Page 77 of Ride

“Brett needs to focus on his love life and leave you alone.” I watched Brett pick Winter up over his shoulder and run into the ocean, and she pounded on his back.

“Mommy!”

“Kayne.” I watched as he built a sandcastle.

“Come on, let’s go help our son.”

Epilogue

Laikin

Two years passed, and my career went to even greater heights than I imagined after I won the Daytona 500. I became a married father of twins, and adopted Kayne, who was now six years old, and the best big brother. No matter what, the babies went to him for everything, and Amena sometimes had to fight for their attention, because they were always running behind him. Like right now we were on our way to the Essence Women in Hollywood awards for Amena. After her work with Marlowe made a splash in high profile magazines caused her to get picked up worldwide, we flew around to different countries for fashion shows.

After the birth of the twins, I took time off from racing and focused on my family, taking Kayne to school and traveling with Amena, while she worked and breastfed the kids. I kind of turned into Mr. Mom, but I loved my role. We also swapped every few months to support each other’s work. I focused more on youth-center fundraising to give children more access to after-school programs. Once the Essence banquet is over, we have our two-year anniversary party at Kash and Arianna’s house. As soon as the limo arrived at the venue, both boys got rowdy, trying to get out of their car seats. LJ and Kodey mimicked everything that Kayne did.

“I love you,” she said, her voice sounding breathy as she pulled back from giving me a peck on the lips. My driver opened the door and helped her out first, and she waved at the fans and reporters. Kayne climbed out next, then LJ stretched his arms out for his brother, and I watched to make sure that he wouldn’t fall. Coming out on the other side of the limo, I picked up Kodey, checking to make sure that he didn’t mess up his tux from his bottle. Amena grasped both boys’ hands and posed for pictures, while I stood off to the side, as reporters called her name.

“Amena over here! What’s your boy’s name?” a reporter screamed.

I shook my head at the constant barrage of reporters trying to find out any personal information. We normally kept the kids out of the spotlight—especially on social media. When Sarai got an offer of a million dollars for us to do an interview and take pictures for a magazine, we declined because our kids never asked for this life. Kayne was already known because of how I acted in the beginning, but that made us take a step back and become more private.

Amena’s long, pink, silk-and-lace backless gown draped on the floor. Marlowe surprised her and came up to hug and pose with her.

“Amena did you style Marlowe for today?” Another reporter jumped in to get answers.

“I wouldn’t walk out the house without Amena’s touch.” Marlowe puffed her lips together and blew a kiss to the cameras.

Amena turned her head toward me and extended her hand for me to come closer. I crammed in beside her, still holding Kodey in my left arm.

“I don’t think I can ever get used to you being my wife.”

Amena eyes raised up to gaze into mine. “All yours and more.”

“Laikin, Amena, are you ready to go inside?” Sarai appeared and reached for Kodey. I handed him over. Kayne held onto LJ’s hand.

“Lead the way, boss.” I planted a hand on Amena’s lower back.

Essence had a pink-and-cream theme, with roses in every corner, and pictures of each nominee hung on the walls. People packed the room and our parents decided to stay back to make sure everything was ready for the party. Malik came up, shook hands with me, and kissed Amena on the cheek.

“Watch those lips, bro,” I chastised, pretending to shadow box with my hands.

Malik held both hands up in surrender. “We know that’s your wife, bro. No need to fight over that big fat ring that’s blinding people even a mile away,” Malik jested, holding up Amena’s hand.

“Have to let all these busters know what’s up.” I linked our hands together.

“Baby, the boys,” Amena whispered, pointing at them.

“Your table’s right up front. Marlowe’s presenting the award to you.” Sarai headed in the direction of our table.

Right as we made it to the table, the boys took a seat. Sarai talked with the waitstaff to get drinks for everyone. A few celebrities approached Amena to meet her. I stayed to the side in admiration.

“Thanks, we can for sure set something up.” Amena finished her conversation and sat next to me. I took her by the hand and squeezed, as the announcer of Essence magazine came up to the podium.

“Before we begin, I want to thank everyone for coming out today, and to start off correctly, we’re presenting the first honor to Amena Trenton, the stylist of the year and soon to be Fashion editor of Essence magazine.” The Vice President of the magazine winked at Amena. Caught by the surprise announcement, I cupped her chin, captured her lips, and sucked on her bottom lip, ready to take her back home and show her how much she was appreciated.

“Keep that up we’ll never get to our party.” Amena wiped the lipstick off my lips, rising out of the chair, and kissed each boy on the top of his head. I removed my phone from my pocket to take pictures and video. Marlowe held up the award and spoke. Kayne started to get up and run to the stage, and Kodey tried to follow, but I stopped him from climbing off his seat.

“Amena, I tell you all the time what a great eye for detail you have, knowing the perfect fit for people’s personalities.” Marlowe pushed the microphone closer.

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