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“I love you.” The words stopped Buck in his tracks. The beer he’d been sipping sat suddenly forgotten on the counter.
Evan, you mean the world to me. To Chris- our son.
The truth is I love you is an understatement. I can’t- I don’t know how to express how much these last four years of knowing you has changed me for the better.
It’s like a chemical reaction that can’t be undone. If I believed in reincarnation, I’d like to think we’re two souls that keep finding each other life after life.
How could Eddie say any of that, though- when it took all of his courage just to say three little words to his best friend? He shook his head his head and reached for Buck’s hand in an attempt to quell the growing silence. Buck sat on the bar stool staring back at him like he’d just hung the moon, so he felt a little braver with his next words.
“Go on a date with me?”
Actually, marry me. We’ve waited this long. Through girlfriends, Covid, family drama, and trauma. We’ve been to therapy together.
Chris already calls you Papa to his school friends. I already have a ring. I’ve had it since the well.
It can be you, Chris, Abuela, Pepa, and our little fire family. That’s all I need. I’d marry you next Saturday if you’d say yes. I know your lease is up soon.
Don’t renew. Marry me. Move in here. Come home.
But once again, Eddie knew it would be concerning to hear the truth behind his confession so soon. His fingers were still intertwined with Buck when he noticed the tears Buck was wiping from his cheek.
“Oh wow, Eddie. Are you sure? I mean I love you to, but I’m a lot to take on.”
“Buck, of course I am. Look at you. How could I not be in love with you? You care for my son and me in ways no one else does. You took time to learn Abuela’s recipes. You researched Pepa’s favorite telenovela so you could have more context for her rants. There’s no one else.”
“Yes! Then, yes! Where were you- Where are we-“
“The zoo. I know it’s a little unusual, and you’re probably tired of going there, but a babysitter on short notice will-”
“Eds, stop. Don’t you dare think about a babysitter. Chris will love it.”
Buck wiped tears from his eyes again and pulled Eddie into an embrace. He kissed above his eyebrow and on his nose before their lips finally met. Almost as soon as the kiss started, Buck was spinning on his feet again. “I’ve got calls to make.
Eddie laughed with joy he hadn’t felt in a while. “Going into a planning mode of your own, huh?”
“Well, I’ve got to call Maddie. Bobby probably needs HR forms. Oh, maybe the Zoo has a gazebo available for rent.”
“Buck that sounds expensive. It’s okay.”
“Eds, baby. I’m in love with you, but we’re not getting married in front of elephants. I don’t want to say my vows to that smell. I will absolutely love showing my husband off, but I don’t want the ceremony in front of hundreds or thousands of people walking by.”
Eddie sat in the barstool as he watched Buck excitedly pace around his kitchen. He couldn’t help but smile watching the man he loved like this. He couldn’t believe his luck. By the time Buck got off of the phone with zoo and started dialing Bobby’s number, Eddie’s brain finally caught up and processed Buck’s words.
I’ve been thinking out loud this whole time.