Chapter 16 It’s a Celebration
A week later, I stopped by Micah’s for dinner.
The grading of papers took up all my time throughout the week, and I just wanted to relax.
When I walked into Micah’s home, he was on a call.
I made my way to the kitchen and washed my hands.
Pizza on the woodfire grill was on the menu.
I went into the fridge to grab the dough and some toppings.
By the time everything was on the counter, Micah came to join me.
“I just got some amazing news. Black Label just secured nationwide distribution. We’ll be in stores across the country within the next ninety days,” he rejoiced.
“Oh my God, that’s amazing, love. Congratulations!” I exclaimed as I kissed him.
“I’m so excited I don’t know what to do with myself. I can’t believe after all these years, I finally secured a distribution deal,” he said.
“It was only a matter of time. It’s no coincidence that the local stores sell out so frequently. How did the deal come about?” I asked.
“The wife of the distribution company came to the whiskey tour on a girls’ trip.
She couldn’t stop talking about the place.
Her husband was reluctant to try the whiskey but finally gave in, and he had his people contact me.
We’ve been chatting for the past few days.
Their attorney will send the official paperwork to my attorney in the morning, so if all goes well, we can get things going as soon as Monday,” he gushed.
“We should celebrate. Do you want to go out?” I asked.
“I have a better idea. Let’s keep this between us for tonight. We can host a barbecue on Saturday. I’ll share the good news then,” he replied.
“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 on the 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’s fine. We need to be each other’s safe space. Let’s lead with our hearts, and everything else will work itself out,” he coaxed.
We danced a little while longer while I pondered his words. Was he my safe space? Ultimately, I decided he was. Micah was a great partner; he was supportive, encouraging, and affectionate, but more importantly, he understood me—the good and bad that came along with that.
“I love you, Micah. I’m happy that we found our way back to each other,” I declared with passion.
“I love you too, Freckles,” he replied with a cocky smirk.
I had gotten my feelings out, and I could finally breathe. We spent another hour outside before the girls came to get us.
“Can you guys come tuck us in?” Reign asked.
Micah and I looked at each other and smiled. We stopped mid-dance and then made our way toward the girls.
Micah picked up Violet while Reign and I walked hand in hand to Violet’s bedroom. The girls each took a spot on Violet’s bunk bed. Reign passed me a book, and Micah and I sat next to each other on the floor. We took turns reading the book aloud to the girls until they fell asleep.