Bee to my Barnes

part 56

Loitering outside the large glass doors of the complex the autumn air offers a welcoming light breeze helping to both cool you down but also clear the haziness of champagne fog from your minds. Laughing and Joking around, it has been a while since you and Jade were carefree together. Smiling as you pull her in for a hug, you declare with a slight slur and a lot of laughter. ‘Jade Hamilton! You are my bestest friend In the whole world. I love you.’

Kissing your forehead as she steadies your footing Jade passes you a small bottle of water, ‘C’mon tipsy miss, let’s get you back inside.’ Distracting you with tales of her and Steve, Jade guides you into the elevator hitting the rooftop button.

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Standing on the open rooftop your palms began to sweat. The light of the candles dancing as they flickered in the breeze.
Steve has messaged, the plan is on track. ‘On her way up pal.’ Shifting between feet, the knot in your chest tightens as the nerves are taking over your body. Intently staring at the elevator doors, your stomach is doing flips. Taking another deep breath in, you brace yourself as the doors ping, opening slowly to reveal a very bewildered Beatrix.

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‘James?’ confused you look between Jade and James trying to figure out what is happening. Jade’s grin was as wide as a Cheshire cats as she flaps her hands to gesture you out of the lift. Stepping onto the rooftop you pause, taking in a the very clean cut and smart man standing before you, a completely different person to the Bucky you saw yesterday.

Skipping a beat before your heart begins to race, you gaze into his soft blue eyes. You could tell he was nervous as his hands ran through his hair then fumbling over buttoning up his jacket. Looking around the sea of candles and flower petals scattered across the floor, a small orchestra began to play. The deep cello music in perfect harmony to the flute and violin as the sounds enchant the air around you.

Frozen to your spot, overwhelmed by the scene before you, James delicately walks towards you, softly taking your hands in his. The cool gentle touch takes your breath away as the deep wooden tones of his cologne embrace you. James' voice was deep and meaningful, not braking eye contact as he nervously spoke.

‘Doll. I cannot apologise enough for my actions these last few weeks. I understand my mistakes and how I have hurt you, and I am humbly asking if you would grant me the chance to make amends.’ Stoking the sides of your cheeks, his eyes longingly gazing into yours. The feel of his fingertips against your bare skin sends prickles of goose bumps over your whole body as the cage of butterflies only he could unlock were released.

‘I hope you never doubt my love, nor my intentions for you again. Living without you by my side has shown me how much I need you, how much I care for you. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep you safe, but I promise from this day forward, if you will have me, you will always have my unquestioning love and loyalty.’

A lump forms in the back of your throat, you have missed him so much. Not wanting to wait another second you leap into his arms as they wrap around your waist, lifting you from the ground. This time happy tears well in your eyes as your finally back safe in his arms, where you belong.

Running your fingers through his hair, James places his softened lips against yours. Your body melting into his, oh how you had missed his sweet warm breath against yours.

Placing you back onto you feet, taking a step backwards James bends down on one knee before you. ‘Beatrix Miller, will you do the honour of being my wife? Forever and always.’

Too speechless to answer you nod enthusiastically, the flood barrier now broken allowing the tears to fall. Watching  as he places the most elegant diamond ring upon your finger you then wrap your arms around his neck, whispering through your sobbing. ‘James Bucky Barnes, I love you.’

Elated screams echo from behind you as Jade and Steve squeal with glee!