Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 94

Scene: In town with Eddie and Christopher

As Buck headed to his doctor’s appointment across town, Eddie and Christopher were finishing up their breakfast at the kitchen table, sunlight streaming in through the window. Eddie had a plan in mind for today, something that had been weighing on his heart for a while now. Ever since Buck had mentioned that his appointment might take some time, Eddie knew this was the perfect opportunity to take care of something important—something really important for him.

Eddie had been thinking about it for months, really. Christopher, ever observant, had been watching his dad with curious eyes as they ate, his legs swinging under the table with a slight impatience. Eddie could tell his son was itching to know what the day’s plans were, but he wasn’t ready to spill the beans just yet.

Christopher (curious): “Where are we going, Dad?”

Eddie smiled at him, trying to keep the excitement under wraps. He leaned back in his chair, pretending to consider his response for a moment, though the answer was already burning at the tip of his tongue.

Eddie: “It’s a surprise, mijo. But I think you’re going to like it. It has to do with Buck.”

Christopher’s eyes lit up at the word "surprise". Surprises were always fun for Christopher. In Christopher’s world, the most exciting things always seemed to revolve around Buck, and Eddie couldn’t help but smile at how much his son adored him. In a lot of ways, Buck had already become a second father to Christopher, and Eddie wanted to make that bond official.

After they finished breakfast, Eddie helped Christopher get dressed, his little boy practically bouncing with excitement as they grabbed their jackets and headed out the door. As they made their way to the car, Eddie’s heart was pounding just a little faster than usual. His mind was racing with thoughts, but he pushed the nerves aside. He knew what he was going to do was the right thing to do.

The drive was peaceful, the hum of the engine and the gentle sounds of the city waking up filling the space between them. Christopher sat in the backseat, occasionally glancing out the window and then looking back at his dad with a curious expression, clearly trying to piece together the mystery of where they were going.

When they finally pulled into the parking lot of a small store, Christopher’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t expected this at all.

Christopher (excited): “A jewelry store? Why are we here?”

Eddie smiled as he unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to face Christopher, holding his hand out as they got out of the car.

Eddie: “We’re here to pick out something for Buck.”

Christopher's curiosity only grew as they stepped through the doors of the jewelry store. Inside, the air was cool, and the room had a calm, quiet atmosphere. The gentle glow from the glass cases filled with sparkling jewelry cast a soft light around the room. Rings, necklaces, and watches gleamed under the lights, but Eddie’s focus was singular—he was here for something else, something that would symbolize everything Buck meant to him.

Christopher’s eyes widened as he whispered to his dad, his voice filled with awe.

Christopher (whispering): “Are we buying him jewelry?”

Eddie knelt down to Christopher’s level, his face softening as he realized this moment was as important for his son as it was for him. He placed a hand gently on Christopher’s shoulder, his voice filled with quiet seriousness.

Eddie (softly): “We’re getting a ring, Chris. A very important one. I’m going to ask Buck to marry me.”

Christopher’s eyes went wide with excitement and understanding, his little mouth dropping open in shock.

Christopher (excited): “You’re gonna marry Buck?! Yey! That’s awesome! Can I help pick the ring?!”

Eddie laughed softly, pulling Christopher into a quick hug. His son’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Eddie felt a swell of warmth in his chest. He couldn’t have imagined this moment going any better.

Eddie (smiling): “Of course you can help, that's why you're here. But remember, it’s a surprise, okay? We can’t tell Buck.”

Christopher’s face turned serious as he nodded solemnly, understanding the importance of keeping the secret. He loved being part of important surprises, and this felt like the biggest one yet. They walked hand in hand toward the ring displays, their eyes scanning the gleaming rows of rings in various styles and metals.

A friendly attendant approached them, their smile warm and welcoming as they stepped forward.

Attendant: “Hello, how can I help you today?”

Eddie straightened up, his heart beating a little faster now that the moment was actually here.

Eddie: “We’re looking for an engagement ring, for my boyfriend. Something simple but meaningful.”

The attendant’s smile widened, and they gestured for Eddie and Christopher to follow them over to a particular display case, where a variety of men’s engagement rings shimmered under the soft lights. Eddie felt his breath catch for a moment. This was it—the beginning of the next chapter of his life with Buck. The thought made him feel both excited and a little overwhelmed.

Christopher, always eager, pointed at one of the rings almost immediately.

Christopher (excited): “Ooooh, that one!”

Eddie followed Christopher’s gaze to the ring he was pointing at. It was a simple yet elegant silver band with a brushed finish, the surface matte but still gleaming under the light. Eddie’s breath caught as he looked at it. It was perfect. The ring wasn’t flashy, but it held a certain weight to it, something that felt solid, real. Just like Buck—strong, dependable, and beautiful in the quiet, understated way he carried himself.

Eddie smiled as he knelt beside Christopher, resting a hand on his son’s shoulder as they both admired the ring.

Eddie (softly): “I think that’s the one, Chris. What do you think?”

Christopher beamed up at him, his eyes bright with excitement.

Christopher: “It’s perfect! Buck’s gonna love it! But what's the price? Maybe it's too expensive!”

Eddie: "I don't care about the price, mijo, Buck deserves it"

The attendant nodded, pleased with their selection, and began preparing the ring for purchase. As Eddie stood there, watching the process unfold, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. This was the right decision. He knew it deep in his bones. Buck was his partner in every sense of the word, and now, with this ring, he was ready to take the next step.

Once the ring was ready, Eddie paid for it and carefully tucked the small velvet box into his pocket, a surge of excitement bubbling up inside of him. Christopher was practically bouncing on his toes as they left the store and headed back to the car.

Christopher (grinning): “I can’t wait for Buck to see it! He’s going to love it, Dad!”

Eddie smiled as he buckled Christopher into his seat, his heart swelling with affection for his son. This felt right—not just for him, but for their whole family. He wanted Buck to know that he was in this for the long haul, that their future was one Eddie was ready to build, brick by brick, with him.

Eddie: “Me too, mijo. But remember, we have to keep it a secret until the right time.”

Christopher nodded vigorously, understanding the importance of keeping the surprise under wraps. He was proud to be part of such an important mission, and Eddie could see the joy sparkling in his son’s eyes. As they drove home, Eddie’s thoughts kept drifting to Buck—how he’d react, what the future would look like once they were engaged. His heart was full of love and hope, knowing that this was just the beginning of the next beautiful chapter of their lives together.