Page 146 of Perfect Twist
Later that night, Quentin and I are enjoying a quiet night in our hotel room. Mila is passed out in her playpen, leaving it to be just the two of us.
We’re sitting out on our balcony, me in Quentin’s arms as we snuggle on the sofa patio set. The city of Beijing lights up ahead of us.
“I’m so proud of you,” Quentin muses, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
I snuggle my head against his chest. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you. I wouldn’t have been able to train the way I did, and I have you to thank for that.”
“This is all you. I have nothing to do with this. You’re the one who flung your body around in insane ways that nearly made my heart stop at points, not me,” he says, making me chuckle softly.
The first competition he came to watch me compete in, he said he was sweating profusely as he realized how dangerous this sport can be if it goes wrong. Over time, though, he saw how much practice and effort I put in, ensuring I’d be safe.
“Fair enough,” I reply, my chest warm as happiness radiates through me. “I can’t believe this is my life sometimes, you know?”
“What do you mean?” he asks, running a hand down my back.
“That I actually came back and won. It’s everything I’ve always wanted, and it feels so surreal to achieve that goal. And the best part? The people who mattered the most to me were there to see it.”
“You deserve it,mon coeur. You’re talented and brave. That win meant as much to you as it did to all the women who have been rooting for you. The ones who have been inspired by you and have changed their lives.”
Our podcast on World of Women started a conversation around women being silenced not only in sports, but in life in general. They now have a segment with women sharing their stories who were inspired to take charge after we told our story.
Every time I listen to one, I cry. Not only because of their own sad stories, but because of the knowledge that I did the right thing in finally speaking up. I’ll forever be grateful I did, for myself and every other woman out there.
“I have everything I’ve ever wanted and more, you know? I didn’t know I’d want a family or a partner, yet here I am, happier than ever. Well…” I trail off, looking up at him.
He cocks his head. “What do you mean?”
“I think I could be even happier with another baby or two.”
The smile that lifts his cheeks is infectious, making me smile too as he says, “I couldn’t agree more. I’m ready to start trying when you are, and in the meantime, we can practice.”
“When my body doesn’t feel broken after throwing it around for days, yes,” I tell him as I move to lie directly on top of him. “Cuddle time?” I whisper, knowing I sound like a softy and not caring in the slightest.
Love has changed me in ways I can’t describe. Knowing I’m loved as I am gives me a sense of security I’ve always been missing.
It turns out love was the perfect twist that my life needed.
Who would’ve thought?
Maybe Clara, but not me.
And yet, I’m so happy things didn’t turn out the way I once wanted them. Sometimes life has a funny way of working out like that.
THE END!
