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Once Eddie is fully dressed in his uniform, he jogs up the stairs in search for Buck. He finds the taller man exactly where he thought he would; in the kitchen. He and Hen are sat at the already set table while Bobby cooks their breakfast and Chimney makes the coffee.
Eddie falls into the seat next to Buck and places the tray of cupcakes he’d been balancing in his arms on the table. Hen and Buck eye them suspiciously.
“Before you bitch, Chris and Carla baked them, not me.’ Eddie snorts. ‘They said something about needing a pick me up for a 24 hour shift.”
That’s all it takes for them to dart forwards and take a cupcake each. Even Chimney rushes over from the coffee mater to snag one for himself and Bobby. Rolling his eyes, Eddie reaches in to take one of his own before they all get eaten.
“Mmm I love carbs.” Buck says around a giant mouthful.
Hen pulls a face and flicks his ear.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” She warns after she swallows her much more acceptable bite.
“Sorry mom.” Bucks voice is still muffled by the cake and Hen narrows her eyes dangerously.
“Hey Buck, what’re you doing after shift?” Eddie asks, saving his boyfriend from Hens wrath.
She still gives him a glare, as though during him to speak through a mouthful of food one more time. And while Buck is well known for being reckless and a bit of a daredevil, he at least has enough self preservation to not go against an angry Hen. He makes a show of swallowing the cake, showing his empty mouth off to Hen before turning to Eddie with a grin.
“Me and Mad’s are going on a little road trip tomorrow morning.” Buck informs him.
Eddie and Chimney share a glance.
“I’ve not heard anything about a road trip?” Chimney pipes up.
“Me neither.” Eddie tacks on.
“Just because you’re dating us, it doesn’t mean you have to know everything.’ Buck snorts. ‘It’s a surprise.”
“I’m starting to like this idea even less.” Chimney mumbles.
Buck lets out a loud laugh at that, and Eddie finds himself smiling, unable to stop his bodies automatic response to the sound. Hen rolls her eyes at him.
“Can we have a clue?” Bobby asks from the kitchen.
“It’s something good, I promise.” Buck supplies.
“Yeah we’re gonna need a little more than that. If you’re gonna be taking my pregnant girlfriend on so-“
“I am taking my pregnant sister on a road trip to get away from the suffocating cloud of emotions our parents left behind after their recent visit.’ Buck snaps, his smile gone in favour of a deep frown that rarely graces the mans face. ‘I know you love her, and you love your daughter, but she is my sister. She was way before you came along and I will do whatever the hell I want to with her and my niece.”
“Whoah okay Buck.’ Chimney raises his hands up placatingly, his eyes wide. ‘I know. I know that, I was just kidding. I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry.’ Buck lets out a deep sigh and scrubs his hand over his face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. It’s just- my emotions are all over the show recently.”
And boy was that the understatement of the century. Philip and Margarets sudden appearance back in their kids lives had wreaked havoc on Buck and Maddie in more ways than one.
The siblings were giant balls of anxiety the entire time their so called parents were in town, and it had hardly gone away since their departure last week. When they dropped the bomb about their deceased older brother on Buck, he’d gone nearly catatonic. It had taken Eddie and Maddie days to get through to him. Maddie had sobbed out apology after apology and, eventually, Buck had forgiven her.
Eddie, for one, would soon rather die than let those two awful people anywhere near the Buckley siblings ever again. And he knew the entire crew and their families and even Albert were very much in the same boat.
“I know, it’s okay.” Chimney smiles, placing a comforting hand on Bucks shoulder.
“Yeah, you guys just enjoy your little break from everything. You need me to make you some food for the drive?” Bobby offers in that tone of his that always manages to calm Buck right down.
It doesn’t fail. Buck flashes him a wide, genuine smile, his emotions back under control once again.
“That would be amazing, Pops. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Bobby smiles.
“How long will you be gone?” Eddie asks, taking Bucks hand in his and entwining them. Buck gives his hand a tight squeeze.
“We’re leaving as soon as we finish shift tomorrow morning, and it should take about 3 hours to get to our destination. I have no idea how long we’ll spend there, but we’ll definitely be back for tomorrows barbecue, we just don’t know what time exactly.”
“Okay. Just, be safe, okay?”
“I promise.” Buck smiles.
Eddie leans over and places a soft kiss to his boyfriends lips. Any other time, Hen and Chimney would tease the life out of them, but they both just have small smiles on their own faces, as does Bobby.
—
Before Buck knows it, it’s 8am again.
The shift had been a long one, with too many calls and not enough downtime in the first half, exhausting them. Thankfully, the city of L.A had decided to give them a little break in the second half, only calling on them a handful of times and allowing Buck and the rest of the crew to get some well needed and well deserved sleep.
Maddie is ready and waiting at the station as the engine rolls back in after their last call of shift. Buck hops down from the truck and can’t help the grin that stretches across his face upon seeing his sisters own relaxed smile. He plants a wet kiss to her cheek, laughing when she bats him away with a giggled protest.
His parents visit was an absolute car crash, there’s no denying that. But it brought him and Maddie just that much closer. After the whole Daniel bombshell, Buck had eventually sat down with Maddie and they spilled everything, cleared the air.
They’d both severed all ties with Philip and Margaret the day before they departed L.A, preferably forever. It was once again the Buckley Siblings against the rest of the world. The only thing different was the fact that they had a real family to have their backs this time, a family to fall back onto, a family who gave them that unconditional love they’d so badly craved as children.
Buck almost trips over his own feet in his haste to get showered and dressed in his civvies, earning him an eye roll from his family. He was the first to make it to the kitchen, where Maddie had relocated to. She’d made herself at home on the couch, munching one of Chris and Carla’s delicious cupcakes happily and Buck snorts at her.
“What? I’m hungry.” She shrugs, talking through her mouthful of cake.
Buck hears Hen groan from behind him and can’t help but laugh.
“Go on Hen, tell the pregnant lady off, like you did me earlier.” He dares her.
“No thank you, I don’t have a death wish.’ Hen snorts. ‘It’s nice to see so many traits run in the family with you two.”
“Our grandmother always used to say that expressing your love for the food you’re eating though a mouthful is the best compliment a cook can get. It means they love your food so much they cant wait to let you know.” Maddie tells them.
“May her soul forever rest in peace.” Buck smiles sadly.
“Amen.’ Maddie nods. ‘Now. Are you ready for this road trip?”
“You bet.” Buck grins, his mood lifting immediately.
Bobby reaches into the fridge and pulls out a small cooler of food for them to take. Buck pops open the lid, and his eyes widen. It’s filled to the brim with both his and Maddie’s favourite snacks, chips and drinks, including the non-caffeine iced coffee that Maddie loves so much that can only be brought from the farmers market across town.
“Bobby-“ Bucks voice cracks.
“I called in a favour.’ The man shrugs. ‘Athena and I want you guys to have a safe and happy trip, but to also remember family isn’t just restricted to blood. You’re both like children to us and we love you. Don’t forget that.”
Buck almost drops the cooler in his haste to wrap the older man up in a fierce embrace. Maddie wriggles her way between them and the three of them stand in the kitchen for a long minute, holding on tight.
“You’ve been more of a father to me, to us both, in the short time we’ve known you than Philip ever was.” Buck swears.
“And Athena has shown us more love and affection than Margaret is even capable of.’ Maddie adds. ‘You’re the parents we never had, that we never thought we deserved.”
“We can’t thank you both enough for that.” Buck sniffles.
“You don’t have to thank us. It’s what you do for your children.’ Bobby says, his eyes suspiciously wet. ‘Now, off you go. Keep us updated and have a good time.”
Buck squeezes him one last time before pulling away. He shoulders his duffel again and grips the cooler with his other hand.
“We’ll see you at your place later on. Leave us some good food.” Buck winks.
Bobby shakes his head at Buck, but he’s smiling.
—
Getting back home and telling Christopher that Buck wouldn’t be able to join them at the beach was something Eddie had been dreading from the moment he found out about Buck and Maddie’s road trip.
He 100% understood why he couldn’t be there, but that didn’t change the fact that Eddie was going to have a very pissed off 9 year old on his hands.
Thank god he’d managed to convince Hen to bring Denny and Nia along to soften the blow. Hell, Hen had even roped in May and Harry, pleading with the teenager to bring Harry along since Athena was spending the day with Bobby, setting up for their little party later. Chimney had overheard and, after finding out about his own lack of plans with Maddie from Buck, decided to also join.
That’s how, not even an hour after their shift had ended, Eddie found himself at the beach (not Santa Monica, no thank you) with an only slightly pacified Christopher, Hen, Karen, Denny, Nia, May, Harry and Chimney trailing behind him as he searched for a good designated spot to settle down. Thanks to the relatively early hour, the beach wasn’t as packed as it usually would be, and Eddie manages to snag a good area.
It was in equal distance of the sea, the snack bar, and the children’s playground. And it even had umbrellas included, for a little bit of much needed shade. It was going to be a hot one today.
He finds himself thinking of Buck and Maddie as he sets up. What’re they up to? Where have they gone? Why wouldn’t they tell them?
“Daddy?’ Christopher’s sad voice brings Eddie out of his head. ‘When’s my Buck coming back?”
“Bud.’ Eddie sighs, wrapping his son up in a hug. ‘Later on. He’s just gone for a little drive with Aunt Maddie and the baby, okay?”
“You promise he’s coming back soon?”
“I pinky promise.” Eddie offers the digit and Christopher smiles as he hooks them together and shakes.
Seemingly satisfied - for now - he scurries off, joining Denny, Nia and Harry in the sea. Eddie can’t help the swell of pride in him at seeing Christopher be friends with the water again. It had taken him months of blood sweat and a lot of tears just to get him and Buck to stop flinching at the water lapping at their ankles. But, after they’d conquered their fears, there was no going back. He and Buck were in their element any time they managed to escape to the beach, splashing around like it hadn’t nearly killed them only a few years ago. God, Eddie was so proud of them.
“So, what do you think those sneaky Buckleys are up to?” Chimney asks as he collapses onto the sand next to Eddie.
“I have no idea.’ He snorts. ‘I think it’s best for both our mental healths if we just don’t think into it too much.”
“They’ll be fine, they have each other.” Hen weighs in as her and Karen spread out opposite them.
Eddie spares a glance over at the kids, being supervised by a grinning May. It was good to see her smiling and acting like a teenager again, what with her job at the dispatch centre forcing her to grow up quickly over the past few months.
“Yeah I know, I just can’t help but worry, ya know?” Chimney rests his head on his fist.
“Hey, Buck won’t let anything happen to Maddie. You know that.” Eddie assures him.
“I’m not worried about them being hurt. We’ve all seen Buck in action when he’s all angry and protective - that’s not the issue at all. I’m worried about where their heads are at. I mean, Philip and Margaret done a real number on them as kids, and they’ve dragged everything back up to just add it onto the onslaught of trauma those two have been through recently. And with the whole Daniel situation and the pandemic hanging around everyones heads…” Chimney trails off.
“You have to just trust them. They’re both still seeing therapists, they’re getting a lot better at opening up. And they have each other.” Karen says gently.
“Yeah, you’re right.’ Chimney sighs. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be a downer on your fun day out.”
“Nah it’s fine. It’s not a normal 118 day out without some sort of discussion of trauma.” Eddie grins.
A squeal of laughter takes everyones attention over to the sea, where the boys are all ganging up on May, who’s got Nia securely in her arms. They’re all laughing and screaming and it warms Eddies heart. He shares a fond smile with Chimney, Hen and Karen.
After some light lunch and some well needed sun lotion reapplication, the kids race over to the play area while the adults begin slowly packing up. Eddies phone begins buzzing in the pocket of his shorts. He fishes it out, smiling when he sees Buck's name flashing across it.
“Hi gorgeous.” He greets, jabbing the phone between his ear and shoulder as he shakes out his blanket.
‘Hello handsome.’
“Sorry, hi Maddie.’ Eddie snorts as Maddie lets out a loud laugh. ‘How are you guys?”
‘We’re good. The drive didn’t take as long as we thought it would and we’ve done what we need to. I’m just calling to let you know that we are on our way home right now.’
“Wow, that was really quick. Did you at least have fun?”
‘We definitely did. Buck more so, but that’s always a given.’
“No argument here.’ Eddie snorts. ‘Hey, you wanna talk to Chimney?”
‘He’s with you?’ Eddie smiles at the excitement in the woman’s voice.
“He sure is.”
Eddie beckons a confused looking Chimney over to him and hands him the phone, watching on as the mans face lights up when he hears Maddie’s voice. He busies himself by getting the last of his and Christophers things packed up and ready to go as Chimney talks. And talks and talks and-
“Okay, we actually want to get to Bobby and Athena’s place at some point today, Chimney.” Hen raises an eyebrow.
Chimney smiles sheepishly and quickly says goodbye to Maddie. Eddie laughs as he goes to take the devise back from his hand, but it turns to a grimace when he sees its covered in the other mans sweat.
“Sorry.” Chimney grins impishly, taking the phone back and wiping it dry on the towel in his other hand.
“Meet y’all at Bobby and Athenas?” Karen calls, and Eddie and Chimney quickly agree.
—
“You didn’t even let me talk to my boyfriend.” Buck pouts as Maddie hangs up the phone.
“Eddie offered to let me talk to Chim.’ His sister shrugs airily. ‘I wasn’t about to say no.”
“You’re mean. Isn’t she, Bailey?”
The six month old golden Labrador stretched out on the back seats barks happily at being addressed.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Eddie is going to kill you when he finds out you adopted a dog without telling him, and Christopher is going to kill you when he finds out you adopted a dog without taking him.”
“It’s not a surprise if they both know.’ Buck scoffs. ‘Eddie will get over it and so will Christopher, once they find out about the little guys past.”
Maddie reaches back and scratches Bailey’s ears, laughing softly when he licks her hand.
“I can’t believe they just left him.” Maddie sighs.
“Neither can I. Humans suck sometimes, don’t they boy? Yes they do!’ Buck asks in his baby voice. Bailey barks again, his tail thumping against the Jeep door. ‘But don’t you worry, you’re with me now. I’ll take good care of you.”
“You want me to FaceTime Bobby and Athena now?” Maddie asks.
“Yup.” Buck nods.
Maddie wastes no time in picking Bucks phone back up and doing just that. The phone rings a few times until Athena’s face fills the screen, her smile blinding.
‘There my babies are.’ She calls in greeting.
“Hey momma.” Buck and Maddie chorus.
‘How’s your little trip?’
“It’s great. We’re actually on our way back to you now, but we’ve got a question to ask.”
‘Go for it.’ Bobby smiles as his face comes into view.
Maddie aims the camera at Buck, who dutifully watches the road ahead instead of looking at their pseudo parents.
“Okay, so say I hypothetically dragged my sister on a 6 hour round trip just to adopt a disabled puppy who was abandoned by his previous owners, would I be able to bring said puppy inside your house to surprise Eddie and Christopher?”
‘Of course you can! Can we see him?’ Athena asks.
Maddie giggles as he moves the camera to get Bailey in the shot. “Say hi puppy.”
Bailey barks at the screen and wriggles in his seat in greeting. Athena and Bobby both let out little ‘aww’s’ at him.
‘How is he disabled?’ Bobby asks.
“He has a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia, which is basically a dogs version on cerebral palsy. His owners just abandoned him on the streets, but a local shelter picked him up. As soon as I saw about him, I knew I needed him.”
‘Oh the poor thing. He’s a gorgeous boy!’ Athena coos, making Bailey bark again.
‘You did good Buck.’ Bobby says, his voice thick with pride.
“Thanks pops.” Buck says bashfully.
‘And he sure is a handsome pup.’ Bobby agrees with a smile.
“Just like his dad!’ Buck calls cockily, laughing at his parents and sisters snorts. ‘We should be with you guys in just over an hour, can you make sure everyone is in the garden? I’ll text you when we arrive just to be safe.”
Bobby and Athena give them their word that they’ll do just that. With quick goodbyes, Maddie hangs up the phone to let the couple finish getting the house and food ready.
“This is going to be the most epic surprise ever.” Buck grins, barely concealing his own excitement.
Maddie rolls her eyes at him, but she’s also grinning.
—
Athena swings the door open before Eddie can even knock.
“How do you always do that?” Chimney laughs from the back of their little crowd.
Athena shrugs with a smug smirk. She leads them down the stairs and out into the garden, where Bobby is grilling up a feast. Harry, Christopher and Denny waste no time in jumping in the pool, all splashing excitedly like they didn’t just spend 5 hours at the beach. Thank god Eddie still had his dry clothes in the truck.
Athena offers them all a beer, and Eddie gladly takes it. The mid afternoon sun was making his throat as dry as a desert. Conversation flows easily between everyone as more and more people from their station arrive.
Suddenly, Athena snatches up her phone and disappears into the house hurriedly. Eddie tracks her movements with a small frown, looking back at Bobby with a raised eyebrow in question. But the man simply shrugs with an easy smile, so Eddie brushes it off.
He hears her greet someone at the door, but he’s at a loss as to who it is. But, that becomes clear as Maddie suddenly appears in the garden, grinning like mad.
“Maddie!” Chimney calls happily, giving his girlfriend a kiss on the cheek.
“Where’s Buck?’ Christopher demands before Eddie can open his mouth. He sends his son a glare, and Christopher smiles guiltily. ‘Sorry. Hi Aunt Maddie.”
“Hi Christopher.’ Maddie laughs as she gives him a hug, seemingly unbothered by the fact that he’s still wet from the swimming pool. ‘Buck is on his way out here, and he has a surprise for you.”
Eddie raises an eyebrow at his future sister-in-law. What had Buck done now?
Christopher’s eyes go wide at the promise of a surprise and he lets out an excited squeal.
“You ready for us Mad’s?” Buck calls from inside the house.
“He’s ready for you, yes. I’m not sure how ready he’ll be when he sees what you’ve got, though.”
Bucks laugh echos through the silent garden, and everyone stares at the open door in anticipation. Athena and Buck finally walk out, holding a blanket in the space between them.
“Just make sure he doesn’t fall over with excitement.” Buck orders, and Maddie dutifully plants a steady hand on Christophers shoulder as Eddie stares at his boyfriend with increasing worry.
Athena and Buck share a nod, before dropping the blanket.
There’s a moment of complete silence as everyone stares at the Labrador puppy stood between them before shit hits the fan.
Christopher starts screaming and Maddie does indeed keep him from falling over in his excitement. The rest of the garden bursts into noise, most of them cooing over the adorable pup. The pup, who starts barking and wagging its tail happily at the noise and attention.
“What.” Eddie chokes.
“Chris, buddy. This is Bailey, he’s your new best friend.” Buck smiles warmly as he slowly leads Bailey over to a practically vibrating Christopher.
“Hi Bailey!’ Christopher grins widely. ‘Why is he walking funny, Bucky?”
“Bailey has something called cerebellar hypoplasia, meaning he has some trouble walking. It’s very similar to your CP, actually. His old owners couldn’t care for him anymore, so they let me take him home permanently.” Buck explains slowly.
“Does it hurt him?” Christopher asks, his brow furrowed in concern.
“No, it doesn’t hurt him. He’s a very happy and healthy pup, he just needs a little extra help.”
“Just like me.”
“Yeah bud, just like you.”
“Can I hug him?”
“I think he would really like that.” Buck nudges Christopher closer to Bailey.
Christopher wastes no time in wrapping his arms around Baileys neck and hugging him close, but gently. Bailey in turn starts licking any part of Christopher he can and wagging his tail so hard, it nearly topples him over. Denny, Harry and Nia also approach and begin patting Bailey, and he laps up all the attention happily.
Buck stands up from his crouch to approach Eddie.
“Surprise baby.” He grins cheekily.
Words cannot describe the amount of love Eddie feels for this selfless, thoughtful and loving man stood in front of him, so he simply jumps at Buck and pulls him in for a very non PG kiss. Buck just kisses him back with a pleased hum.
Their family around them begin catcalling and whistling, making Eddie break away from his boyfriend with a laugh. They gather around them once they pull apart properly.
“Buck, I don’t know what to say.” Eddie mumbles.
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Buck bites his bottom lip.
“Good. Definitely good.’ Eddie assures him. ‘You went all that way to get a dog just because he’s like Chris?”
“Yeah. I saw an ad about him on Facebook - he was left to live on the streets because his old owners thought he was, and I quote, broken.’ Buck growls. ‘A shelter took him in and posted this video of him playing in puddles, and I knew in that moment I had to have him. I called the shelter straight away and we’ve been organising this for a few weeks now.”
“I know I already told you, but you are so sweet.” Karen comments wetly.
Buck chuckles at that, happily returning the hug the woman offers.
“She’s right Buck, that was a lovely thing to do.” Michael smiles.
The kids giggling steals everyone attention away again, and they all turn to see them still gathered around Bailey, who was now slowly making his way towards Buck, his long and uncoordinated limbs flying all over the show in his excitement. Buck crouches down and calls him, opening his arms wide and waiting patiently. Bailey finally reaches him, and licks Bucks face happily.
“Oh you’re such a good boy!’ Buck praises him as he hugs him close. ‘You’re going to fit right in with us bud.”
Baileys bark sounds like an agreement.
—
Buck can’t help the swell of pride he feels as he watches Christopher make rounds to personally introduce Bailey to every single person gathered in the garden. Can’t help the warm and fuzzy feeling he gets as he watches his entire family gush over the pup and fall in love with him instantly, just as Buck did the second he saw that precious video.
Eddie returns to his side and hands him a beer, which Buck gladly takes a swig of.
“I really can’t thank you enough for this, Buck.” Eddie sighs as he settles in Bucks arms.
Buck in turn wraps his arms around Eddies torso, his chest covering his entire back, and hooks his chin over Eddies shoulder.
“I couldn’t just leave him, you know? He’s so young and he deserves a family who will love him no matter what.”
“And we’re that family?” Eddie smiles softly.
“Definitely.’ Buck smiles, kissing Eddies cheek. ‘I’ve already got all of his stuff at my apartment, and I’m thinking of installing something on the stairs to help him get up and down them easily.”
“Why don’t you both just move in with Chris and I?” Eddie asks.
Bucks sure his heart has stopped beating. He pulls away from Eddie and spins the man so they’re face to face.
“Seriously?” He asks, but his throat is so tight, it sounds more like a strangled gasp.
“Seriously.’ Eddie confirms, taking Bucks face in his palms. ‘It’s already set up for Chris, so Bailey will have no problem navigating around it. And Chris is not letting that dog out of his sight ever again.”
“So Bailey can just move in with you. I don’t want you to feel forced-“
Eddie silences him with a kiss.
“There is nothing forced about me wanting you to move in. I’ve actually been waiting for the right moment to ask for a few weeks now.”
“You have?” Buck croaks.
“I have.’ Eddie confirms with a nod. ‘I want you to live with us Buck. I want to wake up to you every morning, and go to sleep with you every night. I want to spend all of our spare time with our son, and now our dog. I want everything with you, Buck. I want the rest of our lives together.”
“So do I. God, Ed’s. You have no idea how much I want that.” Buck chokes out through the tears streaming down his face.
“I have some idea.” Eddie jokes, sounding and looking equally as choked up.
The couple are so caught up in their own world, they don’t notice the lack of music or talking around them. They don’t notice their entire family watching them fondly.
“Marry me.” Buck blurts, his eyes going wide.
Eddies own eyes go wide for a split second, before they are slamming shut as he kisses Buck again, with so much force it nearly throws them both to the floor.
“Yes!’ He pulls away enough to breathe against Bucks lips. ‘Yes yes a thousand times yes!”
Buck closes the minute distance between them yet again, kissing his now fiancé with all he has to offer.
Finally, the sound of their family losing their damn minds pierces their little bubble, and the happy couple pull apart, laughing.
Buck reaches into the pocket of his bomber jacket and produces a slim black box, opening it up to Eddie to reveal two simple black titanium bands.
“I’ve had them for a few months. I was just waiting for the right moment, too.” Buck tells him.
Eddie kisses his lips one more time, and it’s slow and sweet, full of love. Buck all but melts into it. His hands are shaking as he pulls away and slips Eddies ring on his finger, and can’t help but smile at Eddies own shaking hands as he does the same.
“I cant believe you’re finally engaged!” Maddie cries happily as she all but bulldozes over to them, wrestling both men into a tight hug.
Both men chuckle and hug her back.
“We’re moving in together, too.” Buck tells his sister, smiling softly at her excited squeal.
“I can’t believe you adopted a new family member, agreed to move in together and got engaged all in one day. You boys sure don’t do things by half, do you?” Bobby shakes as he and Athena join them, his eyes shining with tears.
“I am so proud of you both.” Athena cries and kisses both their cheeks.
Christopher and Bailey finally make their way over, both of them grinning.
“Does this mean Bucky is finally going to be my other dad now?” The boy asks.
Buck chokes out a laugh as he falls to his knees in front of the two of them, gathering them in a tight hug.
“It sure does, bud. We’re gonna be one big happy family for real now.”
“Yay!' Christoper cries as he wraps his own arms around Bucks neck. 'What last name is Bailey going to have?"
"Diaz, obviously." Buck grins.
Eddie joins in on the hug, scratching Baileys ears lovingly as he does. Buck hears numerous shutter clicks as their family around them take picture after picture of this moment, and he smiles.
Life really couldn’t get better than this.