Page 57 of Too Close To Call

We’re all holding back until Case either pulls into pit row or gives us the go ahead for a real practice. Nobody is going full out or trying to prove anything. Everyone here today is in Case’s corner, hoping he’ll be able to cut it.

“How you doing, babe?” I ask again.

“Never better,” he replies and I hear the smile in his voice.

The lights count down, the green lights up, and we’re off. Case is in front, with me beside him. Ryan and Woody are next in line, with Paul bringing up the rear.

“Talk to me, Case?” Axel asks over the headset.

“Good. I’m doing good. The car is running great.”

I’d pulled some strings and got us all sponsored race cars. But we won’t be putting them to the test today. We’re just out for a leisurely drive around the track, maybe hitting 100 mph.

We’re ten laps in when Case says, “Hey, guys, on the next lap, how about we go all in?”

The calm in his voice settles my nerves. He’s doing it and that couldn’t make me happier.

“Alright!” Ryan shouts and I wince at the volume. Everyone agrees. The next time we hit the straightaway, we all gun it.

Instinct takes over and I drive. Case shoots out in front with Ryan right behind him. We go through the sweeper curve and I’m alongside Ryan. I am not going to be left to eat dust. We bank and I laugh when I go high and inside. There’s a hairpin curve ahead and I gear down. It takes skill to handle the car through the tight turn.

We’re almost to the straightaway again when Ryan drops back, then Paul, and then Woody. I turn my head left and right as the guys disappear. “What’s going on, guys?”

I don’t get a response. Case slows and I pull beside him. A movement on the bridge over the track where the flags are waved during a race catches my attention. I’m confused when a dark blue silk begins to unfurl.

I gear down when I read the six-foot-tall message.Tori, will you marry me?

I put the car into a slide and brake to a stop. I crawl out the window and start running while pulling my helmet off. Case meets me in the middle of the track and drops to one knee, a ring between his fingers. My hands go to my mouth in shock and tears suddenly fill my eyes.

He swallows and then looks up at me with love shining brightly in his eyes. “I’ve been in love with you since I was fifteen,” he says, and I nod. It’s true. I’ve loved him just as long.

“I hate that we lost our way for so many years, but I know this is just the beginning of an incredible life together. You, Daisy, and me.”

My hands shake as they cover my mouth and tears are now streaking down my cheeks. This isn’t the first time he’s proposed, but this will be the last. “Oh, Case…”

He pulls one hand away and kisses the back before nuzzling it with his cheek. He looks up into my eyes and smiles broadly. “I love you, Tori, so much.”

My lower lip quivers through my own smile. “I love you too,” I whisper.

He squeezes my hand and winks. “That’s good. That will make this next part easy. Will you marry me?”

He holds the brilliant diamond solitaire up. It’s not big or elaborate. It’s the perfect ring for me. Why? Because it’s the same ring Case gave me once before.

“It’s a beautiful ring, Case.” I look up into his eyes and smile. “I’ve always loved it. Yes. Of course, I’ll marry you. We’ll make the family we always wanted.”

He slips the ring on my finger and a loud cheer goes up from the group. I jump into his arms and he spins me around as we both laugh.

We’re surrounded by our friends and Case’s family. My gaze moves from one family member or friend to the next.

“You planned all this? How?” I ask.

He smiles into my eyes and leans in for a kiss. “Yes, I planned it with a lot of help. I couldn’t think of a better way to propose.”

“This is perfect.” He kisses me again and then we’re pulled apart as Carina hugs me and I see Case’s brothers wrapping him up in hugs and back slaps. We’re passed around and congratulated until we hear, “Mommy, Case!”

I look up and see Meghan, Ryan’s wife, pushing a double stroller, with Daisy leading the way out of pit row. Case and I start towards her and she begins running. I chuckle when I realize she’s wearing a miniature racing suit in our colors of blue and gold. I have a feeling Carina had something to do with that.

Daisy runs into Case’s arms. “Did she say yes?” she asks him.

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