Page 23 of Never Enough

He clears his throat. “Didn’t figure I’d have to make a speech to get barbecue on my own anniversary,” he mutters.

Laughter ripples through the crowd.

And then he does what he always does—keeps it simple. Talks about years and luck and stubbornness. About how loving someone isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

About choosing the same person again and again.

By the time he’s done, there’s not a dry eye in sight.

Including, apparently, mine.

Damn it.

Before I can regroup, Pops’ gaze lands on me.

And then—because he enjoys chaos—he nods once.

“Henry,” he says. “Why don’t you come up here a minute?”

A low murmur moves through the crowd.

Gracie goes very still beside me.

I exhale slowly, then tip my beer back for one last swallow before setting it back on the table.

“Of course he calls me out,” I mutter under my breath.

Gracie’s fingers brush mine for just a second. “You’ve got this.”

Do I?

I mean yes, I’ve been planning to make the announcement all night, but I didn’t want to steal too much of their thunder. They earned this party.

I step forward, boots crunching over gravel, every set of eyes in the place tracking me like I’m about to do something entertaining. Which, knowing this family, I probably am.

“Seems like you might need to make an announcement,” Pops says.

Figures.

I glance out over the crowd.

My family.

My town.

People who’ve known me my whole life… and people who think they do.

I scrub a hand over the back of my neck. “Alright,” I say. “I’m gonna keep this short, ‘cause I know most of y’all are here for the brisket and not my shining personality.”

A few chuckles. Someone whistles.

Good. Keep it easy.

“And I’m also aware,” I go on, “that anything worth knowing in Saddle Creek spreads faster than a grass fire in August.”

That gets a bigger reaction. Some outright laughter now.

“So odds are,” I continue, “most of you have already heard what I’m about to say.”