“Okay, I’m going.” I gathered my clothes and headed for the bathroom with its large shower and rain shower head. “I may be a minute, I love this shower.”
I heard Jamie laugh before I closed the door and stared at myself in the mirror. It’s finally here. Smiling, I stripped down, turned the water on hot and climbed in, remembering the day Cole asked me to be his wife.
The award ceremony for the second year of my AMA Pro career was approaching, and I had won the title. Actually, I took the title from Cole. It was an amazing feeling to be acknowledged among all the male racers. I was a champion. All of my hard work had paid off.
Cole picked me up for the awards; he brought his truck instead of his bike, knowing that I was wearing a dress. “You look gorgeous, babe.”
I reached up and kissed his beautiful full lips. “Thank you. Have I told you before how much I love you in a suit? If not, I do.”
The rumble in his sculpted chest reached places in me as he squeezed me to his side. He had on a tailored dark grey suit with an eggplant colored tie to match my deep purple dress. My dress was exquisite; McKenna had helped me choose it. She said it matched my hair, so it was necessary. My hair was a dark purple at the tips. I had gotten rid of the green, went blue, and finally to purple. I loved the purple. My dress was strapless with a sequenced bodice and fit just past my hips before flaring out with layers of lace and ruffles. The look in Cole’s eyes confirmed his mom was right and the dress was perfect.
As the night passed, I noticed Cole wasn’t drinking as much as he normally would, and on more than one occasion, I leaned in to ask him if he was okay. He insisted he was fine, but his forehead was glistening with sweat, and it was unlike him not to drink. I was getting very concerned by the time my name was finally announced.
“Ladies and gentleman, I have the honor to introduce this year’s champion. Not only is this person a wonderful person that deserves the title after the battle they’ve been through to get here, but she is the first female to ever when the ARRO Pro Champion title. The committee would like to congratulate Rylan Goff on a hard won season. Rylan, come join me up here, please?”
The room erupted in applause. I could here Jamie and Brant hollering my name from our table as I stood to head toward the stage and podium. The director of the circuit along with a trophy girl and a few other committee members stood on the stage. The smile that spread across my face began to hurt my cheeks as it grew bigger with each step.
Shaking the director’s hand first, I thanked him. “You are very welcome.” He stepped back up to the microphone. “Rylan joined the circuit two years ago, joining the league of few women in the circuit. She pushed hard and made herself known on and off the racetrack. Not only is she an excellent rider, but she is also a wonderful role model.” He took the trophy and presented it to me. “Congratulations Rylan on a successful season--well done.” I clasped the trophy, raising it in the air.
“Thank you all so much. I am honored to be standing up here, representing the females of racing and accepting this title. To all the ladies in racing and those girls growing up wanting to race, this is for you! We can do it, too!”
Before I could slip off the stage and out of the spot light, Cole was standing up, along with everyone else in the place clapping. As I said my thank youse and received hugs and back claps of congratulations, I watched Cole approach the stage.
He lifted a finger, crooked it, and motioned for me to come here. I slowly made my way down the few steps and stopped in front of him. Someone passed something over my shoulder to Cole. When he brought the microphone to his lips, I figured that must have been what was handed over.
“Rylan Marie Goff, I am so proud of you. You fought your way through the west coast circuit, found yourself a sponsor, hired yourself a crew and made your way cross country to join the pro circuit. I knew one day soon we would be standing here and including you into the tight ring of outstanding racers that have won the championship title. Congratulations.”
I leaned forward to place a kiss on his cheek, but he stopped me with his hand. “Hang on, babe.” He flashed me a devilish smile as he used the handkerchief in his front pocket to wipe the still present sweat from his forehead. Chuckling, he faced the crowd. “I’m a nervous wreck, sorry guys. Give me just a minute and your evening can return to normal.”
I looked out at the tables of racers and race teams. There were so many people, and I was starting to feel anxious. I had no clue what Cole was up to, but the shake in his voice had my stomach twisted in knots.
A movement from Cole’s direction brought my gaze back to him, and as I took in the black velvet box and him down on one knee, my pulse quickened and my shaking hand came up to cover my mouth.