Dandelions

Bobby Nash

Bobby was making his famous four cheese mac 'n' cheese casserole, taking advantage of the lull of the shift. The captain knew how hard 48 hours shifts were on a crew. Even when nothing noteworthy happened on the shift, it was still two whole days away from home and family.

This shift was especially hard because Buck was out around. Bobby smiled at the thought of Buck. The 118's golden retriever, with a heart bigger than the great canyon. If someone had told Bobby that the same troubled probie Buck used to be would become one of the finest firefighters Bobby had the honor to know; he would have laughed in their faces.

But here they were. Buck had become an integral part of 118. He was Eddie's best friend, Chim's brother-in-law, Hen's little brother, Ravi's big brother, the 118's heart. Even now that he was on vacation, his absence weighed heavily on the rest of the team. Now that she did not have her usual motherly indulgent outlet, Hen fretted over the rest of the team. Chimney was having a hard time trying to find a rhythm without their usual teasing partner. Ravi was fidgeting nervously, as he did not have the security of Buck's shadow. As for Eddie, well, he was a ball of nerves and barely contained anger; he clearly missed having his partner covering his back.

Bobby missed Buck like a missing limb. It took the two of them a lot of trouble and fights, but they finally found a middle and came to an understanding. When Buck confessed why he was so reckless with his life, it tore Bobby to pieces. Here was his son telling him he did not feel wanted, replaceable. It made Bobby throw away all insecurities and confess in return. He assured Buck that he was not replaceable to Bobby. There were many tears, apologies, and hugs. Bobby was not ashamed to admit he sobbed when Buck called him Pops for the first time.

Bobby had seen Buck become an excellent firefighter. He was quick on his feet, knew the protocols like the back of his hand but could improvise if needed. With the years, he and Eddie got certified in many courses: Heavy Rescue, Nautical Rescue, Urban Search and Rescue, and Wildland Search and Rescue.

But now Buck was not only prepared physically and intellectually, he was also emotionally ready for the next step in his career in the LAFD. So, when Buck requested time off to recuperate, Bobby knew it was time. He did not doubt for a second when he spoke to the brass. His recommendation went through, and this morning he received the placement of one Lieutenant Evan Buckley on the A-Shift of Fire House 118.

"What's got you smiling like that, Cap?" Chim asked, bemused, as he eagerly sat at the table waiting for his mac 'n' cheese.

"I can't simply be happy for no reason?" Bobby asked, as he put the plate of mac 'n' cheese on the table.

Ravi, Eddie, Hen, and Chim all ate. Hen even put a generous serving giving Bobby a pointed look; the captain knew she had learned from Athena. "We were not born yesterday, Cap. Spill!"

"I just received some good news from the brass," Bobby shared smugly. "Though, I think one of you already knew about it," Bobby sent a look at Eddie, who simply shrugged with a smirk. "When Buck returns, the 118 will receive him as the firehouse's new lieutenant."

There was a shocked silence as the team looked at Bobby, stunned, before breaking into cheers.

"Awesome! This is so cool!"

"I better start ordering his cake!"

"About time! I can't wait to tell Maddie!"

"Okay! Let's all calm down; we are still working," Bobby laughed. "We can plan a welcoming party afterwards."

The A-Shift sat down to enjoy the food with relish. Bobby was truly a great cook. Luckily, they finished eating before the bell rang, signaling another call. It was a where Hen rapidly helped the poor woman who had fainted from a heat stroke. Bobby watched the ambulance with relief, as they've gotten there in time and the patient was out of danger.

This 48-hour shift was turning out to be quite mellow, much to Bobby's delight. He loved interesting calls as much as the next firefighter. But he was no longer as young or as fast as he used to be. It was nice to take a break from time to time. He'll leave the excitement to Buck, Eddie, and Ravi.

When the shift ended without any issue, Bobby drove back home, humming a tune under his breath. He felt well-rested for the end of a 48-hour shift and in a good mood. Maybe he'll cook a nice breakfast for him and Athena. However, the moment Bobby reached his home, he found a surprise waiting for him.
"Buck? You are back early," Bobby greeted his son with a surprised but warm smile.

Buck looked like he hadn't been sleeping well at all; his eyes were all puffy and red, with dark circles underneath, making him appear weary and worn out. It was quite a departure from the vibrant and refreshed image he projected in the vacation photos Bobby had seen. The lines on Buck's face seemed deeper, etched with fatigue and stress, and his usual energetic demeanor was noticeably subdued. It was clear to Bobby that something wasn't quite right with his son, and a pang of concern tugged at his heartstrings. Seeing Buck in such a state stirred up a mixture of emotions within Bobby—worry for his well-being, a desire to understand what might be troubling him, and an instinctive urge to offer comfort and support.

"Hey, Pops," Buck smiled at Bobby, a tired yawn. "How was your—"

"I would use the q-word, but I know how you all get," Bobby joked, smiling in relief when Buck chuckled. Whatever had happened could be fixed if Buck was still able to smile.

"You never answered us, Jinx or no Jinx?" Buck teased, though it lacked his usual lightheartedness.

Just then, the cry of a baby echoed through the house. Bobby was startled, but Buck simply stood up. Bobby, at his retreating figure, peered into the room, looking back in confusion until Buck pointed to a bassinet that used to be May's before she had moved out. Bobby's confusion only grew when Athena walked out of the same bedroom and greeted Bobby with a tired smile and a soft kiss on the lips.

"Athena, what was that? Why is Buck back early? And from where did the baby come?" Bobby asked her.

Athena sighed and gave her husband a wry smirk. "Kameron, Buck's friend, was in a car crash. She did not survive, but the baby did. Conner did not handle it right and left to Peru."

"Left?" Bobby repeated, startled, as if he could not assimilate the fact that someone would abandon their child—even though they see it happen all the time in their line of work.

Athena smiled sadly at Bobby, patting his chest compassionately. "The universe was not over, throwing curve balls at our Buckaroo. But at least this time, they gave him his greatest gift in return."

"The babe... is Buck's?" Bobby stuttered in disbelief. This was too much for him to assimilate in one sitting.

"It looks like we are grandparents, Bobby," Athena's tone was teasing, but her smile was all warmth and maternal pride—she looked stunning.

"Twice over, because everyone knows Christopher is as much Buck's as he is Eddie's," was Bobby's automatic response, causing his wife to chuckle. "The promotion came just in time; Buck will need the raise in salary. Babies are expensive!" Bobby huffed. "Buck is a dad... God!"

"Promotion? What did I miss?" Athena raised an eyebrow at Bobby accusative.

Bobby turned to his wife smugly. "You knew about baby Buckley, but I knew about Lieutenant Evan Buckley."

"Lieutenant?" Athena raised an eyebrow, this time impressed, before beaming with pride. "That's my son!"

Bobby laughed with Athena until he heard the door to May's room open. Bobby turned to look at Buck, and his breath caught in his throat. There his son had a small bundle cradled in his arms. Bobby had thought he had lost everything in the fire in Minnesota. Yet here he was, at home with the 118, married to an incredible woman, with two step-children and a son any man could be proud of.

And now he was a grandfather.

"Pops, I would like to present you to your granddaughter," both shy and hesitant, Buck smiled at awe by the bundle in his arms. "Danielle Kameron Buckley."