“Sounds good. I’ll bring the pizzas out for you. Why don’t you go fire up the grill? We can eat out back,” I offered.
Micah kissed my forehead before heading outside. I’d never seen him so happy. When we initially reconnected, he told me how difficult it was to secure distribution. I was happy he finally got what he wanted. Countless times, Micah spoke of how important the business and its legacy were for his family. I hoped they would all share his excitement.
Saturday afternoon rolled around quickly. Micah called me the day prior to let me know the barbecue would be around 3:00 p.m. I came over bright and early that morning to work on some sides. There was macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw, corn onthe cob, and cornbread. Micah marinated steaks, chicken, and ribs the night before, which were on the grill.
My grandparents were coming and would bring Reign with them. Violet was with Iris that weekend. Iris promised Micah they would stop by for his big news. Micah wanted me to extend an invitation to Sarah. I wasn’t sure if she would be interested, but I reached out. His parents and his brother, Oliver, would round out our little party.
By 4 p.m., all our guests were in attendance. PopPop was by the grill with Micah, his father, and his brother, standing around, talking about sports and farming. Reign and Violet ran around the yard without a care in the world. Sarah, Nana, and Mrs. Black were at a table, catching up. Iris dropped Violet off and said she would be back later for her. Micah was cool with that, so she went about her business. It surprised me when she spoke to me when she arrived. We hadn’t seen each other since that awkward morning in Micah’s kitchen.
I was in the kitchen, grabbing the champagne and glasses so Micah could make his announcement. Micah met me by the door on my way out.
“Let me help you with that. Why didn’t you come to get me? I don’t want you playing servant all day,” he insisted.
“It’s fine. This is your moment. You enjoy this. I don’t mind making sure everyone is good,” I replied.
“That’s why I love you. You love putting the needs of others before yourself. It’s a good and bad thing. Thank you for thinking of me,” he said as he kissed my lips.
“Are you ready?” I asked. My body went rigid as my nerves set in. The realization of Micah’s admission of his feelings caused my heart to race. It wasn’t the time for me to freak out. It felt natural to say it back, but did I mean it? I needed a moment to think this over before I said anything.
“Yeah, let’s get this over with,” he replied.
We walked out toward the backyard. That was the first time Micah said he loved me. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to say it back to him. Jude had been the only man I ever loved. Part of me was afraid to say it to another man. I didn’t want any negative thoughts to take away from the good day we were having.
I looked out at all the people closest to us and smiled. Our village was small yet filled with love. Micah stood in the middle of the backyard with a bottle of Black Label in his hands. He cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. I looked around as everyone stopped what they were doing to acknowledge Micah.
“Family, I have some big news to share with everyone. As you all know, Black Label started with my great-grandfather many years ago. His dream was forgotten until I brought it back to life ten years ago. I’m happy to announce that our legacy will continue to live on. I have officially secured nationwide distribution for Black Label. We’ll be in stores throughout the country within ninety days,” he announced.
Oliver ran over to Micah and gave him a hug, and Mr. and Mrs. Black were right behind him. When Mr. Black hugged Micah, he whispered something in his ear. They both had tears in their eyes. It was a beautiful moment.
I let them have a moment before walking over with a bottle of champagne. By now, everyone had taken turns congratulating Micah. The girls didn’t really know what was going on. They just joined in on the hugs. Micah cracked open the bottle of champagne. We continued to eat well and drink until around 9:00 p.m. My grandparents headed back to the house. I told them Reign could stay with me. As they said their goodbyes, Sarah and the Blacks did the same.
“Daddy, can I stay with you tonight?” Violet asked Micah.
“You want to stay because Reign is here or because you missed me?” he teased.
“Ummm, both,” she said.
“Let me tell your mother you want to stay,” he replied.
“Yay!” Violet and Reign said in unison as they ran inside the house.
Micah and I were all alone in the backyard. I picked up some of the garbage on the tables, and while I cleaned, Micah approached me and reached out his hand.
“Can I have this dance?” he asked.
I put down the bag I held and took his hand. Micah placed his hands on the small of my back as we slowly danced to the music playing in the background. It had been a long day, but being held in that man’s arms made it all worth it.
“If you’re tired, I can finish cleaning up. You can head to bed,” he offered.
“We can do it together. We’ve both been up early. Did you enjoy yourself?” I asked.
“I dreamed of having family barbecues like this. I’m happy you’re the woman beside me throwing them. Today meant a lot to me. I brought my father to tears. He was so proud. There aren’t many moments I can say where he’s shown true emotion like that. I think that was one of the best things about today,” he responded.
I wanted to bring up what Micah told me earlier. It had been on my mind since he uttered those three little words. It felt like it would bother me all night if I didn’t say something to him.
“Earlier, when you said you loved me, I didn’t know what to say. Does it sound weird that I’m afraid to say the words out loud?” I nervously ran my fingers through my hair. My nerves were getting the best of me. Usually, I was calm and relaxed around Micah. The idea of sharing my feelings with him made me feel exposed.
“I want you to do something for me. Say what’s in your heart without overthinking it. If you aren’t ready to say it back, that’sfine. We need to be each other’s safe space. Let’s lead with our hearts, and everything else will work itself out,” he coaxed.
