Begin Again (Bucky Barnes)

23

James

Lily has been working herself to the bone even though she no longer requires it, she's up at the crack of dawn and gets home early hours of the morning.
When I tried to mention it to her she shut me down saying she was fine and just because she lived with me now doesn't mean she's not going to work.

I hate that she feels like she still has to do this, if I had it my way she would at least work in a job that used her degree.
Nat had offered her a job with us but she turned her down saying she didn't earn the job herself and didn't want hand outs.

My girl was determined to be independent and as much I loved that about her it also wildly frustrated me.

Today was the first day she had taken off some time in a week and it's because we are attending Ruby's Christmas nativity play and then I was going to treat them to a special dinner after to celebrate.

"Shouldn't you be gone by now?" Nat says coming into my office.
"I was just leaving" I say closing my laptop and grabbing my coat.
"Wish Ruby luck from us" Nat smiles at me.

"I will do and I will show you the video another time" I say making my way to the elevator bank.
I had one place to stop before going to pick up Lily and Mrs Jones and making our way to Ruby's pre school.

"Oh thank goodness you are here she was starting to get worried" Mrs Jones greets me as I walk into the apartment.
"Where is she?" I ask looking around.
"Just nipped to restroom, those are beautiful by the way" she smiles at me.

I'm currently holding two bouquets of flowers one of which we will take with us to present to Ruby after her performance.
Lily comes out of the bathroom and stops in her tracks when she sees me.

"I was starting to think you couldn't come" she's chewing on her bottom lip.
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world and you know I don't break my promises" I admit honestly.

Shame the same can't be said for her useless ex husband who claimed he was too busy and left his daughter heartbroken when Lily had to explain daddy wouldn't be there.
There was no way in hell when Ruby turned her tear filled eyes to me and asked if I was going to be there that I was going to let her down, nothing could've stopped me going today.

"These are for you" I hand Lily one of the bouquets and give her a kiss.
"You didn't have to" she blushes.
"I wanted to" she's still not use to me spoiling her for no reason.
"We need to get going" she says quickly placing the flowers in a vase.

Of course we are right up front ready to support Ruby and cheer her on.
We laugh when she gives us a little wave when she spots us as she takes her place on stage, and for the next hour we sit and enjoy the nativity.
I grab Lily's hand as she wipes her proud mom tears from her eyes at seeing her daughter shine up on stage.

Ruby's definitely grown since I've known her she used to be a little shy and sometimes still is but right now she's performing her little heart out and I couldn't be prouder.

After the show Ruby comes running up to us face beaming.
"Did you see me" she asks.
"Of course we did you were incredible baby girl I couldn't be prouder" Lily says as she pulls Ruby into a tight hug and I can see she's trying not to cry again.
"These are for you" I bend down and hold out the flowers.
"For me?" Ruby asks nervously just like her mom.
"Yep for the best performer on that stage" I smile at her before being caught off guard when she throws her little arms around me.