-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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5 Months Later...
Indigo relaxed on the couch, gently stroking Alpine, who was contentedly nestled in her lap. She watched with a mix of pride and amusement as Gracie, deeply engrossed in her math problems, scribbled away with focused concentration. It was incredible to think that at only five years old, Gracie was tackling middle school-level math. Indigo often wondered if her daughter was destined to become the next Tony Stark or even the President of the United States. Either way, Gracie's brilliance was a source of immense pride for her.
"Mommy, what's your favorite color?" Gracie's voice broke through her thoughts, the question emerging from her as she continued to work without looking up.
Indigo chuckled softly, her heart swelling with affection. Her daughter's endless curiosity was one of the things she loved most about her. "I like blue," Indigo said, glancing down at Gracie as she worked. "What made you ask, sweetheart?"
"Just curious," Gracie replied, her pencil pausing mid-sentence. "Why is blue your favorite?"
Indigo watched as her daughter's inquisitive eyes met hers, filled with a genuine desire to understand.
"Well," Indigo began, her voice softening, "blue is special to me because it was the color of your daddy's eyes. It's the same beautiful shade as yours."
Gracie's face fell into a thoughtful expression. "I wish I could have seen them," she said quietly.
"Every time you look in the mirror, you see them, baby," Indigo said with a warm smile.
Gracie tilted her head, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "Why do you call me 'baby'?"
Indigo patted the space next to her on the couch, inviting Gracie to join her. The little girl eagerly climbed up and nestled close, finding comfort in her mother's embrace.
"Because you're my baby," Indigo said softly, wrapping an arm around Gracie. "My sweet girl. You'll always be my special girl, no matter how much you grow."
"Can I call you Indigo?" Gracie asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Indigo took a breath, a soft laugh escaping her. "Why would you want to do that?"
Gracie giggled. "Unkie Stevey calls you that."
"Well, that is my name," Indigo replied with a playful smile. "Indigo Willow Barnes."
"Willow?" Gracie repeated, her eyes wide with interest.
Indigo nodded, brushing a strand of hair from Gracie's face. "Yes, Willow. I'm named after my momma, just like you're named after your daddy."
"What was your momma like?" Gracie asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Indigo paused, searching for the right words. She had never met either of her parents, and talking about them was always a delicate subject.
