Finding Love in France

Part 27: One More Night

As the festivities started to wind down, they were able to locate Stark. He was out back behind the bar, playing cards and smoking cigars with the mayor of the town and a few officers. He looked up and saw the group coming towards him. He stood up, cigar hanging out of his mouth and said "Barnes? Is that you? You look like hell!"

"Nice to see you too, Howard!" He laughed.

"And who is this?" He walked right past Bucky, to Mila, and took her hand to kiss it. "How the hell did you get mixed up with this guy?" He motioned at Bucky.

"Dr. Mila Abrams, sir. It is so good to meet you." She was a little starstruck. "Uh, I believe we have a mutual acquaintance?"

"Other than Barnes, I hope. Say, Doc, anybody ever tell you that you look just like Hedy Lamarr?" He winked at her.

"Actually, she worked with Erskine" Steve was awkwardly trying to bail her out.

"Oh? In what capacity did you work with our dearly departed Abe Erskine?" He raised an eyebrow, but was still holding her hand.

"Well, sir, I was his assistant before he came to work with you. We were working on the protein synthesis and sensory enhancement protocols together." She felt rude trying to read him, but was eager to know what he thought.

"Really? Beauty and brains? Tell me more..." and took her arm to walk her towards the seating area.

Bucky rolled his eyes at Steve, but also knew how important this introduction was for Mila.

After what seemed like an eternity, Mila walked back towards the guys. She looked tired but hopeful. "Gentlemen, it seems that we will be staying here tonight. Howard has procured us rooms at the local hotel so we can get some rest." She looked at James and smiled. "Howard Stark has also offered me a job."

"What? Mils, that's great!" He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her cheek. "That's incredible, I'm so proud of you!" Then he kissed her lips deeply.

Steve looked around uncomfortably, then tried to get their attention by clearing his throat. "Ahem...Uh, guys? Should we go find that hotel?"

The trio made their way through the small streets of the town center until they found the hotel. Mila approached the desk and spoke to the clerk.

"She speaks French, too?" Steve asked Bucky.

"English, German, Yiddish, and some Russian, too." Bucky was so proud of her, he couldn't even try to hide it.

"All set!" She came back with two sets of keys.

"So me and Buck will take one room..." Steve saw the puzzled look on Mila's face and blushed "Oh. Or, uh, I'll take one room and you guys take the other."

"C'mon, don't be sore, Steve." He suddenly felt a little sorry for his friend. "In all the excitement, I forgot to tell you that we're engaged!" He had his arm around Mila and was grinning like a fool.

"Hey, that's great! Congrats, you two!" He laughed "See, Bucky? Leaving me in the dust, just like old times, pal." He was genuinely happy for his friend.

"Thanks, buddy. It's pretty damn great, isn't it?" He hadn't said it out loud to anyone yet, he was so excited that he got to tell Steve first.

"Great? It's a damn miracle!" He laughed. "You sure you can handle this guy?" He joked to Mila.

"You have no idea, Captain Rogers." she laughed a little too hard at her own joke.

"Hey, we're gonna be family! Please, call me Steve." He put a giant hand on her arm.