Max, my college roommate and best friend, is by my side, ready to hand over the ring when the officiant asks for it. Well, he’s not quite ready, ready. In fact, if anything, he’ll only do it grudgingly.

Granted, I never should have described this as a modern-day marriage of convenience. That soured him instantly. But it’s the term Ella used as she pitched the idea of getting married, so when it was time to share the news with Max, the words just rolled off my tongue before I had a chance to consider how he’d react to them. He’s a true-blue romantic; a relationship founded on mutual respect and compatible goals would never get his blessing, not unless love factored into it as well.

He leans over and nudges me with his shoulder.

I dip my head to listen. “What’s up?”

“It’s not too late to change your mind,” he says, speaking out of the side of his mouth. “Just say the word, and I’ll create a diversion while you jump over the hedges on your right. There’s a clear path to the parking lot. I can hand you the keys to my car now.”

I close a fist over my mouth and laugh into it. “Stop, you asshole. You’re the worst best man ever. And this wedding is going to happen, whether you like it or not.”

“Don’t like it,” he says matter-of-factly. “Just so we’re clear.”

“I’m aware.”

Max has always been a supportive friend, but that doesn’t mean he won’t give me shit when he disagrees with my decisions. This is our way, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Nor will I change my mind about marrying Ella.

As I wait for the ceremony to begin, I conduct a mental survey of my life plan, genuinely pleased with the progress I’ve made.

Step One: Pay off my student loans.

Status: Completed. Finally.

Step Two: Purchase a home.

Status: Did that last year. Not outright, but it’s a start.

Step Three: Find a suitable partner and form a power couple.

Ella is an information security analyst and wants to open her own firm. Her ambition rivals mine.

Status: To be completed. Minutes from now.

Step Four: Make partner at Olney & Henderson LLP before the age of thirty.

Status: In progress. But since I’m turning thirty in November, I don’t have much time left.

Step Five: Start a family.

Status: To be determined.

Now, if I could get my mother to settle in one place, I’d be golden. But since I don’t set unattainable goals, that one gets slotted in the wishful-thinking corner of my brain. She’s here today, with a new boyfriend I met during the rehearsal dinner. Considering I once wondered if she’d make the wedding at all, I’m counting her appearance as a minor victory.