This was written by Ghostie.
Eddie stepped into the kitchen just to check that things were running as smoothly as his Abuela and Pepa had promised. He had no doubts at their abilities to throw a party in such short notice, he was just extremely nervous about everything that was about to happen in just an hour's time.
"Nieto, everything alright?"
Eddie blinked and realized he had been just standing in the doorway to the kitchen from the hall. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Yeah, just checking that you don't need any help?"
Pepa tutted as she opened the oven to check on whatever was inside— it smelled a lot like lasagna to Eddie, and he was pretty sure there would be more than one— both meat and vegan options. Abuela stepped up to him, reaching her hand up to pat at his cheek affectionately.
"Everything is fine, just like the last three times you've checked." Abuela chuckled, patting his cheek once more before returning to the stove to stir a pot of what Eddie already knew was pozole.
Eddie felt his cheeks heat up with a blush. His Abuela wasn't wrong. He was constantly checking in to make sure everything was running smoothly. He had already been kicked out of the backyard where Buck was working on setting up chairs and tables with help from Taylor and Carla, while Christopher sat watching cartoons in the living room.
"You boys should start getting ready," Pepa spoke up as she turned to the counter to start shredding lettuce for a salad. "People will be arriving soon."
Eddie looked down at his watch and cursed. His Tia was right. They had invited everyone over for three and it was just going on two thirty. He needed to get Christopher into his room and see if he needed help getting into his suit. Eddie turned to head out, ready to grab the others when he collided with the solid chest of Buck with an oomph !
Buck chuckled as he gently wrapped his hands around Eddie's biceps in order to steady him. "You okay?"
Eddie hummed, nodding, "I need to get Chris ready."
"Already done."
"What?"
Buck smirked, "We were able to sneak past a few minutes ago. He's in the shower now. I had to remind him, he skipped it this morning. Chris assured me he is capable of getting ready himself, but would yell for Abuela or Pepa if he needed help."
"Thank you," Eddie smiled.
"Come on."
Buck squeezed his biceps once more before finally releasing him, stepping to the side to allow Eddie ahead of him. Eddie headed for his bedroom, knowing Buck was right behind him, after hearing the door click shut a few seconds after they entered the room. Their suits were hanging on the bathroom door where Buck had placed them before they had showered that morning, using the steam to help with any wrinkles. One was black with a white shirt; the other white with a black shirt. They had gone suit shopping together just two weeks ago, buying them that day as they had fit perfectly when they had tried them on. Christopher had also gotten a new suit, his was a medium gray with a white shirt- his belt, tie and shoes black.
"So...we're really doing this," Buck chuckled as Eddie turned to look at him. "This is happening."
The smile grew on Eddie's face as he slowly nodded, watching the bright and wide eyes of Buck glance towards their suits and then at him. "We're really doing this, it's happening."
"Holy shit," Buck sighed on an exhale, and smiled. "I've wanted this since What a Man started playing in my head the day I first saw you in the locker room. I feel like I'm dreaming. Am I dreaming?"
Eddie stepped closer until he was right in front of the taller man and reached out, pinching Buck at his elbow. Buck yelped and hopped back a step, bringing his hand up to rub at his arm.
Eddie smirked, "I don't think you're dreaming, babe."
"God you're mean, why am I marrying you again?"
"Because you love me."
"Yeah," Buck dropped his hand back to his side and stepped closer, their chests now touching. He smirked as Eddie had to tilt his head up just a fraction in order to look him in the eyes. "I guess that's a valid reason."
"I mean, someone's gotta make an honest man out of you, right?" Eddie chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Buck's waist, pulling the man closer and linking his fingers together at the small of Buck's back, just above the swell of his ass.
Buck brought his arms up and draped them over Eddie's shoulders, clasping his hands together behind the brunette's head. Eddie leaned up just enough to kiss at Buck's jaw, making Buck hum in content. Eddie smirked as he placed another kiss, before opening his mouth and lightly sinking his teeth onto the blond's jaw. Buck snorted at his antics but allowed Eddie to bite him- confident that the inevitable bruise wouldn't show up until they were well on their way to the hotel for their honeymoon later.
"Are you done assaulting me?" Buck asked a moment later when Eddie pulled away with a final kiss to the spot he bit. "We have like ten minutes before people start to arrive and you already know they're all going to be early or right on time because we asked them to a fancy dinner party and they'll have questions."
"Yeah, yeah, okay." Eddie turned his head and dropped a quick kiss to Buck's lips before pulling away, turning his back on the other man as he made his way towards the bathroom door to grab their suits.
"What do you think they're all thinking about this?" He asked as he grabbed the suits and pulled them away from the door, turning back to find Buck had already pulled his shirt off and was working on his belt. Eddie's brain short circuited for a second as he watched his soon to be husband strip, his mouth agape and eyes wide.
"Well," Buck shrugged as he kicked off his shoes, practically kicking them under the bed before shucking his pants and stepping out of them, unaware of his soon to be husband's stare- or acting unaware. Eddie knew that Buck always knew when he was being stared at, especially when it was Eddie who was doing the staring. "I'm sure Maddie has an idea but she hasn't questioned me about it which means she's either accepted it or is too baffled and doesn't know how to broach the topic with me in case she's wrong. Bobby and Athena may know, but they would both wait until we said something specific ."
Buck sat down at the end of the bed to pull his socks off as he continued. "Hen's been dropping questions trying to get us to slip up, not being subtle about it either and of course Chim's just as clueless."
Buck stood back up and turned back to Eddie, smiling as he reached over and plucked his suit from Eddie's hand. That seemed to get Eddie's brain back online as he blinked, snapping his jaw closed. Buck laughed and shook his head in amusement as he began getting dressed. Eddie huffed but also smiled as he did the same- feeling Buck's eyes on him as it was his turn to strip out of his t-shirt and jeans.
Just as Eddie was tucking his shirt into his dress pants, there was a knock at the door. Thinking it was one of the ladies graciously helping them pull all this together, or Christopher coming to ask for help, Eddie called out for them to enter. He and Buck were nearly dressed now anyway, it wasn't like anyone was going to see something they shouldn't.
"We're almost ready, are people-" Eddie trailed off as he looked up to find Bobby standing in the doorway to the bedroom. "Oh, hey Bobby."
Buck turned from where he had been fixing the clasps on his cuffs, the ends of his tie swinging from around his neck where he had yet to fix it. He smiled as he noticed the older man at the door- Bobby was wearing his own dark blue dress shirt and pants, no jacket or tie.
"I was told you boys wanted to speak with me?" Bobby stated, looking between the two- Eddie in his black dress shirt and white pants; Buck in his white dress shirt and black pants. Both their jackets still lay on the bed.
"Uh, yeah." Buck cleared his throat, suddenly nervous. "Come on in. Has anyone else arrived?"
Bobby stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. "Your sister and Chimney with Jee, I heard Eddie's grandmother confiscate the baby. I think Hen and Karen were parking just as Athena and I arrived with the kids."
Eddie nodded, "We're pretty sure most of you have already figured out what's going on."
Bobby cocked an eyebrow as he looked at them. "Either this is going to be a real fancy dinner your aunt and grandmother have cooked for us all, or you boys are getting married. My money's on the latter."
Buck and Eddie both laughed, Eddie nodding once more.
"When did you decide to take this commitment?" Bobby asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Last we heard, you," He nodded towards Eddie, "were still with Ana, and Buck was starting a relationship with Taylor."
Buck grimaced, "Taylor and I never made it past a few kisses. I couldn't commit when I was in love with someone else."
The love radiating from Buck as he looked at Eddie so openly had Eddie beaming at him. Bobby cleared his throat, causing both men to jump, clearly forgetting their captain was standing there even though they had just been talking to him seconds before.. Eddie looked back at Bobby and shrugged.
"I was starting to realize Ana wasn't the one I saw when I pictured my future," He swallowed, his hand shooting out behind him to grip at Buck's wrist. "And then I was shot."
Bobby contemplated them both for a moment before his arms dropped back down to his sides and he nodded once, "Okay."
"Okay?" Eddie questioned.
"Okay," Bobby repeated.
Eddie looked back at Buck and they smiled at each other. Eddie squeezed Buck's wrist before finally releasing him, grabbing his suit jacket. "Okay, I'm going to go and check on Christopher."
Eddie knew that Buck wanted to speak to Bobby alone for a moment as they had already discussed it that morning. He was pretty sure that was why Carla had sent Bobby to their bedroom once he and Athena had arrived. Bobby clapped him on the shoulder as he passed to exit the room. He was able to make his way to Christopher's room without anyone catching him just yet. The door was wide open but his son wasn't there. Eddie figured he had already been ushered outside once Harry and Denny had arrived - Eddie just hoped his son wasn't getting his suit messy before the ceremony.
Buck fumbled with his shirt sleeves, tugging on them slightly as he looked down at his sock-clad feet for a moment.
"Buck?"
"So, um I wanted to ask you something," Buck swallowed the sudden lump in his throat, still not looking up at the man he looked to as a father, suddenly rushing his words as his arms flailed and his hands spoke with him, "Eddie already has Chris and like, um, I was suppose to ask you days ago, and I was maybe hoping, you can absolutely say no, but I uh-"
"Buck."
Buck snapped his mouth shut, his arms falling to his sides almost defeated. Finally he looked up with wide eyes at Bobby. The older man was smiling at him, relaxed, already knowing what Buck was trying to ask him but clearly wanting Buck to actually ask before responding. Buck took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, nodded to himself and steeled himself, squaring his shoulders.
"Would you be my best man?"
Bobby's easy smile made Buck relax, like marionette strings had been cut from his shoulders.
"I would be honored to, kid."
"Yeah," Buck's smile was bright as he straightened to his full height and bounced slightly on the balls of his feet.
"Of course," Bobby replied. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be than at your side as you marry the man you love, Buck. I've watched you for the last five years grow into this amazing man, I know Eddie had a lot to do with that, but you put in the work to be who you are and now you're getting the family you've always wanted."
"You had a lot to do with it too, Bobby. Giving me a second chance after I stole the truck to have sex… And then a third after the lawsuit. You never really gave up on me." Buck shrugged. "I'll always be grateful for that. Not a lot of people have stuck by me when I've messed up."
"All those people out there will always stick by you, kid. We're family."
"Thanks, Pops." Buck beamed before taking a step forward and being enveloped into a hug by Bobby.
Buck rested his chin on Bobby's shoulder as they hugged, only pulling back after a moment because he still needed to finish getting ready. He cleared his throat and took a step back as he looked down at his tie and then back up at Bobby.
"I uh, have one more question."
"What is it?"
"Could you-" Buck trailed off as he grabbed both ends of the tie and flipped them a few times in his hands, smiling shyly.
Bobby chuckled and nodded towards the mirror in the corner of the room, "Turn around."
Buck did as he was told, smiling so wide his cheeks were starting to hurt but he didn't care. He watched carefully as Bobby reached over his shoulders and began tying his tie for him just like he had all those years ago for his first date with Abby. Buck couldn't believe his life had changed so much in the five years since he had become a firefighter. He never thought he would be standing here, getting ready to get married - to his best friend of all things!
Eddie entered the kitchen and almost expected it to be bustling with others more than just his Abuela and Pepa. He could hear the voices of their friends and family filtering through the open backdoor from the living room - over it all he could hear Carla directing people to their seats. Clearly the woman needed a raise because she knew that Buck and Eddie wanted to avoid all questioning until after they were married. By ushering everyone outside right away and to their seats, nobody would be able to pull either himself or Buck to the side and fire questions at them until they were at least semi-ready for it.
Carla was also officiating the ceremony, doing one of those online classes to be ordained after they had asked her a few weeks ago. If it hadn't been for her - or Taylor - Eddie knew they wouldn't have been able to pull this thing off in such a short amount of time. They had helped organize everything. Eddie and Buck had wanted to be married and have a nice little honeymoon before Christopher started school because he was finally going back to in-school classes. Tonight and the following night would be just the newly married men in a hotel room downtown for themselves, then they would be picking Christopher up from Abuela's for four days and three nights at Disney.
!1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW [Insert brought to you be the lovely kitten named Mouse]
Abuela and his Tia ignored him as Eddie made his way to the sliding back door; he wanted to see the final product of their week-long project. When he and Buck had decided they didn't want to wait to get married - Eddie had suggested they go to the courthouse and then just have a nice family dinner to celebrate; but Buck wanted their friends and family to witness and Eddie planned on giving Buck everything he wanted - hence the quickly thrown together backyard wedding. The only reason Abuela, Tia, Carla - and Taylor - were even told were because after day four of Buck and Eddie (and Christopher) scrambling to get things together themselves, they needed the help.
Eddie had thought his Abuela and Tia would have been upset with such a quick wedding - he and Buck had only officially been together three months; since he had woken up from surgery after being shot and broken up with Ana. But after Eddie had explained that though they had only been together officially these last three months, if anyone really looked at them it would have seemed they had been together much longer with how they acted around each other and co-parented Christopher. Carla had just given Eddie a knowing look, smiled, congratulated them, and asked how she could help. And Taylor knew because she had offered to be their photographer after she and Buck had had lunch one afternoon and he had spilled the beans to her.
Eddie hadn't been too sure about inviting Taylor Kelly of all people, but Buck had to go and remind Eddie that Taylor had been there for him the four days Eddie was laid up unconscious in hospital after being shot by a sniper in the streets of LA. Eddie pointed out that she had also almost stolen Buck from him before he even had a chance to have him. Then Taylor had gone and offered to be their photographer - though it wasn't like Eddie planned on saying no , as much as he and Taylor didn't get along, Eddie knew that Buck considered her a good friend.
The backyard had been cleaned up, grass cut, flowerbeds trimmed. The white bricked fence that outlined the yard had been washed. Directly in front of the fence, right down the middle of the yard from the backdoor stood a handmade arch crafted by Buck and Christopher over the last week. It was painted white but you could hardly see as it was covered in a rainbow of flowers and ribbons - Christopher's idea. The chairs that lined either side of the yard facing the arch were also white, each with a different colored bow with a small circle of flowers around the knot of the bows tied to the back of each. Another six chairs lined the wall of the house ready for those standing during the ceremony - Buck, Eddie, Christopher, Bobby, Carla, and Taylor.
On the left side sat Maddie (with seven month old Jee in her lap), and Chimney; Athena, May and Harry behind them; with Michael and David behind them. On the right side would be Abuela and Pepa - currently Christopher sat there waiting for things to begin; Hen, Karen (with Nia in her lap), and Denny behind them; with Albert and Lena behind them. Buck had made sure that Eddie invited Lena - they hadn't talked in over a year after the whole Lena introducing Eddie to fight club - until Eddie had been shot. Lena had reached out and since they had hung out a few times, actually becoming real friends. Taylor was walking around the yard getting pictures.
"Are you boys ready?" Carla asked as she stepped up to where Eddie was standing in the doorway to the yard, clipboard in hand.
Eddie nodded, "I think so. Buck's just asking Bobby to be his best man. I need to talk with Hen and Karen about Nia."
"Already done. Karen's going to help Nia down the aisle with the flower basket as soon as it's time."
"Of course you've already talked to them," Eddie chuckled. "What would we have done without your help?"
"Not got anything done on time," Carla answered. "I've also got the rings which I will give to Christopher once he is standing up there."
Eddie nodded as he looked over his yard once more. It wasn't a large yard but it looked perfect to him. Once he and Buck had told his Abuela their plans, she had offered her backyard - it was slightly larger after all - but Eddie thought it better to have their wedding at their own house when they decided to go this route over the courthouse. Once the ceremony was finished, the chairs would be rearranged with a long table set up so everyone could sit together to eat.
"Hey," Buck stepped up next to Eddie, placing his arm over his shoulders.
"Don't you boys look good," Carla looked between the two.
Buck was fully dressed while Eddie still had his jacket in hand at his side. Eddie smiled at Buck as he wrapped his own arm around the taller man's waist. Bobby stepped up to the other side of them and Carla turned her attention towards him.
"Why don't you go and get Christopher ready to stand at the front?"
Bobby nodded, "I can do that."
Eddie watched as his captain headed into the backyard and straight down the middle of the aisle towards Christopher, bending down to speak to the boy before Christopher smiled at him and nodded. Bobby handed his son his crutches before pointing to where he should stand so he would be next to Eddie once he was down the aisle, before Bobby stepped over to the left where he needed to stand. Eddie was sure Carla would correct them if needed.
"Let me just grab Karen and Nia. The basket of flowers is on the table just behind you boys." Carla pointed behind them before turning and heading down the aisle, stopping to whisper to Hen and Karen.
The women turned to look at Buck at Eddie at the door, both men waving to them with smiles. Karen stood with Nia in her arms and stepped past Hen into the aisle, making her way back towards Buck and Eddie. Buck turned slightly and stretched back with his free hand not on Eddie's shoulder, grabbing the flower basket, turning and straightening back up just as Karen stepped in front of them.
"You boys clean up nicely," Karen smiled at them. "We feel honored that you asked Nia to be the flower girl for your surprise wedding."
Buck chuckled, "Well we knew she would be the best choice."
Karen nodded, "Alright, well I was told to let you guys know that once Nia's done and we're sitting back down, it's your turn."
"Got it, thanks Karen." Eddie nodded at her.
Karen took the flower basket and sat Nia on her feet. Nia was ready to go, already grabbing a handful of flowers from the basket and tossing them at their feet. The three of them laughed as Karen stopped the little girl from throwing a second handful before they were actually in the aisle.
"Okay, let's do this." Buck squeezed Eddie's shoulder before dropping his arm down to his own side.
Eddie took a deep breath before slipping his jacket over his shoulders, shrugging it on. He quickly smoothed it out as Karen turned Nia towards the backyard. Music started playing out of someone's phone - more than likely Buck's as he was the music buff of the two of them - that was hooked up to some speakers around the backyard. The song playing was the sweet piano melody of Fur Elise . Eddie had learned that Buck was a huge secret classical music fan and that Fur Elise was his favorite, so Eddie had suggested it be one of the songs for the ceremony.
Everyone turned to look, smiles blooming on many faces, tears in many eyes, as everyone watched Karen walk down the aisle with Nia. The little girl was giggling, taking handfuls of rose petals and throwing them to the ground like she was a pitcher in a baseball game. Laughter rippled through the seats as they reached the end of the aisle before Karen swiftly picked Nia back up into her arms and scooted her way back into her seat between Hen and Denny, settling Nia onto her lap once more.
Carla, who had made her stand at the front (back?) of the backyard between Bobby and Christopher, nodded towards them, meaning they were up. Eddie looked to his left where Buck had shifted so he was on the correct side. Buck gave him a megawatt smile and held out his hand. Eddie clasped his own into Buck's, entwining their fingers together and giving a light squeeze.
"Time to get married," Buck leaned in and whispered into his ear.
Eddie's smile widened more as he nodded, bumping his shoulder into Buck's before they both turned to look forward again. Everyone was now standing, watching them. Maddie was holding Jee-Yun to her chest and wiping at her eyes, Athena was beaming like a proud mother (cause really at this point she and Bobby had adopted Buck as their own without the paperwork), Hen and Karen were holding hands and ignoring the tears rolling down their cheeks, Abuela had her hands clasped to her chest as she freely cried, as did Pepa. Everyone else was just smiling, waiting - even Harry and Denny, who Eddie had thought for sure would already be bored.
The song was still playing so with a final squeeze to Buck's hand, Eddie stepped forwards so he was finally standing outside on the porch. Buck followed suit and together they made their way down the aisle. They were smiling the whole way, keeping their eyes forward where Carla, Bobby and Christopher were waiting for them. Once they had reached the three, standing in front of Carla - Bobby to Buck's left and Christopher to Eddie's right - everyone settled back down into their seats. Carla smiled at them as she lifted the clipboard still in her hands to her chest in order to read, and the music died down. You could still hear it, but it was softer so they would be able to speak and be heard by everyone.
Carla looked over the crowd before beginning.
"Welcome friends and family! We are gathered here today to witness the union of Eddie and Evan.! We're glad to have you with us. Today is the beginning of a remarkable journey for this couple. Drawing on their mutual admiration, respect, and trust, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives. We celebrate the love and light evident in their relationship, and wish them well on this joyous occasion." Carla cleared her throat and continued.
"Under the eyes of God, together we take a moment to acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment being entered into today. With great joy, we also recognize the special bond shared by Eddie and Evan. The Bible makes note of the power of partnership in Ecclesiastes. It reminds us that 'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?'"
Carla smiled at them both, "I will now invite the couple to share their vows with one another. Eddie and Evan, the promises you make today are sacred; they are the groundwork from which your marriage will grow and blossom over time. Eddie, would you like to begin first?"
Eddie swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded, turning so he was facing Buck, who did the same.
"Buck, cariño, you have been the best thing to happen in my life since Christopher was born. I moved my son to California for a fresh start. I had every intention of being the best single father I could possibly be, but that only lasted until I introduced my son to this giant idiota of a co-worker." A low rumble of laughter rippled through their guests. "You have been co-parenting with me since, and I wouldn't change that for the world. Carla told me to make sure I was following my heart, not just Christopher's." Eddie squeezed at Buck's hands and gave a watery smile. "That's you, Buck. You are my heart, you and Christopher. I've loved you since the day we climbed the inside of a tilting hotel and you were trying to calm my worries about my kid you had only just learned about, by spouting facts about retrofitting." There was another bout of laughter. "And I'm going to love you until the day I draw my last breath. You're it for me, I finally have you and I'm not letting you go without a fight, whether it's from a fire, a cliff, another person," Eddie glanced towards Taylor, causing a loud rumble of laughter to burst from Buck before he turned his attention back to the man, "or from yourself. I love you, Evan."
Carla cleared her throat, "Evan, your turn."
Buck sniffed back tears and gave a laughing huff.
"Well fuck, how am I suppose to follow up that ?" Eddie chuckled right along with the laughter from their family and friends. "You're not supposed to be good with words and now I'm all flustered." Buck rolled his shoulders, his eyes never leaving Eddie's. "Okay, here goes. Eddie, I've been in love with you since the day I turned around and saw this hot as hell man putting his shirt on in the locker room at work." Buck turned a glare towards Chimney when everyone heard the man whisper a mumbled " You were a dick to him that first day ." before he turned his attention back to Eddie, feeling a squeeze to his hands. He smiled brightly when he saw Maddie elbow Chimney in the side, "I was a jerk because I was struggling with my then non-existing relationship that I will not name," Buck chuckled at Eddie's whispered growl " You better not ." and continued, "- and here was this new guy showing me up at work. I was crushing hard and didn't know how to deal with it. Then I got to know you, and I met the greatest kid in the world and fell even harder for his dad. I never thought this day would come, but I guess it was four years in the making, we just needed it to be the right time for both of us," Buck wiped a tear away from his face before gripping Eddie's hand again. "You crash landed in my life and I will spend the rest of my life showing you and Christopher how much I love you both. I love you so much, Eds."
Eddie released Buck's hand to reach up and wipe away tears from Buck's face with his thumb. Both of them laughing through their tears as they clasped their hands together once more, and again turned their attention back to Carla, but stayed facing one another and holding both hands together. She was beaming at them brightly, as she started speaking once more.
"Eddie, before your family and friends, do you take Evan as your beloved Husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?"
Eddie's smile widened as he looked straight into the blues of Buck's eyes, "I do."
"Evan, before your family and friends, do you take Eddie as your beloved Husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?"
Buck nodded, giving a chuckle. "I do."
"Wedding rings are a traditional symbol of the strength of the bond between two soulmates. This bond is never broken, and continues in a perpetual circle, glowing with the warmth and eternal light of two souls in a perfect union. By wearing these rings, you will be always reminded of the connection you share and the vows you have made today." Carla nodded towards Christopher.
For his part, Eddie and Buck watched as Christopher stepped forward, handing each of them a black band with a line of silver wrapped through the middle. They both thanked him before he returned to his spot to the right of Eddie. Eddie and Buck turned their attention back to Carla once again.
Carla nodded at Eddie, "Please repeat after me. I, Eddie, present you, Evan, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade."
Eddie cleared his throat and looked up at Buck, holding Buck's left hand gently as he slid the ring onto Buck's finger. "I, Eddie, present you, Evan, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade." The ring settled on Buck's finger.
Carla turned her attention to Evan with a smile, "Repeat after me. I, Evan, present you, Eddie, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade."
Buck took a deep breath and followed Eddie's lead as he took the older man's left hand in his gently, sliding the ring onto Eddie's finger. "I, Evan, present you, Eddie, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade." The ring settled on Eddie's finger.
Carla cleared her throat, "Eddie and Evan, by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and by the state of California, under the eyes of God, I happily pronounce you Husband and Husband," Carla winked at Eddie. "You boys may now kiss."
With a high laugh, Eddie released Buck's hand to wrap his hand around Buck's neck, pulling the taller man towards him. Their lips crashed together for only a few seconds before their laughing caused them to more or less breathe in each other's air over actually kissing. Buck snaked an arm around Eddie's waist and pulled him closer, his other hand gripping at Eddie's bicep.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Carla called over their laughter, "for the first time, I give you Mr. and Mr. Diaz!"
Buck and Eddie finally pulled away from each other to turn and look out at their family and friends, everyone standing and cheering. Their smiles were so wide, Eddie knew their cheeks were going to be hurting the next day but he didn't have a care in the world because he just married his best friend! Eddie felt a hand at his side and turned slightly to look down at Christopher. The boy was beaming up at him like he held the world and Eddie couldn't be more happy. Before he could move though, Buck leaned across him and scooped a squealing Christopher into his arms, settling the boy on his right hip before pulling Eddie into his left side by the waist. Eddie wrapped his own arm around Buck's waist, resting his hand on Christopher's lower back. Together as a family, the three of them made their way back down the aisle to the cheers and congratulations from their family.
Once they were back inside, they made their way into the living room. On the coffee table sat their marriage license that had been picked up the day before. They were going to sign with their witnesses - Bobby and Abuela (only because Christopher was too young to be a witness). As they stopped in the living room, Buck leaned forward to kiss him once more. Eddie heard the giggling from Christopher in his ear where the boy was still perched on Buck's hip.
"Gross, dads."
Eddie felt Buck pull away quickly, watched as his blue eyes widened and turned to look at Christopher. Eddie knew why he was reacting that way.
"Did you just say dads as in plural?" Buck whispered.
Christopher nodded, wrapping his arms around Buck's neck. "You're my dad now too, Buck. Dad says I can still call you Buck though."
Eddie watched Buck's eyes get watery and he just squeezed Buck's waist in support.
"And!" Christopher bounced a little on Buck's hip, "Dad says we only hafta wait six months before you can adopt me!"
Buck's eyes widened more as his head whipped towards Eddie, an unspoken question in his eyes. Eddie just smiled and nodded, no need to voice his answer. He had known this was going to be part of everything. He had hoped that they would be able to have adoption papers drawn up for Buck to sign right along with their marriage license, but with Carla's help, Eddie had learned that they needed to wait six months of marriage before Buck could adopt. Carla had strict instructions to get the paperwork ready in exactly 180 days.
"Alright gentlemen," Carla called as she came into the living room, followed by Abuela and Bobby. "Let's get this license signed while Taylor gets the rest of the men to help shift the table and chairs for eating."
Eddie pulled away from Buck with a final peck to his lips before Buck lowered Christopher to the floor, keeping a gentle hold on him until the boy had his balance as his crutches had dropped when Buck had picked him up outside. Christopher shuffled back to sit on the couch and wait while the grownups did their thing, all signing where they needed to on the marriage certificate.
"I'm proud of you boys," Bobby pulled them both into a hug once they finished. "Now I'm going to go take Christopher outside to play with Harry and Denny, and help rearrange chairs."
"Thanks, Bobby." Eddie called as he watched Bobby once again take Christopher's hand and walk his son back outside.
Abuela hugged them each with a pat to their cheeks before heading for the kitchen where Pepa was already setting the food up buffet style. Carla beamed at them as she collected the marriage certificate and placed it into a folder next to her purse on the coffee table.
"I will get that filed in the morning. Now just give us a few minutes to get everything set up, then we're going to take pictures before we all sit down to eat."
"Thank you so much, Carla." Eddie kissed her cheek.
"Yes, thank you," Buck followed suit. "You're the best."
"I know." Carla then left them alone in the living room.
Eddie turned to Buck, wrapping his arms around the blond's waist and pulled him flush against him. He tilted his head up just that little bit when standing this close to the man.
"Hi, husband of mine."
Buck snorted as he draped his own arms over Eddie's shoulders, one hand scratching lightly into Eddie's hair at the back of his head.
"I like that," Buck whispered as he leaned down to kiss Eddie with everything he had before pulling away. "Husband."
"We're actually married." Eddie's smile brightened.
"That we are," Buck gently pumped his forehead against Eddie's. "No take backs. You're stuck with me now."
Eddie laughed, "I've been stuck with you since eight hours after we met."
"Nah, you were stuck with me since the minute I saw you, neither of us knew that though."
"Yeah, sounds about right." Hen interrupted them, walking into the living room with a bright smile aimed at the pair of them.
Eddie pulled away to turn and look at their friend and co-worker, "Hey, Hen."
"First of all," Hen stopped a few feet away from them and pointed, giving them a stern look. "I do not appreciate the surprise," then she dropped her hand back to her side and smiled again, her eyes shining brightly, "But I am so happy for you two. Everything was beautiful."
Buck was rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet and smiled shyly, "Thanks, Hen."
"Right, so I was sent to collect you boys for photos. Now, chop chop, we're all starving here!"
Eddie and Buck's laughter rang through the house and outside as they followed Hen back to the backyard. The tables had been set and covered with white cloth down the middle of the yard, all the chairs arranged around them to seat each person in attendance. They were ushered back to the handmade arch they stood near during the ceremony, a banner now hung just under the arch with Eddie & Evan Diaz printed on it.
It didn't take long for the group to get through pictures. They started with photos of Eddie and Buck; then with Christopher. After that there were groups divided - Eddie's family; Buck's family (including Bobby and Athena because again, they are basically his parents at this point); the 118 family; then a full group photo in the end. Once they were finished, everyone moved inside to make their plates before settling in chairs around the table to eat and enjoy the day.
Buck and Eddie sat next to each other in the middle of the table. Christopher sat to Eddie's right, then Abuela and Pepa. Maddie sat to Buck's left with Jee, then Bobby and Athena. Hen sat on the end near Athena; Karen with Nia next to her across from Athena, and Denny next to her; then Albert, Chimney, Michael, David, Taylor and Lena; with Carla on the end near Pepa.
Once they were all settled, it was Chimney who spoke up first, across from Buck, "Okay, so how did you two go from having girlfriends to marrying each other in what? Three months?"
"Yeah," Karen chimed in, "since when were you two even dating?"
Buck chuckled as he leaned back in his chair, clasping his hand in Eddie's at their side, "Someone almost died and finally realized he was in love with me."
Eddie snorted as he squeezed Buck's hand, "I knew I was in love with you before then, I just didn't think you felt the same way."
"You both were just as oblivious as the other when it came to the heart eyes you constantly watched each other with," Hen added as a ripple of laughter ran down the table.
"Yeah, we were." Eddie chuckled with a sigh. "When I woke up I knew I had to end things with Ana. It wasn't right for either of us. When I thought of my future, I saw Buck with Chris and I." Eddie turned his attention to his son, running his hand through the boy's curls.
Christopher beamed up at him, his mouth full of cheesecake. Eddie had relented and allowed Christopher to get a dessert with his meal because of the special occasion. Eddie smiled down at him before turning his attention back to the rest of the group.
"A week later Buck and I sat down and actually talked."
"But wait," Albert sat up, looking down the table towards Taylor, "I thought Buck was dating Taylor?"
Buck turned to look at Taylor too before they both started laughing.
"We kissed, but my heart wasn't going to be in a relationship that wasn't this guy here." Buck bumped his shoulder into Eddie's. "Thankfully Taylor understood that and stayed my friend."
"There was no way I was coming between you two," Taylor shrugged before taking a sip of her champagne.
"And the surprise wedding?" Michael asked.
"This was Mr. Diaz's idea because life is too short," Buck nodded his head towards Eddie. "We all know that in our line of work."
"Why wait when you know it's what's right?" Eddie shrugged.
"Who knew Eddie Diaz would be the romantic one of the duo." Chimney joked.
Talk around the family continued as they finished eating. More questions at the newlyweds on where they were going for their honeymoon, where Christopher was staying - Hen and Karen had offered to take him, but Eddie assured them he was taken care of for the few days before he joined them. They talked about Eddie and Bobby returning to work; about the boys all starting school and actually being in school instead of over Zoom. They talked about May's new apartment - Buck and Eddie had helped Bobby and Michael move her in two weeks ago.
They talked about finally being able to have team gatherings once again with more restrictions being lifted. Chimney and Hen caught up with Lena since they haven't seen her since she returned to her own station two years ago. Buck teased Chimney and asked when he was going to make an honest man of himself and marry Maddie - Maddie smacked Buck in the arm and told him to shut up.
Halfway through the meal, the three boys and Nia wiggled out of their seats and were running around the yard playing some sort of game that was a mix of freeze tag and cops and robbers. Maddie had handed Jee over to Buck at one point to run inside to the bathroom, and he never handed her back when Maddie returned. Eventually Eddie confiscated the seven month old, and Jee fell asleep in his arms. Eddie had seen flashes of light go off as he had been looking down at her sleeping face, running his finger over her forehead and down her cheek, but he ignored it knowing Taylor was getting more photos.
"Who's ready for cake?" Carla asked as she stood from the table.
"Me!"
"I am!"
"Yes!"
Everyone laughed as the three boys cheered. Carla motioned for everyone to follow them into the house. The cake was set on the dining table, two grooms perched on top. It was a plain white frosted chocolate cake. Buck had made sure that it was Eddie's favorite, since Eddie wasn't big on sweets but loved chocolate cake. Buck had been fine with anything with his sweet tooth, so letting Eddie have his chocolate cake seemed a good idea for their wedding. There were also vanilla cupcakes for those who didn't want or care for chocolate; or cheesecake for those who didn't want cake at all.
Buck and Eddie stood together, each with an arm wrapped around one another as Taylor took a few photos. Then Pepa handed Eddie the knife. Together they cut into the cake, cutting a slice and placing it onto a plate for themselves. Eddie sat down the knife and took the fork that Buck was offering him, each of them taking a forkful before turning to look at each other.
"I swear if you try anything. Get any up my nose or in my hair, you're sleeping on the balcony at the hotel tonight." Eddie warned.
Buck smiled, a gleam in his eye as he hovered the fork with cake in front of Eddie's face. Eddie eyed him suspiciously for a second before offering his fork to Buck and opening his mouth. They were both able to eat their bite of cake with no incidents. Eddie nodded in approval as he dropped the fork back onto the plate. His eyes widened as he watched in slow motion as Buck used his hand to pick up a piece of the cake still on the plate in front of them. He had just enough time to close his eyes as the cake was suddenly in his face, up his nose and smeared into his hair on the side of his head.
Laughter erupted around him and in front of him as Buck pulled away, wheezing as he laughed. Eddie brought his hand up to wipe the cake away from his eyes in order to open them. Blinking at Buck, he watched as Buck smirked, popping one of his fingers into his mouth to suck the cake and frosting off, never losing eye contact with Eddie as he did so. Eddie growled and picked up the rest of the messy cake on the plate, turning his attention to throw it in Buck's face, only for his hand to stop midair as suddenly Buck had Christopher in his arms as a shield.
Christopher was giggling as he wiggled in Buck's arms. He looked at Eddie, then at the cake in Eddie's hand, then at Buck. When he looked back at Eddie, he smiled wickedly and nodded enthusiastically.
"Do it, dad!"
The smile on Eddie's face grew slowly as his attention turned from Christopher to Buck. He watched as Buck's face fell, realizing what Christopher was offering. Buck yelped as Eddie sprang forward, wrapped his good arm around the pair and reached around Christopher, the boy ducking his head into the nook of Eddie's shoulder and neck, smashing the cake right into Buck's face. Buck sputtered, licking his lips of frosting as he blinked, cake falling from his lashes.
"Our son just turned on you," Eddie was still smiling brightly as he swiped some cake off his husband's face.
"Yeah, it doesn't happen often so don't get used to it." Buck mumbled as he turned a still giggling Christopher in his arms and planted a frosting-covered kiss to the boy's cheek, causing Christopher to squeal a pearl of laughter, before pulling Eddie into an over-sweetened kiss.
None of them seemed to notice the rest of the family smiling fondly at their little family of three, or the flashes of light as photos were taken. They didn't notice as the cake was sliced or as many started returning to the backyard with their desserts. The three of them went to clean up in the bathroom before joining the others in the yard once more with their own plates of cake.
As the sun began to go down, the boys moved into the house to play video games in the living room while Nia and Jee were settled in Eddie's room to sleep, baby monitor on the table for everyone to hear if one woke. The music was turned up and twinkling lights surrounding the border fence were switched on. As soon as they began, Buck pulled Eddie to the middle of the yard for their first dance as a married couple. Their family laughed as they fought for the first thirty seconds trying to figure out who would lead when Eddie gave in and allowed Buck to do so. They fumbled as Eddie wasn't used to being led, so in the end they just wrapped their arms around each other and swayed in place to the music.
Other couples began joining them shortly after; Maddie and Chimney, Athena and Bobby, Hen and Karen, Michael and David. Somehow Albert had talked Lena into dancing with him, and Taylor stood on the outside taking photos while she and Carla talked.
Eddie rested his forehead against Buck's and closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of Buck . Buck's arms tightened around his shoulders for a second before settling to just rest there as they swayed.
"I still can't believe we did this."
Eddie smiled slowly, kept his eyes closed, "Believe it babe, you're mine now."
"I've been yours for years, we were just too dumb to realize it."
"Point," Eddie sighed happily as he pulled his head back and opened his eyes to look up at Buck. "No regrets, right?"
"About you?" Buck shook his head. "None."
"Good."
"Well, I mean, your cooking is something to be desired but I've been dealing with that for years already."
"Oh, you're making jokes now."
Buck smirked before pecking Eddie on the lips. "Always, my love."
"Mmm," Eddie pressed his lips harder into Buck's. "I like that."
"Sorry to interrupt boys," Maddie cleared her throat.
Eddie pulled away and looked at where Maddie was standing to their right. He smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Everything okay?" Buck asked his sister.
"Was just wondering if I could steal my brother for a dance?" Maddie asked, looking directly at Eddie.
"Oh, sure." Eddie pecked Buck's cheek with a kiss before fully pulling out of his husband's ( Oh man, he's never going to get used to saying or thinking that !) arms.
He stepped away and motioned with his hands to Maddie. She giggled and took Buck's hand as he held it out to her. With a final smile from Buck, Eddie turned away from them to make his way over to the table for his beer. Just as he was taking a sip, Karen approached him.
"If you're free, mind dancing with me?" She laughed as she nodded her head towards everyone else dancing, "I lost Hen to Chimney."
Eddie looked over and sure enough, Hen and Chimney were bickering more than they were dancing together, but they were still moving to the beat of the song. With a chuckle and another sip of his beer, Eddie nodded and placed the beer back down on the table next to Buck's. He held his hand out for Karen's. She took his hand and followed him back to the middle of the yard. It was easier dancing with Karen because she let him lead them, there was no stepping on toes.
"I didn't know you could actually dance."
Eddie laughed and shook his head, "My sisters took dance lessons growing up so I was constantly helping them practice. When my mom saw that I was apparently a natural, she signed me up too." He shrugged. "I liked it enough to stick with it until my senior year of high school."
"Guess it's like riding a bike," Karen stated. "I don't see many opportunities in the army or even as a firefighter where you get to dance."
"Yeah, no. Definitely not."
Karen nodded and hummed, then she smiled sweetly at him. "I always thought there was something special about you when we first met."
"What?"
"Buck was always so wild, like a golden retriever wanting attention. Even after the whole, she-who-I-was-told-not-to-speak-of-"
Eddie threw his head back and laughed loudly, getting a few people staring at them as the song changed to another slow one. Karen chuckled too before continuing.
"Even after she left, he was still reckless and wild but slightly tamed. But you clicked with him instantly."
"Almost instantly. He hated my guts that first day."
"No he didn't," Karen shook her head. "Hen told me about that shift. He didn't hate you. He just had a lot of feelings building up and didn't know how to release them so he took it out on the new guy."
"She's right," Buck suddenly whispered in his ear as he passed Eddie and Karen.
Eddie turned his head to watch him go before turning his attention back to Karen. She was watching him with a smile that warmed him deeply. Eddie huffed a laugh and shook his head good heartedly. Of course others saw what was between him and Buck years before they did. They really were two halves of a whole idiot, sharing a single brain cell. Looking over at his husband dancing wildly with Hen and Chimney, Eddie smiled because he knew he wouldn't have it any other way.
As the next hour passed, Eddie found himself dancing with Pepa and Abuela through a few songs each before finding himself with his arms wrapped around his husband's once more. There were no words as they came back together in the middle of the yard. He sighed contently as he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Buck's jaw, his nose touching Buck's throat. They just swayed to the soft music, ignoring everyone else around them once more.
Buck tilted his head down just enough there they were breathing the same air. "Good day?"
"Definitely top seven best days."
"Top seven?" Buck chuckled, "I can understand maybe top five, but seven?"
Eddie unwrapped an arm from around Buck's waist to hold up fingers as he counted. "Day I met Shannon, because without her I wouldn't have Chris. The day Christopher was born. The day Christopher and I decided to move to LA instead of Chicago. The day I met you, even if you were a dick. The day I realized I loved you. The day you agreed to marry me. Today."
Eddie could feel Buck's smile on his forehead as he wrapped his arm back around Buck's waist and squeezed lightly, "So that's in canonical order, right?"
"Of course. Today is definitely second, behind the day Chris was born."
"Nothing will top that day."
"I don't know about topping that day, but having another kid with you would tie for the best day."
"You want to have another kid?" Buck asked in a whisper, "You've never said that before."
"Never really thought about it until I saw you holding your niece earlier." Eddie shrugged, finally pulling away so he could look at Buck, his blue eyes shining. "Christopher's asked for a sibling before, when he was like four. And if that kid happened to have blond hair and bright blue eyes? Perfect."
Buck was beaming, "So when are you thinking we add to this family then?"
Eddie chuckled, "Maybe give us a year or two. I finally have you, I want some time for us and Christopher first. Let you officially adopt him too."
"That sounds perfect to me," Buck leaned in and kissed him, cupping the sides of Eddie's face gently.
They were interrupted once again when Athena wanted to dance with Buck and Maddie took Eddie's hand to dance with him.
"Is this where I get the shovel talk?" Eddie asked as he placed a hand on Maddie's back.
Maddie chuckled, "I think we're a little late for that talk, don't you?"
Eddie shrugged, "I don't think so, he's still your brother."
"Good, cause yes this is the shovel talk time," Maddie was still smiling so Eddie knew though the woman was serious, she was still happy. "You already know if you hurt him, not even Athena will find your body."
"Yup," Eddie nodded quickly.
"Then that's all there is to that," Maddie's smile brightened as she pulled away, looking over Eddie's shoulder.
Eddie followed her gaze to find Buck laughing quietly with Athena as they danced around.
"I haven't seen him this happy in a long time," Maddie wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you for making him happy."
Eddie felt the heat rise in his cheeks as he cleared his throat, "He makes Christopher and I just as happy."
"I can see that." Maddie patted his back before walking away, seeing Chimney stepping out of the house with a now awake Jee in his arms.
Eddie continued to watch as Buck was passed from Athena to May just before Carla swooped in to dance with Eddie himself. It was another hour of going around dancing with different people; at one point Eddie even found himself dancing with a slightly drunk Albert for a song before being rescued by Taylor of all people. Once he was done dancing with her, Eddie found himself watching Buck dance again, this time with Nia on his hip. He was bouncing the giggling girl around as he held her hand gently in his away from their bodies, twirling himself around with her.
"Hi, dad."
Eddie looked down just as Christopher pressed into his leg. He brought his hand to card through Christopher's curls, which were not unruly and sticking every which way.
"Hi, mijo. Are you having fun?"
"Mmhmm," Christopher nodded before reaching up.
Eddie smiled as he listed his son into his arms, settling the boy on his hip. Even though he was cleared to return to work in just two weeks, he was still trying to take things easy and listing his now ten year old son was not exactly easy, but shit if he wasn't going to hold his son as often as the boy allowed now that he was growing up. Christopher sighed and laid his head on Eddie's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around his dad's neck. Eddie kissed his curls before just resting his chin on top of the boy's head.
"How much cake were you able to sneak?"
"Three slices before Abuela caught me," Christopher giggled.
"Mmm, and how many have the grownups given you?"
"Just one from Buck when you ran to the bathroom earlier, but I split it with Denny."
"At least you shared."
"Yup."
"Are you happy, Chris?"
"The happiest."
"Good," Eddie cleared his throat and kissed his son again as he watched Buck heading their way. "Me too."
"Hey, buddy." Buck reached out and scratched lightly at Christopher's hair just behind his ear. "That sugar crash is starting to hit I see."
Christopher hummed and nodded, reaching out to Buck. Eddie easily passed the boy off as Buck tucked Christopher into his side. Christopher laid his head down on Buck's shoulder and closed his eyes, content to fall asleep on his second favorite person, knowing he was safe in Buck's arms. Eddie stepped into Buck's space, wrapping an arm around the other man's waist, his other hand resting on Christopher's hip. Buck's free arm not holding up Christopher rested across the back of Eddie's shoulders. The three of them swayed gently to the music, not saying a word as Eddie laid his head on Buck's other shoulder so he was facing his son, closing his eyes with a content sigh.
"Are you boys ready to get going?" Carla asked as she walked up to them, keeping her voice low as Christopher was starting to fall asleep. "Your check-in at the hotel is in about an hour."
"Yeah," Buck's voice vibrated Eddie's head.
Eddie opened his eyes and straightened up. Christopher's eyes had popped open too as he looked around the yard with a yawn.
"Okay, mijo. It's time for Buck and I to go. You be good for Pepa and we'll see you in two days okay?"
Christopher nodded, "Okay, dad. Love you."
"I love you too, Christopher." Eddie kissed his son on the forehead.
"Love you, Buck." Christopher squeezed Buck's neck.
"Love you too, kid." Buck cupped the side of Christopher's head and kissed his forehead where Eddie had before stage whispering to the boy. "Be extra good and I'll make sure we get an extra day at Disney."
"I will!" Christopher nodded his head quickly.
Bobby stepped forward, "I'll take him."
Christopher was limp as he flopped his body from Buck to Bobby, wrapping his arms around the man's neck and closing his eyes as he began to fall back to sleep once more. Buck and Eddie smiled as Eddie took Buck's hand in his and they headed inside the house. Their bags were already packed in the jeep. They said their goodbyes to everyone around them, getting hugs and kisses, before they were out the door. Buck opened the passenger door for Eddie, waiting until he was in the jeep before closing the door and jogging around to the driver's side. As soon as Buck was settled with the seatbelt on and the car started, Eddie quickly took his hand back, holding it in his lap while Buck drove them to the hotel.
Eddie couldn't believe this was his life now. He was finally the happiest he could ever be. He had the world's best kid, and was now married to the world's most amazing man he's ever met. Four years ago when he had decided to become a firefighter and move his son to California, he never imagined he would ever meet anyone like Buck. He never believed he would love again after losing Shannon, but knowing he has and knowing that love was given back tenfold from the man next to him?
Eddie could die today and he'd gladly go, knowing he loved and was loved back just as fiercely by the man sitting next to him in this car.
