I watch anxiously as the last model takes her turn around the catwalk, and then it’s me and my team’s turn to take the stage.

I’m just hoping and praying that I don’t trip in these damned heels.

“Catwalk in two, Mickey.” Leslie puts a hand over her mouthpiece as she walks by, and I give her a thumbs up. The woman is a damn miracle worker, just like her brother.

I’ve been a wreck all day today, as I usually am for a show. Those are my babies are there. Some of the designs are straight from my heart, straight from my fingers, and all I want is for women to feel beautiful and empowered in them.

I’ve created something to be proud of, and I’m done downplaying that to myself.

I can’t believe I almost let myself kill my own vibe, the work I’ve done, over insecurity started by a man.

It’s so easy to doubt yourself, but it’s not as easy to believe in yourself.

I’m lucky that I’ve got so many people around me to remind me that I’m good enough.

“They’re ready for us, Mickey.” Sienna comes by and grabs my hand, tugging me along, and I take a deep breath.

Showtime.

The lights are bright and I can barely make out anything around me as Sienna and I lead the team down the catwalk hand in hand to raucous applause. Not only did we debut our new collection tonight, but we debuted the collaboration collection with Klein too.

It’s been an amazing night, and even though I kind of want to puke from nerves, I’m so very grateful and appreciative.

We stop at the end and wave and laugh as everyone stands and keeps applauding.

Sienna starts and talks about Bold’s garment factory and how we aim to support women with above-market wages and benefits. We implement flexible work policies so that women don’t have to choose between working and caring for their children. We pay for school fees and meals, and we make sure we’re standing beside our mission to keep empowering women.

A few of the designers speak about what it was like for them to create this collection, and the applause is even louder than it was when we first walked out.

Someone passes me a mic and I try to foist it off on Sienna again, but she backs away laughing, pointing at me.

“Well, I’m going to assume that your applause means your eyes didn’t start bleeding.” I start, laughing when there are whoops and cheers and my eyes finally adjust to the lights.

The first people I see are my family.

The gang’s all here from what I can tell. My close family and the new family I’ve gained in the form of my sister’s men and the people we’ve all grown to care about.

Right in front of them is my little family.

Hawk and Liam.

“When we started Bold…we didn’t want to be your run-of-the-mill lingerie company. We didn’t want to have all of our ads and marketing focus on how sexy a woman could be in the eyes of a man…but rather how sexy she could be by being herself.” I pause as there’s clapping again and use the time to gather my thoughts. “I wasn’t white enough for the white kids and I wasn’t black enough for some of the black kids. I have never been a stranger to not fitting in. Growing up, I rebelled in a bad way because I thought I didn’t really have a place and why try to follow any rules if I was never going to fit in anyway?”

“Well, we made Bold for all of us. For girls and women alike to realize that the only place you need to fit in, if anywhere, is with people who love and accept you for exactly who you are. So, tonight, I thank my amazing family for supporting me through the times I made my phenomenal stepfather want to tear out his hair and the times I probably made my mom cry.” My eyes mist a little and Sienna links her arm with mine, leaning her head on my shoulder in support. “I thank my sisters who I don’t share blood with, but I share so much love and admiration with. I thank the people I’ve added to my network and I thank these absolutely brilliant and talented people standing up here with me right now. Without them and anyone who has ever lent us a supportive hand, Bold would not be what it is today.”

I look at Hawk and Liam, looking like entire meals in their suits and ties.

“And right here, tonight, I want to be a Bold woman. I want to accept everything that everyone else might not approve of because it makes me happy. So tonight I also thank the two men that have shown me more love than I ever,” my voice wobbles and I take a deep breath, “more love than I ever thought I’d have. Hawk and Liam, my gorgeous, intelligent, sexy…” I trail off playfully amid catcalls and cheers and ribbing of them by the people sitting near them. “My rocks. I look forward to spending the rest of my life loving both of you with my entire being, and I am so grateful to have each of you in my life.”

The applause is deafening, and both of them somehow make it onto the stage, hugging me separately and pressing decadent kisses to my lips that are decent for public consumption but still light me up inside.

“Thank you, everyone. I hope you’re ready to party because we’re just getting started!” I yell, and pass the mic off, leaving the runway with my arms around both of their waists.

“How’d I do?” I ask over the dressing room backstage, changing into something a little more dance and eating friendly. I come out from behind the

“I think you deserve all the orgasms tonight.” Liam grins.

“All of them. Orgasm after orgasm after orgasm.” Hawk agrees, a bright smile on his face.

“Boys.” My father’s voice comes from the side and we all turn towards him, where my mom’s giggling with her arm hooked through his. They definitely had to hear orgasm at least once.

“Mom, Dad.” I clear my throat, blushing harder than I have in years.

“Mayor Banks.” The men croak out in tandem and I laugh.

“We are so proud of you, sweetheart, and we always have been.” My mom comes forward and takes my cheeks in her hands, pulling me down a bit so she can press a loving kiss to my forehead.

“So, I get double the grand-kids right?” Dad asks, and I groan.

“Not you too.”

“I’m not getting any older. Keyra’s already started, the rest of you need to catch up.” He puts out a beckoning arm and I hug him tightly. Before I move away, he speaks low in my ear. “You’re my daughter in every sense of the word, and you’ve grown into an amazing woman, Michaela. Don’t ever think differently.”

I sniffle and move away, dabbing at my eyes. “I swear I’ve never been this much of a watering pot.”

“You two take care of my girl, you hear me?” Marcus Banks has a very good intimidation voice.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Of course, Sir.”

“Good, now let’s go get some food and stop Keyra from stealing all the cupcakes.” He takes my mom’s hand and they walk ahead of us as we follow.

“Did I tell you your dad still scares me?” Liam murmurs.

“You have nothing to worry about as long as you stay on my good side.”

“You have a good side?” Hawk teases, and I roll my eyes.

Men.

My men.

* * *