Chapter 26. Getting Hitched
There were several Avengers that got up with Bucky for a run the next morning. Even Terry and Tommy came out and joined them. They ran the perimeter of Clint's farm which didn't take long for most of them. By the time they got back the caterers had pancakes, sausages, bacon and scrambled eggs ready for everyone. There were also an assortment of muffins, pastries and fresh fruit. No one said anything when both Bucky and Tommy piled up their plates, knowing already they had caloric requirements for the high metabolism they shared. Clint came out to the food tables and loaded up a plate for Lacey, taking it back in the house.
Bucky watched, a big smile on his face. "I'm not even allowed to see her at breakfast?" he called as Clint went back inside.
"No," replied Clint leaning out the door briefly. "You'll see her this afternoon."
There was some laughter from the other guests and Bucky stayed put in his chair, stuffing his face, as Tommy called it. He noticed Terry sitting next to Sarah and were both flirting in an outrageous way. When he glanced at Sam, sitting on his other side it seemed he was okay with it. Sam looked at him and shrugged slightly.
"She's a grown woman," he said. "He's a nice man."
"So was I," said Bucky, in mock offence.
"You were taken," replied Sam, then he changed the subject. "So, what's this big announcement that Fury's going to make at the reception?"
"I don't know," lied Bucky. "He hasn't said anything to me."
"You're a terrible liar," said Sam. "I'm shocked he's even going to be here. There's only a skeleton crew minding the compound and I never heard of him attending any social functions with the old Avengers."
"Times change," said Bucky. "Maybe they have the training centre completed."
"Right," drawled Sam. "I can just see you being the first one there, pumping iron, doing a thousand push ups every day, and practicing your marksmanship."
"It's why I'm good at what I do," replied Bucky. "My body is a machine, Sam. Haven't you always said that?"
Sam sniffed and kept eating his breakfast while Bucky just chuckled. They were all going to be so surprised. Clint came out of the house again and this time he was looking for volunteers starting with Bucky and Sam.
"We have to finish decorating the barn," he announced. "Dressing the chairs, and tables, setting them in the right position, making sure the stage is safe for the DJ. Peter, you know technical stuff, can you check the lighting and make sure it all works?"
Peter Parker stopped chewing, mid-bite. "Sure, I can do that," he said, with his mouth partially full of food.
With Clint glaring at everyone breakfast seemed to speed up and soon there was a small army finishing the barn decoration as well as making sure the wedding ceremony location was also ready. With a couple of hours left before the ceremony Clint was satisfied and everyone was released to begin getting ready.
It was a good thing that Fury made sure they would have enough hot water for the showers as everyone hit them almost at the same time. Bucky needed only five minutes and he didn't care if it was hot or cold having been used to getting it done quickly either way. He came out of his shower and shaved, running his hand over his face after to make sure he hadn't missed a spot. He used a balm instead of an aftershave lotion, wanting to keep his inevitable five o'clock shadow as soft as possible. Then he brushed his teeth and looked out his bedroom door to see Terry and Tommy putting their suits on inside the trailer.
"My bathroom is free if anyone needs to use it," he announced, peeking out with a towel wrapped around his waist.
Sam came in to shave and brush his teeth while Bucky started dressing. Tommy came in with his tie in hand.
"Dad, how do I do this?" he asked.
Bucky zipped his pants up then stood behind Tommy in front of a mirror and placed the tie around his son's neck. "I learned the Windsor knot from my dad but when I joined the army they taught me the four-in-hand knot which is easier," he said. "That's the one I use now so I'll show you that one."
Patiently he showed Tommy how to do it, then asked if he wanted a go himself. When Tommy said yes Bucky undid the tie and walked him through it again, letting Tommy work the tie. When Tommy pulled the wide part through the top and down for the final part Bucky smiled at him.
"You got it," he said. "I couldn't have done better myself." Tommy beamed and Bucky hugged him from behind, before planting a kiss on top of his caramel brown hair. "You want some product for your hair?"
Tommy nodded and Bucky grabbed his can of pomade. He took about a dime's worth out, put it in Tommy's palm then told him to rub it well between his hands to warm it up and spread it around his fingers. Next, he instructed Tommy to start from the back of his head and lightly work his fingers to his crown, rub his hands again to redistribute it, then work it into the top and front, making sure to distribute it evenly.
"I use a water based one," he said, "so that it doesn't look greasy or waxy. I make sure my hair is dry when I use it so that it doesn't look wet either. When I was young I used Brylcreem but it makes it look too slick for my taste now. This looks more natural to me."
Gently he adjusted a few pieces of hair that stuck out, smoothing them back into place. Then Sam tossed him a hand towel and he gave it to Tommy to remove the remaining pomade from his hands. His son looked at himself in the mirror and smiled broadly.
"Looks good," he said, turning his head one way then another before smiling at Bucky. "Thanks, Dad."
Bucky felt his throat constrict and his eyes begin to water. "You're welcome," he said, trying not to give in to the strong emotion he felt at that moment.
Tommy went back out to the living area of the RV and Bucky watched him, noticing that Sarah was helping Terry with his tie. There were several soft looks and smiles exchanged between them as she straightened the knot, then his collar.
"You're a good Dad," said Sam, who had witnessed Bucky and Tommy's moment as he came out of the bathroom. "You're going to be okay at being a husband and father."
"Thanks," replied Bucky, turning back, slightly embarrassed. He picked up his shirt, put it on, and began buttoning it up. "I missed out on so much with him. Lacey did such a good job raising him. So did Terry. I kind of hope he and Sarah make a go of it. He would be good to her and the boys." He hesitated for a moment. "Lacey's pregnant, five weeks. We're going to announce it at the reception but you're my best friend, so I'll tell you now."
Sam stuck his hand out grinning. "Congratulations, that's awesome," he said. "She really is the right woman for you. Even when you two were split up you looked out for her and Tommy. You're a good man, Buck. Really, you are."
"So are you," replied Bucky, who took a deep breath. "Let's get this wedding going, okay?"
Sam nodded and left Bucky to finish getting ready. By the time they assembled in the living area of the RV there was a knock on the door. Laura came in with the boutonnières and a small box for Bucky. He opened it and smiled as he read the enclosed note. It was a Rolex, a vintage one. Sam looked at it and whistled out loud.
"That's beautiful," he said. "Do you know how old it is?"
"1941," said Bucky. "She found it when she went wedding dress shopping in New York." The tears began forming in his eyes as he strapped it on his right wrist. He pulled his handkerchief out and dabbed at his eyes. "Look at me, I'm crying like a baby. Laura, tell her I loved it. I won't wear it on missions because I'm scared I'll break it but I'll wear it for special occasions. Hold on, while I get her present."
He went back to the bedroom and came out with a long flat case, handing it to Laura without a word, only a smile. She kissed him on the cheek and left with the case.
"Pearls," he said to the others. "I've always loved seeing a woman in pearls. I have something for all of you as well. Let me get them." He returned to the bedroom and came out with three different sized boxes and a folded piece of paper. "I wasn't sure what to get you but I'm a practical guy, so Sam, I got you this for one of those quiet nights on your porch, enjoying the ambience."
He handed him a box. Inside was a bottle of 20 year old Macallan scotch, an engraved crystal glass, and a package of three premium cigars. Sam nodded his head smiling.
"Thank you," he said. "You'll have to come and taste this sometime. I'll bet it's good."
Bucky turned to Terry and smiled emotionally at him. "I wasn't expecting to find another man who I regarded as a brother," he began. "After you first punched me I thought for sure you hated me but later you extended your hand in friendship. I've appreciated your counsel since then. Here, I was told these are really good and I thought they would come in handy during an afternoon game."
Bucky handed Terry his box and he opened it up to a pair of Oakley sunglasses. Smiling he took them out and put them on, then went into the bathroom to see how they looked. He came out and gave Bucky a bear hug, thanking him profusely. Bucky looked at Tommy.
"You were the hardest to buy for because you're not old enough to drink," he said, smiling. "You're not old enough to smoke, and at your age I would be worried about you losing an expensive pair of sunglasses. So your Mom and I talked and I convinced her that once we move to where we told you, you could have one of these to ride around on the property."
He unfolded the sheet of paper and gave it to Tommy. His face erupted in a big smile as it showed a smaller version of a Kawasaki motorcycle, a different model from Bucky's.
"Seriously, Dad?" he asked. "You trust me on a motorbike?"
"Well, I'll teach you to maintain it, and ride it properly. You can only do it if you're geared up with a helmet and protective wear," replied Bucky. "Like I said, it's only for riding on the property. You're not old enough to have a licence so you can't ride it on the roads or highways. I trust you, Tom. Don't let me down."
Tommy grabbed him around the middle and held on tight. Bucky patted his back.
"What's that box for?" asked Tommy, pointing to a small box on the counter.
"Well, that's something for Sarah," said Bucky, looking fondly at her. "Kind of a thank you for letting me live with them and being like my sister."
He opened the box, revealing a white gold bracelet with a single birthstone. Taking it out he fastened it to her wrist receiving a kiss on the cheek as thanks.
They put their boutonnières on, with Sarah's help, then Bucky led them to the door and they went out into the heat of the day. Almost everyone was already seated at the wedding venue. Even though there were industrial fans blowing the air around most people were fanning themselves in the heat.
"You ready for a wedding, Sergeant Barnes?" said a familiar voice and Bucky turned to see Nick Fury, accompanied by Dr. Strange and Wong.
"I'm ready," said Bucky. "Thank you for everything you've done to make it happen. It's been a great week."
"Good," replied Fury. "It's been a long time since we had a happy occasion to celebrate. Here's to many more such occasions."
The three men took their seats and the officiant waved to Bucky then came to see him. He was a local, who performed non-religious ceremonies which is what Bucky and Lacey wanted. As he approached them, he had a big smile.
"You have a beautiful day for your wedding, Bucky," he said. "I've heard that Lacey will be ready in about five minutes so if you gentlemen want to come up front and wait there it's fine. The guitarist is in place and will begin playing the music as soon as the bridesmaids appear."
He returned to the front with Bucky and the others following him. They sat on the chairs provided for them and Bucky breathed deeply, running through a grounding exercise in his mind to keep his anxiety down. The officiant received the signal, telling Bucky and the others it was time. He signalled the guitar player who began playing What a Wonderful World. Bucky stood up and watched as Lila started her walk, followed by Lacey's sister Nancy, then finally Laura Barton. When the song changed to Elton John's Your Song, he saw Clint lead Lacey out of the house, then down the steps. His heart flew up into his throat as she came into view. She wore a cream coloured dress of lace, with her hair up and flowers inserted in the back. Around her neck was the string of pearls. In her arms was a small bouquet of deep red roses. They waited at the back briefly then began the slow walk to him. Her eyes were only on him as his were on hers and he thought he had never seen her so beautiful as she looked at that moment. When she and Clint arrived in front of him, Clint put her hand into Bucky's, then patted his friend on the back. Lacey got a kiss on the cheek. They turned and faced the officiant who smiled at them both.
"Folks, go ahead and sit down," he announced. "We're here to witness the ceremony of marriage between Lacey Christina Williams and James "Bucky" Barnes. This wedding has been almost ten years in the making since this couple first met in 2014, then were separated by circumstance and tragedy. Even though they faced difficulties after being reunited in 2023 they both hoped their love would prevail and it has as they are here today to commit to a life together. Before we begin, if there is any reason this couple should not marry, I would ask that an objection be raised now."
He looked over the assembled guests and nodded his head when no one said anything.
"Bucky, would you please say your vows to your beloved Lacey?" he asked.
Bucky faced Lacey and took her hand in his. "In the fall of 2014, I was a broken man; on the run, trying to get away from those who would use me against my will. I was a stranger and you gave me shelter. I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you quenched my thirst. Even though I had to leave the next day I never forgot your kindness, and you stayed in my heart from that time on. When I learned that you gave me a son I vowed I would make it right and marry you. Today is the completion of that vow. From this day forward I promise to love only you, to be faithful only to you, to be a good husband and father to our son, and any other child you bless me with. With you I will always be truthful, respectful, and to protect you and our family from harm."
She smiled at him the whole time he spoke, and when his voice broke during his vows for the future, she pulled her hand out of his and caressed his cheek.
"Lacey, would you please say your vows to your beloved Bucky?" asked the officiant.
She took his hand in hers and looked up at him. "There is so much that I could say to you about how we fell in love so quickly, even though it was months before we told each other how we felt," said Lacey. "Though we faced a long-distance separation, misunderstandings, and a kidnapping, I never once doubted your love for me. The hardest time was those five years when I thought you were lost to me for good. Now, I'm standing in front of you, older, hopefully wiser, and absolutely sure that this was always meant to happen. I know with certainty that I will never love anyone as much as I love you, there is no other who will ever tempt me, that being your wife will bring joy to my heart and having more children with you will bring joy to our lives. I will always be truthful to you, and I will be your loving partner in everything for the rest of our lives together."
"I will now ask Bucky and Lacey to declare their intent," said the officiant. "Usually the couple declares individually but they have asked to declare it together, as a symbol of their devotion to each other. Bucky and Lacey, do you take this person, standing before you, to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to live together in matrimony, to love each other, comfort each other, honour and keep each other, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"
"We do," they both said, smiling at each other as they said it.
"May I have the rings, please?" asked the officiant, receiving them from Laura and Sam. "These rings are unbroken circles and symbolize the infinite love of your commitment together. When you wear them remember this moment as the time when your journey from first meeting each other came full circle to when you committed yourselves to each other for eternity." He handed Bucky the ring for Lacey. "Bucky, repeat after me, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever."
Bucky placed the ring on Lacey's finger and repeated the vow. He handed Bucky's ring to Lacey.
"Lacey, repeat after me," he said. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever."
Lacey placed the ring on Bucky's ring finger and repeated the vow.
"Friends and family of the couple," said the officiant. "I know that many of you have waited for this moment as much as these two have. With you as witnesses, Bucky and Lacey have pledged to be joined in marriage. They have sealed their pledges with the exchange of wedding rings. By the authority granted to me by the State of Iowa, I now pronounce you married. You may now complete the ceremony with the sharing of a kiss."
To applause, whistles, and several cheers Bucky placed both of his hands on Lacey's cheeks and gave her a tender but passionate kiss. Then they hugged each other firmly. As they signed the papers with Laura and Sam, the guitarist played Fly Me to the Moon which some people sang along with. He followed that up with How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You). For their exit processional he played Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours. They formed a receiving line, so everyone had a chance to say their congratulations then were able to get a drink, a scotch for him, ginger ale for Lacey. Bucky put his arm around Lacey and kissed the top of her head.
"You look amazing," he said. "My heart was in my throat when you came out of the house. I couldn't believe how beautiful you looked."
"Thank you for the pearls," she replied. "I cried when I saw them."
She wavered slightly and Bucky put his arm around her. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Maybe you should sit for a while?"
"It's just warm," replied Lacey. "I felt a little faint for a moment."
"Sam, could you see if the bar can make up a little ice bag for Lacey?" asked Bucky. "I think she's feeling the heat."
Sam ran over to the bar and came back with a plastic bag full of ice. Bucky placed it on the back of Lacey's neck and she looked at him in appreciation. "You take such good care of me," she said.
Clint was suddenly there studying her with a concerned face. "You're not going to faint at your own wedding are you?" he asked. "Bucky I have some sport drinks inside. Lacey can sip on one to restore her electrolytes. She should be in a cooler environment, maybe in your trailer?"
"But what about the photographer?" she asked.
"I'll talk to him," said Clint. "He won't want the bride fainting in the heat. It would hurt the baby."
Lacey started to cry. "Did Laura tell you?" she asked.
"We've had three," smiled Clint, looking at Laura who was vigorously shaking her head at Lacey's assumption. "You don't think I couldn't tell when Laura was first pregnant with the last two? Now, go cool down. You have a couple of hours before the reception. The photographer will do your pictures a little later and the light will be so much better."
Bucky picked her up in his arms and carried her to the trailer followed by the others. As soon as he sat her down on the sofa, he cranked up the air conditioning. Clint brought the sport drink, and she sipped it while Bucky kept the ice bag on the back of her neck. A few minutes later there was another knock on the door. Sam opened it to Bruce and Dr. Strange. Bruce kneeled in front of Lacey; his face full of concern.
"You got a bit overheated?" he asked. "How far along are you?"
She looked at Bucky, who shrugged. "Is there anyone who doesn't know by now?" she asked.
Bruce smiled apologetically. "I saw Bucky carrying you," he replied. "I've seen you pregnant before, remember? Stephen is an MD as well so we're just making sure you're okay. No one else knows."
"I'm about five weeks," said Lacey. "I had my implant removed about seven weeks ago. Missed my period, took an over-the-counter pregnancy test, no morning sickness. I just felt a little faint and you're all making such a big deal over this."
"Of course we are," said Bruce, with his gentle voice. "You're part of the Avenger family. You were when you were first pregnant with Tommy. We just couldn't help you then as much as we wanted because of circumstances. But now, we're all over it."
"I can examine you with magic and confirm for sure," said Dr. Strange. "If you'll permit me."
Lacey looked at Bucky who just watched it all with a little smile on his face. "They care, Lacey," he said.
She nodded at Dr. Strange and he conjured up several glowing circles from his hands and ran them over her, looking at the symbols that were generated by them. It took only a couple of minutes, then he stopped and stepped back.
"You're right about your timelines," he confirmed. "Your electrolytes were a little out which is why you felt faint. I would suggest you add a little bit of salt to the sport drink to get them back to an acceptable level. Half a teaspoon maybe in what you have left. You should be good to go for the rest of the evening as long as you don't overdo it."
Everyone in the small crowd inside the trailer gave a sigh of relief and Sam brought over the salt container. He poured out an amount on a spoon and poured it into Lacey's sport drink. After she swirled it around to dissolve the salt she sipped it again. Clint, Bruce, and Dr. Strange left satisfied that she would be alright. To her surprise, Lacey began to feel better by the time she was almost finished the drink. Her colour returned and Laura said her skin temperature felt better after laying the back of her hand across Lacey's forehead. Bucky offered her his hand as she stood up and watched her intently for any signs of distress.
"I'm good," she said to everyone. "Really, I feel a lot better. Let's get those photos done and have a party."
They filed out of the trailer and saw Clint standing with the photographer. It was the same man who had taken Lacey's head shot for her second book and he waved.
"You're, okay?" he asked Lacey. "After seeing what Clint has here on the farm, I have some ideas for some unique shots. I definitely want to use that old truck. What a beauty. Shall we get started?"
Bucky and Lacey nodded, following him over to the old truck, where he arranged everyone in various poses on and beside the vehicle. As Clint had predicted the light was better as the sun was lower in the sky. It had a golden property to it that would come through on the finished photographs. By the time the formal photographs were finished the guests were taking their place in the barn for the reception and everyone was in the mood for a party.