Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 117

Scene: Maddie and Chimney’s Apartment

A few days later, as the sun began to set, casting a soft, golden light across the streets, Buck and Eddie made their way to Maddie and Chimney’s apartment. This visit felt different. Asking Bobby to officiate had been a formal, almost ceremonious step in their wedding plans, but this—this was personal. Maddie was Buck’s sister, and Chimney was Eddie’s best friend. They were family, and asking them to be a part of their wedding felt intimate, like completing a circle that had been forming for years.

The apartment building was quiet, the faint hum of life behind closed doors, and the smell of dinner wafting from the various kitchens around them. As they approached Maddie and Chimney’s door, Buck paused, glancing at Eddie with a small smile.

Buck (softly): “You think they’re gonna cry?”

Eddie (teasing): “Maddie? For sure. Chim? He’ll probably crack a joke and then cry later when no one’s looking.”

Buck chuckled, feeling a wave of fondness for both of them. He knocked on the door, and they didn’t have to wait long. Chimney answered almost immediately, a huge grin spreading across his face the second he saw them.

Chimney (grinning): “Hey, look who’s here! About time you guys showed up. Come on in, Maddie’s in the kitchen making something that smells way too good for me to share.”

Buck and Eddie stepped inside, greeted by the familiar warmth of Maddie and Chimney’s home. It was cozy and inviting, filled with little touches that made it uniquely theirs—the photos on the walls, Christopher’s drawings on the fridge, the mix of Chimney’s quirky gadgets and Maddie’s soft, warm touches.

As soon as they walked in, the smell of something delicious hit them. The rich scent of herbs and simmering meat filled the air, and from the kitchen, they could hear Maddie humming softly as she moved around.

Maddie (calling from the kitchen): “I hope you guys are hungry! I made way too much food, as usual!”

Buck exchanged a knowing glance with Eddie, both of them smiling. Maddie always made too much food, but it was part of what made her, well, Maddie.

Buck (grinning): “We’re always hungry! But first, we actually need to talk to you and Chim about something.”

Chimney raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and led them into the kitchen where Maddie was standing over a pot of something that smelled incredible. She turned around, her eyes lighting up when she saw Buck and Eddie.

Maddie (beaming): “Hey, little brother. You’re just in time. I was about to make Chim taste this, but now you’re here, you get to be the guinea pigs!”

She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Buck in a warm hug. Buck hugged her back tightly, taking a second to just soak in the comfort of his sister’s presence. When they pulled apart, Maddie turned to Eddie, giving him a hug as well.

Maddie: “You guys okay? You look like you’re up to something.”

Buck smiled but didn’t answer right away. Instead, he nodded toward the kitchen table.

Buck: “Can we sit down for a second? We need to talk to you guys about something important.”

Chimney, always quick to pick up on things, exchanged a quick look with Maddie. He opened the fridge, grabbing four beers and handing one to Eddie, Buck and Maddie before popping his own open.

Chimney (grinning): “This sounds serious. You’re not gonna tell us you’re eloping, are you? Because I swear I’ll never forgive you if you do.”