After I finish, we make our way to the judging area. People are already in the seats they have set up at the pavilion, and I try to steady my breathing. The reality is I’m a nervous ass wreck. Time feels as if it’s passing by so slow, and Gavin rubs my back to calm me down, but I tense. I quickly look to see if any of my family are around because if they saw this type of affection, the questions would come like crazy.

He moves his hand to his lap. I grab and squeeze it. “I just. I don’t…”

“No, I get it. You don’t have to explain, Maize. It’s hard not to touch you after what we’ve shared. You know?” he whispers. “I’ll be your best-kept secret. I have been for this long.”

I smile, and my skin burns as I relive last night and this morning.

Soon, the family arrives and sits beside Gavin and me. The ceremony starts, and the judges go through each entry. As they talk about my brisket and the way it tasted, butterflies fill my stomach. After the judges have explained the rules, they announce the third prize winner. I’m relieved but also scared not to be called. Second place is next.

“And the first place winner is…” They hesitate. “Well folks, this was a hard one, very hard. There were so many incredible entries.”

Uncle Jackson’s sitting behind me and leans forward. Talking just loud enough for me to hear, he says, “Shut the fuck up and get on with it.”

“Maize Bishop,” the judge announces. Climbing to my feet, I look down the row at my mom and dad, who stand and wrap me in a hug. The crowd screams my name, and hoots and hollers fill my ears.

“Go, sweetie. Go get your prize,” Dad tells me. I’m in complete shock and speechless, not able to comprehend what the judges are saying. Blood pumps through my body as I walk to the stage. They hand me an oversized check and a trophy, and I’m so overwhelmed with emotion, I instantly burst into tears. I never thought this would happen to me.

“Would you like to say anything?” the older man asks and hands me the microphone.

I take it and swallow. “I’m not good at public speeches so forgive me, but I’d like to thank my grandma for encouraging me to enter and my parents. Also thanks to all my cousins who helped out and made this possible. And Diesel.” I blow them all kisses. “And thanks to the cowboys who insisted I had a chance and believed in me.” I look at Gavin, and our gazes meet.

Jackson lifts his hand to his mouth, and yells, “And what about your favorite uncle?”

Kiera elbows him hard in the ribs.