Chapter Text
“I’m proud to present Evan Buckley with his 1 year sober chip,” Bobby announces, and the crowd cheers, Eddie’s voice booming over the rest. Buck walks up, and takes it from Bobby, shaking his hand. “Seriously, congratulations Buck. I know it isn’t easy.”
“Thanks, Bobby,” Buck says, the small silver chip sitting heavily in his hand, yet it makes him feel lighter.
“You’ve come so far,” Bobby admires, and Buck feels his cheeks heat up.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, or Jodi,” Buck says, turning to look at his sponsor who sits in the audience.
“Jodi is the staple of this community,” Bobby jokes. She had been his sponsor for a short period of time when Wendall had to step back.
Buck turns to the crowd, and clears his throat nervously. No matter how many times he’s done this, he always feels a bit anxious standing up here.
“My name is Buck, and I’m an alcoholic.”
“Hi Buck.”
“I don’t have a lot to say. I just want to say, uhm, thank you, I guess. This program helped save my life. Literally,” Buck says, and he sees some people nod. He knows they relate heavily. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m so glad I have people like Bobby who helped me get into it, and helped me believe in myself. Recovery isn’t linear, and I hope that each and every one of you get to stand up here, and accept a chip of your own.”
“I’m so fucking proud of you,” Eddie says, pulling Buck straight into his arms once the meeting ends.
“Thank you for coming,” Buck mutters, letting his weight sink against him.
“Are you kidding me? There was no way I would miss this.”
“You were the loudest one in the crowd.”
“Damn right,” Eddie says proudly.
“It means a lot,” Buck says, and Eddie softens little.
“It means a lot that you’re doing this program, and taking it seriously. I’m so grateful for how far you’ve come. You’re so strong,” Eddie says, and Buck huffs awkwardly, flustered by the compliment.
“I’m just lucky to have such a supportive fiancé,” Buck says, smiling toothily at Eddie.
“I’ll always support you, Buck. Just like I know you’ll always support me.”
“Always.” Buck promises, and he means it.
Buck wants forever with Eddie.
***
“How are you feeling?” Maddie asks, watching Buck smooth his clothes out in the mirror.
“Like I’m going to throw up,” he answers honestly.
“Okay, but like, in a good way? Or a bad way?”
Buck turns to his sister and smiles. “Definitely a good way.”
“I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I never thought this day would come,” Maddie says, fanning her face to try and dry the swelling tears.
“You don’t have to sound so surprised,” Buck grumbles, and Maddie chuckles.
“You have to admit, you were a bit of a player.”
“Yeah, but that’s Buck 1.0. This Buck is ready to settle down.”
“I hate to break it to ‘this Buck,’ but you’ve been settled down for years. You’ve been coparenting his kid since the day you met him,” Maddie reminds, and Buck hums.
“I think that’s the perfect story.”
“I think so too. I love Christopher. And Eddie,” she says, and Buck smiles.
“I love them too.”
There’s a knock at the door, and the siblings turn to see Hen cracking it open slowly.
“It’s time,” Hen says giddily. She’s been waiting for this day, and even placed bets on it.
“Okay,” Buck exhales slowly, and shakes his hands out. “Okay, let’s do this.”
Buck walks out of the room, and Bobby is waiting for him.
“Are you ready, son?”
“I was born ready.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Bobby huffs. He holds his arm out, Bucks slides his arm through the crook of the elbow.
They open the doors, revealing the gorgeous isle leading to the forest. Buck and Bobby walk down to the altar slowly, enjoying the music, and the smiles on their friends' faces. Once in front of Chimney, who looks downright giddy holding his book, attempting to look like a ‘real officiant,' Buck turns to face Bobby.
“Is it too late for a shovel talk?” Bobby jokes.
“A bit,” Buck says, pulling Bobby into a fierce hug. “Thanks, pops.”
“I love you, Buck.”
“I love you too,” Buck says, and Bobby pulls back, before taking his seat.
Buck stands on the altar excitedly, staring at the aisle as the doors open again. Outcomes Eddie, looking absolutely breathtaking in his black suit. Chris is next to him, growing too tall too fast for Bucks liking. His arm is linked with Eddie’s, as they walk down the aisle. Eddie didn’t want anyone else to give him away, he is dusted it was Christopher, which Buck easily agreed. It was perfect.
Everyone watches, eyes wet with tears as they reach the altar.
“Take care of him,” Chris mumbles to Buck, and Eddie laughs.
“I promise I will. I’ll take care of you both, buddy,” Buck swears, kissing the top of Chris' hair gently.
Buck holds out his hand, and helps Eddie up the few steps.
“You look dashing.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you use those words,” Eddie teases, and Buck smiles.
“I’ve been saving them for today.”
“You look so handsome, Evan,” Eddie says, and Buck almost leans in to kiss him, before remembering he can’t.
At least, not yet.
Buck admires Eddie’s face in the light cast by the sunset. And he is happy. Finally happy. Because he survived to see another sunset, and he could never be more grateful.
Because Buck was right.
He did turn out okay.
And Buck didn’t want to miss another minute with his family.