His jaw muscles ripple as he clenches and unclenches his teeth. It takes him several moments before his shoulders sag and he says, “If that’s what she wants. Having a brother and sister team will be something new.”
At least he’s trying to change. It’s a start.
Teague pushes his chair back and stands up, pacing the room. “Um, it would only be until the end of the season. I won’t be driving for Morrison Motors next year. Too many strings.”
Blake bobs her head in agreement. “I’ve already been offered a team position back at Wheelie Good Tires after the season ends. I spent five years after graduation helping them take their company to the next level in the corporate world while practicing with their team in my spare time. When a slot opened up, Mark gave me the opportunity I’d dreamt about. He’s supported me from the very beginning. I’ll be racing with Ryder next season.”
Randall buries his face in his hands and begins to sob. The strong and fierce businessman I’ve always known is nothing but a broken, hollow shell before us. “I’ve lost everything. My children. My racing team. Soon, my company.”
This piques my interest. “Why would you lose your company, Randall?”
“After today’s fiasco, the stock prices for Morrison Motors took a big hit. I’m supposed to be about family values, and with what people witnessed today, I fell short of that. I have not been a good father, and now everyone knows it.”
Blake stands up and walks around to hug her dad from behind. “It’s not too late to change things, Dad. In this moment, you have a chance to turn things around and simply love us as we love you. Neither of us wanted to walk away fromyou, just the expectations. Teague is right. No more strings. No more dangling carrots. No more ultimatums or threats. We don’t need your money or your company to be happy, so those shenanigans won’t work. We just need you, yourunconditionallove, and support. Everything will fall into place when the time is right. Show the world you’re capable of being the family man you claim to be.”
Randall’s eyes still stream with tears. “Can both of you ever forgive me?”
“Yes,” Blake says without hesitation, and my heart bursts with pride. I glance over at Teague, waiting for his response.
“I’m willing to try because you honestly thought you were doing the right thing, Dad, even if you went about it the wrong way. You lied, manipulated, and threatened us—Blake more so than me. That’s going to be sitting in the back of my mind for a very long time and difficult to forget. It’s going to take time for me to believe that the other shoe isn’t going to drop.”
Since I’ve already told Randall I forgive him, I remain silent.
Standing up and wiping his eyes, Randall says, “I’ll do everything I can to prove that I’m letting go of my selfish ways because it has yielded nothing of true value. It may take me some time, and I’m going to mess up, but I’m going to try my very best. Instead of protecting you and securing your future like I’d hoped, I’ve smothered you both.” He looks at me. “Take care of my baby girl, Ryder. The two of you have my blessing.”
I didn’t really need it, but it’s nice to know that somewhere down the road, and once Blake and I are married, our kids will be able to visit their grandpa. I haven’t had much in the way of family growing up, and life in a biker gang was pretty rough. It’s no place for a big family, but having one is something I’ve always dreamed of even if I didn’t think I’d be very good at it. For the first time, I can picture the woman who will be by my side to make it happen.
“Blake is an exceptional woman, and Teague is one of the best men I know. You didn’t doeverythingwrong, Randall. You played a part in shaping who they’ve become, and your children are upstanding and caring people. Take solace in that. I haven’t seen much compassion in my life, but both of them cared enough to look beyond my surface and get to know me. Despite your misgivings about me, you loved your son enough to give me a chance at a brighter future. So, thank you.”
I extend my hand to show that I don’t harbor any ill will, but Randall doesn’t take it. He steps toward me and hugs me instead. It’s awkward and quick, but a kind gesture, nonetheless. He places his hands on my shoulders and looks me square in the eyes. “I never thought I’d say this to you, Ryder, but you’re the type of man I wish I’d been.”
I drop my voice to just above a whisper. “You still can be.”
He dips his chin once to acknowledge my words and then steps back. He rings a bell, calling one of his staff. Moments later, a woman appears out of nowhere with four envelopes and three sets of keys.
Randall clears his throat. “I’d like to say that this is in no way an attempt to buy your love, because tonight you’ve shown me how much of it you already have; not only for me, but for each other. It was wrong of me to hold anything over your heads to get my way. This is just me, trying to be the father I should have been all along. There are times when it’s necessary to earn what you get, and then there are times to be spoiled. I’ve made you work for everything so far; now it’s time to reward you. I am proud of each of you, even if I haven’t always shown it. I’ll strive to do better.”
He hands each of us a set of keys and an envelope, keeping one for himself. “The cars outside have had the Morrison Motors logo removed and are now registered in your name. I can’t take them back, so you can be assured there are no strings attached. Blake, I’ve taken the governor off your car. It’s time for you to fly like you were always meant to. I never should have clipped your wings.”
The corners of my mouth reach my ears as I stroke the keys in my hand and quote Gollum fromLord of the Rings, “Myy Preciousss.”
“Oh, no! We’ve lost him, Dad,” Blake jokes, but then becomes serious. “Thank you for the gift.” For her, the gift wasn’t the car itself, but rather the removal of the governor. It symbolizes her freedom.
I clear my throat and straighten up, dangling the keys in front of me. “Thank you, Randall. I’m not gonna lie. I missed my baby.”
Randall wraps an arm around his daughter. “I don’t blame you, but now you have my baby, and she’s even more precious.”
I hold out my hand for Blake, inviting her to step into my embrace. “That I do, and I plan to takeverygood care of her.”
Teague covers his face. “No! No! No! No kissing! Save it for later! Dad, shield your eyes!”
“Grow up!” Blake scolds her brother.
“Never! I’m like Peter Pan!” Teague retorts.
With the somber mood now lightened, Randall waves the last envelope to gain everyone’s attention. Once he has it, he hands the envelope to Blake. “There’s one organization that has played a significant role in your life, and though Ryder gave me more credit than I deserved, I know that Play It Forward also helped shape the person you’ve become. This is just the first donation of many to come.”
Blake opens the envelope, and her eyes widen at the numerous zeros on the check. “Five million dollars?” she asks, astounded.
