But I’m absolutely going to fuck your mother.

A few hours later, with a fresh cut, a crisp tux, and the sun sinking in the sky, kissing the horizon with pink, orange, and purple hues, Jared was ready to meet Brandi at the end of the aisle and say his I dos. At least, he was physically ready. The nerves that he had managed to keep at bay for months now showed up in full force.

“She’s too good for me, bro,” he muttered, pacing the living room of the garçonnière. “You’ve known me my whole adult life. You know I ain’t shit. But Brandi... She’s smart and ambitious. She’s a fucking neurosurgeon, for fuck’s sake. A fucking genius.” He shook his head. “She deserves better. She could do so much better than me.”

Not usually the type of dude given to talking about his insecurities or shortcomings, it was a bit unnerving to hear Jared doubt whether he was the right man for Brandi. I had no idea that he’d ever been intimidated by her intelligence or ambition. In fact, he always seemed to be in awe of her. And having witnessed their relationship from the sidelines, I knew that Brandi truly loved him.

“What are you even talking about, Jay? Yeah, she could’ve done better, but she chose your ass anyway.”

“Fuck you—”

“I mean, do you seriously think she woke up this morning and suddenly realized your lack of depth? You’ve been together for three years. I assure you, she is aware.”

We both knew that wasn’t true. Jared was far from ignorant — shallow, yes, but there was no way that Brandi had ever questioned his intelligence. They were both surgeons, both ambitious, and complemented each other in the best ways.

“I know she loves me, Tommy,” he said. “But forever is a long time, and what if love isn’t enough?”

Well, fuck. I didn’t know what to say to that. His parents, by all accounts, didn’t have a great marriage. I was fairly certain that my parents only stayed together because of us kids. Neither of us had any idea how marriage should look from the inside.

I got up and walked over to where he stood, looking out the window into the side yard where wedding guests were taking their seats. “Well… In the wise and careful words of Smokey from Friday’s mama, make it enough.”

Jared barked out a surprised howl of laughter. “I can’t fucking stand you, Tomás.”

“You lie. You fucking love me, bro. Now put on your jacket. It’s time to get you married.”