Live Wild - Epilogue
Two Years Later
Things were going pretty smoothly between you and your saviour. You asked James if he would be your date at Natasha and Sam’s wedding. Sam wasn’t really fond of him at first, but the two loved to tease each other.
You saw the others hostages more often, still giggling at the fact that people called you the Avengers. Tony seemed quite proud of the name and you couldn’t help but wonder if he wasn’t the one who came up with it.
James had been suspended for six months and took the time to study for the sergeant’s exam, as well as shower you with sweet attentions. Exactly one year after you met him, kissed him and almost lost him, he asked you to move in with him. You said yes, you were practically already living with him.
Today was his big day. After passing the sergeant’s exam, he was now promoted to Sergeant. His mother and father were standing next to you as the three of you entered the auditorium. Steve was already there, Sam and Natasha too. They waved when they saw you look around the room.
“I’m going to try to find my boy,” Winifred said as she looked towards the stage.
As she approached a group of police officers in their official suits, one man’s face lit up. She hugged her son quickly and pulled him aside.
“You have it?” He asked, looking over his shoulder to make sure you were not around.
She nodded, not really trusting her voice, and reached into her pocket, pulling out a small square black box. James opened it to make sure his grandmother’s ring was as beautiful as he remembered it and a wave of panic went through him. He couldn’t hide anything from his mother.
She laid her hand on his shoulder and said in a gentle voice, “Everything will be fine, James.”
“What if she says no?”
“Impossible.” Winifred shook her head. “When are you going to propose?”
“Tonight, I booked a table at her favorite restaurant. We’ll go for a walk after and that’s when I’ll ask her.”
“Oh, you don’t want to do it now?”
“In front of all of you?” He scoffed, looking at the large group of friends and family. “No, thank you.”
“You better tell me everything later.”
“Mom,” He whined, but she gave him a pointed look and he gave up. “Fine, I’ll tell you.”
She smiled at him before she saw you walking up to them. “Quick, she’s coming,” He pocketed the box in his jacket. “Don’t act weird and stay calm.” She pecked his cheek as you stopped behind him.
“I don’t want to inter-”
“He’s all yours, dear.” She gave you a sweet smile before walking back toward the group of friends and family.
He turned around to face you and you let yourself really look at him, from his wide shoulders to his taut thighs. Your breath caught at the sight of him.
“I rarely see you in your uniform,” You cooed, resting your hands flat against his chest. “You look hot.”
With boyish bashfulness, James hung his head and your lips split into a grin. He was so damn cute. He wrapped his arms around your frame and pulled you close to his chest.
“I’m terrified.” He admitted. You loved that he was always so honest with you. He wasn’t afraid to tell you how he felt, you trusted each other implicitly.
“I’m so proud of you, Bucky.” You cupped his face in your hands, your thumbs gently rubbing his cheekbones. “You worked hard, it’s only fair you get a promotion.”
James smiled at you, feeling as if his heart was going to explode. The ceremony looked like a piece of cake compared to the question he was about to ask you. A voice came through the speakers asking everyone to take a seat as the ceremony was about to start. You kissed him and pulled away, but he stopped you.
“Say it one last time, doll.”
You smiled, knowing what he was talking about. “I love you, Detective Barnes.”
“Love you too, babe. Damn, I’m gonna miss that nickname.”
You chuckled as you joined the others. The ceremony started with a speech from the Mayor before the chief of police called the newly promoted officers.
“Sergeant James Barnes will be pinned by his father Georges Barnes.”
The proud father took the badge and pinned it to his son’s uniform. They hugged as the audience clapped. Steve, who was sitting next to you, was recording the whole thing.
He whistled before you all stood up and cheered. Your eyes locked with James’ and you blew him a kiss that he pretended to catch before he clapped his hand to his heart. At the end of the ceremony, you all joined him. Little Cassie and Scott congratulated him with a warm hug as did Tony and his wife, Pepper. James held out his arms to you, the action made T’Challa laugh softly.
“So, Sergeant Barnes, first round’s on you?”
“Sorry, but we have other plans.” James replied with a grin.
“Do we?” You quirked your brows at him. He nodded, which only increased your curiosity. “This is all mysterious, Sarge.”
You couldn’t help noticing the way his grip tightened around your waist. This was exactly what you wanted and you could practically hear his heart thumping at the new nickname.
“We should go, I don’t want to lose our reservation.” James said, taking your hand.
You said goodbye to your friends and family, but didn’t notice the glimmer of excitement in Winifred’s eyes or the way Steve wiggled his eyebrows at James. However, you did notice how nervous James was.
“You okay?”
“Always,” James brought your intertwined hands up to his mouth and kissed your knuckles. “I’m glad you were my reckless witness.”
“So am I.” You grinned and let him lead you through the crowd, toward the exit.
A familiar flutter in his heart made him smile as he patted his breast pocket and felt the little square box.