Off Script

Down in the Arches

The night finally settled and everyone was starting to leave.
Kamila hugged me first, arms tight like we were already sisters.
"Tonight was perfect," she said softly. "You looked beautiful. And it was so good seeing J.C. and Lennox together."

I smiled, heart full. "You already know how much that means to me."

Her husband Brian gave me a side hug and a warm smile.
"Glad we finally got to meet. You're dope, Mina. Real dope."

Michael's brother Khalid nodded with that quiet, older-brother energy, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"He's different around you," he said low. "In a good way."

I laughed, caught off guard. "I hope so."

Michael's dad gave me a firm hug and a pat on the back.
"You held your own tonight. That ain't easy with this crew."

"It really was a beautiful night," I told him. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome."

He nodded, smiling, then turned to help grab the last of the gifts by the door.

Michael's mom was last. She wrapped me in a long hug, one of those deep, rocking ones that made your chest catch a little. Then she leaned in close, her voice low near my ear.
"I know you're right for him," she whispered. "And I absolutely adore that little boy of yours."

My breath caught.

She drew back just enough to look at me, hand still on my arm.
"Welcome to the family, sweetheart. I can feel it in my bones. You two are meant to be."

I blinked fast and nodded, barely holding it together. "Thank you," I managed.

She smiled and squeezed my hand before stepping out into the night.

The front door clicked shut behind them, and the house finally exhaled.

J.C. was knocked out on the couch, candy cane still clutched in his hand, his curls wild like he'd wrestled sleep and lost. Michael and I stood there for a beat, taking it all in — the quiet after the storm.

"We survived," he said, shaking his head.

"We did," I smiled.

We moved around each other easily, clearing dishes, folding stray wrapping paper, tossing the last of the ribbons into a bag. After we put J.C. to bed — which took a full five minutes of Michael pretending not to see the candy cane stuffed in his hoodie pocket — we wandered back to the kitchen, the house finally still.

Michael wiped down the counter, then glanced over at me, something softer in his eyes.
"I blocked off the next couple weeks," he said.

My brows lifted. "You did?"

"Yeah." He tossed the towel on the sink. "Didn't want to waste it. This time. With my people. With you. With him."

My chest warmed all over again.
"I just... want... No, I need to be present."

He stepped closer, voice low.
"You and J.C. — y'all make me realize things that I've been missing."

I walked toward him and wrapped my arms around him.

He held me back like he meant it. Like he didn't want to let go.

His lips brushed the top of my head, then my cheek. Then lower.

When our mouths met, it was soft. Unrushed. Familiar.

He kissed me like he had all the time in the world.

"You tired?" he murmured against my lips.

I shook my head slowly. "No."

His eyes flicked up to mine.
"You ready for bed?"