Chapter Thirty-Two Callum
Chapter Thirty-Two
Callum
If you had told me months ago that I'd be spending the night of my birthday watching a movie while the love of my life sat in my lap and fed me spoonfuls of Ben her sticky little fingers had swiped it when I wasn't looking, so my friends could celebrate with me from a distance.
Jack appeared to be in the living room of his apartment, going back and forth between singing obnoxiously and smiling at someone off-camera that I can't see.
Oliver seemed to be in the hospital's break room, not quite singing, but smiling softly all the same.
They both thanked Sophie for calling them and said they couldn't wait to meet her. My heart had expanded at that—my best friend's complete acceptance and approval of Sophie felt like a final puzzle piece snapping into place.
Unfortunately, the only one who couldn't make it was Bailey, as she was on a tight deadline for the article about Sophie and had to review the final print with her Editor.
She already texted me happy birthday earlier in the day, though, and, as a little birthday gift, sent me the rough draft to read through first.
Not ashamed to admit that I cried while reading it. And then when I read it the second time. And the third.
It was honest and raw, so beautiful, and highlighted Sophie in the most radiant way.
And I am just so damn proud of my otter.
She was vulnerable, genuine, and warm. She put herself out there, completely raw about her betrayal, about the pain she felt, the grief she worked through, and about her treatment experience so far.
She bravely expressed her fears about the uncertain future and the hope she feels, thanks to the support of her family and friends.
I just can't stop staring in awe at this incredible woman currently shoveling a spoonful of cookie dough into her mouth.
I love you.
Her words from the article strike me, landing deep into my bones.
"My entire life changed that day I walked into that store and met Callum. He didn't look at me like I was fragile. He didn't try to fix me. He just made me laugh. He let me feel normal again. And now he's... he's everything to me."
She's everything to me, too.
My mom always cautioned me to be patient with love, that it would find me when I didn't expect it.
I glance down at her and find her giggling at the movie—Hocus Pocus, because we wanted something comforting, nostalgic, yet appropriate for the season.
Despite the weight loss, the fatigue, the neuropathy, and the on-and-off nausea—she's happy. She's laughing. I lean forward and press a kiss to her neck, my beard tickling the sensitive skin there. She lets out another giggle and turns her face toward mine, eyes sparkling.
Yeah, love definitely found me.
The only thing that could have made today more perfect would have been if my dad were here to celebrate too.