Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 127

Scene: Eddie’s Hotel Room - Wedding Day

The wedding day had finally arrived, July 26th. The sun streamed through the large windows of Eddie’s hotel suite, casting a warm golden glow across the room. The air felt thick with anticipation, the stillness before a day that would change his life forever. The suite itself was spacious, filled with the soft hum of last-minute preparations: neatly laid-out clothes, the faint scent of cologne, and the quiet rustling of fabric as Eddie moved about. He stood in front of the full-length mirror, fingers fumbling with the buttons on his crisp white shirt. A knot of nervousness and excitement churned in his stomach, making it hard to focus.

Eddie (muttering to himself, barely managing to get the last button through): “Calm down, Diaz. You’re just getting married to the love of your life.”

Beside him, Chimney leaned against the dresser, watching with an amused grin. His arms were folded across his chest, the usual spark of mischief dancing in his eyes.

Chimney (grinning): “You’re a wreck, aren’t you?”

Eddie glanced at him, half-annoyed, half-amused, and let out a shaky laugh.

Eddie (shaking his head, muttering): “Is it that obvious?”

Chimney (laughing): “Oh yeah, man. I’ve never seen you like this. You’re usually all cool, calm, collected. But today? (He mockingly shakes his head.) You’re practically vibrating.”

Eddie chuckled, though his hands still shook as he tried to adjust the collar of his shirt. The fabric felt stiff under his fingers, unfamiliar, just like the flood of emotions running through him.

Eddie: “This is different, Chim. This isn’t like running into a burning building or dealing with an emergency. This is… (His voice softened, and he paused, searching for the right words.) it’s forever, you know?”

Chimney pushed himself off the dresser and strolled over, clapping a hand on Eddie’s shoulder. His teasing expression softened into something more understanding, more brotherly.

Chimney (lightly): “Forever, huh? I thought you were just in this for the open bar and free cake.”

Eddie (grinning): “Not this time, that was the case for your wedding. Today... It’s… it’s just… this feels different. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long, and now that it’s here—”

Chimney (interrupting): “You’re freaking out. (He patted Eddie’s back, shaking his head in mock sympathy.) Totally understandable. You’ve got it bad, man.”

Eddie (laughing): “Maybe a little. But it’s not just about getting married. It’s about everything Buck and I have been through. All the stuff we’ve survived together. It’s been a long road to get here, and today, it all feels… real.”

Chimney studied Eddie for a moment, the grin on his face softening into a more genuine smile. He knew Eddie’s past—knew the heartbreak of losing Shannon, the mother of his son. Shannon’s death had been a turning point for Eddie, but their marriage had never been like this. This was different. Eddie looked happier, more grounded than ever, and Chimney could see how much Buck had played a part in that.

Chimney (gently): “You’re marrying the love of your life today, Eddie. You know that, right? I’ve seen you and Buck together. It’s solid. You guys have always had each other’s backs, and now? Now, you get to make it official. That won't change anything between you, you're just making it official.”

Eddie nodded, his eyes trailing over to the navy suit hanging on the door. It was custom-made for him, tailored perfectly to fit, but it wasn’t just a suit—it was a promise, a symbol of everything that today meant. He could feel the weight of that, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.