In Another Universe

THIRTEEN

February 23rd 2025
One year after Steve's death

Bucky pulls open the chiming door of Stassie's Sweet Shoppe, Pushing five month old Rosie's bright pink stroller inside.

An array of delicious smells waft through the air as Bucky and Rosie make their way up to the counter, Susan Martin peaks her head out from the back room and a smile quickly spreads across her rose colored lips.

"Is that my favorite customer?!" She asks cheerfully, Quickly dusting the flour from her palms onto her blush colored apron as she approaches Rosie's stroller.

"Good morning, Susan." Bucky beams, His heart feeling light as Susan lifts Rosie within her arms.

"What brings you two in so early? And where's mama hiding?" Susan asks, cooing to the bright eyed baby as she fusses.

"I'm letting Stassie sleep in, It's the anniversary of you-know-who's death. So I'm going to surprise her with breakfast in bed, Uncle Samy is going to come babysit and we'll be off for a day full of relaxing distractions." He smiles.

"Jeez, Can I join too? I've got about an hour longer of peace before the breakfast rush kicks off." Susan half jokes, Gently laying Rosie within her stroller. "What can I get you?"

"Have you put away the Valentine's Day molds yet?" He asks, Adjusting Rosie's blanket to make sure she's protected from the frigid cold for their walk home.

"I did, But I can pull them back out for the Boss." She grins, "What do you have in mind?"

"Six heart shaped donuts, maybe a couple chocolate fudge filled and two filled with strawberries jam? Just a little something colorful to start the morning off on a happy note?"

"You got it, Have a seat and they should be done in about fifteen - twenty minutes."

"Mind if I grab a cup of coffee while we wait?"

"Help yourself!" She beams, Making quick work of pulling all the necessary ingredients from within the cabinets.

"So," Bucky begins, Preparing his hot cup of mocha coffee from behind the counter beside Susan. "How's she been lately? Just between us?"

Susan's eyes remain locked on the measuring cup as she eyeballs how much flour she needs for the donuts.

Choosing her words carefully, She replies. "She has her moments but all in all, She seems to be doing really well."

"Her moments?" Bucky presses, leaning his back against the counter as he sips the steaming cup held within his hand.

"Bucky, It's only been a year. Give her time." Susan forces a smile as she peers up at him briefly, returning her focus back to the task as his lips press tightly together.

"I know, I know... But she is happy right? I mean, you've know her for years... You think she's happy about... everything?"

After finding out about Anastasia's pregnancy in December, Bucky finally was able to convince her to giving a real relationship with him a chance.

So they could be a real family.

Since then, He's moved heaven and hell to see her smile.

Retiring from his brief life of Avenging, Moving into Anastasia's suite at the tower.

Stepping up as a full-time dad to Rosie, And learning everything he possibly can about being the best father to the daughter he never knew he wanted.

Anastasia has continued to work full time at her shoppe, Which he doesn't dare complain about — knowing how much her career means to her.