Characters: reader, James (Bucky), Margaret (oc), Caleb (oc).

Summary: As a single mom with a jerk of an ex-husband, you're doing your best to run the family business all on your own when your mother hires a mysterious man with a troubled past to help out. He just might be what you need in your life, but will his secrets bring you together or tear you apart? (Events occur shortly after Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

Warnings: All the fluff and stuff!!! Tiny bit of a mention of death and war.

Word Count: 4.5K

Y/N: It's here, it's here!!!! Thank you all for being so patient. I'm so SO excited to share the next chapters of this story. I've missed you guys! Please let me know your thoughts about this chapter! Any feedback is appreciated. I love you all!! <3

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Heaven.

That one word was the best way to describe an entire Sunday spent in the arms of the man of your dreams. James seemed to open up even more and felt comfortable being himself around you as the hours passed. Time soon ceased to exist as one lovemaking session rolled into another and spoken words of adoration were whispered from between caresses.

The only moment you spent apart was when a pair of aching, hungry stomachs demanded food. James had a barely functioning fridge, but the rest of the kitchen appliances were faulty or non-existent so he tended to eat a lot of canned foods and any fresh foods were quickly consumed to avoid spoilage. That was a problem for another day, so you reluctantly left James' embrace and drove into town to pick up a few meals from the local diner. Nosy questions were asked, but you kept your answers vague and hurried back to your cozy little love shack.

Returning with bags in hand, James quickly relieved you of them, along with your clothes. The food went cold, but neither of you minded as you later ate in bed, still tangled in each other.

During moments of rest, James shared memories that he had discovered, even showing you one of his notebooks filled with partial thoughts that rarely connected to one another. You felt his frustration as he would occasionally begin one story but then find himself unable to finish it, the memory fractured and lost to him. Offering any comfort you could give along with patience, you tried to impress upon him the importance of taking his time and not pushing himself too hard.

Discovering this intimacy between yourself and James, both physically and emotionally, brought you closer together as a couple with every passing moment. The entire day together had been a gift and you couldn't be more thankful. As the sun sank lower in the sky, your heart ached at the thought of saying goodbye, even if only temporarily.

Holding each other close on the porch, James gave you one last lingering kiss and finally released you. Descending the steps, you kept your eyes on him, itching to run back and forget all your responsibilities. You reluctantly climbed into the truck and made a three-point turn in the overgrown driveway before heading out to the main road as James grew smaller in your rearview mirror.

Shedding a few tears on the drive home, you found your behavior ridiculous. This was only the beginning and there would be plenty more time to spend with James. As the sun set, you pulled in front of the stables and parked the truck to see your mother and Caleb sitting on the porch as you approached.

"Mom!" the boy exclaimed as he ran to you and wrapped his arms around your waist.

Laughing, you returned the hug and ruffled his hair. "How's my handsome boy? Did you have a good Sunday with grandma?"

"Yeah!" he exclaimed with that youthful enthusiasm you loved so much. "Grandma and her friends showed me how to play poker with pennies!"

Throwing a sharp look at your mother, she just shrugged with a smile. "Well, that sounds fun. How about you wash up and help me set the table? I'll fix something up for dinner."

"Okay! Is James coming, too?"

Heart warming at your son's affection toward James, you also felt a pang at the memory of deciding that he wouldn't be coming tonight. If he came, then you doubted you'd have the heart to send him away and that required a certain conversation first. "No, not tonight, sweetie. Maybe tomorrow."

Caleb's face fell at the news, but he quickly recovered and gave you another hug. "Okay," he accepted before heading in the house as per your request. Feeling your mother's gaze, you decided to sit down a minute, knowing she would undoubtedly have questions.

You both sat in the evening air, feeling the temperature continue to slowly drop until your mother broke the silence.

"So," she began with a cheeky smile, "how's James?"

Unable to hold back the smile on your face, you decided not to fight it. "He's wonderful, mom. I've never felt this way. Ever. That includes...you know," you whispered the last part, just in case Caleb overheard. You never felt this way with Kevin, even when things were good.

Maggie gave a knowing smile, nodding. "And all those worries you had?"

You huffed out a sigh and looked out toward the stables. "It's all true. Every bit of his history, I know it's true. Part of me thinks I should still be hesitant about letting him into our lives, but honestly...I've never felt so safe." A short burst of laughter left your lips then as a thought occurred to you. "Can you believe I spent the most incredible day with a man who was born almost 100 years ago?"

Your mother chuckled at that and then shrugged. "He certainly looks good for his age."

"That he does," you replied in agreement as you both laughed again.

Caleb's young voice drifted through the screen door then, interrupting. "Mo-o-om. Can we have tacos for dinner?"

Standing from your chair, you hollered back. "Sure, sweetie. I'll be right there."

You helped your mother stand out of her own chair and grabbed the blanket as you walked inside, arm in arm. "I'm so happy for you, pumpkin," she uttered quietly, gently resting her head against yours. "And I know I was the one who pushed you toward him at first, but I still feel that as your mother, I should urge you to be careful. I don't want you getting hurt."

Pausing in the hallway, you turned to face her. "I know. There are uncertainties about his future and what we might have together, but...I just can't stop myself from wanting this—wanting him—with every fiber of my being. I'd rather risk it all than live in regrets, you know?" you replied in a quiet voice.

A soft smile graced your mother's features. "You're right, honey. If he makes you happy, then go for it. The future will come anyway and there are no guarantees, so you might as well do what you want."

She gave your arm a squeeze and pecked a kiss on your cheek before shuffling down the hall to wash up for dinner. Standing just outside the kitchen, you thought about your mother's words. It's true, there are never any guarantees in life. There was only the here and now, and your current "now" hopefully included as much time as possible with James. The thought of seeing him again tomorrow made you almost giddy.

Attempting to wipe the goofy smile off your face, you finally walked into the kitchen to start dinner.

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Monday morning was a hurried mess because for once in his young life, Caleb had slept in. Shoving a gluten-free toaster waffle in his hand, you quickly packed his lunch and rushed out the door to barely catch the school bus in time.

When you returned, the stable doors were already open so you parked the truck right outside and peeked in. Upon seeing James, the noise caused him to turn your way and you ran the fifteen feet to leap into his arms, legs wrapping around his waist. Your lips found his and you felt like you could breathe again.

A low groan escaped from the back of James' throat as he reluctantly set you back on your feet but still held you close. "I missed you," he whispered with another peck of his lips.

"Me too," you murmured, burrowing your head into his chest. "My bed was much too cold without you."

You held each other for a few minutes, his gloved hands rubbing up and down your back as you collapsed into him. Finally, you lifted your head and took a step back, capturing James' hand in yours. You walked around and said good morning to all the horses with a pat on their noses. Even Jasper let you touch him, even though there was still a hint of fear in his eyes. Perhaps it was the presence of James that eased the animal's worries some.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" James asked.

Staring off in the distance, you thought for a moment. "Um...the usual training for the two older horses and...I think we have a new arrival, but I'll have to check email to confirm the time. Also, I got a voicemail from one of Jasper's owners and they'll be passing through later this week. They want proof that he's improving, so we'll have to show them how he's doing."

Noticing a shift James' demeanor beside you, you stepped closer to meet his eye as he shook his head. "I don't think....I can't..." he stammered, jaw clenching anxiously at the thought of strangers.

"That's okay," you quickly assured him with a hand against his chest. "I can meet with them and showcase Jasper. We'll just have to work with him together so he'll trust me without you there. Okay?"

James visibly relaxed as he squeezed your hand with a nod. "Okay. Let's do that."

Pressing your palm to his cheek, you met his eye and leaned in for a soft, lingering kiss before pulling away. "Sounds like a plan," you said with a smile and he returned it with a grin that made you weak in the knees. "I better get ready for the day. Why don't you start with exercising Thunder? I'll be right out."

He nodded and then released you, tugging at the left sleeve of his jacket. Even though you were now intimately aware of what his arm looked like, he still had that nervous tick, fearing that he might be discovered. The gesture made your heart ache for him.

The day passed smoothly as the horses were trained and fed along with a longer session with you and James spending time with Jasper. After an hour and a half, the chestnut-colored animal had calmed considerably and didn't even flinch when you touched him. There was still work to do, but progress was encouraging.

As evening fell, you and James put blankets on all the horses and closed the stables together. Walking up toward the house hand in hand, you reached the porch and almost felt the need to let go but instead, you clasped his hand firmly in yours as you stepped inside. Caleb rushed forward while taking off your jackets and gloves, with the exception of James' left hand. You obviously knew what was underneath and so did your mother, although she hadn't seen it yet. Caleb was another story. Maybe sometime later you could give a watered-down version of James' story.

"James!" your son exclaimed as he reached the man and threw his skinny arms around him.

The brunet let out a chuckle as James placed a hand on the boy's back. "Hey, pal."

"Can I show you my drawings? I've been practicing with the war uniforms and maybe you could help me?" Caleb asked, face beaming in anticipation.

"Um," James paused, looking to you first. "Do you want any help in the kitchen? Cause I—"

"No, it's fine. You two go ahead. Really," you assured him with a squeeze of his arm.

"Okay," James grinned, then turning back to Caleb. "Lead the way, little man!"

Caleb let out a whoop and gave a great tug of his arm to pull James down the hallway, the handsome man looking back at you with a smile. Your heart swelled at their interaction and felt a sudden rush of rightness in that moment. Part of you knew that James just...belonged.

Dinner was a lively affair as Caleb continued to chatter on about his drawings and school while your mother also felt the need to capture James' attention. You found amusement in it all and while James seemed a little overwhelmed at first, the attention was so positive that soon he was relaxed and enjoying himself as well. His gaze or touch was never far from yours, seeming to crave the constant calm and affection from you.

James helped you with the dirty dishes while Caleb started on homework. Not long after, the boy asked for James' help and he was more than willing. Drying the last dish, James followed the boy to the living room. For once you let go of that pressure about everything that needed to be done for work and settled on the couch with a book as the boys worked on math at the coffee table. Your mother was doing a cross stitch with the tv on low in the other room.

Bedtime came around and homework had long been finished. Caleb had pulled out his history book and James was enraptured by some of the events he either hadn't known about or had forgotten. The boy recited what he remembered from class and every once in a while James would share a small fact from the 1930s or even contradict something from the textbook. Eventually, you just set aside your own book and enjoyed overhearing their conversation.

Regrettably, you finally interrupted and sent Caleb to bed. He protested, but with the late start that morning, you had to make sure there wasn't a repeat tomorrow. Caleb said his goodnights and gave you and James hugs before walking to the next room to offer one to his grandma.

James collapsed beside you on the couch and placed a hand on your thigh. You leaned into him as he pressed a kiss to your temple and let out a deep sigh. There was something so comforting and perfectly fitting just having him next to you in your home. He turned to look your way and there was a shared moment of joy that flowed between you until you heard a voice from the next room.

"James?" your mother called. "Could you come in here, please?"

He glanced your way in shock and you shared his look of surprise as you both rose from the couch and followed the voice. James grasped your hand and then stopped short to see the photo in your mother's hands. He shot you a look of panic but you placed a palm on his chest and smiled calmly.

"It's okay. She knows."

James clenched his jaw a moment and tried to relax, tension still visible in his posture.

"It's okay, honey. Come sit down for me," your mother requested, then looking to you. "You can stay, too, pumpkin."

Leading him by the hand, you both took a seat on the couch perpendicular to where your mother lounged. She sat on the loveseat with her legs up, a pillow propped up behind her back. Taking a long look at the photo, she then removed her glasses and raised her eyes to meet James'.

"My daughter told me about how this photo came back to us," Maggie began as she raised the black and white picture as evidence, glancing at the inscription on the back. "Your story does seem unbelievable, but I do believe my daughter when she says it's all true."

James nodded and swallowed down the emotion in his throat before speaking. "Ma'am, I know it all sounds crazy and I am so sorry for deceiving you. Both of you. But I swear on my life that I will never hurt any of you, I—"

She quickly interrupted. "I know, James. I don't doubt that. Even after all you've seen and all you've experienced...somehow I still know that you are a good man. If I didn't believe that, then I think you know I wouldn't allow you around my daughter or grandson. And what did I tell you about calling me 'ma'am'?"

You let out a chuckle as her reminder lightened the mood. James finally smiled, giving your hand a squeeze. "Sorry, Maggie."

"That's better," she replied with a wink. "Now...I've read my father's letters from the war and I remember mentions of Steve and Bucky, two troublemakers who were practically joined at the hip. It's strange to think that you're that same man from back then who now sits before me."

James let out a ghost of a smile before he blinked and met her eye. "To be honest, I don't think I am that same man."

Nodding slowly, your mother took that in. "I'm sure that's true. I don't want to push in any way or make you recall anything painful, James. I just thought that maybe you could tell me a thing or two about my father. Something the letters don't say. After all, I never met the man," she said, glassy-eyed with a sad smile.

James nodded and cleared his throat as he leaned forward. "Of course. Yeah, I...I can try. I'll share everything I can, but I don't know how much Y/N told you, but my memory isn't...great," he gently explained.

"I understand," Maggie spoke gently. "I'll take anything at all."

And so James began speaking, regaling tales from the war, but not the battles. He shared the quiet moments, the laughter, and the stories of courageous men he had the privilege of knowing. Some of it was just everyday occurrences and how the camps would operate, but you and your mother sat at attention, drinking it all in. Your grandfather was one of the youngest recruits and got some flack and hazing from the older soldiers, but it was all in good fun, like short-sheeting his bed or blowing the morning bugle in the middle of the night outside his tent.

At times, James had all three of you in stitches and it felt so good to feel that shared joy. As the war went on, though, the mood grew somber and once he mentioned your grandfather joining the Howling Commandos on a mission, you knew what was coming.

"He was one of the best trackers I'd ever seen," James said at a whisper, his eyes downcast. "We were following his lead and another cadet, Private....damn," he paused in frustration, "I wish I could remember his name. He was running point, and your father knew right before and he tried to stop the cadet, but the trap was triggered and he...he caught the blast. I'm so sorry."

James moved slowly, kneeling beside your mother and taking her hands in his. As a few tears fell, Maggie nodded in understanding and gratitude.

"He pushed us to get out of the area, knowing the sound of the blast would bring the Germans but he gave me the photograph and made me promise to find you and your mother. I wish I had made it sooner..."

Maggie just shook her head, raising a hand to rest it against James' cheek. "You're here now, son. And everything in me knows that you're here for a reason. Thank you for telling me and for being so good to my girl," she told him earnestly, then gathering the large man in her arms. They clung to each other as tears were shared and you watched from the couch, drying your eyes as well.

Finally ending the night, James helped your mother to her room and then gathered his jacket and other glove. He stepped out onto the porch and you followed, both of you feeling the painful desire to not be parted. You wrapped your arms around each other and just stayed there a moment, then sharing a few lingering kisses.

"Thank you," you finally whispered against his lips, then pulling back. "For what you did in there. She needed that."

"I wish I could offer more," he uttered, rubbing hands against your back.

"It's more than we ever expected. YOU are more than I ever expected," you said with adoration and a smile.

James seemed to shake his head in refusal, but said nothing, just pressing another kiss to your lips. As he finally said goodnight and descended the steps, you watched him head for the truck as every inch of you wanted to scream Don't go!

But you held your tongue and watched the taillights grow smaller before stepping into the welcoming warmth of the house with ever-present thoughts of him.

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Tuesday was more of the same with work and lingering touches between James and yourself. The intense desire for adult alone time nearly drove you both mad, although it had only been a few days since leaving your heavenly cocoon at his home. You spoke of visiting again, but it just seemed too hard with Caleb and your mother, so by Wednesday, you had made a decision.

When Caleb got home from school, you offered him a snack and as he sat down at the table, you pulled up a chair beside him, asking questions about his day. Just before he finished eating, you broached the subject.

"Sweetie, can I talk to you about something? You enjoy having James here, don't you?" you asked gently.

"Yeah! I like James a lot," he exclaimed with a smile before taking a drink.

You grinned at that. "I do, too. I know we've already talked about how I'm dating James and you like how happy he makes me. What would you think if James was around all the time?" you inquired, gauging his reaction.

Caleb perked up at that. "Really? Like he would sleep over and stuff?"

"Exactly. I'd like James to move into the house, but I want to know what you think about it first."

Your son gave you that contemplative look and thought for a moment. "Where would he sleep?"

"In my room," you told him honestly. "And if you have any questions or concerns about that, I want you to tell me, no matter—"

"Mom, I know, you told me about what happens when people love each other," Caleb squirmed in his seat. It was true, you were always open and honest with him whenever he had questions about sex, but it all still had the 'ick' factor for him, thank goodness. He then surprised you with a question. "Do you love James?"

Inhaling sharply, you blinked a few times before responding. "Um...I don't know yet, sweetie. But I do know that I want to spend more time with him to find out. So, what do you think?"

Another short moment before a wide grin split his sweet face. "Yeah! I want James to stay here."

You matched his smile and pulled your son into your arms. "Thank you, sweetie. You're the best. I do have to ask one favor from you, though," you pulled away to meet his eyes so he would understand. "I don't want you to have to keep secrets, but I know you're old enough to understand that your father might be upset about James staying here. So, could we keep it just between us?" you silently prayed.

Your thoughtful, kind, sweet boy tilted his head as he considered that. "I think you're right, mom. I promise, I won't tell him."

Letting out a sigh of relief, you gathered him in your arms once again before releasing him. "Thank you, peanut. I love you."

"Love you, too, mom," he grinned before rushing toward the back of the house for some TV time.

That was the hard part. Your mother was more than up for it and after that, all you needed to do was ask James. Approaching the stables, suddenly you were nervous, wondering if you had misread the signals. Maybe it was too soon, but since the entire household now knew, you had to at least ask.

James was just walking one of the horses into a stall when he saw you enter the stable door. That bright, handsome smile curved across his lips, making your heart flip in your chest. Part of you knew that you already had an answer to Caleb's earlier question, but it wasn't quite time for that. After closing the stall gate, James headed toward you.

"Hey, beautiful. You ready for some time with Jasper?" he asked before pulling you in for a kiss.

"Sure," you agreed with a smile, then hesitating. "Can I ask you something first?"

"Anything," he quickly replied.

Taking his hand, you led him to the blanket-covered bale of hay that served as a bench and he took a seat beside you.

"What is it?" James now asked, a little concerned.

You took a deep breath. "So...I know we've been struggling to find some...alone time," you began, then looking up to see the fire burning in his eyes. You felt that familiar warmth grow within you just looking at him. "I talked to both my mom and Caleb because I wanted everyone to be okay with it before I asked and they are, so I was thinking that...maybe you could move in?" you quickly asked before you lost your nerve.

James' eyes flew wide as he processed the information. "I, um...wow...." he trailed off, then looking into the distance with a clench of his jaw.

So you panicked. "It's too soon. I'm sorry, you don't have to, I just thought—"

"No!" he quickly replied. "It's not that, I just...I'm worried. About me. I don't always sleep well and I have...bad dreams. I sometimes don't ...react well."

Letting that sink in, you considered his confession before replying. "I didn't notice anything the other night at your place."

James heaved a sigh. "It's not every night. I think I was pretty distracted and exhausted after that day," he said with a sly grin before it slipped away. "I don't even know what causes them, but I just...if I ever hurt you..."

"I don't believe for a second that you would," you assured him, placing a hand against his cheek. "I trust you, James. I trust you around my mother and son, the horses, and never have I worried about you hurting any of us. Well..." you conceded for a moment, "except for that misunderstanding about the photo. And that was more confusion than fear." Your honest smile seemed to be contagious, seeing a curve of his lips as well.

"I want to. So much..."

"Then let's try it. I mean, I'll do my best to keep you distracted and exhausted," you wiggled your eyebrows with a grin before turning serious. "Even if it's short term. If there's ever a time you don't feel comfortable here, then we fix it. I just...I can't say goodbye anymore," you admitted softly.

James held your gaze tenderly, lightly brushing his knuckles across your cheek before pulling you in for a kiss. "Let's do it," he agreed upon parting.

You gasped joyfully. "Really?"

"Yeah," he chuckled.

The squeal you emitted surprised you both as you wrapped your arms around him. "Okay, so maybe you could go get your things after work while I make dinner?" you offered.

"Sounds like a plan." James beamed at you as he captured your lips once more with his.

Lost in each other, you couldn't help but feel like everything was falling into place.

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Eeeeeee!! They're co-habitating!!!! An entire Sunday spent with Bucky sounds like an absolute dream. *swoon* How sweet is little Caleb? He warms my heart for sure. And living with James, aahhhh!!!! The fluff is killing me!! I hope you enjoyed this new chapter! I'd love to know your thoughts, any feedback is appreciated. I adore you guys!! Part 10 will be up next Monday! :D