My life has yet again taken another one hundred eighty-degree turn. In a matter of days, Reese resigned from professional racing, citing personal issues. Then turned around to find a private sponsor to fund his ride for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. Effortlessly, they stood up a mobile garage on the tiny island located on the other side of the Atlantic. What Reese neglected to tell me about the Isle of Man TT is that it’s the most dangerous street race on the planet.
For two weeks, the island shuts down its busiest streets so racers can careen through and around narrow, potholed roads, buildings, trees, and heaven help me, stone walls. This is not a Maryland street race. This is serious shit, and I’ve been nauseous from nerves since the moment we arrived.
The Isle of Man is beautiful. Located between England and Ireland, it has a little bit of everything: lush landscapes, a rugged coastline, medieval castles, and a mountainous center. It’s a portrait of the most beautiful gothic tale. And although I like visiting, I will be happy to go home. I’m looking forward to some normalcy. Buying a house like we planned and decorating a nursery. That’s my idea of adventure.
As soon as word got out Reese would be racing, the event boomed. At least, that’s what social media boasts. Since it’s Reese’s self-proclaimed final ride, fans have come out in droves. Everywhere you look, someone is dressed in a white shirt and hat supporting their beloved Phantom.
His fans weren’t the only ones who wanted to watch his final show. Riley, Knight, Tammy, and Dev also accompanied us, Dev taking on the role as team doctor to monitor Reese. The news about Reese’s condition hasn’t been made public yet, but he plans to announce it in the upcoming months. He said he’s ready for everyone to know, and I think getting the burden off his chest will help alleviate a lot of the stress. Keeping a secret of that magnitude doesn’t do anything but weigh on a person. And he’s been carrying it around for so long, he probably won’t know what to do with his newfound peace of mind.
I wait in the lobby of the hotel for Reese. He’s spent all day testing and tweaking his bike with his team, obsessing over every setting so the machine is perfectly tuned for tomorrow’s race. He sent me a cryptic message requesting I be ready and waiting for him at five-thirty. So here I am, ready and waiting, twenty minutes early because I can’t sit still for five fucking minutes. As the race draws closer and closer, my worries rise and rise. I try to talk myself off the ledge, ignoring the fact that two racers and one spectator have already died.
There’s a ruckus in the hotel bar—excuse me—pub, as a bunch of rowdy drunks cheer on a race. For a split second, I wish I could drink an entire Mason jar of moonshine just to take the edge off. As I stare at the doorway, I hear Riley’s cackle seconds before he, Knight, Tammy, and Dev pour out of the adjoining room. Riley, Knight, and Tammy have been living it up while they’re abroad. And who can blame them? The atmosphere is nothing but one big party. Dev, not so much. I know the situation is difficult for him. We’ve barely spoken, but he’s been glued to Reese the entire two weeks, monitoring his every move. Whatever bygones we have, I’m thankful it isn’t coming between the two of them.
I watch as the foursome walks to the elevator, Dev the only one picking up on my presence. Neither of us will ever admit it, but there’s still a connection. I guess there always will be. You profess your undying love to someone, there are bound to be feelings left twisting in the wind.
Dev diverts from the group, maneuvering through the crowded lobby in my direction. I sit up in the brown leather chair, uncertain of his intentions. I don’t want to fight, and I don’t want to cry.
“Hey.” He crouches beside me. “You feeling okay? You look a little pale.” He touches my forehead.
“I’m fine, I think. Just first trimester challenges,” I lie. My pregnancy has been a breeze. Not even one bout of morning sickness.
“Have you been sleeping?” he asks like the professional he is.
“Not really.”
“Stress?”
“Yes, some.” This time I’m honest.
“Understandable. You’re going through a lot.”
“I’ve gone through a lot,” I correct. “I just keep concentrating on the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“It will be here before you know it.” He caresses my hand.
“I’m terrified,” I blurt out, unsure where the confession came from.
“I know.” Dev unexpectedly laces our fingers. The small gesture grounds me, surprisingly. “It’s written all over your face. Reese knows it, too.”
“Is he okay? Physically, I mean?”
“All his tests look good. The medication is stabilizing his heartbeat and blood flow. But this is definitely it. No more racing. It has to end.”
“Agreed.”
“Kayla, I’m here if you need me. For anything, okay?”
Need him? He has no idea how much I need him. But I’ve been terrified to ask. I see the way he looks at Reese and me when we’re together. I don’t want him to hurt any more than he already is.
“Will you sit with me during the race tomorrow?” I throw my reservations out the window. Riley and Knight planned to park on some grassy knoll so they can see more of the action, but I’ll be waiting at the finish line, with an oxygen mask and a bottle of Xanax.
“I already planned on it.” He squeezes my hand.
I smile gratefully. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, butterfly.” The use of my nickname burdens me with bittersweet memories.
Dev stands just as Reese appears. He’s still wearing leathers and has his black backpack slung over his shoulder.
Jesus, my husband is the sexiest badass ever.
“Hey.” He bumps fists with Dev. “Headed out?”
“Headed up. Going to call it an early night. You should, too.”
“Plan on it. Just want to take my wife for a quick ride.”
“Ride?” Oh shit, maybe a sundress wasn’t the appropriate outfit to choose.
“Well, have fun.” I don’t know if Reese sees it, but the anguish in Dev’s eyes is apparent to me.
“Let’s go, gorgeous. I want to show you the countryside.” He pulls me up, and Dev walks off. I’m left silently hoping it isn’t always going to be this hard.
Parked outside on the street is Reese’s H2R. He brought it as his backup bike, but he’ll be racing a custom Yamaha R1 tomorrow. The same kind of bike he rode in the Moto Grand Prix.
“Wear this?” He places the bag on my back before slipping on my helmet. “No peeking, either.”
“Why? You got more stuff stashed in the lining?” I muse.
“Maybe.” He pops on his helmet and climbs on the bike.
I follow suit, tucking the hem of my skirt securely under my thighs. Here goes nothing.
Several minutes later, we’re out of the city and surrounded by a vibrant green landscape. The road is hilly and windy, so the ride is more thrilling than a Sunday morning cruise. Then again, look at who’s driving. I should know better than to expect a Sunday morning anything.
The ride lasts a little over a half hour, Reese finally stopping at a peak overlooking undulating hills, a small town, and the sparkling blue Irish Sea. The land is enchanting. The whole island has a mystical feel. Reese cuts the engine and removes his helmet, placing it on a patch of grass. I do the same, handing it to him once he turns to face me on the bike.
“Hi.” He leans in for a passionate kiss, our mouths igniting like a solar flare. There isn’t a soul for miles and our connection seems to resonate through the whipping breeze.
“Hi.” I smile back at him once we part.
“How’s everyone doing?” He rubs my stomach.
“Everyone is fine. Anxious for Daddy to win tomorrow.”
“And he’s going to.” Reese reaches around me, unzipping his backpack. “Close your eyes.”
“A surprise for me?” I shut my lids excitedly.
“Sort of. ‘Kay, open them.”
I open my eyes to him holding a flat wrapped present in front of me.
“What is this?” I take it from him.
“Unwrap it and find out.”
Like a child, I rip off the brightly colored wrapping paper. “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” I read the title out loud.
“It was my favorite growing up.”
I run my hand over the cover and the little tan bear indulging in honey. “I love it. The baby will, too.”
“Open it,” he urges.
I flip open to the cover page to find a handwritten quote.
“If there ever comes a day where we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” Tears immediately form.
“It’s my favorite quote,” Reese discloses.
“It just became mine, too.” I wipe my eyes. “We’ll put it on a shelf in the nursery so the baby can see it.”
“Good. Because I plan on reading it every night.”
“I can’t wait for that.”
“Me either. I love you. Never forget.”
“I won’t, because you are going to be around to tell me every single day.”
“It’s a deal, baby,” Reese beams, the blue of the sea illuminating the color of his sapphire eyes. “Be ready.”
“Oh, I’m ready, moto,” I lean into him, “and waiting.”