Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 126

Scene: Hotel Ballroom - Late-Night (or Early Morning)

As the night wound down, the mood shifted to something softer, more intimate. The lively music faded into a gentle backdrop, allowing for whispers and soft laughter to fill the air. Most of their friends had paired off, chatting quietly in corners or lounging on the plush sofas that lined the ballroom, their silhouettes illuminated by the warm glow of dimmed lights. The energy of the evening lingered like a comforting blanket, wrapping around everyone as they settled into the moment.

Eddie found himself sitting next to Hen, both of them holding half-empty glasses of whiskey. He took a sip, savoring the warmth that spread through him, a pleasant contrast to the coolness of the room.

Hen (leaning back, a smile playing on her lips): “Can you believe it? In a week, you’ll be a married man.”

Eddie (softly, smiling to himself): “It’s crazy. I’ve never been so sure of something in my life and yet I have already been married.”

He looked away for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The thought of marrying Buck brought a rush of warmth and happiness that made everything else fade away. Hen studied him for a moment, her expression warm, filled with genuine affection for her friend.

Hen: “You and Buck… you guys are meant to be. We all see it. The way you two are together—there’s no doubt.”

Eddie didn’t say anything, but the soft smile on his face said enough. The love he felt for Buck was profound, and he knew it was reciprocated. Across the room, Buck was deep in conversation with Chimney and Maddie. The three of them were huddled together, laughter erupting between them as they shared stories from their childhoods, a bonding moment that reminded Eddie of the friendships that had grown over the years.

Chimney (grinning mischievously): “You’re going to cry during the vows, aren’t you?”

Buck (laughing, shaking his head): “I’m not planning on it, but who knows? It’s a big moment.”

Maddie (leaning in, teasing): “Oh, you’re definitely crying. I’ll have tissues ready.”

Buck chuckled, but there was a sincerity in his eyes, a flicker of vulnerability that Eddie recognized. He was thinking about the wedding, the vows, and standing up there with Eddie. The thought filled him with equal parts excitement and nervousness, but mostly, it was a sense of calm. This was right.

Eddie (turning back to Hen, wanting to share more): “You know, I can’t help but think about how far we’ve all come. It feels like just yesterday we were all figuring out life, and now here we are, on the brink of the next big adventure.”

Hen (nodding, her gaze thoughtful): “I remember when you first told me about Buck. You were so hesitant, but I could see the spark in your eyes even then. You were falling for him, and I knew it was different.”

Eddie (smiling, nostalgia creeping in): “Yeah, I was scared. I’ve never let myself be so open with anyone before. But Buck… he just makes it feel so easy, you know?”

Hen’s smile widened, and she raised her glass, gesturing for Eddie to do the same.

Hen: “To Buck, then. And to you, for being brave enough to love him.”

Eddie (clinking his glass with hers): “To Buck.”

They both took a sip, and Eddie leaned back into the plush sofa, his mind wandering. The sight of Buck, animatedly recounting a story about his first crush in high school, made his heart swell. The way Buck’s eyes lit up when he talked, how he made everyone around him feel like the most important person in the room—it was one of the countless reasons Eddie had fallen for him.