Saving This For Later 🫡

saving this for later 🫡

Light me Up

Bucky A/U - Rancher Bucky is back - in Christmas form!!!!!!

A/N - This is a continuation from my fall story - Dance with Me. Note - you do not have to read that story to read this one (although I appreciate it if you did) it's not required). 😊

Summary: You love Christmas, especially the lights so for the first time ever, Bucky has his men decorate his ranch (aptly named Thunder Bolt Ranch) in white twinkle lights and red bows and wreaths to surprise you. He'd do anything to make you happy.

Content warning: Language, established relationship between reader and Bucky, implied 'adult situations', FLUFFY RANCHER BUCKY WHO WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR YOU!!

Image found here, credit to the creator

"You coming out with us tonight?" 

Nat poked her head into your classroom while you tidied up from the day. 

"No, not tonight, maybe next time," you blushed a little. 

"Ooh, do you have a date with your rancher?" 

Wanda poked her head from around Nat and gushed at you. 

"Yeah, I do." 

You were now blushing hard.

Ever since fall, when Bucky asked you to dance with him at the Silver Buckle, you haven't missed spending a weekend with the handsome rancher.

He invited you to his Thanksgiving dinner at the ranch, something he does every year for his ranch hands. You met everyone who works for him, including Steve, his head ranch hand and business partner. You brought a few pies you had made, solidifying your nickname of sweets Bucky gave you, and everyone loved you; you were a hit. 

Bucky never left your side the entire day, putting his arm around you, or touching your lower back, it was comforting to have him around. You also think he did it to send a message to his workers, that you were his to care for and protect and no one else's.

Your first date with him was at a restaurant then he drove you out to the small lake that was just outside the town. He had brought a basket of desserts filled with cookies, fruit, and cheese, and a blanket so you could sit and stargaze. 

Ever the gentleman, he leaned you back against his strong chest so you could watch the sky while he held you close, never once making you feel uncomfortable, only safe and protected. He drove you back to your place, walked you to your door, where you smiled up at him and kissed his cheek, thanking him for a lovely evening. 

He smiled wide and blushed a little, with the promise of another date, and you haven't looked back yet.

Bucky is the perfect gentleman. 

He always makes sure you're taken care of, even if he isn't around to help you. The work on his ranch was a 24-hour job; something he warned you about, but you didn't mind. You knew he was busy, and his ranch operated non-stop regardless of the season and time of day and he would be busy with that, sometimes more than ever. 

You understood. You had your class, assignments to grade, lessons to plan and friends of your own, so you were busy yourself. Bucky always made sure he was thinking about you. Flower delivery once a week was a start, followed by a few small gifts that would randomly be delivered to you, like lunch, groceries, and any issues you had with your car, he sent a team of his mechanics to your place so they could fix it.

At first, you were bothered by him doing things like that.

You told him numerous times you didn't need flowers, or for your car to be fixed, but he would always scoff and playfully roll his eyes at you, only half listening to your concerns. He'd let you finish your rant, then boop you on the nose saying you were cute, and he knew you could do things for yourself, but he wanted to do those things for you, making sure you know there was a difference. 

You had never had someone take care of you in that way, so you fought him a little bit, but he insisted he take care of you, and that was only some of the ways he showed he cared. 

The Thanksgiving dinner was a bit scary when you look back on it. He invited you to his ranch, something he's very private about, where you would spend the day with him, being introduced to the people he's closest to and works with on a daily basis. You knew it was special for him to have you there; you know he treats his workers with respect, and he rewards them handsomely.

"He's bringing me to the ranch to spend the weekend there," you blushed a little. 

You hadn't spent an entire night at Bucky's ranch with him, and you were a little nervous about what was going to happen. Of course you've been with other men before, but this felt different. Bucky had told you he cleared his schedule for the weekend, telling his ranch hands to only contact him if it was an emergency and that he was spending time with you. 

He told you he had something exciting planned but wouldn't elaborate. 

"Oohhh!" Nat teased as Wanda fanned her face. 

"Stop that!" you chuckled at your friends. 

"Let's go out next weekend, just us three," you suggested. 

"Sounds good. Christmas is soon, and we don't have a lot of time with the concerts and parties planned." 

You packed up your purse and slung it over your shoulder. 

"Let us know how the weekend goes with your handsome rancher!" Wanda blew you a kiss and Nat smiled wide. "We want details!" She winked at you. 

"Yeah, yeah, have a good weekend!" 

You made your way to the parking lot and spotted Bucky in his blacked-out diesel truck with the ranch's logo on the side in gold. The ranch he owned was called Thunder Bolt Ranch, and it suited him nicely. 

He was leaning against it with his long legs crossed and a black cowboy hat that was on low. You had a hard time standing straight as you cleared your throat and walked over to meet him. 

"Hi" you smiled as Bucky's smirk grew into a wide smile. 

He was mostly quiet and reserved, only speaking when necessary, and mostly having a poker face that could rival any professional player, but he always let his guard down when he was around you. 

"Hi sweets," he drawled. 

You walked right up to him and the size difference was cute as he towered over you. You know you have him wrapped around your finger as you leaned up and kissed his cheek. He turned at the last minute so you would kiss his lips instead. 

"Bucky!" you giggled, looking around the parking lot.

 "Couldn't help myself sweets" he shrugged. 

He walked around to your door and opened it, helping you up into the seat. He made sure you were safe and closed the door, walking back to the driver's side.

You drove through the town, making sure to point out all the cute Christmas displays that the businesses had. 

Decorating with lights and greenery was abundant as you took in the different displays. Looking at Christmas lights was always a tradition for you, and you had been meaning to do a little drive around your town to take them all in, hopefully with Bucky, but if he was busy, you would ask Nat and Wanda if they wanted to join you. 

"Ooh, look at that one!" you gushed as Bucky drove down main street. 

"Ooh, look, so cute!" 

You smiled wide at a large garland and snowman.

"Did you see the cute penguin display the pharmacy has out front?" 

You looked over at Bucky who nodded. You were easily excited by anything Christmas and Bucky was trying to hold in his excitement for his big surprise he had for you when you got to the ranch.

"It's getting dark out" you said while he drove. You heard him hum in response as he made his way down the road.

"Do you put lights on at the ranch?" you asked. 

This was your first Christmas in your new small town and weren't sure what to expect. Bucky gave a small shrug and said, "We don't usually do a lot of decorating." 

"Oh." you shrunk a little. 

How could he not? His house is beautiful! 

The outside of his house would look so beautifully decorated in white lights that twinkle and shimmer in the dark. You had almost lost your breath the first time he took you there. Nat said he had money, and the large ranch house reflected that. 

It has six bedrooms, a large living room, dining room, chef's kitchen, large bathrooms, a large wrap-around porch, games room, office area, and indoor / outdoor pool with hot tub. It's decorated with raw wood beams, gleaming hard wood floors, tile, and stone walls. The fireplace that sat in the main living room was huge, you're sure Bucky could roast an entire bison in it and still have room for a cow or two. 

"Well, if you want, I can help you hang a strand or two. The porch could use a little brightness for the winter season" you suggested. 

The minute you saw his house, you had dreamed of seeing it at Christmas and what it would look like lit up but according to Bucky, he didn't decorate. 

"Is that so? I'll make sure to tell Steve to add that to his list of ranch duties" Bucky teased as he pulled into the entrance to his long driveway.

Bucky had supper waiting for you. He must have had one of the cooks prepare it as it was keeping warm in the oven. You opened a glass of much needed wine to relax from the week you had seeing as the holidays always kept the children in an excited state which sometimes proves to be challenging. 

"So, what are we going to do this weekend?" you asked. 

Bucky sat at the head of the table and leaned back from his plate, pausing to wipe his mouth on a napkin and take a sip of his whiskey.

 "Anything you want darlin'" he winked at you. 

The wine you were drinking kept you nice and warm, making your cheeks a warm rosy colour. 

"Oh, ok" you went back to finishing your plate. 

Bucky's phone dinged and he looked down at it. You saw him open his messages, scowl, and type out a few replies. 

"Everything ok?" you asked. 

Bucky was glaring at his screen. 

"Fine" he looked up and smiled at you, placing his phone in his pocket. 

"Sorry for that" he mumbled. 

He was a stickler for phones at the dinner table, but since he was off duty this weekend, he kept his phone handy in case of any emergencies.

You cleaned up and ended up sitting in front of the massive fireplace, sipping on more wine as Bucky snuggled you close. 

"Oh, there's that market a few towns over. Christmas crafts and a bake sale. Did you want to check it out tomorrow?" you asked. 

Bucky sighed and smiled to himself. Under no circumstance did he want to leave his ranch and go into another town and visit a Christmas market, but if it was with you, he would easily follow. 

"If you want" you could feel him snuggle you closer. 

"Ok" you beamed a smile up at him and he leaned down and kissed your temple. 

His phone dinged again, and he looked down at it and frowned. 

"Dammit" he grumbled. 

"I have to check on something, be right back" he shoved the phone into his front pocket of his shirt and got himself up from the couch. 

You started stirring but he held his hand at you and shook his head. 

"Stay there, it'll only be a bit." 

He grabbed a soft throw blanket, one you got him to buy for you so you could snuggle with him, and he tucked it around you. 

"Keep warm and I'll be right back, I promise." He kissed you then he left.

🤠

"Damn it Steve, what's the issue?" Bucky growled at his ranch hand. 

"I don't know if we'll have enough" Steve muttered. 

Bucky glared at him. 

"I-I mean, we should, but...I don't know. I'm concerned." 

Steve looked around the ranch buildings. 

"I measured myself, you should have enough." Bucky scowled at the large barn that stood in front of him. 

There were a lot of workers scurrying from building to building, keeping busy with their jobs. 

"Do you need to go into town to get more?" Bucky asked. 

"Honestly? Maybe?" Steve cringed. 

Bucky stood there staring blankly at him. 

"So, I have to wait another day then?" 

"Yes." Steve hated disappointing Bucky, but if he wants things to be perfect, he needs another day. 

"Fine. Tomorrow night, that's it. If things aren't done the way I had talked to you about, then someone is going to pay for it" Bucky grumbled then he left for the main house. 

Steve exhaled and radioed his other ranch hand Sam and told him they had one more day to work on the project. Sam, his other main ranch hand replied with a 'thank god' and Steve took off for the main barn to finish his regular duties for the night.

🤠

True to Bucky's words, the following day, he took you to the Christmas market where you bought a few small gifts for some of your fellow teachers. You got Bucky a large black coffee and he held your hand while you wandered the market, never once complaining how bored he was, or how he didn't want to be there. 

A few handmade ornaments and cards, some baking, and a few knitted items rounded out your purchases. He broke the news to you last night when he got back saying his big surprise was going to be delayed until today, and he apologized for it, but you assured him it was fine. You could tell he was annoyed, but he didn't let that get in the way of your night with him. You had no idea what this surprise he had for you, but you knew it was important to him.

🤠

You got back to the ranch and decided to start supper. Bucky had to leave and help one of the workers with a 'calfing situation' so you rummaged through his kitchen and started making chili for supper. 

Bucky walked into the deliciously smelling kitchen and smiled wide when he saw you stirring a large pot. 

"Sorry, I made chili for supper. Wasn't sure what the plan was, so yeah" you placed the spoon on the rest and shrugged. 

"Darlin', that sounds wonderful." 

Bucky took a few steps towards you and hugged you close. 

"Everything ok?" 

"Everythin' is fine" he squeezed you tight before he let you go. 

"I'm going to run up and shower, but after supper, I'll show you your surprise" he winked at you making you blush. 

"Ok" you smiled as he left the kitchen. 

You decided to get a few bowls out and set up the living room with your chili supper as Bucky walked in, smiling at the set up. 

"Here" you pointed to his bowl and showed him the fixings you had set up on the coffee table. 

"Casual chili night" you smiled proudly at the set up and helped yourself. 

Bucky followed and you both ate your chili and chatted about the day. 

"So next Friday, I'm going to go out for dinner with Nat and Wanda." 

"Ok sweets." 

Bucky finished his bowl and leaned back on the couch. 

As you finished, he got up and helped you tidy up. Once things were put away, he walked you to the front door and handed you your jacket. 

"Umm?" you looked around. 

Is he kicking me out? 

He hadn't reached for his own jacket. 

"Put this on, it's cold outside." 

"Oh." 

Your heart rate calmed down while you put the jacket on as Bucky helped you. 

"Follow me." 

He brought you around the front of the house, then took a few steps to the side. It was pitch black out, apart from a few lights on the barn. 

"Um..." 

Bucky smirked as he tapped a few things on his phone then all of a sudden, your breath hitched in your throat. 

"Woah" you whispered.

The large house was lit up and decorated with white lights that twinkled. Each peak, post, and window had a strand that was lit. Red bows and wreaths twinkled in the light.

"Bucky, I-I.." you had no words at the sparkling lights that surrounded you. 

"Come on." 

He took your hand and walked you to the main barn. You looked around in awe as you followed. 

"It's beautiful." 

You were in shock. Bucky stopped you and positioned you in front of the barn. He tapped his phone again, and the whole barn lit up, including a giant lit wreath that was hung by the hay loft. 

"Bucky!" 

Just as you were looking over the barn, the paddocks lit up, followed by the pathways, back yard, and the old tractor next to the barn even had a few lights on it. The area glowed and twinkled in white lights and red bows. You were speechless. As you were taking it in, Steve walked up from the barn. 

"Steve, this is beautiful" you gushed. 

"First time we've had lights on the property, feels good." Steve said as you looked over at Bucky who just shrugged. 

He was watching you intently. 

"Really?" 

Steve nodded. 

"Do you like it?" he asked. 

"Like it? I LOVE it! It's beautiful! Incredible, amazing. There isn't any other place I'd rather be!" you gushed, making both Steve and Bucky smile. 

"Well, enjoy" he tipped his hat and walked back to the barn leaving you alone with Bucky.

You turned and looked up at Bucky. 

"Did you do this for me?" you asked. 

Bucky shrugged and played it off like it was no big deal. 

"Come on, there's one more surprise." 

"More?" you followed Bucky to the large back yard patio where you turned a corner, and your jaw hit the floor. 

"An igloo?" 

You looked at the white geometric structure and white lights that surrounded it. 

"Come on" he walked you closer. 

"I know how much you like to relax, and well...when I saw this I thought of you." He unzipped the heavy clear plastic and walked you in. 

He had brought some comfy patio furniture and decorated the space with furs, soft throws, battery lit lanterns and led candles. 

"It's actually warm in here" you blurted out, sitting on a large sofa. 

"So, you can come over whenever you want and hang out here. It'll get a little chilly, but that's what the blankets are for, so as long as you're snuggled up, you should be fine." 

Bucky sat down next to you. 

"Did you set this up?" you undid a throw and tossed it over your legs. 

"I may have had a hand in it" 

"I love it, thank you" Bucky blushed a little. 

"Anything for you" he nudged your shoulder a little. 

"I know how much you adore Christmas and the lights, so I wanted to do something for you here, so you would love coming here." 

You looked over at Bucky and snorted. "I love coming here regardless of lights, but I appreciate it, so much" you leaned in and kissed him softly but pulled away and cringed to yourself.

 "I can't believe I didn't see the strands and cords on everything!" 

You felt a little silly for not noticing. 

"I had my guys on it when we were away today. They can be efficient if I promise them overtime" Bucky shrugged making you chuckle. 

"I bet" you looked around in awe. 

It was like you were in a small forest bubble surrounded by magic twinkling lights and soft blankets. 

"This is definitely my favourite thing ever" you admitted. 

"I'm glad." 

Bucky held you close in his arms and squeezed you tight. He had so many more plans in store for you, especially on Christmas morning, but he had to patiently wait. 

He'd give you the world if he could and this was just the start.

🤠🤠🤠