Just us║E. Buckley x O.C.

"A catastrophe happened in Texas; they need all the help they can get. Bobby asked who wants to go. Hen and Eddie already said yes, but I want to talk to you first. What should I do, Hope?"

Buck's voice is tense as we sit down on the couch.

"What do you want to do?" I reply, moving closer to him. "I'll support whatever decision you make, but know that if you decide to go, the kids and I are coming with you."

Buck smiles faintly, though worry is evident on his face. "I'll have to ask Bobby if you can come with us. You could help by preparing food for the volunteers, right?"

He doesn't have time to finish his sentence before crying interrupts us, Charlotte has woken up from her nap. "I'll go," I say, standing up. "You call Bobby. We need to decide quickly."

While I calm Charlotte and put her back to sleep, Buck talks to the captain. When he comes back to the living room, he greets me with a smile.
"Pack your bags, sweetheart. Hen and Eddie are waiting for us at the station in two hours."

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An hour and a half later, with our bags packed and the kids ready, we're set to leave. The long journey from Los Angeles to Austin lies ahead.

At the station, Buck apologizes for the delay. "You know how kids are when they're hungry," he jokes with a smile, while I greet Hen and Eddie with quick hugs and thank Bobby for letting us join the mission.

"Alright," Bobby says, his tone serious but fatherly. "There are seven of you, and I want all seven to come back. Hope, I want updates every hour."

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The trip is endless: twenty-two hours in a truck through multiple states. Luckily, the kids sleep for most of the time. When we finally arrive at the staging area, we're exhausted. Buck and Eddie immediately get to work while I look for Captain Strand.

"Captain?" I call out, trying to get his attention.

"Yes? How can I help you?" he responds, his expression betraying his exhaustion.

"I'm Hope Buckley-Trevisan. Captain Nash told me to report to you. I'm here to help however I can."

The captain gives a slight smile. "Nice to meet you, Hope. The captain mentioned you. Your husband is here with you, right? And your kids?"

"That's right, but don't worry, they're calm and won't be a problem."

"On the contrary," he replies with a warmer smile, "they'll bring some joy to people who've been here for days. If you'd like, you can help in the medical tent. But if the situation worsens, I want you and the kids in a safe place."

Not long after, I'm back with Buck. As the kids sleep soundly, I watch him with concern.
"Promise me you'll be careful?" I whisper.

"The last thing I want is to worry you. I promise," he replies, brushing his lips against mine.

During the deputy commander's speech, I notice a familiar figure in the crowd.
"Evan, doesn't she look familiar?" I ask him quietly, pointing at a girl with my gaze.

He studies her closely. "Yeah, but I can't remember where I've seen her."

Before we can think about it further, Hen calls us to attention. "Stop staring at her. You're being creepy."