Page 91 of The Big Race
“I like that,” Ray smiled. “Race family.”
As the boat circled back toward the marina, our conversation turned to the teams still racing. None of us knew where they were in the world, but speculation was part of the fun.
“My money’s on those military kids,” George said. “They were like machines.”
“The influencers are smarter than they let on,” I countered. “I wouldn’t count them out.”
“What about the models?” Ernie asked. “Those guys were physical specimens.”
Ray shook his head. “They struggled with the mental challenges. Remember that puzzle in Panama? Alex almost had a meltdown.”
“So who do you think will win?” George pressed.
I considered the question. “Honestly? The influencers could surprise everyone. Zara and Maddox fly under the radar, but they’re observant and adaptable.”
“Plus they’re young,” Ray added. “That counts for a lot when you’re racing non-stop for weeks.”
The boat docked, and we disembarked, thanking Captain Jim for the tour. As we walked back toward the hotel, I fell into step beside George while Ray and Ernie led the way, deep in conversation about some athletic topic.
“Can I ask you something?” George said quietly.
“Of course.”
“How did you know? That your relationship was worth saving, I mean. After whatever happened between you two.”
I was surprised by the question’s directness but appreciated its sincerity. “I guess I didn’t know, not for sure. But I knew what we had built together over twenty-five years—our home, our family, our history. And I knew Ray was genuinely sorry, that he wanted to make things right as much as I did.”
George nodded thoughtfully. “My brother’s going through something similar with his wife. Fifteen years of marriage, and suddenly he doesn’t know if they’re even the same people anymore.”
“Tell him it’s worth the effort,” I said. “Not every relationship is, of course. But if there’s still love there, still respect beneath the hurt, then it’s worth fighting for.”
“I will.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “And thanks. For being real about it. A lot of people just paste on smiles and pretend everything’s perfect.”
“We’re way past that,” I laughed. “Nothing says ‘authenticity’ like breaking down crying in a cave while cameras capture every moment.”
Ray and I went for a long walk around the harbor in the afternoon, then met George and Ernie for dinner.
“I wonder what they’ve got the last three teams doing,” George said. “I have to say I’m happy to be here in luxury instead of out there wearing myself to the ground.”
The next morning, Ray and I sat on our hotel balcony, watching the sunrise paint the mountains in shades of pink and gold, when a production assistant knocked on our door.
“The last three are completing the final challenge today,” she informed us. “We’ll need all of you at the finish line to cheer the winners on. A bus will be here at three o’clock. Be sure to be wearing your team colors.”
Reality rushed back in. The race wasn’t over yet—not for everyone. And soon, we’d see who would cross the finish line first and claim the million-dollar prize.
“Are you ready for this?” Ray asked. “To watch someone else win?”
I considered the question, thinking back to how devastated I’d felt when we were eliminated in Laos. But something had shifted during our week in Vancouver. The competitive drive had faded, replaced by a deeper appreciation for what we’d accomplished together.
“You know what?” I said, zipping my suitcase closed. “I am. Because no matter who wins that money, I think we got the better prize.”
Chapter 36
The Finish Line
We all assembled in the hotel lobby the next day at three, ready for our last official participation in The Big Race, though we had been reminded that we would most likely have to be available for interviews for our hometown TV station. “I already feel the adrenaline,” Ray whispered, his arm resting comfortably around my shoulders. The physical affection still felt new, like we were rediscovering how to touch each other.
We’d watched so many seasons of the finale that we knew what to expect, but this time the finish line had a lot more meaning to us, because we knew what those teams had done to make it that far. I imagined it would be devastating for the teams that came in second and third.
