Page 136 of All of Me

Callie glances up, brushing a piece of hair out of her face. “So what are you guys working on? Anything major?”

“Just clearing out the last of the stuff in the barn, making sure everything’s ready for the kids.” I pause, looking down at Ruby as she clumsily pulls herself up on the side of a box, her little legs wobbling as she steadies herself. “It’s gonna be their place now. I want it to be perfect.”

Callie’s expression softens. “It already is.”

I watch Ruby as she babbles something to herself, then plops back onto her butt, unimpressed with this whole walking and standing thing. Sara immediately sits beside her, handing her bunny in a sweet comforting gesture. I get the feeling she quickly regrets it because it’s only a matter of seconds before the bunny’s ear is in Ruby’s mouth and she’s chomping on it.

A few years ago, I never would’ve believed it. Back then, I was just trying to keep my head above water—raising Barrett, figuring out how to co-parent, working long hours just to make sure I didn’t screw everything up. I never thought I’d get this. A home. A wife I love more than anything. A family that keeps growing, that feels more solid than anything I’ve ever had.

The farmhouse smells like dust and wood shavings, the air thick with the scent of fresh-cut lumber and the faint remnants of old pipe smoke—probably from when Uncle Teddy used to sit out here on the back porch after long days in the field. The place still has good bones, but after sitting empty for months, it needs a little extra attention before it’s move-in ready.

I glance around the porch, taking in the state of things. The railing is weathered and splintering in spots, the boards under my boots uneven from years of wear and tear. It’s not bad, but it’s not good enough for my kids to be running around on either.

We’ve already started tearing up the worst of it. Piles of old boards are stacked near the edge of the yard, ready to be hauled off later. Vince is crouched near the steps, using a pry bar to loosen a stubborn nail. Will is leaning against the porch railing, taking a long swig from his beer. Luke, on the other hand, is being as useless as ever, sitting on the steps and scrolling through his phone.

I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my arm. “You planning to work at some point?” I ask, nodding at Luke.

He doesn’t even look up. “I am working. Moral support.”

Will snorts. “Yeah, because that’s exactly what Owen needs right now.”

Vince shakes his head as he stands, rolling his shoulders. “I say we just let him sit there. We’ll see how much moral support keeps him warm in November when Owen’s got us all out here finishing this shit in the freezing cold.”

Luke groans, finally tucking his phone into his pocket. “Fine, fine. Don’t get your boxers in a twist.”

I smirk, shaking my head.

We work in relative silence for a bit, the only sounds being the occasional grunt of effort, the crunch of nails being pulled from old wood, and the clank of discarded boards hitting the ground.

Eventually, Vince stretches, rolling his shoulders. “Hey, did I tell you guys we got a new CO at the prison?”

Will wipes the back of his hand across his forehead. “What’s he like?”

Vince adjusts his grip on the pry bar, shifting his stance. “CO Monroe. Started a couple of months ago. Had to shadow me for a while.”

Luke lets out a low whistle. “Damn, they’re making the rookies shadow you? Place must be hurting.”

Vince glares. “Shut up.”

Will nods. “So what’s he like?”

Vince pries up another board before answering. “She’s got the right attitude for the job—doesn’t take shit from anybody.”

Luke stops mid-sip of his beer. “She?”

Vince frowns, like he’s just realizing the slip. “Yeah.”

Luke grins. “Ohhh, a lady CO? That changes things.” He waggles his eyebrows. “Is she hot?”

Vince levels him with a look. “Jesus, man.”

Luke holds up his hands. “What? It’s a valid question.”

Vince shakes his head. “She’s—” He hesitates. “She’s just... different. Got this tough-as-nails thing going on, but she actually gives a shit about the job. More than most do.”

Will watches him for a beat. “You like her.”

Vince scoffs. “No, I don’t.”

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