Page 67 of Torqued

My victory lap is the shining jewel of this race. I stop, taking the flag and waving it for the crowd. The crew helps me to the winner’s circle, and there’s another round of cheering.

“Rush Hatcher, with this win, you have sealed the Rookie of the Year in MAXCAR; I’m sure you’re thrilled about both.” The announcer shoves the microphone in my face, and I take it over.

I drop my head, holding back my tears. Margo reaches me the envelope, and I know it’s time. “You’re right, I’m thrilled to win here at Phoenix and the MAXCAR Rookie of the Year. It’s been an unbelievable year for Brownwood Brothers, CD Enterprises, and all of the rest of my sponsors, and I appreciate them taking the chance on me when I didn’t deserve it.”

“You see, because of racing, I’ve lost the greatest thing to ever happen to me, and that’s Spencer Woods. Lane Shifter not only stalked her but assaulted her and kept her from pressing charges to save me.

“Then, he threatened to expose me as a womanizer and philanderer if she didn’t leave me and the sport. Here’s the thing, I’m in love with her, and I’ll do my damn well best to win her back. I want to apologize for embarrassing her, but until her, I never wanted to be a better man.

“But as we all know, the love of a good woman will change you for the better. No, I can’t change who I was, but we can change the toxic atmosphere women have to endure in a society that should praise strong women, not run them away.

“Spencer… I’m coming to get you. You belong here, by my side, and in the owner’s seat on pit road. I refuse to drive another race without you. I love you forever.”

I jump from the stand, leaving the rest for photos and trophies. I have one thing I need to do, and I’m not stopping until I get to her. I race from the track and straight to the airport.

Boone has the jet waiting on me; I board and change on the flight home. The four hour flight home is the longest time of my life. I planned to go to Raleigh, but mid-flight, I’m told we’re going to Cherry Grove.

“But she’s in Raleigh.” I pull my phone out to call Boone when it pings.

Spencer: I’m home.

Rush: Home?

Rush: Raleigh?

Spencer: No, Rush.

Spencer: I’m home.

Rush: I’m almost there.

Just when I didn’t think something couldn’t take longer, it does. Not really, but I feel like I’ve been flying for days by the time I land in Myrtle Beach. There’s a car waiting to take me home, I practically sprint to it.

Thirty minutes may not seem like a long time, but when you have the woman of your dreams waiting on you, it’s a helluva long ride. The car pulls up to the curb in front of my house. I climb out, resting my hands on my side.

For the first time pulling up to this house, it’s never had but a porch light on. Tonight, it glows from within. My house is now a home. It is my most beloved person.

“I’m home.” I murmur and take the steps as fast as I can. I run-up to the door, swinging it wide. I look around, not seeing her anywhere. I decide to call out to her, my breath hitching when my heart clinches.

“Spen, I’m home.” My voice breaks on her name, and I fall to my knees when she comes around the corner.

“I’m so sorry, I never meant to hurt you.” Spencer runs to me, tackling me on the floor.

I wrap her in my arms, rolling her over. “I’m sorry, I should’ve known.”

“No, you couldn’t have.” She dries my face as her streaks with tears.

I hold my hand up to her, the light catches the ring on my pinky. Her hand clasps her mouth as her tears begin to build again. I bite my lip, pulling it from my finger.

“I know this isn’t a spectacular ring, but it is a special one. It’s the one my dad used to propose to my mom. The simple solitaire represents them becoming one, and from the day I met you, that’s all I’ve wanted.

“To become one with you, Spencer. Please, marry me. Be my wife and the love of my life. You’ll get corny poems and loving morns, but most of all, you’ll get love. Forever.”

“Now, and forever I’ll always answer, yes.” She holds her hand out, and I slip the ring onto her finger. Our mouths press against one another, and we find our forever. Home.

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