Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 131

Scene: The Ceremony Venue – Mid-afternoon

The afternoon sun cast a warm, golden light over the ceremony, catching the leaves in a gentle dance of shadow and light. Rows of chairs, draped in delicate, white linen, were filled with family, friends, and colleagues, each face turned expectantly toward the aisle. It felt like nature itself had been summoned to bear witness, with soft blooms of lavender and white flowers arranged elegantly along the pathway. The quiet rustle of leaves and soft whispers filled the air, a hum of excitement and anticipation as everyone waited for the wedding to begin.

At the end of the aisle, Eddie stood with Pepa beside him, her arm looped proudly through his. She glanced up at him, eyes shimmering with pride, her smile a quiet reassurance in a moment that felt so monumental.

Pepa (squeezing his arm gently, her voice soft and proud): "You’re ready, mi niño. I can see it."

Eddie’s heart swelled, the weight of Pepa’s words grounding him. He gave her a small, grateful smile, his hand reaching up to cover hers on his arm. As they began their walk down the aisle together, each step felt deliberate, heavy with meaning. He could feel his pulse quicken, a sense of reverence washing over him as he looked out at the people who had gathered to witness this moment. He felt exposed in the best possible way, like he was showing everyone a part of himself he’d always known was there but had never fully shared.

The familiar faces of friends and family lined the aisle—Karen, Hen, and Denny were beaming; May and Athena held hands, their expressions soft with affection; even Albert, seated with Jee-Yun, gave Eddie an encouraging nod, his grin mischievous but sincere. As Eddie’s gaze shifted, he saw more faces, each one reflecting back the love and respect that had carried him to this moment. For a second, he was struck by the magnitude of it all, the incredible network of people who had helped shape him, who were now here to celebrate his happiness.

And then, just as his nerves began to settle, his eyes landed on Christopher, who was sitting proudly in the front row, his own navy suit a perfect match for Eddie’s. Christopher was holding a picture of Eddie's Abuela, that was supposed to be on the chair next to him. Eddie could see the pride in his son’s expression, the excitement lighting up his eyes as he watched his father. Christopher gave him a subtle thumbs-up, his smile so wide it made Eddie laugh softly, breaking the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding in his chest.

Eddie (whispering to himself, eyes locked on his son): "Thank you, mijo."

Eddie’s smile softened as he returned his focus to the altar ahead. Every step felt lighter now, his heart grounded by the presence of his loved ones and the excitement in Christopher’s eyes.

When they reached the front, Eddie released Pepa’s arm, giving her hand a final, appreciative squeeze before she took her seat. Turning, Eddie faced the altar, his eyes lifting to meet Bobby’s steady, comforting gaze.

Bobby (offering a calm, reassuring smile): “You good, Eddie?”

Eddie exhaled slowly, letting the weight of the moment sink in. The nervous excitement in his chest melted into a sense of certainty, an unshakeable calm. He was here, in the exact place he was meant to be.

Eddie (his voice steady, a small but bright smile on his face): “More than good. I think I’m finally ready.”

Bobby’s eyes crinkled with pride as he gave Eddie a reassuring nod. Standing beside Bobby, Chimney shifted slightly, a proud grin lighting up his face. He adjusted his stance, throwing Eddie a teasing glance as he caught him scanning the aisle once more, clearly waiting for Buck.

Chimney (leaning in, voice low but playful): “Just a heads-up—he’s probably gonna be even better dressed than you. Don’t get jealous.”

Eddie chuckled, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his grin.