, Doctor," she glanced at Strange again and he removed the spell.

They both observed then she nodded her head in approval and had her assistant sew Julia up. Smiling at Doctor Strange she went over to the baby and was happy with how he looked. The nurse wrapped him up and brought him over to Julia and Bucky.

"You have another little boy," said Dr. Rudzinksi. "Everything's fine with him. You got here in time, thanks to Dr. Strange. You'll need to stay an extra day here and we'll talk about whether you should have more children. For now just enjoy your son."

While they talked to their son, Samuel Steven Barnes, Dr. Strange followed Dr. Rudzinski out to the preparation room where they both stripped off their gowns.

"Time for a coffee?" she asked Dr. Strange. "I don't have anymore impending deliveries."

"I could use one," he replied, and they went to the staff lounge.

In the delivery room Julia exposed her breast and watched as Sam groped his way to it before latching on and suckling hungrily. Bucky put his finger in his son's hand and almost cried when the baby boy gripped it hard. Then he pulled his mask down and kissed Julia tenderly.

"Thank you," he whispered. "Sam is going to be thrilled at having a namesake. You heard what Dr. Rudzinski said? This might be it for kids. If it is, I'm good. I don't want you put in any jeopardy if you have another."

"I would have liked one more but I'm good, too," she said. "We're both okay and that's more important. Do you have your phone? You should take a picture and send it to my mother and to Sam. He'll be godfather to this one for sure."

They waited until Sam had finished nursing then Bucky took a close-up shot of him, followed by a shot of a smiling Julia holding Sam. The nurse offered to take one with him in it and he posed with his wife and son, feeling blessed at being a father again.

December 17, 2043. Palisades Tahoe ski resort

"She's up next," yelled 15 year old Bill Barnes, getting his parent's and brother's attention. "Go Rebecca!"

Bucky put his arm around Julia and squinted up to the top of the downhill course. Even with sunglasses on the glare from the sun was intense and he hoped it wouldn't interfere with her run. Twelve-year-old Sam stood just in front of Bucky and looked up at his dad in excitement.

"She's gonna win, Dad," he said. "I just know it."

He squeezed his son's shoulder and smiled at him. From the age of eight when Rebecca began skiing competitively at the local ski hills she had become steadily better and more focussed on improving her technique. Although she also skied in slalom and grand slalom events her favourite was the downhill as the speed of the event appealed to the daredevil in her, a result of the lack of fear that she inherited from her father's super soldier genetics and her mother's neurodiversity. When she began attracting attention from the national ski team at the age of 13 the team officials had insisted on genetic proof that she wasn't a super soldier. Still unwilling to trust a strange laboratory to process it Bucky had convinced Shuri to get the Wakandan lab certified as an official athletic testing facility so that his daughter's results would be accepted. Now, today, 17-year-old Rebecca was skiing in the national finals with the goal of making the Olympic team for the 2044 games in Norway. She was ineligible for the 2040 games as she was under 16 at the time, the lower age limit set by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

The announcer called out Rebecca's name as the next skier and they all watched the start gate on the big screen that was set up near the finish line. As she burst out of the gate the crowd, that included many of their friends and neighbours began cheering and ringing cowbells. Julia covered her ears at the sound, but the excitement was still on her face as she watched her daughter race down at speeds that were listed at almost 100 miles per hour. When she crossed the finish line and looked up at the clock, Rebecca yelled and pumped her fist to see she was first, more than two seconds faster than the previous leader. Quickly taking her skis off she ran to her parents and hugged them and her brothers over the fence. Bill and Sam were both ecstatic. After a kiss from Bucky and Julia, Rebecca took her place at the waiting area, standing in the number one spot. With two more skiers to go she was on the team, guaranteed.

All around the Barnes family, their friends were hugging and patting the family on their backs. Julia's brother Jake, a regular attendee at Rebecca's races was also on the receiving end of many compliments. When the final racer came down failing to bump Rebecca out of her number one spot the media rushed to her, and she looked back towards her parents.

"Later," Bucky mouthed then blew her a kiss before turning to face the local media wanting a sound bite for the evening news that a local skier had made the national ski team in spectacular fashion.

As Julia, her brother, and the boys made their way to the ski chalet to get some hot chocolate Bucky waited patiently as Rebecca dealt calmly with the media and national team officials before she finally looked at him with a tired but still exhilarated look on her face. They hugged and he kissed her on top of her head.

"I did it, Dad," she said. "That was incredible."

"You earned it," he replied. "We're so proud of you. Do you think you're up to skiing all three disciplines and the combined?"

"I can do it. Can I meet you in the chalet? I need to get out of this and have a shower."

"We'll wait for you," he said.

She went off to the accredited skier exit while Bucky continued on to the chalet, interrupted every few moments to accept handshakes from more acquaintances. He felt his phone buzz inside his jacket and took it out, seeing a text from Sam to give Becky Bear his and Anna's love. There were several other messages that he missed in the excitement, all from friends and former Avenger team members. Even Shuri sent her congratulations to Mountain Wolf on her accomplishment. When he got inside the chalet he found Julia and the boys sitting with Greg and his family. His former boss stood up and offered his hand to shake Bucky's.

"That was fantastic, Buck," he said. "She's quite the athlete. You going to Norway to see her?"

"I think so, if I can get away from the business," Bucky replied. "Since you retired I've had more on my plate. I'm surprised to see you here. Thought you were going to spend the winter in Palm Springs and golf."

"I was but this was special," answered Greg, gesturing to the people around them. "It's been a long time since a local skier made the national team and the media are saying she's a favourite for the gold in all three disciplines and the combined."

"She's pretty confident," said Bucky, "and fearless. I'm sure she'll do her best."

Bill came from the concession with a hot chocolate for Bucky, prompting a quick hug for his oldest son. Sitting next to Julia he took a sip and let the warmth fill him. As the hubbub around them ebbed and flowed he looked at her.

"You're sure you're not coming to Norway?" he asked kindly. "I can request a portal for you if it's the travel."

"No, it's not the travel," she replied, smiling. "Even the noise today was almost more than I could bear. It will be much louder at the Olympics. You and the boys go with my blessing. Rebecca understands. Yelena said she'll come to keep me company so I won't be alone."

"Okay, but you know if there are any problems I can get a portal back home in minutes."

He gave Julia a side hug. As she aged her tolerance for loud and busy places had lessened. Since they were homebodies anyways it hadn't affected them much, but it was difficult for her to attend weddings or anything involving large groups of people, especially if they were strangers. It was obvious that being in the crowd outside had tested her limits. She was better inside the chalet but was still displaying some anxiety. When Rebecca arrived fresh from the showers it took her some time to wade through the well-wishers in the chalet. Several asked for selfies or autographs and she calmly obliged them all. By the time she reached them Bill had a hot chocolate ready for her, which she accepted gratefully then she sat next to her mother, putting her arm around her.

"So, the manager of the Olympic team says they have tickets for you all for all of my events, plus the opening ceremonies. I'll be staying in the athletes village but they already have houses booked for all the families. I told him you weren't coming Mom but he said we can take someone else with us, just to let him know who so they can arrange accreditation. They have all sorts of team wear and swag as well."

"Who would you like to see there taking my place?" asked Julia.

"Well, Uncle Jake has made the trips to most of my competitions in the States and Canada," said Rebecca. "Dad, would you mind if I asked him? He's been alone for so long."

"I think he would love to be asked," replied Bucky. "Don't you worry about me. Jake and I get along just fine, as long as he doesn't snore. You want me to go find him? He's probably in the lounge telling everyone he's your uncle."

February 24, 2044. Oslo, Norway

Two months later Bucky, Bill, Sam and Jake were met at the airport by the family liaison official. She escorted them out to where a large vehicle was waiting for them, and they were soon on their way. Rebecca had left several weeks previously, going to a retreat with the rest of the team members to get away from the press and the pressure. They had been training at either the athlete's village or the ski hill for the past week. There was an informal gathering for the families of the athletes scheduled for tomorrow so they could be together for a couple of hours.

"Mr. Barnes, there have been several media requests to speak with you," said the liaison, a pleasant woman named Megan. "It's entirely up to you. We would only ask that you keep the topic on the games and the athletes. If they bring up your Winter Soldier past, we suggest you just end the interview politely and leave."

"No, I'm just here as a father and a fan," said Bucky. "Give them my regrets but I won't do any interviews."

She smiled and made a note on her phone to do just that. After unpacking the four of them went for a walk feeling very much at home in the mild winter temperatures. Bucky did attract some attention from some who recognized him. He posed for selfies with kids but eventually they had to return to the house as they began attracting more people.

The following day they were transported along with the other family members to the reception. All of the athletes were in their national team casual wear. Rebecca waved and came over, hugging everyone.

"How are you doing?" asked Bucky. "You feeling relaxed?"

"Yup, I've been doing the grounding exercise whenever I've been stressed out," she said. "The team psychologist is impressed that you and Mom have done it for years and showed us how when we were growing up. She's says I'm the most relaxed athlete she's ever met. I don't know if that's true but it feels good to know how to do some self care. How's Mom?"

"She sends her love," he replied. "Yelena came to stay with her. So did Katie. They've got Friday primed to alert them when your events are on, so they don't miss a thing."

"Hey Becs, can you introduce Billy to Amanda Wiseman?" asked Sam. "He's got the biggest crush on her."

Bill pushed his younger brother a little, earning a stern look from their Dad.

"Well, several of my teammates want to meet my siblings," she said. "Come on, they're normal people."

That left Bucky and Jake alone. "You want a scotch?" asked Bucky.

"Actually no," said Jake. "I quit drinking after Rebecca asked me to come. Didn't want to be in a position to embarrass her if I went too far. I got my gold chip just before we left."

"I didn't know," said Bucky. "Congratulations on that milestone. It wasn't just Rebecca that made you do it, was it?"

"No, I was thinking of it for a while," he admitted. "My own son didn't want me at his youngest son's christening. That's how low I went. But when Rebecca wanted me to come because I was there for many of her races it just made me realize that the time was right to get my life back on track. When I get back I'll start to make amends with my kids and with John and Janey."

"I've been on the making amends side," said Bucky, sympathetically. "The first one is the hardest. If you ever need to talk, I'm just a phone call away."

Jake nodded his head in thanks and when Bucky went to the bar, he brought back a sparkling water for each of them. He knew his brother-in-law had struggled, especially since his mother, Lydia, died but he didn't know it was as bad as Jake said. It made him wonder if Rebecca had invited him as an incentive to finally take that step and get help. She always was an intuitive and empathetic person.

"They have AA here," said Bucky. "I'll go with you to the meetings if you want the company."

"Thanks, apparently there are several of us family members who attend and we'll go as a group," said Jake. "They even found us an English language one, mostly expatriates that go to it. I appreciate the offer."

Several of Rebecca's teammates shyly approached Bucky asking if he would take a selfie with them. He obliged, feeling just as proud to stand with them. A few hours later when the gathering began to slow down Rebecca approached her father and hugged him. She watched her uncle, seeing him talking with other family members.

"You knew he was thinking of AA, didn't you?" he asked.

She nodded. "At some of my last competitions that you and Mom didn't make it to he admitted he needed help. I told him to take the step and I would be there for him. We all deserve a second chance. You taught me that."

Bucky grimaced as he tried to keep from crying. He hugged Rebecca and whispered in her ear. "You are an amazing woman and you are a woman, not a girl. Someday someone is going to be so glad that you're in their life. I know I have been from the moment you were born. I love you, my darling daughter."

"I love you, too, Dad," she whispered back. "Thank you for being here, and bringing Bill, Sam, and Uncle Jake. It means a lot. I know Mom wanted to be here but just couldn't and that's okay. You're both the best parents anyone could have ever asked for."

Two days later when the American Olympic team walked into the indoor stadium where the opening ceremonies were located Bucky, his sons, and Jake were on their feet recording it on their cell phones. She looked for them as she approached where their seats were and when Bucky called out "Becky Bear," she heard him over the din because of her ability to hear a larger range of sounds. Two days after that they joined the other ski team family members on a bus chartered to take them to the ski hill and watched Rebecca take the lead in the first run in the women's slalom. The following day she kept the lead after the second run, winning the gold. On the podium, after receiving her medal she used ALS to sign "Thank you Mom and Dad." Bucky yelled her name again and she laughed as she heard it. At home, in Lake Tahoe, Julia cried when she saw the gesture. It was commented on by the announcers as a heartfelt tribute to the young Olympian's parents. Two days later she was in the lead after the first run of the giant slalom and finished first in the second run the following day, winning her second gold medal. She won the downhill and the combined slalom/downhill event, making her the youngest Olympian to win four skiing events in one Winter Olympics. Bucky worried about the drug testing, especially when some countries claimed it was impossible for her to win that many at such a young age and it had to be either she was using something illegally or else she had super soldier abilities which enhanced her. The American federation publicly released her genetic testing report, with Bucky's permission, showing that her abilities were similar to those of a child of two great athletes but were not considered enhanced. They pointed out she began skiing at the age of one, was skiing competitively at the age of eight and would have been in the last Olympics but wasn't old enough. The furor died down and when she received her fourth gold medal she handled all the media inquiries with a calm grace that impressed many.

Christmas 2050. Lake Tahoe

The space on the bed next to Bucky was empty and he put his hand on the pillow, worried a little about Julia. It was their 25th anniversary coming up in a few days, and she had been fretting over the people coming to help celebrate. Only Sam, Anna and their boys were actually staying with them, as well as Bill and young Sam on their college break. Rebecca was still iffy, as she was skiing in Europe, hoping to get a portal back for a day before she had to return to the skiing circuit. Getting out of bed Bucky went to the bathroom and washed up before fixing his hair. He noticed more grey in his hair and beard, smiling that his body was finally showing its age. That had been another thing that bothered Julia as she was completely grey haired now, refusing to colour it while still worrying that she was aging faster than him. Pulling his jeans on he grabbed a clean T-shirt from a drawer and padded barefoot down the stairs to the kitchen, seeing his wife at the counter with her back turned to him. She was wearing headphones, probably listening to classical music. Placing his T-shirt on the counter to alert her to his presence he wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck, making her take the headphones off. She had been listening to Chopin.

"How long have you been up?" he asked.

"Just an hour," she replied. "I wanted to get these cinnamon buns ready."

She turned around and looked up at her husband, placing her hand on his cheek, aware that he worried about her and her insomnia. He picked her up easily, placed her on the counter and pulled her close to his body, which still enticed them both. Giving her a proper good morning kiss, as he called it, he ran his hands through her hair.

"I'm going to tell Sam today," he said. "One month's notice, then I'm here full time with you."

"You don't have to do that," she replied. "You can still do the job."

"Not really, not when my mind and heart is here. You've given so much so I could be an Avenger and now I'm stepping back so I can be here for you, where I want to be."

She smiled in acceptance, as they had discussed his retirement several times. Part of her still felt guilty, feeling that it was her issues making him retire but he insisted he had reached a point where the action of his Avengers work didn't appeal to him anymore. Even as training officer he felt he had contributed all he could to the program. It ran well without him. He still planned to work as a contractor in Lake Tahoe, having several crews doing new builds and renovations that respected the character of the original homes. Julia was proud of his contractor work that she viewed as helping the community retain its unique mountain and outdoorsy charm. Once more they kissed, a long slow kiss that brought a whistle from the stairs making the couple break away from each other.

"Man, you two still have it," said Sam. "Over 130 years old and you still act like a horny teenager around Julia."

"That's because she makes me feel like one," replied Bucky, pulling his T-shirt on before helping Julia off the counter. He glanced at Julia, might as well get it over with. "You have a moment?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," replied his Avengers partner for so many years. "I wouldn't mind a coffee first."

Bucky poured them both a coffee and with a glance at Julia the two men went into living room where Bucky stacked some logs in the fireplace and got a fire going. He turned back to Sam and sat kitty corner to him. They both took a drink of their coffee and Bucky gestured to Sam to go first.

"Well, I've been out of the suit for 12 years," began Sam. "I'm 72 and feeling my age. Even as Director it's hard. I've already talked to Joaquin, and he's agreed to take over as Director in June. I wanted to be there when we induct Billy into the Avengers. I wish I could hang on for young Sam, but I think I'm done."

Bucky smirked then put his hand on Sam's arm. "I wanted to tell you the same thing," he said, "except I want to be done in a month. Even though I still go on the odd mission my heart's not in it anymore and I feel my age trying to show those young recruits how to train. I want to be here, with Julia."

Sam's voice lowered and his face was full of concern. "She's not doing well, is she?"

Bucky shook his head. "Her anxiety can be crippling at times, especially when I'm away. She's managed for 25 years but it's hard for her, especially since Jake ..." Sam understood. Jake, her older brother, who had struggled with alcoholism then seemed to turn a page had died suddenly that summer, and there were still questions about whether it was self-inflicted. "I love her too much to watch her suffer alone so I'm going to be here for her, devote myself to her needs."

"What about contracting, you still going to do that?"

His friend nodded his head. "Yeah, I still enjoy that and it's all local so I'll be close. Much of it can be done from our office in the house or by my team. I just have to make an appearance every once in a while, or when I'm getting a new client."

Both men stood up and embraced each other with a heartfelt hug. "You know, I never once thought that the guy who ripped the steering wheel out of my hands as I was driving my car on a freeway would end up being my best friend and best partner I ever had," said Sam. "I do mean partner; all kidding aside, you have always been more than a co-worker. You're a good man, Buck, an amazing husband and father. I'm proud to be your friend."

"Right back at you, Sam," said Bucky. "We'll try to drive out to Delacroix with the trailer, do some fishing off your boat. I'll be there at Billy's induction and Sam's after he graduates. You ..." Bucky began to choke up. "After Steve left, I felt pretty abandoned and even though those first few months were pretty rough between us you didn't pity me. You showed me just the right amount of understanding, compassion, and kicks in the ass when I needed it. I never thought I would have another friend who was like a brother to me, but you were it."

A handkerchief appeared in Bucky's hand and he wiped his eyes with it. Both men gave a little chuckle then returned to the kitchen and offered to help cook breakfast, feeling united like that morning in the Devin house after they took Mason down. Anna joined them shortly after and the four of them enjoyed the sound of the crackling fire, the food, especially the home made cinnamon buns, and the company. When they were finished they began preparing breakfast for their still sleeping kids, who weren't little anymore but were still loved and protected by their parents as if they were. A text announcing a portal brought Rebecca home, just for a few hours but she wanted to be there for such an important milestone as her parent's 25th anniversary of their wedding. It was good for Julia to see her daughter, who had her eyes but her Dad's looks. They exchanged Christmas gifts with her then everyone gave her heartfelt hugs and kisses before she returned to Europe.

Epilogue

In the years that followed the family welcomed several new members to the family. Lane West, a former professional football player turned broadcaster, met Rebecca when he covered a ceremony at the White House for outstanding athletes. Sparks flew between them and at the age of 32, she walked down the aisle with Bucky at a small wedding in the family home. Six months later she was pregnant and gave birth to Bucky and Julia's first grandchild in 2059, a son they named James Alan, after both grandfathers. She retired shortly after but became a broadcaster herself for skiing competitions and the Winter Olympics.

Bill, inducted into the Avengers just six months after Bucky's retirement was a valued member of the team and devoted himself to serving the organization. He didn't meet his wife, Grace Dufour, until he was 34. She was a member of a Canadian diplomatic mission that were taken hostage by terrorists. Hiding from the terrorists she was able to alert the authorities and became the contact person from her hiding place talking to Bill as he coordinated the Avengers team he was leading during the rescue. Impressed by her calm demeanour during the crisis they began dating and were married a year later. A year after their first child, George James, was born in 2065, Bill made the decision to step away from active missions and assumed the position of Director in 2066.

Sam Barnes, born in 2031, was the most like Julia in looks, inheriting her hair and eye colour. Like his brother he was an enhanced human, walking and talking early. His big defining moment as a toddler happened when he climbed up to the roof of the house, using the exterior stone structure of the fireplace to do it. Before Bucky could climb up to retrieve him the boy jumped from the roof into his arms, terrifying Julia. Sam graduated a year early from college, joining the Avengers in 2052. In 2059, at the age of 28, he assumed the mantle of Captain America, receiving the shield from a former Navy Seal, and great grandson of a Howling Commando, Timothy Dugan III. Both Sam and Bucky were there to witness the event. Just weeks later Sam met his wife Michele Chen at a United Nations event. Four months later they married in her hometown of Chicago and were parents to their son John just ten months after that in 2060.

Sam and Anna had two sons, Paul followed by James. Anna died of cancer in 2054. Two years later Sarah, Sam's sister died in a vehicle accident. Bucky was a pallbearer at both their funerals.

John Walker benefited greatly from his time spent on taking down the HYDRA serum factories. After the short-lived experiment of The Thunderbolts, as they were known, the members of that group were integrated into the Avengers free of the influence of Fontaine and Thaddeus Ross. Walker worked best as a team member and freed of command responsibilities contributed in many ways to the success of their missions. His daughter Eva had some super soldier abilities, but none that would classify her as an enhanced human. One of the proudest days of John Walker's life was when his son Lemar joined the Avengers, citing his own rescue as the beginning of his desire to be part of that team.

Thor and Elinor married a year after Sam Barnes was born. They had three sons before they had a daughter. All of their children became involved with the Avengers and they were frequent visitors to the Barnes residence as they kept a house in the vicinity.

After Bucky's retirement Julia's anxiety became better. Having him so close to support her made a big difference and she began enjoying gatherings again. When they became grandparents both were very hands on, showering their grandchildren with love and attention. Together they travelled across the country, taking their trailer so Julia would have a familiar place to stay each night. On her retirement as a police consultant Julia received a commendation from both the San Francisco and Oakland police departments for her outstanding contribution to crime investigation. On December 28, 2075 Julia and Bucky celebrated their 50th anniversary. Julia, at 82 years old was radiant as their children and grandchildren came to Lake Tahoe for Christmas and the celebration. Her kids took care of all the preparations and cooking so that she and Bucky, then 157 years old could spend the time with their grandchildren. It was a wonderful time for them and everyone left there with great memories of the time spent with Grandma and Poppa.