Bucky's Hope (A Bucky Barnes Love Story)

Chapter 63

Bucky's POV:

My heart broke for Hope as she said her final goodbye to Kaitlyn and Daniel. After we had all laid our roses on their caskets everyone began to head back to their cars and head to the ranch but Hope did not move from her spot.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Not yet, I want to stay until it's completely done."

"But you're going to get soaked and possibly get sick."

"I've dealt with far worse than a minor cold, James, go ahead and take Emma back to the ranch, I will be there shortly."

Hope said nothing and walked out from under the umbrella, I wanted to say more but I was stopped by Tony.

"Don't worry about her, I will be here with her, and it would be best to get Emma out of this weather."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I will keep an eye on her and will get her back home in a little bit, she needs this, Barnes."

"Okay, we will see you both back at the ranch."

Tony said nothing more and only nodded in agreement, I turned and walked to the car, I got Emma buckled into her car seat then got in myself and headed back to the ranch. When I got there Pepper and Mrs. Williams were in the kitchen getting lunch prepared.

"Where's Hope?" Pepper asked when she saw it was only me and Emma.

"She stayed behind, she wanted to stay there until the burial was complete, but don't worry Tony stayed behind to accompany her."

"I'm not surprised, Tony knows how she is feeling right now and if I know them both, they are the same when it comes to grief but I know that Tony will not allow her to shut us out, just like she did for him," Pepper said.

At her words, my heart dropped remembering what I did to Howard and Maria.

"Bucky, don't do that to yourself, Tony knows that what happened was not your fault so stop it," Pepper gave me a stern look.

"Sorry, it's still hard sometimes," I said honestly.

"I know it is, but just remember what Hope told you about the second chance you given," Pepper said.

I smiled, "You're right and I will."

"Good, because you have truly been given a once-in-a-lifetime second chance, so do everything in your power to keep and not lose it," Pepper looked at Emma who was sleeping soundly in my arms.

"I'm going to go and put her down," I told Pepper who nodded.

She turned her attention back to the stove and I headed down to Morgan and Emma's room, I quietly and carefully laid Emma in the crib, she was out like a light so she did not stir. I watched her as she slept and my heart broke for her as well because it finally sank that Emma would not see her parents again, but more that they would miss out on so many of her milestones.

But I took comfort in knowing that she has Hope and me in her life, I smiled because I realized just how quickly this innocent small child stole my heart so quick, just like Hope did.

"I love you, Emma, and just know that I will be here for you, however you need me to be."

I had been so transfixed watching Emma that I didn't realize I wasn't alone anymore.

"She is one lucky kid now that she has you watching out for her."

I looked up and saw that Steve was standing by the doorway watching us.

"Nah, I'm the lucky one."

"How is that?" Steve asked.

"Because I now have two beautiful girls who have become the light of my life in such a short amount of time and I couldn't be happier."

"I'm glad you're happy and I'm proud of how far you have come from where you were two years ago."

"Yeah, I was in a very dark place then, and now I have two reasons for why I should keep moving forward."

I watched Emma as she innocently slept for a moment longer.

"Come on," I said to Steve as I got up and walked to the door, once we were both out I quietly closed the door.

When Steve and I got to the living room we noticed everyone was quiet, it was then I heard music coming from somewhere.

"Where is that comi-" Steve was then cut off when everyone shushed him.

At that moment I saw Tony step out from the kitchen.

"Is that her?" I asked him and he simply nodded in confirmation.

I said nothing more and just walked to Hope's office, there I found her sitting at the piano playing it, her eyes closed lost in the music she was playing but I noticed the tears running down her cheeks.

I walked over quietly and sat down next to Hope not disturbing her as she played, when the song was done she was still for a moment before she turned to face me.

"Thank you, for being by my side today."

"Of course, there was no other place I wished to be than with you, I'm always going to be here, for you and Emma."

Hope leaned against me resting her head on my shoulder, "How did we get lucky?"

"Easy, I was given a second chance, and then you and Emma stole my heart away and I know that I will never get it back so make sure you keep it safe."

"I will treasure it always."

I leaned my head down and captured her lips with mine, I ran my tongue against her bottom lip and she opened giving me access, Hope moaned as she deepened the kiss. A moment later I stopped to let us breathe but kept my forehead resting against her's.

"I love you, Hope."

"I love you too, Jamie."

I could hear the tears in her voice so I pulled her into a hug and Hope broke down at last, she let it all out what she had been holding back all day today because I knew she was trying to be strong for Emma.

"Shh, I'm here and I'm never leaving you, Doll."

We stayed like that until Hope cried herself to sleep, I carried her to her bedroom and laid her in bed, I then took her heels off and covered her with a throw blanket.

I was about to leave when she stopped me, her eyes were still closed but she spoke.

"Stay with me, please, I don't want to be alone," Hope said.

"Alright."

I took my shoes off and lay next to Hope, once I was settled in bed she scooted closer to me until she was cuddled against me, her head resting on my vibranium arm. I kissed her forehead as I wrapped my other arm around her and then let sleep take over.