I Do: Blue Series 2 (Stucky Modern California AU)

Three

"Will everyone please be seated," Nick started. Once the guests took their seats, Nick continued, "Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Steve and Bucky a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husbands."

Steve was tenderly rubbing soothing circles into Bucky's hands and as they gazed into each other's eyes, Steve mouthed, "I love you."

"I love you," Bucky mouthed in reply.

"Marriage gives permanence and structure to a couple's love. It's a way to tell one another that no matter what, we're still in this together. Marriage is telling the person you love that you're not going anywhere and that's a powerful commitment for two people to make to one another," Nick stated.

All the while, Steve and Bucky couldn't turn their attention from each other. They were all that mattered in that moment, and everyone was there to witness their love.

"A good marriage must be built on the foundation of this commitment. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, 'I love you,' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is standing together and facing the world.

"It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

"The road that has brought Bucky and Steve here today hasn't been easy. It's been filled with challenges that they weren't necessarily prepared for. But together they've taken each one on and have used those experiences to strengthen, not weaken their love," Nick finished.

Each word resonating with the couple. They had been through so much. Both good and bad, and they had made it out on the other side together. That was the way that it was supposed to be. That was the way that it was. Both choosing each other every day and knowing that no one else would be right for them.

"Bucky and Steve, the vows that you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment to each other in your own words. These vows are your way of openly declaring your promise to one another as well as to all of those who are here in attendance today," Nick informed.

Only then did Bucky and Steve turn their attention from each other to the man marrying them. Nick nodded at the couple and they briefly let go of their hands, so they could pull out their vows.

"Steve, you are my everything," Bucky started, holding slightly crinkled paper. "My best friend. My Mr. Right. My Prince Charming. You are everything that I wished for, and so much more. You're kind-hearted, compassionate, and selfless. You were there to help me pick up the pieces of myself and have showed me more love than I ever thought possible."

Tears were rimming Bucky's eyes and Steve couldn't help but tear up as well. Bucky continued, "I promise to make you laugh. Especially on those days that it's difficult for you to even get out of bed. I promise to always pause the previews, because I know how much you love them. Even when the movie itself is over a decade old and you've seen all the movies that are being advertised."

The guests laughed at that and Steve did too. Tears escaped Steve's eyes and he could taste the saltiness on his lips, but he didn't mind. Alas, Bucky continued, "I promise to always value your love and to love you wholeheartedly; demonstrating my love for you every day of our lives together. I promise to be there until the end of the line."