P.S. Remind Victor to take a damn vacation. He needs it.
I snicker at the line about Victor. The man definitely seems like the type to have to be forced to take time off. And look at me—caring about that. I don’t know when Victor changed from a man I barely tolerated to one I admire and respect, but I know Tanya is probably moved to tears up there knowing she brought more than just Micah and me together.
Unfolding Micah’s letter, I take a deep breath before starting.
My dearest Micah-Angelo,
I see so much of myself in you.
Your life has been plagued with so much loss that you cling to everyone you have left with all your might.
I understand it.
But that loss has also made you question why you were spared.
It’s because you were destined to be exactly where you are now.
Do not let life pass you by, or else we have all died in vain.
Live, Micah. And enjoy doing it.
Love you deeply,
Tanya
P.S. Remind Victor to take a damn vacation. He needs it.
At this point, I’m too much of a blubbering mess to even form words. Micah tries to wrap me in his arms, but I back away. “No, I don’t wanna get makeup on you.”
He scowls. “You can always leave your mark on me, Dani. Now, come here.”
This time I give in, and we fall into each other.
“Also, clearly we have to book a vacation for Victor,” I say once we break apart.
“Clearly.”
When we walk into the banquet hall, we’re greeted by Bailey, Nisha, Nelle, Evie, Rome, Christian, and Jalen. No sign of Arnold or Amerie. I’m hurt but not surprised by that, and I refuse to spend even a modicum of tonight focused on their absence.
The women look incredible in their gowns: Nelle in emerald green, Evie in periwinkle, Bailey in light pink, and Nisha in orange.
Everyone compliments us on the turnout of the event before taking their seats.
“You ready?” Micah asks, handing me a mic.
I step onto the stage and those nerves I was feeling moments ago dissipate the moment I look into the crowd of smiling faces.
This is a beautiful event, and Tanya would be proud of what we put together. She would be over the moon to see all the people she valued in life gathered in one room. But then I look back to Micah and I think this is what she would be most proud of, us finding each other again.
“Hi, everyone,” I greet the audience once the applause has quieted down. “Thank you for being here. Everyone here knew Tanya, and so I’msure it’s no surprise to you that this event is reminiscent of a lavish wedding, rather than a homegoing.”
Another round of applause and laughter.
“Tanya was … she was special. She was the type of person who changed your life from the moment she entered it. She was always there when you needed her, and even when you didn’t.”
The audience’s laughter helps me keep back the tears.
“I had planned to come up here and make this entire speech about how magnanimous she was, but she once told me not to start listing off all her accomplishments or I’d be there all day. I think what she would really like for me to do is stand up here and share with you all a few words from someone she loved who didn’t get to share these words himself.”
