Sideways

Chapter 5 Sideways, Here With You

Monday- Wednesday

Monday morning is spent with a whirlwind of activity. First, Buck called around to speak to someone at the Los Angeles Registrar's office. He desperately tried to get someone on the phone because his Google search only got him so far. He knows what personal documents they need, but they are unsure what they need to support the disillusionment of Eddies prior marriage. Forty-five minutes later, it is confirmed all they need is a copy of Shannon's death certificate, and they have an appointment for 3 pm that afternoon.

On the other hand, Eddie was researching what kind of declaration they would need to make to the LAFD about the change in their relationship status. He can't find any regulations that state they won't be able to work together, only something around personal relationships being evaluated for the team's safety. So, they decide to update their LAFD personnel profiles as soon as they get home and talk to Bobby the next time they are together outside of work.

Eddie gets Chris and himself ready and suited up. While Eddie usually wouldn't keep Chris out of school, this is a special occasion. He dresses Chris in the gray suit he wore to his first school dance a few weeks ago. Eddie and Buck wear outfits similar to what they wore to Hen and Karen's vow renewal.

The first stop of the day is the Jewelry District in downtown LA. They hit a few stores, trying to find something they both like. They try on various designs made of different types of materials. Christopher repeatedly tries to get them to buy wedding bands that look like the One Ring. "Come on, Dads; then you can call each other my precious."

At the fourth shop, they finally find the winner. They decide to go simple, choosing elegant matching polished platinum bands. Buck immediately drops his American Express card to cover the costs of the rings.

"Buck." Eddie says in that Dad voice of his.

"Eds. Don't start. None of that let me pay for this bullshit you normally pull. You know what married means, right?" Buck asks in a light-hearted tone.

"Jesus, are we really doing this?" Eddie questions.

"Eds? Are you not sure about this? I mean, you asked me, this was your idea. But if you're not ready for this." Buck says nervously.

"No, Buck. Forever starts today. Let's go." Eddie says confidently.

The three of them hop into the Jeep, with Buck driving, Eddie in the passenger seat, and Christopher in the back. They quickly make their way across the city, park the car, and head to the courthouse.

Once there, the first task at hand is to get their marriage license. They both need to fill out paperwork and answer some questions.

"Um, Buck, what did you put down for your new last name?" Eddie looked over at Buck's paperwork."

"Stop cheating off of my paper." Says Buck and Chris laughed at the both of them.

"Seriously, this is something we should have talked about."

"Diaz."

"Yeah, Buck?"

"No, Eddie, on the paperwork. I put Evan Diaz. Maddie won't be a Buckley for long. I don't want to be tied to my parents anymore."

"Buckley-Diaz can work. Chris and I can change ours as a part of this."

"I'm probably not getting away from Buckley at the firehouse. Probably going to be Buckley-Diaz professionally. I am always going to be Buck. That's fine. But legally, Diaz it is."

It takes slightly longer than expected due to the added paperwork Eddie needs to have reviewed because of Shannon's passing. But a half hour later, they have their marriage license and are ready to head to the Civil Services Office upstairs.