Page 89 of Whatever Happens

“I’m not ready to let go yet.”

“Good because I was hoping you would run us another bubble bath.”

He looks up with a wide smile and a light in his eyes.

“Is this a trick?”

“No tricks, no lies, just us. I can’t deny this anymore, Carter, I can’t keep running from the one thing that makes me happy.”

“I’m assuming that’s me,” he teases.

“Yes, you fool, it’s you.”

“Back at ya, princess.”

Epilogue

Lexie

It’s been a long road, but here we are one year later and the official opening day of the Foundation. It’s been a labor of love, lots of time, effort, and tears to get here.

The most important and best part? Not only did we make it, but we did it together.

Hence the goofy grin on Carter’s face as we step outside our office, having just finished a little private celebration.

Today, we get to reap the reward of our hard work—the looks on the kids’ faces. Being able to see these kids have opportunities they didn’t before, the exercise and team building they will be privy to. All things that weren’t a possibility are now.

Several towns have begun preparation for opening extensions. While the main funding will still come from the Foundation and our sponsors, namely Landon Sutton, each organization is putting forth its own efforts to make this a success.

Looking out at the crowd of people, the excitement and buzz of the crowd give me butterflies in my stomach. I can’t believe we’re here. I can’t believe it’s all happening.

“Ready?” Carter asks as he rests his hand on my lower back.

I inhale deeply then exhale.

“Let’s do this.”

We head out onto the stage, and cheers arise from the crowd. I’m not sure if it’s for the Foundation or Carter, but in my opinion, both deserve a round of applause.

I stand by his side as Carter begins his speech. He tells the crowd about the inspiration, my off-the-cuff idea, and how he hated it. He continues telling them as time passed, he learned I’m always right. Smart man. So as a surprise for me, he got the ball running, and the Foundation took off from there.

Then he introduces me, Lexie Masterson, the Foundation Director.

“First, I want to thank you all for coming. Having grown up around sports my entire life, I truly understand the meaning it holds for so many of our youth. They learn so much from sports… teamwork, dedication, hard work, strength—both physical and mental—friendship, family, and most importantly, self-worth. So many children have been restricted from participating in sports for many reasons. Now, thanks to the Foundation and its generous supporters, every child has an opportunity to play a sport they love, regardless of what the world might consider their physical limitations.”

When the cheering dies down, Carter steps forward.

“I don’t want to keep you because we have a great night planned filled with food, fun, and sports. Before I let you to it, I have one last thing I want to say.”

I give him a quizzical look. This is not part of the script.

What the hell is he doing?

“Lexie?”

“Yes?” I ask hesitantly.

“I need you to know that nothing that happened today would have been possible without you. Not my arm healing, not the Foundation. You, Lexie Masterson, are what make my dreams come true. Now, I only have one left, and I’m going to need your help with that one, too.” As Carter gets down on one knee, my hand flies to my now open mouth.

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