Chapter 24
Canaan
Gabriel whistled, looking at the crowd that Kensie had arranged to be transported to their training grounds. “I didn’t expect this many people,” he commented, his French accent heavier than usual. “I’m the Formula One racer, and most of the crowd is for you.”
“I have to give Kensie the credit.” I proudly gestured to my new love, a glowing Kensie, who took pictures with some people in the stands.
Gabriel nudged his shoulder and slyly grinned. “Very lucky man, no?”
“Very,” I acknowledged, recognizing that Gabriel stated facts and wasn’t trying to push up on her. Since that day on the track when he advised me, we’ve been grudgingly cordial and respectful to each other.
My teammate then walked backward toward his car. “They may be here for you, but they’ll witness me smoking you today and switch teams.”
I laughed. “I like your swag. Just keep that same energy when I sail past you in about thirty minutes.”
“In your dreams.” Gabriel waved his hand to get the attention of one of the crew members to assist him. “Good luck, because you’re going to need it.”
“We’ll see.” I nodded before waving at Kensie in the stands, who blew me a kiss.
“Can you stop cheesing like a damn fool?” Malcolm said, pulling down his cap over his short locks as he approached me. “People are watching. Even Tad Gorman is here waiting to see you fuck up.” Tad Gorman, an Australian, had won the last two F1 races and was considered the front-runner in Miami.
I placed my helmet on my head and scanned the growing crowds in the stands, searching for his competition. “Good. Love the challenge. I can’t help it, Mal, I’m excited.”
“Then get your mind where it needs to be. That smile has Kensie written all over it.”
“She makes me happy.” My words only deepened the scowl on his face. “Why are you so against her? You’re the sappy one of us.” Malcolm believed in love and was engaged once. He never told me why it ended three years ago, and as far as I know, he’d been alone all this time.
“I’m not against her. She’s cool peeps, but not sure I trust her with how everything went down about that video.
” He tapped the front of my helmet. “And I know how easily distracted you can be, and I’ve never seen you this unfocused despite all the practice.
Losing love feels like death, especially if she betrays you.
Trust me, I know. I don’t want you to get hurt, okay? ”
“Naw, only this track can hurt me,” I bragged, though his concern stroked the lingering doubt about Kensie. “I’m good.”
Malcolm studied my face. “I’ve said what I needed to say.
You like Kensie, I love her. Now, show the world who you are and that you deserve a place at the grandest race of all here in four weeks.
” He squeezed my shoulder and, as he always did, cautioned.
“Be safe out there. We need you back in one piece.”
“One mind. One heart. One soul,” I recited my mantra as I began withdrawing into myself.
Malcolm nodded. “One mind. One heart. One soul.”
The man, only four years my senior, whose gruffness made him seem twice older, started signaling to the crew that I was ready to drive.
He then went to say a few encouraging words to Gabriel, who was waiting to hop into his car.
The Black man from Nice, France, was just as determined and competitive as I was.
Over seven weeks, I’d learned that he had a legitimate shot at winning the race and that we damn sure had the capabilities to bring home a victory for Ferrari as the best team.
Before I could get into my car, Kensie snaked her arm around my waist and whispered, “I believe in you.”
I grinned down at her and knew without a doubt that she did. “Thank you.”
“Kensie, with all due respect, get over to the stands so we can get started before I get security. Canaan, get in the damn car,” Malcolm barked.
“Security?” Kensie questioned Malcolm. “I organized this event.”
“Just go, woman.” I chuckled. “He means it. You’re not supposed to be here, even in practice. So, go before he curses you out, and I won’t be able to protect you. Then I’ll have to fight him for disrespecting you, and it’ll be a big fat mess because I would win the fight.”
Malcolm quirked a brow. “Go before you see your man knocked the fuck out.”
“On that violent note, I’m out.” Kensie quickly hugged me, flicked her tongue at Malcolm, and hurried across the track where about four hundred people had gathered to see the racer who could be the first Black man to win a NASCAR and a Formula One race.
I smiled at her retreating figure, waved at the fans, and slid into my car, ready to win. Malcolm repeated the instructions to the crew preparing for our race, then muted the mic in my helmet. I closed my eyes and centered my thoughts before pressing the button.
Only I and this car existed the minute the engine ignited. Gabriel and I drove to the start line, and we gave each other the thumbs-up. My temples pounded in anticipation of the light above turning green.
One.
Two.
My foot pressed the accelerator before his did.
The air around me compressed and whistled as I sped ahead.
The pressure of the speed shivered my body as I leaned into a curve with confidence and dexterity.
Then everything went silent, and peace settled over me.
In this realm, best times and competition were deemed irrelevant.
I became the wind. Free. Boundless. Endless.
Infinity. My uncluttered mind took over my heart and body, guiding me effortlessly through every arc and stretch of the ten laps.
With more than five minutes shaved off my best time, I crossed over the finish line first. The crowd thundered as I jerked the wheel, and my multimillion-dollar car spun seven times rapidly before I righted it and pulled into the pit.
Malcolm and his crew swarmed the car, waiting impatiently for me to exit to celebrate.
After receiving hugs and high fives from the people surrounding me, I jogged across the track to the stands, pulled off my helmet, and hunted the crowd for my prize.
Kensie hurried down the steps and ran the short distance to reach me.
The fans went wild when I swung her around and dipped her for a passionate kiss.
When I righted her, she caressed my face and proclaimed, “I love you.”
The moment couldn’t have been more perfect for either of us as I replied, “I love you too.”
During the after-party, we were inseparable, moving around together.
My hand remained on her lower back. Kensie’s deference to me when asked any question that both of us could answer made me want to pound my chest in pride.
I’d never experienced such a high as I did today when she ran happily toward me, teeming with love for me.
After the rough start this morning, when I thought Kensie didn’t love me or when I ran smack into my past, I didn’t envision such a winning ending.
The people around us were fans of Kensie and had become fans of mine since Valentine’s Day.
The few who weren’t fans probably became diehards once they saw my masterful control of the track.
Even Tad Gorman somehow secured an invite and congratulated me for beating my own record and the potential to set a new one in Miami.
The breeze of the Atlantic Ocean floated through the open doors and spaces of the house.
Guests milled around the pool or throughout the grand room and the living area.
Some danced, while others indulged in the open bar and the delicious display of food prepared by Ms. Murielle.
Gabriel and the crew danced and drank in front of the DJ booth.
Seeing Malcolm flirt and dance with several women made me smile.
He seemed more like the fun-loving man I met years ago than he had been since his engagement ended.
We’d been so focused on racing, I never questioned the abrupt change in his personality, and he never explained.
Maybe all of this would remind him of how he didn’t always take life so seriously.
This was my first true celebration in nearly six years of racing, where I felt warm and accepted, all because of the woman next to me.
She looked gorgeous tonight. The front of her hair had been thinly braided in cornrows, and the back was free and wild.
She wore the dress from the shop I had bought in Daytona, along with strappy heels that sharply defined her calves and thighs.
I couldn’t wait until we were alone, and I would take my time exploring every inch of her.
Saraj went to the DJ and borrowed his mic. “Hey, everybody.”
The guests yelled back.
“This is the party of the year. Thanks to Ms. Kensie and Mr. Canaan for allowing us to crash their own little paradise.”
Everyone cheered and directed their attention to us, and we smiled at the guests. I embraced Kensie from behind while she rested her head against my chest. Saraj had already told us he would speak on our behalf. Cameras were everywhere, capturing the event for Kensie’s social media.
“Can we say that we have the next . . . correction . . . He’ll be the first Black man to win the NASCAR and Formula One, and we’re all here for it!”
People cheered even louder, and I raised my fist.
“Any words?” Saraj asked, pointing the mic at me as Kensie shook her head.
I grinned as the mic passed to me through the crowd.
“First, I want to give a special shout-out to the fans who know yellow is this lady’s favorite color.
Doesn’t she look absolutely amazing tonight?
” To the guests’ delight, Kensie twirled in her sparkly green-and-yellow strapless dress.
“I want to thank Ferrari for believing in me. Gabriel Marcel . . . Wave your hand, I can’t see you. ”
The crowd laughed when he waved wildly. “Thank you for challenging me and for reminding me that we are a team destined to win. Still waiting for you to teach me how to speak French.”
He yelled back, “I got you.”
“Mal, where you at?” I searched the party again.
Gabriel laughed, “Hiding behind me.” He moved, and Malcolm ducked his head, looking uncomfortable in the spotlight. A pretty woman slung her arm around his neck and kissed his cheek teasingly.
“He hates the attention, but I would be remiss not to shout out my best friend and crew chief, who knows cars and how to talk sense to me. Love you, man.”
Malcolm tipped his cap in response and smiled at the woman beside him.
“Ms. Murielle, my chef, who is like a mama to us all, prepared this delicious feast on short notice. Give her a round of applause so she can hear you because I’m sure she’s in the kitchen giving orders.”
Kensie cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Ms. Murielle, we love you.”
Everyone chimed in, repeating her declaration.
Once the noise leveled off again, I picked up Kensie’s left hand and turned her to face me.
“I want everyone to know that I’ll treasure tonight forever.
I feel your love and support, and I’ll carry it with me always .
. . and all because of the woman in front of me.
I know some of you have been wondering why Kens is not wearing a ring, and I don’t want you to question my love or my intent anymore. ”
Kensie frowned, and I kissed the tip of her nose.
“I’ve been walking around with this in my pocket. Wanted to give it to you the other night but decided it wasn’t the moment.” I wryly commented, “I was insensitive and didn’t value her as I should have that night, and I want to rectify that.”
Her mouth gaped.
“Figured tonight, after I broke my own record, would be the moment I let her know again how much I value who she is and who she will be.” I held up a rose gold ring with a square-cut solitaire yellow diamond that glinted in the light.
“We’re not traditional, and my back hurts, so you all just pretend I got down on one knee as I ask this woman who exasperates me to my soul but can’t imagine anyone else to share my everyday life to marry me. ”
Kensie wagged her finger at me. “You exasperate me more.” She scanned the room and stopped at an ecstatic Saraj and a beaming Ms. Murielle who’d stepped out of the kitchen. “Should I give him another chance?”
The whole party yelled, “Yes!”
She held her left hand out with the brightest, giddiest smile. The party roared when I slid the ring on her finger, which fit perfectly. Kensie hugged my neck and whispered, “I can’t wait any longer.”
“I got you,” I promised.
Although she might not know it yet, I meant forever.
When I arranged for a jeweler to bring his finest diamond to a private suite near the track two weeks ago, I’d only done so for the optics of Kensie having a ring on her finger.
However, when I was presented with the precious gem, something shifted inside me.
I wanted the ring to represent my love and commitment to her.
Whatever reservations we had about love due to our pasts, we could work through them together.
The love and support she’d given me were worth fighting for. Kensie brought out the romantic part of me I never knew I had, and I wanted everyone to witness the depth of my emotions for her. For the first time, I truly understood why Kensie shared her life with the world.