IN THE FLAMES ➼ B. BARNES

THIRTEEN

Yet again, Bucky was seated on the stool right in front of Rose as she worked. He hadn't ordered much today except for a coffee which she'd refill every now and then. "Hey, Doll. More coffee please." Bucky smiled, handing her the empty mug. Taking it from him, she went to pour the coffee in it but stopped when she heard something rattle from inside the cup. Putting the coffee pot down, she reached her hand into the cup and pulled out a beautiful diamond ring. Eyes wide, she turned to look at Bucky only to find him down on one knee with the biggest smile on his face that she had ever seen. "Bucky?..."

"Rose, my love. We haven't known each other for too long, but my grandmother told me that when I find the one, I'll know straight away. I knew from the moment I met you, that I was going to make you my wife one day. Now will you do me the honour of becoming Mrs Barnes?" By this stage Rose had tears streaming down her face, she quickly launched herself at Bucky and peppered his face with kissed "Yes, of course!" she had never been more sure of anything in her life. She was ready to spend the rest of her life with the man she loves. 

+++

Rose was feeling quite lonely today, it had been a while since Bucky had written to her. She decided to look through the photo album Bucky had made for her as a birthday present before he left. Every single photograph they took with one another was delicately placed in the album. Smiling at the very first photo they took together, Rose let out a sigh, how she hopes he was alright. All of a sudden, the doorbell rang startling Rose. Eyes wide over the idea of it being Bucky, she quickly ran to the door and swung it open to reveal a much larger than she remembered Steve standing there with a glum expression on his face. "Hello Steve." she smiled warmly and pulled him in for a quick hug before looking over his shoulder to see if Bucky was behind him. "I don't mean to be rude, Steve. But where is my husband?" Steve took a deep breath before handing her a letter, her name written on the envelope in Bucky's handwriting. 

My darling, dearest, Rose. 
If you're reading this, well it means that I broke my promise and I'm so sorry doll.
If things went as planned Steve has given you this letter (he ain't so little now huh). I know I broke my promise Doll but I need you to keep yours, look after him for me because he needs you right now as much as you need him. I'm sorry that I'm the one causing you so much pain right now, the only pain I wanted to have caused you was the pain of brining our future baby Barnes into this world. I had it all planned out: meet the girl, get the girl, marry the girl, grow old with the girl. That girl is you Rose. I'm sorry things didn't go to plan, but remember this, you have and always will be my home.

I love you, Rose Barnes.

Forever yours,
James Buchanan Barnes.

Letting out a gut wrenching scream, Rose fell to the ground. Steve quickly rushed to wrap his arms around her to help her calm down. Slowly he rocked her in his arms as she sobbed her heart out. "No, no, no come back. Come back to me, come back. He promised." 

"I know, Rose. I'm so sorry."

"Steve, I-I can't raise this baby alone." Steve stopped rocking Rose in his arms and turned to look at her, face pale. "You're pregnant with Bucky's baby?" he asked, tears streaming down his face. "I'm carrying Bucky's baby." the two held each other for the rest of the night and cried until they couldn't cry anymore.