I’m putting away my clothes from the latest trip when there is an eager knock on my door. I’m not expecting anyone, and I didn’t order any food, at least not yet. I check my phone just in case, and nope, nothing.
I cross the room and open the door to Regan. She steps in immediately and wraps her arms around my neck. I wrap myarms around her and inhale her scent that I’ve been without for a few weeks. Sure, we texted and video chatted a lot, but it doesn’t compare to the real deal in person. I only pull away to close the door behind her, and only then do I pull her in for a searing kiss that she gives back with equal passion.
She pulls herself away from me, and from the way that she’s bouncing on her toes, I know she has something exciting to tell me.
“What is it? Just tell me,” I say impatiently.
She stops bouncing and places her hands on her hips, as if upset that I know she has news before she’s said anything, but by her smile, I know she’s not.
“How do you even know I have something to tell you?”
“Because you’re bouncing around like a kid who’s eaten too much cake. Just tell me what it is, baby.”
“I got in,” she says.
My brows knit together in confusion. “Got in where?”
“Cup!” she practically shouts. “I got into Cup!”
I blink as I take in what she’s saying until it finally registers in my brain. How is that possible? There was only space for one new person.
“How?” is all I’m able to ask, my head still processing the news. This time, I’m the one wrapping my arms around her and picking her up off the ground with excitement. She giggles as I spin us around the room. “That’s amazing, baby. Again, how? I thought there was only one spot.”
“They were so impressed with my performance, they created an extra spot on another team that wanted me.”
“That’s insane! So, we will still be racing against each other.” The realization hits me hard. I know it will be a constant topic of discussion for us, but mainly Regan.
“We will, and don’t think that because we are public now that I’ll go easy on you,” she says with a wink.
I chuckle. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Regan Brady.
“You’re okay with people talking about it?” I ask. I just don’t want her to get overwhelmed with the questions about our relationship.
She shrugs. “I know I was scared about people making assumptions about me and us. Let them think what they want, they will anyway. I’m not letting my fears stand in the way of what I want anymore.” She places a quick kiss on my lips.
“So, you’ll be starting with a new team, then?” I ask, changing the subject back to her news.
“Yep. It’ll be an adjustment. But you’ll be doing the same thing.”
“Actually,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “They brought over my whole team to Cup. They haven’t announced it yet.”
Her mouth drops open. “What? So, now you have an advantage. Typical Dixon.” She smirks, knowing that using my last name gets me riled up. Already, my cock has been stirring behind my zipper, and that just escalated it.
I clear my throat. “What about your dad’s team?”
“He says he’s been scouting someone to take my place there. I’m sure whoever it is will keep him plenty busy.”
“So, it’s all official then?” I ask, really letting it sink in that this is happening. I get to be with my girl all season again. No fighting, no punching, just racing, just us. “Yep. Signed all the contracts this morning. Then I came here.”
I lead her back to the couch where she cuddles up against me. She grabs the remote to turn on the TV and switches over to Netflix. I’m busy thinking about what next season will bring for us while Regan is scrolling through the titles.
As soon as the familiar sound of the opening credits plays, I smile. Season one ofBridgertonstarts to play, and I couldn’t be happier.
EPILOGUE: REGAN
SIX YEARS LATER
“Babe!Hurry up, we’re going to be late!” I shout up the stairs. I hear shuffling as Dean hurries down the stairs to meet me in the kitchen.
