“Anything to add, Mrs. Gray?” a reporter interjects, cutting into our moment.
“Take good care of my husband at the track. I’ve got him covered at home.”
Ryder sets me down, and I leave his side with a final kiss, letting him bask in the glory of the moment. But I see his gaze flit my way every few seconds, and I know the truth. Between racing and me, there is no competition.
Our love wins every time.
“I’m starving.” Making a beeline for the catering table, I have one aim. Food.
Hey, I’m pregnant and my nerves wouldn’t allow me to eat for the last week or so.
Now? I plan to eat my weight in food.
A hand snags my sandwich, and I swing my head up with a glare. “What the—oh, figures it’s you. You win one little race and act like you’re king of the world.”
“I am king of the world, but it’s got nothing to do with the race.” Ryder wraps his arms around me, and I melt against him. “You threw me for a loop out there. Did you really mean what you said?”
“I did. Were you really going to retire?”
“It meant that much to you. You wanted me safe and after you told me we’re having a baby, it was no question. But I’d love to finish the season.”
Sending him a saucy wink, I grab another sandwich. “That’s the spirit. You’d better win. Hammonds don’t like losers.”
“Well, you’re not a Hammond anymore. You and my baby are both Grays. And Grays always win what really matters.”
This man and his one-liners. Just when I think he can’t do any better, he ups the ante. “You’re pretty damn good at being romantic.”
“Like that?”
“I do. Oh, I have a bone to pick with you.” I pull the small box from my purse. “It’s empty. Who does that?”
Ryder bursts out laughing. “I figured it would drive you nuts.”
“To say the least. Was there anything good in here?” Truth is, I don’t care. I won the ultimate prize—the man who holds my heart.
But my knees buckle when Ryder sinks to one knee—in front of everyone—and pulls a ring from his pocket. Not just any ring. This beauty is flawless and absolutely gigantic. “I’m not sure. Does this seem good enough to you?”
“Oh, my God.” It’s all I can manage as Ryder slides the ring onto my finger, pressing a kiss to my palm. The stone is enormous and my mother was right; I can barely lift my hand under the weight. “It’s so beautiful, but I didn’t need this, Ryder.”
“Yes, you did. I got a perfect stone. Perfect, like you. I love you, Gigi, forever and always. But I have a request. We need to get married again in front of everyone. Otherwise, my mom will never forgive me.”
My smile stretches from ear to ear as I wrap my arms around him, taking in the whoops of excitement surrounding us. “What the hell. I think I like you well enough to marry you again. Can I have my wedding ring back, please?”
With a nod, Ryder slips it from his pocket and onto my finger. It’s then I notice the band on his hand. He really wasn’t going to let me go.
Willing back another onslaught of tears, I pepper his face with kisses. “Now, about that private time. Do you really have something planned?”
“It was supposed to be a surprise, but yes, I have a beautiful suite waiting for us.”
“I ruined the surprise?”
“You did.”
Biting back a grin, I let the laughter bubble up. “How about this? I have one of my own.”
Ryder pulls me closer, his gaze curious. “Really?”
“You keep referring to the baby, but that’s not entirely accurate.”