Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 115

Scene: Pepa’s House

Eddie and Buck made their way up the narrow path to Pepa's house, the warm evening air carrying the scent of blooming jasmine. It had become a familiar route for them, a place that felt like a second home. As they approached, they saw Pepa sitting on her porch, wrapped in a light shawl, sipping tea from her favorite mug. She smiled when she saw them, a mix of warmth and love lighting up her face.

Eddie’s heart raced. He had been thinking about this moment for days, but now that it was here, the words felt heavy on his tongue. Buck gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder as they reached the porch, silently reminding him that this was his family, and there was nothing to be afraid of.

They sat down across from her, the wooden chairs creaking softly. Pepa set her tea aside, looking between them with curious eyes, sensing that they had something important on their minds.

Pepa (smiling): “You two look like you’ve been carrying something heavy. What is it, mijo?”

Eddie shifted nervously, his hands fidgeting in his lap. He wasn’t sure why this felt so hard—Pepa had always supported him, through everything. She had been there when Eddie had come out to his family, and she had welcomed Buck into their lives without hesitation. But this was different. This was about the wedding, and about honoring the people who had truly shaped him.

Eddie (nervous): “Tía... I know this might be a lot to ask, but... would you walk me down the aisle?”

The words tumbled out, and Eddie felt the weight of them lift slightly as soon as they left his mouth. For a moment, Pepa didn’t say anything, but her eyes softened, and she reached out to place her hand on his. There was no need for hesitation in her response—her heart had always been open to Eddie, and this moment was no different.

Pepa (smiling, voice soft): “Mijo, I would be honored. I’ve always known this was your path, and I’m so happy to see you walking it with Buck. You’ve come so far, and I’ve never been more proud of you.”

Eddie felt a lump form in his throat. Her words carried the weight of their shared history—years of hardship, of loss, but also of love. He thought about his Abuela, Pepa’s mother, who had passed away a few months ago. Abuela had been a strong woman, rooted in tradition but always open-minded, always loving. Eddie had missed her deeply, especially now, during such a pivotal moment in his life.

Eddie (voice cracking slightly): “I wish Abuela could be here... She would’ve loved to see Buck and me getting married, and I just... I miss her.”

Pepa’s expression softened even more, and she squeezed his hand.

Pepa (gently): “Your Abuela is with you, Eddie. Every step of the way. She’s been watching over you, guiding you, just like she always did. And she would’ve adored Buck, no question. She’d be proud of the man you’ve become, and the family you’ve built.”

Eddie closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of Pepa’s words settle over him. Abuela had always been a guiding presence in his life, her wisdom and strength shaping who he was. He could almost hear her voice now, reminding him to stay true to himself, to find love and happiness wherever he could.

As he opened his eyes, Eddie glanced at Buck, who was sitting quietly beside him, offering silent support. Buck had just met Eddie’s Abuela a few time, but he understood the significance she held in Eddie’s life. It made him even more determined to build a life with Eddie that honored all the love that had come before them.

Pepa leaned back in her chair, a distant look in her eyes as she thought back to Eddie’s childhood.

Pepa (reminiscing): “You were always such a serious child, even back then. Always taking care of your siblings, always thinking about others. Your Abuela used to say that you carried the weight of the world on your little shoulders.”

Eddie chuckled softly, remembering those days. It was true—he had always been the responsible one, the protector, even as a kid. It had shaped him into the man he was now, but sometimes it felt like that responsibility had come at a cost.

Pepa (continuing, voice tender): “But look at you now. You’ve found someone who lifts that weight with you. Buck is your partner in every sense of the word, and that’s what your Abuela always wanted for you—to find someone who sees you for who you are, and loves you for it.”

Eddie looked over at Buck, his heart swelling with love. Pepa was right. Buck had been his partner through everything—through the hardest moments, like Eddie’s near-death experience and the aftermath of his recovery, and through the happiest ones, like raising Christopher together. They had built something solid, something real, and now they were going to seal that bond in front of the people they loved most.

Eddie (grateful): “Thank you, Tía. For everything. For always being there for me, for Chris... for us.”

Pepa smiled, her eyes brimming with emotion.

Pepa: “It’s my honor, mijo. I’ll be proud to walk you down that aisle, just as proud as your Abuela would’ve been.”

Buck, who had been listening quietly, reached over and took Eddie’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He smiled at Pepa, grateful for the love and support she had shown them both.

That evening, when they returned home, Buck found himself thinking about the conversation with Pepa. It had been a reminder of the deep connections Eddie had to his family, to his heritage, and to the people who had shaped him into the man Buck had fallen in love with.

Later that night, as they lay in bed, Buck turned to Eddie.

Buck (softly): “You know, Pepa’s right. Your Abuela would’ve loved this, loved us. I feel like she’s still with you, with us.”

Eddie smiled, a small tear slipping down his cheek.

Eddie: “Yeah, I feel it too. And I’m glad she’s part of this, in her own way.”

They fell asleep that night holding each other, knowing that their wedding would be more than just a celebration of their love. It would be a tribute to the people who had helped them get there, to the memories they carried with them, and to the family they were building together.