Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 119

Scene : A Boutique Downtown

A week later, Buck and Maddie walked into a sleek boutique downtown, the glass doors gliding shut behind them with a quiet 'whoosh'. The store was a vision of elegance, with polished hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and immaculate rows of suits hanging on dark walnut racks. The air smelled faintly of cedar and leather, mixing with the subtle scent of cologne, and Buck immediately felt like he’d stepped into a world far more refined than his usual wardrobe of jeans and t-shirts.

Maddie was practically bouncing with excitement, her eyes alight with enthusiasm as she scanned the store. Her fingers brushed the soft fabrics as she moved from one rack to another, clearly in her element. Buck, on the other hand, was feeling a bit out of his depth. There were so many choices—different cuts, colors, fabrics—how was he supposed to know what looked good?

Maddie (grinning, barely containing her excitement): “Okay, Buck, this is it. Time to find you the perfect suit.”

Buck chuckled nervously, feeling the weight of the moment. He wasn’t just picking out any suit—this was the suit he’d be wearing on one of the most important days of his life. And somehow, that thought made the walls of the boutique feel a little closer, the racks of formalwear a little more intimidating.

Buck (rubbing the back of his neck): “I have no idea where to start. How do people even choose? There are like... a million options.”

Maddie looped her arm through his, her grin widening as she steered him toward a nearby display of suits in various shades of blue.

Maddie (confidently): “That’s why I’m here. You just stand there and look handsome—I’ll handle the rest.”

Buck laughed, grateful for Maddie’s enthusiasm. She always knew how to take the pressure off, and right now, that’s exactly what he needed. As she began rifling through the racks, holding up different options to gauge their color and cut, Buck took a deep breath and tried to relax. This was supposed to be fun, after all. And if anyone could make suit shopping bearable, it was Maddie.

They spent the next hour exploring different styles. Maddie would hold up a suit jacket, eyeing it critically before either discarding it or tossing it over her arm for Buck to try on. Some suits were too stiff, too formal, making Buck feel like he was wearing a costume rather than something that suited him. Others were too casual, the fit just slightly off, or the fabric too loose. But with each new try, they got closer to finding the right one.

Maddie (tilting her head as Buck stood in front of the mirror in a black suit): “Hmm... no, that one’s too corporate. You look like you’re about to give a TED Talk, not get married.”

Buck (laughing as he adjusted the jacket): “What, you don’t think a TED Talk vibe screams romance?”

Maddie rolled her eyes, grinning as she pulled the jacket off his shoulders.

Maddie: “You’re lucky you’re charming, because your fashion sense is questionable at best.”

Buck smirked, watching as Maddie sifted through another rack. There was something comforting about the way she took charge, the way she cared so much about this moment for him. Maddie wasn’t just helping him pick out a suit—she was helping him step into the next phase of his life, one filled with love, commitment, and family. And that made everything about this process feel more special.

Finally, after what felt like dozens of options, Maddie pulled a deep navy-blue suit off the rack, holding it up to Buck with a thoughtful expression.

Maddie (eyeing him critically): “I think this one might be it. Try it on.”

Buck took the suit from her, the fabric soft and light in his hands. He disappeared into the changing room, and as he slipped the jacket over his shoulders, he could immediately feel the difference. It wasn’t just the fit—though that was perfect, hugging his frame in all the right places—but the way the suit made him feel. It was sleek, modern, but with a classic cut that felt timeless.

He stepped out of the dressing room, smoothing his hands down the front of the jacket as he walked toward the mirrors. Maddie was waiting for him, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of him.

Maddie (softly, her voice full of emotion): “That’s the one, Buck. You look incredible.”

Buck turned to face her, his reflection staring back at him from all angles. The suit fit him perfectly, the deep blue contrasting beautifully with his skin tone, the slim cut making him look sharp but not overly formal. For the first time since they’d started this process, he could actually picture himself standing at the altar, waiting for Eddie, wearing this very suit.

Buck (quietly, still turning in front of the mirror): “You think so? It feels... right.”

Maddie stepped closer, her eyes shining as she smiled at him. There was something unspoken between them in that moment—a shared understanding of how far they’d both come, how much this moment meant, not just for Buck, but for both of them.

Maddie (emotionally, her voice catching a little): “Yeah, it’s perfect. You’re going to look amazing on your wedding day.”

Buck looked at her, his heart swelling with gratitude. He knew that Maddie had been through so much—more than anyone should have to bear—and yet here she was, beaming with pride and joy for him. This wasn’t just about picking out a suit. It was about the bond they shared, the way they’d always been there for each other, no matter what.

Buck (softly, his voice thick with emotion): “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, you know? You’ve always been there for me. I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you enough for that.”

Maddie blinked back tears, her smile widening as she reached out to take his hand.

Maddie (squeezing his hand gently): “You don’t have to thank me, Buck. That’s what family’s for. And besides, I’m just so proud of you. You’ve grown into this incredible man, and I can’t wait to see you get married and start this next chapter of your life.”

Buck swallowed hard, trying to keep his own emotions in check. He pulled Maddie into a tight hug, holding her close for a long moment.

Buck (whispering): “I love you, Maddie. I’m so lucky to have you.”

Maddie (softly, her voice muffled against his shoulder): “I love you too, little brother.”

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, before Maddie finally pulled back, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye with a laugh.

Maddie (sniffing dramatically): “Okay, no more crying! We’re supposed to be celebrating, not turning this into a Hallmark movie.”

Buck laughed, shaking his head as he turned back to the mirror, adjusting the lapels of his jacket one last time.

Buck (grinning): “I don’t know, Hallmark movies seem to be your thing.”

Maddie rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade as she grabbed her purse.

Maddie: “Alright, Mr. Funny Guy. Let’s get this suit packed up and head out. We’ve got plenty more wedding prep to do.”

As they made their way to the counter, Buck couldn’t help but glance down at the suit one more time. He’d come in feeling unsure, overwhelmed by the choices in front of him. But now, walking out with the perfect suit in hand and Maddie by his side, he felt more ready than ever. This wasn’t just about a wedding—it was about everything that came with it. And Buck knew, with Maddie and Eddie in his corner, he was ready for all of it.