“And you,” Chris adding, poking Kai in the side. “Even though you refuse to take credit for your work on this.”
Kai pointed at me. “All compliments go to Izzy tonight,” he insisted.
I kissed him on the cheek. “He did all the heavy lifting,” I clarified. “I just called my friends and took some photos.”
“Tell it to the crowd,” Kai joked, gesturing up front. “It’s time for your speech.”
My stomach tightened. I hated giving speeches, but for the past few weeks, Kai had been training me. He taught me the breathing techniques that he used, built up my confidence, and listened to me rehearse my words, over and over again.
I was still nervous as hell, and glancing at a few of my photos on the wall only accelerated my anxiety, but I had a secret weapon to get me through.
Just look at Kai,I reminded myself.Anytime it seems like too much, just look at Kai.
After an introduction from the gallery owner, I took my spot at the front. I’d memorized the words so carefully I didn’t even have to think about them. Which was a relief because looking out over my coworkers, my boss, and all my friends, it would have been extremely easy to draw a blank.
Kai caught my eye from the crowd with an encouraging smile, and with a deep breath, I launched into it.
“As you all know, for the past four months, the Allegheny Conservation Project has teamed with twelve other environmental justice and conservation organizations in our region. Through a social media campaign, public programming, and even a lecture series, we’ve drawn attention to rehabilitation and conservation efforts that benefit the entire Pennsylvania community. As the final event in our series, tonight, Conservation Now showcases some of the natural splendor from our region, with photographs documenting the work of each organization and a silent auction later so that you can take some of the beauty home.”
I took a deep breath. The room was silent, and everyone was staring at me, but I didn’t let that slow me down. I was proud of the work we’d done, all the money we’d raised, and I knew all of the organizations we aligned with would enjoy benefits for years to come.
“Conservation of the natural world isn’t a one-time event,” I continued. “It’s a lifelong journey, and we all have a role to play. Whether you’re new to this work or a seasoned expert, I hope tonight can remind you of the joy, the fun, and the beauty that comes when we all work together to preserve the natural world that benefits us all.”
The second my brief speech was over, I counted to three, like Kai taught me, then hurried off the stage. I tried to rush straight to him, my heart beating, but it was like the entire crowd wanted to congratulate me on the event and all the money we’d raised.
By the time I made it through, I found Kai toward the back, beaming at me with his moms by his side. He pulled me into a giant hug, squeezing me tight. “Cutie,” he whispered in my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Very well said,” May added from behind. “We’re proud of you boys. Couldn’t be prouder.”
I stepped back and caught Kai’s eye. I was proud of us, too, but I wasn’t sure about that last part.
I could definitely feel a little prouder. The night still had a few more surprises in it, after all.
Kai
After the closing event,we met up with a smaller group on the roof of the condo. There were about twenty people at the reception, with our closest friends and family represented. And with a clear sky above us and a warm, late summer night, it really couldn’t have gone better.
It was a perfect evening, and it was about to get so much better.
“I can’t believe all three of my photographs sold!” Jo said, bouncing at our side. She was wearing a fashionable teal jumpsuit, picked out on a shopping trip with River the week before.
“I can,” I answered. “Those baby bears are cute.”
“Rehabilitated animals really tug on the heart strings,” Izzy agreed. “And the tiny squirrel drinking from a baby bottle? That’s gold.”
I stood back, a contented smile on my face as I held Izzy’s hand. This was his shining moment, but I was pretty proud of the work I’d done, too. Using the resources of Silver Lining to support projects like this felt like a dream, a way to channel our success into something I truly believed in, and any occasion to lift up the work Izzy did was a reason to celebrate, as far as I was concerned.
“It’s so nice to have everyone together in the same place,” Izzy said after Jo walked away.
A couple of bartenders and caterers worked at a long table across from us, and River had kindly spent the day hanging lights and decorating the roof, even dragging some of our favorite flowering plants up for the night. With Leo’s help, he’d gone above and beyond what we expected, transforming the familiar roof into another world.
“It is nice,” I agreed. My moms were talking with Shawn and Jo, while Cass and Leo stood by the speakers, messing with the playlist. The small crowd was the precise type of gathering where Izzy and I felt most comfortable, and I was pleased to see how naturally everyone came together.
“Our friends,” Izzy said, his voice humming.
“Our family,” I agreed and kissed him softly.
His father didn’t receive an invitation, a choice Izzy had come to after lots of careful thought. I was proud of him for doing what was right for his own happiness, and I wanted him to remember that he’d found a new family now, one who would always love him and support him.
