Bucky's Anchor

Chapter 79 - A New Beginning

I look down at his little face, the soft down of his hair, and I'm overwhelmed. I glance up at Bucky, who is still standing beside me, his eyes wet with tears, his hand trembling slightly as it hovers over the baby.

"He's perfect," I whisper, my voice breaking.

Bucky slowly reaches out, gently touching our son's cheek with his finger, like he's afraid he might break him. "He's... he's really here," Bucky murmurs, his voice filled with wonder.

I watch as Bucky's face softens, a mixture of disbelief and joy crossing his features. I've seen him face some of the darkest moments in life, but I've never seen him look like this—so open, so vulnerable.

"He's ours, Bucky," I say softly, leaning my head back against the pillow, tears streaming down my face.

Bucky looks at me, then back at our son. He leans down and presses a soft kiss to my forehead, his tears mingling with mine. "Thank you," he whispers. "For everything."

I smile up at him, my heart so full it hurts. "We did this together," I say. "He's ours."

---

As I cradle our son in my arms, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. This moment, this tiny life we've created together, is everything I never knew I needed. I look up at Bucky, who's now sitting beside me on the bed, his eyes fixed on the baby, still unable to believe that he's real.

"Have you thought about a name?" I ask, my voice soft, though I already know the answer.

Bucky looks at me, his expression serious, and I can see the name on the tip of his tongue. It's been there for a long time. I give him a small nod, encouraging him to say it out loud.

"Steve," he whispers, his voice barely audible. He looks down at the baby, tears filling his eyes again. "I think we should name him Steve."

My heart swells at the sound of the name. Steve Rogers was so much more than just a friend to us. He was family. He believed in Bucky when no one else did, and he gave Bucky a second chance at life. Naming our son after him feels right.

"Steve," I repeat softly, looking down at our son. "It's perfect."

Bucky's hand trembles as he gently strokes our son's tiny head. "Steve... he would've loved him," he says, his voice breaking. "He would've been so proud."

I nod, my throat tight with emotion. "He would've," I agree. "He's proud of you, Bucky. Wherever he is, I know he's smiling right now."

Bucky leans down, pressing his lips to our son's forehead, his tears falling freely. "I'll protect you," he whispers. "I'll be the father you deserve."

My heart aches with love as I watch Bucky hold our son for the first time. This man, who has been through so much pain, who has doubted himself for so long, is finally finding peace in this tiny life. He's no longer just Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, or the man fighting his past. He's a father now, and I've never been more proud of him.

---

I watch Bucky as he cradles our son, his hands so gentle, so careful, as if he's holding the most fragile thing in the world. His face is a mix of awe and fear, but beneath it all, I see the love—so deep, so fierce, it nearly takes my breath away.

"He's so small," Bucky whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "How can someone so small make me feel like this?"

I smile, my heart swelling. "Because he's ours," I say softly. "And because you love him."

Bucky nods, his eyes never leaving our son's face. "I didn't think I could love like this," he admits, his voice breaking. "After everything I've done... I didn't think I deserved this."

I reach over, placing my hand on his arm, grounding him. "You do, Bucky. You've earned this. You've fought so hard to be here, to be the man you are now. And our son will grow up knowing that you're his hero."

Bucky looks at me, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "I'm scared," he admits quietly. "I'm scared I'll mess this up, that I won't be good enough for him."

My heart aches for him, for all the doubt he still carries. But I know, deep down, that he is exactly what our son needs. "You're already more than enough," I whisper, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. "You love him. That's what matters. You've always been enough."

Bucky closes his eyes, leaning into my touch, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I see the tension in his shoulders ease. He lets out a shaky breath, and when he opens his eyes again, there's a quiet resolve in them.

"I'll protect him," he says softly, his voice filled with determination. "I'll be there for him, no matter what."

I nod, my heart swelling with pride. "I know you will."

We sit there in the hospital room, the three of us, wrapped in the warmth of this new beginning. For the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is going to be okay. Bucky is here, I'm here, and our son is safe in our arms. This is our family. Our future.

And I can't wait to see what comes next.