Forget Me Not

September 3, 1941

[Image of three-year-old Evelyn at the top]

Bucky stared in the mirror as he fixed his tie.

There was a knock on the door and he turned to see his best friend.

Steve smiled and said, "You're going to be in awe of Maddi."

"Even more than I already am, I hope."

Little soles sounded on the floor and Bucky picked up Evelyn. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn smiled and said, "Mama's ready."

"Mama's ready, huh? Well I'm just about ready. How about you go with Uncle Steve and sit down, okay?"

She nodded. "Down please, Papa."

Bucky set her down and she ran to Steve and reached for his hand.

Steve took her hand and the two made their way to the pews to await the ceremony.

When Bucky was ready, he made his way to the sanctuary and walked up way up the aisle. Steve stood next to him and smiled.

Madeleine began her walk down the aisle and Bucky couldn't take his eyes off her.

When she reached her soon-to-be husband, she smiled and blinked away her tears.

The priest looked between the bridal party and the audience. "We are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy union."

Bucky's voice shook as he said, "The night I found you, I wasn't sure what would happen between us. But I now know one night changed everything. Had I not been there that night, I might have never met you. I love you and Evelyn, Madeleine, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I give this ring as a sign of my love." He slipped the ring on her left hand.

Madeleine stared at the ring a moment before speaking her vows. "That December night changed everything for me; in the best way possible. I didn't think I'd ever find love again, and here I am standing opposite you. I love you too, Bucky, and I'm looking forward to starting our life together. I give this ring as a sign of my love." She slipped the ring on his left hand.

After repeating the priest's words, he said, "You may kiss your bride."

Bucky pressed a gentle kiss to Madeleine's lips and whispered, "I love you, doll."

When they broke apart, Evelyn stood in front of them.

Bucky picked up the little girl who said, "Now you're Papa to me."

He smiled and chuckled. "I've always been Papa to you. But now it's official."

Evelyn grinned and hugged him tightly. Bucky pulled Madeleine into a hug and the new family stood there for a few moments.

Steve walked up and said, "Congratulations, guys."

Madeleine smiled. "Thank you."

Bucky nodded. "Thanks."

Steve smiled at Evelyn. "You've got the best dad ever. Trust me; I'm his best friend."

Bucky glanced at his stepdaughter, though he considered her his daughter, and smiled. He then turned to his wife and she caught his eye. The two shared another kiss before leaving the sanctuary.