Page 107 of All of Me

“Not even a little,” I say honestly. “Just ready to see Callie walk down that aisle.”

Vince grins, leaning back. “Good answer. But just so you know, if you mess up your vows or trip walking down the aisle, I’m putting it on social media.”

“Absolutely,” Luke chimes in. “We’ve got to document these things. For posterity.”

Will nods. “It’d be a shame if we didn’t preserve the moment for future generations to mock.”

“Why am I friends with any of you?” I ask, shaking my head.

“Because we keep your life interesting,” Vince says, stealing another donut.

Barrett shuffles into the kitchen a few minutes later, his pajamas rumpled and his hair sticking up in every direction. Vince crouches down to greet him, ruffling his hair. “Hey, big guy. You ready for the big day?”

Barrett yawns, leaning against my leg. “Dad’s getting married.”

“That’s right,” I say, scooping him up and holding him close. “You ready to help me out today?”

He nods, his head resting against my shoulder. “Yeah. I’m gonna carry the rings.”

Luke leans forward, pretending to whisper conspiratorially. “Big responsibility, buddy. You think you’re up for it?”

Barrett sits up, his little chest puffed out with pride. “I’m ready.”

“Of course you are,” Will says, giving Barrett a high five. “You’re gonna do great.”

I press a kiss to Barrett’s temple, my chest tightening with a mix of pride and love. He’s so small, and he’s going to play a big role in something that means everything to me.

The living room turns into a makeshift dressing area, and it’s pure chaos. Luke’s trying to figure out a pocket square, Will’s trying to tie his tie while eating another donut, and Vince is the only one who looks like he knows what he’s doing.

“Stop choking me!” Luke yells as Will attempts to help him with his tie. “I’m not trying to die before the wedding.”

“You’d be fine if you’d just stand still,” Will argues, shaking his head. “How do you not know how to tie a tie at your age?”

“Because I usually don’t wear one!” Luke retorts. “My style is ‘casual cool.’ You should try it sometime.”

Vince steps in, shaking his head. “Alright, children, let the grown-up handle this. Luke, stop flailing before I actually choke you with this tie.”

Luke freezes, mock glaring. “You’re supposed to be the calm cousin. What happened to that vibe?”

“Went out the window when you started acting like a fish out of water,” Vince deadpans, tying the knot in thirty seconds flat. “There. You’re welcome.”

I laugh as I adjust my own tie in the bedroom mirror. Barrett sits on the bed behind me, swinging his legs and watching me intently. “Do I look okay, buddy?” I ask, turning to face him.

He tilts his head, his little face serious. “You look like a prince.”

The comment catches me off guard, and I crouch down, grinning at him. “Thanks, kiddo. You’re gonna steal the show out there, you know.”

Barrett grins, his cheeks dimpling. “You think Callie’s gonna like my bow tie?”

“She’s gonna love it,” I say, straightening it for him. “You’re gonna be the best Best Man ever.”

“Better than Luke would be,” Will adds, earning a mock glare from Luke.

When we’re finally ready, we pile into two cars. The banter continues all the way to the Van Damme Hawkridge Estate. The significance of the day weighs on me as the house fades in the rearview mirror, and the estate comes into view. Today isn’t just about me and Callie—it’s about our family, our future, and the life we’re about to build together. It is about to start.

The sun is high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the Van Damme Hawkridge Estate. The setup is everything Callie dreamed it would be—rustic and elegant, simple and beautiful. White chairs line the lawn in perfect rows, each one tied with burlap bows and adorned with small bunches of wildflowers. The barn looms in the distance, weathered and proud, standing witness to generations of family milestones. Today, it will witness ours.

I stand at the altar, my hands clasped in front of me, trying to keep them from shaking. The air is alive with the quiet hum of anticipation, the whispers of guests mingling with the soft rustle of the breeze. Every detail of this day feels larger than life, and I can’t seem to stop the pounding in my chest. I glance at Barrett, who’s beside me, proudly holding the small pillow with the rings tied carefully to it. He looks up at me, his little face beaming, and I can’t help but smile back.

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