Hard to Love (Bucky Barnes fanfic)

Chapter 73

Quite literally the light of my life

That's what made this so... terrifying

I want it to be perfect. Like her

"So I've been wondering... no, why'd I start with that?" I rub a hand down my face, "God I already screwed this up." I mutter to myself, combing a hand nervously through my hair, resting it on the back of my neck

Taking a deep breath to collect myself, I start over. "It feels like just yesterday you were calling me out for treating you the way I did. And I knew I loved you from that moment on."

"How I acted is unforgivable but I promise, if you let me, I will spend every day until my last breath making up for it."

You're doin' great, keep it up. Speak from the heart

"I've lived a life much longer than I should have and always thought it as cruel fate. But then I met you, the woman who turned everything I know upside down." I offer a breathy smile as I continue. "Words can't begin to describe or explain how much I love and cherish you, doll. You're everything I always dreamt of and don't deserve." Slowly I drop down to one knee

I reach into my pocket and pull out the tiny dark blue velvet box, exhaling shakily. I flip open the small box to reveal a simple engagement ring

Silver band lined with tiny diamonds and a slightly bigger, lone cushion cut diamond atop. I spent an entire day with Steve and Sam going to every jewelry store within a thirty-five mile radius just looking for the right ring, even looking at a few places selections online over a late lunch. I know she's not into flashy or expensive things, especially when it comes to jewelry, so I tried to stay simple for her

Looking at the ring now, I wish I had done better. Bigger diamond. Maybe a more intricate band design. Add a halo around the center stone like the sale clerk suggested. Because Amelia deserves it

"Amelia Renae Hayes, will you marry me?"

"..Meow"

Letting out a defeated sigh, I frown at Alpine. Closing the box with a soft 'thud' and carefully slip it back in my pocket. Alpine looked unimpressed by my little speech, looking slightly down at me from the bedside table where she's currently perched

"Too sappy?"

"Mmmeow"

Did she just agree?

"What? Not exactly about to bust out the ol' 'how do I love thee? Let me count the ways' spiel here."

I rub the back of my neck with a shake of my head. Thinking about what I just said and trying to mentally edit it. "Wasn't that bad, was it? It came from the heart."

"...meow.."

Alpine chirped, tilting her head slightly. Almost sounded like she had an attitude in her hesitated response

"Why am I even indulging you?" I ask the small feline, standing back up onto my feet and looking down at her

Jesus now I'm the crazy person who carries on conversations with a cat as if they understand me

"Mrow mrow"

"I didn't ask for the sass missy. It was a great speech." I argue as she simply stared me down. "Gimme a break, would ya? I've never proposed to anyone."

We stare at one another for a minute before I finally crack. Mumbling out 'fine you're right' grudgingly to which Alpine chirped knowingly

"She.. she wouldn't say no, right?"