Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 111

Scene: Carla’s House

The next morning, Buck and Eddie made their way to Carla’s house to pick up Christopher. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the warm sun seemed to match the energy they were feeling after the excitement of the previous night. As they pulled up to the curb, Eddie spotted Christopher through the window, standing by the door with his crutches, waiting eagerly. His face lit up when he saw the familiar truck.

Before Eddie could even put the car in park, Christopher was hobbling down the steps with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

Christopher (excited): “Dad! Buck!”

He maneuvered his crutches with quick, excited movements, and Buck was the first to hop out of the truck, jogging up to meet him. Eddie followed, a warm smile spreading across his face as they met Christopher halfway.

Buck crouched down and opened his arms wide as Christopher wrapped his arms around his waist, his crutches dangling loosely in his grip. Eddie came up behind them, joining in the hug, making it a family embrace.

Buck (grinning): “Missed you, buddy!”

Eddie (teasing): “You’ve been gone one night, Chris. You act like it’s been a week!”

Christopher laughed, still clinging to them tightly.

Christopher: “It feels like forever. Carla’s fun, but I missed you guys.”

Eddie (smiling): “We missed you too, mijo.”

Christopher leaned back, looking up at them with a curious gleam in his eyes. He adjusted his grip on his crutches as he spoke.

Christopher (grinning): “Carla said you guys have a surprise for me! What is it?”

Buck glanced over at Eddie with a knowing look, both of them trying to contain their excitement. The plan was to tell Christopher about the engagement at the beach, but the anticipation in Christopher's eyes made it clear he was going to keep asking until he got some kind of clue.

Buck (chuckling): “You'll find out soon enough, but first, we’ve got a whole beach day planned. You ready for some fun in the sun?”

Christopher’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he nodded eagerly.

Christopher: “Yeah! I can’t wait!”

Eddie ruffled his hair affectionately before gently taking one of Christopher’s crutches to help him into the truck.

Eddie (softly): “Let’s get you in the truck, champ. Got sunscreen packed?”

Christopher (laughing): “Dad, you always bring too much sunscreen. I’m ready!”

Once they had him settled in the back seat, Christopher turned to look at both Buck and Eddie.

Christopher: “So, is this surprise about me? Did you guys get me something?”

Buck (grinning): “It’s not exactly a gift, but it’s something you’ll definitely love. You’ll just have to wait until we get to the beach.”

Christopher (pouting playfully): “Fine. But I’m gonna guess all day until I figure it out!”

Eddie (chuckling): “Good luck with that, buddy.”

They drove off, with Christopher buzzing in the backseat, already guessing wildly about what the surprise might be. Buck and Eddie exchanged a quick smile in the front seat, their hearts full as they prepared for what they knew would be one of the happiest moments of their lives.