Bucky waited in anticipation for the woman he adored to walk down the aisle with their best friend. He'd waited for this day for what felt like forever. Alice had expressed wanting a Christmas wedding, and Bucky wasn't about to tell her no.
For the wedding, Steve had offered to do two jobs, and would be both walking Alice down the aisle and Bucky's best man.
The Bridal Chorus started and the doors opened to reveal Steve and Alice.
As Bucky watched them walk down the aisle, he tried to keep already forming tears from falling. He'd always thought Alice beautiful, but today she was radiant.
Alice caught his eye and smiled and he smiled back.
When Steve and Alice reached the end, he let her go and she took Bucky's hands. Steve went to stand to the side of Bucky.
After a moment, the priest began the ceremony. "Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today to join James Barnes and Alice Hoyer in holy matrimony. I understand the two of you have prepared your own vows. James, if you will, please."
Bucky cleared his throat and nodded. "Alice, from the moment I met you in that bookstore all those years ago, I had no idea we'd end up here, and yet here we are. A love of reading really can help you find your future bride. We've been through much, and I promise to always be there for you no matter what." He took the ring he'd selected for her. "With this ring, I, James Barnes, take you, Alice Hoyer, to be my wife. I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death do us part." He slipped the ring on her finger.
"Alice, your vows if you please."
Alice smiled shakily at the man standing before her. "Bucky, you've always been able to see the best in things, even when I haven't. You've been there through some of the worst parts in my life and never once walked away. You stayed, which is more than I can say for just about anyone in my life. I can't wait for this next journey we'll share, and I'm looking forward to the years to come once the war is over." She took the ring she'd selected for him. "With this ring, I, Alice Hoyer, take you, James Barnes, to be my husband. I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death do us part." She slipped the ring on his finger.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Bucky pulled Alice close and pressed a tender kiss to her lips, then dipped her, causing her to let out a light laugh. He stood her back up and they walked down the aisle, shortly followed by their mutual friend.
Steve walked up to his friends outside the hall and said, "Congratulations."
Bucky smiled. "Thanks."
"Shall we celebrate?" Alice asked.
"Absolutely, doll."
The three friends walked away, unsure of where they'd go, but knew it would be a night to remember.
YOU ARE READING
Till the End of Time
AcţiuneAlice and Bucky were childhood sweethearts, so it was no surprise when the two exchanged vows. When the war came to the States, one was drafted, one would do whatever it took to serve, and one hoped to serve from the home front. But, as it goes, "...
