Page 63 of All of Me

Exactly. If you want to propose, do it. Callie knows you. She knows your heart. She knows you wouldn’t do something like that just because her ex is getting married.

I look over at Callie again, her head resting against the back of the couch as she strokes Ruby’s soft hair. The sight makes my chest tighten, my earlier hesitation fading.

Me:

It just doesn’t feel like the right time. I want it to be special. For her.

Will:

Fair.

Luke:

But don’t overthink it, man. Callie’s crazy about you.

Me:

Noted.

The conversation shifts back to lighter topics—plans for the rest of the day, jokes about who’s going to eat the most ham at dinner—but my thoughts stay with Callie. My replies in the group chat become more automatic, my thumbs moving out of habit rather than focus.

I know the guys are right. It’s not about Adam or anyone else. It’s about her, about us, and about what we’re building together. I bought a ring already, weeks ago. It’s tucked away in a pair of socks in my dresser. I know I want to take this next step, I but can’t seem to find the right moment.

I’ve pictured it so many times: her face when I ask, the way her eyes would light up, the slight catch in her breath before she says yes. But now, I’m afraid that proposing too soon, after everything with Adam, would cast doubt on my intentions. Would she see it for what it is? Or would she think I was trying to prove something, to overshadow her past?

I pocket my phone, willing the questions to the back of my mind as I step into the living room. Callie is still on the couch, Ruby cradled in her arms. The baby’s tiny fingers clutch at her blanket, her soft breaths a soothing rhythm against the quiet hum of the heater.

“What’d they say?” Callie asks, glancing up at me, her voice light and curious.

I force a grin, sliding onto the couch beside her. “Nothing important,” I say, trying to sound as easygoing as possible. “Just giving me a hard time, as usual.”

Her lips curve into a small smile as she leans her head on my shoulder. The warmth of her touch settles me, grounding me in the moment. Ruby shifts in her arms, her little face scrunching briefly before relaxing again, her tiny body trusting and content.

“Everything okay?” Callie asks, her voice laced with quiet concern.

I wrap an arm around her, brushing a kiss to the top of her head. “Yeah,” I say, my voice steady. And it’s true, with her next to me and Ruby nestled safely in her arms, everything feels like it should. Whatever doubts I have about timing or how to make it perfect, I’ll figure it out. It’ll be worth the wait.

part two

FOUR MONTHS LATER

twenty-three

THE STORY - BRANDY CARLILE

CALLIE - APRIL 13, 2014

The last few months have been a whirlwind. Since Christmas, life has settled into a rhythm, though it’s not without its bumps. The holidays brought their own share of chaos, and as much as I tried to focus on the joy, Adam’s actions left a lingering sting.

January came and went in a blur, with Ruby growing bigger every day and Sara turning into a chatterbox who calls Owen “Owie” more and more. It’s hilarious, but also a little bittersweet because I know it won’t last forever. Barrett is already asking when we can go back to Cedar Bluff to visit his cousins. And me? I’m just trying to keep everything balanced—work, the kids, and carving out time with Owen whenever we can get it.

Valentine’s Day was supposed to be our night. Owen had made plans—a nice dinner, maybe some dancing if we felt adventurous, and a hotel room in Cedar Bluff for a night away from the kids. But, as usual, Adam threw a wrench in things. He canceled his night with the girls at the last minute, claiming he had a work emergency, and suddenly, our romantic evening turned into a chaotic night at home.

Owen, being the incredible man he is, took it all in stride. Instead of the fancy dinner, he made ribeyes and asparagus, perfectly cooked like always, and even whipped up a red velvet cake for dessert. Barrett “helped” by sneaking into the kitchen to lick the cake batter off the side of the bowl, his giggles filling the air when Owen caught him in the act. We ended the night cuddled on the couch with all three kids until Ruby fell asleep in his arms, her tiny hand clutching his shirt. It wasn’t what we’d planned, but it was still pretty damn close to perfect. Even though I was disappointed we couldn’t go out, I couldn’t help but love him even more for how he handled it.

Now, it’s nearly Easter, and I’m standing behind the counter at the coffee shop feeling like all the stress is finally catching up with me. I do my best to push it aside, to focus on the things that really matter. We have a trip to New Orleans coming up that Owen and I have been planning for months.

The hum of the espresso machine fills the air, blending with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of mugs. The shop is bustling, and I can barely keep up with the orders coming through. Brooke is at the counter, her smile a little forced as she takes orders while keeping an eye on the growing line. Normally, she’s in the back handling logistics or roasting the coffee beans to send out to the local grocery stores, but lately, the coffee shop’s popularity has been through the roof, and we’re all hands on deck.

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