Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 140

Scene: The Dance Floor 

As Buck spun Christopher in his arms, the little boy’s laughter rang out, blending perfectly with the music. Eddie stood close, his hand on Buck’s back, steadying them both as they danced together in the warm glow of the reception lights. 

Christopher (giggling): "Faster, Dad! Spin me faster!" 

Buck (laughing): "Faster? You’re going to get dizzy, kiddo!" 

Buck obliged, spinning in a circle before dramatically pretending to stumble, clutching Christopher tighter as he fell into Eddie’s arms. 

Eddie (smirking): "Careful, Buck. You’re not as young as you used to be." 

Buck (mock offended): "Excuse me, I’m in peak physical condition. I could spin this kid all night if I wanted to." 

Christopher (grinning): "Do it again!" 

Buck raised an eyebrow at Eddie, who shrugged with a laugh. 

Eddie: "Your funeral, man." 

Buck spun Christopher again, this time slower, letting the boy stretch his arms out like an airplane. Christopher’s joy was contagious, and soon Eddie joined in, holding Christopher’s hands as they moved in a circle together. 

The music shifted to a slower tune, and Buck lowered Christopher to his feet, ruffling his hair. 

Buck (softly): "Alright, buddy, time for a slow dance. Think you can handle that?"

Christopher nodded eagerly, stepping onto Buck’s shoes like he did with Eddie when he was younger. Buck held his hands, swaying gently to the rhythm, while Eddie watched with a soft smile. 

Christopher (looking up at Buck): "You’re really my dad now, right?"

Buck’s throat tightened, and he nodded, his voice quiet but steady. 

Buck: "Yeah, Chris. I’m really your dad. Officially, finally, forever." 

Christopher beamed, leaning his head against Buck’s chest as they danced. Eddie stepped closer, resting a hand on Buck’s shoulder and joining their little circle. 

Eddie: "You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy." 

Buck (looking at Christopher, his voice full of emotion): "I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy either."

The three of them swayed together, the rest of the world fading into the background. Guests watched from their tables, smiling at the sight of the small family basking in their love. 

Eventually, Christopher looked up, his eyes sparkling. 

Christopher: "Can we have cake again after this?"

Buck and Eddie burst into laughter, the moment perfectly punctuated by Christopher’s practicality. 

Eddie (grinning): "That’s my boy." 

Buck (smiling down at Christopher): "You got it, buddy. As much cake as you want tonight." 

With the promise of dessert, Christopher hopped off Buck’s feet and grabbed both their hands, leading them toward the cake table once more, their laughter following them across the dance floor.

Scene: The Oceanfront Patio 

The reception hall’s noise grew faint as Buck, Eddie, and Christopher slipped outside to the oceanfront patio. The cool night air was a welcome relief, and the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore created a serene backdrop. The moon hung high, casting a silvery glow over the water.