“Get used to it; it’s only the beginning,” Rylee said.
“Kamden, did you prepare a speech for tonight?” Rylee asked.
“Nope. I don’t do these things, but Sarai forced me to make an appearance,” Kamden told her.
“At least your award is up first,” I said.
“That’s true, and then you two can leave if you want. I plan on leaving,” Colton said.
“I like that idea,” Kamden replied.
“Can we have everyone please take their seats?” the announcer stated. This event mirrored the award shows with an intimate field of tables with drinks and food with a small stage up front. The decorations of red, white, and black across the room with USA flags and team colors for each section. I saw cameras from every network filming. We clapped as Jerry Spicer from the Atlanta Lions basketball team stepped up to the mic and pulled out a card to read the first award.
“Our first award up for the night is for a dynamic gentleman that has made a huge impact on the industry, and he’s known as the bad boy of the racing world. Which is hard to do when you have Colton Donovan sitting next to you,” Jerry joked, and the entire room laughed at his comment.
“Kash is a longtime friend of mine, so I can rag on him. So, without further ado, Kash, come up here and grab this award,” Jerry advised, and everyone stood while I jumped up and kissed Kamden on the lips as he pulled me into a tight hug. I watched him trod over to the stage and grab the award out of Jerry’s hand.
“Wow! Are you guys sure about this? Thanks, Jerry, and to the entire team here and all my friends. The one thing I can say above all is that I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and appreciate being able to fall asleep and wake up next to the most important person in my life who brings me nothing but happiness. Ari, you’re my queen, and I can’t wait to marry you and bring our little one into the world,” Kamden spoke, and I wiped the tears from my eyes. My life had changed for the better, and I knew it was because I took a chance and didn’t let my dreams fall through the cracks. I met someone who celebrated the good and bad parts of me.
“I love you,” I mouthed to Kamden.
Epilogue: Kash
One year later
It was finally time for Arianna to get back into competition since her crash. We were all dressed in our white shirts that read Arianna’s car number on the front and the Coleman name on the back. We’d eloped to Vegas where we met and got married with close friends and family along with little baby Kash by our side. I hadn’t gone back to race in over a year and a half, and was taking time to raise Kash, and make sure Arianna was back to one hundred percent. Josie was still in prison for attempted murder after Ronald confessed that she manipulated him. She thought Arianna was getting in the way of Kamden being more high profile on the racing circuit. After the drama with her family not trusting me, it took awhile to have them on board with us getting married. Arianna wanted a big wedding, so we planned on doing a bigger one later this year since she was pregnant for our Vegas trip. I was more in love with her than ever before and wanted another baby, but she’d just gotten comfortable with her size after the birth of Kash. So, we decided to wait and try in another two years, after she’d put in more time driving. She was no longer working for Pierce Motors or CD Enterprises with setting up charity events. She was solely focused on driving and building her career. Sarai had her giving interviews and doing photoshoots. She was plastered on every magazine cover. We even did a couples interview for Race Inc. magazine with little Kash.
“Let’s go, Ari!” I heard Eddison Jr. call out. Arianna turned, looking up from the ongoing interview to smile and wave at him. Little Kash clapped his hands together, and I kissed his cheek.
“You see Mommy? Huh?” I asked my son.
He giggled and squirmed, wanting to get down and run toward her. The interview ended, and the drivers prepared to ride. The drivers revved their engines and a few seconds later, they all took off. She was right behind Daniel Wallace, one of the second-highest paid drivers in the league. Rylee reached over to grab little Kash out of my arms as Colton had his arm around her shoulders.
“She’s doing good. Beckett has been working with her a lot,” Colton said.
“He told me,” I replied.
“Are you still planning on having a big wedding?” Colton asked.
“If that’s what she wants, I’ll make it happen,” I answered, whistling as she did another lap, still behind Daniel.
“I didn’t expect to see you both married. I’m happy for both of you,” Rylee spoke.
The entire track erupted in applause as Ari came from behind and won the race. I hugged Rylee and walked out to the track, meeting Arianna halfway as she ran into my arms.
“Thanks, Ry,” I answered.
“Baby, I did it!” Ari screamed and grasped my face, kissing me on the lips. I lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around my waist as our family and friends surrounded us.
“I love you, Ari,” I said.
“I love you more, Kamden,” Arianna said, and we hugged each other as little Kash called out for his momma.
The End!
