He drops off food and I get him talking daily for who knows how long. Then he makes his move and I am prepared. It’s been months because my baby bump has popped. I hate that Dante is going to figure it out, but I am also pleased that my baby seems to be doing okay.
“You’re mine now, Bristol,” he says looking deranged. Does he really think he’s brainwashed me or Stockholmed me? I play along until I can make my move.
“Okay,” I say neither agreeing nor disagreeing with what he’s said.
He comes toward me like he’s going to kiss me or something and that’s when I do it. I kick him in the balls and mustering all the karate I took all through school, I drop him like a ton of bricks. His head bounces off the floor a few times, but he doesn’t get back up. Searching his pockets, I find his phone and call Tex.
Twenty minutes later lights and sirens are all I can see and hear, and I know that I am saved.
I walk out the open door and into the waiting arms of my husband. All the tears of been saving finally pour out of me. I realize the Dante isn’t dead when they roll him out of the house and into an ambulance.
“Oh my God, Tex. I never thought I’d see you again,” I sob into his chest.
“I’m here now baby. I am sorry I didn’t find you sooner.”
Though I am disgusting and in desperate need of a shower, he kisses me like I haven’t been gone for months.
“I love you,” I say when the kiss finally ends.
“I love you, too. Now let’s get you home,” he says rubbing my back.
I was already home the second I saw him, but I can admit that a hot shower sounds divine.
Epilogue
Tex
Two Years Later
Damn, I think, while looking over at my newly pregnant wife. Without a doubt, I know that I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world. Though I know it wasn’t my fault, I still feel guilty that she went through what she did. I hate that we were apart for so long and I could do nothing to get her back. She’s holding our son, Dietrich’s hand while rubbing her belly. Fuck. She’s gorgeous. Even more so with my baby in her belly. She’s a working mother, and she’s still my pit chief but she’s always there for our little guy. Nana Sage has started living again by getting out with our little man. She babysits when we are on the road and that puts Bristol at ease which in turn makes me happy.
Today, after checking with Bristol’s doctor, I am surprising my girl with a quick trip to France for the Grand Prix. As I don’t race that type of car, it’s a good chance to see them in action, plus a second honeymoon is in order since the first one was cut short with her morning sickness being so severe. My parents have Dietrich for the first week and Sage is taking him for the next week. It’s June, so after the race, I am taking her to a private Greek island for the rest of the time. I am looking forward to this downtime with her while I contemplate my next move. Over the last few years, I have done what I’ve set out to do in this business.
I am almost thirty-three so there are still things I want to do with my life, but further tempting fate is not one of them. I know every time I get behind the wheel; she freaks out. She hides it well, but I know her. Each lap kills her a little more and I can’t have that.
Walking in the front door, I see the suitcases I asked our housekeeper to pack sitting near the front door.
“Where the hell are we going?” Bristol asks coming into the living room, dressed in tight yoga pants and one of my racing merchandise tee shirts. Her look is completed with an old pair of black Vans. She looks friggin’ adorable. I am going to enjoy messing her up later.
“On vacation. Let me get our passports from the safe and we’re on our way,” I say kissing her briefly as I walk past her. Both destinations are a surprise and the jet I borrowed from Rowe has a very discreet crew. After he started representing other drivers, including his wife Austin, his company took off into the stratosphere. I am happy knowing that he will still be doing what he loves after I retire.
“You tell me where we are going right now, Tyler Johnston.” I chuckle loudly as I walk down the hallway to our bedroom. I am not prepared for her to suddenly be on my back. “Don’t laugh at me, Tex. Please tell me, baby,” she begs.