Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 137

Scene: Reception Hall – Midnight 

The reception hall had settled into a mellow hum as the clock struck midnight, the earlier energy of dancing and music now giving way to a quieter, cozy atmosphere. Twinkling fairy lights strung across the ceiling cast a warm glow over the room, while the faint sound of ocean waves carried in through the open patio doors. 

The DJ’s voice broke the calm, re-energizing the crowd. 

DJ: "Alright, everyone, it’s time for one of the sweetest traditions of the night—quite literally! Let’s gather round for the arrival of the wedding cake!"

A cheer went up from the guests, who quickly began to cluster around the center of the room. The staff wheeled in the wedding cake through the double doors—a stunning creation of four tiers, decorated with elegant buttercream swirls and delicate sugar flowers. The topper, a custom figurine of Buck and Eddie in miniature, drew delighted murmurs from the crowd. 

Chimney (leaning toward Maddie): "Look at that! They even got Buck’s hair right. I’m guessing Eddie vetoed the ‘frosted tips’ version?" 

Maddie (snickering): "You know it. But I think they still made Buck’s grin too smug."

The cake was placed on a beautifully decorated table near the center of the room, and the DJ signaled for Buck and Eddie to step forward. They approached hand in hand, their smiles lighting up the room. 

Christopher (clapping excitedly): "Cut the cake, cut the cake!"

Buck (laughing): "Alright, alright, boss. We’re on it!"

Eddie picked up the silver cake knife, examining it like it was a scalpel. 

Eddie (teasing): "Buck, maybe I should handle this. I don’t trust you not to drop the knife—or the cake."

Buck (mock-offended): "Excuse me? I’ll have you know I’ve mastered the delicate art of cutting things. Remember Thanksgiving?"

Eddie (deadpan): "You mean when you nearly decapitated the turkey and broke the carving fork?" 

The crowd burst into laughter as Buck threw up his hands in mock surrender. 

Buck: "Fine. You cut; I’ll supervise. Teamwork, right?" 

Eddie smirked, but before he began, Buck placed his hand over Eddie’s on the knife handle, his tone suddenly softer. 

Buck: "Together, okay?"

Eddie’s teasing expression melted into a warm smile, and he nodded. 

Eddie: "Together."

They carefully cut into the bottom tier of the cake, the crowd cheering them on with every move. When they freed the first slice, Buck held it up triumphantly, turning to the guests. 

Buck: "Behold, the first slice of our married life! A masterpiece of precision and cooperation."

Chimney (calling out): "It’s a miracle you didn’t drop it!"

Buck laughed, placing the slice on a plate. Eddie broke off a small piece and held it up to Buck’s mouth. 

Eddie: "Moment of truth. Let’s see if you can eat this without making a mess."

Buck (grinning): "Challenge accepted."

He leaned forward and took the bite, over-dramatizing his chewing with an exaggerated look of delight. Eddie shook his head, amused, but before he could react, Buck scooped a dollop of cream from the slice and smeared it across Eddie’s cheek with a mischievous grin.