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It’s been three months since Eddie started at the 118 and found his soulmate, he’s spent a lot of time with Buck getting to know him along with the rest of the team. But he’s also tried to reach out to Shannon as well, needing to get ahold of her, so he could move on. He has sent her e-mails, voice mails, and ever wrote her a letter sending it to her mom’s house.
He's never felt this way about anyone in his life, he loved Shannon they were good together in high school, but they were young when she got pregnant. Both their parent’s said Marriage was the only way to raise the family they created Soul mates be damned. Joining the army was the only way that he could provide for his family, but it put a rift in their relationship.
Coming back from his second tour to a stressed-out Shannon and a five-year-old son who barely knew him was hard, on top of all the trauma that he was going through. His parents were constantly there pushing him to step up and be a man to take care of his wife and kid. They started in on him and Shannon even more and before he knew it Shannon left them in the middle of the night.
Working three jobs and leaving his son with his parents was stressing Eddie out even more than before, needing to find a way to stay afloat. Then after taking to his Abuela one night, she told him to pack up his things and moved to LA where she and Pepa could help him, and he was close to Shannon. After two years of no contact with Shannon, Eddie packed up his son and they moved to LA needless to say his parents weren’t happy.
He's spent a few weeks trying to figure out how to tell his son that he found his soulmate and it wasn’t his mother. Of course, his kid would see that he was happy with the fact that he finally found them. He was even more excited to meet the man who was meant to be with his dad. Of course, he asked if his mom ever did come back if she could still be a part of his life.
~*~Flashback~*~
“Hey Kiddo, can we talk a minute?” Eddie asked
“Sure dad, is it about your tattoo, can I see it.” Chris asked as Eddie smiled.
“Yeah, it seems that the day I started at the 118 I finally got my soul mark.” Eddie said as he took his shirt off and turned so Chris
could see it.
“It looks like your dog tags, what’s the thing inside?” Chris asked
“Well, it seems that my soul mate was in the Navy as a Seal that is their logo.” Eddie said
“So, it’s someone that you meant recently?” Chris asked
“Yes, you remember Buck from work?” Eddie asked as Chris smiled as he nodded yes Buck had driven Eddie to pick up Chris after the earthquake.
“Yeah, I like him he’s funny.” Chris said
“Well, he’s got a mark as well it’s also a set of dog tags with the symbol of an army medic.” Eddie said
“Like you. So, he’s your soul mate.” Chris asked
“Yeah, and I have spent these last few months getting to know him, I would like you to get to know him as well.” Eddie said as Chris looked down and did not want to look his dad in the eye. “What’s wrong Kiddo?”
“What about if Mommy comes back.” Chris asked as Eddie pulled his son into his arms.
“I loved your mother, but she and I together all we do is fight we are so much better friends. I married your mom because I thought she was it, but when you find your soul mate you just know.” Eddie said as Chris smiled.
“So will Buck be my dad too?” Chris asked
“No, right now he’s just my friend, I don’t want to start something with him until I have a chance to talk to your mom.” Eddie said as Chris hugged his father.
“I just want you happy.” Chris said, “And I like Buck, he makes you happy and he’s my best friend.”
“That he is, you are his favorite Diaz, so he says.” Eddie replied as the two settled on the couch to watch a movie.
~*~End Flashback~*~
Eddie was sitting in the chair across from the principle as they went over the paperwork needed to get Christopher registered into school. Buck had him meet with Carla and she was a god send she helped him get through all the things he was having problems with. Getting Chris into the right school and into doctor’s and therapy programs he needed, she was also here with him as well.
“So, Mr. Diaz we have everything here we need to get Christopher started in our school, all that is left is meeting his mother.” She spoke
“Mrs. Summers. Mrs. Diaz walked out on her family three years ago, so you need her to move forward?” Carla asked
“Since there is really no custody agreement, I am afraid so. Is that going to be problem?” Mrs. Summers asked
“Um, no I am currently reaching out to her about getting a divorce, maybe if I mention that it’s something for Chris she’ll reply faster.” Eddie said
“All she would have to do is come in and meet with me, she doesn’t have to see you or Chris if that is a problem.” Mrs. Summers said
“Thank you for everything and I’ll try and get a hold of her today, what would happen is she doesn’t respond?” Eddie asked
“We’ll still move forward he is already a part of the school; I’ll have to wave that portion of the interview.” Mrs. Summers said as she stood and shook hands with both Eddie and Carla. The two of them walked out of the office through the school and into the parking lot.
“Eddie, do you think she’ll respond.” Carla asked
“Well, I have been trying to get a hold of her so I can get the ball rolling on the divorce, so Buck and I can start dating. Maybe if I mention it’s about Chris, I’ll have a better chance.” Eddie said
“Ok, we’ll I’ll see you Monday at 6:30am as you leave for work, and I’ll get Chris ready for school and then drop him off.” Carla said
“Thanks Carla, I don’t know what I would have done if Buck hadn’t introduced us.” Eddie said
“That boy is a good man; he’ll be good for the two of you. Bye Eddie.” Carla said as she got in her car as Eddie got into his. Pulling out his phone he dialed the number he’s been calling for the past month as it started to ring.
“Hi, you reached Shannon please leave your name and Number and I’ll get back to ya.” She spoke
“Hey Shan, I know I have been trying to reach out to you, I am in LA and was getting Chris registered into a great school. Because we are still married, they need to talk to you so would you please call me back. Number is the same. If you don’t want to talk to me, call the school, I’ll email you the info.” Eddie said as he hung up. Starting his truck, he pulled out and headed to the station he had asked to start his shift three hours later he had about 45 minutes until it started.
Pulling into the parking lot he got out and grabbed his bag, as he walked through the doors to see that the trucks were out as was the ambulance. He walked into the locker room as he got ready for the day, he was tying his boots when he heard the bay doors open and inside the trucks. Coming out of the locker room he greeted his teammates as they got out of the trucks and hanging up their gear.
“Hey Eds, how did the meeting go?” Buck asked
“Horrible, he’s registered but because we are still married, they need to talk to Shannon. And it’s frustrating she hasn’t answered any of my calls or emails and now they need to talk to her.” Eddie said as Buck reached out and took his hand and pulled him up the steps and to the couches. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I want to take you out on a date so bad but…”
“Hey, don’t worry about it we’ll get there I promise. Until then we’ll hang out just like we have been as friends getting to know one another with Chris as a buffer I mean after all he’s my favorite Diaz.” Buck said
“Yeah, I know.” Eddie said as the bell rang, and they all went to grab their gear and headed to the trucks. It was going to be a very long day and it’d just started Chris was spending the day with his Abuela. They made it to the cowboy bar to find the woman with her head stuck in the tailpipe of a truck. Eddie couldn’t believe that these people were this drunk this early in the day. He's trying his hardest to pay attention to what Bobby and Chim were talking about as the women were hitting on him and Buck. Buck had gotten the saw for Bobby and then came over to help him with crowd control as the one woman hit on him.
“Here enter your number and I’ll text you?” She said, heading her phone to Buck.
“Sorry I have a soulmate.” Buck said with a smile
“Do you have snapchat I’ll snap you?” She asked
“No, and I have a son.” Eddie said
“Cool, so do I.” She said as she racked her nails on his arm, pulling away he then smiled.
“I also have a soulmate.” Eddie said as the girl was free and Hen and Chim had her on the way to the ambulance, the two gathered up the tools and headed back to the fire truck. Just as they were closing the door his phone vibrated, pulling it out he saw it was Pepa.
Buck listened to the one side conversation, it was enough to understand Buck told Bobby what was going on and he told Buck to take Eddie to the hospital. The two got off the elevator and were greeted by Pepa who was watching Chris making the nurses smile and laugh.
“Pepa what happened?” Eddie asked
“Mama fell on the back step; she went out to call him in and fell broke her hip. He called 911.” Pepa said
“Is he ok?” Eddie asked
“Yeah, he’s fine. I take it you have to go back to work?” Pepa asked
“Yeah.” Eddie said Pepa had mentioned Shannon while shaking her head.
“I’ll keep him tonight, but you have to find something else.” Pepa said as Eddie walked off to Chris.
“I already talked it over with our Capitan come to the station and pick him up when you can.” Buck said the rest of the day went by without too many major outing things that they were able to take Chris on and he got to see his dad at work. Laughed with Buck, played games with Hen and Chim while enjoying the food that Bobby cooked. It was about 5pm when Pepa walked in as Chris was coming down the fire pole right into Buck and Eddie’s waiting arms.
Chris said goodbye to everyone that he meant throughout the day and hugged Bobby and Buck bye as he started out with his aunt. Eddie came back in after seeing his Tia and son off he walked right to Bobby and pulled him into a tight hug.
“Thank you, Bobby.” Eddie said
“Not a problem Eddie he’s a good kid, and Buck gave me a heads up so it’s all good.” Bobby said as Eddie looked to see Buck looking sheepishly at his feet.
“Thank you, Evan, for having my back.” Eddie said
“Anytime.” Buck said as the rest of the night went by before he knew it, it was going on midnight when they all headed out of the station and headed home. Eddie pulled into his driveway and couldn’t wait to get into his bed. Getting inside the house he took his boots off and headed to his room to crash.
The distant ring of his phone woke him up, he looked to see that his phone wasn’t plugged in, sitting up he found it on the other side of the bed quickly answering it.
“Hello?” Eddie asked
“Hello, Eddie I got your emails and calls sorry it took me so long to reach out to you. Can we meet today for lunch.” She asked
“Shan, um yeah tell me where and when.” Eddie said
“Say noon at Café Joe’s Sunset.” Shannon said
“Ok see you then.” Eddie said as there was a click. He knew that he had to make plans for Chris, he couldn’t take him to meet Shannon. Quickly dialing another number, he waited for the person to answer.
“Hey handsome what’s up?” Buck asked
“I just got a call from Shannon, and she wants to meet for lunch. How do you feel about spending some time with Chris?” Eddie asked
“I would love it. So, am I coming there or are you dropping him off here?” Buck asked
“I’ll drop him off in an hour, thank you Buck.” Eddie said as they hung up and he got ready for the day he had to go pick his son up and then drop him off at Buck’s so he could meet and talk to Shannon. He got to Tia’s house and told her that he had a meeting but was taking Chris to spend a few hours with Buck.
“Really I get to see Buck?” Chris asked
“Yep, I am dropping you off at his apartment on my way and when I am finished, I’ll meet you back there and we’ll have dinner.” Eddie said as Chris got excited. Kissing Tia’s cheek, he took off and headed to drop Chris off at Buck’s it was a good thing that the Café that
Shannon wanted to meet at was only ten minutes from Buck’s place. Pulling into the parking lot he grabbed the papers and got out of the truck and walked across the street to the café to see Shannon sitting at a table drinking coffee. Eddie walked to the counter and ordered a coffee and a sandwich heading over to where Shannon was sitting.
“Hey Shannon.” Eddie said as she looked up.
“Eddie, it’s great to see you. So, you two are in LA. Why now?” Shannon asked as Eddie knew that this was going to happen.
“First, I am so sorry that I ran and left you dealing with everything and then my parents on top. Second, I am sorry that I wasn’t the husband that you needed me to be. I have delt with my parents trying to tell me I was bring Christopher down working three jobs just to make sure he had what he needed. He had all he could get except for me I was working more then I was with him, so I talked to Abuela, and she talked me into moving here and going through the Fire Academy and well I am now a firefighter.” Eddie said
“So how long have you been here in LA?” Shannon asked
“Going on six months now, I have tried to reach out to you, and you didn’t respond, then to get Chris into this school they need to talk to you. I was hoping that you would contact me and talk. And maybe tell me why you left?” Eddie asked
“That’s easy, I loved you and we were great, until we had Chris that put a huge strain on our relationship, we were both scared and young. I finally understand what my mom was talking about with the whole soul mark and finding your soul mate.” Shannon said
“Me too. Have you found your?” Eddie asked
“Not yet but I just got my mark yesterday and they say within 48 hours you meet them. Have you?” Shannon asked
“Yeah, I found mine three months ago, he is actually one of my teammates. I woke up and got a shower, did stretches with Chris and there was nothing on my shoulder. I dropped him at school and went to work and as I was changing for the day to head home one of my coworkers noticed my tattoo and I said I didn’t have one on my shoulder and she took a picture of it and showed me.” Eddie said as he pulled his phone out and showed her.
“Wow so he’s military?” Shannon asked
“Yeah, ex-navy seal. Turns out he’s got a set of dog tags on his shoulder as well with the army medic symbol.” Eddie said
“So, what’s he like, you two dating?” Shannon asked
“He’s amazing, kind, caring and wears his heart on his sleeve.” Eddie said as he pulled a picture of him and Chris last weekend. “Here he is with Chris last weekend at the park. And right now, we are just friends, we have agreed to just be friends until you and I can get a divorce.”
“What do you mean, I left you divorce papers when I left signed and all.” Shannon said as Eddie looked at her like she was crazy.
“I never found them even when I sold the house and moved.” Eddie said
“I left them on the counter next to the coffee pot.” Shannon said as Eddie put an envelope on the table.
“I never found them, so I had these drawn up. I love you Shannon so much but not the way that I should have. But I have found that
now in Buck and I would very much like to date him, but not until we are divorced.” Eddie said
“Well I will gladly sign them for you.” Shannon said as he pulled the papers out and took the pen and signed her name right underneath where Eddie had signed. Putting the papers back in the envelope all signed ready to be filed, Shannon smiled.
“I called the school and I meet with Mrs. Summers on Monday; I promise to make Chris look great. I left because I felt like I wasn’t ready to be your wife let alone a mother to our son, but I was so wrong I miss him more than I ever thought I would. I thought as long as he had his father, he’d be ok, but I would love to see him if you think it’s ok.” Shannon asked
“You’re a great mom to him and as much as everyone else thinks I should keep you away from him, both Buck and I want him to know you if you are willing to be a part of his life again. But Shan you have to promise me that you won’t leave him again I am not sure he’ll be ok.” Eddie said
“I promise you Eddie I am doing so much better than I was before and you were right we are better off friends. And I want to be a part of his life again so much, maybe work to him spending time with me so you and Buck can properly date and not have to worry about him too much.” Shannon said as Eddie smiled.
“I know I would like that, and I know that Chris would love to have you back in his life, he asked me a few weeks ago when I told him that Buck was my soul mate, what would happen if you came back.” Eddie said
“He asked about me. What did you say?” Shannon asked
“I told him that I loved your mother, but she and I together all we do is fight we are so much better friends. I married your mom because I thought she was it, but when you find your soul mate you just know. But I won’t keep you two apart I know you love and need one another.” Eddie said
“Let’s start off slow, I’ll go to the school on Monday and maybe Friday we can have dinner if you are not working?” Shannon asked
“Um, Fridays are usually Pizza and movie nights with Buck.” Eddie said
“I would love to meet him too if he’s going to be a part of Chris’s life.” Shannon said as Eddie smiled.
“I’ll talk to Buck, and I’ll call you and let you know, if it’s ok then all I’ll tell Chris is that I have a surprise for him.” Eddie said
“Ok, sounds good. Thank you, Eddie, so much. I know I don’t deserve the second chance, but I promise you that I won’t hurt him again.” Shannon said
“No problem, thanks for lunch and signing the papers. I’ll text you later to let you know what Buck said.” Eddie said as he stood up as he kissed her cheek and left. Getting into the truck he pulled out his phone and sent off a text to Buck.
EDDIE: So how about a date Tuesday evening, I’ll ask Carla to watch Chris.
BUCK: She signed them? Yes, I can’t wait.
EDDIE: I have more to talk to you about, but I have the signed papers. I’ll see you in a few needs me to stop for anything?
BUCK: No, just get here.
Eddie pulled out of the parking lot and headed back to where his whole world was waiting for him, his son, and his soul mate. He was finally going to be happy with the way his life turned out.