Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 133

Scene: The Ceremony Venue – Late Afternoon

The air seemed to hold its breath as Buck and Eddie’s vows hung in the air, a tangible warmth filling the space. Bobby, standing close, glanced between the two men, his expression softened with pride and affection. With a smile, he gently cleared his throat, bringing the attention back.

Bobby (grinning, voice warm): “Well, after those vows, I think I speak for everyone when I say we’ve all been given a little reminder of what love looks like.”

Laughter and murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, a few sniffles here and there as everyone regained their composure.

Bobby (looking at Eddie): “Let's make it official gentlemen. Edmundo Diaz... Eddie, do you take Evan Buckley to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, stand by him and keep him, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?”

Eddie looked directly at Buck, his gaze steady, voice unwavering despite the emotion there.

Eddie (voice soft, filled with warmth): “Yes. I do. I take you, Evan Buckley... Buck, my love, to be my husband. I promise to stand by you, in every high and low, in sickness and in health, in all the days we’re given.”

Buck’s face softened, a tear slipping down his cheek as Eddie’s words settled between them, grounding them in this moment.

Bobby then turned to Buck, his smile widening.

Bobby: “And you, Evan Buckley... Buck, do you take Edmundo Diaz to be your lawfully wedded husband? To be his rock, his partner, his friend, through life’s highs and lows? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?”

Buck’s voice trembled with happiness, his face full of love.

Buck (voice barely a whisper, eyes locked on Eddie’s): “Yes I do. A thousand times yes. I take you, Eddie, to be my husband. I promise to love you through everything that life brings, in sickness and in health, as long as I have you.”

The crowd chuckled at his enthusiasm, but the mood was thick with affection, everyone witnessing the way Buck’s heart seemed entirely in Eddie’s hands.

Bobby then motioned to Christopher, who had been waiting patiently off to the side, clutching the small satin pillow with both rings resting atop it. Bobby leaned down with a smile.

Bobby (softly, to Christopher): “Alrigt, Christopher. It’s time for the rings.”*

Christopher grinned, stepping forward with an air of importance, and carefully handed the rings to Bobby, his eyes shining with pride as he looked up at his father and Buck.

Christopher (whispering, to Eddie): “They look really shiny, Dad.”

Eddie chuckled softly, reaching down to ruffle his son’s hair, his heart swelling at the sight of Christopher so engaged in this special moment.

Eddie (whispering back, voice tender): “Thank you, mijo. You did a great job.”

Bobby handed the first ring to Eddie, who took Buck’s hand gently in his own. Buck’s fingers trembled slightly as Eddie slipped the ring onto his finger, holding his hand with a firm, tender grip.

Eddie (voice soft, looking at Buck): “With this ring, I give you my heart, my life, and my promise that we’ll face everything together, forever. I promise to be yours. Every part of me belongs to you, now and forever.”

Buck’s eyes filled with tears, the weight of Eddie’s words sinking into him. He nodded, biting his lip as he held back tears, then took the second ring from Bobby. His hands, usually so steady, trembled just a bit as he slipped the ring onto Eddie’s finger.

Buck (smiling softly, his voice breaking): “With this ring, I give you everything I am, everything I have. I promise to stand by you, always. I promise to love you, to honor you, to be your partner in every way. You’re my heart, Eddie. Always.”

The crowd was silent, swept up in the quiet intensity of the moment between them. Bobby took a step back, his expression warm and approving.

Bobby: “By the power vested in me by the State of California, and with the love of everyone here, I now pronounce you husbands. You may kiss.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Buck closed the space between them, capturing Eddie in a kiss filled with years of love, struggle, and joy. Eddie’s arms wrapped around Buck, pulling him close, their foreheads touching as they laughed softly through their tears. The crowd burst into applause, the sound echoing around them as their friends and family cheered.

After a lingering moment, Buck pulled back, his face flushed with joy, his hand still holding onto Eddie’s.

Buck (whispering, eyes bright): “We did it.”

Eddie (nodding, smiling): “Yeah, we did.”

Hand in hand, they turned to face the crowd, who stood, clapping and cheering as they began their walk up the aisle. Laughter and joy surrounded them, their friends and family creating a corridor of love that carried them forward, step by step, into their new life together.