Page 139 of Promise

Does he? Will he eventually learn there are greater things to achieve in your life? That people are more important than trophies or accolades. That love is the ultimate victory.

Still, there’s something about the awkward way he stands and the hunger in his eyes that reminds me so much of myself.

Trin’s dad comes to mind, telling me I reminded him of himself. Potential. His favorite word for me.

I want to know Ryder’s story, but first, I want to talk with Trinity.

“Why don’t you give me your number?” I pull out my phone, taking down the digits he gives me. “I’ll get back to you in a day or two. And in the meantime, maybe watch Cars. Appreciate the small stuff before you hit it big.”

He smiles like a kid.

He finger-guns me and winks, like that flashy cartoon race car in the movie. Apparently, he’s already perfected a smirk for the media.

“Alright. I need to get to the hardware store.”

He gazes toward the car and clears his throat. “Think you can give me a ride into town?”

Glancing at my Chevy, I realize he doesn’t have a way to get anywhere. “Sure,” I chuckle, mimicking him. “Can you back out the Chevy? Let’s trade positions.”

I swing into my pickup, reversing into the street to switch parking spots. When he approaches the truck, I set it in Park.

“Give me a sec, okay?” I hop back out of the truck and cross the yard for the porch.

“Everything okay?” Trinity asks me as soon as I reach the steps.

“Gonna give this guy a ride into town.”

She eyes him suspiciously.

“Max sent him. He wants me to train him.” We don’t have time to have a full discussion right now. “Can we talk when I get back?”

“Of course.” She smiles while pressing a kiss to the back of Mirabelle’s head. Mirabelle’s limbs go wild. Arms and legs and a smile of her own.

God, I love my girls.

I hop up the steps and kiss Trinity one more time before giving Ryder a lift.

Once I’m back at the house, I find Trinity in the living room. Mirabelle squeals in a new baby seat contraption.

“So, about Ryder . . .” Trinity pauses, looking up at me from her spot on the floor. “You should do it.”

I chuckle, surprised and confused. “I don’t even know what it involves.”

“I want you to love it again, Dart. Even if it’s from the sidelines.”

I fold down to the floor, stretching out on my side, Mirabelle between us.

“You sure about this. It might mean days at the canyon. Or nights at the track. Could mean weekends away.” I grimace. “I’m not willing to give you up again, Trin.”

“You’re not giving us up, Dart. We’re here to support you.”

“God, I love you.” I press up and lean over Mirabelle, giving Trin a quick kiss. Then I lean down and kiss the top of Mirabelle’s head. “What do you think, baby girl? Think Daddy will make a good coach? A good mentor for a driver?”

“I think he’ll be perfect at it,” Trinity speaks for Mirabelle, her eyes warm, her confidence in me unwavering.

I don’t deserve her, but I also don’t intend to ever let her go again.

EPILOGUE 2