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“Why do I have to wear a suit?”
“Chris, we've talked about this. We're going to be up there, in front of our whole family. We want to look good.”
It had taken them a while to plan it all, to invite everyone and to get the whole team a weekend off, but now – almost a year after they'd gotten engaged – the day of Buck and Eddie's wedding had finally arrived. By now they'd settled comfortably into their new life as a couple. It had happened almost effortlessly, so much so that only a couple of months after their engagement(s) Buck's stuff had been all but moved into the Diaz house. Albert was subletting his place now, and while it hadn't all been smooth sailing – their jobs were still dangerous, and they both had their ups and downs – now they had each other to lean on even more than before.
“I don't,” Christopher said, and Eddie knew he was just trying to be difficult. He could hear the defiance from miles away.
“Everyone is going to be there. Your aunts, your grandparents – you really wanna be the only one not dressed up?”
“...no.”
“Okay then. What's the problem?”
The suit was still laying on the bed, untouched and ready to be worn. They'd picked it out together, made sure it fit and was comfortable and the kid had even picked out a bow tie with little fire engines on it. Eddie wasn't sure what his issue was right now and they really needed to get going, since Buck was probably already waiting at the venue with Maddie.
Buck had quoted some long-standing wedding tradition when he had told Eddie they'd be spending the night before apart – Eddie didn't believe in luck, but he had indulged him anyway – and now he was regretting it a little bit that he hadn't said no. Yeah, it would make the wedding night a bit more special – Chris would be spending the night with his tías, so they'd have an empty house to boot – but Buck was always so good at getting Christopher to do what he should and Eddie was getting more stressed out by the minute. He could've used his partner on this.
“Why does it have to be a suit?”
Eddie sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He picked Christopher up, put him on his lap and ignored his indignant squeal. “Would you rather wear a dress, mijo?”
“No! Ugh.”
“Then what's going on?” Christopher deflated a little, and snuggled into his chest. Eddie stroked through his hair, tilting his head up until he made eye contact. “Chris?”
“I thought–” Eddie gave him a moment, waiting him out. “This was supposed to be your special day.”
“It is. What–?”
“Why is everyone else coming?”
Eddie couldn't help but bark out a laugh. “Oh, buddy. I love you so much.” Christopher cringed when he kissed his forehead. “This is our special day. You, me and Buck. Everyone else is there to celebrate us as a family.”
“But–”
“You're the most important person there, together with us. Is that what you need to hear? The others are just there to give us presents actually.”
Christopher threw his head back as he laughed and Eddie put him back onto his feet. “You gonna get dressed now? You're our ring bearer after all, and I'm sure you wanna dress up for your Bucky.”
Christopher nodded and finally let Eddie help him into his clothes.
“Dad, why is it called a ring bear?”
“You know, back in the day they used to have actual bears deliver the rings,” he said with a sly grin. “I'm sure Buck knows more about that though.”
—
Not five minutes after he had finally managed to wrangle Christopher into his suit, there was a knock on the door. He was expecting Hen to pick them up, but three broad smiles greeted him instead.
“Hii Eddie!”
“Congratulations little bro!”
“You know, I'd say I'm sorry, but these two are an absolute delight.”
Eddie stood in the doorway, paralyzed. His worst nightmare was staring him right in the face.
Both of his sisters were looking at him, wearing matching maniacal grins and he was absolutely unprepared. He'd been nervous before – on account of, y'know, getting married to the love of his life today – but this? This was pure horror.
“Tías!!” Christopher yelled, flinging himself into Adriana's arms and almost taking Eddie out at the kneecaps with his crutches.
“Hi.” Eddie's voice came out as barely more than a whisper and he was glad he hadn't yet had the time to fasten his tie, or he probably would have had trouble breathing by now.
“What–” he cleared his throat, “what are you doing here? I thought I had made it clear on the invitation that we'd meet at the venue.”
“We're your sisters, Eddie. You can't keep us from being with our little brother on his wedding day.”
“Second wedding day–” Sophia helpfully supplied and Adriana punched her shoulder.
“Shh. The first one barely counted.”
Eddie finally stepped aside. “Please come in, before our neighbors notice how insane you two are. I'd still like to live here for a while.”
“I'm sorry, Eddie,” Hen said as he closed the door behind them, but he knew not to trust that. She was looking way too gleeful to be telling the truth. “Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.”
“You know, there was a reason I chose you as my best man and didn't ask them,” he sighed, running a hand through his gelled hair. It came out sticky. Great.
“Thought it was because I blackmailed you?”
Eddie shrugged. “Sure. That was part of it. But they are also the last two people you wanna have anywhere near you when you want things to go to plan. I don't want them to accidentally ruin my wedding.”
His sisters were inspecting his house in the meantime, cooing at every picture on the wall, every drawing Christopher had made of the three of them. Eddie had thought only brides got stressed out on their wedding day, but his sisters were doing a good job at getting his blood pressure up too.
“You know, you could have told us sooner that you locked down the hottest man in all of California.”
“¡Adriana!”
“Oh come on, Eddie, it's true. He's a gorgeous specimen. Legs for days and that ass on a gringo? Delicious! And you never even told us you were dating.”
“Oh they never dated.” Eddie was actually reconsidering even having a best man right now. Hen was not helping. “No. – Actually, they got engaged before they even shared their first kiss.”
Eddie regretted ever having told her the whole story, and Hen just wouldn't shut up. “They probably still wouldn't be together if Buck hadn't accidentally found the ring.”
“Wait, you bought a ring before you ever dated?” Sophia asked and Eddie would like to be alone with his son now, thank you very much. Christopher would never be this mean.
“He bought it when he was still married to Shannon,” Hen added and Adriana squealed. “Damn, Eddie, you really were ass over teakettle for that man.”
“I'm regretting that I didn't say yes when Buck asked if we should elope.” Buck had asked as a joke, but running away sounded pretty good right about now. Eddie squeezed the bridge of his nose with a sigh.
“At least this time it's not a shotgun wedding,” Sophia snickered and Eddie was gonna look up how to disown your own sisters – right after the ceremony.
“Who knows,” Adriana grinned, “maybe he knocked him up too. I wouldn't blame him – that man could have my babies any day.”
“I regret inviting you so fucking much,” Eddie hissed, just as Christopher emerged from his room, having found a present he'd made for his aunts. “¡Mierda! Behave, or you'll be uninvited for real. I'll pay for the plane tickets myself if I have to.”
—
They managed to drink a coffee together, during which his sisters actually behaved like nice, normal, well-adjusted people, but by the time they'd finished they were most definitely running late.
Eddie was on his way to stuff Christopher into the car, when his phone rang. With a joyful laugh Adriana snatched the kid out of his arms. “We'll take him, Eddie.” He gave Chris a kiss and then finally picked up the phone.
“Where are you?” Buck asked and Eddie rubbed a hand down his face, cursing when he saw the time.
“Almost on our way. I'm sorry–”
“Did you enjoy my little surprise?”
Eddie stayed dead silent for a moment, letting that question sink in. “You — This ambush was your idea?! ¡Hijo de puta!”
“You love me,” Buck said in a sing-song voice and Eddie huffed.
“Thin ice, Buckley. Wafer-thin ice.”
“When are you going to be here?” Buck asked, ignoring his unspoken threat.
“Since my sisters have kidnapped our kid, and Hen is here with the car – I'll be there pretty much as fast as she can drive.”
“Can't wait to see you, baby.”
With that Buck hung up the phone and Eddie pressed it to his forehead, sighing deeply. In a handful of hours he was going to legally be a Buckley, so if there were ever a time to freak out – or have regrets – it'd have to be right now.
—
“You look great, Diaz. Come on, we gotta go.” Eddie was standing in front of the mirror, still at the house, trying to fix his hair. His suit was looking good and he'd finally put on the tie, but his hair just didn't want to stay in place.
“Buck is going to marry you even if your hair isn't slicked up perfectly and we really need to go.” Hen carefully stole the gel out of his hands and then grabbed him by the shoulders, manhandling him outside of the house and to the car.
“You good, buddy?” She looked a little worried, and Eddie was glad after all that he'd chosen her for this day. Hen knew him, could sense when something was off, but she also knew how to cut through his bullshit.
Eddie blinked a few times and barely refrained from running a hand through his hair again. He took a steadying breath, and then another, and then he nodded. “Yeah. I think so. Thanks, Hen.”
“Let's get you hitched!”
—
The venue was just as beautiful as Eddie remembered it from when they'd first looked at it, but now the flowers they'd chosen – Lilies in white, hydrangeas in every color of the rainbow, and a few red amaryllis hidden in-between – were adorning the door. Buck had talked his ear off about the meaning and symbolism, but Eddie had been way more focused on kissing him until they were both out of breath, so he could forget the wedding planning for just one minute. He was sure the setup was very meaningful.
Buck had spent hours planning their decor, making sure it would fit even though flowers weren't usually their style, and he felt it now that he walked through the door and into the decorated room. They'd planned this day with their families in mind, and they would be over the moon, but even Eddie was impressed; the place looked absolutely gorgeous.
The tables were carefully decorated with living flowers – a requirement, since Buck wanted as little waste as possible, and like this the guests could take home a plant at the end of the night. There was enough space in the room to be able to dance later, but the highlight, for Eddie at least, was the view – and the reason they'd chosen this place over the few others they'd looked at.
Eddie crossed the room, to the big window overlooking the ocean. He could see the chairs on the strip of beach, where the ceremony would be held – empty right now, but soon to be filled with their friends and family – and the ball of lead that had been sitting in the middle of his chest all morning, dissolved.
He was marrying Buck today. There was nothing at all to be scared of.
Big, warm hands settled on his waist, and Eddie didn't even twitch. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was, the gesture so intimately familiar by now. He settled into the touch, tilting his head to the side when Buck left a kiss right behind his ear, where he knew he was most sensitive. If possible, Eddie melted even more.
“Hi there,” Buck whispered, nosing along the column of his neck, before he gently turned him around. Eddie's arms came up to wrap around his neck, and for a moment he just let himself stare at the beautiful man in front of him. Buck looked like he was glowing; his grin was broader, his eyes shined brighter, and he looked happier than Eddie had ever seen him. It was hard not to get swept away by emotions.
“I missed you last night.”
Eddie chuckled. He cupped his cheek, tugged him down for a gentle, lingering kiss, before he pulled back to smile at him. “I missed you, too.”
Before Eddie could ask where the others were, Buck already said, “Maddie is talking to the caterer and I told Hen to count the chairs again.”
Buck's hand came up to his shoulder, rubbing the spot that so often ached since the shooting. Eddie had regained most of his function, was back on the job as if nothing had happened, but Buck had stayed attentive and always made sure he was alright. Without his constant encouragement, and his help during his recovery – both physically and mentally – Eddie may as well have developed a panic disorder.
“The first guests will arrive soon,” Buck said, “but I wanted to see you before they steal you away. And, uh, before..”
“Before we make it official?” Eddie picked up the sentence where Buck had left it hanging in the air, a grin tugging at his lips. “By the way, the next time we do this, we won't stay the night apart beforehand. Christopher was a handful this morning,” he muttered then and Buck's grin got even brighter.
“Next time?”
“Oh, haven't you heard?” Eddie asked, shoving lightly at his chest. “I'm divorcing you for sending my sisters to torment me.”
Buck gaped at him and Eddie couldn't help himself – he just looked too cute. He stole another kiss, and then stepped out of their embrace to look back out over the ocean. Buck instantly hugged him from behind, chin landing on his shoulder.
“Did they show up yet? They just snatched Chris away and I'm not sure how much I trust them with him.”
“I haven't spotted them yet, but I'm sure Superman can handle himself. He's pretty good at getting the adults around him to do what he wants.”
“Sure it's not just you who he has wrapped around his little finger?”
Buck left a kiss in his nape and let his breath fan over his earlobe. “I never could resist the Diaz men.”
—
They got about five more minutes of peace before they heard the first car roll to a stop outside. Eddie let Buck pull him into one more deep, lingering kiss, and he was a little weak in the knees by the time Buck left to greet their first guests and show them the way to the beach.
Eddie was marrying the man of his dreams today.
Somehow, after Shannon, after Afghanistan, after a few natural disasters and catastrophes, after bombs and bullet wounds, the universe had decided to give them a break. Eddie needed to take a steadying breath, or twelve, to get his heart back into a normal rhythm.
His not-quite-yet husband was currently directing May down the steps to the beach, when Eddie heard Christopher's voice. He caught them outside, just before his sisters could bombard Buck with questions.
“Sophia and Adriana Diaz!” he called, and their heads swiveled around simultaneously as they stopped in their tracks. Christopher hurried along to greet Buck, but they walked over to him and Eddie didn't like their matching smirks one bit.
“Please, at least let me marry him before you scare him off.”
“I was just going to compliment him on his perfect bone structure, Eddie.”
“And I was simply going to ask if he has a straight brother.”
Eddie groaned, gently smacking the back of Adriana's head. “You will do no such thing. Ay, ¿why is it that mi hermanas están locas?”
Before he could get into it any further with Adriana – she had been gearing up for what was sure to be an excellent retort – Sophia tensed up next to them. “Brace yourself, Eddie,” she warned and not a moment too late.
Their parents had just arrived and they had zeroed in on them, and the distance between Eddie and where they'd parked their car suddenly seemed insignificant. His eyes searched the area for Buck, but he seemed to have gone downstairs to the beach with Christopher, and Maddie was the one currently directing the rest of their guests to the beach.
Good. Eddie had no intention to drag him into what may or may not be about to happen.
See, Eddie had been a coward. He hadn't told his parents that he was dating Buck, hadn't even mentioned that he was engaged to a man. No, he'd opted to simply send them an invitation to their wedding without any further explanation.
In hindsight maybe he should have had this talk with them before. But they'd been busy planning the wedding, and the one time he'd gone to Texas during the last year it had been for two days, just him and Christopher for a cousin's birthday, and it hadn't felt right to open up that can of worms then. Now he realized that it actually would have been the perfect opportunity, since the flight had been scheduled for the next day and he could've just run away from any potential confrontation. Instead, he'd brought it right to his wedding.
He kind of wished he had a time machine – maybe like the one from that one British show Buck had gotten him hooked on – to go back and fix this mistake.
—
As much as he'd teased his sisters all day, right now Eddie was glad they were here. They had taken their place on either side of him, shoulder to shoulder, and were staring down his parents who… they were smiling, actually, and it threw him off his game more than if they'd been angry.
Awkward, stilted greetings were exchanged and then his mother was turning a happy smile on him, and it made his skin crawl. “Congratulations, Edmundo. We were pleased to hear that you are getting married again.”
Eddie nodded stiffly, and he could feel his sisters relaxing minutely next to him – they had probably expected way worse, just like he had.
“Christopher deserves a family, and we are happy that you found someone to have that with,” she continued and Eddie tensed up again, at the reminder that 'family' had so far always meant 'Texas' and 'wife' to them. They'd never even accepted Shannon, so he was taking her words with a grain of salt.
“Thank you?” Eddie said hesitantly.
“I do wish we could have met and gotten to know her–sorry–him beforehand.”
Eddie flinched, but Helena was almost smooth in moving on from that slip of the tongue.
Adriana and Sophia seemed to think that he could handle the situation on his own, and once they spotted Abuela and Pepa arriving, they wandered off, leaving Eddie's shoulders feeling weirdly cold. But even his father didn't seem to want to say anything that would start a fight right now and Eddie was.. pleasantly surprised.
“Mamá, you've actually met Buck.”
“Yes, but not as your – not as a part of the family.” Eddie nodded. That could be remedied, if they were serious about this. He looked at his dad, who cleared his throat.
“We were a little shocked when we got your letter, Edmundo, but.. we might not believe in your way of life, but we support your decision. We love you and came to show that support – that is, if we are welcome.”
Eddie cringed a little at that wording, but what he took away from it was that his parents were trying. They were here, they supported him, and they loved him. What more did he want?
He finally wrapped his mom into a hug, and it felt warmer than any of the ones he'd received in the past years. Maybe they could finally repair a little bit of the trust lost between them. Eddie didn't even notice that a few tears fell, until she cupped his cheeks, wiping them away. Apparently their support meant more to him than he'd let himself feel before now.
“May we re-meet our son-in-law now?” Helena asked, patting his cheek lovingly, and Eddie nodded, swallowing down the lump in his throat.
“He's down at the beach. He's – you'll recognize him, he's the one who looks like he swallowed the sun.”
“And his parents? Your future parents-in-law?”
Eddie grimaced. That was another sore topic he didn't want to think about today. “They're not coming.”
“Oh?”
“We didn't invite them. It's – it's complicated. You will not be meeting them if it can be helped.”
Eddie would probably sucker punch them if the Buckley parents ever came anywhere near Buck again, and he'd rather avoid that whole side of his family. Preferably forever.
His mother looked like she had questions, but was waiting for a better moment to ask them and Eddie appreciated it. “We will join the other guests now. Congratulations again, mijo.”
—
A few breaths did wonders for him, and Eddie noticed that he had really needed the moment alone, without anyone bothering him, to regain his composure after that talk.
It seemed like most guests had arrived by now – their ceremony wasn't going to be very big, but they did have a lot of people who were important to them. He kept standing there anyway, at the halfway mark between the parking lot and the beach, waiting for stragglers and fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt, and a minute later Hen was standing in front of him.
“What do you need?” she asked and he raised an eyebrow. “I saw your parents. Do you need me to kick them out? Throw a few punches? Want a glass of water? Do I need to grab Buck?”
Eddie's face morphed into a smile. “Thanks, Hen. They actually weren't too bad. They're trying, and that's more than whatever they would have done a few years ago. They're probably going to say some things, but I'm gonna go ahead and assume they mean well.”
Hen squeezed his shoulder, looking proud. “And if you grab Buck right now, I'm pretty sure the wedding won't happen,” he tacked on, and she suddenly looked confused. “I just mean – if Buck was here right now, with all our guests down there, I cannot guarantee that I wouldn't stuff him into a car and drag him to Vegas after all.”
Hen seemed to understand, and Eddie regretted a little bit that he'd said that, when Buck's head popped up on the stairs a second later and she bolted, manhandling him around until she could shoo him back down the stairs. Eddie caught his pout over her head, but there was nothing he could do. Not with the immovable object that was Henrietta Wilson in between them.
Hen returned with a bottle of water and he gratefully took a swig, before looking around once more. “Is everyone here?”
“I think so. They're all waiting for you now, Eddie. You ready to do this?”
A lovesick smile spread over his lips and he applauded Hen for not making retching noises just this once. Buck and him were somehow still in their honeymoon phase, and their colleagues made sure to let them know each and every time they were being too sappy. Today he had a free pass.
“I've been ready for years. Let's make me a Buckley!”
—
Everyone was standing in little groups, introducing themselves or simply chatting, and Eddie made it about halfway to Buck before people noticed him. Suddenly everyone quieted down and started taking their seats. Everyone except for Buck and Christopher.
The kid had his head thrown back in a loud, joyful laugh, when Buck whispered something to him, and Eddie was already grinning when he joined them. “What's so funny?”
“Ring bears, Eddie, really?”
Chris cackled once more and Eddie tried hiding his smirk in the corner of his cheek. “Yep. I can be funny too, you know. That's not just reserved for you two in this family.”
“Doubtful,” Buck snickered and Eddie stuck his tongue out at his son who was still laughing at him.
Eddie ran a hand through his unruly curls and then leaned up to peck Buck's lips, just as someone cleared their throat behind them.
Bobby was standing there, the ocean glistening behind him, an amused smile playing around his lips. Eddie's face got a little hot and he took a step back, letting his eyes flit over the rows of people watching them.
He could see his parents sitting a little stiffly but with smiles on their faces next to Abuela and Pepa; his sisters were giving him not-so-subtle thumbs ups, and Eddie's heart grew two sizes as his eyes drifted over all of their friends and family, who were gathered here together, all in one place to celebrate their love. Hen and Maddie had joined them up here, whispering to each other and to Bobby, until everyone had taken their place and they straightened up, too.
Eddie turned back to smile at Buck, and he got lost in the gentle slope of his mouth, the brilliant blue of his eyes and the beautiful spot of pink right over his eyebrow.
This was really happening.
Eddie was so in love he could've swooned.
—
Bobby started talking, addressing their guests, but all of Eddie's attention stayed focused on Buck – the man was his whole universe, after all.
His hair was perfectly done and Eddie missed his curls a little, but he was sure running his hands through it a few times would loosen it up. The suit he was wearing was tailored just for him and somehow it made his arms look even bigger than usual, the material stretching over his biceps when he moved it, gently touching Eddie's elbow. The color of the tie perfectly complemented his eyes, and the way his slacks hugged his thighs made him—
“Babe.” His eyes snapped back up to Buck, who looked amused, and then to Bobby who was looking fond but a little exasperated. “Sorry, I, uh–”
“Shall we?”
“Go ahead.”
“Then let me begin.” Bobby turned to their family and Eddie smoothed down his lapels, took his place across from Buck on the little bamboo mat. He could hear the waves when the chatter died down next to them, and a little breeze kept the temperature low enough to still be comfortable in the heat of the sun. They'd chosen the perfect day, and everything had gone to plan. Now there was just one thing left to do.
Hen was standing behind him, squeezing his arm in support, and Eddie could spot Maddie doing the same behind Buck. Eddie had the urge to loosen his tie, but there wasn't even a hint of panic in him, it was simply the fact that his heart was running a marathon in his chest, threatening to burst free from all the love he was feeling. He took a breath, steeled himself, and Bobby started speaking.
“We all know why we're here. I'm not gonna do this like a pastor, since we know these two asked me to do this because that's exactly what they didn't want.” A wave of a chuckle ran through their friends and Eddie could see Buck's smile turn a little brighter, a little happier, if that was even possible.
They'd chosen Bobby to officiate, because they wanted it to be someone they knew and trusted; wanted it to be personal. Neither of them was big on going to church, and finding an independent officiant would've meant having to explain their story to a complete stranger and await their judgment. Like this they didn't have to do any of that. They'd simply asked Bobby, and he'd promised he'd handle it.
“When I hired Eddie right out of the academy, I knew he'd be a great fit with the team. I paired him up with Buck, because I thought they'd work well together, complement each other with their skill sets, and.. at first it was a complete disaster.” He could see a slight flush rising on Buck's cheeks, but Bobby simply continued with a small grin.
“For about a day and a half I was convinced that I'd made the worst decision I'd ever made as a Captain. It could've all gone downhill from there, but it turned out that Eddie kept his cool, and Buck just needed a little push to trust him. From then on their friendship grew steadily into a partnership, into a bond that withstood the good times and the bad and the worse. They stood by each other relentlessly and I, just like many of you who are here today, had the privilege to watch them grow into a family.”
Buck reached out a hand to Eddie, thumb rubbing over his knuckles and catching on a small scar. “It took them a long time to recognize the kind of love that had blossomed between them, maybe even longer than some of the people here needed to see it–” Eddie was certain that the snicker he heard came from right behind him and he inconspicuously kicked Hen's ankle.
"–but once they did, it was like they finally arrived home. We all know these two, and have witnessed their love in all shapes and forms, and it is obvious that nothing could ever come between them, or could break them apart. Theirs is a love built on respect, on trust, on faith not just in each other, but also their ability to work through everything life throws at them. Together they've built a family here, and this is one more milestone for them, a stepping stone to a shared life.”
The proud look Bobby gave him lasted only for a few seconds, but it went right down to the depths of Eddie's heart, before he turned to Buck and did the same. Eddie was a little choked up by now and he wondered if Bobby would actually manage to make him cry – Buck's eyes were already brimming with unshed tears.
“I could spin hours upon hours of yarns about these boys, but brevity is the soul of wit, and we all want to get to the food and the dancing.” Everyone snickered and Christopher got to his feet when Bobby beckoned him closer, wearing a wide grin that had Eddie's heart stuttering.
“So, since neither one of them wrote their own vows, we're going to skip right to the good part. Christopher.”
Chris handed him one of the rings and Eddie leaned down, kissing his cheek. “Thank you, mijo. I love you.” Buck leaned down to kiss his head when he received Eddie's ring and then the kid was shuffling back to his seat, almost shaking with excitement when he sat back down.
Eddie took a deep breath and then turned his eyes back on Buck, as Bobby kept talking. He'd spent hours staring into those deep blue eyes by now, learning exactly what they looked like when the sun hit them, or what they were trying to tell him. With just a glance he was able to determine how Buck was feeling, what he was thinking. Sometimes what Buck couldn't say out loud was right there, plain to see for Eddie, and he prided himself in the fact that they knew each other this well by now.
The look he saw in his eyes now still almost managed to catch him off guard.
Buck looked more in love than Eddie had ever seen him. His expression was open, unguarded, and so full of devotion that all he wanted to do was bask in it. But Bobby had asked him a question, and he sure as hell was going to answer. He would have the rest of his life to bask in Buck's love.
“Yes. Yes, I do. I really do.”
“Good. Buck? Do you take Eddie–”
Bobby couldn't even get the whole question out, before Buck was already answering with the enthusiasm that Eddie had come to know and love of him.
“Hell yes! Bobby, please, can I–?” Buck was bouncing on his heels and Eddie was almost leaning in, before Bobby reminded them, “The rings, Buck?”
Eddie couldn't have wiped the grin off of his face if he tried. Buck almost fumbled the ring when he slid it onto Eddie's finger, and he could feel his own hand shaking when he returned the gesture. After an expectant look to Bobby, he continued.
“Well then, with all the formalities out of the way: I now pronounce you husbands. Go on, kiss him.”
Eddie almost stumbled into Hen when Buck surged forward, kissing him with a vigor that almost made him weak in the knees. Eddie cupped his cheek, leaning their foreheads together as they pulled apart, both grinning like fools.
He could hear their family cheering them on, and it took a moment before he managed to pull away from his husband to receive Hen's congratulatory hug. He was shaking a little from the adrenaline, the excitement, and her steady hand on his arm calmed him a little.
“You did it, Diaz. You made it.”
“Couldn't have done it without you Hen, thank you.”
He kissed her cheek before he was whisked away by Maddie, and then Christopher latched onto him while he made his way through the crowd, hugging each and every one of their guests in thanks.
—
Eddie didn't get anywhere near Buck again until they were already upstairs and everyone was finding their seats at the tables. A hand wrapped around his wrist and he was unceremoniously pulled into the hallway leading to the bathrooms. His back hit the wall and then Buck was claiming his mouth in a searing hot kiss, and Eddie had to stifle a moan in his neck when he grinded against him.
“Shit – Buck, ah, isn't it customary to wait until after the food and the dancing before hooking up – nghk – in the reception hall bathroom?”
“Eddie, we're married. You're finally my husband!”
Hands were on his ass, tugging on his tie, trying to pull his shirt free to get at the skin underneath, and if Eddie didn't stop him soon, he'd end up half undressed right here in the hallway, with all of his friends just a door away.
“I know, I was there. Baby, please…”
Buck licked the shell of his ear, breath ghosting over the spot as Eddie tried to hold himself together. “I wanna make you scream, Eds. I'll make it soo good, come on–”
“Jesus Christ!” Eddie had to take a deep breath, and he pushed Buck an arm's length away to get his brain to work. “As much as I'd love that, I'm not abandoning our guests – at least not just yet. You can have all of me. Tonight.”
Buck looked like he wanted to argue his point, but then he seemed to change his mind, instead latching on to his neck, lips landing in the space between his jaw and his shirt, until Eddie could feel the mark forming where his teeth were worrying the skin. And maybe, if he would've continued, Buck actually could've gotten him to change his mind.
When he stepped back Eddie knew he looked disheveled, even though they were still fully dressed and almost decent. Buck's lips were pink and a little kiss-swollen, and there was a promise in his eyes for so much more, and he almost dragged him into the bathroom after all. The smell of food was what saved them from further indecency, since Buck's stomach growled loud enough for both of them to hear.
“You're right. We paid a lot of money for this caterer, I'm not gonna miss out on the food.”
“Too bad we couldn't get Bobby to play officiant and chef.”
They straightened up before they went back – everyone probably knew exactly what they'd been doing, but that didn't mean they had to look the part – and Eddie couldn't stop grinning as Buck led him by the hand to their table.
—
The food was as delicious as when they'd first tasted it and everyone seemed content to eat until the kids got restless and demanded music. Everyone slowly finished up and joined them on the little dance floor, and Eddie was happy to sit there chatting with his family, his friends and his colleagues, and he was pretty sure his face was going to hurt later from all the smiling.
Tables got pushed aside to make more room when the first drinks were starting to filter through people's blood streams, and then Eddie found himself being pulled up by his hand, when a slow song started. Buck's arms wrapped around him and Eddie laid his head down on his shoulder, soaking up the love that seemed to permeate the air. He was held close, swaying to the beat of the music, and he only leaned back far enough to look at him, when Buck tilted his chin up. He kissed him, slow and deep, until Buck spoke against his lips.
“You're so beautiful today, Eds.”
“Mhm?”
“I can't believe it's only been a year and now we're married.”
Eddie chuckled, threading his fingers through his hair. “Feels like we've been together for much longer.”
“You still wanna divorce me for this morning?”
“We'll see. I don't think they'll give us gifts the second time around, so for now you're gonna stay a Diaz.”
Buck laughed softly, stealing another kiss, and Eddie was content in the feeling that they were the only two people left in the world, until there was a tap on his shoulder and he got pulled out of their little bubble.
“May I dance with my son?” Helena was looking at Buck, who kissed his cheek before veering off to find someone else to dance with, and Eddie got pulled into his mother's arms.
“Congratulations, mijo.” Eddie moved them to the music, eyes searching for Buck every now and then. He never could go long without knowing where his partner was, and today it felt like his eyes were drawn to Buck as soon as he was out of his reach.
“Thank you, so.. how do you like him?”
“He seems like a wonderful boy. But that isn't my main concern.”
“No?”
“You look happy, Eddie. I don't think.. I haven't seen you this happy since you were a teenager telling me about your first great love.”
The world kept turning around them, but Eddie froze, staring at his mom. They'd barely ever talked about things this close to their hearts, much less about emotions they were feeling, so he was a little stunned by her words.
“Eddie, when you came back from overseas, something had changed. I know we didn't handle it well, and all of us said things we would rather take back, but.. I think what scared me most was that it felt like I had lost my son. You left something behind in that desert.”
His heart clenched in his chest, and Buck frowned when they made eye contact over her head. He minutely shook his head, not ready to have him interrupt her; he needed to hear this, just as much as she seemed to have to say it.
“We fought for so many years that it felt like the only thing we were good at anymore. We lost so much time. We missed a lot of opportunities, a lot of milestones that you and our grandson made, but seeing you today, seeing you with that man, seeing how much he cares for you and Christopher…” She seemed to search for something in his expression, and a soft smile spread over her face as she found it. He leaned into the gentle touch of her hand on his cheek, hoping that it wasn't too noticeable how close to tears he was again.
“You made a life for yourself here, Edmundo, and you found someone who is good for you, who loves all of you with his whole heart, but.. I think what's even more important is that on the way you found yourself again. The look in your face, the way you carry yourself – I thought you'd lost all of that in the war.”
She kissed his temple and Eddie really needed a breather to get himself together again. “I love you, mijo, and I hope that Ramón and I have a place within this new life of yours, this new, beautiful family you've built here. But at the end of the day I am simply happy because I know my son found happiness.”
“I have, mamá. Buck, he.. I couldn't imagine my life without him anymore. He is everything to me. He is my world. He is my home.”
“He brings out the best parts of you, mijo. It is obvious to everyone here how important you are to each other.”
“Thank you for being here today. I love you, too.”
Eddie wasn't sure what else to say, so he just held her close and danced with her, while his heart pounded in his chest and his mind tried to process her words.
—
Eddie danced with her for a little while longer, until the emotions in his chest threatened to spill over. He excused himself and snuck out of the front door, walking a few paces until he reached the stairs overlooking the ocean and the beach where they'd gotten married just hours earlier.
The air had cooled off a little by now and the sun was starting to melt into the horizon. Eddie sat there for a little while, watching the water and reflecting on the events of today. He loosened his tie, opened the top couple of buttons of his dress shirt, and he could breathe a little easier. When he heard footsteps behind him, he didn't have to look up to know who it was.
Buck sat down on the steps next to him, sliding an arm around his waist and Eddie sighed softly, resting his head on his shoulder, and they sat there in a comfortable silence, listening to the waves crashing against the shore, and the muffled music and laughter coming from inside.
“Your sister keeps hitting on me,” Buck said, breaking the silence after a while and Eddie laughed gently.
“Which one? I'm pretty sure they're both interested.”
“What can I say? I'm just that irresistible.”
Eddie pecked his lips, sliding a hand around his nape. “You, Evan Buckley, are the most amazing man I know. And you're all mine.”
“I wouldn't have it any other way. What do you say we get out of here?”
Cocking an eyebrow, Eddie looked past him, to the venue, to where their whole family was celebrating their union. “We can't just ditch our own reception..?”
“I know for a fact that there's cold beer in our fridge and an empty house waiting for us.”
“Buck–”
“Eddie, most of the people in there we see every single day at work. Your family is gonna be here for a few more days, so we'll have more chances to hang out with them, and I can see that you are exhausted. Physically and emotionally. I don't know what your mom said to you earlier, but it looked like it was a lot.”
“You know that I love you, right?”
“Yeah. So, what do you say I take my husband home and show him what a real wedding night is supposed to look like? I think there's even some leftover pizza still in the oven and I'm dying to get you out of that suit.”
Eddie got to his feet and held out his hand for Buck, and it felt like he was holding his whole future in the palm of his hand when he took it and led the way to the car, to the first moment of the rest of their lives.