-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...
"Gracie James, if you don't get your little self in here right now, we're going to be late!" Indigo called, her voice a mix of urgency and affection.
She quickly finished packing Gracie's lunch, slipping the sandwich into the bag and zipping it up with practiced ease. With her other hand, she grabbed Gracie's backpack and her own purse, juggling everything as she checked the clock. The minutes were slipping away fast, and the thought of being late for work while trying to get Gracie to school on time was stressing her out.
Gracie came barreling down the hallway, her energy palpable even in her rush. She snatched her backpack and lunchbox from Indigo's hands, her blue eyes sparkling with determination. Indigo couldn't help but smile as she looked at her daughter—she was stunning, her dark brown hair cascading in soft waves down her back, catching the morning light. Her eyes, so much like Bucky's, were a brilliant blue that seemed to hold the promise of countless adventures and dreams.
"Come on, Mommy, I'm gonna be late!" Gracie whined, tugging at Indigo's hand with urgency.
Indigo rolled her eyes with a smile, grabbing her keys and swinging the door open—only to halt in her tracks. Steve and Nat stood on the doorstep, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. It wasn't like them to show up unannounced, especially not on a Tuesday morning when they knew Indigo had work and Gracie had school.
"Unkie Stevey!" Gracie squealed, rushing into Steve's embrace. He bent down and enveloped her in a warm hug, his expression softening as he held her close.
"Well, I'm sorry to break up this cute moment," Indigo said, raising an eyebrow at Nat. "But Gracie's got to get to school in the next five minutes or she'll be late."
"We're sorry for just showing up like this, Indie," Nat said, her strained smile barely masking her concern. Indigo's heart sank; she could tell something was off.
"Nat?" Indigo prompted, her voice softening with worry.
Nat stepped aside, and Indigo's heart nearly stopped. There, standing behind her, was Scott Lang. She could barely process the sight of him—Scott, who had vanished into dust along with so many others during the snap. It didn't make sense. If Scott was here, could it mean that others were back too? Was there a chance Bucky could somehow be among them?
Her keys and purse clattered to the floor, her hands trembling as she struggled to grasp the enormity of the moment.
"Hi," Scott said, offering a nervous wave. "It's good to see you again, Mrs. Enigma."
Indigo's eyes darted between Steve and Nat. Steve's face was a mask of concern and determination, while Nat's expression remained inscrutable, giving away nothing. Indigo's gaze dropped to her daughter, Gracie, who was staring up at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity.
