Carousel of Time - An Alternative Bucky Barnes Story

Chapter 16. The Next Wedding

Steve and Peggy appeared in the kitchen the next morning basking in the afterglow of the night before. Bucky and Kate said nothing but the big grin on Bucky's face betrayed his feelings about Steve and Peggy. He only ever wanted his friend to be happy and the look on Steve's face was proof that his friend had found the right woman.

"So, are you taking a few days off?" asked Bucky. "Do you need anyone to stand up for you?"

"You and I are going in to work this morning," said Steve, "then this afternoon you're helping me with some logistics. Tomorrow morning Peggy and I will apply for a marriage license. If Kate can go with Peggy today to buy a nice dress to get married in we'll get married day after tomorrow at City Hall. Would you mind if we had a luncheon here after?"

"No problem. And?" asked Bucky.

"I'm sure Howard has a new girlfriend that can be our maid of honour while he's the best man," said Steve with a straight face.

"Like hell he will," said Bucky standing up.

"Language, Sergeant," said Steve sternly, then he laughed. "Of course you're my best man."

"Kate, would you be my matron of honour?" asked Peggy.

"It would be my pleasure," replied Kate. "We should let Howard know. After all he did save your life with that parachute."

"I hate it when people are right," said Steve, rolling his eyes. "I know he helped you a lot so yes, we can invite him but no floozy girlfriend."

Kate phoned her assistant Ruth to say she wasn't painting for a few days. It worked out well as another artist had requested her help. As the men got ready for the office Kate and Peggy prepared breakfast.

"I hope we weren't too loud for you last night," said Kate. "Bucky liked the modern unmentionables."

Peggy smiled. "We were preoccupied," she said, "so no, you didn't bother us. Did we ...?"

"Not at all," replied Kate. "I hope it was ... nice?"

"It was," said Peggy. "Thank you for the advice. His flat has a no overnight visitor policy..."

"He can stay here," said Kate, understanding completely.

"Thank you," said Peggy, grateful.

The men came back downstairs where breakfast was ready for everyone. While they were eating they heard giggling and a thumping noise. Kate went to the stairs to see that John had escaped his crib then his room and was now crawling backwards down the stairs. She picked him up with a kiss as he giggled some more.

"Bucky, look who escaped from his crib and his room," said Kate as she carried him to the dining room.

"Oh no," said Bucky, "he didn't?"

"He climbed out of the crib and opened the door?" asked Steve. "How?"

"My first son jumped and turned the door knob by holding on to it," said Kate. "I assume John did the same."

Steve and Peggy looked at each other with alarm. Obviously they had used up the condoms supplied to Steve.

"Bucky, can I talk to you for a moment?" asked Steve.

They stepped outside for a few minutes then came back in. Steve had a relieved look on his face and nodded at Peggy. Bucky smiled at Kate then checked his watch and said it was time to go. Before Kate could remind him he showed her the paper bag with his shoe and sock in it. They kissed goodbye, as did Steve and Peggy, and the men left to catch the train into the city.