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

Five

The path leading to the reception was lined with lit lanterns. Since the sun was going down, the whole thing seemed even more intimate. Bucky moved closer to Steve and Steve let go of Bucky's hand, so he could wrap his arm around Bucky's waist, pulling him in even more.

Just outside of where the outside reception had been set up, was a table with a sign that read: In lieu of a guestbook, leave us a note, an idea, a plan. But most importantly an adventure to add to our bucket list! Next to the sign was a stack of paper and pens. There was also a small bucket to deposit the ideas into. Among the trendiness of their request, was a sign that claimed:

In Loving Memory
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

It was the least they could do, Steve reasoned. Thinking back to the letter from Bucky's deceased lover, Steve wanted to believe that Tyler had, in fact, brought them together. Steve took solace in Tyler's hope that Tyler had chosen Steve specifically to love Bucky. And in that solace, Steve hoped that if Tyler was somewhere, then his dad could be there too. More than anything, Steve was sure that his dad would've loved Bucky just as much as Phil and Sarah did.

The opening notes to Whitney Houston's How Will I Know started playing, breaking through Steve's thoughts and bringing him back into the moment. The DJ announced, "Introducing for the first time, the Rogers!"

Steve and Bucky emerged then. Although their guests were loudly applauding them, their attention was on grandeur of the reception. Pepper had truly out done herself. Both men had been positive that their big day would be nothing but beautiful -- especially with Harold as their coordinator -- but this exceeded every one of those predictions.

Tables with elegant white table cloths and endearing centerpieces of an assortment of white flowers were strategically placed among the garden. In the middle, a dance floor had been structured, and the couple were pleased to find that there were already people dancing.

Above, twinkling lights were strung as a mock starry sky; allowing the night sky to still be seen. It was the most beautiful sight that either had seen. And although Tony had paid for their wedding -- his gift to them -- they knew that they'd never be able to repay Tony or Pepper for their fairy-tale day.

Snapping out of their majestic dazes, the newlyweds started the rounds of thanking their guests for being there to support them on their Big Day. Hand-in-hand, they made a circle around the garden. Both delighted to find that their guests had helped them to the buffet and to the bar.

"You two ready to legalize this?" Harold asked as the couple headed off to stand by themselves after mingling with their guests.

Steve and Bucky exchanged a quick, excited look before following Harold back into the hotel. Sharon and Sam were waiting by a table by the time that the trio entered, and Harold handed a pen to Steve since he was closest.

Out of everything that had happened that day, that was what cemented the gravity of the situation. Steve signed where he was instructed and handed the pen over to Bucky. As the pen was exchanged, Steve managed to press another kiss to Bucky's hand.

"Just sign it, god," Sam theatrically teased. Due to Sam's outburst, Sharon elbowed him in his ribs in jest. Sam feigned pain before leaning in and giving her a sweet kiss.

Once Bucky had signed the document, he handed the pen to their witnesses. For the millionth time that day, Bucky leaned into Steve and the pair exchanged kisses. Quick pecks one after another until Steve smirked and Bucky giggled.

"Get a room already," Sharon mocked the newlyweds.

"Okay," Steve enthusiastically agreed, taking Bucky's hand in his and taking a step towards the hotel lobby.

"Steven," Bucky playfully chastised, pulling Steve back to him and leading the lovesick blond back out to the reception.

Making their way to their table, Steve pulled out Bucky's chair for him. Smiling, Bucky rolled his eyes and took his seat. Steve took his seat next to his beautiful husband, wondering if there had ever been a more perfect man in existence. Steve didn't think so.