Shadows of Trust || A Bucky Barnes Love Story

Chapter 11 - A New Life Begins

Later that night, after William had left and the compound had quieted down, Diana sat beside Bucky on the bed, her eyes searching his face for the right moment to start a conversation that had been weighing on her mind. Bucky, having just finished his shower, sat next to her, towel drying his hair before noticing the slightly nervous look in her eyes.

"Something on your mind, Dee?" he asked softly, setting the towel aside.

Diana took a deep breath, her hands hidden behind her back, clutching something she had been holding onto for hours. "Yeah... there's something we need to talk about."

Her tone was gentle but serious, making Bucky sit up a bit straighter. He shifted to face her fully, concern flickering in his eyes. "What is it? You know you can talk to me about anything."

Diana smiled softly, appreciating his openness. She felt her heart race slightly as she glanced down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I've been thinking about... the future. About what it might look like for us."

Bucky's brow furrowed slightly in confusion, though there was a hint of anticipation in his expression. "What do you mean?"

Diana exhaled slowly. "I guess... I wanted to ask how you feel about having kids. I know things have been intense lately, and we're still figuring things out, but I need to know where you stand on that."

Bucky's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the topic. He paused for a moment, his gaze softening as he thought carefully before answering. "Honestly, I never gave it much thought before. With everything that's happened in my life, kids seemed... out of reach. But now, with you..." He reached for her hand, his thumb gently stroking her palm. "I could see it. I could see us having a family someday."

Diana's heart skipped a beat at his words, but there was still a slight hesitation in her expression. She nodded, but the way her hands fidgeted behind her back made Bucky narrow his eyes curiously.

"What is it, Diana?" he asked gently, sensing there was something more.

Diana bit her lip, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally, she brought her hands forward, revealing a small box tied with a delicate ribbon. She held it out to him, her fingers trembling slightly as she met his gaze. "I... I need you to open this."

Bucky blinked, clearly taken aback. He took the box from her hands, his own slightly unsteady. Carefully, he untied the ribbon, the soft fabric falling away as he lifted the lid. Inside, nestled gently within the box, was a positive pregnancy test.

His breath caught in his throat. For a moment, he couldn't speak, his eyes wide with shock. Slowly, his gaze shifted from the test to Diana, his lips parting as emotion flooded him. Tears began to pool in his eyes, and his hand trembled as he held the test.

"Diana..." he whispered, his voice breaking. "You're... we're..."

She nodded, her own eyes shimmering with tears. "I'm pregnant, Jamie."

Bucky's face crumpled as the tears spilled over. He reached out, pulling her into his arms, holding her as tightly as he could. His whole body trembled as he pressed his face into her shoulder, overwhelmed by the depth of his emotions.

"I... I don't know what to say," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you so much. I never thought... never thought I'd have this."

Diana hugged him back just as tightly, her own tears falling freely as she kissed his temple. "You're going to be an amazing father, Jamie. I know it."

Bucky pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "I already love this baby so much. And you... you're giving me everything I never thought I'd have. A family... you and our child." He gently placed his hand on her stomach, his fingers brushing against the fabric of her shirt. "We're going to do this together, right?"

Diana nodded, her hand resting over his. "Always."

Bucky smiled through his tears, leaning in to kiss her tenderly, the weight of this new chapter settling in. For the first time in a long time, the future felt hopeful. As he held her close, he whispered, "Thank you for giving me this gift, Dee. I promise, I'll protect both of you... no matter what."

Diana smiled, kissing him back softly. "I know you will. You're my everything, Jamie."

And as they sat there together, the reality of the new life they were bringing into the world filled the room with warmth and love. They both knew that despite the challenges ahead, they would face them hand in hand. A new beginning had already started, and it was theirs to cherish.