Begin Again (Bucky Barnes)

22

Lily

Living with James was like living at a hotel, everything was done for us and it was rather strange.
I asked Hope how to use the laundry machine and she said that was her job and if I put mine and Ruby's clothes in the washing hamper then she will do it.

James had told me not to argue with her and she also does the housework so I didn't have to worry about that either.
Although that was never really on the top of my priorities but it got done.

It is slightly overwhelming to be honest and I'm going to need some more time to adjust to my new living situation.

But there are definitely some things that I don't need time to adjust to, like the massive bath tub and luxury shower.
Oh and of course the god like man that I share this apartment with, waking up with a half naked James is definitely the best way to start my day.
He wanted us to sleep naked but I quickly reminded him of my daughter that sleeps down the hall.

Ruby seems to have adjusted well and has only woken up a couple of times confused causing her to sleep in with us until she fell asleep again.

Since James owns the apartment I can't pay my way towards his mortgage, so I offered him money towards utilities which of course he declined.
After going round in circles he finally agreed to let me pay for the groceries as I refused to contribute nothing.

After recalculating my finances I will be able to afford Ruby's pre kindergarten fees and in the future I will start a savings account for her.
I will also start my own savings account because I don't ever want to be caught short again if things end with James.

God it feels weird that I'm not panicking so much about money anymore but I'm going to keep all the shifts going.

Today was the day of the official Christmas event at The Winter Hotel which means I'm currently stood in the walk in closet.
Oh yeah that's definitely another perk.
Running my hands over my emerald jumper dress I wonder if I should swap it for something else maybe something more elegant.

I've gone for comfort and warmth but now I'm doubting it.
"Momma help" Ruby run into the room holding a bow and her tiara.

She looks like a princess in her new tartan party dress that she picked out to wear from the clothes James brought.
I sit her in front of the vanity mirror and grab a brush.

I tie her hair half up and clip the red bow in place before adding the tiara.
"My beautiful girls" I hear James's voice come from behind us.
Looking up I catch his eye in the mirror and the look in his eyes is making my heart beat faster.
His words sink in and my heart seizes and I feel the wall that I perfectly constructed around my heart is about to completely crumble into dust.

Then the words that Mrs Jones said to me the other night come into my mind.
He looks at you like your his universe.

I shake my head thinking that it can't be true and I stand to face him.
"Are you sure this is okay? Because I can change super quick if you want to pick out a more appropriate outfit" I chew on my bottom lip nervously.

He frowns at me confused.
"Why would I pick your outfit out?" His tone low as if he didn't want Ruby to hear our conversation.
"Because this event is important to you and even though people don't know we are together I don't want to embarrass you" I whisper back.

"Ruby princess why don't you go see if Hope can help you pick out the shoes you want to wear with that pretty dress" he says giving her a massive smile.
"Okay" she hops off the stool and runs out shouting for Hope.