Page 90 of All of Me

“Yeah,” I agree, though my shoulders are still tense. “It’s just hard not to think about what could happen. I know Will’s watching out for her, but what if Alex shows up again? What if?—”

“Owen,” Callie interrupts gently, stepping closer. She places her free hand on my arm, grounding me in a way only she can. “She’s taking the right steps. She’s protecting herself and Barrett. You’ve done everything you can. You can’t carry all of this on your own.”

Her words are soft but firm, and I let them settle over me, their truth undeniable. “I just don’t want to fail him,” I admit quietly. “I don’t want him to feel like I didn’t do enough to keep him safe.”

“You’re not failing him,” Callie says, her voice unwavering. “You’re the best dad he could ever have. He knows that, Owen. And I know it too.”

Ruby coos softly in Callie’s arms, her tiny hand reaching out to grab at the fabric of my shirt. I take her small hand in mine, the warmth of her touch grounding me further.

“Thanks,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “For reminding me.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” she says with a small smile, leaning in to press a kiss to my cheek.

The last few weeks have gone more smoothly than I could’ve hoped. The judge approved Sabrina’s order of protection against Alex, and there hasn’t been a single sign of him since. Will keeps me updated, assuring me she’s taking the steps she needs to move forward, and I’m starting to breathe a little easier. The constant worry that’s been gnawing at the edges of my mind is beginning to fade, replaced by cautious relief.

At home, life has settled into a calm, steady rhythm. Callie, as always, continues to amaze me. She juggles work, the kids, and everything else with a quiet grace. She makes our house feel like more than just a place we live; it feels like a sanctuary. Spaces that used to feel empty are filled with her laughter, and I am reminded every day how lucky I am to have her.

Barrett’s been adjusting well, finding his place in this new version of our family. Watching him with Ruby and Sara—how he plays with them, protects them, loves them—it melts away any lingering doubts I’ve carried, leaving only gratitude. This life, messy and imperfect as it is, feels like everything I’ve ever wanted but never thought I’d have.

It’s a rare calm, and I’m determined to use it to make sure Callie knows just how much she means to us. With her birthday falling on Mother’s Day this year, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate her the way she deserves.

The morning starts with a quiet buzz of excitement. I slip out of bed early, careful not to wake her as I shuffle downstairs. Ruby stirs in her bassinet, and I manage to pick her up before she lets out a cry, shushing her softly as I rock her against my chest.

Sara is already awake when I reach the kitchen, her curls sticking up in every direction as she rubs her eyes.

“Dada Owie, it Mombie’s Day?” she asks,

“Mombie’s Day?” I repeat, grinning as I set Ruby in her swing.

Sara nods solemnly, her big eyes wide with innocence. “’Cause Mama’s always tired like a mombie!”

I stifle a laugh, shaking my head. “I think you mean Mommy’s Day, kiddo. But sure, let’s call it Mombie’s Day.”

Sara giggles, her sleepiness forgotten as she bounces on her toes. “Can we wake her up now?”

“Not yet,” I say, smiling at her enthusiasm. “First, we’ve got work to do.”

We set to work making pancakes, Callie’s favorite, loaded with chocolate chips. Sara insists on sprinkling the chocolate herself, her little hands shaking as she carefully drops each one onto the batter. Ruby watches us from her swing, kicking her legs and cooing like she’s part of the team.

By the time the pancakes are stacked high and the bacon is sizzling, Sara is practically vibrating with excitement.

“Can I wake Mama now?” she whispers loudly, her eyes sparkling.

“Almost,” I tell her, setting the plates on a tray alongside a vase of Callie’s favorite flowers and a small wrapped box. “We’ve got one more thing to do.”

Together, we carry the tray upstairs. Sara races ahead, her giggles giving us away before we even open the door. Callie stirs, her eyes fluttering open as we step inside.

“Happy Birthday,” I say softly, setting the tray on the nightstand.

“And Happy Mombie’s Day!” Sara adds, climbing onto the bed with a bounce.

Callie blinks, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Mombie’s Day?” she echoes, her voice warm and sleepy.

“Your daughter’s idea,” I say, trying not to laugh. “Apparently, you’ve been rebranded.”

Callie laughs, her head falling back against the pillow. “Sounds about right.”

“Only the best for the Mombie,” I tease, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

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