Epilogue Regan
SIX YEARS LATER
“Babe! Hurry up, we’re going to be late!” I shout up the stairs. I hear shuffling as Dean hurries down the stairs to meet me in the kitchen.
“I’m ready. Let’s go.” He takes my hand as we walk into the garage to get into his truck, the very same one that we fixed together all those years ago. The paint is flaking and it constantly needs work, but he refuses to get a new one.
We are headed to dinner with my dad and Dean’s parents. Everyone gets along great, and Dean’s relationship with Edward and Jane has been getting better. With time and therapy, a lot has been mended.
We back out of the driveway, and Dean’s hand is on my thigh. I think back to how far we’ve come, both together as a couple and as individuals.
When we both started in Cup, it was an adjustment for both of us.
Not just the actual racing portion, with learning new cars and for me a new crew, but also navigating a relationship in the public eye.
I knew it would happen, but I still wasn’t one hundred percent prepared for it.
We had some ups and downs that first year, but we made it through… together.
After two seasons, Dean won a Cup championship title.
Unheard of for someone so early in their Cup Series career.
I was, and still am, so proud of him and his accomplishments.
I was able to win my own championship last season.
It has been a dream come true to compete at the highest level of the sport I love with the person I love.
Together, we have opened up our own racing camp in Daniel’s memory, to uplift kids who come from not so privileged backgrounds who want to race, and promote girls and women in racing.
As it grows, it’s been getting harder to manage a full racing season and the camp, plus something else that has my mind reeling as of late.
“You’re quiet,” Dean says as we get off at our exit for the restaurant.
“Just thinking.”
“About?”
“Us. How far we’ve come and where we’re going.” I smile and turn to him. He turns to me after he’s parked the truck in front of The Pink Balcony, our favorite place, next to The Meadows Diner of course, where Ms. Rosa still greets us as family.
“And where are we going?” he asks.
“To the future,” I reply and place my hand on my stomach.
He looks down at my hand and back up at me. He looks down again, and it finally clicks, his eyes widening.
“Wait. What? You’re…” he trails off.
“Yeah, I am,” I finish for him. “I’m pregnant, Dean.”
For a fraction of a second, fear crosses his features, but soon, excitement takes its place. We’ve talked about having kids; we were just waiting for the right time, and I guess now is the right time.
“I’m going to be a dad. Oh my god, I’m going to be a dad!” he exclaims.
“You’re happy about that, right? I know this isn’t planned, but—” He cuts me off.
“I’m thrilled, baby. I just wish Daniel was here to meet them.”
I reach across the truck and take his hand. “We will tell them all about their Uncle Daniel,” I say.
With that, we head into the restaurant where Edward, Jane, and my dad are all waiting for us.
We all hug and sit down to enjoy our meal together, waiting for the right time to surprise them with our news.
Dean
I’m going to be a father. Holy shit! I’m excited and freaking out all at the same time. Not only about the news, but also because of the real reason I planned this dinner with both our parents.
The velvet box is burning a hole in my pocket. I planned to wait until dessert to propose, but with the baby news, I need to find a time before Regan says anything else.
It’s time for dessert, and my nerves are electric. I’m full of anticipation over asking her to be my wife. I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time, and it’s finally here.
“So, Dad, Edward, Jane, we have something to tell you,” Regan starts, but I cut in.
“Before we reveal anything, I have something to ask you first.” I turn to Regan and take her hands in mine.
“Regan, before you, I was a shell of a person. Just living and breathing racing, and that was it. You’ve brought light into my life that I didn’t realize was missing.
And I never want to be without that light again.
” I slide off my chair and down to one knee. “Regan Brady, will you marry me?”
She covers her mouth in shock. “Yes, baby. I’ll marry you!”
I take the ring and slide it on her finger. It fits perfectly. She takes a better look at it and looks at Karsen, who just smiles.
“Dad, is this Mom’s ring?” she gasps. I got it from him a few weeks ago when I asked for his blessing.
“It is,” Karsen confirms. “Mom would have wanted you to have it.” He sniffs and wipes his eyes with his napkin.
“Thank you, Dad.” Regan wipes her own tears.
“Well keep the tissues out, we still have other news.” Our parents all look at each other, confused.
They knew I was going to propose, but not even I knew about this bombshell.
“I’m pregnant," Regan announces. The table erupts into cheers, tears, and congratulations.
For the longest time, I’d been without my family. And even without Daniel physically here, he’s still here with us every day.
I’ve found my family once again.