Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 128

Scene: Buck’s Hotel Room

Meanwhile, just a few doors down, Buck stood in front of his own mirror, nervously adjusting his bow tie. His hands were shaking slightly, not from fear but from a heady mix of excitement and the overwhelming weight of the moment. His reflection stared back at him, looking sharp in the dark blue suit he’d chosen for this day. The material felt crisp against his skin, tailored perfectly, but it wasn’t the suit that was making him jittery. It was the thought of Eddie, of seeing him in just a few hours and saying the words that would bind them together forever.

He fumbled with the fabric again, frustration growing as he couldn’t seem to get the bow tie right. His fingers felt clumsy, uncooperative, and the tie refused to sit neatly, twisting awkwardly under his collar. He let out a huff, his shoulders sagging slightly.

Just then, Maddie, who had been watching from the armchair in the corner, stepped forward with a knowing smile playing on her lips. She’d been observing her little brother for the past few minutes, amused by his rare display of nerves.

Maddie (teasing): “Alright, alright. Let me help before you strangle yourself with that thing.”

Buck looked over his shoulder, offering her a sheepish smile, though the anxiety was still evident in his eyes.

Buck (laughing nervously): “I swear, I’ve never been this bad at tying a bow tie before.”

He turned to face her fully, lifting his chin slightly so she could take over. Maddie stepped in close, deftly taking the ends of the bow tie in her hands. There was something comforting about the way she moved, the way she seemed so calm, so steady, like this wasn’t just any ordinary day but a moment they’d been preparing for all their lives.

Maddie (smirking as she worked): “That’s because you’ve never been getting married before.”

Buck’s lips twitched into a smile, but he couldn’t deny how true her words felt. He had never felt like this before—never this mix of joy and anticipation, this intense need for everything to go perfectly, because this wasn’t just any day. This was the day he would marry Eddie, the man who had changed everything for him.

Maddie’s fingers moved expertly, weaving the fabric into a perfectly neat bow. As she worked, her gaze softened, her teasing expression shifting into something more tender. She took her time, not because the bow tie was difficult, but because she could feel the importance of the moment. This was her baby brother’s wedding day, something she had never thought she’d get to see.

Maddie (her voice softening): “You look really handsome, Buck.”

Buck’s eyes flicked up to meet hers in the mirror, and for a moment, the world outside this room fell away. He smiled, a genuine, warm smile, the kind that reached his eyes. He’d always been close to Maddie, but this was different. There was a sense of pride in her voice that hit him straight in the heart.

Buck (smiling warmly): “Thanks, Maddie. I still can’t believe this is happening.”

Maddie tied the last knot of the bow, her hands lingering a little longer than necessary, her eyes filled with emotion. She stepped back slightly, her gaze flicking up to meet Buck’s, her lips curling into a soft smile.

Maddie (with a knowing look): “Why not? You and Eddie… you’ve been heading toward this for a long time. It’s right.”

The sincerity in her voice made Buck pause. He felt a lump form in his throat, and for a second, he had to remind himself to breathe. He had spent so much of his life waiting for the other shoe to drop, always expecting things to fall apart. But Maddie’s words grounded him. This wasn’t like before. This wasn’t temporary or fleeting. This was real. He and Eddie had been through so much—fires, accidents, heartbreak—and yet, here they were. Solid.

Buck (nodding, taking a deep breath): “Yeah. It is.”

Maddie finished with the bow tie and took a step back, admiring her work with a proud smile. But as Buck glanced at her through the mirror, he noticed the subtle shift in her expression. Her eyes, usually so bright and full of humor, glistened with unshed tears. She blinked quickly, trying to hold them back, but Buck saw right through her.

He turned to face her, concern knitting his brow.

Buck (softly): “Hey, you okay?”

Maddie inhaled deeply, a shaky breath escaping her lips as she smiled, her voice thick with emotion.

Maddie (her voice trembling slightly): “I just… I can’t believe my little brother is getting married. And I’m so happy you asked me to walk you down the aisle.”

Buck’s heart squeezed in his chest at the sight of his sister so emotional. Maddie had been his rock for as long as he could remember, always the strong one, always the protector. Seeing her like this, so proud and so moved, hit him harder than he expected. He felt his own emotions rising to the surface, the overwhelming love he had for her tightening his throat.

Without another word, Buck stepped forward and wrapped her in a tight hug, burying his face in her shoulder. Maddie let out a soft laugh, her arms encircling him as she held him close.

Buck (softly, his voice tinged with affection): “Stop, stop. Don’t cry. You’re going to mess up your makeup, and then you’re going to make me cry, and we can’t have that. I’ve got to look good for Eddie.”

Maddie laughed through her tears, pulling back just enough to wipe her eyes with the back of her hand.

Maddie (sniffling, smiling): “I’m fine, I’m fine. No more crying. I promise.”

Buck smiled, his hands still resting on her shoulders. He looked into her eyes, the love and gratitude he felt for her swelling in his chest. Maddie had been there through everything—through his darkest moments, through the times he thought he wouldn’t make it, through his struggles and his triumphs. She had always believed in him, even when he hadn’t believed in himself.

Buck (his voice soft, filled with emotion): “I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to walk me down the aisle, Maddie. You’re the most important person in my life. You’ve always been there for me. It just… it feels right.”

Maddie’s eyes shimmered again, but this time she held it together, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She smiled, her heart full, and leaned in to kiss Buck on the cheek before stepping back. She took a moment to take him in, her little brother standing there in his wedding suit, looking more grown-up than she had ever imagined.

Maddie (proudly, her voice thick with emotion): “You’re going to knock Eddie off his feet when he sees you.”

Buck chuckled, but the thought of Eddie waiting for him at the altar made his heart race. He could already picture it—Eddie standing there in his suit, that soft, steady smile on his face, the way his eyes would light up when they locked onto Buck. The mere thought of it made the butterflies in Buck’s stomach intensify, but in the best way possible.

He turned back to the mirror, smoothing down his jacket as Maddie watched from a few steps away. He looked sharp, but all he could think about was Eddie. How Eddie would look. How they would stand side by side, in front of everyone they loved, and finally make their commitment official.

Maddie (stepping back to give him space, her voice soft): “You ready?”

Buck turned to face her fully, his heart pounding in his chest, but there was no hesitation in his smile. This was the moment he had been waiting for. This was everything.

Buck (with a wide smile, his voice steady): “More than ready. I just want to see Eddie again… and finally marry him.”

Maddie’s smile mirrored his, her heart swelling with pride as she watched her little brother, so full of love and anticipation. The day had finally come, and as Buck stood there, his nerves fading away, he knew without a doubt that this was the best decision of his life. He and Eddie had waited long enough, and now, the rest of their lives was just a few hours away.