-In which, despite Indigo and Bucky's shattered and bruised state, their love for each other is the anchor that prevents them from completely crumbling.
Mature Content 18+
[Book Two]
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
4 Months Later...
Indigo rolled over in bed, her gaze softening as she looked at Gracie peacefully asleep in her crib. With a quiet sigh, she slipped out from under the covers and pulled on an oversized shirt. The room felt hushed, the only sound the gentle breathing of her daughter.
Padding silently across the room, Indigo picked up the baby monitor and headed down the familiar hallway of her apartment in Queens.
In the kitchen, Indigo reached for a coffee cup, pouring herself a much-needed dose of caffeine. She perched on the edge of the counter, cradling the warm cup in her hands as she glanced down at her phone.
Indigo stared at her phone, the soft glow illuminating Gracie's innocent face on the screensaver. It was a picture taken just a couple of days after Gracie was born, capturing a moment of pure serenity amidst the whirlwind of emotions. With a gentle swipe, she unlocked her phone, revealing her home screen—a cherished memory from another time.
The image displayed herself and Bucky on their wedding day, both radiating happiness and love. Indigo couldn't help but smile wistfully at the sight of them together. Even though Bucky was no longer physically with her, his presence still lingered in every corner of her heart and mind. It was the thought of their daughter that kept her going, a living reminder of their love and the hope they had nurtured together.
Glancing at her calendar, Indigo noted that today was Pepper's OB appointment. It had been two months since Pepper had shared the joyful news of her pregnancy with Indigo and the others. Despite the lingering ache of loss, Indigo had felt genuine happiness for Tony and Pepper. The prospect of their growing family brought a sense of warmth and optimism amidst the lingering grief.
Pepper had generously offered Indigo a job at Stark Industries, assuring her that she could start whenever she felt ready. It was a gesture of kindness and support that Indigo deeply appreciated. Yet, as she stood in her kitchen, sipping her coffee and gazing at Gracie's photo, she knew she wasn't quite ready to step back into the demands of work.
Her daughter seemed to be growing up too quickly; Gracie was already holding her head up and showing signs of wanting to sit up on her own. Indigo marveled at each small milestone, treasuring every moment as she watched Gracie's development unfold.
Every night, after tucking Gracie into her crib, Indigo would sit beside her and softly recount stories about her daddy. She knew Gracie was still too young to grasp the meaning behind the tales, but the act of sharing memories and love brought a sense of solace to Indigo's grieving heart.
As she leaned over Gracie's crib one evening, brushing a stray lock of dark hair from her daughter's forehead, Indigo whispered another story into the quiet room. "Your daddy had the kindest heart, Gracie," she murmured, her voice tinged with both sadness and fondness. "He would have loved to hold you like this, to see you grow and learn every day."
