Chapter 27. The Best Is Yet To Come

Content warning: Contains sexual content which may be unsuitable for readers under the age of 18.

—

As they waited outside the barn for their cue to enter Bucky took Lacey's hand and kissed it.

"Thank you again," he said.

"For what?" she asked, puzzled.

"For not hitting me with the shovel while I lay on the garage floor," he said. "I had almost reached the end of my limit when I saw your brother leave the garage door open. I had been chased, shot, chilled by the swim to Staten Island, soaked by the rain, and had almost no energy left because I hadn't eaten in two days. Then you came into the garage, wearing only your pyjamas, grabbing that shovel and by the look on your face you were ready to use it. I just wanted it to be over."

"I wouldn't have," replied Lacey. "I was terrified, hoping you would just get up and run past me. Then you spoke, I saw your eyes, and I knew you wouldn't hurt me."

Bucky smiled, remembering that morning. "You offered me a hand up, put your arm around my waist, while I leaned on you," he said softly. "For such a small woman you had such strength. You still do."

"You can always lean on me, Bucky," she said, touching his face with her hand. "I'll lean on you when I need to as well."

"Always," he said, kissing the top of her head.

Sam rolled his eyes at the display. "So, what song are we using to enter?" he asked, in anticipation. "Something Motown, R & B?"

Bucky looked at him with a twinkle in his eyes. "Sam, you are looking at a woman who loves big band music as much as I do," he said. "She came up with the song and I loved it."

Sam looked at Lacey in confusion. "I looked after my grandpa while he was dying," she said. "He had so many LP records, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin ... I could go on for hours. He wanted to hear them all before he died. When I first came here to the farm, I couldn't bring them with me, but Maria Hill offered to keep them in a safe place. She was as good as her word and they were delivered to me in Philadelphia a couple of months ago, along with all of my books."

"Okay, but what song?" he asked, almost in desperation.

Lacey laughed. "It's called Ain't That a Kick in the Head by Dean Martin," replied Lacey. "Bucky and I are going to do some choreographed moves to it. You and everyone else in the wedding party will be called in before us and can enjoy our performance like the wedding guests. Trust me, Sam, the lyrics fit our situation so well. Oh, and I promised Maria you would dance with her later. She kind of likes you."

Sam seemed taken aback by that, then a slow smile spread across his face. The cue was given, the other members of the bridal party came in, were introduced, and took their seats then the music started. The wedding guests never knew what hit them as Bucky and Lacey performed a dance to the lyrics and tempo of the song. Even Sam was blown away as he watched Bucky - stoic, grumpy, Bucky, dance like someone on Dancing with the Stars. When the song ended, and everyone was in a standing ovation, he clapped Bucky on the back.

"How long have you known how to dance like that?" he asked. "I never knew."

"1935, give or take a year," he replied. "Sam, I saw Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Count Basie ... all those legends, live in the clubs around New York. That's the music I danced to. I lived for swing dancing, jitterbug, and the Lindy hop. I listened to big band music all the time. When those records were delivered I was in nirvana. It was like rediscovering a part of me that had been buried."

Sam gave him a pound hug. "That's awesome," he said. "I take it most of the music tonight will be big band?"

"There will be some big band, some Motown, some R&B, some country...," Bucky's voice trailed off. "Something for everyone, I promise."

The caterers began serving the food, making sure Bucky and Tommy received extra. When the meal was almost finished the speeches and toasts were made. Some were funny and some brought tears. Clint Barton took the mike near the end of the speeches and looked out over everyone.

"Well, you all know where I live now," he said, then he looked at Fury. "So much for off the books. I don't mind. Lacey Chapman, sorry Lacey Barnes came to live with my family when she was a month pregnant with her son. This farm became her haven and during the Blip, she and her brother Terry took responsibility for it, keeping it going. I can never repay her enough for that, although this wedding is a start. Since Lacey first moved here and because her parents passed away I've kind of looked on her as my adult daughter. I can tell you that she is a strong, beautiful woman with a work ethic that doesn't quit."

He took a drink of his beer.

"Now Bucky Barnes," began Clint, "was once one of the most feared HYDRA operatives known to the intelligence community but it wasn't until Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, and Sam Wilson battled with him that his real identity became known. It took some time to rescue him and treat him, but now he's an Avenger where he belongs. Bucky is the type of man I want on my six, all the time. He's had his share of PTSD, but 70 years of torture can do that to a man. He's smart, well read, thorough and he steps up every time."

"What's your point?" asked Bucky, to some laughter.

Clint smiled. "There was a time I was furious with Bucky," he admitted, "when I thought he did something hurtful to Lacey and Tommy. I later realized he was trying to protect them and truly loved them so much he was willing to make himself look bad to keep them safe. That's the mark of a man who loves fully, completely, and deeply. There is no one else I could trust to look after Lacey and Tommy. I know that you will both make each other very happy. Here's to Lacey and Bucky, may you have many wonderful years together."

Everyone raised their glasses to Clint's toast. Nick Fury stood up next, took the mike, and looked at Bucky and Lacey. "I'm just up here to make a small announcement before the happy couple addresses you," he said. "As you know we have been rebuilding the compound for some time. We already have a main building with living quarters, briefing facilities, and meal services. I'm pleased to announce that our training facility has also been completed. It is comprised of a gymnasium, gun range, martial arts studio, archery range, and workout room. The adjacent armoury, where all weapons will be stored will be completed in two weeks. Having a training centre also meant we wanted someone with the knowledge and experience to oversee the training of team members, both Avengers and armed support. When we were going over the skill sets of the candidates for Chief Training Officer one name kept leaping out over all the others. The selection committee, comprised of myself, Colonel Rhodes, Clint Barton, and Sam Wilson, unanimously agreed the best candidate was James "Bucky" Barnes and he accepted the position, effective immediately, although for some reason he insisted he had to go on his honeymoon first."

For a fraction of a second there was no sound then everyone stood up for a standing ovation. Lacey looked proudly at Bucky and they kissed then both stood up to take the mike from a smiling Fury. He shook Bucky's hand and nodded his approval.

"You lied," said Sam. "You mentioned the training facility but didn't say the rest."

"I didn't lie," replied Bucky. "I just didn't say anything more. You lied too. You were on the selection committee and didn't say a word."

Sam laughed hilariously but he stood up and hugged his friend. Bucky waited for the noise to die down then he looked out over everyone.

"First, thank you to Clint and Laura for agreeing to host the wedding," he said. "It's already been memorable. Thank you Nick Fury for providing the accommodations for everyone. In a way it's been like a team retreat here. I've seen a lot of bonding which will translate into success on missions. As for the training officer announcement it won't be just physical work. There will be languages training, work on observational skills, stealth maneuvers, tactics, etc. I have 70 years of programming in my brain, that I'm eager to pass on because my goals are to make sure the team is always ready, always prepared for contingencies, and that everyone comes home alive and in one piece."

He leaned over and grabbed his drink, taking a sip.

"Like many of you I'm on call 24/7," he stated. "As training officer, I realized I have to be near the compound to provide my expertise as and when it is needed. A farm bordering the compound came up for sale and it will become our home, as soon as we return from our honeymoon. There are advantages to being so close to the compound. It's within easy commuting distance to Lacey's publisher in New York. I can run over or ride my motorcycle getting there quickly to deal with any emergency missions. I'll be back home every evening except when I'm on a mission. Being home will be of benefit in about eight months when Lacey gives birth to our second child as I plan to be a hands-on father in every way, something I was unable to do with my son Tom. Thank you to Lacey for forgiving me and agreeing to marry me. Thank you to Tom for letting me be a dad to you from now on. Finally, thank you all for coming to the wedding."

There was applause and whistles from everyone at the announcement and Bucky handed the mike back to Clint who looked with fondness at the couple before facing the guests.

"We're going to reset the tables, open the dance floor up, and get this party going," he said. "First dance is in about half an hour. If you can stay and move tables, we would appreciate it."

Many volunteered to help, and they soon had a large space cleared. The DJ was already set up and was just checking his lights. One of them up top wouldn't turn on and Peter webbed up to check the connections, coming back down once the light came on. Many of the guests stopped to congratulate them on Bucky's position and the pregnancy. Gradually, the steady stream of people slowed down and Bucky and Lacey were seated on the truck bed in the dusk, waiting for their first dance.

"After the first dance, and dancing with my "Dad" I'm going to go in and change into a shorter dress," said Lacey.

"Did you buy a new dress for the reception?" asked Bucky.

"No, this is one that Natasha bought me when I first went to Stark Tower," answered Lacey. "When Steve saw it he said you would have really liked it back in the day. You know, he said you were always looking for the right woman. I never got that impression from you when I first met you."

"That's because I always played it cool," replied Bucky, smirking. "I knew you were interesting once I saw your book and record collection, and by the time I left I wanted to stay because you touched my heart. When Steve told me about you getting pregnant I wanted to come back immediately but he relayed what you told him about me getting better first. I never thought then it would take almost ten years to get to this. It should have been a lot sooner. I'm sorry for that."

"Don't be," she said, grasping his hand. "Five years of that was the Blip. No one had control over that, and you needed to get yourself better first." She was quiet for a moment. "How long will you live?"

"I don't know," he replied truthfully. "Steve did age before he brought the shield back for Sam, but I don't know for sure how many years it took in his timeline. I think I look like I'm in my mid to late 30s right now. Are you worried I'll age slower than you?"

She was silent for a moment then nodded. "The first thing Sharon Carter said to me after the kidnapping was that I looked too old and worn out to be with you," she said. "I like to think I have pretty good self-esteem but her words hurt, they made me doubt myself. She hated me so much and just because you loved me instead of her."

Bucky took a deep breath. "You're beautiful, inside and out," he said. "Seeing you on the video calls with no makeup, hair all over the place, and your nose sunburnt from the sun exposure, all I could think of was why does this beautiful woman love me? When we're in bed together, your skin is so soft, and you body feels so good in my arms. I see the stretch marks you still have from Tommy's pregnancy, but I don't see them as flaws. I wish I had been here to see you full with our son, and smoothed lotion over those stretch marks to soothe you. If I do age slower then I guess people will wonder what kind of hold you have on me. I love you, only you, and no one looks as beautiful to me as you do."

He leaned over, grasping the side of her head in his hand and kissed her tenderly, then gently kissed her neck, sliding his shaved face along it. Lacey smiled appreciating the smoothness of his face. Bucky hopped off, put his hands on her waist and lifted her off, putting her on the ground lightly. Clint came to say they were ready for the first dance and Bucky led Lacey in to the middle of the floor. Just like their entry song this was a big band number, Frank Sinatra singing The Best Is Yet To Come. Even though it was a late 1950s song Bucky still loved the arrangement, saying it reminded him of music he danced to. He and Lacey danced over the entire floor, twirling, dipping, skipping and showing how it was done old school. It was something that people would talk about for years, how good of a dancer Bucky Barnes was. Lacey danced with Clint to a Tom Petty tune, Wildflowers, and he showed off his Texas Two Step dance moves, complete with twirls. After that the DJ played everything and most people were well satisfied with the playlist. Lacey went to the house with Laura for both to change into a shorter dress. She came out in the sky blue coloured lace dress that Natasha bought her when she was first at Stark Tower. As she came down the steps Sam and Bucky were doing shots, and Sam tapped him on the arm.

"I remember that dress," he said, as Bucky watched Lacey walking towards him. "I wanted to ask her out myself when I first saw her in it."

"Good thing you didn't," said Bucky as his face lit up when she got to him. "That is some dress. Steve was right. I love it."

She twirled around. "Enough to get back on the dance floor?" she asked.

He put his arm around her and escorted her to the floor. This Magic Moment by The Drifters was playing, and Bucky noticed Sam asked Maria to dance. He nudged Lacey.

"How long has she liked him?" he asked.

"Since she saw more of him at the compound once the first building opened," she replied. "She's a very nice person, you know."

He nodded then pointed out Terry and Sarah Wilson dancing. "How do you feel about that?" he asked. "She's very much like you. Very strong, opinionated at times but she has a warm heart."

"Well, he put his life on hold to move to the farm," replied Lacey. "I didn't like him when he was playing pro football but he's been a good man since he retired, and the Blip proved he steps up when he's needed. If he gets that coaching job with the Saints it will be nice for him to have someone to be with."

She noticed all the boys, Tommy, the Barton's two, and Sarah's two, were huddled together and she brought Bucky's attention to it. He looked at her with a curious expression and slowly danced their way closer to them.

"Hey guys, what's up?" he asked.

Tommy looked back at him. "We're writing down song titles that we want to dance to," he said. "So far, it's been mostly old people stuff. We can ask for some hip hop and other stuff we like, can't we?"

"Sure," replied Bucky. "Just remember it's a wedding so you can't have anything with swears in it or that goes too far. It has to be good enough for everyone to dance to if they want."

The boys considered his words for a moment, then Cooper, who was writing it down, crossed off a couple of songs. They huddled again and the couple left them there. Bucky slowly danced over to the DJ and beckoned him close, telling him some kids were going to submit a list of hip hop songs for them to dance to. He just asked that nothing too offensive be played and the DJ gave him a thumbs up. About ten minutes later, as he and Lacey took a breather, he saw Cooper submit their list and the DJ read over it. He nodded and offered Cooper a fist bump which satisfied him. Two songs later he played MC Hammer's U Can't Touch This and the boys were out there, dancing up a storm. To be fair, many adults stayed up to dance to it, laughing and joking as they showed the moves made famous in the video. Bucky just shook his head.

"That was a big hit?" he asked Lacey.

"It's a classic," she said, "from the 1980s. You want to go shake your booty, Grandpa?"

He kissed her. "No," was his answer but he did watch, glad that the younger set were enjoying themselves. Bucky did dance to YMCA and to Post Malone's Circles saying it had a good beat, almost a quick fox trot. They danced to many other songs, old and new. As the other guests were dancing modern style Bucky moved Lacey around the floor while in his arms. It was easier dancing in her short dress and Bucky took full advantage, turning her enough to make her dress swirl. After dancing to Van Morrison's Someone Like You Lacey put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"You do surprise me sometimes," she said. "That was very romantic."

He made a big deal of looking at his Rolex and looked softly at her. "How much longer do you want to dance here?" he asked. "Personally, I'm ready to dance in private."

Lacey pulled his arm over and looked at the time. "I think we can do the bouquet toss and cake cutting now," she replied. "We can leave after. Do you know where Clint is taking us?"

"Nope," answered Bucky. "Just that he promised us complete privacy."

They both sought out Clint to say they wanted to get the cake cutting and bouquet toss done. He nodded and said he would make it happen. "Are you wearing a garter?" he asked. "For Bucky to toss to all the single men?"

Bucky looked at her, his eyebrows raised. "Yes, I am," she replied, her eyes twinkling.

Clint grinned and went off to get the activities set up. Ten minutes later Lacey was sitting in a chair with Bucky kneeling before her, grinning from ear to ear. All the single men were lined up behind him. Gently Bucky slid his hand up Lacey's thigh, making it seem like he was having a hard time finding the garter. She looked over at Tommy seeing he had his hands over his eyes, embarrassed while the other boys were laughing. Nodding over to Tommy she gave Bucky a look and he nodded, pulled the garter off and twirled it around his fingers before launching it behind him. It landed on Terry's hand as he used his wide receiver skills to jump up and grab it. Lacey tossed her bouquet next and it went through several hands before landing in a surprised Maria Hill's fingertips. The cake was brought out and they posed with a combat knife cutting into the cake before inserting it and cutting a piece for them to share. Gently Bucky fed a piece to Lacey, watching intently as she licked a piece of icing off his finger. Then she fed him a piece and watched just as intently as he kissed her fingertips. As she cut pieces for the guests he went to talk to Clint who took the mike making the announcement that the couple were leaving shortly. Most of the guests followed them out of the barn. Lacey hugged both Clint and Laura, then Tommy came up and she stroked his face, looking intently at him before he hugged her.

"We'll see you in the morning, okay?" she told him. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was fun," he replied, then Bucky came over and also received a hard hug. "I'm glad you're my Dad for real now."

"So am I, son," said Bucky, bending over and kissing Tommy on top of his head.

Other hugs and handshakes were shared before they finally got into the truck-bed of the now decorated old truck, covered in ribbons and balloons with Just Married painted on the rear window. Clint got behind the wheel and started driving slowly towards the highway as Bucky kissed Lacey passionately, the flashes from people's cell phone cameras lighting them up. Clint only drove a short distance on the highway, losing all the balloons in the process, then stopped at a gate after they crossed a bridge that went over a small creek. After unlocking the gate Clint pulled up to a small cabin where Bucky lifted Lacey down. They came around to the driver's side window.

"This is the tail end of the property," said Clint. "The creek pretty much cuts it off from the rest of it. I built the cabin to hold my arsenal but it was too far away for my liking so it's been used for storage since then. It's private, quiet, and we fixed it up for you as a wedding gift. Just text me when you're ready to be picked up."

"Clint," said Lacey, tears beginning to form, as she touched his arm. "Thank you for everything. For taking me in, treating me like one of your family, for this wedding ..."

"It's been my pleasure," he replied, then he looked at Bucky. "You do right by her."

"No argument here," said Bucky, shaking the other man's hand. "Clint, thanks."

He put the truck into gear and backed up to where he could turn around. Bucky and Lacey watched the truck drive away in the darkness before turning to each other. Picking her up easily in his arms Bucky carried her across the pathway to the door, which she opened. There was no electricity but the inside was lit with battery operated camping lanterns, and fairy lights. A large bed, in a brass frame, was against the far wall. Covered with several pillows and a quilt it looked soft and inviting. Bucky put Lacey down and closed the door behind him. A note on the nightstand explained there was enough water to wash up in the morning. A cooler held snacks and drinks. Lacey turned from reading the note and realized Bucky was watching her. She turned her back to him.

"Could you undo the top of my dress and pull the zipper down?" she asked.

Stepping close to her he bent his head to her neck, breathing gently on it as he undid the hook then slowly pulled the zipper down. Running his fingers down her back he kissed her neck softly, then he looked at her hair and pulled the pins of her updo out, gently fanning out her long blonde hair over her shoulders, before Lacey pulled her dress off. Bucky had already taken his tie off during the dancing and shrugged off his dress jacket, tossing it onto a chair. As Lacey undid his shirt buttons he caressed her head and shoulders before running his hands down her arms. Her fingertips ran over the muscles of his chest and down to his abdominals, before she put her hands on his waist and pulled him in close to her body.

"Dance with me," she whispered. "Like you would back in the day when you were seducing a woman."

He grinned, then licked his lips. "We're already half way there," he replied, in a low voice, that made Lacey warm inside.

His prosthetic arm encircled her and he took her other hand in his bringing it close between them. Lowering his head to hers he gently kissed the side of her head, as he made sure their hips were pressed closely together. Then, as they swayed, he whispered, loud enough for her to hear but soft enough that the air he breathed out as he spoke felt like a feather against her skin.

—-

"Licence my roving hands, and let them go

Before, behind, between, above, below."

—

She turned her head up to ask him about what he had just said, and he kissed her, deeply and sensuously. Once again, she felt the warmth inside of her pool in her core and she pressed herself against him, wanting him in her. He pressed back and his artificial hand came up to her bra, undoing it quickly before spreading his fingers over her back.

"Shit," whispered Lacey. "That was one of your moves?"

"It's from a poem called "To His Mistress Going to Bed," said Bucky. "By John Donne. Those 17th century poets knew how to write erotica. The whole poem is basically asking her to striptease for him."

Lacey began to laugh. "I have a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and I never heard of it," she said. "You're so much more well read than me."

It was his turn to laugh. "I just found things that furthered my agenda," he admitted. "Seductions, mostly, although I found other things I liked. College girls needed more literary encouragement."

Leaning her head against his chest Lacey was quiet for a moment. "Would I have been an object of seduction if you met me before the war?" she asked.

"At first, yes," he admitted. "But you have so much more to offer, and I felt it when you took me in. I would have done anything to keep our relationship going if I met you back then. If I met you during basic training, I would have married you on my week of leave before shipping out. Realistically, I never thought I would see you again after I stowed away on a cargo ship. I'm so glad we did."

"Me too," she replied, then she looked up at him. "Let's go to bed."

She stepped back, taking everything off. Pulling back the quilt she laid underneath it and watched with anticipation as he removed his clothing, getting in beside her. He was already hard, and she stroked him, remembering the first time she saw him nude. His size had frightened her at first, but he had been so gentle with her, allowing her body to adjust so that she could enjoy it. Even now, after they had lived together for several months, he still took the time to prepare her body to accept his. He lowered his head between her legs, put his mouth on her, exploring and teasing, while she ran her fingers through his hair. His fingers curled into her, searching out her pleasure centre, pressing it and sending her into waves of bliss. Then he added to it by massaging her pubic mound as he kissed her deeply and sensuously.

He left the bed briefly to get something out of the bag that had been brought earlier. Lacey saw it was lubricant and Bucky smoothed some over himself before positioning himself in between her knees again. She looked up at his face and became lost in his eyes, the bright blue irises with the large dark pupils boring into her with desire and love. The eyes of the father passed on to their son born out of a night of passion just like this. As he slowly entered her she gasped. They hadn't been together for almost a week and the result was this joining felt like that first one as he eased himself into her.

"You feel so good," he whispered, after he pulled out and thrust in again. "Just like the first time."

"So do you," she whispered back. "I love you so much."

He responded by kissing her again, deeply, languidly, and for a long time. "I have loved none but you," he finally replied, and Lacey smiled, recognizing it as coming from Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Maybe they didn't make men like Bucky anymore, or if they did they were camouflaging themselves under layers of manly behaviours and attitudes. But here, in the privacy of their marriage bed, Lacey had no doubt that they were meant to be together. The man of action, with an intellectual's soul paired with the writer who loved to get her hands dirty working on the farm. As he brought her to orgasm again before coming himself they cried out each other's name to the universe. They would be together, always. Home was each other and the family to come.