Chapter 29. At My Side

Content warning: Brief sexual content

Jane

The guests were all gone, the baby was fed and fast asleep, and the house was finally quiet as Bucky came out of the kitchen with chamomile tea for both of us. The busy evening hosting our friends and family had been fun but both he and I just wanted to relax before we headed to bed. I had the iPad on my lap, noticing he raised his eyebrows at me.

"Another video diary entry?" he asked. "Dr. Raynor said we didn't have to any more."

"No, but I want to watch them," I replied. "At least the ones that are significant."

"They're all significant but we would be here for hours." I gazed at him, asking without words for his patience. "Okay, but I reserve the right to pull the plug when I get tired."

Smiling at him I pressed play and used AirPlay to send the first video to the television set, settling in next to him as the first video began. My face appeared on the screen, looking at the camera on the phone before smiling and beginning.

This is the first video diary entry of Jane Barnes, November 21, 2023.

We've been home a few weeks now. Home, still getting used to saying that. It's a beautiful home and I still can't believe that Bucky did most of it himself. He is so much more than he appears on the surface and there are days I can't believe that we're together but we are and I'm happy.

We found an obstetrician that first week we were back, had the blood work and the urinalysis that confirmed that I became pregnant during our honeymoon. An ultrasound confirmed that my IUD had shifted making it less reliable. Dr. Cho, she's the ob/gyn, extracted it so that it wouldn't become a problem during the pregnancy and sent me on my way with a list of prenatal vitamins, a schedule of appointments, and the assurance that I seemed more than healthy enough to carry this child to term. The due date is June 28.

Bucky stayed home as our parents were coming over to see the house. We decided to keep the pregnancy to ourselves for now seeing as how it was still early. I have to admit I was thrilled to see my parents and to meet Bucky's parents in person. They seemed to hit it off as in-laws and my dad was very impressed with the work that Bucky had already done on the house. Any unsaid doubts he may have had about our short courtship and quick marriage were put to rest.

The surgery on Bucky's arm went well. He spent the night in hospital and the mapping showed everything was where it was supposed to be. He begins therapy at the end of the month, including some unique treatments from Dr. Shuri as well as physical therapy.

The investigation is officially over, although the FBI struck a new team with Thor as leader that will continue to search for any remaining militia members who have been identified but not arrested. Everyone else from our team were released from their obligations to resume their jobs and lives from before. With Bucky unable to care for himself Tony came to see us, wanting to know if I was returning to work. He pointed out that my medical plan with him would pay for a full-time attendant who could look after Bucky. After talking it over with Bucky we decided I would return to work after his surgery. I go back next week. It will feel strange.

Bucky took the iPad from me. "You don't need to hear me going on about my therapy. It was pretty dry."

"How about your first day back at work? It was sweet."

"Where you had Sam recording all of it? That wasn't even supposed to be part of the diary. I was crying like a baby." I looked up at him and he rolled his eyes but started that recording. "Fine, but that means I get to watch the birth video."

"After Rose's wedding video."

The grin on my face must have seemed evil to him as he blustered that I wanted to see everything that showed Bucky losing it. We both looked up at the TV screen to see Sam's face appear as he set the scene.

"So, today is January 8, 2024, and Sergeant Bucky Barnes is returning to work. We have a couple of visitors to the precinct, who wanted to be here for his return. They're about to start."

The view switched to the front where Captain Rhodes stood at the front. He raised his hands for quiet then looked at Bucky, who stood beside him, wearing his uniform, his left arm covered in a black compression sleeve as the only sign that something was different.

"Today, we welcome back Sarge, from his medical leave," began Rhodes. "It hasn't been the same without you, Barnes. There have been no complaints from Payroll about the excessive hours of overtime being logged while you were undercover, nor have there been any sightings of Mickey Blue Eyes, or Father James, or Barney the pizza delivery guy. It's been pretty boring. But we're glad you're back and before you give out today's assignments there are a few people who want to say something."

From the back of the room three men stood up; Captain Steve Rogers of the 107 Precinct, Lieutenant Clint Barton, of the 46th Precinct, and FBI Agent Thor Odinson were introduced, prompting hugs between the men and Bucky. Clint went first.

"I know that today is your first day, Buck. Just remember that you know more than these guys and if they ever piss you off just play a country and western playlist whenever you have to pick anyone up. That usually shuts them up. You'll do great and, in a few months, when Mankato actually takes the plunge and retires, they'll be lucky to have you as a lieutenant."

Thor took the podium and looked out. "Most of you don't know me but I spent a lot of time undercover as Big Bobby when I was first tracking the disappearance of weapons in this area. I'm sure you heard many stories of my undercover alter ego. I had many opportunities to watch Buck as an undercover operative and let me say there are few police officers willing to do what it takes to be as authentic as he was. When my investigation took a sideways turn I knew I wanted him on my team. He is a consummate professional, dedicated to doing what is right, to protect and serve. He doesn't just serve the taxpayers or his superiors, he serves those without a voice, the homeless, the mentally ill, and others who often don't have a presence visible enough to be seen by the system. It has been my honour to work with him and you, all of you here today, should strive to follow his example."

He turned to Bucky, hugging him; his words obviously affecting the man in uniform as he tried not to cry from the tribute paid to him. That left Steve who was also a little teary eyed as he looked out over what were his colleagues just months before.

"I've known Buck since we were both kids. Went to grade school, middle school and high school together. Bucky made a few mistakes although he would say being a teenage father to Rosie wasn't one of them. He went off to war, brought back a fellow soldier who became part of this precinct, Sam Wilson, if you're wondering. He also came back a changed man, wanting to do something with his life. Got into the police academy and two years later started his career as a police officer. He didn't stop there, going to night school whenever he could to get his degree in criminal justice, becoming a sergeant at the age of 33. Agent Odinson is right about Buck. He's one of the best of us. We've all seen the footage of him at that shootout and he didn't hesitate to try and guide that woman and her child to safety. Even though she was with the aggressors he just saw people in need. There are few I would trust more to guide the new recruits through orientation than Sergeant Bucky Barnes. Sorry, I can't say anything more without losing it."

He stopped and hugged Bucky on the video. I looked to Bucky, seeing him tearing up as he watched that day from the point of view of Sam's camera. Squeezing his hand to comfort him we kept watching as Sam's face came back to the screen.

"Buck, if you're watching this later, just know that I've never regretted coming back to New York with you. I found a partner and a profession. You've been a good friend and we're both headed for bigger and better things. Now, sit back and watch as I film your first time giving the briefing and assignments."

We watched, with Bucky scowling a little at how he went over the updates on suspects, reported crimes, then sent out the police officers to their assignments, telling everyone to keep their eyes open and help those who needed it.

"I was so stiff," he said, gesturing to the screen. "Guess I was more nervous than I thought."

"No, you were great," I replied. "Sam said you did better than him."

When everyone had left, except Sam, who was still filming he looked at the eight newly graduated officers who were still sitting there. Leaving the podium, he pulled up a chair, sat in the middle of them and one by one, asked them about their background and why they wanted to be a police officer. After hearing all the different answers, he smiled at Sam then looked back at them.

"All good answers and good reasons but I'll tell you right now that this job can do one of two things to you. It can tear you apart because there will be days where everything goes wrong and you're arresting the same people over and over again, people you've stuck your neck out for, given second chances to and you may reach a point where you wonder why you even bother. If you ever get to that point you need to talk to someone, me, Lieutenant Wilson, department shrink, department chaplain ... it doesn't matter who. Don't hold it in because that leads to anger and you can't do this job right if you're angry because it draws a line between you and society, and you begin thinking of them as less than, worse than, or not worth your time."

"What's the other thing, Sarge?" asked a young woman.

He smiled. "It can be the best fucking job in the world. I met my wife on the job, in the middle of an undercover assignment where all I wanted to do was get her to safety without blowing my cover. I did it, too. My undercover work got me into one of the biggest multi-jurisdictional investigations in years as we went after the militias who were planning to bomb public buildings. Even though I was shot I had no regrets about doing what I did. That woman and her son that I got to safety will remember that it was a cop, supposedly the enemy, who saved their lives that day. A single drop of water repeated enough times can lead to an ocean. A single act of compassion can change someone's life, your own included. That's my bit of inspiration for you. Let's go for a walk and show you where everything is."

That was the end of that video and Bucky sat there for a bit, smiling. "That ended up being a pretty good day," he said. "They're a good bunch of rookies and I'm sure they'll do as well as any of them that I've worked with. Oh, Carol got the transfer to the airborne traffic division. She'll be starting in two weeks, back at the controls of a helicopter."

"She is a pilot," I affirmed. "Hard to leave that behind. We should have her and her family over. You ready for the next one?"

He looked at the listings up on the screen. "Rose's wedding? You're killing me, Jane. It's not part of the video diary."

"No, but it is part of our life," I replied. "Please? You were so handsome and proud of Joaquin. Rose was so beautiful."

"Fine, bring it up ... just the highlight reel," he said. "I don't want twenty minutes of Sam trying to break dance."

Going through the video list I highlighted the one marked Rose and Joaquin's Wedding Highlights then pressed play. Taken on my phone it showed Bucky arriving at Connie's house for the limousine ride to the church. Dan and his kids were just leaving and paused on the steps as the two men embraced. Both men were emotional about the wedding of the daughter they shared. Then Bucky entered and stopped dead when he saw his daughter in the living room, wearing her wedding dress as his ex-wife fixed a necklace around their daughter's neck.

"Baby girl," he whispered, then began to cry. "Rosie, look how beautiful you are. My baby, Connie, our baby is getting married."

"She's all grown up, Bucky," replied Connie. "She's not our baby anymore."

"You two have to stop crying," said Rose, as she waved her hands in front of her face. "You'll make me cry and I'll wreck my makeup."

Bucky approached her with a handkerchief, gently dabbing away at the corner of her eyes then looking back at me. "She's beautiful, isn't she? My daughter is becoming a wife today."

The next part of the video was at the church as the limousine pulled up and Bucky offered his hand to Rose then to Connie, helping them out of the vehicle first followed by her two bridesmaids. Both parents were going to walk her up the aisle. There was an honour guard of police officers in full dress uniform that stood to attention as they walked up the steps into the church.

"Clint did a good job getting all of those retired officers to come out," said Bucky, as we watched them enter the church. "My old Captain, the lieutenant when I first became an officer. It was a good thing they did for Rosie."

"They watched her grow up," said Jane. "She was family to them."

He smiled in agreement as the scene changed to the ceremony, focusing on a nervous Joaquin at the altar. His brother and Peter Parker were standing up with him, the latter becoming good friends with the young police officer during the FBI investigation. The processional music began and Bucky coughed as he watched himself and Connie walk Rose to the altar, before placing her hand in Joaquin's. He and Connie both hugged and kissed the young policeman, then Bucky joined me in the pew. With Joaquin being Catholic it was a religious ceremony, but it didn't matter as it was still meaningful to the young couple. When they were pronounced husband and wife Bucky became overwhelmed and I stopped the playback as he left the couch.

It was a moment before I followed him into the dark kitchen where he leaned back against the counter and rubbed his eyes. Then he opened his arms to me, squeezing me tight, while I rubbed his back.

"You must think I'm a big baby," he said, his voice a little hoarse. "You might not have married me if you knew how easily I could lose it."

"I think you're a man of deep emotions," I replied, kissing him lightly on the lips. "You have a major soft spot and that's family. It's why Rose is so incredible because you've never been afraid to show her your soft side. It's why Joaquin is the right man for her because he admires you and saw how you were around her. According to Natasha he was never aggressive with her when he first met her at the precinct. He approached her with kindness and attention because that's what you would have done."

"Sure, I was really kind to you when I first met you," he joked. "I know, I was undercover at the time and couldn't break my identity."

"But you were nice after, when we met again at the party. I was so afraid of almost all men, and you won me over because you were so kind. You stepped back, let me get used to you and it went from there."

He sighed softly. "I don't think I can watch anymore tonight," he said. "Can we just go to bed?"

"Not even the birth video?"

A grin appeared on his face. "Let's take the iPad upstairs and watch it in bed."

I agreed and Bucky checked all the doors and windows while I turned the TV off and brought the iPad upstairs to the bedroom. Undressing before washing my face, putting moisturizer on and my nightshirt, I was brushing my teeth when Bucky finally joined me, wearing only a pair of cotton pants that rested ridiculously low on his hips. Little was left to the imagination when he came into view of the mirror. Standing behind me he pressed his chest into my back, swept my hair off my neck and kissed the soft skin under my ear.

"I thought we were going to watch the video," I murmured, spitting out the toothpaste then sipping water to rinse.

"We will," he said, running one hand under my nightshirt. "After ..."

"Do you have condoms?"

"Haven't checked," he replied, pressing his hips into my backside. "It wouldn't be the worst thing to start trying again. Aaron is already five months old and he's such a good baby. We're not getting any younger."

I turned around quickly, lightly tapping him on the chest. "You did not just say that."

"You turned around too soon," whispered Bucky. "Now I can undertake a full frontal assault."

A moan escaped my lips as Bucky's hand reached my breast, caressing it gently, then he kissed more of my neck before moving on to my lips. When I opened my eyes, it was to his blue eyes gazing intensely on me. They were so full of love for me that it hurt to deny him anything. Running my hand over his chest I circled the newest tattoo he had on the right side of his chest. Several red maple leafs, twisted slightly as if caught in a breeze, adorned his skin, with the largest one containing my name and the date we got married. One of the smaller ones had Aaron's name and birthdate on it. He had two more smaller maple leaves as part of the tattoo but swore that didn't mean he wanted two more children. Rather, to hear him say it, he got it to honour my Canadian heritage. To say that he was a good husband and father was an understatement. He was amazing. From the moment Aaron Erik Barnes was born after 28 hours of labour, hours that Bucky stayed almost constantly by my side, he had been the type of partner that women always hope for.

"What about my job?" I asked. "Tony has big plans for me."

"You're worth the wait," he replied. "With Peggy and Hope expecting he's already said something about getting them spots in that good daycare in the same building. You know he's already done the same for Aaron. Besides, we don't want our kids to be younger than Rose's. Imagine being younger than your own niece or nephew."

"Are you really out of condoms?" I slipped my hand down inside his bottoms, cupping his firm cheek.

"I really don't know," he replied, pressing into me again. "How's this for a compromise? We use what I have left and then start trying again. With any luck we'll be pregnant by Christmas and have a nice present for our parents."

"We'll be pregnant?" He was so funny. I laughed and kissed him fiercely on the lips. "Just for that I'm going to put my foot down and say you have to buy one more box of condoms. When the second box is done then we'll start."

"Drug store box, not Costco," he countered. He tilted his head and raised his eyebrows, making me laugh again.

"Fine, biggest drug store box, not Costco," I agreed. "Let's go see what you've got left in this one."

Kneeling down to open the drawer to his nightstand Bucky showed me a half full box of condoms, taking several out. I looked at him, amused.

"You're hopeful."

"What?" He looked at them in his hand. "At least two per night on a weeknight and three or more per night on the weekend. We'll be through this box in a week, a new drug store box in a couple of weeks. Can still get a baby in you by Christmas."

My husband was definitely hilarious as I shook my head, still smiling at his assumptions. "You're horrible."

"No, I'm not," he said, coming closer to me, with that smile of his that I couldn't resist. "I'm wonderful. You wouldn't settle for horrible. You had that already and it was just as described." I made a shocked face at him. "Too soon? Sorry." Slowly, he pulled me into his arms and stroked my hair, looking at me softly with all of the love he felt. "I'm just messing with you. If you're not ready for a second baby I can wait. Aaron is a good baby, you're a good mom, an amazing wife and partner, and I'm a lucky, lucky man to have you both in my life. When we go to Edmonton at Christmas, I'm going to make sure everyone in your family knows that you're the best thing to ever happen to me because you are."

December 23, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta

Bucky

It had been a day since we arrived in Edmonton, an all-day trip through two time zones with a four-hour layover in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Although the forecast for our stay was for mild daytime temperatures around freezing, it was cold when we arrived; at least near 5 degrees Fahrenheit (about -15 Celsius which they use in Canada), plus there was a wind. My father-in-law, Bob Easton, acted proactively, bringing a heavy winter parka to the airport, plus a stocking cap (although he called it a toque – that's how Jane spelled it) and gloves. After he got me set up in that I was basically ignored as both he and Rachel, my mother-in-law, focused all of their attention on Jane and Aaron. I was okay with it. It had been over a year since we saw them at my house, and this was the first time they saw their grandson in person.

As we stepped out of the airport terminal and entered the parkade where they had parked, I was struck at how nonchalant they seemed at the cold. Both my in-laws hadn't even done their jackets up, and neither were they wearing gloves or head coverings. Bob started the car, cranked up the heat then smiled when Rachel got into the back seat with Jane and Aaron, tucked away in a car seat they bought just for him.

"Guess you're in the front with me," said Bob. "You can turn the seat warmer on high and adjust the warm air to hit you as you have your own climate controls. We'll be warm enough before we get to to the highway."

I just nodded, got inside, buckled up and did exactly what he said. As he drove away from the parkade I looked towards where the sun had set just before we landed then I saw something else and looked back at Jane.

"That's it, isn't it?" I asked, pointing to the deepening blue colour in the cloud free sky. "That's the colour of blue you tried to describe to me."

"Yeah," she replied softly, looking out the car window. "That's it. That's the colour of home." Both of her parents looked where I was pointing and shrugged. Jane smiled at them to explain. "It's a colour that I missed after I moved to California and then New York. It's only around during winter, so maybe it's the ice crystals in the air or something. I tried to describe it to Bucky and now he's seen it. My life is complete."

"Limited life," remarked Bob and we all grinned.

When we pulled up to the house, in a part of the city that Bob called Strathearn, I was surprised to see they overlooked a vast river valley with what I assumed was the downtown area far across the other side. My father-in-law looked where I was looking.

"It's a great view of downtown," he said. "I'm a professor in the Faculty of Science but this year is my last. Having to go into hiding during the investigation convinced me that it was time to retire and put my family first. Wherever we move to we'll still have three bedrooms, so you'll be welcome to visit but we're going to travel, maybe even come to see you more in New York."

"You're always welcome," I told him.

It had been a long day for us, and Aaron was a little grumpy, so we had a meal, bathed him, then got ready for bed. As we cuddled under the covers, with Aaron in a borrowed crib next to us I yawned then put my arms around Jane. She slotted her body in next to mine, draping her leg and arm over me. We could hear the sound of the evening news in the living room, but it wasn't too loud, just audible enough to let us know her parents were still up.

"Is this the house you grew up in?" I asked. "It's nice."

"Yeah, I went to high school just north of here," she stated. "They're planning to move to a high-rise condo. Everyone will be by tomorrow for Christmas Eve. You and Aaron are the major attraction."

"I doubt that I can compete with Aaron," I yawned. "We're going to a hockey game, right?"

"Absolutely," she smiled. "No one comes to Edmonton for the first time without going to a hockey game or the mall, or the water park. It's just not done. Maybe we can even go out to where it gets dark and look at the night sky."

"Can hardly wait," I yawned again.

We kissed and I think I was asleep in minutes.

"Oh my God, he's so cute!"

I wished that greeting was for me but it was for Aaron. Jane's Auntie Mel and Uncle Jeff had just arrived. I received a kiss on the cheek and a handshake then they went crazy over our son. Not that I blamed them as he was cute. Blond like Jane but looking like he would have my blue eyes he was incredibly cute. Within minutes of their arrival Jane's sister, Jackie and her husband Daryl arrived with their two sons, Tim and Tyler. Those two headed to the tree set up in the family room to see what was waiting for them under it. Apparently Jane's family opened one present on Christmas Eve and the two boys were looking for the biggest package to open. Brent, Jane's brother arrived next, accompanied by his girlfriend Sherry. They smiled at each other then she took her gloves off, displaying an engagement ring on her left hand. That prompted another round of well wishes from everyone.

"Can I get you two guys a beer?" I asked, wanting to feel useful, as Jane and Jackie were helping Bob make up the charcuterie boards in the kitchen while Auntie Mel and Rachel were fussing over Aaron.

They both followed me into the kitchen and I pulled three beers out, then wished them a Merry Christmas. We stood beside the kitchen island then Daryl looked at me, like he wanted to ask something.

"Go ahead," I said. "Get it off your chest."

"What does it feel like to be shot?" he asked point blank.

"Daryl, I told you not to ask that," stated Jackie. "Honestly, that's so rude."

"It's fine," I said. "It hurt like hell. I couldn't believe he got me with the first shot then he hit me twice again. The one in the left arm hurt the most because he shattered the humerus bone."

"He was such an asshole," muttered Brent. "Sorry, Jane, but he was. Good riddance to bad rubbish."

The doorbell rang and we heard Jane's mom call out that Danny was there. Brent blushed as Jackie hushed him from talking about John Walker. After what Jane told me how John triggered Danny's addiction issues I couldn't blame her. Coming out of the kitchen with Jane we stopped near the door where Danny was introducing a woman to his parents. He made eye contact with Jane and she rushed to him, hugging him hard. They held each other for several minutes not saying anything then she turned to me.

"Danny, this is my husband, Bucky," she said.

He put his hand out and gave me a strong handshake. "I'm pleased to meet you," he replied then offered his hand to the woman with him, bringing her forward. "This is my girlfriend Beth. My sister Jane, her husband Bucky, my other sister Jackie and her husband Daryl, my brother Brent and his girlfriend Sherry. The older couple with the baby are my Auntie Mel and Uncle Jeff. The boys are Tim and Tyler. The baby, is that yours, Jane?"

"Yeah, that's Aaron," she replied. "Would you like to meet him?"

"Sure," he smiled. "Mom, could we have a couple of Diet Cokes to drink?"

As we settled down in the family room, Jane brought Aaron over to her brother and he held his hands out to our son. Gently taking him in his arms Danny smiled at him then kissed him on the head.

"He's beautiful, just like I remembered how you looked when you were a baby."

"You don't remember that," blushed Jane.

"I do," he insisted. "You were so tiny, but you held my finger in your hand and squeezed tight. The best day of my childhood was when you giggled when I made a funny face. Sorry, Jackie, I was only one when you were born so I don't remember you as a baby but I do remember Jane and I remember Brent. Your laughter was the next best day of my childhood, Brent. My little brother who I never thought I would get after two sisters." He looked sombrely at everyone. "I'm sorry I let everyone down with my actions. It would be easy to blame a certain person for what I did but I was a grown man and I accept that I hurt you all not just once but several times over. I've been sober and clean for 10 months, and I take it one day at a time. Someday, I hope to deserve your forgiveness but until then I'll keep trying to be the best person I can be and living a better life."

He looked at Beth, who smiled encouragingly at him. Jane hugged him and murmured to him, making him smile. That was followed by the others doing the same. Rachel came out with their diet drinks and a toast was made wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. As the trays of food, including several jars of various pepper jellies were laid out on the kitchen island, board games were brought out and a Christmas music playlist was started. We played games, ate, and told all sorts of good stories. It was a great evening that ended after we each opened one gift. When it was time to call it a night we hugged and kissed each other. Danny drew me aside and looked seriously at me.

"Thank you for helping Jane forget about John," he said. "I knew he was bad news when I let him talk me into going to a gentleman's club for his stag. He was rotten then and I should have objected to the wedding but I was too ashamed of my own behaviour. After he treated her like dirt in the marriage then tried to kill her I spiralled, blaming myself for it."

"No, that was all on him," I stated. "He fooled a lot of people because he was a psychopath. As far as I'm concerned you were one of his victims, as much as Jane was. But you're not a victim anymore. You're a survivor and he'll be forgotten as the piece of shit he really was."

"I was so proud of her coming out to confront him after he shot you," said Danny. "She was so brave and it was obvious she loved you so much to put herself in harm's way for you. Hard for you, I'm sure, but she's always been braver than anyone I ever knew. Promise me that you'll be the man she needs and love her the way she deserves."

"That I can do," I answered, then I hugged him. "She's the best thing to happen to me, next to my daughter, and I'll spend the rest of our marriage telling everyone what a lucky man I am. You focus on taking care of yourself, Danny. You're my brother now, remember that."

We hugged again and I hoped with all my heart that he would be able to walk the straight path from then on. We said goodnight to everyone as they headed out into the night. Then I took Aaron from Rachel and carried him upstairs to our room. He never even woke up as I undressed him from his Christmas outfit and changed his diaper then dressed him in his sleeper. Tucking him into the baby sleeping bag then fastening the snaps at his shoulder I gently kissed his forehead. His tiny lips pursed in response and I felt such an overwhelming sense of love for him. Standing up I was aware of Jane watching me from just inside the door with a soft smile on her face.

"When are we going to tell them?" I asked. "Tomorrow? Or should we give Brent and Sherry a few more days to have the spotlight on them?"

"There's no rush," she said. "We know I'm pregnant but it's still only three weeks along. In January will be fine."

She wrapped her arms around my neck as I placed mine around her waist. Downstairs the faint sounds of the Christmas music still played as Jane's parents cleaned up. We could hear Nat King Cole singing The Christmas Song and I felt that rush of love again with Jane in my arms.

"I adore you," I whispered. "You know the night we met I wondered if I would ever meet you again. Being in a city of 8.5 million meant the odds weren't good."

"But we beat the odds," she replied. "Somehow we found each other and knew pretty quickly that we had something, something amazing and wonderful. I found my true love."

"So did I," I murmured, then I buried my face in her neck and breathed in her scent. "I found my heart when I found you."

We danced to the music in our hearts, with our baby son sleeping nearby and the baby to come already growing inside Jane. For the week we were here I would revel in learning more of the place my love came from, the place that formed and shaped her. It would be a whirlwind tour that would touch on the highlights but that was okay as we had the rest of our lives and the other seasons to visit again and again. At least one night while we were here this time I wanted to go outside to a dark place, as dark as it could get in a city of a million people. Bundled up in my borrowed winter clothes I wanted to look out at the night sky to see the constellations reveal themselves, just like they did in Bobcaygeon, one star at a time, with the woman I loved more than anything at my side.

The End

Thank you all for your support of this alternate universe story. Originally, I wanted it to be more of a buddy cop story but the love story between two mature people who had been unlucky with love just seemed to become more important. There was a plan to make Bucky spiral after his injury but even though I tried to write that story it just didn't seem authentic to his character as a man who kept growing as he sought to be a better man. On a side note, when I was looking for a blonde actress to be the face of Jane in Wattpad images, I came across an image of Sarah Canning, a Canadian actress who had been in The Vampire Diaries. Surprisingly, she grew up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, a suburb of Edmonton, a northern Canadian city of about a million people, where I am from.