Black And Blue-E.Buckley (9-1-1)

ThirtySix

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

Eleanor floated around the room, tending to each breakfast item she had going. There were three pans on the stove, one with bacon, one with sausage, and one with eggs. On the counter, the waffle iron was on its second batch, and there was still fruit to be cut.

"Why didn't you wait for me? Or I could've waited to take a shower," Buck rushed over to help before she burnt herself.

"It's okay, I got it. And Everybody's gonna be here soon."

"Well, what can I help with?" Just then there was a knock at the door.

"You can get that," Eleanor offered him a smile. When Buck opened the door he was greeted by Eddie, Hen, Karen, Bobby, and Athena. 

"Hey guys, come on in." Buck held the door open as they all piled into the dining room.

"Maddie and Chim are on their way," Hen chimed in.

"Hey, let me help you." Athena took the spatula from Eleanor and took over the stove.

"Thank you, Buck was about to help but he got a little distracted." Buck, Eddie, and Bobby were huddled by the door. 

"Men," Karen shook her head and the rest of the women laughed.

"You didn't have to do all this ya know. Between you and Athena, you guys spoil us," Hen picked at the plate of bacon.

"Oh, it's nothing." Eleanor waved off the compliment. "I don't know how to cook small."

"I hear that one," Athena nodded in agreement.

Buck joined the ladies in the kitchen, throwing an arm over Eleanor's shoulder and pulling her to his side. "It's almost done," she smiled up at him. Buck nodded, he leaned down and pecked her lips before going to the cupboard and grabbing cups for everyone.

"It's so nice to see him so grown up and happy," Athena directed her smile at Eleanor. "That," she pointed at Buck, "is all thanks to you."

"I wouldn't say all me. You guys definitely have a part." Athena, Hen, and Karen all gave her a look that said it was in fact all her doing.

The guys were already sitting around the table, everybody in their normal spots. Maddie and Chim arrived just on time. The ladies each grabbed plates and carried them to the table. An array of bacon, sausage, waffles, fruits, eggs, and juices covered the table. Everyone started digging in. Eleanor looked around the table and smiled. The joy that she felt as she looked around at this family she found was like no other. 

****

After everyone had finished eating Hen, Athena, and Maddie helped Eleanor clean up and get everything put away. Everyone sat around the table chatting for a bit before eventually leaving. Eddie had to pick Christopher up from a friend's house. Hen and Karen had to go home to their kids. The others stayed for a little longer.

"Boy am I glad the kids are grown," Athena sighed. "I do miss it sometimes but that running all over. To friend's house and sports, I don't miss that." 

"I kind of look forward to it," all eyes were on Maddie and Chim now. "Someday," she added.

"What about you two, Buck, Eleanor?" 

"Haven't thought about it," they spoke in unison. The two looked at each other. At least they were on the same page. 

"To be honest, I never really thought I'd make it this far. Never thought I'd be planning a wedding, let alone children."

"Well, I think I speak for all of us when I say I'm glad you did make it," Maddie grabbed Eleanor and gave it a squeeze. Everyone else nodded in agreement. "I do know what you mean though, I get it."

"It's never too late to create a family," Bobby smiled at Athena. "Things are always changing. I don't think any of us are where we thought we'd be so you're not alone."

****

"Buck!" 

"Yes?" Buck yelled back from downstairs.

"I need your opinion on something," Eleanor leaned over the railing. Buck looked up at her. "A or B or C?" She held up three color samples.

Buck squinted slightly. "B." It was a set of different greens.

"Thank you!" 

Buck shook his head and smiled before going back to his laptop. While Eleanor was upstairs putting together wedding plans, Buck was downstairs planning the after. He wanted everything to be perfect and they both deserved a vacation. 

"Hey, one more! Mmm.. Maybe two or three," Buck could hear Eleanor giggle as she approached the railing again. He turned in his chair and looked up.

"Real flowers or fake? Fake lasts longer and is cheaper but real smells good."

"Both."

"Both?" Buck nodded. "Like mixed together or some pieces real and some fake?"

"Second option. Your bouquet we can do both, a fake one so you can keep it cause you know you're gonna want to and a real one to actually carry at the wedding."

"Oh my, you're a genius. Why didn't I think of that?" Buck's smile grew as he listened to her continue to mumble to herself as she walked away. A few seconds later she reappeared. "Which lettering?" She held up three papers.

"Last one."

"Flower archway?"

"Yes."

Eleanor made her thinking face for a moment. "What about those sprinkler firework things?"

"Flammable. Maybe stay away from anything with fire in the name. Especially if we're doing an open bar."

"You make a good point. Okay, I think I'm done. Maybe." Eleanor turned away from the railing.

"Hey, I have one." She moved back, leaning slightly. "If you were to be offered a honeymoon, warm or cold destination?"

"Buck.. We talked-" Buck gave her a 'just answer the question' look. "Fine. Cold. We have heat here all the time, a little wouldn't be terrible." Buck smiled and turned back to his laptop again.