-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]
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7 Months Later...
"Happy birthday, dear Gracie James," Indigo sang softly, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "Happy Birthday to you."
She gently set the small cake in front of Gracie, who squealed with delight and immediately grabbed a fistful of cake, smearing frosting across her face in her excitement.
The compound was bustling with activity, filled with familiar faces who had gathered to celebrate Gracie's second birthday. Tony, Pepper, and Morgan were there, along with Nat and Steve, Thor, and Bruce. They had both seen Gracie only through Indigo's daily photos and videos, and finally decided it was time to meet her in person.
Indigo chuckled as she grabbed a napkin and gently wiped frosting from her daughter's cheeks, trying to keep up with Gracie's boundless energy and enthusiasm for cake. It was a joyous occasion, one filled with laughter and shared moments of happiness.
"My god, she eats just like her mother!" Thor's voice boomed across the room, filled with hearty laughter.
Indigo couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully at Thor's comment. "Okay, baby girl," she chuckled, leaning over to gently wipe Gracie's frosting-covered hands with a napkin. "I think that's enough cake for now."
She lifted Gracie from the high chair and handed her off to Nat, who was waiting with wet wipes and a knowing smile. Nat expertly cleaned up the sticky mess, exchanging amused glances with Indigo as Gracie giggled and squirmed.
Turning around, Indigo found Tony holding Morgan, his face lighting up as he looked down at his daughter. "How's my little Mo-mo doing?" Indigo asked softly, leaning closer to admire the baby nestled in Tony's arms. Morgan was the spitting image of her father, from her mischievous grin to her bright eyes.
"She's great," Tony replied with a tired but genuine smile. "I'm tired."
Indigo chuckled knowingly. "Just wait till she starts running around with her pants on her head, refusing to put shoes on," she teased, envisioning the antics that awaited Tony as Morgan grew older.
As if on cue, they both turned to see Gracie enthusiastically shoving cake into Steve's mouth, her laughter filling the room. Steve, ever the good sport, pretended to gobble it up with exaggerated enthusiasm, earning more giggles from Gracie.
"My Gracie could never," Tony chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "How you holding up, Willow?" he added, using the affectionate nickname he had bestowed upon Indigo.
"I'm okay, really," Indigo replied with a genuine smile, her eyes reflecting the truth in her words.
It was true—life was becoming easier to navigate. Gracie had filled her days with boundless love and happiness, a bright spot in the darkness that had followed Bucky's absence. In the two years since Gracie's birth, Indigo had found a new rhythm, a new purpose in caring for her daughter and embracing the joys of motherhood.
