Then we have Sebastian, who gives me a bungee jump, leaving all the women around me petrified for our safety.
Of course, he would give me something like this. He’s an adrenaline junkie, more so than I am, but still, we do enjoy doing crazy things together.
Lily gives me a custom-made suit, with matching shoes and some neckties. A lovely gift for someone like me who doesn’t enjoy shopping much, but I do need some quality clothing for the galas and events I have to attend throughout the season.
My parents give me an exclusive holiday to the Maldives with Jessica.
“Thank you, everyone, for the gifts, but also for coming here; it really means a lot,” I tell them, feeling the emotion in my throat.
Being surrounded by all the important people in my life feels incredible. Just like I thought this morning, this birthday has taken the top spot.
Jessica has made the day perfect in every way.
I lift her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles, knowing this is just the first of many birthdays to come.
Epilogue
JESSICA
5 months later
I’m applying glue to the last picture going into my notebook with a smile on my face.
The image shows Luke, holding his championship trophy over his head, cheering for the title he has won.
Seeing the picture makes me feel emotional all over again, just as I did on the day he won.
His season has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he managed to secure the win with four races remaining.
He really did become the golden boy of F1 this year, meeting every expectation set out for him.
I’m proud of him for making his dream come true, and grateful I’ve been able to be by his side through it all.
I run my fingers over the picture, just as the man appears beside me.
“What are you looking at?” Luke asks me as he slides in behind me on the couch.
“I’m finishing my notebook for this season,” I tellhim as he gets comfortable with me draped across his body. He turns the book over to the very first page, and together we reminisce on the fantastic year we’ve spent together.
Each race weekend is filled with memories of the last 9 months.
The handwritten memories we’ve experienced together and the pictures of our adventures.
The notebook quickly became my personal journal, rather than my working notebook. It represents not just the year we’ve had professionally, but our relationship wrapped up in a small package of memories.
We both chuckle when we see my notes after my initial meetings with Luke.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Gave me this amazing book, not sure how I feel about that. Also gave me a nickname, princess, definitely don’t know how I feel about that.
We continue looking through the book, me getting emotional at all the wonderful memories I’ve experienced with the man beside me.
He’s not only shown me the world, but he’s also taught me how to love and overcome my own insecurities, supporting me every step of the way.
The worry, the excitement, the sadness, the joy, the happiness, the love, it’s all there in this book.
“This was the perfect gift back in March, and it’s even more perfect now,” I tell Luke as his arms tighten around me.
